SBMA Expands Relief Measures: Lower Port Fees, 50% Road Charges Cut, Free E-Bus Rides Continue

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority has announced a new round of relief measures aimed at cushioning businesses, workers, and consumers from the effects of the ongoing global energy crisis triggered by tensions in the Middle East.

In a move expected to benefit shipping, logistics, and transport sectors operating in the Subic Bay Freeport Zone, the agency approved deeper reductions in port tariffs, slashed road-user fees, suspended environmental charges, and extended free rides on the Freeport’s electric bus system.

The measures were approved under SBMA Board Resolution No. 26-04-1768 during the 79th Meeting of the Board of Directors held on April 21, 2026. According to the agency, the package supports Executive Order No. 110, which declared a State of National Energy Emergency and launched the government’s Unified Package for Livelihoods, Industry, Food, and Transport (UPLIFT) Program.

SBMA Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño said the agency will further reduce port tariff rates by an additional 30%, on top of an earlier 5% reduction, bringing the total tariff cut to 35%.

The discounted charges cover vessel fees, harbor fees, berthing and anchorage fees, harbor cleaning charges, cargo fees, and wharfage charges. The reduction is expected to lower operating costs for shipping companies and help stabilize prices of imported goods and raw materials entering the country through Subic.

Beyond port operations, the SBMA also announced a 50% reduction in road-user fees inside the Freeport and deferred planned increases in transport charges.

At the same time, the agency confirmed that free rides on the Subic electric bus system will continue for workers, residents, and visitors, helping commuters cope with rising fuel and transport costs.

Another key measure is the temporary suspension of Environmental and Tourism Administrative Fees (ETAF), which will remain on hold until the national energy emergency is lifted.

Aliño emphasized that the interventions are temporary and will remain in effect only while supply disruptions and geopolitical instability continue.

He said the goal is to keep the movement of goods steady while protecting businesses and consumers from inflationary pressures caused by higher global oil prices.

Broad Economic Impact

The latest relief package is expected to benefit a wide range of sectors, including importers, exporters, suppliers, consignees, vessel owners, shipping lines, terminal operators, customs brokers, cargo handlers, and end-users.

Industry observers say the reductions could further strengthen Subic’s position as a competitive trade and logistics gateway at a time when businesses are looking for lower-cost ports and efficient supply chain hubs.

Strategic Support for National Stability

The SBMA said the measures are aligned with the economic stabilization efforts of Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and are intended to help preserve jobs, maintain supply flows, and shield industries from prolonged energy-related disruptions.

With global fuel markets still volatile, the latest steps by SBMA underscore Subic’s growing role as a strategic buffer zone for trade, logistics, and economic resilience in the Philippines. (SNL)

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SBMA Opens Competitive Bidding for Major Subic Airport Cargo Hub Project

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) has officially opened the competitive challenge process for the proposed redevelopment of Subic Bay International Airport into a modern cargo and logistics hub, signaling another major step in transforming Subic into one of the country’s key trade gateways.

The project stems from an unsolicited proposal submitted by Cerberus Asia Pacific Investments LLC, which has been granted original proponent status after undergoing detailed evaluation and negotiations with SBMA. With this status approved, other qualified investors are now invited to submit competing bids under the government’s comparative challenge process.

Under the proposal, the airport will undergo upgrading, expansion, operation, and maintenance for a concession period of 25 years, with possible extension. 

The initiative aims to convert the currently underutilized airport into a high-capacity cargo gateway that meets international standards and improves freight movement across Luzon.

Located inside the Subic Bay Freeport Zone, the airport has primarily served military and chartered flights in recent years. 

Once redeveloped, it is expected to strengthen supply chains, attract new investments, create jobs, and position Subic as a strategic logistics center alongside other major economic hubs in Central Luzon.

The bidding process will follow a single-stage right-to-match mechanism, where challengers may submit comparative proposals until August 17, 2026 — the same day bids are scheduled to be opened.

The planned airport transformation also complements the growing momentum in the Luzon Economic Corridor, where infrastructure, ports, airports, and industrial zones are being positioned to support regional manufacturing and global trade.

For Subic, this project could mark the return of the airport as a major economic asset — this time as a logistics engine for the future. (SNL)

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PNOC Diesel Shipment Arrives at Subic Port, Boosting National Energy Security

The Philippine National Oil Company (PNOC), a government-owned and controlled corporation, has received a major diesel fuel shipment at the Port of Subic Bay, marking a significant move to reinforce the country’s energy security amid global supply uncertainties.

The shipment, totaling 44,119 metric tons or approximately 329,505 barrels of diesel fuel, arrived in Subic Freeport on April 10 through the storage facilities of the Philippine Coastal Storage and Pipeline Corporation (PCSPC).

Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Senior Deputy Administrator for Port Operations Ronnie Yambao said the arrival of the diesel cargo underscores the strategic role of Subic Bay in supporting the country’s fuel supply requirements.

He added that on March 30, the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) issued a special permit to PNOC Exploration Corporation (PNOC-EC) to expedite the emergency importation of petroleum products, particularly diesel, to help stabilize the nation’s energy supply.

“The special permit is intended to streamline standard bureaucratic and customs procedures that could delay the immediate importation of fuel,” Yambao said.

PNOC-EC is set to procure a total of two million barrels of oil and 22,000 metric tons of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) as part of efforts to establish a national buffer stock aimed at mitigating price volatility and ensuring supply stability.

These emergency reserves are expected to add approximately 10 days of fuel supply while further strengthening the country’s LPG reserves in response to market disruptions in the Middle East.

Subic Bay Freeport is home to PCSPC, the country’s largest petroleum import storage facility, which holds a substantial share of the Philippines’ national fuel reserves.

The facility has an estimated storage capacity of 6.3 million barrels, or roughly one billion liters, accounting for around 20 percent of the country’s total fuel storage capacity.

Spanning approximately 160 hectares, the depot is strategically located across the Boton and Maritan Hill areas within the Freeport.

PCSPC also utilizes former infrastructure from the historic U.S. Naval Base in Subic Bay. During the height of the Vietnam War, the site reportedly handled the largest volume of fuel oil among all U.S. naval facilities worldwide.

Today, the facility remains a vital logistics hub for the storage and distribution of diesel, gasoline, and jet fuel to key markets including Metro Manila, Central Luzon, and Northern Luzon. (SNL)

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Subic Poised for Major Gains as U.S.-PH Launch Historic Economic Security Zone

The Subic Bay Freeport Zone is expected to emerge as one of the major beneficiaries of a newly announced U.S.-Philippines initiative to establish a 4,000-acre Economic Security Zone in Luzon, a landmark project aimed at strengthening supply chains and attracting advanced industries.

The plan, announced by the U.S. Department of State, seeks to build a strategic industrial hub that will support semiconductors, electronics, critical minerals, and other key manufacturing sectors while reducing dependence on vulnerable global supply routes.

For the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA), the development could open fresh opportunities for investments, trade expansion, and industrial growth as companies look for reliable production and logistics bases in the region.

With its deep-water seaport, international-standard infrastructure, and investor-friendly environment, Subic is widely seen as a natural logistics gateway that can support the movement of goods linked to the new zone.

Industry observers note that Subic’s strategic location in Central Luzon, along with its direct access to major shipping lanes and proximity to Clark, gives it a strong advantage as global manufacturers diversify operations across trusted partner countries.

The initiative forms part of the broader Luzon Economic Corridor, where the Philippines, United States, and Japan are increasing cooperation on infrastructure, connectivity, and economic resilience.

Analysts say this could translate into greater demand in Subic for warehousing, transport services, electronics assembly, cold-chain facilities, and export-oriented manufacturing.

For SBMA, the announcement also strengthens the case for continued modernization of port facilities, road networks, utilities, and digital systems to capture new waves of investment.

As global companies continue reshaping supply chains toward security and efficiency, Subic Bay is once again positioned to play a leading role in the Philippines’ next chapter of industrial and economic growth. (SNL)

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SBMA Cuts Port Fees and Extends Storage to Ease Supply Chain Costs

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) has rolled out a series of relief measures to support stakeholders affected by ongoing tensions in the Middle East. These include a five percent reduction in selected port fees and an extension of free storage periods for cargo.

SBMA Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose Aliño said the initiatives are designed to stabilize costs in key sectors such as transportation and food, while strengthening investor confidence and preventing supply chain disruptions within the Subic Bay Freeport Zone.

Effective April 8, following approval by the SBMA Board, a five percent reduction has been applied to charges on commercial vessels. These include harbor fees, berthing or anchorage fees, and harbor cleaning fees. 

The reduced rates will remain in effect until geopolitical conditions improve. 

Vessel owners may avail of the discount through their designated ship agents or shipping companies, which are expected to pass on the savings to their clients.

Similarly, a five percent reduction is being implemented on wharfage and storage fees for cargo. 

For operations at the Subic Bay International Terminal Corporation (SBITC) New Container Terminals and joint venture areas, storage charges will be categorized as either fixed or variable, depending on the applicable arrangement. 

Terminal operators, brokers, consolidators, and processors are required to reflect these reductions in their billing to clients and cargo owners.

In addition, SBMA is reducing by five percent its share in several service-related fees, including pilotage, tugboat services, line handling, water tendering, bunkering, hauling, heavy equipment rental, chandling, and cargo-handling services for containerized shipments.

To further ease costs, SBMA has extended the free storage period by two days across all cargo types. 

The new free storage durations are as follows: 12 days for imports (from 10 days), nine days for exports (from seven days), 12 days for transshipment cargo (from 10 days), and four days for domestic cargo (from two days). However, once cargo exceeds the free storage period, storage charges will be computed retroactively from the first day until final discharge.

Senior Deputy Administrator for Operations Ronnie Yambao also announced the suspension of several regulatory fees. These include SBMA’s share in terminal operator revenues for liquid bulk cargo handling, the one percent admission fee for liquid bulk cargo, and the planned ten percent increase in cargo handling and miscellaneous charges for non-containerized or general cargo.

With the suspension of the ten percent increase, tariff rates for non-containerized cargo revert to their levels prior to January 31, 2026. However, SBMA’s share remains at 15 percent.

Based on projections for 2026, SBMA estimates that these measures will generate approximately ₱76 million in total fiscal relief over one year. Of this amount, around ₱49 million will come from direct tariff reductions, while the suspension of new policies is expected to yield an additional ₱25 million in savings. 

The extension of free storage periods is projected to contribute about ₱2 million in operational savings for port stakeholders.

These initiatives also align with Executive Order No. 110, which declared a state of national energy emergency in response to uncertainties in global oil supply. 

According to Aliño, the measures aim to ease the financial burden on Freeport locators and stakeholders while helping protect consumers nationwide from rising costs. (SNL)

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SBMA generates ₱1.77B port revenue in 2025

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) generated ₱1.77 billion in revenue from port operations in 2025, reflecting steady growth driven by the port's continued strength and resilience as a logistics and trade hub in the Southeast Asian region.

SBMA Chairman and Administrator Engr. Eduardo Jose L. Aliño explained that the ₱1.77-billion revenue in 2025 is 4.2 percent, or ₱71.7 million, higher than the 2024 record ₱1.7 billion.

Aliño added that the Seaport Department generated ₱1.47 billion of the total, followed by the Airport Department with ₱182 million, and the Trade Facilitation and Compliance Department (TFCD) with P125 million.

“Our 2025 port revenue performance demonstrates how Subic Bay continues to thrive despite global economic uncertainties. This achievement highlights our modern infrastructure, efficient processes, and strong public-private partnerships,” Aliño said.

Meanwhile, the SBMA port revenues have already surged by 13 percent at ₱113.7 million in January of 2026 on a year-on-year comparison with ₱100.4 million in January 2025.

The ₱113.7 million earned in January, ₱97.7 million came from the Seaport Department, ₱5 million from the Airport Department, and ₱11 million from TFCD.

Aliño said that some of the key factors that fueled the growth include a 52 percent increase in SBMA share collections primarily due to a surge in non-containerized cargo handling. He said that this includes rice (up 484 percent), corn (230 percent), wheat (48 percent), and soya (3 percent).

Another factor, he added, is the 59 percent increase in vessel charges and 38 percent growth in cargo charges.

Non-containerized cargo volumes grew by 47 percent, with imported petroleum products up by 46 percent. This was accompanied by a 17 percent increase in foreign ship calls, totaling 149 additional vessel arrivals.

He assured that the SBMA remains committed to further investments in port modernization, digitalization, and sustainability initiatives.

“Our vision is to sustain this momentum and position Subic Bay as a leading port in Southeast Asia, enhancing national economic development and global trade connectivity,” Aliño added. (MPD-SBMA)

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Best Western Plus Hotel Subic signs ₱600-M expansion

 

Best Western Plus Hotel Subic has confirmed plans to expand its operations after signing the contract that will allow the construction of a new building beside the current hotel.

The expansion project was signed between the proponent, Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) and developer Simon & Stanley International Trading and Development Co. Inc.

SBMA Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño and Best Western Plus Hotel Subic Chairman and CEO Jaime “Jack” Uy led the contract signing for the expansion project at the Corporate Boardroom of the Administration Building on March 31, 2026.

Architect Jayson Steffen Uy, Vice-president for Facility and Construction of Savers Group Holdings Inc. (SGHI), shared that the new  building will consist of 120 additional hotel rooms, several commercial spaces, a three-floor parking area, restaurants, and parks.

SGHI is the exclusive developer for Best Western in the Philippines as the conglomerate that owns and manages Best Western Plus Hotel Subic.

Uy added that the new building will be an extension of Best Western with infused committed investment worth P587,967,200.00.

“With the current need for more spaces, function halls, and rooms, we decided to expand our operations in Subic,” Uy added.

The official stated that the design phase should be finished either this year or next year while the construction should be able to commence as early as the first quarter of 2027.

“As for employees, the company intends to source its manpower requirements locally,” he further said.

Meanwhile, SBMA Director Ted Del Rosario, Senior Deputy Administrator (SDA) Renato Lee III, SDA Ramon O. Agregado, and other agency officials were also present during the said contract signing ceremony.

Chairman Aliño welcomed the expansion project of Best Western Plus Hotel Subic, citing the growing need of hotels and establishments in Subic Bay Freeport. He added that aside from the company's committed investment, the agency also welcomes the job opportunities from the expansion project.

Best Western Plus Hotel Subic is the first internationally branded hotel in the Subic Bay Freeport Zone. It is a four-star property located on Dewey Avenue, providing easy access to major commercial hubs like Harbor Point Mall and SM City Olongapo. (MPD-SBMA) 

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DA eyes location for Bio-Safe facility in Subic Bay Freeport

The Department of Agriculture (DA) is considering to locate a Bio-Safe facility in this premier Freeport zone to ensure the security of agriculture, fisheries, and fertilizer supply chains against risks of smuggling and disease. 

Early this week, the DA-Inspectorate and Enforcement (DA-IE) unit, led by Undersecretary Carlos Carag met with Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) officials represented by Chief-of-Staff Atty. Von F. Rodriguez, at the corporate boardroom of the administration building, where the former discussed its mandate to establish a Bio-Safe facility or an examination facility in strategic locations in the country. 

The said facility is part of the government’s initiatives for the ₱1-billion Bio-Safe biosecurity program for 2026, which aims to examine all agricultural products before they are even allowed entry through the piers and go through Bureau of Customs (BOC) processes.

 

According to the DA Inspectorate and Enforcement Unit, the department is eyeing the establishment of such facilities at the Manila International Container Terminal (MICT), the Port of Subic, and the Port of Davao as part of the first phase of the said program.

 

The Bio-Safe biosecurity program aims to strengthen border controls, enhance on-ground enforcement against smuggling, and prevent food supply disruptions and price shocks.

 

Its core objectives include preventing disease outbreaks, specifically targeting transboundary animal diseases such as African Swine Fever (ASF) and Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) to prevent supply shocks and price spikes.

 

Another objective is to strengthen border control by enhancing the detection rate of agricultural smuggling, tightening sanitary/phytosanitary filters on imports, and economic protection, which aims to avoid massive industry losses, such as the estimated ₱200 billion lost due to past ASF outbreaks. (MPD-SBMA) 

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SBMA, Belgium eye sister port pact

A sister port agreement between the Port of Subic and the Port of Antwerp-Bruges is being considered during the visit of delegates from the Embassy of Belgium to the Philippines here on March 16, 2026.

Belgian Ambassador Her Excellency Vladislava Iordanova paid a visit along with officials from the Port of Antwerp-Bruges International (PoABI), the consultancy and investment subsidiary of the Port of Antwerp-Bruges.

During their visit, the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) team, led by Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño, proposed a Sister Port Agreement between the two ports to enhance the traditional friendship between the SBMA and the PoABI.

The Port of Antwerp-Bruges is the largest petrochemical cluster in Europe and the second-largest in the world; it is also the largest car-handling port in Europe, handling more than 3 million cars per year. It has two oil refineries and is a frontrunner in the energy transition.

The port is also a driver of economic growth with 4.5% GDP contribution and a total annual throughput of +370 million tonnes, including +13 million TEUs.

Meanwhile, the Subic Bay Freeport has several locators with European Equity, including Agila NY Naval Inc. and Agila South Inc. from the Netherlands, with a combined investment commitment of US$350 million.

Other notable companies inside the Freeport with EU Equities include PMNFTC Inc. from Switzerland with US$7M committed investment; Luxury Subic Home Development Corp. from Belarus with US$1M committed investment; and Schenker Philippines Inc. from Germany with US$0.9M committed investment. (MPD-SBMA)

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SBMA, BJMP sign MOA for Adopt-A-Mangrove Program

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) and the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA)  for the Adopt-A-Mangrove Program at the corporate boardroom of the administration building here on March 12, 2026.

The MOA, which was signed between SBMA Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño and BJMP Regional Office 3 (BJMPRO3) Regional Director, Jail Chief Superintendent (JCSupt) Paulino H. Moreno Jr., stipulates the development of approximately 400 square meters of mangrove area within Subic Bay Freeport. 

Aliño explained that under the MOA, SBMA will designate an area within the SBFZ mangrove forest to be adopted by BJMPRO3. Mangrove seedlings from the agency’s Mangrove Nursery will also be provided. He added that SBMA will monitor and evaluate the adopted area annually.

“And after completing the three-year program, SBMA will award BJMPRO3 with a Certificate of Completion upon turnover of the area to SBMA,” he added.

Meanwhile, JCSupt Moreno assured that BJMPRO3 personnel will plant at least 100 seedlings and ensure the survival of the planted mangrove propagules in the SBMA-designated area. 

He also said that BJMPRO3 personnel will conduct regular cleanup activities, provide adequate manpower, and hand over the area to SBMA after three years.

SBMA Ecology Center OIC Rossell L. Abuyo and BJMPPO Zambales Provincial Jail Administrator JSupt. Ferdinand G. Malabo witnessed the signing of the MOA along with other officials from the SBMA and BJMP.

Subic Bay Freeport Zone hosts approximately 61 to 65 hectares of protected mangrove forests, primarily in areas such as Triboa Bay, Binictican, and Malawaan. 

These areas serve as crucial coastal protection, wildlife habitats, and ecotourism sites, with ongoing conservation efforts, including tree planting and rehabilitation, conducted by the SBMA Ecology Center and its partners. (MPD-SBMA) 

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Subic Bay Reclaims Status as Premier Cruise Destination with Arrival of MS Crystal Symphony

Subic Bay officially signaled its return to the global cruise map as the MS Crystal Symphony docked early morning on March 14, bringing 550 international tourists to the freeport.

The arrival marks the first cruise visit of the year, effectively reviving Subic’s position as a major maritime stop in Southeast Asia.

Upon arrival, passengers were greeted with a traditional cultural welcome before departing on a fleet of tour buses for excursions across Subic’s shopping hubs and attractions, with two additional buses bound for Clark Freeport in Pampanga.

SBMA Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose Aliño highlighted the agency’s ambitious vision for the industry.

“Subic is positioning itself to become a premier cruise turnaround hub in Southeast Asia,” Aliño stated, noting that a P10.2-billion dedicated cruise ship terminal is currently in the planning stages.

The MS Crystal Symphony’s visit is a highlight of its 58-day voyage from Mombasa, Kenya, to Tokyo, Japan. Before arriving in Subic, the vessel made stops in Puerto Princesa, Coron, Boracay, and Manila.

This visit marks the start of a busy season for the freeport. Upcoming arrivals include: 

March 26: MS Adora Mediterranea (3,592 passengers)

March 30: MS Amadea (916 passengers)

April 6 & 16: MV Piano Land (2,722 passengers and crew)

Oct 25: Costa Serena, a frequent visitor to the bay.

Since the launch of cruise tourism in 2018, the SBMA has hosted 37 liners and nearly 50,000 passengers, generating approximately P173 million in tourism receipts for Central Luzon before the 2020 pandemic pause. (SNL)

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SBMA chief graces opening of ₱36.7M Starbucks Coffee Shop in Subic

Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño led the opening of the first two-storey Starbucks Coffee Shop with drive-thru facility here on March 6, 2026.

According to Aliño, the opening of the two-storey Starbucks Coffee Shop indicates Subic Bay Freeport’s status as a popular tourist destination, anticipating a year-round influx of customers.

The Starbucks Coffee Shop invested ₱36.75Million in a 1,700-square-meter area at the portion of Lot 75-A, Rizal Highway, Central Business District, Subic Bay Freeport Zone.

The inauguration was attended by Engr. and Mrs. Rhammeth Paras, Arch. and Mrs. Adonis Co, Mr. and Mrs. Timothy Tang, and Engr. Aries Tanglao, owners of Pandabest Realty and Trading, Inc. 

The two-storey Starbucks locations usually offer enhanced, often scenic, spaces with increased seating, frequently housed in restored, architecturally unique, or heritage buildings.

Notable examples include the heritage shophouse in Singapore's Chinatown, the sprawling Reserve Hiraya in Tagaytay, and a colonial-style bungalow in Rochester.

“Now we have one here, with the building designed to be ‘work and study-friendly,’ providing more intimate, quiet spaces on the upper level compared to the busy ground floor,” Aliño said.

The SBMA Board of Directors, SBMA officials, and officials from the Rustan Coffee Corporation and Pandabest Realty and Trading were present during the inauguration ceremony. (MPD-SBMA)

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SBMA turns over worn-out flags for proper disposal in Bataan

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) turned over its worn-out flags, which have been hoisted in front of the administration building over the years, for proper disposal in Mariveles, Bataan.

SBMA Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño led the turnover of these national symbols to Alion Barangay Captain Vicielito Balan during a simple ceremony held at the Chairman’s Office in Subic Freeport on March 4, 2026.

According to Aliño, the Sangguniang Barangay of Alion wrote a letter to the SBMA, requesting that the agency donate its tattered, faded, or worn-out Philippine flags for inclusion in the burning ceremony.

During the1st Regular Session of the Sangguniang Barangay (SB) of Alion on January 5, the SB passed a resolution for the proper disposal of tattered or worn-out Philippine flags. The said flag disposal program will be held on March 13 at the Flag Disposal Site inside the Alion Barangay Hall Compound.

The program aligns with the flag disposal rites of the Boys Scouts and Girls Scouts of the Philippines,  Armed Forces of the Philippines, and the Philippine National Police.

The ashes of the disposed flags will be placed in an urn to be laid to rest in a memorial site especially provided and made for them.

The said disposal site complies with Republic Act No. 8491, otherwise known as the “Flag and Heraldic Code of the Philippines,” which stipulates that reverence and respect shall be accorded to the flags, the anthem, and other national symbols.

Located along Waterfront Road, Subic Bay Freeport Zone, the SBMA flagpole, where these flags are hoisted, boasts of a rich historical symbolism, as it witnessed the epic transition of Subic Bay from a U.S. naval base to a Philippine-led economic zone.

The flagpole stands at 120 feet, symbolizing a total of 94 years of foreign military presence in Subic, the 18 heads of state who attended the 1996 Asia-Pacific Economic Conference (APEC) in Subic, and the eight thousand volunteers who protected and preserved the base facilities after the U.S. Navy withdrew in 1992.

The Philippine flag in Subic Bay Freeport, hoisted permanently in compliance with RA 8491, is one of the largest in the country, measuring 44 feet long and 22 feet wide. (MPD-SBMA)

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SBMA Spearheads Logistical Support for U.S. Military Underwater Recovery Mission in Subic Bay

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) has taken a leading role in supporting a historic underwater recovery mission led by the U.S. Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) to account for American prisoners of war (POWs) lost during World War II.

Serving as the mission’s primary logistical backbone, the SBMA has mobilized its extensive harbor resources and shore-based infrastructure to facilitate the operation.

The authority has streamlined the deployment of specialized U.S. Navy diving units and forensic experts by providing dedicated pier space, securing maritime exclusion zones, and ensuring the seamless movement of technical equipment through the Freeport Zone.

The recovery efforts are focused on the wreckage of the Oryoku Maru, a Japanese "hell ship" sunk in December 1944. The site, located roughly 550 yards from the Olongapo shoreline, presents significant technical challenges.

To mitigate these, the SBMA Harbor Patrol and Law Enforcement Department have established a 24-hour security perimeter, ensuring the safety of the dive teams while maintaining the flow of commercial traffic in the busy harbor.

Beyond maritime security, the SBMA has provided the U.S. team with administrative support and local coordination with Philippine national agencies. 

This partnership underscores the enduring strategic and humanitarian relationship between the SBMA and the U.S. military, building on the decades-long shared history of the Subic Bay Naval Base.

The mission is expected to continue for several weeks, with the SBMA providing ongoing operational support until the recovery phase is complete. All remains recovered will be handled with full military honors before being transported for forensic identification. (SNL)

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Subic 2025 workforce pegged at 170K-strong; up by 4.4%

The workforce in the country's premier Freeport totaled 171,653 in 2025, according to the annual report by the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA).  

According to a report from the SBMA Labor Department, this figure reflects a 4.4 percent increase from last year's 164,400 recorded in 2024.

SBMA Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño said that the increase in the number of workers here results from President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s mandate to provide more employment opportunities for Filipinos.

He said that Olongapo City remains the biggest source of manpower, with 70,769 residents working here. He added that this was followed by Zambales with 31,621; Bataan with 22,897; National Capital Region with 7,077; Pampanga with 5,492; Tarlac with 2,199; and the remaining 31,598 from other parts of the country, including foreign workers.

Around 70.60 percent of workers, or 121,187, are male, while the remaining 29.40 percent, or 50,466 workers, are female, and employed by 4,744 Subic companies. 

Despite the disparity, female workers outnumbered male workers in the manufacturing sector, with 18,951 females and 18,242 males employed across 111 manufacturing companies in Subic.

Meanwhile, the Subic Bay Freeport’s services sector remains the biggest employer, which clocked at 67.32 percent of the workforce, with the manufacturing sector making up 21.67 percent. These are followed by the construction sector with 7.36 percent, and shipbuilding/marine-related services with 3.64 percent.

Aliño added that the services sector also has the biggest number of companies, with 4,129, followed by the construction sector with 356 companies, then shipbuilding/ marine-related services with 148 companies, and lastly the manufacturing sector with 111 companies.

He further said that more companies are still looking for employees, thru the SBMA Labor Department's regular conduct of job fairs and posting job openings via online portals and bulletin boards at their offices near the Subic Bay Gym.

“Jobseekers can click on the SBMA Career Portal, where we provide an official list of vacancies from various Freeport locators. We encourage applicants to check the Subic Gym bulletin board for scheduled examinations and interviews,” he said.

For further information, Aliño advised job seekers to browse the SBMA official website mysubicbay.com.ph, and look for the “Jobs For You” section. (MPD-SBMA)

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