SBMA eyes more ship calls

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) is targeting to increase ship calls at its freeport in Zambales province.

"This aims to help boost tourist arrival in the area," explained SBMA administrator and chief executive officer Armand Arreza.

He said SBMA aims to hike frequency of ship calls from the current one stop-over per three months to two calls every month.

Such stop-over is made so ships can re-fuel and re-stock provisions while servicemen can be allowed some time for rest and relaxation.

"These ships usually make port calls in Vietnam, Singapore and Malaysia but not in the Philippines so we're linking with the Department of Tourism to help get passengers to tour here," Arreza said.

Considering an average 5,000 people are on board one ship, he estimated a total 120,000 tourists can dock in Subic annually to explore the area and other Philippine scenic spots.

He noted this volume isn't far behind Cebu province's estimated 180,000 annual tourist arrivals.

"We're hoping to get in more tourists during the next 'Balikatan' exercise," he also said.

At the Kapihan sa Sulo forum, Arreza reported SBMA completed construction of a new passenger terminal to augment its existing port facilities so more ships calls can be made.

"Our facilities are for military and commercial ships from the Philippines and other countries," he said.

Arreza also assured Subic is a safe place since he said SBMA is coordinating with the United States military regarding exchange of information on security threats to the area.

He explained this was done to help correct the perception that unrest prevails in that place.

"This perception is the reason we now have a low frequency of ship calls," he said.

SBMA authorities reported US ambassador to the Philippines Kristie Anne Kenney was so impressed with the Subic Freeport zone that she suggested more ships from the US and Asia must be brought there to avail of re-fuelling and ship repair facilities.

They were also pleased about Kenney's pledge to help promote Subic as an attractive investment site.

Arreza likewise announced Hanjin Heavy Industries and Construction (HHIC) Co. recently opened at the Freeport a modern training center for shipyard workers.

He said this will help boost competitiveness of local shipbuilders.

HHIC-Philippines managing director Myung Goo Kwon agreed as he said international success of the shipbuilding industry lies in availability of qualified and competent manpower.

He pointed out the Philippines now lacks such manpower.

As further proof of confidence in the country, Arreza also said HHIC committed to invest over US$ 1 billion for its Subic shipyard which is expected to generate over 30,000 direct and indirect jobs.

He described this facility as the Philippines' biggest shipyard. (PNA)