Cargo handlers infuse P1 billion in SBMA

MANILA, Philippines – Cargo handling companies operating in the Subic Bay Freeport and special economic zone have infused over P1 billion to the coffers of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) in the last decade after transforming the former US military base into one of the most successful transshipment hub in the Philippines.

Amerasia International Services Inc. president Lorenzo Yapjoco said it has contributed P400 million to SBMA representing various fees and charges over the last 15 years despite being able to cater to limited types of cargoes.

Aside from having an economically progressive seaport, SBMA is also proud of how it has remained loyal in its thrust to take care of the environment.

Although it means being able to cater to limited types of cargoes, SBMA maintains its policy of handling only non-toxic and environment-friendly products in its seaport.

“From the very beginning, we are aware of SBMA’s environmental standards. But the knowledge that we will be able to handle very limited types of cargoes did not deter us and we took the risk of investing here in Subic. We are happy with how our investments have paid off not just in terms of gains for the company but also in terms of our contributions to SBMA,” Yapjoco stressed.

For his part, Subic Seaport Terminal Inc.’s Restituto Torres pointed out that cargo handlers operating inside the former US military facility have consistently found ways to rise above such limitation.

“I we only wanted to earn more profit then we could have pushed for a more lenient environmental guideline so we can expand the types of cargoes that we can process. But we believe that the environmental standards that is currently in place is best for all stakeholders here in SBMA,” Torres said.

AITSI, SSTI, and Mega Subic Terminal Services Inc. (MSTSI) are three of the biggest cargo handling companies in Subic Bay that have turned the former US military as once neglected ports in 1992 to highly efficient trade spots in the Philippines that continue to benefit agricultural and other related activities in Northern and Central Luzon.

To compensate for the limited types of cargoes that they can process, the cargo handlers make sure that they service their existing client base efficiently while they continue to look for new clients.