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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Subic's strategic role in the Luzon Economic Corridor

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

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

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

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

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

Strengthening investment connections

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

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

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

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

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US Support for Subic Port Expansion Strengthens Luzon Economic Corridor

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

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

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

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

Strengthening Subic’s maritime capabilities

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

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

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

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

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

Subic at the heart of the Luzon Economic Corridor

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

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

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

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

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

Building stronger partnerships

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Subic Bay Marks 10 Years of the South China Sea Arbitral Award with a Fleet-Wide Water Salute

Subic Bay was the scene of a striking maritime tribute on Sunday, July 12, as the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) took part in the national commemoration of the 10th anniversary of the 2016 South China Sea Arbitral Award. 

Twenty-eight vessels gathered in the bay for a coordinated water salute, joining similar observances happening across the country.

The tribute unfolded at 10:00 a.m. in front of the SBMA Administration Building. Six tugboats took center stage, spraying arcs of water into the air in a synchronized display, while all 28 participating vessels sounded their horns together in a shared moment of tribute to the landmark ruling.

The fleet itself told its own story of cooperation: eight Philippine Navy vessels, two United States Navy ships, three MARINA-accredited vessels, a squadron of tugboats, and a handful of commercial cargo ships that opted in voluntarily to stand in solidarity with the observance.

Answering a National Call

According to SBMA Senior Deputy Administrator for Operations Ronnie Yambao, the event came together after the Presidential Office for Maritime Concerns called on agencies nationwide to take part. Once SBMA received the directive, its Seaport Department moved quickly, reaching out to maritime stakeholders and partners to pull together the day's roster of vessels.

Yambao described the salute as a gesture of remembrance and respect — a way for SBMA to stand with the rest of the country in honoring a ruling that has shaped the Philippines' maritime story. He credited the Seaport team's coordination for bringing so many vessels together on short notice.

A Statement Beyond Symbolism

For SBMA, the participation carried weight beyond ceremony. As a government-owned and controlled corporation and one of the country's leading port authorities, the agency framed its involvement as a demonstration of support for national efforts to uphold international maritime law.

That message was echoed from the top: SBMA Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño pointed to the importance of respecting the rules-based international order, framing the day as a reaffirmation of the Philippines' commitment to the peaceful, lawful use of its maritime territory.

Part of a Bigger Picture

Subic Bay's water salute was one piece of a broader nationwide commemoration marking a decade since the arbitral ruling affirmed the Philippines' maritime entitlements under international law. 

Beyond the spectacle of tugboats and horns, the day underscored something less visible but arguably more important: the ongoing cooperation between government agencies, the maritime industry, and international partners in defending peace, stability, and the rule of law in Philippine waters. (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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PBBM leads inauguration of HD Hyundai shipyard in Subic

Shipbuilding makes a grand comeback in the Philippine maritime industry.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. led the inauguration ceremony of HD Hyundai Heavy Industries Philippines Inc. at the Agila Southern Yard, Subic Freeport Zone on September 2, 2025 —a landmark event that marks the revival of the country’s shipbuilding enterprise.

The ceremony formally launched Hyundai’s operations in the Philippines, reinforcing the country’s position as a strategic hub for maritime and industrial growth in the Asia-Pacific region.

A symbolic steel-cutting ceremony marked the commencement of construction on the shipyard’s first vessel, signaling the beginning of a new era for local shipbuilding and engineering capabilities.

The President’s presence underscores the Philippine government’s strong policy support and commitment to attracting long-term, high-impact investments in key industries. 

Long-term employment

In his message, Marcos Jr. emphasized the industry’s capacity to expand operations and provide long-term employment opportunities.

“With Hyundai Heavy Industries investing in Subic, our shipyard capacity will significantly increase from 1.3 million to 2.5 million deadweight tons, from handling four to five massive oil tankers to about eight of those ships,” the President said. 

He also highlighted government programs aimed at preparing more workers for the sector. 

The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) has partnered with Hyundai to operate a training center in Subic, producing its first 24 welding graduates now employed at the yard, while additional training slots have been made available to maintain a steady supply of skilled workers.

Korean Ambassador to the Philippines Lee Sang-hwa said the project reflects the strengthening economic ties between the two countries.

“Today’s event is, above all, a victory for the Philippines. It is a tangible result of President Marcos’ tireless efforts to attract foreign investment through the CREATE More [Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises to Maximize Opportunities for Reinvigorating the Economy] Act,” Lee said.

He added that Hyundai is projected to employ 7,000 to 8,000 workers in the coming years, calling the initiative a “powerful tripartite partnership” wherein Korea contributes shipbuilding technology, the United States provides financial support, and the Philippines offers skilled manpower and a strategic location.
 

Global shipbuilding hub 

HD Hyundai Heavy Industries CEO Kim Sung-joon also emphasized the Philippines’ potential to become a global hub for shipbuilding.

“Fortunately, the Philippines possesses all the ideal conditions to become a major player in the shipbuilding industry—with a blessed maritime environment, a young and highly skilled workforce, and the committed support of the government,” he said.

For many, the reopening represents more than industrial revival—it means jobs close to home.

Marlon Eugenio, a former employee of the Hanjin Shipyard, expressed his gratitude.

“Nagpapasalamat ako sa ating pamahalaan lalong lalo na kay Presidente Marcos na nagbigay ng opportunity ulit na mabuksan ang pinakamalaking shipyard. Nabigyan muli ang mga kapwa ko worker na magkaroon ng trabaho at magkaroon ng panibagong talento sa paggawa ng barko,” he said.

HD Hyundai’s Subic operations will cover 200 hectares under a 10-year lease with Agila Subic, a Cerberus portfolio company.

The facility is set to begin full operations in January 2026, including both shipbuilding and offshore wind platform construction. (PCO/PIA Region 3-Zambales)

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SBMA forges partnerships for maritime incidents, US embassy donates UAVs to augment emergency response

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) recently forged partnership with its counterparts to establish the Inter-Agency Task Force for Maritime Incidents and Emergency Response (IATF-MIER) which primarily aims to ensure efficient handling of environmental emergencies in the country’s premier free port. 

The United States Embassy in Manila also donated equipment that will augment the emergency response of the IATF-MIER. The Deed of Donation was formally signed following the MOU signing of the task force. 

The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the creation of the task force was signed at the Corporate Boardroom of the Administration Building last November 21 by and among the SBMA, Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), Bureau of Customs (BOC), PNP Maritime Group, and the National Mapping and Resource Information Authority (NAMRIA). 

SBMA Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño said that the creation of the IATF-MIER is timely because of recent incidents of oil spills that happened along the coast of Bataan, wreaking havoc on its marine life, as well as in the livelihood of maritime stakeholders in the area. 

He added that the IATF-MIER is a whole-of-government approach towards maritime-related incidents as the task force is composed of government agencies that have specialized in their fields of expertise, and would collaborate with other pertinent units to prevent any incidents within our navigational waters.

Aliño also said that the IATF-MIER will also undertake information and education campaigns for communities in nearby coastal areas to heighten awareness in the prevention of maritime incidents and in the provision of emergency response in the shortest record time possible. 

Senior Deputy Administrator (SDA) for Port Operations Ronnie Yambao added that the SBMA Seaport Department has already procured oil spill equipment to handle environmental emergencies such as oil spill incidents that have become more frequent these past few months. 

These include a sopep oil spill kit that has a capacity of around 416 liters, foam-filled oil spill boom, and a PCG-certified oil spill dispersant. 

Yambao also said that the procurement of the oil spill response equipment is crucial for effective preparedness and response to pollution-related incidents with the impact of oil spills taken into consideration.

In 2025, the Seaport Department has planned a P100,000,000-project for the installation of oil spill equipment in various port terminals, including the Naval Supply Depot (NSD) Compound, Ship Repair Facility (SRF) Compound, Boton, and the New Container Terminal (NCT)/ Leyte. The said equipment will aid the IATF-MIER during oil spill response incidents.

Among the tasks of the IATF-MIER is the identification of potential emergency situations that can cause illness or injury to humans and the environment under a code of guidelines for preparedness and response, to address emergency situations, and propose mitigation efforts for associated adverse environmental impacts or effects to humans and prevention of accidents.

Meanwhile, Aliño said that the donation of six units of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) or drones that will be paired with Starlink Mobile Internet will boost the monitoring and response capabilities of the SBMA Seaport, Fire and Law Enforcement departments.

“The US Embassy has also provided comprehensive training to our personnel for the effective and proper use of the said drones,” he added.

The chairman expressed his gratitude to the US Embassy in Manila because the equipment donated will be used not only for the Subic Freeport, but also when the agency sends a contingent to areas that require emergency response support.

The signing of the IATF-MIER MOU and the donation of the UAVs and Starlink Mobile Internet were part of the pocket activities during the 32^nd anniversary of the SBMA. (MPD-SBMA) 

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Increased cargo volume seen as Philippine, Japan gov’ts mull Manila-Subic-Osaka shipping route

Increased trade and cargo volume is seen as the Philippine and Japan governments mull a Manila-Subic-Osaka route for major shipping lines.

Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño said that the Port of Osaka and the agency are exploring cooperation possibilities in port-related business while tapping the potential of both ports in initiating cargo traffic between the Port of Osaka and the Port of Subic Bay.

“The Philippines is among the world’s fastest-growing economies with an average annual growth rate of six to seven percent per year. After diving into a slump in the growth of its Gross Domestic Product in 2022 due to Covid, we can now hope, dream, and expect to marvel at a new dawn, and proudly become an indispensable and crucial part in the financial and industrial development of international trade,” Aliño said during the Osaka Ports & Harbors Bureau Mission to the Philippines.  

Aliño added that the two ports are now pursuing to develop a Manila-Subic-Osaka route with major shipping lines to increase trade and cargo volume between the Philippines and Japan, one of the country’s top trading partners.

Osaka Ports and Harbors Bureau Director General Maruyama Junya cited that the visit to Subic Bay Freeport is an opportunity to share information on port development, port management, and logistics, and to promote mutual exchanges.

“Osaka Port has developed as an international trade port with industrial and financial development in the Kansai area. We are working actively on further development through improving port facilities and carrying out port sales,” Junya said.

“In 2023, we have decided to focus on the Philippines, one of the Southeast Asian countries that has been developing remarkably against a backdrop of high economic growth in recent years, and organized a port sales team with Kobe-Osaka International Port Corporation and other transport companies,” he added.

He also stated that during the Philippine Investment Forum 2023 last November, a lecture and interview with Business and Investment Department for Manufacturing and Maritime manager Karen Magno “triggered our great interest in the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority.”

Chairman Aliño, Senior Deputy Administrator (SDA) Ronnie Yambao, SDA Renato Lee III, Maritime Business Manager Karen Magno, and Seaport Department Officer-in-Charge Michael Lazaro provided an extensive briefing during the visit on Thursday.

“In 2023, our cargo volume has reached to 6.4 million metric tons with lumber, tires and motor vehicles as the top commodities handled at the Port of Subic Bay, both for import and export,” Yambao said. 

“By expanding our network and developing this new shipping route, we are also providing more economic opportunities that will increase our trade and cargo volume between our ports,” he added. 

The port administrators and related parties from Osaka include Osaka Ports and Harbors Bureau Director Takahashi Hiroshi, Promotion Department Section Chief Shiba Toshihiro, Kobe-Osaka International Port Corporation President Kido Takafumi, Osaka Area Chief Facility Section Tsuji Genta, and Osaka Port Corporation Assistant Manager Yamada Akiko.

Also part of the delegation are port and harbor transportation business operators such as: Sumitomo Warehouse Co. Marine Osaka Branch Manager Machida Ryota; Tatsumi Shokai Co., Ltd. General Manager Teramoto Teruya, Chief Asai Kei; Nissin Corporation Hanshin Marine Department Deputy General Manager Imoto Masaya, and Deputy General Manager Mori Makata; Konoike Transport Co., Ltd. General Manager Kanda Shigeru; Sankyu Inc. Osaka Branch General Manager Tamura Kei; Shosen Koun Co., Ltd. Group Leader Okumura Kazunari; Nippon Express Co., Ltd. Osaka International Transport Branch Nanko International Office General Manager Hiraoka Motonobu; and Mitsubishi Logistics Corporation Osaka Branch Deputy General Manager Shinichiro Nakajima. (MPD-SBMA) 

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Subic to host INAP conference in October

The country’s premier Freeport will once again be hosting the INAP General Assembly and Symposium 2024 this October. 

This came after the International Network of Affiliated Ports (INAP) and Port of Kochi officials led by Chief Takanori Asai paid a courtesy visit to Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño.

 

Aliño said that the agency and INAP are already discussing plans of holding the conference here anchored on environmental maritime protection and disaster preparedness.

“As one of the founding members of INAP, it will be our honor to host this year’s assembly and welcome old and new faces to our shores. We endeavor to showcase not only our port and maritime facilities, but more importantly, to extend our famous hospitality, culture and friendship,” Aliño said.

He cited that environmental maritime protection and disaster preparedness is a very timely topic to discuss, adding that a shared discussion between the ports on these topics would benefit all members.

INAP members include the Port of Colombo in Sri Lanka, Port of Dangjin and Mokpo New Port in South Korea, Port of Kochi in Japan, Port of Qingdao in China, Port of Tanjung Perak in Indonesia, Port of Chittagong in Bangladesh, and Port of Subic Bay, Port of Cebu, and Port of Davao (Philippine Ports Authority) in the Philippines. 

SBMA Senior Deputy Administrator for Operations Ronnie Yambao delegated Deputy Administrator for Port Operations Atty. Martin Kristoffer Roman to take the lead in organizing the symposium, including the approval of theme and program itinerary. 

He added that the two-day symposium will be held tentatively on October 23 and 24, which will commence with the general assembly on the first day and a day tour around Subic Bay Freeport.

Chairman Aliño said that it has been ten years since the SBMA hosted the INAP General Assembly and Symposium, and that it would be beneficial to the delegates to see the new facilities and developments in the Port of Subic.

“The last time Subic Bay Freeport hosted INAP was in November of 2014 wherein more than 200 invited guests from the maritime industry attended the conference. Hopefully, more guests will arrive to take part in the general assembly,” Aliño said.

Founded in 1998, INAP was formed to promote cooperation and information exchange among affiliated ports, enhancing the port network, integrating individual affiliates, exchanging information on port development, and strengthening economic and cultural relationships. (MPD-SBMA)

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SBMA, PNP inaugurates vessel operations training center in Subic Freeport

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) and the Philippine National Police-Maritime Group (PNP-MG) inaugurated the Vessel Operations Training Center inside this premier Freeport on Friday.

According to SBMA Chairman and Administrator Rolen C. Paulino, the creation of the training center was thru the efforts of the agency and the PNP-MG via a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA). The newly constructed center is located at Bldg. 696 of the Global Industrial Park.

Paulino said that according to the MOA, the SBMA will provide a facility for the PNP-MG that will help in training police officers in operating seagoing vessels of the agency. He added that the agency will also provide additional amenities and equipment that will help in training police officers operate SBMA ships.

Currently, PNP-MG personnel operate the vessels of the SBMA, including MV Kalayaan, MV Binictican, MV Redondo, MV Ilanin, MV Triboa, MV Cubi, and MV Maritan. Paulino and PNP-MG Director Police Brigadier General Harold B. Tuzon signed the MOA at the administration building on March this year.

Paulino and Tuzon, along with Regional Maritime Unit 3 chief Police Col. Oliver Tanseco and assistant chief Police Lt. Col. Sami B. Lorenzo, led the inauguration of the new facility near the Alava Pier. Reverend Father Orlando Correa led the blessing of the facility.

The facility boasted of a gym, mess hall, offices, rooms, shower areas for men and women, and other areas needed for the training of personnel.

Tuzon expressed his gratitude to Paulino for the unwavering support given to his unit, citing that the SBMA chief has gone above and beyond what was stipulated in the MOA.

According to the MOA, the PNP-MG will conduct security operations for the waters of Subic Bay, while providing trained and licensed personnel to man the seven patrol boats of the agency. These boats include three multi-purpose patrol boats, a search and rescue vessel, a garbage collection/ firefighting vessel, an oil skimmer/ firefighting vessel, and a line handling and utility boat.

“The operation tasking will be under our Seaport Department, and these vessels can only be used with the SBMA’s prescribed authority and within the vessels’ operational requirement,” Paulino said, adding that the PNP Maritime will use, maintain, and occupy the facility for the use it is intended.

“They will shoulder the repair and maintenance of the facility for the entire duration of the agreement,” he said.

PNP MG chief Tuzon said that aside from manning the boats, the group will provide technical, mechanical and physical vessel services for the repair of the patrol boats at their own expense. He added that they will provide operation trip reports.

“In case of emergency or natural disaster or as maybe needed by the SBMA, the PNP-MG shall provide assistance and services upon request of the SBMA,” he added.

“With that said, we will provide security and other support and assistance, which shall promote the development, conservation, management, protection, and utilization of resources in the Subic Bay Freeport Zone and its surrounding areas,” he cited. (MPD-SBMA)

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SBMA more than happy to accommodate Hyundai Heavy in Subic Freeport

Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman and Administrator Rolen C. Paulino welcomed the possibility of South Korean shipbuilder Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) investing inside this premier Freeport.

The statement came after outgoing Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Delfin Lorenzana revealed that the South Korean shipbuilder plans to construct a maintenance depot at the former Hanjin Heavy Industries and Construction Philippines (HHIC-Phil) shipyard in Redondo Peninsula.

“The company plans to have a maintenance depot here since many of our military ships are built by Hyundai. They would provide the maintenance needs of these ships,” he said.

Paulino said that the plans for the construction of HHI’s maintenance depot here would mean more job opportunities, and would generate income to the agency that can be added to the national coffers. He said that the construction of the HHI maintenance depot is more efficient rather than sending the ships back to South Korea for repairs.

Former Secretary Lorenzana cited that the country ordered the Philippine Navy (PN)'s first two missile frigates, BRP Jose Rizal (FF-150) and BRP Antonio Luna (FF-151) from the South Korean shipbuilder. He added that HHI also secured the P28-billion contract for the two anti-submarine corvettes last December and the P30-billion offshore patrol vessel (OPV) deal.

The company is also the contractor for the South Korean Navy's Pohang-class corvettes, of which one is now in service with the PN, with another expected to be transferred soon. The company and the DND signed a lifetime service support contract for the maintenance and upkeep of the two Jose Rizal guided-missile frigates.

Chairman Paulino said that it is only fitting that the company construct its maintenance depot at the former Hanjin shipyard since Agila Subic (now owner of the Hanjin shipyard) is housing the base operations of the Philippine Navy.

 The SBMA chief also cited that after HHIC left, thousands of skilled workers in the shipbuilding sector have been unemployed and are seeking other job opportunities, but were unlucky due to the recent pandemic.

“The investment of Agila Subic has revived the shipbuilding industry of the Subic Bay Freeport back to life. We can expect more job opportunities for skilled shipbuilders in the area since more and more companies are looking into investing into Agila Subic’s shipbuilding industrial park,” he said.

The Philippine Navy occupies the northern portion of the former HHIC-Phil shipyard that spans around 100 hectares of the site's more than 280 hectares.

The activation and subsequent operationalization of NOB Subic are in line with the Navy's scaled-up maritime operations to support the needed base services of the deep-draft vessels such as Jose Rizal-class missile-frigates, Del Pilar-class offshore patrol ships, and Tarlac-class landing docks.

The newly activated base will house select fleet marine units, maintenance, and replenishment facilities that will enable the fleet to sustain the operational requirements of the current and future capital vessels. (MPD-SBMA)

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BOC Port of Subic acquires 2 patrol boats

In an effort to strengthen its maritime security capabilities in this premier Freeport, the Bureau of Customs (BOC) Port of Subic has launched two new water patrol boats.

Port of Subic District Collector Atty. Maritess Martin said that the 12.7-meter patrol boats, which they acquired from the head office, are capable of reaching speeds of over 45 knots and will be used by the BOC in boarding formalities, patrol and water pursuit within the nation’s borders.

Martin also said that these two boats are built to complete demanding missions with absolute reliability. She added that these boats will primarily be deployed for rapid interception of smugglers to foil smuggling activities and other fraudulent activities through consistent patrolling.

The two fast patrol boats will be used for the joint operations of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and the BOC Port of Subic in suppressing smuggling activities in our shores, and to carry out customs-related operations.

Martin also expressed her gratitude to Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman and Administrator Rolen C. Paulino for supporting the agency’s undertakings in this premier Freeport.

“The Port of Subic is just so excited and privileged to be given the opportunity to continue our service, not only through the collection of lawful revenue, but also by patrolling our waters thus prevent smuggling,” she said.

Chairman Paulino, moreover, lauded the efforts of BOC Port of Subic for protecting the waters of this premier Freeport, citing that this will provide full support in the agency’s endeavor in preventing smuggling.

Meanwhile, BOC Water Patrol Division SP Maj. Danielo S. Gonzales, and ESS-CPD District Commander S/P Capt. Vincent Mark S. Malasmas was also present during the inauguration of the two patrol boats. (MPD-SBMA)

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SBMA, MARINA hold Maritime Development Forum in Subic Freeport

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA), in partnership with the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) conducted a two-day forum that discussed various programs intended to develop the maritime industry in the country.

According to MARINA Administrator Robert Empedrad, the event, which is dubbed the “Philippine Maritime Industry Strategic Overview Forum, Stakeholders’ Orientation and Mobile Registration,” aims to discuss plans to bring its services closer to the Filipino seafarers.

Empedrad also disclosed that part of this forum is to enhance capabilities of the Subic Bay Freeport Zone (SBFZ) as a transshipment hub, and urged stakeholders to unite their efforts for the realization of its goals.

“Today, we would like to share the vision of moving the maritime industry with the SBMA, the local government of Olongapo, maritime academe and private stakeholders, as we believed that our united efforts would contribute to the realization of the plans under the ten-year Maritime Industry Development Plan (MIDP),” he said.

During the forum, officials from MARINA discussed the overview of the MIDP, Philippine ship registry and overseas shipping, shipyard and ship repair, maritime safety functions, rules on the registration, licensing and operation of recreational boats, domestic shipping functions, and seafarers’ documentation, licensing and certification.

“We want to open an extension office here in Subic Bay Freeport Zone that will cater to the 21,305 seafarers from Bataan, Olongapo, Zambales, and the SBFZ. MARINA cannot do it alone but with our united efforts, the dream may become a reality,” he said.

Realizing the huge portion of seafarers and maritime stakeholders in the area, the forum also aims to lay down the plan of the MARINA in establishing an extension office in Subic through a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with SBMA.

SBMA Chairman and Administrator Rolen C. Paulino welcomed the MARINA’s proposal, citing that the extension office will certainly benefit the seafarers of Central Luzon. He committed to provide any assistance needed in the plan to develop the maritime industry of the Freeport.

Paulino expressed his gratitude over the MARINA’s plan to help the SBMA in the maritime industry, as the maritime group expresses its readiness to explore possible areas of collaboration particularly in terms of shipyard capabilities, ship registry, capacity building, as well as relevant maritime-related projects and programs.

During the opening of the forum, SBMA Senior Deputy Administrator for Operations Ronnie Yambao said the Subic Bay Freeport Zone received 1,973 ship calls in 2021, with a total of 23,505,520.26 Gross Register Tonnage.

He added that for the months of January and February of this year, the SBMA received 144 and 186 ship calls, respectively. These ships include motor tankers, motor vessels, military vessels, container vessels and other ships. (MPD-SBMA)

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