The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) has partnered with key government agencies to establish the Inter-Agency Task Force for Maritime Incidents and Emergency Response (IATF-MIER), aiming to enhance the management of environmental emergencies in the freeport.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the task force was signed on November 21 at the SBMA Administration Building. Signatories include the SBMA, Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), Bureau of Customs (BOC), PNP Maritime Group, and the National Mapping and Resource Information Authority (NAMRIA).
SBMA Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño said the initiative addresses the need for coordinated action following recent oil spills along Bataan’s coastline, which have affected marine ecosystems and local livelihoods.
“The IATF-MIER employs a whole-of-government approach, leveraging the expertise of member agencies to prevent and manage maritime incidents effectively,” Aliño said. He added that the task force will also conduct awareness campaigns in coastal communities to improve incident prevention and emergency response.
Enhanced Equipment and Future Investments
Senior Deputy Administrator for Port Operations Ronnie Yambao announced that SBMA’s Seaport Department has already procured vital oil spill response equipment, including a 416-liter sopep oil spill kit, foam-filled oil spill booms, and PCG-certified dispersants.
In 2025, the department plans to invest ₱100 million in installing oil spill equipment at key port terminals, including the Naval Supply Depot, Ship Repair Facility, Boton, and New Container Terminal. The upgrades aim to bolster IATF-MIER’s capacity to address environmental emergencies.
U.S. Embassy Donates Monitoring Equipment
The United States Embassy in Manila has contributed six Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) equipped with Starlink Mobile Internet to enhance SBMA’s monitoring and response capabilities. The Deed of Donation was signed alongside the MOU.
Aliño thanked the embassy for its support, noting that the drones will serve both the Subic Freeport and other areas requiring emergency assistance. “Comprehensive training provided by the U.S. Embassy ensures the effective use of this technology,” he added.
The establishment of IATF-MIER and the equipment donation were highlights of SBMA’s 32nd anniversary celebrations.
