Ang Pahayagan

Siksik na Balita sa Freeport

Finally, the members of the local media community covering the activities and development of the county’s premier Freeport and economic-industrial complex was able to discuss the “in free-wheeling “style with incumbent Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) chairman-administrator Eduardo Jose Aliño, whose scheduled dialogue with media postponed twice since he assumed office.

Hence, we say “siksik na balita”due to accumulations of activities of his incumbency. A well-attended media forum attended by key officials of the government agency accompanied the Aliño pack.

As the oldest and longest surviving print journalist in the area, I was given the opportunity to start the Q&A and inquired on the total project and cost overrun of the pandemic delayed Magsaysay Bridge, a vital landmark between the Freeport and the City of Olongapo.

The total expenses of the Bridge was almost P500 million, while original bidded cost was just over P350 million from the national government appropriation of P500 million courtesy of former Sen. Dick Gordon, who sponsored the appropriation measure.

What is now needed in the traffic measure of the Olongapo City Council of converting anew Magsaysay Street into a two road or remain one way. Calling the attention of outgoing Vice Mayor Cortez to act on the new traffic scheme of the city.

Other vital infrastructures projects at the Freeport Zone are the ongoing Binictican bridge, administrate by the DPWH, which originally conceived to be completed during the year end 2024, but delayed up to Summer of 2025, the same with the completion of the TESDA regional training center at Canal complex. The TESDA skill center will provide technical and vocational skills to Central Luzon workers to make them employable at the various industries in the region. This project is attributable to former chairman-administrator and Olongapo Mayor Rolen C. Paulino Sr.

Moreover, this corner salute Paulino Sr. for leading the lobby to amend CREATE law which was viewed as detrimental to the activities of Freeport locators. Create More law will be implemented by the second quarter of 2025, it was learned. However only locators not individuals will benefit from the VAT free and other taxes privileges amended law.

We asked Aliño what with expect from the administration going to the future, he said he will vigorously promote more manufacturing activities, focus on Redondo Peninsula as major area and voice his concern of base workers welfare by providing housing and dormitory facilities in the Zone, likewise, the authority will provide free transport electric vehicles as transport support to stakeholders, residents’ and visitors.

While many of my colleagues tackles issues happening, I concentrated on the future activities such as the Luzon Economic corridor projects and others. More issues, abangan.