Speaking before stakeholders at the Build Better More Infrastructure Forum held at the New Clark City (NCC), in Capas, Tarlac, SBMA Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño said that the agency aims to complete these infrastructure projects by 2028.
Environmentally friendly and cost efficient service
“On top of our list
is our initiative to become the first Philippine port equipped with shore power
connection for ships. By 2028, we look to complete the project and deploy the
shore power facility that looks to reduce the air pollution from ships by 95%.
The project cost is around P250 million.”
The Shore Power Connection for Carbon Neutral Ports project will start construction at the New Container Terminal in 2025 for Phase 1, and at the Naval Supply Depot (NSD) and Ship Repair Facility (SRF) from 2026-2027 for Phase 2.
“This will provide shoreside electrical power to a ship at berth while its main and auxiliary engines are shut down. Shore power cuts air pollution from ships at berth by 95 percent,” he said.
The project cost will be under the General Appropriations Act (GAA) of the National Government for 2025, which will be around P100-million for Phase 1 and P150-million for Phase 2.
Logistics facility for trucks
“To ensure that the
growth in cargo will not lead to road congestion, we are now in the process of
constructing a state-of-the-art truck holding area in our Tipo area. The
project will include automated gates, optical plate scanners and amenities for
truck drivers and clients. The project will cost around P100 million and will
be completed by 2028,” Aliño said.
The Logistics Facility for Trucking Services will provide a holding area that can accommodate 100 trucks and vehicles. The construction of parking areas with amenities for cargo trucks and trailers will also be undertaken.
Housing projects inside the Freeport
Meanwhile, the
Socialized Housing Program of the SBMA is under President Marcos Jr.’s Pambansang
Pabahay para sa Pilipino Housing (4PH) Program and will cost P2-billion. The
project is in partnership with the Department of Human Settlements and Urban
Development (DHSUD).
The area where the
housing project will be constructed is at lots 70-B Rizal Highway Ext., Central
Business District, Subic Bay Freeport Zone.
“This housing project will significantly improve the living conditions of approximately 1,300 low-income families by providing them with access to decent and safe housing units that are conveniently located near major employment hubs,” Aliño said.
A plan to build dormitories for Freeport workers is also in the works, as Aliño cited that these dormitories will be built close to industrial centers and techno parks. According to the chairman, this will save companies and workers finances, while reducing the number of vehicles and commuters on the road. The project will have a budget of P960 million and will be completed by 2028.
Subic as a Smart City
“We are also
embarking on the Subic Bay Smart City project, in which two of the main
components include the installation of additional CCTV surveillance and traffic
cameras. Subic Freeport is known to have some of the most disciplined drivers
and pedestrians in the country mainly due to the strict implementation of
traffic rules and regulations,” he added.
“The cost for these upgrades will be P224 million and we hope to complete them by the end of 2026.”
Skills Training
As part of the
Marcos Jr. administration’s thrust to upskill Filipino workers, the Agency also
plans to build the SBMA Center for Excellence that will boost the skills of the
Freeport workers here.
Aliño said that
this is to ensure the sustainability of the industries here.
“We understand that we need to continue to develop the competencies and talents of our workforce. A workforce capable of adapting and providing the needs of our vast industries,” he added.
The P21-million training facility aims to enhance the competitiveness of the 154,120 workforce of the Freeport thru technical education and skills development offered by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA). (MPD-SBMA)
