Local governments to provide aid to workers of burned factory in Subic Freeport
A community united is a community that can never be divided. This saying is evident when both the government and the private sector work together to lift each other up during times of hardships, especially that the Yuletide Season is near.
For the 4,700 employees whose workplace was recently gutted down by fire at the Xantheng Building Phase 2 inside the Subic Bay Gateway Park in Subic Bay Freeport, this coming holiday will be harder for them as the fire prompted a work stoppage.
With only a few weeks left before Christmas, these workers are certainly in need of help. Their company is currently doing everything they can to get the factories back up and running.
The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) is also providing every help they can provide to Subic investors, and ensure that these companies who hire hundreds of employees would continue with their work here.
The agency has already extended assistance such as providing temporary staging, storage and relocation areas for incoming shipments and shipping containers schedule to arrive from overseas, since most of the warehouses were cordoned off or inaccessible due to the fire. This will prevent the company from incurring heavy demurrage charges.
Local government units are also rallying to help employees who were afflicted with the fire, with Zambales First District Representative Jefferson Khonghun leading the charge by coordinating with the SBMA in providing the list of the employees.
According to Congressman Khonghun, his office is currently preparing financial aid to the employees, adding that the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) will start the validation to ensure every one of the employees is provided with the assistance.
“Nakikipag-ugnayan na rin tayo sa DOLE National upang makapaghatid ng karagdagang tulong sa mga naapektuhan. Sa gitna ng pagsubok, kasama ninyo kami,” he said.
The Olongapo City Government is also preparing to provide assistance to the workers, calling for all the employees of the companies to go to the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) at the City Hall to get financial assistance.
Mayor Rolen Paulino Jr. has urged the affected employees to bring a Xerox copy and original copy of their current company ID and another government issued ID to show that they are from Olongapo City, and will cross match with the official list of employees.
“Tatanggapin po ang inyong mga dokumento simula ngayong araw (November 11, 2026) hanggang sa November 19, 2026. Maraming salamat po at pag pasensiyahan nyo na ang tulong para makausad kayo ng kaunti kahit papaano matapos ang nangyari sa inyong trabaho,” he said.
To recall, a huge fire engulfed the Philippines Jinboway Technology Ltd. Corporation factory inside Subic Gateway Park Phase II at the Subic Bay Freeport Zone on 4 November 2026, affecting around 4,700 workers in the process.