Ang Pahayagan

SBMA @32, whazz Up ?

Next month, or 30 days from now, the conversion of this huge US Naval Base complex, reputed to be largest overseas naval base of the United States government will mark its 32 years as the pioneer Freeport establishment in the country.

On November 21, 1992, the US Navy relinquished the operation of its facilities to the newly created Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) by virtue of Bases Conversion Development Authority (BCDA) under Republic Act 7227, which Philippine lawmakers enacted to prevent the mass dislocation of workers.

SBMA aims to develop Subic Bay as “self-sustaining tourism, industrial, commercial, finance and investment center to generate employment. Subic Bay served for almost 90 years as a naval base. However, the Philippine Senate in l992 did not renew the l047, the RP-US military bases agreement, plus the eruption of the long dormant Mount Pinatubo in the Zambales and Pampanga mountain ranges.

Under RA 7227, enacted on March 13, 1992, the law granted tax and duty free privileges to business locators. But the SBMA charter over the years has been altered by lawmakers, thus affecting the attraction to locators.

The biggest blow against the continuous growth of Subic Bay is the recently enacted CREATE law which imposes new rules to discourage both foreign and domestic entreprenuers. As a result of changing laws that affects the operations of SBFZ, the need to amend some provisions of the CREATE is in the hands of lawmakers who are slow in their moves in spite of the loud cry and lobby of leaders of all government Freeport zones.

Over at SBFZ, many housing units are offered for rent but majority of locators would prefer to rent houses in Olongapo or Bataan which dwellings are cheaper, According to Subic Water sources, water consumptions in the housing areas have declined by 20 percent while that of Olongapo sawed a market increase in consumption.

We hope that Freeport stakeholders must unite and used the mid-term election to force candidates for the Senate to commit to approve the amendments to CREATE law to ensure the new investments.

United and determined must be the battle cry now and hope that the new SBMA leaders must work to the changes in negatives against the Freeport enterprises. That the directors picketed by the First Lady, Mrs. Marcos should lead in the in this campaign.

Reviewing my notes on SBMA anniversary, I noted that last year, under the leadership of Jonathan D. Tan, former Antique Mayor installed to replaced Rolen C. Paulino Sr. did not give emphasis on the 31st anniversary while on the milestone 30th celebration Paulino honored the surviving volunteer workers.

For this year observance, will the inauguration of the much delayed Magsaysay Bridge be the focal point or will Engr. Alino make progress report on his accomplishments? Abagan!