GMA lauds Payumo’s 3 years at SBMA

SUBIC FREEPORT — President Arroyo has cited the "impressive performance" of Chairman Felicito Payumo of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority in a congratulatory message on Payumo’s third anniversary as SBMA chairman.

She lauded Payumo for his impressive performance in handling the robust economic activities at the Freeport, particularly in attracting more investors and increasing the investments of existing locators.

In her message to Payumo, which was read over a new public affairs program of a local radio station, the President also cited SBMA’s effort to promote industrial harmony and its persevering efforts to protect the Freeport as one of the only few places in the country teeming with flora and fauna.

Senate President Franklin Drilon and Speaker Jose de Venecia also sent their congratulatory messages to Payumo.

Payumo also graced the SBMA job fair, initiated by 35 investors as their anniversary gift to him. Some 5,000 job applicants registered for 1,500 job openings.

"Where others are laying off workers, here in Subic, we open doors to applicants!" he enthused.

Within the three years of the Payumo administration, the SBMA has posted a 300-percent increase in employment and has created some 41,513 job opportunities. This figure is higher than the employment peak during the time that the area was a US Navy installation.

Industrial harmony was also enhanced with four more companies joining the growing list of companies that have formed their own Labor-Management Cooperation Council.

Payumo signed a memorandum of agreement yesterday morning with the Chung Nan Textile, Duty Free Superstore, Legend International Resorts, and the Freeport Service Corporation.

Earlier, Payumo signed similar agreements with the Energetic Garments, Winnie’s Garments, and Bayshore General Merchandise and General Services.

Payumo explained that the LMCs will allow the employees and their managers to discuss and try to resolve among themselves whatever issues and problems might crop up in the company before taking them up to a higher level. — Bebot Sison, Benjie Villa