Subic Bay Freeport Students Win Grand Prize at World Robot Olympiad

Three senior high school students from Regional Science High School III (RSHS III) have taken their healthcare innovation from a classroom inside the Subic Bay Freeport to the international stage, winning the Grand Prize – WRO STEM Entrepreneur Award at the World Robot Olympiad (WRO) Asia Pacific Open Championship 2026 in Hyderabad, India.

John Lee Bacoco, Ahmika Julia Reyes, and Katarina Sening Parungao won for Project CARED (Clinical Automation and Evaluation Device), a robotic healthcare solution designed to automate routine patient monitoring and reduce repetitive work for nurses.

The RSHS III team was one of four co-equal winners of the inaugural WRO STEM Entrepreneur Program, which brought together 20 student teams from 13 countries and challenged them to pitch their innovations to entrepreneurs, investors and industry leaders.

Unlike conventional robotics competitions that focus primarily on technical performance, the new program asked students to demonstrate the practical value of their ideas and consider how their projects could move toward real-world application.

A solution built around a real problem

CARED was developed after the students engaged with nurses, patients and volunteers to better understand the challenges faced in healthcare settings. The team subsequently tested the system in community health centers and school clinics and refined the project based on user feedback.

The students said their motivation came from seeing the exhaustion and heavy workloads experienced by nurses in the Philippines. CARED seeks to help address some of the repetitive tasks involved in patient monitoring while integrating several functions into a single system.

That user-centered approach became an important part of the team's international pitch, where they had to explain not only how their technology worked, but also why it could matter beyond a robotics competition.

Four countries, four ideas

Team CARED shared the top award with three other student teams representing Italy, India and South Korea.

Italy's Mini-Ibot Innovators developed a tactile art tablet intended to help blind and visually impaired people create and experience art through touch and sound.

India's Navrachana Vidyani developed a robotic firefighting system designed to detect and respond to fires while helping keep people away from hazardous environments.

South Korea's Why Combinator presented a sensor-glove system designed to generate training data for robots and physical artificial intelligence through everyday human interactions.

The four winning teams each received US$5,000 in project funding and six months of industry mentoring to further develop their respective projects.

From Subic Bay to the world

For RSHS III and the Subic Bay Freeport community, the achievement is a notable demonstration of what young STEM innovators can accomplish when classroom learning is connected to real-world challenges.

Bacoco, Reyes and Parungao have moved through a remarkable progression—from identifying a healthcare problem, to developing and testing a robotic solution, to pitching it before an international panel of industry experts.

Their WRO recognition now gives them an opportunity to take CARED into its next stage, with funding and mentorship to help further develop the project.

From a classroom inside the Subic Bay Freeport to an international robotics and entrepreneurship platform in Hyderabad, Project CARED has shown that innovation can start young—and start right here in Subic. (SNL)

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From Subic to the World: RSHS III Students Take Filipino Robotics Innovation to International Stage

Three young innovators from the Regional Science High School III are bringing a homegrown robotics solution from the Subic Bay Freeport to the international stage after earning a slot in the inaugural WRO STEM Entrepreneur Program in Hyderabad, India.

Senior high school students John Lee Bacoco, 16, Ahmika Julia Reyes, 15, and Katarina Sening Parungao, 16, make up Project CARED, one of 20 student robotics teams from 13 countries selected to participate in the pioneering program organized by the World Robot Olympiad (WRO) Association in collaboration with Aramco.

The international program, set for September 28, 2026, gives student innovators a unique opportunity to pitch their robotics solutions not simply to competition judges, but to a panel of entrepreneurs, investors and industry leaders.

For the young Subic-based innovators, the opportunity puts their work—and their vision—on a much larger platform.

A robot designed with healthcare workers in mind

Project CARED is a robotic solution designed to reduce nurses' repetitive workload by integrating patient-monitoring tools into a single system.

The team developed the concept through direct engagement with potential users. After interviewing nurses, patients, and volunteers, the students tested CARED in community health centers and school clinics and refined the system based on feedback from the people who would ultimately use it.

Their approach reflects an important aspect of innovation: developing technology not simply for the sake of technology, but in response to an actual community need.

“We have seen how exhaustion and heavy workloads affect nurses in the Philippines. That is why we are excited to present CARED to industry professionals who may be interested in helping us bring it closer to real-world use,” said Parungao, who oversees the project's design and functionality.

From the classroom to the entrepreneurial world

The WRO STEM Entrepreneur Program introduces a different dimension to robotics competitions by asking students to demonstrate not only the technical merits of their projects, but also their ability to communicate the problem they are addressing, explain the value of their solution, and respond to questions from industry professionals.

According to WRO, the program is intended to help bridge the gap between technical skills and real-world innovation by giving students firsthand experience in how ideas are evaluated and developed in the commercial world.

Four teams participating in the program will receive a share of a US$20,000 award pool, together with a six-month mentorship opportunity from industry experts to further develop their projects.

Project CARED's inclusion among the 20 international teams therefore represents more than participation in another robotics competition. It allows three young Filipino innovators to test their ideas in an environment that mirrors the early stages of real-world technology entrepreneurship.

A proud moment for Subic's STEM community

For the Subic Bay Freeport, the achievement of the RSHS III students highlights the growing potential of young people in the community to contribute to science, technology, and innovation.

From their classrooms in Subic, Bacoco, Reyes, and Parungao, students have developed a solution addressing a real-world healthcare challenge and are now preparing to present it before an international audience of industry leaders.

Their journey demonstrates how STEM education can move beyond textbooks and laboratories—allowing students to identify problems, engage with communities, build solutions, and explore how those solutions might eventually create meaningful impact.

As Project CARED heads to Hyderabad, the three students will carry with them not only their robotic innovation but also the creativity and ingenuity of young Filipino innovators from Subic. (SNL)

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Strong Economic Ties Between the Philippines and Greece with MOU between SBMA and HABC

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) and the Hellenic ASEAN Business Council (HABC) have formalized a strategic partnership through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to enhance economic cooperation and growth between Greece and the Philippines.

The MOU was signed on 17 September 2026 at Building 225 in Subic Bay Freeport by SBMA Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño and HABC Chairman Nick Stasinopoulos. The agreement aims to promote bilateral trade, investment, tourism, logistics, maritime cooperation, infrastructure development, and sustainable economic growth, leveraging active engagement from both private sectors and institutional partners.

This collaboration will spotlight investment opportunities within the Subic Bay Freeport Zone (SBFZ) and facilitate business matching, trade delegations, and commercial ventures in key sectors. Specific areas of focus include shipbuilding, ship repair, port operations, logistics, marine maintenance, tourism, cruise terminal development, and waterfront enhancements.

“Subic Bay has evolved into one of the Philippines’ premier investment and economic hubs,” said Aliño. “We are proud to welcome HABC and the broader Hellenic business community as partners in this promising new chapter. This agreement represents a shared commitment to fostering enduring ties that will benefit both our nations for years to come.”

Stasinopoulos emphasized the significance of the pact, noting, “Today’s signing marks a vital milestone in strengthening the relationship between Greece and the Philippines. Our partnership builds on ongoing dialogues, visits, and direct exchanges between both sides.”

Highlighting the maritime sector’s role, he added, “The synergy between our countries is undeniable — Greece is home to the world’s largest maritime communities, while the Philippines is a key contributor to the global maritime workforce. Subic Bay has emerged as a crucial maritime and economic hub, integrating port operations, logistics, manufacturing, and investment.”

The HABC chairman outlined the council’s objectives under the agreement: “We aim to facilitate greater exchanges between Greek and Philippine maritime stakeholders, identify mutual investment opportunities, foster business partnerships, and encourage the sharing of knowledge and expertise.” 

Five companies have already expressed interest in investing within the SBFZ, including ERMA Tech Group, a global leader in sustainable maritime technologies specializing in decarbonization, water and wastewater treatment, and marine equipment solutions. 

Also among the interested investors is Fontanakis Ship Repair, a Piraeus-based Greek company specializing in ship repairs, dry-docking services, engineering studies, and yacht building and restoration.

In addition, SBMA plans to collaborate with the Hellenic Port Association (HPA) to exchange best practices that will enhance cooperation and elevate the international profile of both countries’ port systems. 

The HPA represents 26 major Greek port entities, encompassing all 13 Port Authorities and 13 Port Funds. It coordinates national port policy, promotes industry best practices, and advocates for Greece’s maritime interests on the global stage. Headquartered in Piraeus, the association serves as the unified voice of the Greek port sector. (MPD-SBMA)

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Subic Bay Eyes International Tennis, Golf Events as Sports Tourism Revival Takes Shape

Subic Bay is setting its sights on a return to the international sporting stage, with the proposed hosting of a Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) tournament and the 2027 Philippine Ladies Golf Open Championship forming part of efforts to revitalize the Freeport’s sports facilities and establish it as a premier sports tourism destination.

The proposed initiatives are being pursued by the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) and the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) in partnership with national sports organizations and private-sector stakeholders.

At the heart of the initiative is the planned rehabilitation of the Subic Bay Sports Complex, which could once again welcome major national and international sporting events.

Subic Sets Its Sights on WTA Tennis

One of the most promising opportunities is the potential staging of a WTA tournament in Subic Bay.

During a recent visit to the Freeport, PSC Chairman John Patrick Gregorio toured the Subic Bay Sports Complex, which includes the historic Remy Field, a 2,000-seat gymnasium, four covered tennis courts, a beach volleyball court, and a 25-meter swimming pool.

The tennis facilities, in particular, could provide the foundation for bringing international women's professional tennis to Subic, subject to the proposed upgrading of the courts and the necessary requirements for hosting a WTA event.

Philippine Tennis Association Secretary General and Navotas City Mayor John Rey Tiangco, who joined the PSC delegation during the visit, highlighted the potential of the upgraded facilities.

“With the proposed upgrade of the tennis courts, Subic can host a WTA tournament that will bring in fans and federations, much like Manila’s successful staging of the WTA 125 earlier this year. This will be a game-changer for Subic in terms of fan engagement and global recognition,” Tiangco said.

For Subic Bay, the prospect of hosting professional women's tennis would provide more than an opportunity to stage high-level competition. It could bring international athletes, coaches, officials, fans, and tennis organizations into the Freeport while introducing Subic to a broader global sporting audience.

The proposed initiative also builds on Subic's established experience in hosting sporting events and its existing tourism infrastructure, creating opportunities to combine competitive sport with leisure, recreation, and tourism.

Revitalizing a Sporting Legacy

Subic Bay already has a long history as a sports destination.

The Freeport has regularly hosted triathlon events and served as a venue during the 2019 and 2025 Southeast Asian Games.

However, several of its sports facilities have seen limited international use in recent years.

The proposed rehabilitation of the Subic Bay Sports Complex aims to change that.

SBMA Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño emphasized that upgrading the facilities would benefit not only athletes and sporting events, but also the wider community and the Freeport's tourism economy.

“Upgrading these facilities is essential, not only to attract athletes and fans but also to encourage people to embrace a healthy lifestyle and invest in Subic as a sports and tourism destination,” Aliño said.

The rehabilitation initiative is therefore envisioned not simply as an infrastructure project, but as an investment in Subic's long-term potential as a destination for sports, tourism, and recreation.

International Golf Returns to the Spotlight

Alongside the tennis initiative, Subic Bay is also preparing to welcome an important international golf event.

During Gregorio's visit, the PSC delegation proceeded to the Subic International Golf Club (SIGC) to discuss preparations for the 2027 Philippine Ladies Golf Open Championship, scheduled for February.

Gregorio was joined by Tiangco, PSC Chief of Staff Loujaye Sonido, and golf tournament organizer Migs Almeda for discussions with SIGC President/Chief Operating Officer Rei Miyamoto, General Manager Delnar De Vera, Executive Vice President Narumi Atarashi, and SBMA Director Honorio “Yuri” Allado.

The PSC, SBMA, and SIGC are exploring a three-year partnership with the National Golf Association of the Philippines to host the tournament, which is expected to bring leading women golfers from across Asia to Subic Bay.

The championship would provide another opportunity to showcase Subic as an international sports destination while generating activity for the Freeport's tourism, hospitality, dining, transportation, and other service sectors.

Sports Tourism as a New Growth Opportunity

The proposed tennis and golf events form part of a broader vision for sports tourism in Subic Bay.

International sporting events can generate activity well beyond the venues themselves. Athletes, coaches, officials, spectators, media, and sports organizations create demand for accommodation, dining, transportation, recreation, and other tourism-related services.

Subic's existing combination of sports facilities, hotels, restaurants, commercial establishments, natural attractions, and accessibility provides a strong foundation for developing this market.

The strategy also complements the Freeport's existing tourism offerings, allowing visitors to experience Subic not only as a destination for leisure and adventure but also as a venue for world-class sporting competition.

A Partnership for Subic's Sporting Future

The PSC and SBMA are set to pursue the rehabilitation of Subic's sports facilities through government support and partnerships, with the goal of restoring the Subic Bay Sports Complex and preparing it for future competitions.

For the PSC, the initiative is consistent with its continuing efforts to work with local government units and government agencies in restoring and completing sports facilities across the country.

In Subic, that partnership could help bring renewed life to facilities that have played an important role in the Freeport's sporting history.

“The PSC is committed to delivering on its promise. Hosting international tournaments is not just about upgrading facilities, it’s about uplifting the entire community, inspiring athletes, and showcasing the Philippines as a world-class sports destination,” Gregorio said.

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U.S. companies eye investment opportunities in Subic, Luzon Economic Corridor

Representatives from approximately 50 U.S. companies have expressed strong interest in exploring investment opportunities within the Luzon Economic Corridor (LEC), with Subic Bay serving as a key destination for businesses seeking strategic opportunities in logistics and related industries.

The visiting delegation, led by Thomas R. Hardy, Deputy Director and Chief Operating Officer of the U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA), took part in the Luzon Economic Corridor Investment Forum held at the Best Western Hotel, Subic Bay Freeport on September 11, 2026.

The delegation included not only American businesses but also representatives from international companies, development partners, and major financial institutions interested in exploring opportunities within the Subic Bay Freeport and the broader LEC region.

Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño, together with other SBMA officials, welcomed the delegates and facilitated engagements with Freeport stakeholders, including representatives from the Subic Bay International Terminal Corporation (SBITC) and other investors.

The visit provided an opportunity for the participating companies to engage directly with Freeport stakeholders through business-to-business (B2B) discussions, address their inquiries, and gain a closer understanding of the investment opportunities available in Subic.

"As the host of the Subic leg of the LEC Investment Forum, this delegation has a unique opportunity to participate in meaningful B2B discussions, tour Subic Freeport, and explore avenues for deepening economic integration across the Luzon Economic Corridor,” Aliño said.

He encouraged the visiting companies to explore investment opportunities, identify potential areas for collaboration, and consider how their participation could contribute to the success of the LEC initiative.

Subic's strategic role in the Luzon Economic Corridor

Sponsored by the USTDA, the Subic leg of the investment forum highlights the Freeport's important role in the foundational tripartite partnership among the Philippines, the United States, and Japan that drives the LEC.

Since its establishment, the LEC partnership has expanded to include Australia, Canada, Denmark, France, Italy, South Korea, Sweden, and the United Kingdom, reflecting growing international interest in the corridor and its potential to support investment, connectivity, and economic growth.

For Subic Bay, the expanding partnership presents an opportunity to further leverage its strategic location and established infrastructure as a gateway for international trade and investment.

“This is excellent news for Subic Bay as a critical western maritime gateway and strategic logistics hub, connecting major centers such as Clark, Manila, and Batangas,” Aliño said.

He added that the growing interest underscores SBMA's commitment to advancing infrastructure, enhancing supply chain resilience, and attracting technology investments within the corridor.

Strengthening investment connections

The presence of the U.S. and international business delegation in Subic also underscores the importance of direct engagement between investors and Freeport stakeholders.

Through the B2B discussions and the opportunity to tour the Subic Bay Freeport, prospective investors were able to explore potential business opportunities and gain firsthand insight into the Freeport's role within the broader Luzon Economic Corridor.

For SBMA, such engagements are an important part of building stronger connections between the Freeport and international investors, while positioning Subic Bay as a strategic location for businesses seeking opportunities in logistics, infrastructure, technology, and other industries supported by the LEC.

As the Luzon Economic Corridor continues to attract growing interest from international partners, Subic Bay is positioning itself at the western end of the corridor as a strategic maritime gateway and logistics hub—ready to welcome new investments and forge stronger economic partnerships with the global business community. (SNL)

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US Support for Subic Port Expansion Strengthens Luzon Economic Corridor

Manila - Subic Bay Freeport is poised to play an even greater role in the development of the Luzon Economic Corridor (LEC), as the United States announced support for the improvement of its key port facilities during the recent LEC Investment Forum in Taguig City.

The U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) announced that its support will help expand berth and dry-dock capacity for ship repairs in Subic Bay, reinforcing the Freeport’s position as a strategic maritime and logistics hub within the Luzon Economic Corridor.

The announcement was made by USTDA head Thomas Hardy during the investment forum on September 10, 2026, which brought together more than 600 investors, industry leaders, and government officials to promote private-sector investment and commercial partnerships across transportation, energy, digital infrastructure, and advanced manufacturing.

“These activities represent very different sectors, but they share a common purpose: attracting investment into high-quality infrastructure projects while creating opportunities for trusted partners and technologies to contribute to the Philippines' growth,” Hardy said.

Strengthening Subic’s maritime capabilities

The planned expansion of berth and dry-dock capacity is particularly significant for the Subic Bay Freeport, where ship repair and maritime services form an important part of the area's industrial and logistics ecosystem.

Additional capacity for ship repair can help position Subic to accommodate more vessels and larger-scale maritime activities, while supporting the development of related industries and services within the Freeport.

For the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA), the USTDA announcement further highlights the strategic importance of Subic Bay in strengthening the country's maritime infrastructure and supply chains.

The development also aligns closely with the objectives of the Luzon Economic Corridor, a partnership among the Philippines, the United States, and Japan aimed at accelerating investments that improve connectivity, strengthen supply chains, create jobs, and support long-term economic growth.

The corridor stretches from Subic Bay and Clark through Manila to Batangas, encompassing a region that accounts for approximately half of the country's gross domestic product.

Subic at the heart of the Luzon Economic Corridor

Subic's strategic location and established port infrastructure make it a natural component of the LEC's transportation and logistics network.

Its location on the western side of Luzon provides an important gateway for international maritime trade, while its proximity to Clark and its connections to major road networks create opportunities for more integrated movement of goods, services, and investments across the corridor.

The USTDA support comes alongside other initiatives announced during the investment forum, including a nationwide pilot of artificial intelligence-enhanced public Wi-Fi access points.

Hardy also disclosed that the USTDA is nearing completion of its final report for a proposed nickel-cobalt processing facility in the Philippines. A USTDA-financed feasibility study for the Subic-Clark-Batangas-Manila railway is likewise nearing completion and is expected to be submitted to the Department of Transportation.

“These are designed to have tangible impacts on both economic growth for the country and job creation here in the country, and doing it in a way that more closely ties the United States and the Philippines together,” Hardy said.

Building stronger partnerships

The LEC Investment Forum provided a platform for the Philippines, the United States, Japan, and private-sector investors to advance projects aimed at improving the country's infrastructure and strengthening its position in regional supply chains.

U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines Lee Lipton, who led the U.S. delegation, described the forum as a demonstration of the United States' commitment to creating new opportunities for American companies and advancing shared prosperity.

“The United States is all-in on the Luzon Economic Corridor because it’s good for the Philippines and good for America. It means more investment, stronger supply chains, and high-quality jobs in both our countries,” Lipton said.

The Philippines and the United States also signed the USD 60-million Philippines Energy Threshold Program through the Millennium Challenge Corporation during the event. The grant, approved in July, will support energy-sector reforms and the modernization of the Energy Regulatory Commission.

For Subic Bay, the USTDA's support for expanded maritime capacity represents another important step toward realizing the Freeport's potential within the broader Luzon Economic Corridor.

As investments in transportation, logistics, energy, digital infrastructure, and advanced manufacturing continue to converge across Luzon, Subic Bay stands at a strategic point where these initiatives can translate into stronger connectivity, more resilient supply chains, greater investment, and quality jobs for Filipinos. (SNL)

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Jinboway Breaks Ground on P573-M Expansion in Subic Bay Freeport

Philippines Jinboway Technology Ltd. Corporation (Jinboway) broke ground on September 3, 2026, marking the start of its P573-million expansion project at the Subic Bay Gateway Park. The expansion will add four new “smart” manufacturing facilities, which are expected to be completed within three years and generate approximately 1,000 additional jobs.

Jinboway Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Vicky Wei led the groundbreaking ceremony, with Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño serving as guest of honor.

“Today’s groundbreaking is more than the rise of four new buildings; it is a reaffirmation that Subic Bay Freeport remains a top destination for serious investors committed to the future,” Aliño said.

Aliño also highlighted Jinboway’s significant growth since establishing its operations in the Freeport in 2019.

“Jinboway began modestly in 2019 with a 5,580-square-meter facility, built on the simple decision to trust this Freeport with real capital and real commitment. That trust has since grown into something far larger: an operation that today employs thousands of Filipino workers, and an expansion now backed by a five-million-dollar investment across four new buildings,” he said.

The four new facilities will manufacture a wide range of products, including sports and athletic goods; outdoor and waterproof bags; textile and garment products; hardware assemblies such as outdoor chairs; and electronic devices, including car chargers, smartphone wall chargers, massage chairs, and foot massagers.

The new facilities will likewise support the importation, transshipment, trading, and exportation of these products to international markets, further strengthening the Subic Bay Freeport’s role as a manufacturing and logistics hub.

Wei underscored the company’s remarkable expansion in the Freeport, noting that Jinboway has grown from operating in a rented space to establishing a large-scale manufacturing operation employing more than 3,400 workers.

“From starting in a rented space just a few years ago, we have expanded to a large factory employing more than 3,400 workers. This development signals that Subic Freeport is an ideal location for Jinbo, and Jinbo is a valued contributor to the Subic Economic Zone. We are committed to producing high-quality products and proving that the confidence placed in us is well founded,” Wei said.

Since establishing its operations in the Subic Bay Freeport Zone in 2019, Philippines Jinboway Technology Ltd. Corporation has grown into a major manufacturer of high-end outdoor products, including cut-and-sew soft bags and welded goods.

The company currently occupies a total subleased area of 28,234.19 square meters and employs more than 3,400 workers, representing substantial growth from its original 5,580-square-meter facility.

Officials who attended the ceremony included SBMA Directors Joseph Khonghun and Ruel John Kabigting, Senior Deputy Administrator Renato Lee III, Chief of Staff Von Rodriguez, and Department Manager Karen Magno, as well as representatives from Jinboway and the Subic Bay Development and Management Corporation.

The latest expansion underscores the continued confidence of investors in the Subic Bay Freeport and its growing capacity to support high-value manufacturing, international trade, and employment generation in the region. (MPD-SBMA)

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SBMA Authorizes SBITC to Collect Wharfage Fees at Port of Subic

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) and the Subic Bay International Terminal Corporation (SBITC) have formalized an agreement authorizing SBITC to collect wharfage fees on behalf of SBMA from port clients.

SBMA Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño and SBITC Head of Management Services and Government Affairs Henry Dungca signed the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) on July 29, 2026, at SBMA’s Building 662. The partnership aims to streamline payment processes through SBITC’s online payment platforms.

Aliño emphasized the benefits of the new system, stating, “This arrangement will minimize face-to-face interactions, eliminate the need for clients to travel to SBMA’s cashier, and reduce waiting times for fee processing. Ultimately, it simplifies doing business at the Port of Subic.”

He added, “The MOA strengthens our public-private collaboration, securing essential revenue to sustain port operations, infrastructure, and future investments. It also reinforces Subic Bay’s status as a top logistics hub. It boosts investor confidence as we advance plans for the Luzon Economic Corridor, integrating Subic, Clark, Manila, and Batangas into a seamless trade gateway.”

Dungca highlighted the operational impact, saying, “SBITC will collect wharfage fees on behalf of SBMA and ensure transparent, accountable remittances. This partnership goes beyond payment collection; it enhances service speed, simplifies procedures, and improves the overall experience for all port users.”

SBMA oversees the regulatory framework within the Subic Bay Freeport Zone, while SBITC, a subsidiary of International Container Terminal Services, Inc. (ICTSI), manages the New Container Terminals (NCT-1 and NCT-2). Last October, SBMA granted SBITC a 25-year concession extension, allowing them to operate the terminals through 2058.

This initiative aligns with SBMA’s adoption of a payment collection system similar to that implemented by the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA), in which port operators collect fees on the government’s behalf. (MPD-SBMA) 

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Subic Bay Freeport bags “Destination of the Year Award”

Living up to its reputation as the “go-to” destination for athletes and sports organizers, this premier Freeport bagged the “Destination of the Year Award” for 2025 during the 7th Philippine Sports Tourism Awards held at the Manila Marriott Hotel in Metro Manila on August 24, 2026. 

Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño received the award along with SBMA Tourism Department Manager Mary Jamelle Camba and Division Chief Raquel J. Delos Reyes.

“We have carried forward what our predecessors have built upon, and we will ensure that Subic Bay Freeport remains the top destination in sports tourism in the country. Our goal right now for the SBMA is to further push the boundaries of sports tourism in Subic Freeport,” Aliño said.

In 2025, Subic Bay hosted major international and local sports tourism events anchored by major triathlons and running races. This included the Century Tuna IRONMAN 70.3 Subic Bay, held from June 12 to 15, 2025, which drew over 1,000 international and local athletes.

Philippine Sports Tourism Alliance (PSTA) President and Founder Charles Lim, Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) Chairman Pato Gregorio, and Department of Tourism (DOT) Undersecretary Shalimar Tamano presented the award to Aliño and the SBMA officials. 

“This win belongs to our entire community—our partner organizers, stakeholders, athletes, and spectators who bring unstoppable energy to Subic Bay time and time again!” SBMA Tourism Manager Camba said. 

Other winners during the 7th Philippine Sports Tourism Awards were City of Puerto Princesa as the “Emerging Destination of the Year;” New Clark City as the “Venue of the Year;” Sports Tourism Forum - SMX Clark as the “MICE Event of the Year;” and Cynthia Lagdameo Carrion as “Sports Tourism Personality of the Year.”

Meanwhile, STA President Lim said, “A massive thank you to our key partners, guests, and sponsors for making this milestone event a resounding success: the Philippine Sports Commission, Sports Turismo Alliance, Manila Marriott Hotel, NUSTAR Resort, Universal Robina Corporation, and Clark Development Corporation President & CEO Atty. Agnes VST Devanadera.”

“Congratulations to all the awardees! Your vision, passion, and commitment continue to elevate the Philippines as a world-class sports tourism hub. Here’s to shaping the future of Philippine sports and travel together!” he added.

Sports tourism is a rapidly growing industry in the Philippines, driven by government initiatives, world-class hosting events, and diverse regional destinations. 

Subic Bay is the top award-winning sports tourism hub in the Philippines, famous for hosting major endurance, water, and track events, including the Century Tuna Ironman 70.3, Chairman's Cup Regatta, and Beach Pro Tour Future Volleyball. (MPD-SBMA)

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SBMA Port Operations revenue grows 8% in H1 2026 amid global economic headwinds

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) disclosed a robust 8% increase in consolidated gross revenue from its Port Operations Group, reaching Php 874 million in the first half of 2026, compared to Php 806 million in the same period last year.

This growth was propelled by stronger earnings in the Seaport and Trade Facilitation and Compliance Department (TFCD), despite ongoing global economic challenges.

SBMA Deputy Administrator III for Operations Group, Ronnie Yambao, attributed the positive performance to strategic initiatives that balanced growth with stakeholder support. “We successfully navigated a complex global environment while implementing discount measures totaling approximately Php 81 million. These were aligned with Executive Order No. 110 of President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr., aimed at mitigating disruptions caused by the fuel supply crisis linked to the Middle East conflict,” Yambao explained.

Breaking down the revenue contributions for H1 2026:

• The Seaport Department continued to be the primary revenue driver, contributing 78% of the consolidated gross income with Php 683 million—marking a 10% increase year-on-year. This growth was largely fueled by an 18% rise in non-containerized cargo, particularly bulk and break-bulk shipments, which surged 24%. 

• Subic Bay International Airport accounted for 14% of the revenue, registering a slight 3% decrease due to lower leasing activities and reduced military logistics operations.

• SBMA's Trade Facilitation and Compliance Department recorded an impressive 17% revenue increase, boosted by the newly implemented Registration Certificate (RC) Policy, which introduced additional fees on trucks, heavy equipment, and regulated goods. 

The notable increase in non-containerized cargo was further supported by an 88% surge in rice imports. This import growth was driven by proactive government measures to secure rice stocks ahead of the anticipated El Niño weather phenomenon.

The Department of Agriculture (DA) emphasized the critical importance of maintaining sufficient rice inventories in response to potential climate-related production impacts.

SBMA Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose Aliño highlighted the Agency’s resilience and adaptability amid a challenging environment. “Our first-half results underscore the strength and flexibility of the Port Operations Group. We remain committed to not only sustaining growth but also delivering impactful measures to mitigate external disruptions, in line with the President’s directives,” Aliño said.

The SBMA continues to strengthen its role as a key logistics and supply chain hub, supporting the nation’s economic stability and growth despite global uncertainties. (MPD-SBMA)

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