This premier
Freeport is set to boost the economic corridor of the country by developing
both its seaport and airport.
Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño said these port infrastructure
projects support the Luzon Economic Corridor (LEC) Development initiative of
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s administration, which are expected for
completion by 2028.
Speaking before stakeholders at the Build Better More Infrastructure Forum held at the New Clark City (NCC) in Capas, Tarlac, Aliño disclosed that the first project, a Multipurpose Port Terminal (MPT) at the
Lower Mau, will include a 570-meter wharf, with a depth of 12.9 meters. It has
a back-up area of 17.2 hectares for warehouses and open storage areas.
“This project will
provide an additional capacity of 2.5 million metric tons bulk cargoes. As one
of the identified projects under Public Investment Program of the National
Economic Development Authority (NEDA), the project will spur economic growth
through the additional berthing facility,” he said.
Another MPT that is
set to be constructed at the Redondo Peninsula, will have a 600-meter wharf,
with a depth of 14 meters and a breakwater. It has a back-up area of 30
hectares for warehouses, open storage, offices and support facilities. The
project will increase the port capacity with additional 3 million metric tons
cargoes. This is one of the identified projects under Public Investment Program
of the NEDA, with a project cost of P11-billion.
“The high percentage
of domestic and international commerce is by sea, therefore, the efficiency of
maritime transportation has become increasingly essential to national
competitiveness,” Aliño said.
The SBMA also plans
to construct a Cruise Passenger Terminal area with a project cost of
P1.2 Billion for Phase 1, and P8.96 Billion for Phase 2. The facility will have a double berth
380-meter pier with a depth of 12 meters, along with the reclamation of 20
hectares for Phase 2.
“International and
local cruise operations will greatly benefit the local and national economies,
with increased employment opportunities, revenue from port fees and dues, and
increased tourism spending. This is vital to the National Cruise Tourism
Program of the Marcos Jr. administration,” the official shared.
Also in the pipeline
is the proposed improvement of existing buildings and the construction of new
facilities inside the Subic Bay International Airport (SBIA) with a project
cost of P7.02-billion.
To modernize ports
and allied industries and to decongest passenger traffic in Metro Manila, the
Marcos administration will also undertake the improvement of the SBIA to be
able to accommodate 6 million passengers annually.
A new hotel and
parking facilities within the airport complex that will promote the use of the
SBIA and further boost the tourism sector in the Subic Bay Freeport is also in
the offing. “The project is currently under study and will cost around P4.3
billion,” Aliño said.
“Locators, port
users and prospective investors will also benefit from upgraded and modernized
airport facilities, with increased SBIA efficiency, capacity and revenue
generation. With these improvements, the
SBMA will have additional revenue generating facilities with the rise of a
world-class airport hotel and multilevel carpark,” he added.
“Now for the Subic
Bay International Airport (SBIA) to achieve its maximum potential, we are
planning to expand the SBIA by upgrading and modernizing its facilities. Once
in place, we are confident to increase both the handling and revenue generating
capacity of the airport,” the chairman said.
The feasibility
study on the proposed SBIA Expansion Project will include the extension of the
runway from 2,745 meters to 3,300 meters in length, expanded aprons, relocated
CAAP-ATC tower, and a new passenger terminal building.
“This will improve
and provide a more efficient client and passenger accommodation as the proposed
airport is expected to generate a conservative revenue of P12.5 billion
annually. This should significantly
align to the objectives of the Luzon Economic Corridor,” he said. (MPD-SBMA)