SBMA gets DOE, PNOC Solar EV Station, blessing of E-Buses & EV Stations held

The Department of Energy (DOE) formally turned over a Solar-Assisted Electric Vehicle Charging Station (EVCS) to the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA), marking another important milestone in the government’s efforts to promote cleaner, smarter, and more sustainable transport and energy solutions nationwide.

The turnover ceremony, held in Taguig City, was led in by DOE Undersecretary Mario C. Marasigan, who represented Energy Secretary Sharon S. Garin. He was joined by Director Patrick T. Aquino, CESO III of the DOE’s Energy Utilization Management Bureau (EUMB). Representing SBMA were Engr. Marco A. Estabillo, Deputy Administrator for the Public Works and Technical Services Group, and Engr. Jomel M. Libut, Officer-in-Charge of the Maintenance and Transportation Department. The event was also witnessed by Mr. Ronald R. Estilles, President and CEO of the Philippine National Oil Company Renewables Corporation (PNOC RC).

Developed by the DOE and PNOC-RC under the Government Energy Management Program (GEMP), the Solar-Assisted EVCS serves as a model facility for integrating renewable energy into electric mobility. The project supports the government’s efforts to expand access to clean transport, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and promote the wider use of electric vehicles in strategic locations, such as the Subic Bay Freeport Zone.

Meanwhile, the SBMA held the blessing of e-buses and charging stations at the Maintenance and Transportation Department (MTD) and Argonaut Highway, paving the way for a greener Subic Bay Freeport on November 24, 2025.

The SBMA e-Bus is a new public transport system in the Subic Bay Freeport Zone utilizing 10 electric buses (e-buses) as part of the agency’s move towards a carbon-neutral Freeport. There are currently two charging stations for the e-buses, with the Department of Energy (DOE) donating the one at Argonaut Highway.

A total of 58 bus stops will be constructed, eight around the Central Business District, 16 at the Cubi Area, six at theme park areas, 18 at the Binictican Housing area, and ten at the Kalayaan Housing area. (PNA, SNL)

Read More

SBMA to launch e-buses soon

As the Subic Bay Freeport Zone (SBFZ) pushes towards its carbon neutrality goal, the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) is poised to launch pure battery electric buses (PBEB) in this premier Freeport within the year.

SBMA Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño said that the PBEB project parallels the agency’s thrust of making the Freeport the first carbon-neutral economic zone in the Philippines, under the “Race to Carbon Neutrality” program.

He added that the PBEB project will entail the construction of fast electric vehicle charging stations (EVCS) at the SBMA Maintenance and Transportation Department (MTD) motor pool area. Another charging station donated by the Department of Energy (DOE) will be installed along Argonaut Highway.

“Ten units of these pure battery electric buses were delivered here in Subic Bay Freeport last May 13.  We have road tested one of the buses on May 27 with several members of the SBMA Board. It is quite comfortable and provides easy access for persons with disabilities,” Aliño said.

For the upcoming launch of the PBEBs inside the Freeport, the SBMA has allotted a budget of ₱10 million for the construction of new bus stops and the rehabilitation of existing ones. Its completion is expected by December 2025.

Apart from the EVCs, the project also includes the renovation of the Kalaklan Gate Terminal, which serves as Subic Bay Freeport’s entry point for people coming from Zambales.

A total of 58 bus stops will be constructed, eight around the Central Business District, 16 at the Cubi Area, six at theme park areas, 18 at the Binictican Housing area, and ten at the Kalayaan Housing area.

The PBEBs were acquired through Golden Asia Automotive Builders, Inc., and manufactured by Xiamen King Long United Automotive Industry Co., Ltd., which was founded in 1988 with over 30 years of bus manufacturing experience.

With a target to reduce carbon emissions by 30 percent by 2030 and achieve net-zero emissions by 2040, the SBMA is pushing to become the first Carbon Neutral Port in the country through initiatives such as the ₱250-million Carbon Neutral Port project with shore power connections for ships. (MPD-SBMA)

Read More

BYD Philippines opens Subic branch

In line with its thrust to make this premier Freeport a carbon-neutral economic zone by 2030, the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) opened its doors to BYD Philippines, with its newest branch here. 

 

During its grand opening on May 19, 2025, SBMA Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño said that the entry of China’s leading electric vehicle maker here solidifies the stance of the agency in making Subic Freeport carbon-neutral. 

 

He added that the Harmony Auto Philippines-operated branch of BYD will certainly sell a huge volume of electric vehicles that will significantly reduce harmful emissions, while making this premier Freeport its home. 

 

The BYD Subic Branch offers consumers an option for owning a vehicle that is eco-friendly and energy-efficient. The showroom cum service center offers the newest and the latest electric vehicles to residents of Central Luzon.

 

Aliño, BYD Philippines Country Head Adam Hu, BYD Cars Philippines Managing Director Bob Palanca, and Harmony Auto Philippines General Manager Owen Meneses led the inauguration of the fifth franchise of the Chinese EV brand in the country.

 

Also gracing the event were Bataan Congressman Albert Garcia, former Hermosa Mayor Joseph Anthony Inton, and Olongapo City Mayor Rolen Paulino Jr., as well as the SBMA Board of Directors as guests of honor.

 

Subic Bay Freeport is equipped with various EV charging stations that are easily accessible to the public. One is located at the ACEA Subic Beach Resort; another at the Harbor Point Ayala Mall at the Rizal Highway; and one at the Unioil Petroleum Philippines Inc. Subic. (MPD-SBMA) 

Read More

2 e-PUVs roam the streets of SBF on test run for 2 weeks

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) inaugurated its public transportation project with the test run of two fully electric public utility vehicles (e-PUVs) around the central business district (CBD) here from September 13 to 27. 

In collaboration with the Basic Energy Corporation, the company behind the Green Energy E-Transport Program (GEEP), this project was conceptualized primarily to provide free or low-cost transportation services to Subic Freeport stakeholders, as part of the wellness program of SBMA Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño to improve the quality of life of the local populace.

Aliño lauded the hard work of the SBMA’s committee on public transportation, chaired by Deputy Administrator for Finance Antonietta Sanqui, for the expeditious formulation and pursuance of a roadmap and action plan geared towards achieving a more accessible and affordable yet sustainable and energy-efficient transportation for residents, employees, tourists, and all other stakeholders of the free port. 

The Agency chief added that the e-PUVs on test run will be used to ferry commuters from CBD-A bus stop situated at the Golden Dragon Restaurant parking area, and CBD-B bus stop at the Kalaklan Terminal.

The ePUVs made its inaugural run here during the second Central Luzon Sustainable Tourism Summit held at the Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center (SBECC) for its ecotour on Wednesday and Thursday. 

“These ePUVs that were used to take tourism summit participants to their designated ecotours here and in Zambales aim to reduce carbon emissions in Subic Bay,” he said.

Basic Energy Corporation is a publicly listed holding company in the Philippines that has business interests in various fields of renewable energy and alternative fuels, and oil and gas exploration and development.

The renewable energy company continues to fuel the Philippines’ vibrant energy sector with the breadth and depth of its projects and technical knowledge. It aims to be the leading developer of alternative and renewable energy, oil and allied products and services in the country. (MPD-SBMA) 

Read More

LOOK: SBMA Chief Jonathan Tan meets with TWG to address public transportation needs in SBFZ

Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman and Administrator Jonathan D. Tan confers matters with the Technical Working Group (TWG) for Transportation to address concerns regarding the need for public transport providers within the Subic Bay Freeport Zone.

“Our nightlife here needs reviving since most of the restos and bars close early because of the lack of available transportation after 9 pm. Yes we do have taxis, but for a simple employee of a restaurant or bar, taking the cab everyday would certainly hurt his or her income,” Chairman Tan said.

The official shared that the agency is eyeing the purchase of electric buses and creating more bus stops, especially in housing areas such as Binictican and Kalayaan. (MPD-SBMA)

Read More

Subic Freeport gears up for e-vehicle tourism

The country’s premier Freeport signified its readiness for electric vehicle tourism after the installation of two Electric Vehicle Charging Station (EVCS) here. 

Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman and Administrator Jonathan D. Tan graced the official launching of the EVCS at the Uni-Oil Subic gasoline station after a product presentation. 

“We are gearing up to attract more tourists while maintaining an environmentally healthy environment as part of my administration’s thrusts. Not only that we are now expecting tourists thru the conventional fuel-powered vehicles, we are now ready for tourists on electric vehicles and e-cars,” Tan said.

Tan added that another EVCS was installed at the Acea Subic Beach Resorts early this year. Both Acea and Uni-Oil EVCSs will provide the ‘juice’ for electric vehicles that are now on the rise due to vehicle manufacturers producing more efficient and reliable electric vehicles. 

He explained that both charging stations have two charging feeder pillars and enclosure each, and can easily accommodate two vehicles simultaneously. With the establishments of the EVCS here, Tan encourages soon-to-be new car owners to look into electric vehicles.

“Subic Bay Freeport has been known to be an ecologically-friendly area, and with the installations of these electric vehicle charging stations, Subic can be a haven for electric car owners,” he added.

The Unioil Subic EVCS is a partnership between Delta Electronics International (SG) Pte. Ltd. and Unioil Petroleum Phils., Inc. Delta EV Chargers are made by Edgetech and Delta, and were demonstrated using electric vehicles Hyundai IONIQ5 from Hyundai Motors Philippines and Nissan Leaf from Nissan Philippines.

Acea Subic Beach Resort was the first to install an EVCS in Subic Bay Freeport, providing guests and visitors the option to use their electric vehicles when coming to their establishment. The EVCS in Acea was opened during the last week of January.

With Subic Bay Freeport increasing the number of EVCS, tourists with electric vehicles will now have the option to visit this premier Freeport without worrying of not having to recharge their vehicles.

“Accessibility to having electric vehicle charging stations is the key to making Subic Bay Freeport a tourist haven for electric vehicle owners. The installation of electric vehicle charging stations here will help increase confidence for first-time vehicle owners to go electric as the Freeport and the SBMA continues the fight against climate change,” Tan said.

The official cited that some EVCS are now capable of charging e-bikes and e-scooters, and also have higher-power DC fast charging and combined charging system capability that is used by most newer electric vehicles.

“With the dawn of fast charging, some electric vehicles can easily replenish their battery packs within 30 to 40 minutes,” Tan added. (MPD-SBMA)

Read More