Subic Bay Named Preferred Maritime Gateway for Pax Silica Initiative

 

Subic Bay is set to play a central role in one of the region's biggest emerging supply-chain projects. 

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) and the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) have agreed to make the Port of Subic the preferred maritime gateway for Pax Silica, a US-led coalition working to secure global supply chains for artificial intelligence and semiconductors.

The Agreement

The partnership was sealed on July 20, 2026, when SBMA Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño and BCDA President and CEO Joshua M. Bingcang signed a Memorandum of Understanding at the Bonifacio Technology Center in BGC, Taguig City.

For SBMA, the designation is a significant vote of confidence. Aliño called it a "crowning recognition" of the port's potential role within the Luzon Economic Corridor 

The SBMA Chairman noted that Subic Bay's deep-water port and shipyard facilities are built to move raw materials like nickel and copper efficiently, while also shuttling processed tech goods to and from the AI-native Economic Security Zone (ESZ) in New Clark City.

Bingcang echoed that outlook, describing the port as a strategic linchpin — one that can bring raw materials into the country and move finished products out to customers just as efficiently. 

He tied the partnership to the Marcos administration's broader push for a whole-of-government approach to infrastructure and investment, framing it as a way to strengthen the Luzon Economic Corridor by knitting together ports, industrial hubs, and emerging tech ecosystems — and, in turn, generate jobs and long-term opportunities for Filipinos.

Also on hand for the signing were SBMA Senior Deputy Administrator for Operations Ronnie Yambao and BCDA Senior Vice President for Legal Services Atty. Diana Joyce N. Basco-Galera.

What Happens Next

The MOU sets a substantial amount of groundwork in motion. SBMA will need to identify and evaluate land and port areas under its jurisdiction that could support Pax Silica operations, while also assessing the infrastructure, utilities, logistics, and port support the initiative will require.

Beyond that, both agencies plan to look at land-use compatibility and traffic connectivity with their existing and planned development blueprints, and to share non-confidential information to help coordinate infrastructure planning. 

Market sounding, logistics demand analysis, and potential development phasing are also on the agenda, along with exploring possible cooperation models or future project structures — all within the bounds of existing laws and policy.

The Bigger Picture: What Is Pax Silica?

Pax Silica launched in December 2025 as a US-led strategic coalition aimed at shoring up global supply chains for AI and semiconductor technology. 

With more than 30 partner nations involved, the initiative is largely framed as a counterweight to China's dominance in tech manufacturing and rare earth minerals — and Subic Bay's new role gives the Philippines a direct stake in that effort. (SNL)

Read More

More potential business opportunities in Subic Freeport after US trade mission

A United States delegation is eyeing more potential business opportunities here as part of a profile business mission in line with the initiatives of the Luzon Economic Corridor (LEC). 

According to SBMA Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño, the delegates from the U.S. Northeast, Midwest, and West Coast regions visited on July 8, 2026 to participate in the said business mission that will strengthen partnerships, expand business opportunities, and foster a prosperous future for both U.S. and Philippine enterprises.

With the theme “Driving the Future of U.S.–Philippine Trade Through Innovation,” Aliño said that the mission reflects the SBMA's commitment to enhancing international cooperation and economic growth within the Subic special economic zone.

The delegation, composed of 25 executives and investors, conducted comprehensive discussions, site visits, and networking activities with SBMA officials and Subic company officials, all designed to showcase the potential and advantages of investing in the SBFZ. 

Subic Bay Freeport Chamber of Commerce (SBFCC) President Benjamin Antonio III, together with SBFCC Executive Director Donna May Tamayo also joined to take part in a rare opportunity to build strong, lasting business relationships that will drive economy not only in the Subic special economic zone but ultimately the country as a whole.

The Philippine Trade and Investment Center (PTIC) in New York, the facilitator of the said U.S. Business Mission to the Philippines, said that the main goal of the trip is to create stronger economic ties and encourage more US companies to invest in the country’s growing economy.

Aside from Subic Bay Freeport, the delegation also visited areas in Manila, Clark, and Corregidor Island to conduct business meetings, informational briefings, and tours of these major economic areas that are part of the LEC.

“The trip comes at a time when the Philippines is actively working to welcome international businesses and establish itself as a key partner for US companies looking to grow in Asia,” the PTIC said.

Officials from Worldwide Shipping & Logistics (WSL), who were also part of the delegation, said that these engagements strengthened economic cooperation and opened new opportunities for trade and investment between the United States and the Philippines.

WSL Co-Founder Mrs. Richelyn Toth and General Manager Ms. Sherilyn Mecinas were among the 25 delegates who participated in high-level meetings, investment discussions, site visits, and strategic networking opportunities with leaders from government, industry, and the private sector. 

The said business mission follows the Philippines’ inclusion in the Washington-backed Pax Silica bloc — an initiative aimed at securing global artificial intelligence (AI) supply chains.

As part of Pax Silica, the Philippines and the US announced in April, plans to develop a 1,618-hectare AI-native hub in New Clark City in Tarlac, which is expected to attract investment in AI and chip manufacturing. (MPD-SBMA) 

Read More

Subic-Clark Railway Project endorsed for Luzon Economic Corridor

The Subic-Clark Railway Project (SCRP), expansion of the Clark International Airport, and the Clark National Food Hub are among the high-impact projects offered to American and Japanese investors in the proposed Luzon Economic Corridor, which forms part of the Group of Seven (G7) Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment (PGII). 

 

During the trilateral meeting of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., US President Joe Biden, and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida in Washington DC early this month, it was unveiled that the G7 countries eye to develop the Luzon Economic Corridor. The Luzon Economic Corridor aims to establish connectivity in economic hubs in Luzon – Subic Bay, Clark, Manila, and Batangas. 

Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) President and CEO Joshua M. Bingcang said BCDA is optimistic that the inclusion of SCRP, expansion of Clark International Airport, and the Clark National Food Hub in the proposed Luzon Economic Corridor will help accelerate the implementation of these game-changing infrastructure projects, not just for the country but for the whole Indo-Pacific region. 

SCRP, a joint project with the Department of Transportation, is an integral part of the Philippine National Railways Luzon System Development Framework. Once completed, it will provide initial freight service between the Subic Bay Freeport Zone and the Clark Freeport and Special Economic Zone, linking Subic Port with Clark International Airport and other major economic hubs in Central Luzon, especially New Clark City. 

BCDA is also embarking on the expansion of Clark International Airport, which includes the construction of a second runway, taxiways, aprons, and landside access roads and utilities, intended to cater to major logistics firms locating in Clark. 

Meanwhile, the BCDA subsidiary Clark International Airport Corporation will also develop the 64-hectare Clark National Food Terminal hub aimed at making the Philippines a leading agricultural resource hub in the region and the world. 

These three high-impact projects are BCDA's contribution to the efforts of Special Assistant to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs Frederick Go to drive sustainable and inclusive economic growth in the country and make the Philippines a top investment destination. (SNL)

Read More

Bio-molecular labs in Subic, Clark to open this week

Philippine Red Cross Chairman and CEO Senator Richard Gordon on Sunday said two bio-molecular laboratories in Subic and Clark will open within the week to boost the PRC’s testing capacity amid the rising cases of COVID-19 in the country.

In a statement, Gordon said the two laboratories passed the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine’s proficiency test on Friday and were accredited as certified COVID-19 testing centers.

The Subic laboratory, which is located at the PRC Logistics and Training Center inside the Subic Bay Freeport Zone and the Clark laboratory, which is located at Clark Freeport Zone, are capable of running up to 2,000 tests per day.

“This is a very welcome development. We can do a total of 4,000 tests per day in the two new facilities, which will enable us to run an overall total of 16,000 tests a day. And with the hotel capabilities of both Subic and Clark, repatriation flights for overseas Filipino workers can now be directed to the airports in the two cities,” Gordon said.

Aside from the facilities in Subic and Clark, he said the PRC will open up eight other testing centers in Batangas, Laguna, Mandaue City, Isabela, Cagayan de Oro, Zamboanga City, Bacolod City, and Surigao.

The PRC will also add ten more PCRs in the Port Area molecular lab, which will enable the agency to conduct a total of 46,000 tests per day.

“According to the WHO (World Health Organization), we have to test 13 percent of the population so we can determine the disease’s positivity rate. For Metro Manila, alone, that would be 1.7-million and it would take ten months or 308 days to test 13 percent of its population at 46,000 tests a day. So we really have to ramp up testing to ensure victory over COVID,” Gordon said.

So far, the Philippines recorded 25,392 cases of COVID-19, including 1,074 deaths and 5,706 recoveries. (Ma. Angelica Garcia, DVM, GMA News)

PHOTO:

The Subic laboratory is located at the PRC Logistics and Training Center inside the Subic Bay Freeport Zone.

https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/news/nation/742575/bio-molecular-labs-in-subic-clark-to-open-this-week/story/

Read More

Gov’t seeks bidders for ₱45-B Subic-Clark rail project

The government is seeking bidders for the ₱45.361 billion worth of EPC (engineering, procurement, construction and commissioning) contract for the Subic-Clark Railway Project (SCRP), which will be funded through loans from the People’s Republic of China.

In an invitation to bid for the SCRP posted on the Bases Conversion Development Authority (BCDA) website, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) through the Procurement Service of the Department of Budget and Management (PS-DBM) stated that any bids received in excess of the approved budget for the contract of ₱45,361,366,040.29 shall be automatically rejected at bid opening. The project is intended for completion 42 months from the commencement date of the contract.

It also said that the government of China will shortlist the bidders and only those shortlisted may obtain further information from the Special Bids and Awards Committee.

The SCRP spans approximately 71-kiometer rail freight connection between Subic Bay Freeport Zone and Clark Freeport Zone with three freight terminals containers handling and one depot at Clark Freeport Zone for maintenance and stabling of rolling stocks.

To qualify, bidders should have completed within 10 years a similar contract with the SCRP. The contract shall be awarded to the Lowest Calculated Responsive Bidder which was determined as such during the post-qualification in accordance with 2916 Revised Implementing Rules and Regulations of Republic Act (RA) No. 9184 otherwise known as the “Government Procurement Reform Act.”

For the detailed evaluation of the proposals, a two-step procedure shall be adopted by the Special Bids and Awards Committee. Only bids that passed the technical proposals criteria shall be subjected to the second step of evaluation or the opening of financial proposals.

A pre-bidding conference for the SCRP is scheduled on Friday, January 10 this year at 10 a.m. at the Procurement Service Conference Room of the Department of Budget and Management in Paco, Manila.

Deadline of submission and receipt of bids is set on February 6, 2020 at 10 a.m. at the same venue to be followed immediately by the opening of bids for both eligibility and technical documents.

Bids will be opened in the presence of bidders’ representatives.

The DOTr through the PS reserves the right to accept or reject any bid, to annul the bidding process and to reject all bids at any time prior to contract award, in accordance with Section 41 of RA No. 9184 and its IRR, without thereby any liability to the affected bidder or bidders. (Bernie Cahiles-Magkilat, Manila Bulletin)

https://business.mb.com.ph/2020/01/06/govt-seeks-bidders-for-%E2%82%B145-b-subic-clark-rail-project/

Read More

4,230 volunteers for SEAG Clark, Subic clusters

At least 4,230 volunteers will serve in the Subic and Clark clusters of the 30th Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games) to be held from November 30 to December 11 this year.

Philippine Southeast Asian Games Organizing Committee (Phisgoc) Deputy Director for Volunteers Program Chris Tiu said Friday that of the number, 2,250 will be detailed in Clark, and the other 1,980 in Subic.

Tiu, who led the SEA Games volunteer program cluster launch, said he is overwhelmed with the spirit of volunteerism and nationalism of the volunteers who signified to serve in the upcoming meet.

“The spirit of volunteerism and nationalism join us together to Win as One. We hope to sustain them during and until the end of the games in December,” he said.

The Phisgoc volunteers totaled 9,000. Apart from those in Clark and Subic, 3,150 volunteers will be stationed in Metro Manila events and 1,620 in other clusters.

Tiu said out of 20,686 who have expressed their interest to join the volunteers' program, 14,683 applied through the official SEA games volunteers’ online portals, which include 2,960 foreign applicants while 6,003 were committed by their respective schools.

The Clark cluster will host aquatics, athletics, obstacle course sports, pentanque, lawn bowls, shooting, archery, rugby 7s, baseball, softball, dancesport, golf, kurash, judo, jiu-jitsu, arnis, sambo, wrestling, and wakeboarding.

Phisgoc’s partner institutions in the Clark cluster include Mabalacat City College, Jocson College, Angeles University Foundation, Philippine State College of Aeronautics, Gentry International School, Our Lady of Fatima University, and Ifugao State University.

Others are the City College of Angeles, Holy Angel University, Tarlac State University, Clark College of Science and Technology, Systems Plus College Foundation, Tarlac city government, Pampanga Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and Colegio de San Sebastian Pampanga.

The partner institutions in Subic include Lyceum of Subic Bay, Subic Bay Colleges, Columban College, Gordon College, Mondriaan Aura College, President Ramon Magsaysay State University, Philippine Merchant Marine Academy, and St. Joseph College-Olongapo.

The Subic event sports are canoe/kayak, traditional dragon boat, chess, muay thai, pencak silat, table tennis, triathlon, duathlon, aquatics-open water swimming 10 km., modern pentathlon, windsurfing, sepak takraw, beach handball, beach volleyball, and rowing. (PNA)

PHOTO:

SPIRIT OF VOLUNTEERISM. Philippine Southeast Asian Games Organizing Committee Deputy Director for Volunteers Program Chris Tiu announces on Friday (August 23, 2019) that at least 4,230 volunteers will serve in the Subic and Clark clusters of the 30th SEA Games. The launch of the Subic-Clark Cluster Volunteer Program was held at the ASEAN Convention Center in Clark Freeport, Pampanga. (Photo by Marna Dagumboy-del Rosario)

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1078660

Read More

DENR wants Subic, Clark freeports monitored vs wildlife trade

THE Clark and Subic Freeport zones have become convenient gateways of wildlife violators that the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) called for the strict monitoring of two freeports against wildlife trade.

DENR enforcement division chief Fred Sadueste said the cooperation and active participation of different enforcement agencies of the government is a big boost to sustain the efforts in wildlife law enforcement.

"Central Luzon is a hub to Subic and Clark Freeport Zones, these have been the convenient gateway of wildlife violators for doing their illegal wildlife activities," he said in a training-seminar held recently.

He said these gateways must be strictly monitored to prevent any wildlife trade activities.

"We need every law enforcement agency not just involved, but trained extensively on how to correctly and efficiently handle wildlife cases," he added.

The call came after the DENR, in a bid to put an end to illegal wildlife trade in Central Luzon, in partnership with the United States Agency for International Development (USAid), recently conducted a one-day training and orientation to some 60 officials and personnel of Philippine Ports Authority (PPA), Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), Bureau of Customs (BOC), Philippine National Police (PNP), PNP Maritime Group, the Subic Bay Ecology Center and Law Enforcement Office and the local government of Subic, which was held in Subic Bay Freeport Zone.

According to Michael Lopez, DENR wildlife officer in Central Luzon, the training aimed to strengthen the knowledge of the participants on various local and international policies governing wildlife trade.

"Our target here is to enhance and upgrade also the skills and competencies of various law enforcement agencies of the government in monitoring illegal wildlife trade on various ports like the Subic Bay area and the Clark International Airport to arrest wildlife criminals," he said.

Some of the topics and policies that were discussed during the training were the Convention on International Trade in Endangered species of Wild Flora and Fauna (Cites) and the Republic Act 9147 or the Philippine Wildlife Act, the illegal ivory and wildlife trade and national and international responses, and the wildlife enforcement protocols in airports and seaports.

DENR records show that seven vulnerable wildlife, including four pangolins and three cobras both under the "red list" of animals threatened with extinction by the international union for the conservation of nature were turned over to the DENR after a successful operation with the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) in Clark International Airport against a suspected Chinese wildlife smuggler in 2016.

In 2017, the joint wildlife enforcement operation of DENR and NBI in Bulacan resulted in the seizure of more than 100 illegally traded animals, including the blue-naped parrot and Palawan hill myna, both considered as endangered species. (Ian Ocampo Flora, Sun Star)

https://www.sunstar.com.ph/article/1819808

Read More

Subic-Clark cargo rail line construction seen starting in early 2020, DoTr says

THE China-funded Subic-Clark Railway Project is set to begin construction by the first half of 2020, the transportation department said.

Transportation Secretary Arthur P. Tugade said last week the Philippines may receive from China the shortlist of contractors for the cargo train project within the month. From this list, the government will choose, through a competitive bidding process, the firm that will build the project.

Mr. Tugade said the auction may be finished before the year ends.

“We are expected to commence the process wherein we will be able to connect cargo operations between Clark and Subic by rail… by the first quarter next year earliest, or at the latest, second quarter,” he said.

Because the P50.03-billion Subic-Clark railway is financed through a China loan, the Philippines is required to select a contractor from a list of three Chinese nominees.

The Philippines initially targeted to start building the Subic-Clark railway this year, but the delay in receiving the shortlist of contractors from China pushed the project beyond the timeline.

The railway was originally scheduled to be completed by 2022 — the last year of President Rodrigo R. Duterte’s six-year term.

The cargo line is among the government’s 75 flagship infrastructure projects. It will run 71.13 kilometers divided into two sections: a 64.19-kilometer main line connecting Subic Bay Freeport Zone and Clark Freeport Zone, and a 6.94-kilometer link to the Subic Bay Port’s New Container Terminal.

The rail line is part of the Philippine National Railways (PNR) Luzon System Development Framework, which intends to integrate the logistics network in Central Luzon. (Denise A. Valdez, Business World)

https://www.bworldonline.com/subic-clark-cargo-rail-line-construction-seen-starting-in-early-2020-dotr-says/

Read More

Subic-Clark roadshow highlights CL infra projects, investment areas

The Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA), along with its partner agencies, gathered local government officials and business leaders here on Tuesday to present updates on infrastructure projects under the government’s Build Build Build program.

The Subic-Clark Roadshow was part of a series of roadshows launched in 2016 to highlight the importance of cooperation among national, provincial, and local governments, as well as business leaders, to achieve the bold vision of President Rodrigo Duterte to bring the “golden age” of infrastructure.

This year, the roadshow was expanded to cover Subic and Bataan.

Heads of BCDA, Clark Development Corporation (CDC), Clark International Airport Corporation (CIAC), Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA), and the Authority of the Freeport Area of Bataan (AFAB) briefed key stakeholders on major projects that seek to improve connectivity within the region, attract investments, create jobs, and push economic growth further.

SBMA Chairman and Administrator Wilma T. Eisma introduced the exciting projects lined up for Subic in the coming years, including the Subic Bay Freeport Grain Terminal, Redondo Industrial Park Development, and the SBMA Waterfront Reclamation Project.

Eisma also urged businessmen to invest in new ports in Subic. “We need new ports. It doesn’t even have to be a cruise ship terminal. Ngayon pa lang, we are already experiencing congestion. Manila is congested. We have to have that foresight in place. Build a port somewhere,” she said.

CDC President and CEO Noel Manankil cited Clark and Subic’s cooperation in working together to promote tourism and attract investments in Central Luzon. “Thanks to the SBMA leadership, they are sending us a lot of tourists,” said Manankil.

Clark’s tourism assets include the Marriott Hotel, the first five-star hotel in Pampanga; the Sun Valley Golf Course; and the Aqua Planet theme park. Several projects soon to open within the Clark Freeport Zone are the Hilton Hotel, The Sharp condominium units, Mirej Clark, Mimosa Plus, and the Clark Safari.

Clark is also expected to attract more domestic and international tourists with the ongoing expansion of the Clark International Airport. Jaime Alberto Melo, CIAC acting president and CEO, said the new terminal building will be operational by the second quarter of 2020. Upon full development, the Clark International Airport will be able to accommodate 80 million passengers per annum.

BCDA President and CEO Vivencio Dizon showed updates on the construction of the National Government Administrative Center (NGAC) in New Clark City. The NGAC project involves the development of back-up government offices to ensure continuous business operations in case of disaster or national calamities, and world-class facilities to be used for the Philippines’ hosting of the 30th South East Asian Games.

“Under the leadership of President Duterte, we are not just planning it; we are making it,” said Dizon. The construction of NGAC Phase 1A is ahead of schedule at 55 percent.

AFAB Chairman and Administrator Emmanuel Pineda meanwhile urged business leaders to invest at the Bataan Freeport as he emphasized efforts to improve accessibility and develop more investment areas. “We want to make the Freeport a work-and-play destination,” said Pineda.

Mr. Aurelio “Bong” Pineda, former president of the Metro Olongapo Chamber of Commerce, committed the support of the private sector. Speaking for the business community, Pineda said: “We accept the challenge that was given to us and we feel that it can be done, and the dreams can be realized.” (MPD-SBMA)

PHOTOS:

[1] SBMA Chairman and Administrator Wilma T. Eisma expounds on the SBMA Waterfront Reclamation Project and calls on the business community to invest in Subic development projects. (MPD-SBMA)

[2] Heads of government agencies pledge to work together for Central Luzon development. From left: CIAC Acting President and CEO Jaime Alberto Melo, BCDA President and CEO Vivencio Dizon, SBMA Chairman and Administrator Wilma T. Eisma, AFAB Chairman and Administrator Emmanuel Pineda, and CDC President and CEO Noel Manankil. (MPD-SBMA)

Read More

SBMA pushes for Subic Freeport expansion

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) is pressing for the expansion of Subic Bay Freeport boundaries with vigorous legislative help from its first chief executive, Senator Richard Gordon.

SBMA Chairman and Administrator Wilma T. Eisma said that Gordon, who was SBMA chairman from 1992 to 1998, had filed Senate Bill 2207 the other week to expand the area of the Subic Bay Freeport, as well as that of the neighboring Clark Freeport.

Under the proposed measure, some parts of Zambales and Bataan provinces, along with areas in Olongapo City, will be made an adjunct of the Subic Bay Freeport under a phased expansion program.

Eisma said that in consultation with neighboring local government units last year, the SBMA has gotten pledges of about 21,000 hectares of expansion areas for future investment projects.

These included 9,000 hectares in San Antonio; 10,000 hectares in San Marcelino; 500-600 hectares in Subic; 500 hectares in Castillejos; and 900 hectares in Olongapo City, all in Zambales; as well as 505 hectares in Hermosa, Bataan.

“We want these areas to be utilized as economic zones because we’re already running out of space in the Subic Bay Freeport,” Eisma said.

The proposed expansion, she added, “will sustain the growth of the Subic Freeport, attract more investments, and generate jobs for residents from nearby communities and other areas.”

In filing the bill, Senator Gordon said that there was a need to update Republic Act 7227, otherwise known as the Bases Conversion and Development Act of 1992, in order to further strengthen the Subic and Clark free ports.

He said that once enacted, the proposed measure will also give the expanded territories the same tax incentives as those in Subic Freeport and Clark Freeport so that they can attract investments projects.

Senate Bill 2207 also seeks to increase the area of the Clark Special Economic Zone from the current 4,400 hectares to 35,400 hectares and mandates Subic and Clark authorities to frame some master plan for the phased expansion. (JRR/MPD-SBMA)

PHOTO:

Senator Richard J. Gordon confers with SBMA Chairman and Administrator Wilma T. Eisma and other agency officials after sponsoring Senate Bill 2207 on Feb. 4.

Read More

Central Luzon investment hub bill hurdles bicam

A bill creating the Regional Investment and Infrastructure Coordinating Hub (RICH) for Central Luzon has been approved by the Bicameral Conference Committee.

The measure intends to establish RICH, in place of the Subic-Clark Alliance for Development Council, as the body to lead infrastructure development in Central Luzon.

RICH’s mission also includes to “effectively address bottlenecks and decongest Metro Manila, lay the foundation for long-term growth of Central Luzon and increase the productivity of the people.”

The Bicameral Conference Committee, presided over by Senator Richard J. Gordon and North Cotabato 1st district Rep. Jesus N. Sacdalan, adopted and approved on Dec. 10 Senate Bill No. 1997, subject to amendments.

In its last version, the bill proposed that the Central Luzon Investment Corridor Master Plan be developed by the RICH Board of Directors, in coordination with local government units and stakeholders.

CLIC will, among others, incorporate existing plans created for the development of the Subic-Clark and Tarlac area.

The Master Plan will also “include the provision of adequate and affordable housing facilities within the Special Economic or Freeport Zone.”

The measure also proposes to establish a One Stop Shop that will facilitate the registration of enterprises in Central Luzon in coordination with RICH, the Philippine Economic Zone Authority, Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority, Clark Development Corp. and Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority. (Charmaine A. Tadalan, BusinessWorld)

https://www.bworldonline.com/central-luzon-investment-hub-bill-hurdles-bicam/

Read More

Central Luzon sustains economic growth in 2018

The year 2018 saw the economy of Central Luzon in a sustainable growth level primarily pushed by major developments in the region.

Amid the mild domestic and external challenges that the Philippines experienced in the past months, Central Luzon remained one of the core regions contributing significantly to the overall growth of the country as fueled by the impressive performances of the region’s emerging cities and special economic zones.

The biggest contributors to the region’s steady growth this year are the three Freeport zones, namely the Clark Freeport Zone, Subic Freeport Zone and the Bataan Freeport Zone.

Investments and Job Opportunities

The Clark Freeport Zone is becoming the next economic haven of Luzon with unprecedented gains in investments, revenues, employment and other significant achievements.

Noel F. Manankil, president and CEO of the Clark Development Corporation (CDC), said the impressive accomplishments in the freeport can be attributed to the sound business climate that attracted more investors.

CDC’s latest number of locator-firms totaled 949, most of them in the information communication technology (ICT), service and developers’ industries. This resulted in the creation of jobs for 108,000 workers.

“With its extensive involvement in the government’s Build, Build, Build, program, Clark will be able to provide more jobs and opportunities for the Filipinos,” Manankil said.

The Subic Bay Freeport, on the other hand, has a total of 1,596 business locators that employ a total workforce of 133,940.

“There is a significant harvest of business commitments and opportunities for Subic, and it only goes to show that this freeport remains to be one of the strongest economic drivers in the country today,” SBMA chairman and administrator Wilma T. Eisma said.

For the first half of the year, the SBMA has approved 45 new investment projects worth a total of PHP2.85 billion, bringing the cumulative investment commitments to PHP499.6 billion.

Eisma said the SBMA hopes to create more business opportunities as it arranges cooperation programs with neighboring communities to host additional investment projects.

Meanwhile, the number of approved and registered locators at the Authority of the Freeport Area of Bataan (AFAB) reached 163 as of September this year.

“The continuous influx of new and interested locators in the FAB means an increased number of job opportunities for the community,” AFAB chairman and administrator Emmanuel D. Pineda said.

So far, the number of workforce in the Freeport totaled 40,567 wherein 35,116 are from Bataan and 5,451 from other regions even as far as Visayas and Mindanao.

Data showed that AFAB likewise managed to contribute bigger shares to the government from PHP98 million in 2017 to PHP141 million this year.

“We all decided to move forward together as we aim to reach new frontiers and trail blaze an amazing future for the next generations. Two years later, we have succeeded in sustaining this growth and now we continue to expand towards new possibilities,” Pineda said.

Agriculture

The agriculture sector of Central Luzon experienced a slowdown this year following the effect of typhoons the past months.

The Department of Agriculture (DA)-Central Luzon reported that damage to agriculture in the region due to typhoons Henry, Inday and Josie was placed at PHP770 million.

Likewise, some 110,698 hectares of farmlands in the region were affected by the onslaught of Typhoon Ompong, causing destruction to crops amounting to some PHP2.05 billion.

As a result, Central Luzon is one of the four typhoon-affected regions placed under the state of calamity to mitigate the economic impact of the typhoon to the affected residents.

The member-agencies of the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council in Central Luzon have also provided various assistance to the typhoon-affected families.

Despite the slowdown in the agriculture sector, Central Luzon plays a big role to the country’s economy due to diversification developments in the region.

Tourism

A spike in tourist volume in Central Luzon this year was noted due to improved infrastructures such as the integration of the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) and the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway that paved the way for an easier and accessible travel to and from the provinces in the region.

The passenger traffic at the Clark International Airport is expected to hit the 2.5 million mark in the number of passengers before the year ends.

“The Clark International Airport is now one of the country’s busiest airports and this 2.5-million passenger mark is another record-breaking milestone for Clark,” Jaime Melo, president and chief executive officer of the Clark International Airport Corporation (CIAC) said in a statement.

At present, the Clark International Airport sustains 390 domestic and 184 international flights weekly.

“We are also targeting at least 11 domestic and 24 international destinations for next year,” Melo said.

The emergence of Subic as a hub for cruise ships was also cited.

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) is seeking to integrate tourist destinations in the neighboring provinces of Pampanga, Tarlac, Bataan and Zambales to boost cruise tourism program of the Subic Bay Freeport and create inclusive growth in the region.

“Our strategy is for Subic to become the anchor cruise ship destination, but it’s actually not only for Subic but for the inclusive growth of all of us as well,” Eisma earlier said.

So far, the number of Subic’s cruise ship arrivals this year was placed at 20, each bringing in some 2,000 to 5,000 tourists at every port call.

The construction of the Subic-Clark Railway, the North-South Railway spanning Laguna-Manila-Clark, and the expansion of the Clark International Airport will also serve as come-on for businessmen and tourists.

Economic outlook for 2019

With the high-impact projects in the region under the Duterte administration’s “Build, Build, Build" infrastructure program, particularly in Clark Freeport Zone, another good year is expected to come in for the economy in Central Luzon.

Jess Nicdao, president of the Pampanga Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. said the major infrastructure projects are the key to sustaining the economic growth of the region.

He lauded the Duterte administration for making Clark a part of the country’s economic strategy which is expected to experience an influx of new businesses and investments.

The country’s hosting of the 30th Southeast Asian Games where some of the games will be held in Clark next year, is likewise seen to give a multiplier effect that could help sustain the vibrant economy of Central Luzon. (PNA)

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1056863

Read More

Eisma: Complementation key to CL tourism growth

CLARK FREEPORT – The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) is seeking to integrate tourist destinations in the neighboring provinces of Pampanga, Tarlac, Bataan and Zambales to further sweeten the pot for the cruise tourism program of the Subic Bay Freeport and create inclusive growth in the region.

In a briefing here with the Pampanga Press Club at the Park Inn by Radisson Clark recently, SBMA Chairman Wilma T. Eisma said there is a need for local communities in Central Luzon to open up more attractions and strengthen each other’s tourism offerings through tactically-coordinated programs.

“Our strategy is for Subic to become the anchor cruise ship destination, but it’s actually not only for Subic but for the inclusive growth of all of us as well,” Eisma explained.

She pointed out that cruise ship passengers disembarking in Subic have frequented various destinations in Clark Freeport, as well as attractions like Las Casas De Acuzar in Bataan and mango farms in Zambales.

“The idea is to come up with curated experiences that we can commonly sell to tourists,” Eisma said. “Zambales will have agro-tourism, Bataan and Tarlac their historical sites, while we can bring cruise ship passengers for a food trip in Pampanga to sample the popular local cuisine.”

“There is a lot of opportunity, and a lot of dreams that we can realize through the cruise ship program. The key is complementation and the strategy is to sell your own destinations as well as those of your neighbor’s,” she added.

As of now, the SBMA’s cruise ship tourism program is running smoothly, Eisma said, with Subic hosting 17 ship arrivals since February and expecting up to 10 more arrivals before the end of the year.

She added that Subic has already confirmed the arrival of 20 trips for next year, including “Spectrum of the Seas”, a 5,000-capacity cruise ship being built for launching next year by Royal Caribbean International, one of the biggest cruise lines in the world.

Last month, the Central Luzon Regional Development Council cited the SBMA for developing Subic into a premier cruise ship destination in the country and noted that cruise ship arrivals in Subic this year had generated more than P85-million worth of economic activity.

These came in the form of income from cruise ship passengers’ visits to theme parks, local transportation costs, port fees, purchase of local products, dining, and other services provided by tourism-related establishments.

To further build up the Subic cruise ship program, Eisma said the SBMA is seeking the approval of a visa-free scheme for tourists arriving at the Subic Bay Freeport that would also invigorate the tourism industry in neighboring areas.

She said the Subic agency is now working with the Office of the President and concerned agencies to amend EO 271 signed by President Fidel Ramos in 1995 that allows foreign nationals visiting Subic to stay within the free port for a maximum of 14 days without visa.

“I'm very, very hopeful that our visa-free proposal will be granted soon, because once that happens Central Luzon can expect a deluge of tourists and we would surely get our hands full,” Eisma said.

She said the SBMA is continuously working with officials of Clark Freeport and government executives in Zambales, Bataan, Pampanga and Tarlac to plan out tourism cooperation programs, including the hosting of the Southeast Asian Games next year.

In the same forum, SM Clark Public Relations Manager Venus Manalang noted that the renowned mall chain has been accommodating cruise ship passengers who arrived from the Subic Freeport and expressed support to SBMA plans to promote tourism in Central Luzon.

“If the SM Olongapo City branch opens their doors earlier than the scheduled work hours to accommodate cruise ship passengers, the SM Clark branch will also find ways to heighten the interests of cruise ship passengers who will visit our branch,” Manalang said. (JRR/MPD-SBMA)

PHOTOS:

[1] SBMA Chairman and Administrator Wilma T. Eisma explains the need for complementation to boost tourism in Central Luzon during the “News@Hues” press conference hosted by the Pampanga Press Club. Looking on is PPC President Deng Panganiban. (MPD-SBMA)

[2] SBMA Chairman and Administrator Wilma T. Eisma poses with members of the Pampanga Press Club after guesting at the “News@Hues” press conference hosted by PPC at the Park Inn by Radisson Clark. (MPD-SBMA)

Read More

Subic wooing Taiwanese tourists

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) is eyeing more visitors to the Subic Bay Freeport from Taiwan with the recent launch of direct flights to Taipei from the neighboring Clark Freeport in Pampanga.

SBMA Chairman and Administrator Wilma T. Eisma welcomed here on Friday several Chinese Taipei bloggers, who visited various tourism attractions in Subic with the purpose of promoting them in Taiwan.

The visitors were accompanied by Region III Tourism Officer Marilou Pangilinan, who met them at the Clark International Airport with the first Taipei to Clark flight of AirAsia Philippines, which has just resumed international flights via the Clark hub.

Eisma said the SBMA, with the help of the Department of Tourism, is working to establish Subic as a destination for Taiwanese visitors, who are now the sixth biggest group of tourists in the country.

“Subic has been blessed with many tourist attractions, and we want to use every possible means to entice visitors to come and enjoy Subic,” Eisma said.

“Having these bloggers experiencing first-hand the beauty of our place and the hospitality of our people, is one giant step in conveying our invitation to the people of Taiwan,” she added.

The bloggers group started their tour at the Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center, where they met with the SBMA tourism officials. Then they proceeded to the Zoobic Safari nature park, where they enjoyed a “close encounter’ activity with park tigers; and thence to the Ocean Adventure marine park, where they watched animal shows.

Following a sumptuous lunch at the Acea Subic Bay Resort, which is renowned for hosting international triathlon events, the group then went on a bay cruise organized by The Lighthouse Marina Resort marketing director Zed Avecilla. The yacht tour gave them a glimpse into Subic’s mangrove forest, Ilanin Bay, and the historic World War II fort at Grande Island.

DOT’s Pangilinan said that Chinese Taipei tourists have often used Clark Airport as their entry point to the Philippines. And while the Taiwanese frequented destinations such as Bohol, Palawan, Cebu and Benguet, they have little knowledge about Central Luzon’s tourist spots, she added.

Chairman Eisma expressed the hope that through the write-ups to be made by the visiting bloggers, Taiwanese tourists looking for new areas to visit would consider Subic Bay Freeport Zone as one of their stops during their stay in the country.

According to government figures, Taiwan is the sixth biggest source of tourists for the Philippines, with about 60,000 arrivals for the period January to March this year.

Records from the Taiwan Economic and Cultural Office in Manila, meanwhile, placed Filipino traverlers to Taiwan at close to 300,000 in 2017. (JRR/MPD-SBMA)

PHOTOS:

[1] Taiwanese bloggers visit the Zoobic Safari theme park in the Subic Bay Freeport, accompanied by tourism officers from the SBMA and the Region III office of the Department of Tourism.

[2] A Taiwanese blogger reacts while feeding a tiger at the Zoobic Safari theme park in the Subic Bay Freeport.

[3] SBMA Chairman Wilma T. Eisma (fourth from right) join Taiwanese bloggers at the Subic Bay Yacht Club during their visit to promote the Subic Bay Freeport on Friday.

[4] Taiwanese bloggers aboard a yacht while touring Subic Bay with The Lighthouse Marina Resort marketing director Zed Avecilla (center).

Read More

Rail to enhance Subic port’s attraction

Subic port is increasingly becoming an important trade center pushed by and its attraction will be enhanced with government’s plan to build a P57-billion railway connecting the Freeport with Clark.

In a report, the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) said exports going out of Subic port rose 38 percent to $2.3 billion in 2017 from $1.7 billion in 2016.

Imports that passed through the port similarly rose 11 percent to $1.77 billion from $1.6 billion in 2016.

The report shows containerized cargo volume jumped 13 percent to 140,938 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) from 124,707 TEUs in 2016.

In contrast, non-containerized cargo volume fell 6 percent to 6.6 million metric tons from 7 mmt in 2016.

Ship calls improved in the international front, outstripping domestic calls.

Foreign ship calls stood at 1,526, up 12 percent from 1,365 in 2016. Domestic ship calls however declined 27 percent to 1,252 from 1,704 in 2016.

As a result of these activities, port revenues in Subic in 2017 rose 6 percent to P1.21 billion from P1.14 billion in 2016.

Government is planning to build a railway connecting Subic with Clark airport, initially as a cargo and eventually as a passenger service.

Joshua Bingcang, vice president for business development and operations of the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) said a new alignment would be set up between Subic and Clark passing through Dinalupihan in Bataan and Floridablanca, Porac and Angeles City in Pampanga.

Bingcang said the establishment of the cargo rail will incentivize business to shift from Manila and decongest public roads.

He said hauling goods via rail could be cheaper by 25 to 50 percent than by land.

“This system will further bring down cost of movement of goods, an alternative to truckers especially those using Gapan-Olongapo road and the Subic-Clark Tarlac expressway,” said Bingcang.

The project, awaiting approval of the National Economic and Development Authority board, is one of the projects under official development assistance from the government of China.

Bingcang said the BCDA hopes to finalize the loan support this year and start construction next year.

Construction could take three years.

Subic-Clark railway is part of the Greater Luzon Railway System being planned by government. Malaya Business Insight)

http://www.malaya.com.ph/business-news/business/rail-enhance-subic-port%E2%80%99s-attraction

Read More

Victory Liner starts P2P services in Clark-Subic, Clark-Dagupan routes

VICTORY Liner Incorporated (VLI), one of the biggest bus companies in Northern Luzon, announced the start of Point-to-Point (P2P) bus services from Clark International Airport to Subic Bay in Olongapo and the City of Dagupan in Pangasinan.

P2P buses pick up and drop off passengers only at designated terminals. VLI operations manager Ronald Sarmiento said Victory Liner decided to provide this service to allow overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in Pampanga, Bataan, Zambales and Pangasinan to travel to and from Clark International Airport, instead of having to go to the Ninoy Aquino International Airport.

There will be four routes, with all trips going to and from Clark international airport in Dagupan and Subic.

For faster trips, Victory Liner will use the TPLEX and SCTEX. “From Clark international airports, there will be a trip from Clark to Subic. This trip begins at 1:00 am and the last trip will be at 8:00 pm.

For those living in Bataan and Zambales, there will be trips from Subic to San Fernando.

For residents of Pangasinan, trips to Clark will start at 1:00 am and the last trip at 8:00 pm,” said Sarmiento.

For the Clark to Dagupan routes, Victory Liner will only pick up passengers from Clark airport, SM Clark, SM Carmen and Urdaneta Victory Liner terminals.

Passengers going from Clark to Subic, pickup and drop-off points are to be found at Clark international airport, SM Clark, Victory Liner bus terminals at San Fernando and Dinalupihan and Harbort Point. (PR)

http://www.sunstar.com.ph/pampanga/business/2018/03/12/victory-liner-starts-p2p-services-clark-subic-clark-dagupan-routes

Read More

NEDA panel gives Subic-Clark Railway project the green light

The Investment Coordination Committee-Cabinet Committee (ICC-CabCom) of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) has approved the P57.6-billion Subic-Clark Railway Project connecting Subic Bay and the Clark Freeport Zones.

The rail line will provide freight connection between Subic Bay and the Clark to address the infrastructure needs for a freight railway system in Luzon.

It will link Subic Port with Clark International Airport and other major economic hubs in Central Luzon such as the planned New Clark City.

“This joint project of the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the Bases Conversion Development Authority (BCDA) is one of the Duterte administration’s 75 flagship projects,” NEDA said.

The initial stages of the project— conceptualization and feasibility studies—started in October 2016. It is targeted to be completed in April 2021, according to the government’s Build, Build, Build website.

It was approved on Friday, January 26, NEDA said in a statement Monday. The project is now up for approval of the NEDA Board headed by President Rodrigo Duterte.

The ICC-CabCom also approved a higher cost for the Metro Manila Subway Project (MMSP)-Phase I at P356.96 billion or P1.375 billion more than the earlier estimate of P355.58 billion.

“The increase in the project cost of the MMSP was based on the appraisal of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), which will finance the said project through an Office Development Assistance (ODA) loan package,” NEDA said.

The Mega Manila Subway is a 25-kilometer underground mass transportation system connecting the major business districts and government centers in the metropolis.

The government plans to spend over P8 trillion until 2022 on the golden age of infrastructure, largely funded by tax revenue.

This year alone, the Philippines plans to roll out 76 big-ticket projects cumulatively valued at $35.5 billion or P1.1 trillion. (Jon Viktor Cabuenas/VDS, GMA News)

http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/money/economy/641386/neda-panel-gives-subic-clark-railway-project-the-green-light/story/

Read More

Senate panel OKs proposed 2018 budgets of BCDA, SBMA

The Senate finance subcommittee approved on Tuesday the proposed 2018 budgets of the Bases Conversion Development Authority (BCDA) and Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA).

During the deliberations, BCDA president and chief executive officer Vivencio Dizon bared their priority projects which include the expansion of Clark International Airport, construction of the New Clark City, BGC-NAIA Bus Rapid Transit System, and the Subic-Clark Cargo Railway.

SBMA Administrator and CEO Atty. Wilma Eisma, for her part, said they are proposing for a P3.548 billion budget for 2018.

Eisma said that they are eyeing to build an SBMA Corporate Center with a total estimated cost of P3.2 billion.

Meanwhile, the following are the proposed projects of SBMA with its estimated cost:

• New Magsaysay bridge - P390,780,000

• Piers And wharves rehabilitation - P2,459,610,000

• Port dredging - P83,389,950

• Building of SBMA/Olongapo Museum - P80,000,000

• Continuous upgrading of the Subic Bay International Airport (SBIA) Facilities - P45,400,000

• Subic Bay Freeport Zone (SBFZ) concreting And repair of roads - P489,300,000

The BCDA is seeking a P6.686 billion budget for 2018, of which P4.017 billion will be allotted for the construction of the New Clark city Access Road.

The New Clark City, according to Dizon, is a 120-hectare one-stop shop land which will be located at the Central Business District.

A 46-hectare Philippine Sports City includes facilities such as athletics and outdoor football stadium, aquatics center and athlete's village that will be built within the proposed New Clark City.

Dizon emphasized the need for the national government to provide funding for the construction of roads, as the Philippines will be hosting the 30th Southeast Asian Games in 2019.

He said Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano has chosen New Clark City as one of the venues for the SEA Games.

Finance subcommittee F chaired by Senator JV Ejercito, who saw "very big potential" over the proposed projects of BCDA, suggested that the agency should also come up with a master plan that will last for at least 20 to 50 years.

"Instead of the 3-year and 6-year plan that based on the political term. Kasi ganon ang nangyari sa atin, wala tayong long term plans so I think this is very exciting and Clark will play a big role in decongesting Metro Manila and other cities," Ejercito said.

Dizon, for his part, assured that they have a masterplan that is up until 2065.

Ejercito has also suggested that SBMA should create a long-term master plan.

Ejercito has approved the proposed budget of BCDA and SBMA which will be moved to the Senate plenary for final approval. (RSJ, GMA News)

http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/news/nation/626412/senate-panel-oks-proposed-2018-budgets-of-bcda-sbma/story/

Read More

Subic, Clark affirm partnership in regional growth, nat’l development

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) and the Clark International Airport Corporation (CIAC) reaffirmed on Wednesday their partnership as global gateways to boost development in the Central Luzon region and to propel national economic growth.

Speaking during the CIAC 2017 Roadshow here, SBMA Administrator Wilma Eisma and CIAC President and CEO Alex Cauguiran expressed their continuing commitment to work hand-in-hand towards regional growth and outlined their vision for a more effective partnership.

“President Duterte has always emphasized that he wants to connect Clark and Subic free ports in order to turn Central Luzon into a major logistics hub,” Eisma said in a message read by SBMA Chief Marketing Executive Ronnie Yambao. “And this is how it really should be.”

“As world-class gateways, Clark International Airport and the Port of Subic can and should serve as the twin turbo-engine of growth for Central Luzon, a super duo – if I may call it – that can help alleviate urban blights like vehicular traffic and port congestion in Metro Manila,” Eisma added.

Eisma also pointed out that by coordinating the operations of Clark airport and Subic seaport, CIAC and the SBMA can serve the needs of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMs), as well as large manufacturing industries in the region; spur growth in tourism and the MSMEs and big industries through the efficient movement of people, goods, and services to and from Central Luzon and other parts of the country; and create more employment and livelihood opportunities in the region.

“So as you can probably surmise, our only option is to work effectively, efficiently, and harmoniously together if we are to support and fulfill the President’s agenda for Subic and Clark,” Eisma added.

For his part, Cauguiran emphasized the need for a common development platform between Clark and Subic, as well as the nearby communities, so that they may fulfill their roles in the national development agenda.

“We are promoting not only Clark, but also Subic Bay and the provinces of Bataan and Zambales,” Cauguiran said, adding that this is in line with the vision of President Duterte to decentralize development and disperse growth to different regions in the country.

Cauguiran, who served as member of the Philippine panel that negotiated air service agreement with other countries in the world, said that as early as six years ago, he was already batting to maximize the use of the airports in Clark and Subic because the Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Manila was already overloaded.

“I said that we should open other airports,” Cauguiran recalled saying. “We should make (the Clark and Subic) airports night-rated, give them entitlement, develop their terminal, and develop their runway.”

“And I believe that the Subic Bay International Airport (SBIA) has entitlement to develop and fully utilize its airport because I always make sure that what will be put in the proposal will include not only Clark but Subic and other airports outside NAIA,” he added.

The Subic Bay Freeport and the Clark Freeport are now considered the prime catalysts of economic progress in Central Luzon and the biggest generators of livelihood opportunities for residents of communities devastated by the Mt. Pinatubo eruption in 1991 and the subsequent withdrawal of US military forces the following year from the former Subic Naval Base and Clark Airforce Base.

Because of this, Eisma likewise stressed that Subic and Clark “are not competitors, but members of the same national team.”

“As separate entities, we are no doubt expected to accomplish a lot, but together we are also expected to do much, much more,” the SBMA official said. (RAV/MPD-SBMA)

PHOTO:

[1] CIAC President Alex Cauguiran (right) and SBMA Chief Marketing Executive Ronnie Yambao give “thumbs up” signs to show unity between the Subic and Clark free ports in undertaking their joint development roles for the Central Luzon region. (AMD/MPD-SBMA)

Read More

Investors flock to Subic, Clark

MANILA, Philippines - Foreign and local investors continue to flock to the Subic-Clark area ahead of upcoming big-ticket projects by the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) and Bases Conversion Development Authority (BCDA).

SBMA chairman Martin Diño said his agency intends to develop a 3,000-hectare expansion project to be known as Subic 2.

“We will develop a 3,000-hectare project, similar to the size of Makati, which will be our answer to Clark Green City,” Diño said.

“This will create another 150,000 new jobs with 1,500 new locators with complete facilities,” he added.

According to the SBMA official, 900 hectares of the planned Subic 2 development have already been sold to a Filipino-Chinese-Singaporean consortium.

SBMA said there is no more available land space in the Subic Bay Freeport Zone to cater to new investors looking for large areas for their new facilities, thus compelling the agency to endorse these investors to other areas such as Clark or Bataan.

The planned Subic Freeport expansion is part of the P140-billion projects which SBMA intends to develop within the term of President Duterte. The projects, which include construction of roads that will shorten the travel time of cargo trucks and passenger vehicles to and from Northern Luzon and Metro Manila, has been endorsed for signing of the President.

Diño said the projects have received strong interest from China, Russia, Japan and South Korea investors.

Apart from SBMA’s projects, BCDA’s Clark Green City development has likewise captured investors’ attention, according to its president and CEO Vince Dizon.

“There are a lot of interest,” Dizon said, noting that educational institution Ateneo is among the latest to indicate plans to set up in Clark Green City.

“Ateneo just sent a letter of interest, they want to reserve 80 hectares,” he said.

BCDA has earlier entered into an agreement with the University of the Philippines for the construction of the UP global campus on a 70-hectare lot inside the Clark Green City. (Richmond Mercurio, Philippine Star)

http://www.philstar.com/business/2017/04/21/1692216/investors-flock-subic-clark

Read More