SBMA recognized for its best performance in PSA survey

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) was recognized for its best performance in the 2024 Quarterly Survey of the Philippine Business and Industry (QSPBI) conducted by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).

 SBMA Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño accepted the trophy for bagging the 1^st place in Overall Performance from PSA Zambales Chief Statistical Specialist Norman Bundalian during the flag raising ceremony in front of Administration Building 229 on January 19, 2026.

Aside from the trophy for 1^st place in overall performance, Aliño also accepted Certificates of Recognition for bagging first place in Timeliness, second place in Quality, and a Certificate of Appreciation for the SBMA's "valuable contribution to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) in the conduct of its establishment-based surveys, which generate essential statistics for economic planning and analysis.”

Aliño expressed his appreciation of the awards accorded by the PSA as it indicates that the Agency is on track.

Planning and Development Office (PDO) Acting Department Manager Engr. Lilibeth S. Baza explained that the citation was given following the 2025 Provincial Stakeholders’/ Respondents’ Forum on Establishment-Based Surveys held at the Subic Bay Travelers Hotel in Subic Bay Freeport on January 13, 2026.

Baza said that the survey is a crucial nationwide survey conducted by PSA to collect data on revenue, employment, and compensation for key Philippine industries that support national accounts, economic indicators, and monetary policies to help the government and businesses understand the dynamics of the country's economic performance, which will be a basis for better planning and decision-making.

In the 2024 QSPBI, the Q1 2024 Business Expectations Survey (BES) findings showed optimism for hiring and expansion, especially in manufacturing, while later reports indicated rising capacity utilization by late 2024.

These surveys track key metrics such as employment, investment plans, and production, helping shape national economic policies, and are released periodically by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) and the PSA to complement overall economic growth figures.

Aliño disclosed that some of the 2024 Performance Highlights include the processing of ₱20.63 billion in new investments, a 107.17% increase from the previous year. The number of new investors rose to 159, up from 131 in 2023.

He added that the total workforce rose to 164,400 employees in 2024, reflecting a 4.8% increase. The manufacturing sector was a primary driver, growing from 21,433 workers in 2023 to 27,484 in 2024.

He also said that the SBMA reported total operating revenues of ₱1.706 billion for the full year 2024. The authority also turned over ₱1.465 billion in dividends to the national government based on its 2024 earnings. (MPD-SBMA) 

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SBMA champions 2025 FOI awards among GOCCs

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) emerged as champion in the recently concluded 2025 Freedom of Information (FOI) Awards held at The Bellevue Manila in Alabang, Muntinlupa City, on November 28. 

SBMA bagged the FOI Champion Award in the Government-Owned and –Controlled Corporation (GOCC) category, along with the Philippine Guarantee Corporation (PGC) in the 1^st Runner-Up spot and the Philippine Charity and Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) in the 2nd Runner-Up. 

 

SBMA Office Services Department (OSD) OIC-Manager and FOI Receiving Officer (FRO) Jaime H. Menor, Jr., with his staff FRO Angelo M. Mañalac and FRO Randy D. Canlas, received the award on behalf of SBMA Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño, marking a strong year for transparency and public accountability among government institutions. 

 

Aliño lauded this accolade, noting that it is a meaningful affirmation of the agency’s commitment to openness, proactive information sharing, and active public engagement, and emphasized that transparency remains a cornerstone of effective and democratic governance.

 

Themed, “KALIKASAN: Knowledge Access for Local and International Key Actions on Sustainability, Accountability, and Nature,” the awards ceremony underscored the crucial role of transparent public information in promoting environmental stewardship, good governance, and sustainable development, signifying a strong year for transparency and public accountability among government institutions.

 

Aside from the agency’s award, Canlas was also recognized as one of the Best FOI Receiving Officers in the Philippines, distinguishing himself among frontliners nationwide who ensure efficient, transparent, and citizen-friendly access to public information.

 

The FOI Awards is an annual initiative recognizing outstanding government agencies and individuals who champion transparency and uphold the public’s right to information under the FOI Program. (MPD-SBMA) 

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Subic Freeport’s 10 Outstanding workers in 2025 named

The Search for the Ten Outstanding Freeport Workers of 2025, co-organized by the Subic Bay Workforce Development Foundation, Inc. (SBWDFI) and the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA), hailed its awardees in a ceremony held at the Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center on Wednesday, November 26. 

Now in its 24^th year, this year's recognition rites, themed “Dakila ka, Manggagawa,” centered on the various individual achievements of the honorees who have uplifted this premier Freeport’s reputation as a bastion of commendable employment practices that are achieved through collaboration with industry partners.

 

“Today we celebrate the strength and excellence of the Subic Bay Freeport workforce. The ten Outstanding Freeport Workers embody discipline, professionalism, and dedication—values that drive the continuous growth of our community,” SBWDFI president and SBMA Labor Department manager, Atty. Melvin Varias said. 

 

According to the chairman of the Board of Judges, Philippine National Police-Olongapo City Public Information Officer, P/Lt. Mary Ann Sadaba, the Board received a total of 21 nominations, 12 in the supervisory positions and nine in the rank and file positions, each demonstrating remarkable contributions to the success and growth of the Freeport. Then, “carefully evaluated each candidate based on several key categories.” 

 

The 2025 Ten Outstanding Freeport Workers were Rowena M. Picardal of the Philippine Coastal Storage and Pipeline Corporation; Charrie Mae M. Borja of Allied Care Experts (ACE) Medical Center Baypointe, Inc.; Abraham S. Ayson of Wistron Infocomm (Philippines) Corporation; Darren N. Dacanay of PTT Philippines Corporation; Maureen S. Dela Cruz of PlayAsia Support Subic Ltd. Inc.; Katrina Anne R. Valenzuela of PlayAsia Support Subic Ltd. Inc.; Jenny Y. Dela Cruz of Royal Duty Free Shops, Inc.; Lex Byron D. Magrata of the SBMA Public Relations Department; Alvin A. Dagdagan of the Philippine Coastal Storage and Pipeline Corporation; and Alpha Eris M. Reyes of Allied Care Experts (ACE) Medical Center Baypointe, Inc. 

 

SBMA Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño, who was the guest of honor, also rendered his congratulatory message to the awardees. 

 

“Sa ating mga Outstanding Freeport Workers, you are not just valued. You are essential. Ang inyong talento, dedikasyon at sipag ang nagpapatakbo sa puso ng Subic Bay Freeport Zone,” he added.  

 

He also lauded the SBWDFI, which for 24 years has been honoring individuals who do not simply perform their duties, but uplift industries, inspire peers, and strengthen the very foundation of the community. 

 

The Search for the Ten Outstanding Freeport Workers honors individuals from various Freeport locators for their excellence in their respective fields of expertise and for their significant contributions towards achieving productivity and industrial harmony within the freeport. (MPD-SBMA) 

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SBMA partners honored in 1st Green Anchor Awards

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA), in collaboration with Subic Bay International Terminals (SBITC), honoured its port stakeholders in the first Green Anchor Awards at the ACEA Subic Beach Resort on November 24, 2025.

The Green Anchor Awards is SBMA’s flagship recognition program for its partners in the port and logistics sector. 

Coinciding with the SBMA’s anniversary celebration, the recognition rites honoured companies and organizations for their cargo contributions that drive commerce, sustainable practices that protect the environment, and partnerships that foster a thriving business environment in the Subic Bay Freeport Zone.

“Green Anchor Awards aim to celebrate freeport companies that choose to go beyond compliance; those who innovate, invest, and adapt their operations because they understand that sustainability is not just a requirement, but a responsibility," said SBMA Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño. 

"It is also smart economics as the world moves toward greener value chains, cleaner shipping, circular waste practices, and low-emission operations. The ports that lead in sustainability will be the ones most competitive in the future,” Aliño added.

The Emerald Awards were given to 15 awardees who have made a significant impact through the generation of cargo volume and the reliable delivery of essential goods that sustain communities.

These companies include: San Miguel Foods Corporation; FLS Group Philippines; Worldwide Logistics Group, Philippines; Yokohama Tire Philippines Incorporated; Nestle Philippines Incorporated; Juken Sangyo Philippines Corporation; Philippine Resins Industries Incorporated; HLD Clark Steel Pipe Company Incorporated; Datian Subic Shoes Incorporated; Ecossential Foods Corporation; Maersk Lines Limited; Evergreen Lines; SITC Container Lines; Mediterranean Shipping Company; and CMA-CGM Lines.

The Emerald Special Awards were given to five companies for their exemplary performance in implementing effective programs, strategies, and CSR activities that promote sustainable practices. 

The awardees were Subic Bay Freeport Grains Terminal Services Incorporated; Philippine Coastal Storage and Pipeline Corporation; Pure Petroleum Corporation; Subic Bay International Terminals Corporation- ICTSI Subic Incorporated; and United Auctioneers Incorporated.

Meanwhile, the Partners in Progress Awards were presented to private organizations and government institutions, “whose steadfast collaboration has been instrumental in shaping the Subic Bay Port community.” 

These were the Association of International Shipping Lines Incorporated (AISL); Alliance of Concerned Truck Owners and Organization  (ACTOO); Philippine Chamber of Customs Brokers, Inc. (PCCBI), Subic-Clark Chapter / Brokers Association; Bureau of Customs (BOC) Port of Subic; and the Bureau of Internal Revenue.

According to Senior Deputy Administrator (SDA) for Port Operations Ronnie Yambao, the Green Anchor Awards is a pioneer recognition platform in the country established by a GOCC to celebrate champions of trade growth and sustainability initiatives in support of its vision of a Green Port City. 

“Subic Bay has been blessed with one of the most unique environmental landscapes in the country—waters that sustain marine life, forests that protect biodiversity, and a coastline that continues to drive economic activity. As stewards of this bay, we have a duty to ensure that development does not come at the expense of future generations,” SBMA Chairman Aliño said. 

For his part, SBITC Executive Director Philippe Baudry said, “As a partner of the SBMA in this event, we share SBMA’s vision of a greener Subic Bay and believe collaboration is a key to lasting impact. Our efforts here form part of ICTSI’s (International Container Terminal Services, Inc.) global sustainability. Together, let us continue to anchor our efforts on green practices for the benefit of our communities and future generations.” (MPD-SBMA)

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SBMA honors 175 service awardees

A total of 175 service awardees were honored during the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA)’s 11th Loyalty Awards Ceremony at the Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center on November 17, 2025.

The SBMA Loyalty Awards aim to recognize employees who have served in government for ten years, 15, 20, 25, and 30 years.

The ceremony was graced by Civil Service Commission-Central Office’s Assistant Commissioner for Professionalization and Cooperation Atty. Judith A. Dongallo-Chicano.

“This celebration stands as a testament to your dedication and commitment. We celebrate not only the number of years you have devoted to public service. Each of you has been part of the continuing journey of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority. SBMA stands strong today because of people like you. You have been part of every improvement, every achievement, and every story of progress that defines this institution,” Dongallo-Chicano said.

44 awardees in the ten years of service were recognized, including a posthumous award for an employee who passed away in August 2024; 5 awardees in the 15 years of service; 114 awardees in the 20 years of service; nine awardees in the 25 years of service; and three awardees in the 30 years of service.

Meanwhile, the said awardees, together with the Employee of the Year 2024 finalists, whose awarding ceremony also coincided with the Loyalty Awards ceremony, were accorded a tribute through a grand entrance with the Jose de Piro Kabataan Orchestra, a non-profit organization from Dinalupihan, Bataan.

Nora P. Sevillejo, one of the three awardees in the 30 years of service, delivered her inspirational message expressing heartfelt gratitude to her colleagues and to the SBMA, being her second home for the past three decades.

“I am deeply honored to stand before you today as we celebrate the recipients of the Loyalty Awards. 30 years in service, this recognition holds great significance not just for the individuals receiving it, but for all of us who have had the privilege to work alongside all of you,” Sevillejo said.  

“Loyalty is a value that is built on trust, commitment, and unwavering dedication. It is not measured by time alone, but by the quality of service. The individuals we honor today have demonstrated all these qualities and more. SBMA has been more than just a workplace. It has been a place where I have been able to build a career, and be part of a community,” she added.

Sevillejo recalled she started as a volunteer in the Tourism Department with fellow awardee Judith Stenseth in 1994. She was assigned to the Financial Planning & Budget Department, and the latter to the Treasury Department, after a few months as a volunteer. From then on, Sevillejo has strictly monitored the capital expenditures of SBMA according to rules. (MPD-SBMA)

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MD honored as SBMA's best employee of 2024

A medical doctor received the highest honors as the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) recognized outstanding employees during the Employee of the Year 2024 Awards Ceremony.

Dr. Arlene Cesa of the Support Services Group, a Medical Officer IV and officer-in-charge of the Medical Division of the Public Health and Safety Department, was named SBMA Employee of the Year (EOY) 2024-Category 2 during the awards ceremony held at the Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center (SBECC) on November 17.  

SBMA Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño led the awards ceremony and welcomed guests and awardees to the event.

“Our finalists, chosen through a rigorous process, truly embody what it means to be a breed apart. Employees who go beyond routine, think outside of the box, and serve with creativity, integrity, and compassion. Public service is both a responsibility and an honor. It is not defined by rank nor title, but by the trust we uphold, and the excellence we bring to even the smallest task. Transparency, accountability, and dedication are the values that elevate the ordinary work into extraordinary service,” Aliño said.  

In her acceptance speech, Cesa accepted the award not only for herself as an individual, but for her entire department.

“This is not about one person, but about the whole of Public Health and Safety Group, particularly the Health and Safety Department, in both creation and redemption. When we offer our daily efforts in union with the Lord, our profession becomes more than labor. It becomes a way to sanctify the world,” Cesa said.

“The journey of becoming a health care professional humbles us. We can encounter human sufferings, face our own limitations, and realize we can’t fix everything. And that’s okay. That awareness makes us more approachable, more compassionate, more humane. Humility makes us more humane, and our patients will feel that. Our patients will not only remember our medical knowledge. But they will definitely remember how we made them feel,” Cesa added.

Cesa is well-known in the agency for her calm demeanor towards patients and her colleagues, as she demonstrates a team-player mentality.

In the span of 24 years in the agency, it has been her practice to accommodate patients even when off-duty, stay beyond working hours when needed, and even volunteer as a reliever for her colleagues.

Her bottomless source of energy has pushed several health-related projects to be implemented by the department, such as the quarterly health caravan, which is an information campaign involving SBMA employees and SBF stakeholders alike, as part of the agency's bid to secure certification of ISO 45001:2018, or the Occupational Health and Safety International Standards.

Other contenders in the Category 2 were Julious Macam of the Chairman & Administrator’s Group, Beatrix Anagaran of the Business & Investment Group, Librado Canara, Jr. of the Operations Group, Roderic Grueso of the Public Services Group, and Rossell Abuyo of the Regulatory Group.

Meanwhile, Helen Castillones of the Regulatory Group bagged the EOY 2024 in Category 1.

Catillones holds a Secretary I position in the Ecology Center, and does overall administrative tasks for the department. But she also works in the Policy and Monitoring or Waste Management Division. Despite the tasks at hand, she finished her Bachelor’s Degree in Office Management in August 2024.

She became a finalist for taking charge of the regular recycling day in housing areas in the Subic Freeport in Binictican, Kalayaan and Cubi. She also initiated the department’s digitization of records and trained personnel from the Pastolan Forest Conservation Group on filing and data management.

Other contenders in Category 1 were Grace Encina of the Chairman & Administrator’s Group, Cresencia Maulas of the Business & Investment Group, Marifel Sazon of the Operations Group, Marjorie Anne Tiania of the Public Services Group, and Sheila Mae Mari of the Support Services Group.

The EOY 2024 Awards ceremony was followed by the Loyalty Awards ceremony, where 175 service awardees were recognized, including a posthumous awardee. These awardees include employees who served the agency for ten years, 15 years, 20 years, 25 years, and 30 years. (MPD-SBMA)

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SBF becomes center for business startups with launching of SBMA Business Acceleration Hub, Subic Bay Angel Investor Network

This premier Freeport has become a center for business startup activities with the launching of the SBMA Business Acceleration Hub and the Subic Bay Angel Investor Network at the Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center (SBECC) on October 20, 2025.

During the Dakal Lakad 2025 Demo and Graduation Day, Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Senior Deputy Administrator for Business and Investment Renato Lee III said that launching the two programs establishes Subic Bay Freeport as a center for business startup activities to access investors and strategic partners while expanding innovations beyond the region.

“The project aims to stimulate growth of startups and support them through acceleration with incentives from the SBMA and a business location within the SBFZ. We are also celebrating the graduation of ten startups, coinciding with the launching of the Angel Investor Network,” Lee said.

The SBMA spearheaded the Angel Network Program in compliance with Republic Act No. 11337, or the Innovative Startup Act, which aims to strengthen the local startup ecosystem through a government-led program.

The act provides benefits and incentives for startups and startup enablers thru the Philippine Startup Development Program, managed by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), and Department of Information and Communication Technology (DICT).

“We’re also proud to share that SBMA has already incubated and produced a successful startup from having 2 Business Process Outsourcing or BPO/Accounting Agents to 300 agents today,” Lee said.

Meanwhile, ten of Central Luzon’s most promising startups took center stage at the Dakal Lakad 2025 Demo and Graduation Day. The event was co-organized by the SBMA, SULONG Central Luzon, and the Wadhwani Foundation.

The event marked the culmination of the five-month acceleration program designed to help startups transition from incubation to investment readiness.

The ten startups that graduated during the event include the Tambanokano Aqua Farm, Dayap Philippines, Project Nitriact, Wisdom | The IP Vault Co., Kilala PH, Kloudtech, Ordermo, Hive Energy PH, InnoVSmarter, and Expoxur.

SBMA Chairman and Administrator Engr. Eduardo Jose L. Aliño expressed his gratitude to all partner government agencies and campuses for their keen interest to develop Subic Bay Freeport as a platform to incubate startups, adding that the SBMA will always provide the necessary guidance and support to ensure the growth of businesses in Subic Bay Freeport. 

Other attendees were DICT Region 3 Regional Director Engr. Antonio Edward E. Padre, DTI Region 3 Assistant Regional Director Richard V. Simangan, DOST Pampanga Provincial S&T Director Engr. Mary Michelle M. Quiambao, and Bulacan State University – Main Campus Chancellor Dr. Ruben E. Borja II. (MPD-SBMA)

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SBMA grants ICTSI a 25-year extension of its concession at the Subic Container Terminal

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) has granted the subsidiaries of International Container Terminal Services, Inc. (ICTSI) permission to extend the operation of the New Container Terminals (NCTs) for another 25 years. 

The Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) was signed at the ACEA Subic Beach Resort in Subic Bay Freeport on October 3, 2025, for the “25-year Extension of Contract for the Operation and Management of the NCT.” 

SBMA Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño stated that the ICTSI subsidiaries, Subic Bay International Terminals Corp. (SBITC) and ICTSI Subic Inc. (ISI), will continue to operate and manage the New Container Terminals 1 and 2 (NCT-1 and NCT-2).

Aliño and ICTSI Executive Vice President Christian Gonzalez both signed the MOA, witnessed by SBITC Vice Chairman Juan Miguel Delgado and SBMA Director Honorio Allado III. The MOA will enable the SBITC and ICTSI to operate and manage NCT-1 and NCT-2 until 2058. 

SBITC plans to invest over USD$130 million in civil infrastructure and additional equipment as part of its investment and development plan under the extended concession. 

These will include the replacement of the terminal’s four existing quay cranes and acquisition of one additional quay crane, increasing the total to five, as well as the integration of more hybrid rubber-tired gantry (RTG) cranes. 

According to Gonzalez, these investments will further enhance terminal capabilities, boost operational efficiency, and increase the combined annual capacity of NCT-1 and NCT-2 from 600,000 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) to one million TEUs.

“We are thankful to SBMA for trusting us and treating us as the right partner to continue until 2058. Across all the 30-plus terminals we operate around the world, no matter how difficult the place, no matter how challenging, the one thing that represents the trust in ICTSI and the partnership with the local authorities–the government and the regulators–is seeing your contract extended,” he added. 

The NCT serves as a critical international shipping gateway for industries in Central and Northern Luzon, including the economic zones of Subic and Clark. Part of the expansion and upgrades includes the SBITC’s increase in reefer plug capacity to 1,000 by the end of 2025 to support cold chain logistics.

Recent additions to its fleet include near-zero emission (NZE) rubber-tired gantry cranes, tractors, and trailers to improve terminal efficiency. Plans are also underway to automate gate operations by early 2026 and implement a new digital platform for online payments and truck appointments. (MPD-SBMA) 

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SBMA, BOC sign MOU to regulate admission of recyclable non-hazmat in SBF

Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) and the Bureau of Customs (BOC)-Port of Subic signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that will regulate the admission of recyclable non-hazardous materials inside this Freeport.

SBMA Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño and BOC-Port of Subic District Collector Noel C. Estanislao signed the MOU that will boost the recycling sector in the freeport, at the Corporate Boardroom of the Administration Building here on October 2, 2025.

“This agreement will not only ensure proper regulation of recyclable non-hazardous materials, but also enhance our shared efforts to safeguard our borders, protect the environment, and support legitimate industries within the Freeport,” Estanislao said. 

The MOU stipulates that the SBMA has formulated the Proposed Guidelines relative to the Admission of Non-Hazardous Materials, in line with the Freeport’s policies and regulations, and to facilitate the admission of goods and operations in the recycling industry.

The MOU also states that both agencies will coordinate and collaborate to ensure the smooth, transparent, compliant, and efficient conduct of recycling operations, exchange of information on the recycling industry, and provision of capacity building initiatives for SBMA and BOC personnel, as well as registered SBFZ recyclers, to ascertain proper understanding of policies and guidelines.

A policy review will also be conducted to periodically assess and evaluate its applicability and propose recommendations as needed, to rectify and address operational gaps and challenges, and changing circumstances.

Aliño expressed his gratitude to the BOC Port of Subic for the unwavering commitment to nation-building, citing that the collaboration between government agencies and the private sector is necessary in attracting more businesses while protecting the environment.

Recyclable non-hazardous materials are identified as common waste items such as paper, cardboard, metals (cans), glass (bottles and jars), and certain plastics (such as pet bottles) that generally do not pose a significant threat to human health or the environment. 

While generally safe, proper sorting and cleaning of these materials are essential to prevent contamination and ensure they can be processed for reuse, thereby conserving resources and reducing landfill waste, which eventually benefit the environment.

Senior Deputy Administrator for Regulatory Amethya Dela Llana said that the Subic Bay Freeport has 12 companies in the recycling industry, with four other companies eyeing to set up their businesses here. 

Dela Llana added that the SBMA regularly conducts Recyclables Collection Events (RCEs) and weekly recycling initiatives to collect these materials for recycling and upcycling, the proceeds of which support charities like ABS-CBN Lingkod Kapamilya Foundation.

Prior to the MOU signing, a public hearing was held at the Subic Bay Yacht Club where locators were presented with Proposed Guidelines, Implementing Procedures, Liquidation reports, and Basis of Fines and Penalties in the Admission of Non-Hazardous Materials in the SBFZ. (MPD-SBMA) 

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SBMA, HPG to establish motor vehicle clearance office in Subic Freeport

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) and the Philippine National Police-Highway Patrol Group (PNP-HPG) will be working on establishing a Motor Vehicle Clearance Division (MVCD) inside this premier Freeport.

SBMA Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño said that the creation of the MVCD satellite office will safeguard the Freeport from the illegal exit of unregistered vehicles

Aliño signed the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with Lt. Col. Jansky Andrew S. Jaafar, Officer-In-Charge of the PNP-HPG’s MVCD on September 29, 2025 at the SBMA administration building.

According to Jaafar, the MVCD is a unit within the Philippine National Police (PNP) that is responsible for issuing motor vehicle clearances, which are primarily required for the transfer of ownership of used vehicles to ensure they are not stolen or involved in criminal activities.

The MVCD office will process and issue Motor Vehicle Clearance Certificates (MVCC) as required by the Land Transportation Office (LTO) for all vehicles to the general public.

The satellite office will also maintain a database called the Vehicle Information Management System (VIMS) that records or lists alarmed or stolen vehicles. The office will notify the SBMA of an alarmed or stolen motor vehicle, especially when it is being registered under a Subic Bay Freeport locator or resident.

Chairman Aliño said that the creation of the MVCD satellite office will offer added protection by safeguarding the freeport from unscrupulous individuals who plan to use the area to register alarmed or stolen vehicles.

“The SBMA is more than willing to work hand-in-hand with other government agencies in ensuring the safety and security within and around the Subic Bay Freeport Zone, and deter people from conducting illegal activities in the area,” he added. (MPD-SBMA) 

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3rd Central Luzon Sustainable Tourism Summit in Subic Bay Freeport concluded

This premier Freeport recently concluded the 3rd Central Luzon Sustainable Tourism Summit at the Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center (SBECC) last September 12, 2025.

Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño lauded organizers and participants for the resounding success of the three-day event, which ran from September 10 to 12, 2025.

 

Themed “Building Green Legacies: Sustaining Nature, Celebrating Culture, and Empowering Industry,” the summit was well-attended by business leaders and communities who plan to shape the Freeport and the rest of Central Luzon into a greener, more inclusive future.

 

Aliño gave his presentation on “Sustainable Subic: Tracking the Race to Zero,” which discussed the plight of Subic Bay Freeport’s bid to become the first carbon-neutral economic zone in the country.

 

He said that the agency’s first move was to map out the SBMA’s pathway to carbon neutrality, which entailed turning over of solar-assisted electric vehicle charging stations for the e-buses, and regular community-based projects and activities such as coastal cleanups and collecting recyclables.

 

“We aim to make sustainable Subic stakeholder engagements, initiatives, and activities like these a way of life here in Subic Bay,” he added.

 

During the summit, distinguished guests namely, Senator Joseph Victor Ejercito, Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Maria Esperanza Frasco, DOT Director for Office of Film and Sports Tourism and concurrent OIC Region IV-B Director Roberto P. Alabado III, DOT Region III Director Richard G. Daenos, Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Region III Executive Director Engr. Ralph C. Pablo, all expressed their full support for the summit.

 

The three-day activity included a trade expo of local products, various ecotours of “green” destinations, and lectures on “Heritage Conservation: Living Traditions in the Modern World” by UP Cebu’s Dr. Laya B. Gonzales, and “From Relics to Relevance: Museum as Custodians of Archeology, History, and Heritage for Sustainable Development” by National Museum of the Philippines Dr. Michael P. Canilao.

 Also, a lecture on “Green Infrastructure: Designing Cities that Breathe” was given by Philippine Green Building Initiative Arch. Michaela Rosette M. Santos-Tayag, followed by “From Plate to Planet: Food waste, Recycling and the Power of Segregation” by Zed Avecilla of the Philippine Alliance for Recycling and Materials Sustainability (PARMS), Rina Papio and Nikki Sevilla of the Philippine Alliance for Sustainable Solutions (PASS).

 

The summit wrapped up with more lectures from Philippine Institute for Development Studies Dr. John Paulo Rivera on “Youth in Sustainability: Shaping tomorrow’s Green Leaders” and “Sustainable Tourism: Protecting Underwater Cultural Wonders while Welcoming the World” by National Museum of the Philippines Curator Bobby Orillaneda.

 

The entire event was highlighted by the Sustainable Tourism Appreciation and Recognition (STAR) Awards to honor champions of sustainability in the tourism industry. (MPD-SBMA)

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SBMA Port Operations surpasses ₱1B year-on-year revenue generation

The Port Operations of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) under the leadership of SBMA Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño surpassed its year-on-year performance in terms of revenue generation, achieving ₱1.023 billion from January to July of 2025.

SBMA Senior Deputy Administrator (SDA) for Port Operations Ronnie R. Yambao stated that the amount also represents a 4.8 percent increase compared to the ₱976 million in revenue recorded during the same period in 2024.

Yambao added that this revenue milestone is attributed to the 18 percent increase in importation of containerized cargoes of assorted food products and agricultural products, as well as a 2.6 percent increase in exportation of containerized cargoes.

 

He also noted the increase in cargo handling services due to the surge of non-containerized cargo (dry bulk) such as rice, which is up by 437 percent, and timber, which is up by 18 percent. This also includes payment of SBMA shares from joint venture partners, cargo handling, and miscellaneous tariff adjustments, as well as efficient management of port operations.

 

By the end of the year, the agency is projecting ₱1.75 billion in revenue earnings, which is 2.77 percent higher than the ₱1.706 billion earned in 2024.

 

“This will be realized by the policies approved by the SBMA Board of Directors, increasing trade volume growth through aggressive global and domestic marketing campaigns and creating alliances with local and international ports around the world,” Yambao said.

 

The Port Operations has committed to generating ₱3 billion in revenues by 2030, and ₱10 billion by 2050, taking advantage of the national government’s thrust to bolster high-impact investments through the Luzon Economic Corridor (LEC) by port expansion projects and other Green Initiatives.

 

“In fact, the Government has already appropriated ₱100-million budget to procure Shore Power Connection Facility in this premier port, coupled by the DOTR’s aggressive support in the implementation of the Subic-Clark-Manila-Batangas Railway Project with the assistance of the USAID and other financing institutions,” he added.

 

The Port Operations team under Ronnie Yambao, Senior Deputy Administrator for Operations, is led by Atty. Martin Kristoffer Roman, Deputy Administrator for Ports, with Engr. Zharrex Santos, General Manager of the Subic Bay International Airport (SBIA), Jerome M. Martinez, General Manager of the Seaport Department, and Joy Quito, Officer-in-Charge of the Trade Facilitation and Compliance Department (TFCD). (MPD-SBMA)

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