SBMA forges alliance with PMMA in Subic Port modernization proj

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) has formed an alliance with the Philippine Merchant Marine Academy (PMMA), citing the vital role of marine engineers in the ongoing $215-million Subic Port modernization project.

SBMA chairman Feliciano G. Salonga said the 30-cadet midshipmen of the PMMA have been operating sophisticated vessels being utilized to ensure ecological protection for the sustainable development of the freeport.

In a recent meeting with PMMA president Rear Adm. Fidel Diñoso, Salonga likewise noted the role of PMMA in providing comprehensive training and technical assistance to SBMA personnel to become qualified ship crews.

"This is just the beginning of the new partnership between SBMA and PMMA in developing Subic into a world-class port facility," Salonga told The STAR.

Salonga also noted an upcoming SBMA-PMMA project such as the hosting of the joint RP-US merchant marine training exercise and similar programs with other countries in the Asia-Pacific region.

"Maritime industry is one of the areas that contribute to our economy and Subic will be providing opportunities to upgrade standards of Filipino seafarers," Salonga said.

PMMA has also joined Japanese ship operation experts in training SBMA personnel as part of the technology transfer program of the port project being funded by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).

Being part of the loan package from the Japanese Bank of International Cooperation (JBIC), the project will ensure environmental protection of the vast marine resources of the pristine waters of Subic Bay.

Two of the seven new seacrafts from Taiwan were turned over to SBMA last year at the former US Naval Supply Depot, which is now being used for commercial shipping purposes.

These "specialized" sea crafts are part of the provisions of the contract for the port development project wherein technology transfer of modern equipment will be made to ensure the proper progression of the project.

The two ships, M/V Kalayaan and M/V Binictican are being used for garbage and waste collection and oil skimming operations, respectively. In addition to these functions, both vessels will also be utilized for offshore fire fighting.

Measuring 20-meters long and weighing 80 tons, the ships were built in Taiwan and equipped with high technology gadgets from Japan.

Apart from these, five more additional ships including three high-speed sea patrol crafts, one search-and-rescue vessel and a boat handler craft of SBMA are being handled and maintained by cadet midshipmen of the PMMA.