Subic Bay Freeport Zone- A momentous tribute to Filipino-American sailors was unveiled on January 14 with the ribbon cutting ceremony of the Filipino Shipmate Monument here at Subic Freeport. The monument honors the dedication and service of tens of thousands of Filipino American men and women who have proudly served in the United States Navy and Coast Guard from 1901 to the present.
The ceremony brought together veterans, government officials, community leaders, and families to commemorate the enduring legacy of Filipino sailors sacrifices, loyalty and gallantry in defending world peace and freedom. The monument stands as a lasting symbol of gratitude and recognition for their sacrifices and patriotism and will serve as a powerful reminder of the strong friendship and alliance between the Philippines and the United States of America.
Distinguished guest speakers during the event led by CDR Ryan Newmeyer, from the Joint U.S. Military Assistance Group (JUSMAG) Philippines, Olongapo City Mayor Rolen C. Paulino Jr and Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman and Administrator Engr. Eduardo Jose L. Alino, highlighted the historical ties between the Philippines and the U.S. Navy, emphasizing the courage and commitment of Filipino shipmates over more than a century of exemplary and faithful service. The monument also serves as an educational landmark, inspiring future generations to remember and honor the shared heritage and valor of Filipino-American service members.
“These statues embody the collective contributions of Filipino sailors, their sacrifices made far from home, their unwavering loyalty to the United States Armed Forces & their gallantry in the face of adversity,” said Doce Salazar, United States Sailors Alliance of the Philippines (USSAP) Chairman.
The Subic Bay Freeport Zone, with its rich naval history and once the home of the largest overseas American naval base until its closure in 1992, was chosen as the fitting site for the monument , bridging past and present connections between the two nations maritime forces.
The eight feet tall Filipino Shipmate monument modeled after the likeness of Fireman Second Class Telesforo Trinidad, the lone Filipino US sailor who received the Medal of Honor, is the flagship project of the 1000 strong USSAP and will now stand as a proud emblem of friendship, sacrifice, and the unbreakable bond between Filipino sailors and the United States Navy and Coast Guard.

Subic Bay Freeport – Dito Telecommunity signed an agreement with the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) to undertake the repair and construction of law enforcement outposts within this Freeport.
The agreement was formalized through the signing of the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between SBMA Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño and DITO Community President and CEO Ernesto Alberto at the SBMA Corporate Boardroom on November 24, 2025.
SBMA Chief of Staff Atty. Von Rodriguez and Dito Telecommunity Chief Commercial Officer Atty. Adel Tamano stood as witnesses to the signing.
According to the agreement, DITO Telecommunity will replace eight existing outposts currently utilized by the Law Enforcement Department (LED), rehabilitate two container vans used as police outposts, and construct three additional outposts within the Freeport area.
Aliño thanked DITO Telecommunity for its commitment to the construction and rehabilitation of the LED outposts,
noting that these will serve as deterrents to criminal activities in the area.
Alberto said that the company supports the safety and security of Subic Bay Freeport by rehabilitating and constructing law enforcement outposts and providing law enforcement visibility.
The said outposts will also be used to promote their business within the Freeport.
DITO Telecommunity is the newest major telecommunications provider in the country. It began commercial operations in March 2021 and aims to reinvent the industry by providing secure, fast, and high-value 4G and 5G connectivity.
DITO is a joint venture company composed of Udenna Corporation, Chelsea Logistics Holdings Corp., and the state-owned China Telecommunications Corporation.

Thousands of corporations, including micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), have received over P80 million in discounts across more than 40,000 transactions with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), stemming from recent corporate sector reforms. Since July, the SEC has issued three memorandum circulars aimed at encouraging the incorporation of MSMEs and further streamlining the registration process for companies tapping the capital market. Based on preliminary data as of October 19, the Commission has accommodated 40,157 transactions under these rules, collectively providing P80.3 million in discounts to the transacting public—with more than half or P40.9 million going to MSMEs. “The SEC is taking an active role in the national government’s efforts to further unlock the massive potential of the MSME sector in driving the Philippine economy’s growth,” SEC Chairperson Francis Lim said. “By lowering the barriers to entry for small businesses, we are sending a strong message that the corporate sector is an inclusive space where everyone–not just established industry players–can survive and thrive,” he added. SEC Memorandum Circular No. 6, Series of 2025 (MC 6), which took effect on July 1, provided a 50 percent discount on the physical and authenticated copies of company filings, including the articles of incorporation and by-laws, general information sheet, and annual financial statements, among others. The reduced rates for such documents and other IT-related services of the Commission under MC 6 has since provided over P36.5 million in discounts to the transacting public. Meanwhile, MC 8 provided discounted rates for certain filing fees to support the growth of MSMEs following its release on July 16. The SEC has since allowed a total of 8,506 MSMEs, which registered as corporations, to accumulate P21.4 million in discounts for their registration fees. Over 200 MSMEs that applied for an increase in their authorized capital stock also saved more than P19.4 million in line with the MC. Companies tapping the capital market likewise secured around P3 million in discounts thanks to MC 9, which provided a 30 percent discount for the assessed registration fees of all registration statement applications until December 31, 2025, among others. “The SEC will continue to assess its rules and policies to see where we can provide further assistance to our stakeholders, consistent with our goal of empowering MSMEs and the overall corporate sector to become catalysts for economic growth,” Chairperson Lim said.

IBA, Zambales — President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ R. Marcos Jr. has appointed Zambales Governor Hermogenes E. Ebdane Jr. as the chairperson of the Regional Development Council (RDC) in Central Luzon under the Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DepDEV).
As an economic strategy-formulation council, the RDC serves as the region’s highest policy-making body for planning and coordination, formulating strategies that align national priorities with local development goals to sustain inclusive economic growth in Region III.
Being picked to head the council, Governor Ebdane has vowed to prioritize programs that uplift communities and expand opportunities across the region.
“Sisikapin kong higit pang mapaigting ang mga programa at proyekto para sa pag-unlad ng Central Luzon—mula sa ekonomiya, imprastraktura, hanggang sa pang-araw-araw na kabuhayan ng ating mga kababayan,” he said.
Ebdane also thanked President Marcos for the trust and confidence, saying the appointment is both an honor and a responsibility to further advance regional progress.
“Ang pagkakatalagang ito ay hindi lamang karangalan, kundi isang panibagong hamon na buong puso kong tatanggapin para sa kapakanan ng ating mga mamamayan lalo na ng mga Zambaleño,” he added.
As the newly appointed chairman, Ebdane will lead efforts to harmonize development plans among local government units, national government agencies, and private sector representatives.
His three-year term at the RDC 3 coincides with his ongoing tenure as provincial governor, allowing continuity in implementing regional initiatives.
According to his appointment paper, the governor is authorized to assume office upon taking his oath and must furnish copies of his oath to the Office of the President and the Civil Service Commission. (PIA R3-Zambales)