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 bags “Best Ecological Solid Waste Management Practices” award

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) bagged the Best Ecological Solid Waste Management Practices award during the Environmental Summit 2025 held at Widus Hotel, Clark, Pampanga on August 29, 2025.

With the theme “Ending Global Plastic Pollution,” the summit organized by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) Central Luzon aims to honor defenders of environmental protection and sustainable solutions.

According to SBMA Ecology Center Officer-in-Charge Rossell Abuyo, the said award recognizes the commitment and dedication of the department’s “outstanding solid waste enforcement and implementation in the Subic Bay Freeport Zone.”

She said that one of the programs that has left a mark on the SBMA’s credibility as the Best Ecological Solid Waste Management Practices is the Recyclables Collection Event (RCE), which is held semi-annually. 

She added that various hazardous wastes that have been collected during the week-long 16^th RCE range from used oil, waste from electronics and electrical equipment, used lead acid batteries (ULAB), oily water, used cooking oil, oil-contaminated materials, busted fluorescent bulbs (BFLs), busted LED bulbs, expired medicines, sharps, and contaminated containers. 

Some of the recyclables collected during the event included used papers, cartons, PET bottles, other plastic materials, used slippers, tin cans, aluminum, copper, and other metals.

The recyclables collected reached 10,669.74 kilograms, with materials collected by 142 donors, including SBMA Departments, SBF companies, and residents. 

The agency also holds Recycling Day in Subic Bay Freeport Housing Areas on Saturdays to collect all recyclables. The collection activity started last July 6, 2024, targeting SBF residents from Binictican, Kalayaan, and Cubi areas. 

“Efficient management of our solid waste will also serve as our adaptation strategy to help combat climate change. Championing waste management is one of the pillars to achieve our goal for a carbon-neutral Subic Bay Freeport,” Abuyo said. (MPD-SBMA) 

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Legacy Awards 2025 honors SBMA as Outstanding Government Agency

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) was conferred as an Outstanding Government Agency for Special Economic Zone Management by the Legacy Icon Awards during the Gala Awards Presentation event held at the Grand Ballroom of Okada Manila in Parañaque City on August 15, 2025. 

 According to SBMA Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño, the award not only solidifies the agency's sterling performance as a driver of economic progress, but more importantly, as a stable source of employment for the 166,000-strong workforce from various municipalities and provinces within and contiguous to the zone. 

“Our mandate has never changed. We continue to employ the Filipino masses while generating income that the national government can utilize in building a better and brighter Bagong Pilipinas. What has changed is our desire to do more,” he said.

SBMA Senior Deputy Administrator for Support Services Atty. Ramon O. Agregado received the award on behalf of Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño

During the Legacy Awards 2025 Gala night, together with OIC Deputy Administrator for Corporate Communications Armina Belleza C. Llamas, Lex Magrata, and Carlos Andres from the SBMA Corporate Communications group.

“We accept this [award] as a constant reminder for us to improve our craft to provide excellent service and the best quality of life for our stakeholders,” Agregado said during his acceptance speech. 

He also shared the award and recognized the SBMA employees, the Freeport workers, and the previous leaders who navigated the agency, the “building blocks of this achievement.”

The award entry for the judges’ evaluation was the 2024 accomplishment report of the Agency, where dividends remitted to the national coffers totaled ₱3.07 billion, ranking 7th among the top 10 largest remittances from government-owned and controlled corporations.

Additionally, revenue shares in 2024, which were distributed by the SBMA to seven municipalities and a city contiguous to the Freeport, totaled ₱347 million.

Infrastructure projects at Subic Freeport are focused on enhancing the quality of life for its stakeholders. 

Initiatives include the socialized housing project known as Subic Bay Residencias, a new dormitory, the introduction of E-vehicles, and various ongoing enhancements throughout the Freeport. These developments offer glimpses into Subic's strategic development roadmap.

 

Dubbed “Legacy Awards 2025: Celebrating Excellence, Resilience, and Social Responsibility,” the Legacy Awards aim to recognize the nation’s most esteemed icons, trailblazers, and visionaries, not only for their accomplishments and legacies, but also for the inspiration they provide to individuals in the community. 

More than a celebration, the Legacy Awards 2025 is a living tribute to the spirit, resilience, and creativity of the Filipino people, inspiring today and shaping tomorrow. (MPD-SBMA) 

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Gov’t agencies, recycling company partner to implement Cash Cycled Project in Zambales schools

Government agencies partner with a recycling company to implement the Cash Cycled Project in public elementary and secondary schools in Zambales. 

A Memorandum of Agreement for the project was signed between the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA), the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Zambales, the Department of Education (DepEd) Schools Division of Zambales, and Foochi Trading and Resources Inc. at the SBMA Corporate Boardroom on August 6, 2025. 

The Cash Cycled Project aims to encourage the active participation of schools and local communities in practicing plastic waste recycling and sustainability by trading collected plastic bottles with the recycling partner. 

“This project marks a significant milestone in environmental and youth empowerment initiatives as it aims to foster collaboration between the project proponents and the academic communities in building sustainable environmental practices,” SBMA OIC Senior Deputy Administrator for Regulatory, Amethya Dela Llana-Koval, said. 

DTI Provincial Director Enrique Tacbad explained that the plastic bottles collected by government-run schools in Zambales will be sold to Foo Chi Trading and Resources Inc. for income generation to support school activities or environmental initiatives. 

Under the Cash Cycled Project, the income generated from the sale of plastic bottles will be deposited into a designated school fund account, which will be used solely for environmental projects, supplies, or student development programs, in accordance with DepEd’s financial policies and auditing rules and regulations. 

A joint monitoring team, composed of representatives from each Party, shall meet at least once every semester, or as needed, to evaluate project implementation, address any issues, and recommend improvements. (MPD-SBMA) 

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LGUs contiguous to SBF receive ₱197.85M revenue shares

Local government units (LGUs) contiguous to this premier freeport received their revenue shares worth Php197.85 million.

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) released today the revenue shares for the first semester of this year in a simple turnover ceremony at the SBMA Corporate Boardroom.

“Rest assured that we will do our best to make progress in the Freeport so that our neighboring LGU partners will also benefit, including the 166,000 Freeport workers who chose to work here instead of working abroad,” SBMA Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño said.

According to Aliño, for the current period, the shares came from revenues collected between January and June this year, and are given to contiguous LGUs to augment funds for their projects in tourism, infrastructure, education, peace and order, health, livelihood generation, and social services that will benefit more than 785,000 individuals from their respective LGUs, especially households who have been severely affected by the recent calamities.

Olongapo City, the lone recipient city, received the largest share due to its population and land area among the seven LGU recipients, which is Php46,270,769.33.

In Zambales, Subic received Php29,683,317.56, the second biggest amount received. Next is San Marcelino with Php23,763,694.31, while Castillejos received Php17,987,887.14, and San Antonio received Php16,824,398.47.

In Bataan, Dinalupihan received Php24,643,508.58, while Hermosa received Php21,186,145.67, and Morong received Php17,489,910.85.

SBMA Senior Deputy Administrator for Support Services Atty. Ramon Agregado said that the LGUs' share distribution came timely since the provinces of Zambales and Bataan were affected by three typhoons that hit the country recently.

“Hermosa has hit a deficit in resources because of the calamity. This LGU share distribution will be a huge boost to augment the resources we lost. As you all know, Hermosa was among the hardest hit municipalities by the heavy rains brought about by the typhoons and the southwest monsoon, as 18 out of 23 barangays got flooded,” newly-elected Hermosa, Bataan mayor Atty. Anne Inton said.

Aliño explained that the LGU share is determined according to 50 percent population, 25 percent land area, and 25 percent equal sharing. Net shares are computed by adding the current base share to the ten percent retention amount from two years prior, but less the ten percent retention amount from the current period.

He also shared that the reduction in the amount of dividends for the same period in 2024 of ₱204.7 million to ₱197.8 million in 2025 was due to the imposition of 25 percent tax by the Department of Finance, which is remitted by the Agency to the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), and the removal of the five percent tax privilege wherein three percent used to be remitted to the BIR, and two percent used to be distributed as dividends among the eight contiguous LGUs.

These revenue shares collected from January to June are released in August, and revenue shares collected from July to December are released in February of the following year. (MPD-SBMA) 

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Missing fisherman returned to family by SBMA, PCG

A rescued fisherman aboard cargo vessel MV Shin Line 10 was turned over to the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) and the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) on Saturday. 

According to a report from the PCG, the 52-year-old fisherman from Brgy Petal, Dasol, Pangasinan, who was later identified as Rodolfo Montes, was picked up by MV Shin Line 10, a cargo ship that was en route to Subic Bay Freeport. 

Information disclosed by the SBMA Law Enforcement Department revealed that Montes was declared missing since July 24, 2025, after their boat capsized due to bad weather conditions. 

Cargo vessel MV Shin Line 10 responded to the distress call from the PCG and rescued Montes amid the powerful wind waves of Lingayen Gulf at around 6:45pm on July 25, 2025.

Montes was given immediate medical attention by the SBMA Public Health and Safety Department (PHSD) and was thereafter turned over to his son and Barangay officials of Petal. 

The group then departed for Dasol, Pangasinan after the patient was given clearance to travel by the PHSD. (MPD-SBMA)

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SBF stakeholders benefit from SBMA health caravan

A total of 618 stakeholders from this premier Freeport received free medical attention during the health caravan organized by the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) at the Subic Bay Gymnasium on July 17, 2025.

 The said health caravan is a two-in-one event that features Hands-Only Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and Automated External Defibrillator (AED) Training, as well as the Bayanihan sa Kalusugan activity. 

 According to SBMA Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño, the Hands-Only CPR and AED Trainings are in line with the Nationwide Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) Awareness Campaign by the national government. Participants were employees from SBFZ locators, as well as residents and students from neighboring localities.

 The largest delegation was from the SBMA with 307 participants, followed by employees from private companies here with 160 participants, and 151 from local government units, teachers, and students.

 He added that the Bayanihan sa Kalusugan is a wellness initiative for SBMA employees, with the assistance from physicians and laboratory technicians from The Medical City Clark, who held medical consultations, and facilitated the free screening tests, and sampling, respectively.

Awed with the highly successful conduct of the health caravan, Chairman Aliño expressed his gratitude to the SBMA’s partner institutions and socio-civic organizations namely, the Philippine Heart Association-Philippine College of Cardiology, Philippine Heart Association Central Luzon Chapter, Olongapo City Medical Society, Philippine College of Occupational Medicine Olongapo City Chapter, Rotary International District 3790, Unilab, Philippine Coastal Storage and Pipeline Corporation, and the Rotary Club of Subic Pearl. (MPD-SBMA) 

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SBMA turns over ₱1.465B revenue earnings to the national coffers

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) officially handed over ₱1,465,478,485.70 in revenue earnings to the Department of Finance (DOF) at the DOF Building, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Complex in Manila on July 14, 2025.

In a simple ceremony, SBMA Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño presented a mock check for ₱1,465,478,485.70 to Finance Secretary Ralph Recto, which demonstrates a steady income flow of the business community within the Subic Bay Freeport Zone (SBFZ). 

Today, we once again gather to celebrate the strength of good governance and nation-building as the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority officially hands over ₱1.4 billion in dividends to the National Treasury,” said Secretary Recto.

The secretary cited that dividends are his favorite source of revenue because they “help raise funds for government programs without raising taxes on our people.”

According to Chairman Aliño, the ₱1.465-billion dividends comprise 50 percent of the net earnings incurred in 2024 worth ₱798,267,923.24. 

“Aside from the dividend due, the ₱1.465-billion earnings also include the ₱667,210,562.46 as the last installment for dividends of 2022,” he added.

Meanwhile, the finance chef stated, “The SBMA was created to transform what was once a military base into a world-class economic engine – a self-sustaining investment hub that generates jobs and opportunities for our people.”

“As we look to the future, I urge the SBMA to take the next bold step. We have the talent, the location, the incentives, and the leadership to make Subic not just a regional hub, but a global player. So, let’s keep raising your standards, keep innovating, and keep making Subic the kind of place where investors would want to come, stay, and grow,” he added. (MPD-SBMA) 

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PH Defense Secretary open to US plan to establish ammo facility in Subic Bay

MANILA – National Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. on Monday expressed openness to the possibility of a US ammunition production and storage facility being eyed at the former American base in Subic Bay, Zambales.

While he has not yet received any formal proposal, he believes such a development would be beneficial to the Philippines.

"Any production entity which would be of benefit to the Philippines, not only in terms of our resilience, but improving, giving employment, and other technological transfers, that might be encouraged," he said in a press briefing at the Makati Shangri-La Hotel.

He said such a proposal is likely considering that the Philippines and the United States are "like-minded and treaty partners".

Earlier reports said US lawmakers are looking at the possibility of establishing these facilities at Subic Bay, citing the "lack of forward-staged ammunition manufacturing" in the Indo-Pacific Region.

With this development, the US House Committee on Appropriations ordered its Department of Defense, State Department, and the International Development Finance Corporation to assess the feasibility of establishing such facilities in Subic Bay. (PNA) 

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PH, US sign deal to develop the Subic-Clark-Manila-Batangas freight railway

The Philippines and the United States have signed an agreement to pursue the development of the proposed Subic-Clark-Manila-Batangas (SCMB) freight railway, a strategic infrastructure project designed to alleviate port congestion in key trade hubs and foster broader economic growth and connectivity.

Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Vince Dizon and US Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) Acting Director Thomas Hardy signed the agreement in Arlington, Virginia, on Wednesday (June 26).

In a statement released by the DOTr, the USTDA said that its technical assistance for the SCMB Railway involves transport model development, a port-rail integration study, and an analysis of the legal and institutional framework, among other activities.

Hardy said the project “underscores the US-Philippine alliance’s vital role in maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific region. By supporting the development of the SCMB Railway, we are ensuring that key infrastructure will flourish, increasing economic cooperation to develop an essential trading route that will mutually benefit American and Philippine citizens.”

Dizon said the 155-kilometer railway is designed to connect three of the country’s major ports—Manila, Subic Bay, and Batangas—enhancing logistical efficiency and regional connectivity.

“As a freight cargo railway, the SCMB Railway is seen to solve port traffic and congestion in Manila Port, while ensuring the timely movement of products to and from adjacent major transport hubs,” Dizon said.

Special Assistant to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs Secretary Frederick D. Go said the project enhances the initiative to link major economic hubs under the Luzon Economic Corridor.

“Once operational, the SCMB Railway will attract investments, create new opportunities for businesses, and most importantly, generate quality jobs that will benefit millions of Filipinos,” Go said. (SNL)

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SBMA, DTI inaugurate bamboo nursery in Subic Freeport

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Zambales jointly inaugurated a tree and bamboo nursery at the El Kabayo here on June 24, 2025.

SBMA Ecology Center OIC Rossell L. Abuyo said that the Bamboo Nursery is in partnership with DTI Zambales and other private stakeholders to provide an area where bamboo saplings can be propagated and grown inside the Freeport.

She added that the opening of the El Kabayo Tree and Bamboo Nursery is just the first step, and will be followed by a “Bambusetum” in the same area.

“A bambusetum is a specialized garden or collection dedicated to the cultivation and study of various bamboo species. It serves as a gene bank for bamboo conservation, allowing for the observation of different growth habits and characteristics of these plants, which are often more distinct than their floral characteristics,” she explained.

She added that bambusetums are valuable for scientific, educational, and aesthetic purposes.

DTI Director Enrique Tacbad mentioned that, besides the environmental benefits of bamboo, these plants can also serve as a good source of livelihood for the community. He pointed out that various products, as well as bamboo propagules, can be made from bamboo.

He added that soon the area would become a place to process and manufacture bamboo fibers and other products that can be sold to the market.

“With regards to these anticipated needs, there is a need for a sustainable supply of raw materials; thus, a bambusetum or bambudal (in Spanish) can supply the said materials needed at any time,” he said.

The bambusetum is a collection of living bamboos, which may consist of native or exotic, raised and cultivated for educational, research, and development, or aesthetic purposes, or any combination thereof.

“Initially, for SBMA's bambusetum, we are preparing for at least 15-20 species of bamboo,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Banco Kalikasan Environmental Movement, Inc. donated 200 iron bamboo propagules to the El Kabayo Tree and Bamboo Nursery during the opening ceremony. Banco Kalikasan President Emar Alcantara and Project Coordinator Mary Grace Alcantara were present to deliver the propagules to the Subic Bay Freeport.

Iron bamboo, scientifically known as Guadua Angustifolia, is a type of bamboo known for its exceptional strength and is considered a premier material for construction and engineered bamboo production. It is native to South America and has been successfully introduced to the Philippines, where it is a priority species for propagation. (MPD-SBMA) 

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SBMA celebrates week-long Subic Bay Arbor Day 2025

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) kicked off its week-long celebration of Subic Bay Arbor Day 2025 with the opening ceremony held at the Harbor Point Ayala Mall Promenade on Monday, June 23.

Dubbed “Kanian Tiawan, Kanian Biag, Kanian Biay,” in Ayta Ambala dialect, or “Our Forest, Our Home, Our Life” in English, the week-long celebration started on June 23 and will end on June 27.

SBMA Chief-of-Staff Atty. Von F. Rodriguez, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Zambales Provincial Director Enrique D. Tacbad, joined SBMA Ecology Center OIC Rossell L. Abuyo during the ribbon-cutting ceremony to formally open the series of events.

The Subic Bay Arbor Day features an expo at the Harbor Point Ayala Mall from June 23 to 27. Additionally, a Bamboo Nursery will be launched at the El Kabayo forest area on June 24, and Tiawon Talks will host online lectures on June 26.

Other events include the Carbon Mo Capture Mo Photography Contest on June 27, and the Magtanum Kitamo Arbor Day tree planting activity at the Mulawin-Bayakan Reforestation Site on June 27.

Speaking on behalf of SBMA Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño, Chief of Staff Rodriguez said that the agency is taking vital steps to achieve a carbon-neutral zone here in Subic Bay Freeport. He added that the agency is holding the annual event diligently to ensure that the environment here is well taken care of.

Subic Bay Freeport boasts a well-preserved natural environment, offering a scenic backdrop for businesses and a place where nature and productivity intersect. The area is naturally sheltered from typhoons due to its mountain ranges and deep harbor.

The SBMA is actively engaged in environmental management, including waste management and conservation efforts. (MPD-SBMA) 

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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)

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Wilcon to open branch in Subic Bay Freeport

Renowned leading home improvement and construction supplies retailer Wilcon Depot is set to open its ₱700 million branch within this premier Freeport soon.

The construction of a new branch inside Subic Bay Freeport was confirmed as the lease agreement was signed between Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño and Wilcon Depot, Inc. Chairman Emeritus William Belo at the SBMA's administration building early this month.

According to the lease agreement, the branch will be located at Sampson Road, Central Business District of SBFZ, with a lot area of 5,308 square meters, including the renovation of a portion of Building 640, and the construction of a showroom. 

“This is a great addition to the companies located here, with many construction companies, home builders, and other DIY enthusiasts flocking to the area to buy building materials, tiles, plumbing, and other DIY items,” Aliño said.

Aliño said the company will hire 200 personnel for its operation, adding to the growing number of workers inside the Subic Bay Freeport Zone. (MPD-SBMA) 

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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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