PBBM Offers Jobs to Ex-PDLs in SBMA
- Since its establishment in 1992 through Republic Act 7227, the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) has transformed into a major economic driver and employment generator in the Philippines.
- This hub of economic activity has generated thousands of jobs across diverse fields including maritime, logistics, tourism, and manufacturing.
- In recent years, the SBMA has expanded its initiatives to create more labor opportunities and support workforce development.
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Since its establishment in 1992 through Republic Act 7227, the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) has transformed into a major economic driver and employment generator in the Philippines. Originally an American naval base, the Subic Bay Freeport Zone (SBFZ) has attracted nearly 1,800 local and foreign companies, creating a vibrant economic ecosystem.
This hub of economic activity has generated thousands of jobs across diverse fields including maritime, logistics, tourism, and manufacturing. The SBMA’s success can be attributed to its ability to attract global investors by offering world-class infrastructure, tax incentives, and a highly skilled workforce. Major corporations, including shipbuilders, manufacturing firms, and logistics providers, have set up operations in the freeport zone, employing thousands of Filipinos and contributing significantly to the national economy.
Inclusive Employment and Workforce Development
In recent years, the SBMA has expanded its initiatives to create more labor opportunities and support workforce development. One notable initiative is its partnership with the Department of Justice—Parole and Probation Administration (DOJ-PPA) to reintegrate parolees, probationers, and pardonees into the workforce.
SBMA Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Aliño explained, “Being a parolee, probationer, or pardonee often subjects individuals to societal judgment and exclusion. However, they deserve the opportunity to work, provide for their families, and reclaim their dignity.”
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s Campaign for Second Chances
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has committed to changing the narrative for persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) who struggle to find job opportunities after serving their sentences. He has directed the Department of Justice to release more eligible PDLs from correctional facilities to help ease overcrowding and provide training and employment.
“Wala silang magaling na abogado. That is why we are in favor now to release many of them,” Marcos said, recalling his time as governor of Ilocos Norte.
The Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028 includes provisions for providing livelihood opportunities and trainings for PDLs. The government will offer tax incentives or other non-monetary incentives and recognition to employers and business establishments that provide capacity building and employment opportunities to PDLs.
The plan also calls for a study to determine the viability of expungement of criminal records, a practice adopted in other jurisdictions, to remove the stigma associated with incarceration.
The a holistic approach of the reintegration program is aimed at ensuring the successful rehabilitation of convicted offenders, focusing on improving their behaviors, skills, mental health, social functioning, and access to education and employment.
Marcos presidential pronouncement
Initiatives and Partnerships for Workforce Integration
As of October 2024, the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) has released a total of 16,657 PDLs under the Marcos administration. This workforce reintegration program addresses the challenges faced by PDLs as they re-enter society, providing them with employment opportunities, job skills training and necessary support to begin productive lives.
For example, the companies who have signed up for the initiative include Pencil and Stationery Products Manufacturers, Inc., Fusion Integrated Service Coop, YZ Manpower Services, Subic Asia Pacific Marine Resources, Buchan Global Services Corp., Yokowo Manufacturing Philippines, Inc., and others. The SBMA, led by Alino, has enlisted loyalty from its current free trade partners:
We will facilitate the endorsement of potential and qualified clients through a Register of Eligibles (ROE) to Subic Bay Freeport Zone locator companies under Workplace Reintegration Program,
Atty. Ramon O. Agregado, SBMA’s Senior Deputy Administrator for Support Services
“We will facilitate the endorsement of potential and qualified clients through a Register of Eligibles (ROE) to Subic Bay Freeport Zone locator companies under the Workplace Reintegration Program,” said Ramon O. Agregado, SBMA’s Senior Deputy Administrator for Support Services
SBMA’s Labor Department manager,
Melvin Variassaid his unit has more to do to ensure that the Freeport Zone remains sustainable,We will ensure the Freeport Zone becomes more inclusive, competitive, and equitable as Americans moved out 20 years ago.Looking ahead, Atty. Bentez, envisions the expanded initiative will further strengthen their collaboration and reintegration programs.
Employment, Education, and Training
The SBMA supports not only employment but also provides a variety of educational opportunities. Employees and their relatives are eligible for various scholarship and training program. For instance,
In 2015, Edward Michael Santiago, then already gainfully employed, wished to obtain a college degree. “I wanted to obtain a college degree. It was my mother who told me that SBMA offers scholarships for employees. When I heard that, I grabbed the opportunity,”
Gas New today’s workforce is more tech-based than ever. In 2022, the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) and the SBMA signed an agreement to build a training institution in the Freeport Zone, focusing on agriculture, construction, automotive, and land transportation. These expert-qualification positions are
SBMA’s Path to a Sustainable Future
This workers will require time and effort to become proficient in these trades. Innovations and better education alone are not enough to become productive,and build a strong and extensive workforce,
Since 2022, the SBMA has been moving forward in building the infrastructure. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s direct resolution of “Build Better, More” program. The SBMA, outlining a 2023 and soon-to-be constructed 194 big-ticket projects for business and economic diversification is a model of American ingenuity and resolve.
h3>Capability Building Plans for – The Subic Workforce of the Future
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s presidential campaign “Build Better More.””
Today, the future of the SBMA continues to inspire as SBMA continues to move forward to a greener, healthier future. The training programs offer the workforce alignment to the SBFZ.
Since 2022, the SBMA has executed high-level education by proposed capitalization to negotiate beads contractors agreements.
“The Workplace Reintegration Program (WRP) of the SBMA is a work in progress.”
The enrollment will NOT constitute an employee-employer relationship between the SBMA and the clients- That being said the vocational reintegration will incorporate certification sponsorship for the clients, assuring their success and not adversely affecting the government itself.
<The employment will ensure that the program’s objectives are met.
Since its establishment in 1992, the SBMA has evolved into a dynamic hub of progress, fostering opportunity not only for the SBFZ but also for thousands of Filipinos who have found employment in the former American facility over the years. Looking ahead, the SBMA remains a beacon of hope, resilience, and opportunity, attracting green industries, technology-based companies, and other emerging sectors.
President Ferdinand projects propound “we can ensure swift and fair legal proceedings,” said Marcos, president of SBFM,
In 2024, Sanyo Denki formally opened.
A Lasting Impact
The postmodern transformation of SBF started in colonial days to its rise as a global economic hub. The legacy of volunteers who have shaped the future of the SBMA will continue to inspire as the SBMA now provides opportunities for every Filipino who walks through its gates.
Overview
The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) has grown from an American naval base into a vital economic cornerstone in the Philippines. Founded in 1992 pursuant to Republic Act 7227, the SBMA has nurtured a robust economic surroundings within the Subic bay Freeport Zone (SBFZ), drawing approximately 1,800 domestic and international enterprises. This vibrant zone has catalyzed employment across various industries like maritime, logistics, tourism, and manufacturing.
What transformed the Subic Bay Freeport Zone into a thriving economic hub?
- The transition from military base to a freeport zone capitalized on diverse global investments.
- Implementation of world-class infrastructure and tax incentives.
- Emphasis on a skilled workforce ready to foster industrial growth.
The economic boom can also be attributed to major corporations establishing their presence here, bolstering national and local economies [[[1]].
Inclusive employment and Workforce Development
How is the SBMA advancing inclusive employment?
In a notable partnership with the Department of Justice—parole and Probation Management (DOJ-PPA), SBMA is re-integrating parolees, probationers, and pardonees into the workforce. [[[1]] The initiative, championed by SBMA Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Aliño, aims at safeguarding the dignity of individuals and providing them with enduring livelihood opportunities.
Government Initiatives:
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. promotes second-chance initiatives, facilitating the release and reintegration of eligible persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) to ease correctional facility overcrowding and bolster economic participation [[[1]].
Initiatives and Partnerships for Workforce Integration
What partnerships support SBMA’s workforce integration?
The Bureau of Corrections has released 16,657 PDLs as of October 2024, underscoring the importance of workforce reintegration efforts. SBMA collaborates with various companies within the freeport, encouraging employers to provide job opportunities to PDLs with support for skills training [[[1]].
We will facilitate the endorsement of potential and qualified clients through a Register of Eligibles (ROE) to Subic Bay Freeport Zone locator companies under Workplace Reintegration Program,
states Atty. Ramon O. Agregado, reinforcing supportive business engagement [[[1]].
Employment, Education, and Training
How does SBMA support workforce education and skill-building?
- Scholarships and training programs are available for employees and their families.
- An agreement with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) is establishing a training institution to boost qualifications in key sectors such as agriculture, construction, and automotive.
Programs like these ensure readiness for a technology-driven workforce,providing a foundation for economic diversification and personal growth [[[1]].
SBMA’s Path to a Sustainable Future
What future plans does the SBMA have for sustainable growth?
The “Build Better, More” campaign advocates for expansive projects within the SBMA, reflecting its commitment to enduring progress. Continuing education and training programs align with long-term infrastructural development goals, ensuring a skilled workforce that meets evolving technological and economic demands.
A Lasting Impact
What lasting impact does the SBMA have on the region?
From its early beginnings as a naval base, the Subic Bay Freeport Zone has evolved into an influential economic hub, highlighting the transformative power of strategic development and inclusivity. This conversion continues to offer opportunities to the community and will serve as an example for future initiatives.