SBMA to build ₱1B residential complex for its employees

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) is set to build a ₱1-billion residential complex featuring four condominium buildings, which will be constructed within this premier Freeport zone, offering affordable housing for its employees.

 

To be called Subic Bay Residencias, the housing project was made official during the signing of the lease agreement between the SBMA and the Philippine Community Housing Corporation. (PCHC) CSE Builders Joint Venture Company Ltd. held at the administration building on June 4, 2025.

 

SBMA Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño and PCHC General Manager Mary Grace Ocampo signed the lease before top government officials, including Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) Undersecretaries Emmanuel D. Pineda and Eduardo P. Robles Jr., the SBMA Board of Directors, and officials from PAG-IBIG Fund led by Finance and Utilities Department Manager Brenda T. Cao.

 

According to Chairman Aliño, Subic Bay Residencias will be built at Lot 70-B, Rizal Highway Extension, Central Business District, Subic Bay Freeport Zone, with a total of 20,762 square meters.

 

“The development and construction of Subic Bay Residencias will consist of four condominium buildings and other auxiliary uses such as parks, a swimming pool, a clubhouse, a tennis court, a daycare center, and retail area/commercial areas,” Aliño said.

 

He said that the four buildings will have a total of 1,600 to 1,920 units, with a selling price of ₱1.8 million per unit, which may be reduced to ₱1.6 million, depending on the availability and area preference, and the financial capability of the beneficiary.

 

He added that the total minimum development commitment is ₱1 billion, within a maximum period of five years from the commencement of the LA, citing that this is just the first phase of the many housing projects inside the Freeport.

 

A thrust under the Marcos administration’s 4PH Program, the socialized housing for workers inside the SBFZ like the Subic Bay Residencias is geared towards providing housing for the employees of the agency.

 

Back in May 2024, SBMA signed a memorandum of understanding with the DHSUD to construct socialized housing under the 4PH Program within the SBFZ. The housing project aims to provide affordable yet sustainable houses to Freeport zone workers who fall under the low-income bracket.

“Its advantage is that it is close to their workplace. Because what we want to happen is that after you work, we want you to be able to just walk from your work to home to save time and save money,” Aliño said. (MPD-SBMA) 

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P1.1B dormitory complex to open in Subic Freeport

 A P1.1-billion dormitory complex is set to be constructed soon to become the site for a "home away from home" for some 6,000 employees working here. 

 

Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño on March 19, 2025 led the groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of a five-storey building.

 

"This is why I cannot hide how overjoyed I am today,"  SBMA Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño said about the realization of his dreams for SBF workers. 

 

The chairman was elated over the start of the realization of his dream of providing housing facilities to the workers of this premier Freeport. 

 

“To me, this is the first step towards the realization of a strong, comfortable and peaceful way of life for our Freeport workers, the same as the dream of our dear President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for every Filipino in the country,” he added.

 

“In fact, this dormitory project is in response to the President’s instructions in connection with his Pambansang Pabahay Para sa Pilipino, or 4PH program,” he continued.

 

Isuzu Gencars Inc. General Manager Edgard Cabangon said that the collaboration between his company, the SBMA, and RDBT Construction Corporation has identified several worker dormitories as priority projects that recognize the need for affordable, accessible, and decent housing within the Freeport.

 

He said that by building these dormitories close to factories, industrial areas, and technoparks, it not only improves the workers' efficiency, but also helps companies and employees reduce the cost of living.

He also cited that this initiative will also ease traffic congestion by reducing the number of vehicles and commuters on the road, contributing to a greener and more sustainable environment. 

 

According to Cabangon, this proposal is the first of its kind in the Freeport zone, which offers large-scale accommodations catering to workers, employees, and even students of nearby schools and colleges. 

 

RDBT Construction Corporation will be constructing the five buildings, which includes four dormitory blocks and an administrative building, all of which are rising at five storeys, on a one-hectare parcel of land. 

Architect Rafael Demacio Tecson, RDBT Construction Corp. CEO said that each dormitory block will have 188 units, with an approximate bed capacity of 1,500, which is 6,000 beds in total. 

 

Tecson said that the common areas will be designed to allow natural ventilation, which is key for the green structure development. This does not only improve indoor air quality, but also promotes the health and well-being of everyone using the space. 

 

Each dormitory is designed for eight occupants, shared by four people at a time. The layout shows smooth traffic flow, allowing residents to take turns using the shared bath, toilet and lavatories without overcrowding.

 

The ground floor will be used as commercial spaces including laundry services, 24/7 convenience store, a cafeteria, coffee shops, and restaurants, providing essential services for the workers throughout their stay. 

 

SBMA Senior Deputy Administrator for Business and Investment Group Renato Lee III said that the dormitory complex is a testament of both investor confidence in the SBMA and our readiness for the influx of jobs in the zone. 

“We are very optimistic in the investment attractiveness of the country because of the benefits of CREATE MORE or RA 12066, the government's efficiency and accountability brought about by the strict implementation of the EASE of Doing Business Act or RA 11032 and the overall reduction in the cost of doing business here in the Philippines,” Lee said.

 

“I have no doubt that we will be able to generate more investments in the coming years. When you generate investments, you generate jobs. But what is crucial here is not just Subic Freeport being investment-ready, but employment-ready as well,” he added.

 

Lee added that it is where the project plays a crucial role in the overall direction of the SBMA by making sure that the Freeport workers are also taken care of. (MPD-SBMA)

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PBBM’s housing promise soon to break ground in Subic Freeport

Some 1,300 employees of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority may soon be able to live in their own homes inside Subic Bay Freeport as part of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s campaign to build one million houses per year until 2028 to reduce the backlog in housing through the Pambansang Pabahay Para sa Pilipino Housing (4PH) Program. 

This, after the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) and the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) to develop a housing project for SBMA employees. 

Under the Marcos administration’s Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028, the government will mobilize private sector and government resources to meet the country’s housing needs. 

The DHSUD will target the financing of one million housing units annually to narrow the housing deficit. 

This will require the mobilization of substantial financial resources from national and local governments, as well as government financing institutions and private banks, with whom the government will engage to increase their participation in the housing sector through their development loans, homeowners lending programs, and real estate mortgages. 

"To ensure that the Pambansang Pabahay Para sa Pilipino (4PH) Program is successful and sustainable, I have directed the concerned agencies to adjust housing targets based on need and demand until 2028,” President Marcos Jr. said. 

Consequently, this allows us to assess our government’s capacity to provide guarantees and interest subsidies in our social development programs,” he added. 

The Socialized Housing Program of the SBMA will cost P2 billion and is set to be constructed at lot 70-B Rizal Highway Extension at the Central Business District of the Subic Bay Freeport Zone (SBFZ). 

In a sectoral meeting with officials of the DHSUD, Pres. Marcos said the national housing thrust must be sustained to address the country’s shelter gap. 

He said that while the program is quite ambitious, the housing program will create a positive impact on the national economy. 

“Even the effect on the economy is going to be terrific if we are able to do this and that’s why it’s necessary. We have to do this. We have to find a way to do this. We have to be a little creative,” Pres. Marcos added. 

The DHSUD is leading the implementation of 4PH, which aims to address the 6.5 million housing backlog in the country. (Radyo Pilipinas)

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SBMA eyes completion of big-ticket projects under Marcos Jr. administration

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) is eyeing the completion of big-ticket projects under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s administration.

Speaking before stakeholders at the Build Better More Infrastructure Forum held at the New Clark City (NCC), in Capas, Tarlac, SBMA Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño said that the agency aims to complete these infrastructure projects by 2028.

Environmentally friendly and cost efficient service

“On top of our list is our initiative to become the first Philippine port equipped with shore power connection for ships. By 2028, we look to complete the project and deploy the shore power facility that looks to reduce the air pollution from ships by 95%. The project cost is around P250 million.”

The Shore Power Connection for Carbon Neutral Ports project will start construction at the New Container Terminal in 2025 for Phase 1, and at the Naval Supply Depot (NSD) and Ship Repair Facility (SRF) from 2026-2027 for Phase 2.

“This will provide shoreside electrical power to a ship at berth while its main and auxiliary engines are shut down. Shore power cuts air pollution from ships at berth by 95 percent,” he said.

The project cost will be under the General Appropriations Act (GAA) of the National Government for 2025, which will be around P100-million for Phase 1 and P150-million for Phase 2.

Logistics facility for trucks

“To ensure that the growth in cargo will not lead to road congestion, we are now in the process of constructing a state-of-the-art truck holding area in our Tipo area. The project will include automated gates, optical plate scanners and amenities for truck drivers and clients. The project will cost around P100 million and will be completed by 2028,” Aliño said.

The Logistics Facility for Trucking Services will provide a holding area that can accommodate 100 trucks and vehicles. The construction of parking areas with amenities for cargo trucks and trailers will also be undertaken.

Housing projects inside the Freeport

Meanwhile, the Socialized Housing Program of the SBMA is under President Marcos Jr.’s Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pilipino Housing (4PH) Program and will cost P2-billion. The project is in partnership with the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD).

The area where the housing project will be constructed is at lots 70-B Rizal Highway Ext., Central Business District, Subic Bay Freeport Zone.

“This housing project will significantly improve the living conditions of approximately 1,300 low-income families by providing them with access to decent and safe housing units that are conveniently located near major employment hubs,” Aliño said.

A plan to build dormitories for Freeport workers is also in the works, as Aliño cited that these dormitories will be built close to industrial centers and techno parks. According to the chairman, this will save companies and workers finances, while reducing the number of vehicles and commuters on the road. The project will have a budget of P960 million and will be completed by 2028.

Subic as a Smart City

“We are also embarking on the Subic Bay Smart City project, in which two of the main components include the installation of additional CCTV surveillance and traffic cameras. Subic Freeport is known to have some of the most disciplined drivers and pedestrians in the country mainly due to the strict implementation of traffic rules and regulations,” he added.

“The cost for these upgrades will be P224 million and we hope to complete them by the end of 2026.”

Skills Training

As part of the Marcos Jr. administration’s thrust to upskill Filipino workers, the Agency also plans to build the SBMA Center for Excellence that will boost the skills of the Freeport workers here.

Aliño said that this is to ensure the sustainability of the industries here.

“We understand that we need to continue to develop the competencies and talents of our workforce. A workforce capable of adapting and providing the needs of our vast industries,” he added.

The P21-million training facility aims to enhance the competitiveness of the 154,120 workforce of the Freeport thru technical education and skills development offered by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA). (MPD-SBMA)

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SBMA, DHSUD sign MOU on employee housing in Subic Freeport

Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) at the Corporate Boardroom of the Administration Building, for the establishment of employee housing here in the Subic Bay Freeport Zone (SBFZ).

SBMA Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño said that the MOU on the housing project inside the SBFZ will benefit the employees of the agency. 

Meanwhile, DHSUD Secretary Jose Rizalino Acuzar stated that the housing project is in line with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s Pambansang Pabahay Para sa Pilipino (4PH) Program.

“This housing project will greatly benefit SBMA employees especially those who fall within the low income bracket, so they can also afford to buy housing units that they can call home. Thank you Secretary Acuzar for this wonderful gift to the SBMA workforce,” Aliño said.

The SBMA official also shared that the Socialized Housing Project will last up to 50 years where the beneficiary will be given a Certificate of Ownership of Leasehold Rights, instead of a title. 

“Those who will qualify as beneficiary shall receive a five percent subsidy on the interest rate from the DHSUD. In addition, while PAG-IBIG's regular interest rate is 6.25 percent, under the 4PH Interest Subsidy Program of DHSUD, it will be just 1.25 percent,” Aliño said.

Secretary Acuzar vowed his full support to the SBMA's shelter provision initiatives for its workers and locators alike, citing that the former US naval base's strategic location and infrastructures that are already in place are ideal for the development of inclusive housing communities under 4PH.

DHSUD Undersecretary Emmanuel Pineda, Regional Office 3 Director Julius Enciso, the SBMA Board of Directors, SBMA officials and other DHSUD officials witnessed the signing ceremony. (MPD-SBMA)

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