OLONGAPO-SUBIC BAY FREEPORT INSEPERABLE – ChAD EISMA

Continuing our scrutiny on the Sunday Times Magazine profile interview of Wilma Eisma, outgoing chairperson and administrator of the government owned and managed Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) recently, the co-existence between Olongapo and SBMA surfaced.

Eisma, born and raised in Olongapo declared that the city and SBMA cannot be differentiated, contrary to some public belief. According to the lady lawyer, a known protégé of Sen. Dick Gordon and pioneer headman of the Freeport Zone by virtue of RA 7227, the Bases Conversion Development Authority Act, and the law enacted after the departure of US military personnel in 1992.

She said “there is no them, there’s only us. Magkaduktong sa pusod yan eh, Olongapo and Subic Bay Freeport,” lamented Eisma.

“My view, hindi dapat mag-away,” Eisma pointed out.

“Sana naiintindihan ng mga taga Olongapo that there are some decisions that have to be made by SBMA not because to go against them, but for the betterment of everybody,” the lady bossman pointed out.

She asked for a change in the mindset of the people in the city citing that “kung ano man nangyayari sa Freeport, it deeply affect the community because 99.9 % of the jobs at the economic zone hired are from Olongapo, “ Eisma said.

Moreover, she emphasized that it’s not a versus kind of relationship that exist between the two parties. The relationship must be “symbiotic”.

Eisma reminded the public that SBMA and Olongapo is the proud home of original volunteers and cited the reason why the Freeport even exist at the moment.

She highlighted the core efforts of the legion of volunteers that exemplified “the Malasakit teamwork.”

But some Olongapo oldtimers and barangay leaders criticized the erection of concrete fences along the base perimeter roads

As building of “Berlin Walls” a gesture of separating perimeter residents from the base properties.
Eisma claimed the concrete walls are security measures and have no malicious intent.

Zambales DTI cites 2021 performance

The office of the Department of Trade (DTI) in Zambales held a yearend meeting with some local members of media last week and reported that it has conducted 142 training sessions in the province with 3, 278 participated in the Negosyo Center activities.

The provincial office generated P14.040 million worth of investments achieve P23.007 million in local product sales and generated 600 jobs.

Olongapo Tennis Club

Tennis playing former Mayor Rolen Paulino continues to preside over the Olongapo Tennis Club (OTC) as he was reelected to head the sports organization. Induction of the officers as customary will be on New Year’s Day at the old shell court.

GOING HOME TO MAMA

SBMA top honcho boss woman claimed in her interview with the Sunday magazine of the Manila times that she will go back to her mother’s home when her term as chairman-administrator of the government owned and managed economic zone end after the national election on May 9, 2022.

In the article on the people of concern by the broadsheet newspaper, lawyer Wilma Eisma intimated that after her government stint, she will take care of her mother who is already old and may pursue her law practice.

The issue dwelled on the accomplishment of Eisma after assuming the top post of the office that managed the former US Naval complex at Subic Bay from her former job as top lobbyist of the global cigarette giant Philip Morris.

Eisma who never denied being a protégé of Sen. Dick Gordon, pioneer chairman-administrator of converted naval facilities into an economic and industrial zone to create jobs for dislocated Filipino workers at Subic Bay when the US Naval Forces left the base complex in November 24, 1992, claimed that her biggest legacies what she will behind her tenure are the upgrading of decades road around the former base and the conversion of the Port of Subic into a Cruise Ships hub. She claimed further that former administrators failed to take the concreating of roads built by the US Navy.

Eisma did not take into consideration that the previous management were more concerned on the prevailing needs of the Zone facilities and that its income were not adequate to engage in massive public works projects.

Eisma used her Congressional connections both at the House and Senate for fund allocations for infrastructure projects which funded her road building program.

Previous administrator followed the SBMA Charter which mandates that the agency should not depend on funding support from the national government and must raise its own funds to undertake public works projects.

After Gordon who incurred foreign loans from the World Bank and Asian Development Bank and other lendings, the administration of Felicito C. Payumo were engaged in the repacking of SBMA as a friendly destination, promoting domestic tourism and debt servicing the loans left by Gordon.

Aside from it, Payumo hired Jesus Barengila, a former top executive of the Department of Budget to oversee the financials of the agency and make sure that the Commission on Audit (COA) does not fault SBMA of disallowable expenditures, a major concern during the Gordon administration.

On the other hand, during the term of Roberto Garcia, a retired business executive and AIM alumnus, his main concern was the debt servicing of the JICA loan that funded the development of the twin container terminals at Cubi Point. While these projects were originated during Payumo”s term, its operational phase fell on the shoulder of Garcia.

While the terminals were leased and managed by global port operator International Container Terminal Services Inc. (ICTSI) of Ricky Razon, shippers hardly patronized the modern port facilities. With maximum capacity of the twin terminals were 6,000 TEUs, initially it was only servicing 70,000 TEUs way below target volumes.

With his predicament, Garcia using his business connections and knowledge of the shipping industry held two Maritime Summits in joint collaborations with ICTSI. Now the volume has risen as the number of import cargos has made the Port of Subic its port of choice. As an old timer observer of the community, we witnessed the various challenges that SBMA officials faces and varied based on current events and support by Malacanang.

DISCLAIMER: The views and opinions expressed in this Opinion page are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official policy or position of Subic Bay News or of its clients.

Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) observed last week the 29th anniversary of the conversion of the former US Naval base complex into the country’s premier economic and industrial zone area by virtue of RA 7227, the law creating Bases Conversion and Development Authority.

Hampered by the existence of the pandemic health regulations, the event was conducted in simple activities honoring the Zone volunteer workers after the US forces left the naval base abruptly and entrusted it upkeep to the people of Olongapo.

Photos posted on the government agency FB page showed the laying of flowers at the Volunteers Park, attended by plantilla employees.

Next year SBMA will be celebrating its 30th year as a fully owned government and manage corporation, entrusted to ensure the profitability of the Freeport Area.

But next year there will new personalities at the helm appointed by the new leadership elected in the May 9 elections. Since the incumbent officials headed lady lawyer Wilma Eisma and the PDP-Laban board of directors and Sen. Gordon “amoyion” are co-terminus with the outgoing Duterte administration, some supporters of the winning team will be rewarded with the SBMA vacancies.

We hope that the selection committee of the incoming administration should vent well on the list of aspirants and that just rely on the political affiliation but professional managers. Lawyers without entrepreneurial background may be named to the board but not the twin post of chairman-administrator.

Recall that SBMA was found operating in the red from day one of the Gordon pioneering era and it took the leadership under Roberto “Bobby” Garcia, an AIM alumnus to institute belt tightening management to propel the agency into a profitable government corporation.

Garcia promoted the JICA funded container port terminals which then DOF Secretary Cesar Purisima feared to embarrass the Aquino government of debt payment “default” due to the low volume of cargo business activities. Garcia employing his private sector connection as former president of Motolite, ushered two Maritime Summit during his term, promoting the Port of Subic as the ideal logistics hub for Central and Northern Luzon.

The campaign yielded positive results as the twin container yards operated by global port conglomerate, ICTSI achieving 300, 000 TEUs a year from its former volume of 70,000 TEUs.

Moreover, the new head of agency must be pro-people, accessible not only to locators, employees but also residents of the communities belonging to the Freeport clusters. That board of directors must understand the global reach of companies/locators and be open to dialog with stakeholders and local media.

While it will take more than seven months from now on the realization of this wish lists, we are pinning our hope that by that time with nearing the post pandemic related concerns and look forward to another six years and three decades of the former US Naval Base complex.

DISCLAIMER: The views and opinions expressed in this Opinion page are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official policy or position of Subic Bay News or of its clients.

Memories of my yesteryears

I first visited Olongapo when it was still part of the US Naval reservation sometime in 1957. My recollection at that time was stopping at the Roosevelt Park checkpoint in Bataan as you enter the area and when you depart. The checkpoint were manned by US Marines.

Scrip money was the currency in use at the main commercial of the reservation community as the Philippine peso was not in use. It was a quick trip to just visit my Auntie Sion Escalona who migrated to the controlled US ruled community.

It took more than four more years when I returned to Olongapo, already converted to a municipal town site after the United States government decided to return the area to the Philippine government fold due to the agitations and campaign of local residents who after so many years under prolonged US rule, sought independence.

The local community leaders sought the assistance of Philippine media to expose the Ugly Americanism of US Navy officers and civilian hired personnel on local residents. It took the succeeding series of articles on these issues by then Chronicle senior reporter Jose Balein of the Manila Chronicle. Notable figures that aired their anti-American sentiments were names like Jose Pacheco, James Gordon, Ching Arriola and many more whose names escaped me.

After Olongapo became a Pilipino town and most of the local officials were political protégées of old time politicians of Sambals including those charged of maintaining the peace and order sector, Olongapo was reportedly a “wild wild west” type of community.

It was a perfect wheeling liberty town as newly opened bars and nightclubs sprouted along the main streets along Rizal Avenue. Magsaysay Drive was not yet open and the main music was provided by jukeboxes.

I recall that my second visit to Olongapo was to accompany a town mate whose line of business was selling floor wax products which was done on “door to door” system.

Under our set up I played the role of the son of the product owner and conducting a promo campaign. In our sortie, we were attracted to too many women wearing short shorts as we demonstrate the cleaning and shinning power of our floor wax products.

In Manila I was already writing for some tabloid publications. But when the Evening News was acquired by a new owner and Felix Bautista of UST became its Editor in Chief, I took advantage of the new management and applied to become its correspondent in Zambales and Olongapo which include coverage of the US Naval Base.

I was just 17 years old then, yes, a teen-ager and when I finally referred to the publication Publisher Mr. Tordesillas, his first impression was that I was too young but my quick reply was “Sir, Young looking but capable in reporting news.”

I was given a trial appointment and off I went to Olongapo and stayed at my Auntie’s house. The Escalona business then was Ice distribution.

More on this on the succeeding issues.

 DISCLAIMER: The views and opinions expressed in this Opinion page are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official policy or position of Subic Bay News or of its clients. 

A bit of history about Olongapo, which majority of the present day residents I believe are not aware as most of them are migrants or offspring’s of former entertainment workers that decided to stay put in the city after the Americans left in 1997.

I will be doing research work on the growth and development of the former US Navy liberty town to equip my readers on how the town became the first highly urbanized city of Central Luzon, much ahead of Angeles City in Pampanga which also hosted a US military base in Clark.

Last piece of PH territory

Yes, Olongapo was the last piece of Philippine territory surrendered by the United States to the Philippine government. Formal turnover of the reservation community was made on December 7, 1959. By next month, the city will be observing its 62 years liberation from US rule.

I am not aware if the local government unit headed by Mayor Rolen Paulino Jr. or his city staff are preparing an event to celebrate this milestone date on Dec.7. Moreover, little activities is heard from the Olongapo Historical Society.

I was glad that the city government celebrated the cityhood last June 1, 2021 with tree planting activities at the Kalaklan Ridge. The cityhood was the legislative work of the Magsaysay clan, with Ramon Magsaysay Jr., sponsoring the measure at the lower house and in the senate is Uncle Genaro Magsaysay.

It was smooth sailing in the lower house but in the Senate, the measure met opposition from Camilio Osias of La Union who threatened to filibuster if the electric power distribution franchise was not awarded to Ruben Valero, who was granted a franchise by the lower house.

When the threat was conveyed to then Olongapo Mayor James L. Gordon, Sr., as the senate session was in recess and the bill was on the agenda, Jimmy Gordon curtly rejected to surrender the power distribution and declared that “I would rather not be city mayor, if the only facility inherited from the US Navy is made as a concession for the cityhood approval.”

As a compromise, by recollection, a franchise to establish an Ice Plant venture was awarded to Valero, whom we found out later was a wedding godson of the Ilocano Senator and operator of the La Union power distribution.

Olongapo according to the 2020 census has 260,317 population but there are more uncensored temporary residents that comes from all parts of Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao.
There 17 Barangays and most of the houses are unfenced because the main communities along the major streets of Magsaysay , Rizal and interior roads are shades of the naval reservation where the administrator the US Navy base commander.

Appointed as the first political mayor in 1959 was Ruben Geronimo and was succeeded by Ching Arriola. But during the first election in 1963, James Gordon emerge victorious. Under the battle cry of political bossism from the governor of Zambales, Gordon fought interference from Iba and after six years, from Dec. 7, Olongapo gained independence from the capitol by succeeding in the enactment of the City charter.

Is Subic Bay an ideal area to live?

This question was raised by a longtime acquaintance who resides in one of the Barangays in Olongapo. Are housing areas ideal to raise a family and young children? To a middle income earner, my answer is a negative no. Residing at the Subic Bay Freeport Zone, one has to own motor vehicles, not one but two. Why? Due to the scarcity of public transportation, a resident must have a reserve unit in case the principal vehicle is inoperative.

While taxis are available on call, the fare is expensive and the rider has to shell extra amount to add to the travel time of the cab. The franchised public transport providers Auto Kid and that of Evelyn Castro, takes time and for workers needing to go work, the 30-minute wait is taboo.

As majority of on-base residents are employed by the SBMA, other govt. agencies and private locators, they are forced to hire household mates or Kasambahay but having one is like employing a full junior office assistant due to high cost of hiring one. Aside from assuring their twice a month day offs, some even require the employer to provide them toiletries, pocketmoney for day-offs and other amenities. Moreover, if recruited thru the Labor office, the Kasambay must be enrolled with the SSS and Pag-ibig .

Yes, it’s cheaper to anoint relatives but the length of service is not assured. The positive side of living at the on base housing enclave is the relatively peaceful and secured sooroundings, and residents are not bothered by the motorcycle noises, unlike outside the perimeter fences. Unlike previous years when house break ins was rampant, nowadays, seldom do we hear of robberies and unwanted intrusions of strangers.

Traffic traffic

In a few times I engaged in pep talk with both Zone and Olongapo folks, I hear mounting complaints on the road congestions at Rizal Highway inside the Freeport due to the slow work of the constructor doing the road repairs.
Avoid passing through the main road in the afternoon as the gridlock is heavy and better take the SBMDC gateway if your destination is Olongapo. Worst time is from 3 to 5 pm, the workers’ quitting time.

Complaining motorists blame the incompetence of the SBMA leadership and cite that a lawyer is not competence to administer the industrial export estate. My instant reply to this negative feedback: don’t blame the lady administrator, blame her subordinates who are duty bound to supervise and monitor the traffic movements inside the former US Base complex. SBMA spent huge amounts to purchase several traffic lights, installed in various intersections and junctions, but these lights are not in use, hence the road gridlocks.

Talk of the town
The outpouring of sympathies of residents, officials and fellow Masons of Grand Master Rolen C. Paulino on the recent death of his son Francis “Kiko” Paulino is a clear manifestation that the Paulinos are well-loved in Olongapo. Rolen is still acknowledged as the main leader of the City.

On the other political groups eyeing to dethrone Rolen Jr. from the mayorship indicates that novice Arnold Vegafria is depending strongly on the Magsaysay forces as he was urged to run by JV Magsaysay. Question is who will fund the campaign in Gapo, will it be Arnold or the Magsaysays?

In the case of Bong Gordon’s widow, who is the funder of Ann’s campaign? Has she amassed enough savings when she run three years ago or did Bong left her adequate inheritance to pursue her political ambition. As for Bgy. Chairman Echie, we learned that she has been generous to her constituents at Gordon Heights. Her daily income from her enterprise is feeding hundreds, thousands according to unverified claims, of cabos and collectors.

While the actual campaigning is still six months from now, Olongapo’s electorate are enjoying the early attention they are getting.

This is my maiden issue with SUBIC BAY NEWS. Due to the pandemic, I belong to the restricted generation, (born early) that authorities wanted saved, alive but prohibited to move around.

For a guy who has in public circulation as a roving journalist of more than six decades, I find the isolation a harsh punishment. As a journalist I enjoyed being a free bird and then suddenly labeled as “ vulnerable “ citizen confined to house isolation and “quarantine”.

While I am fully vaccinated courtesy of former Olongapo City Mayor Rolen C. Paulino and City Health Officer Dr. Doods Bustamante , my movement has not been adjusted to the pre-pandemic era.

Hence, my orbit sphere is limited to SBFZ and Olongapo. With border crossing to other towns of Zambales and Bataan due to Convid spread prevention I refrained from traveling far beyond the perimeter fence of the former US Naval Base.

One thing the pandemic taught me was culinary pursuits and caring for my half breed dog as housemate and walking companion. Living at the SBFZ housing facilities is no longer cheap. The available transport services is via taxi as the public transport service provided by Auto Kid and that of Evelyn Castro takes long.

Food prices at the various Carienderias operating in town have jacked up prices. About six months ago, with P50 budget I could enjoy breakfast or lunch but now with the pork shortage and vegetables, I have to shell out P70 to enjoy my meal. OH what a sudden change of life style. Moreover, only through Facebook that I read most of my colleagues in media and business contacts and clients are enjoying heavenly environment, thanks to the corona virus.

Road to City hall

While the elections of new officials is on May 2022, the political season started immediately after the filing of candidacy early this month. As of this writing there are three mayoralty aspirants for the post occupied by lawyer Rolen Paulino Jr., who is seeking re-election. Rolen Sr. said he will complete his tenure as Grand Master of the Free & Accepted Masons Fraternity next year which cover, aside from the Philippines, includes Guam Island and Micronesia.

What is interesting to note is that several individuals are interested in serving the people of this former US Navy liberty town? An unknown personality but Olongapo born businessman wants to become Mayor in the company of some celebrities who aspire to serve as public servants. Mrs. Anne Gordon, widow of the late Bong Gordon who was the major opponent of Rolen Jr., for the city post job three years ago is again seeking the people’s vote. A moneyed events promoter, a certain Arnold Vegafria threw his hat into the mayoralty race together with Gordon Heights Barangay chair Echie Ponge, who is reportedly a Barangay philanthropist?

This elder observer found out that J. B. Magsaysay, former SBMA director and son of the late Zambales governor Vicente Magsaysay was responsible for the Vegafria lineup with of course Mitos Masaysay, JB’s wife as the banner candidate for Congress of the 1st district of Zambales.
The Magsaysay camp decided to give the Paulino’s opposition this election as the incumbents are allied with the Khonghun family and which the Castillejos based political clan wants dethroned with Mitos’ Congress comeback. More on the political happening soon.

By: Niña Marie M. Mesina

With the emergence of COVID-19, countries all over the world made their own adjustments in the Education sector. Here in the Philippines, the Learning Continuity Plan was implemented to make sure that our learners’ education will not be impeded by this pandemic.

For some students, these closures will only be a temporary shift in their schooling before they’re back on track, but for many in the communities that we serve, this could mean the end of their education.

While distance learning was once considered an inferior substitute for traditional education, it is now considered by many to be outperforming traditional classroom instruction.

This is largely because of the advanced technology. Modern technology such as the usage of videos and interactive websites helps make distance learning feel personal and engaging.

The department of education discussed and presented the different learning modalities in Distance Learning like Modular Distance Learning which is in the form of individualized instruction that allows learners to use self-learning modules (SLMs) in print or digital format/electronic copy; Radio-based instruction or TV Instructions where lessons are aired; Online Distance Learning where it features the teacher facilitating learning and engaging learners’ active participation using various technologies accessed through the internet while they are geographically remote from each other, and Blended leanring where it is a combination of any of the modalities like Modular approach and RBI/TV or Learner’s Materials, textbooks, activity sheets, study guides and other study materials. These are not new learning modalities anyway because these have been used by the learners of Alternative Learning System and even in the Open High School program. It just seems new for others who did not undergo these programs but now that it is implemented to the whole nation as the only types of modalities to use in education, every one must adapt to it.

There are few dilemmas on the side of the parents during this normal education. They fear that their children may not gain the knowledge they should through these modalities since all of it will require a good independent learning skill and not all learners have learned the habit of doing it.

Until things get better, we will not see classrooms being filled with learners yet. For now, the different learning modalities for distance learning are the best methods we can implement to provide education to our learners.

By: Niña Marie M. Mesina

With the current set-up of distance learning under the Learning Continuity Plan of the Department of Education, many find it difficult to measure their academic success. There are some who were bothered with the idea that the learners are not getting an accurate rating form their teachers especially those in the Modular distance learning approach. Some are still adjusting with the demands of distance learning and it impedes their motivation to continue exerting great efforts for their school tasks. But how do we really measure our learner’s success amidst the challenges in the new normal education.

Now that we are all experiencing the effects of the global pandemic, it is a must that educators provide necessary adjustments to how the learners respond to their academic requirements. We need more of compassionate, understanding, and empathetic teachers. Since everyone is new to this situation, we must extend patience to learners who are not able to submit what we require them to. Of course, this should be done with proper counseling and knowing about the struggles of the learner so we can further assist them. It is not only a question of how much educators have taught to the learners, but it is more of a question of to what extent where we willing to help the learner succeed in the academic year despite of all the problems he is facing.

Teachers are not the only ones who are undergoing adjustments in the different educational platforms, but more so our learners who are the ones who take it all in. They have not gone accustomed to studying inside their homes where some can’t even find a conducive place to study in. Not everyone can focus on their studies with all their siblings and family members around, making them do household chores and doing errands for them. That is why it is important for the family to become the primary source of educational support for students under the distance learning.

A learner with proper support from the family and the community will thrive in the new normal set-up. Rest assured that our educators are giving their very best in making sure that quality education is still given to our learners, the burden must not only rest in them but to all the people that surrounds the learner. Today, academic success must not be measured by high grades and academic awards alone. A learner who is able to finish an academic year with a good mental health, brimming family support, and strong emotional health is a learner who have succeeded and is worthy to be commended.

Ito Ang Totoo: napaka-istratehiko nga naman ng Subic Bay hindi lamang sa larangan ng komersiyo kundi pati sa aspeto na pang-militar at seguridad sa bahaging ito ng Asya.

Kaya nang magsara ang Hanjin, ang kompanyang Koreano na gumagawa ng mga dambuhalang barko, kumilos din ang mga Intsik para maka-take-over sa mga pasilidad nito.

Gayunman, tiniyak na ni Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman and Administrator Wilma T. Eisma na sa mga susunod na buwan ay muling magbubukas ang shipbuilding facility sa ilalim ng kompanyang ayaw pa niyang pangalanan pero sigurado hindi raw Intsik.

Ito Ang Totoo: katakot-takot naman ang usapan nitong mga nakaraang araw kaugnay ng Grande at Chiquita Islands dito pa rin sa Subic, na umano’y kinukuha rin ng mga Intsik.

Sa harap ng mga paglapastangan ng China sa karapatan ng Pilipinas sa West Philippine Sea, nakaaalarma lalo ang presensiya ng mga Intsik sa balat ng lupa ng Pilipinas.

Naglipana na nga sila sa laganap na Online Gambling na umuokupa ng mga buong hotel, apartments, restaurants, pati dating eskuwelahan, at iyon nga, pati mga isla sa bibig ng Subic Bay ay gusto pa kunin.

Ito Ang Totoo:  hindi na dapat isyu ang pag-okupa ng mga Intsik sa dalawang isla dahil ibinasura na ng SBMA Board ang proposal ng kompanyang nakipagsabwatan sa mga Intsik, ang GFTG Property Holdings, Inc. sa pamamagitan ng pagbebenta ng mayoryang shares sa Sanya ng China.

Noong Mayo 19, 2019 naganap ang pagbasura na, ayon kay Eisma, ay sa kadahilanang lalabag sa konstitusyon ang panukalang proyekto ng GFTG Property Holdings Corp.

Naghahanap na lang daw ang SBMA ngayon ng ibang investor na magdi-develop sa naturang mga isla bilang tourist attraction.