SBMA and Port of Kaohsiung Ink Landmark Sister Port Agreement

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) has officially entered into a Sister Port Agreement with the Port of Kaohsiung, Taiwan’s premier maritime hub, marking a transformative step toward making Subic Bay a world-class, eco-friendly gateway in Southeast Asia. 

The agreement was formalized on February 25, 2026, at the Port of Kaohsiung Cruise Terminal. It was signed by SBMA Director Patrick Jean O. Gonzales, representing Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño, and Taiwan International Ports Corp. (TIPC) Chairman Chou Yung-hui. 

The ceremony was witnessed by key officials, including Kaohsiung Mayor Chen Chi-Mai and SBMA Deputy Administrator for Port Operations Atty. Martin Kristoffer Roman, signaling high-level commitment from both regions to foster maritime synergy. 

A Blueprint for Green Maritime Operations 

Central to the pact is Subic’s commitment to achieving carbon neutrality. By leveraging Kaohsiung’s expertise as an award-winning "EcoPort," the SBMA aims to implement advanced green technologies, including shore-side power and sustainable waste management systems. 

"Our collaboration with the Port of Kaohsiung is a cornerstone of our 'Green Subic' initiative," said SBMA Senior Deputy Administrator for Port Operations Ronnie Yambao. 

"By adopting their proven models for sustainable infrastructure, we are ensuring that Subic remains competitive in a global market that increasingly demands environmentally responsible logistics." 

Boosting Regional Trade and Tourism 

The agreement establishes a framework for immediate cooperation in several high-impact areas: 

• Logistics Efficiency: Promoting increased shipping frequency and direct routes to lower costs for Philippine and Taiwanese exporters. 
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• Cruise Industry Growth: Collaborating on terminal management to position Subic as a key destination in the Asian cruise circuit. 
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• Expertise Sharing: Formalizing exchanges in port development, security management, and digital transformation. 

Expanding Global Connectivity 

The Port of Kaohsiung becomes Subic’s third international sister port, joining the Port of Virginia (USA) and the Port of Eilat (Israel). This alliance is part of a broader push by the SBMA to integrate the Freeport into the world's most efficient maritime networks, with future talks planned for hubs in San Diego, Bangkok, and Ho Chi Minh City. (SNL)

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SBMA, Leechiu Property Consultants strengthen partnership to advance investments in SBF

Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) officials met with executives of Leechiu Property Consultants (LPC) to explore collaborative initiatives to accelerate tourism growth and investment promotion here.

Led by SBMA Business and Investment Group’s Senior Deputy Administrator (SDA) Renato Lee III, discussions focused on expanding high-impact tourism segments including cruise ship tourism, wreck diving, forest trails, and Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) activities.

David Lee-Chiu, CEO of Leechiu Property Consultants highlighted Subic Bay’s deep-water port and strategic location as key advantages in positioning the Freeport as a competitive cruise ship destination in Luzon. 

Lee-Chiu also noted that increased cruise calls would drive growth across hospitality, retail, transport, and local enterprises.

Meanwhile, SBMA Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Alino also mentioned “wreck diving” as a strong niche market, with Subic Bay’s historic shipwrecks that continue to attract both domestic and international divers. 

Also discussed was the development and promotion of forest trails and eco-tourism experiences, recognizing Subic Bay Freeport’s protected forest areas as prime assets for sustainable tourism, nature-based recreation, and eco-adventure activities.

Both parties underscored the need to enhance MICE capabilities through investments in convention facilities, hotels, and integrated developments to capture corporate and international events. (MPD-SBMA)

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SBMA Chief Aliño wins Stargate PeopleAsia’s People of the Year 2026

Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño was among those hailed by Stargate PeopleAsia as People of the Year 2026. 

Awardees were chosen for their achievements and advocacies, most significant of which is Aliño’s belief in choosing “not what is easy, but what is right.”

Aliño is recognized for his “industrialist” leadership, bringing decades of business savvy to his role as SBMA Chairman and Administrator. He embarked on projects that aim to transform Subic Bay into a dynamic economic hub and “green port.” Under his leadership, the authority secured nearly ₱600 billion in investments in 2025 alone.

Other 2026 Awardees include: Ramon S. Ang as a Lifetime Achievement Awardee (San Miguel Corp. Chairman/CEO); Jessica Soho, a veteran journalist and “beacon of truth”; Martin Nievera, known as “The Concert King”; Sheila Romero, founder of I Want to Share Foundation. Adding to the prestigious list of awardees are Fr. Flavie Villanueva, SVD, founder of Arnold Janssen Kalinga Center; DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon; and Dr. Hayden Kho Jr., Managing Director of Belo Medical Group.

Since assuming the top leadership role at the SBMA in January 2024, Aliño has focused on enhancing the Freeport's revenue, attracting new investments, and integrating sustainability into its operations.

Under his leadership, the SBMA breached its ₱4 billion operating revenue target. In 2025, the agency remitted P1.465 billion in revenue earnings to the national government, landing among the top dividend contributors to the national coffers.

In 2024 alone, Subic welcomed 159 new locators, bringing in a total committed investment worth ₱20.6 billion and generating 6,466 new jobs for the community.

Aliño also launched the Green Anchor Awards to recognize partners excelling in sustainability and trade facilitation. His "Greenport" vision includes developing sustainable industrial parks and expanding digital infrastructure.

In early 2026, the SBMA was ranked 1st in Overall Performance in the Quarterly Survey of Philippine Business and Industry (QSPBI) by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).

He secured major global players like Hyundai Heavy Industries, which is seen as a significant boost to Subic’s long-term maritime and industrial development.

Aliño spearheaded projects such as the Subic Bay Residencias socialized housing project for SBMA employees, the electric bus public transportation vehicle, the redevelopment of the Boardwalk area, and facilitated the entry of new leisure developments, such as the IBIS Styles Subic Hotel. (MPD-SBMA)

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SBMA releases ₱158.9M revenue shares to contiguous LGUs

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) is set to release a total of ₱158.9 million to its eight contiguous local government units (LGUs) as their revenue share for the second semester of 2025. 

SBMA Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño said that the current amount for release surpassed ₱143.17 million released during the same period last year, by 10.99%. 

The revenue shares, Aliño explained, are determined according to 50% population, 25% land area, and 25% equal sharing. 

Olongapo City remained the LGU with the highest share of ₱36.73 million; followed by Subic, Zambales, with ₱23.95 million; then Dinalupihan, Bataan with ₱19.99 million; San Marcelino, Zambales with ₱19.14 million; Hermosa, Bataan with ₱17.06 million; San Antonio, Zambales with ₱13.5 million; Castillejos, Zambales with ₱14.44 million; and Morong, Bataan with ₱14.09 million. 

Aliño added that these shares are extended to contiguous LGUs to augment their funds for calamities, health and safety, peace and order, livelihood generation, education, tourism, infrastructure, and social services. 

In August 2025, the SBMA released a total of ₱197.85 million as revenue shares for the first semester. In total, the agency released ₱356.74 million for the 2025 LGU shares. 

The LGU shares are derived from the five-percent taxes paid by business locators in the Subic Bay Freeport and are collected from January to June for the first semester, and July to December for the second semester. 

LGU shares are released in August and February the following year, respectively. (MPD-SBMA)

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861 SBMA COS, JO employees get 5-day wellness leave per CSC-COA-DBM Joint Circular No. 1

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Board of Directors has approved the Grant of Ancillary Benefits to Contract of Service (COS) and Job Order (JO) employees, including five days of Wellness Leave. 

SBMA Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño explained that the Civil Service Commission (CSC) has approved a five-day paid Wellness Leave for government employees, starting January 1, 2026. 

This supports the primary goal of the government to provide a better quality of life for Filipinos thru mental and physical health and well-being initiatives, by allowing up to three consecutive days off, separate from existing vacation/sick leaves. This applies to public sector officials and employees. 

Aliño added that the Board approved the Grant of Ancillary Benefits through Board Resolution No. 26-01-1655 on January 27 which was then issued on January 28, 2026, following Joint Circular No. 1, Series of 2025 by the Civil Service Commission (CSC), Commission on Audit (COA), and the Department of Budget and Management (DBM).

Under CSC-COA-DBM Joint Circular No. 1, s. 2025, government COS and JO workers are entitled to ancillary benefits such as overtime pay (based on CSC-DBM JC No. 2, s. 2015), reimbursement for official local travel, and a potential 20% premium on daily pay, subject to fund availability and contract stipulations. 

Additionally, the said SBMA Board Resolution authorizes the agency to provide ancillary benefits to COS and JO employees, such as Compensatory Time Off (CTO), Flexible Working Arrangement (FWA), Reimbursement of Authorized Official Travel Expense, and Wellness Leave.

Aliño further said that the grant of these benefits is intended to empower COS and JO workers to more effectively fulfill their contractual obligations, particularly where service exigencies require extended work hours, mobility beyond official stations, and the continuity of SBMA operations.

They may also receive a year-end gratuity pay of up to ₱7,000 for 2024, depending on the length of service.

These benefits are generally applicable to national government agencies, state universities and colleges (SUCs), and government-owned or controlled corporations (GOCCs), subject to budget availability.

The adoption of FWAs has been institutionalized across both public and private sectors to enhance productivity, promote work-life balance, and ensure business continuity during disruptive situations.

The SBMA employs 631 COS and 230 JO employees as of December 31, 2025. (MPD-SBMA)

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Aviation school at SBIA partners with DLSU-St. Benilde to provide academic, flight training program to students

An aviation academy located at the Subic Bay International Airport (SBIA) is set to provide academic and flight training to De La Salle University-College of Saint Benilde students as part of their curriculum. 

Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Senior Deputy Administrator for Business and Investment Renato Lee III said that the Topflite Academy of Aviation and the De La Salle University-College of Saint Benilde signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) at the SBIA on January 23, 2026. 

He explained that the MOU will integrate the academic program of St. Benilde with the ground and flight training of Topflite Academy to produce industry-ready aviation professionals.

Actor-director-turned-pilot Xian Lim led the MOU signing ceremony as master of ceremony. He earned his commercial pilot license (CPL) in June 2025 after completing his training at Topflite Academy here in Subic.

Meanwhile, according to Capt. Sahl Onglatco of Topflite Academy, the MOU stipulates that the aviation academy will provide ground and flight training that will be included in the degree programs of St. Benilde, initially under the Tourism Management Program. 

Meanwhile, the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) has approved St. Benilde as a satellite ground school facility of Topflite Academy, and it is expected to launch the program from 2026 to 2027.

Aside from the signing of the MOU, the Academy also opened its new aviation training facilities at the SBIA as its second flight operations hub. One is at Bicol International Airport in Daraga, Albay. 

Subic Bay serves as a premier aviation training hub in the Philippines, anchored by institutions like Topflite Aviation Academy. 

Located at the SBIA, aviation academies offer comprehensive pilot training programs, including the CPL, the Private Pilot License, and the Instrument Rating, utilizing modern fleets, advanced simulators (Redbird), and, for Federal Aviation Administration, brand-new Tecnam aircraft. 

SBIA boasts of a 9,000-foot runway and, for many years, served as a former US Naval air station, providing robust, high-quality, secure, and safe facilities for flight training. (MPD-SBMA) 

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Sanyo Denki donates two Hydroponic System units to SBMA

In its effort to encourage healthy eating habits, Sanyo Denki Philippines Inc., a Japanese electronics manufacturer here, donated two units of Hydroponic Systems to the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA).

Sanyo Denki Philippines Inc. Director Yosuke Takeuchi explained that these Hydroponic System units grow fresh, chemical-free vegetables in a safe and healthy environment, while they are being tested in real-world scenario with the government agency as a test bed.  

The two units installed at Building 255 are currently growing Black Rose Lettuce which will be distributed to SBMA employees once ready for harvest.

Takeuchi, along with Sanyo Denki Philippines Inc. President and CEO Hirokazu Takeuchi, presented the two units to SBMA Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño on January 22, 2026.

Aliño expressed his gratitude to the two officials, acknowledging that these Hydroponic System units can be adapted to the planned dormitory and residential areas proposed for Freeport employees to ensure augmented food security.

“With the buildings of the SBMA running on solar power, electricity for these Hydroponic System units will not be an issue. I hope that the testing of these units would become successful so that companies inside the Subic Freeport would adopt it for the sake of their employees,” Aliño said.

The Hydroponic System introduced by Sanyo Denki Philippines uses San Ace fans, a product made by the company itself. The two units have Black Rose Lettuce currently being grown, with the capacity to grow leaf radish, parsley, Mizuna, coriander, romaine lettuce, green and iceberg lettuce.

The Hydroponic System is a Deep Flow Technique type that has dimensions similar to a large cabinet and weighs 61 kilograms without water. The system uses 220-volt electricity, which consumes approximately 0.3 kilowatt-hour, has a capacity for 90 plants, and a water tank capacity of 60 liters.

The lettuce grown in the Hydroponic System may be harvested after 20 days. (MPD-SBMA)

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SBMA recognized for its best performance in PSA survey

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) was recognized for its best performance in the 2024 Quarterly Survey of the Philippine Business and Industry (QSPBI) conducted by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).

 SBMA Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño accepted the trophy for bagging the 1^st place in Overall Performance from PSA Zambales Chief Statistical Specialist Norman Bundalian during the flag raising ceremony in front of Administration Building 229 on January 19, 2026.

Aside from the trophy for 1^st place in overall performance, Aliño also accepted Certificates of Recognition for bagging first place in Timeliness, second place in Quality, and a Certificate of Appreciation for the SBMA's "valuable contribution to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) in the conduct of its establishment-based surveys, which generate essential statistics for economic planning and analysis.”

Aliño expressed his appreciation of the awards accorded by the PSA as it indicates that the Agency is on track.

Planning and Development Office (PDO) Acting Department Manager Engr. Lilibeth S. Baza explained that the citation was given following the 2025 Provincial Stakeholders’/ Respondents’ Forum on Establishment-Based Surveys held at the Subic Bay Travelers Hotel in Subic Bay Freeport on January 13, 2026.

Baza said that the survey is a crucial nationwide survey conducted by PSA to collect data on revenue, employment, and compensation for key Philippine industries that support national accounts, economic indicators, and monetary policies to help the government and businesses understand the dynamics of the country's economic performance, which will be a basis for better planning and decision-making.

In the 2024 QSPBI, the Q1 2024 Business Expectations Survey (BES) findings showed optimism for hiring and expansion, especially in manufacturing, while later reports indicated rising capacity utilization by late 2024.

These surveys track key metrics such as employment, investment plans, and production, helping shape national economic policies, and are released periodically by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) and the PSA to complement overall economic growth figures.

Aliño disclosed that some of the 2024 Performance Highlights include the processing of ₱20.63 billion in new investments, a 107.17% increase from the previous year. The number of new investors rose to 159, up from 131 in 2023.

He added that the total workforce rose to 164,400 employees in 2024, reflecting a 4.8% increase. The manufacturing sector was a primary driver, growing from 21,433 workers in 2023 to 27,484 in 2024.

He also said that the SBMA reported total operating revenues of ₱1.706 billion for the full year 2024. The authority also turned over ₱1.465 billion in dividends to the national government based on its 2024 earnings. (MPD-SBMA) 

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Filipino Shipmates monument inaugurated in Subic Bay Freeport

The Filipino Shipmates monument, located along Waterfront Road, Subic Bay Freeport Zone (SBFZ), was inaugurated on January 14, 2026. 

Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño recognized the United States Sailors Alliance of the Philippines (USSAP) for paving the way for the construction of a commemorative monument of Filipino-American naval history and friendship, as well as the strong bond between them. 

“Here in Subic Bay, a place rich in maritime history, it is fitting that we honor their contributions. Subic has long been a bridge connecting our two nations, and today, this monument shows the strengthening of this bond even further. It tells future generations that Filipinos played an essential role in safeguarding peace and freedom across the seas,” he said.

Led by the USSAP, the monument was built to symbolize the dedication of Filipino sailors who were recruited by the United States between 1901 and 1991 in the Philippines.

According to the USSAP, over 35,000 Filipinos were recruited through centers like the US naval bases at Subic Bay and Sangley Point during this period, leaving a significant legacy of service. 

The USSAP has been instrumental in preserving and recognizing this history, including the funding and presentation of a Filipino Shipmate statue to honor these sailors in Olongapo City.

Olongapo City Mayor Atty. Rolen Paulino Jr., Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) Director Rolen Paulino, officials from the USSAP, and the US Embassy in the Philippines were present during the unveiling and ribbon-cutting ceremony.

The USSAP is strongly committed to celebrating the deep history and contributions of US-Filipino sailors, especially in Subic Bay, Olongapo, where many were recruited, honoring significant personalities such as Medal of Honor recipient Telesforo Trinidad, and recognizing Filipino contributions to U.S. maritime forces.

The Filipino Shipmate monument memorializes their services. (MPD-SBMA) 

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Nike opens biggest Southeast Asian outlet in Subic Freeport

Subic Bay Freeport has marked another major retail milestone with the opening of Nike’s biggest outlet in Southeast Asia.

Maguire Group Holdings Inc., through its Philippine retail partner Unite Stores, officially opened the Nike Unite Subic Outlet Center at the Marshalling Yard along Argonaut Highway, Subic Bay Freeport Zone on January 15, 2026. 

The opening was led by Unite Stores Chairman Christian Monteron, together with Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño.

The launch further strengthens Subic Bay Freeport’s position as a premier shopping and investment destination, drawing both local and international brands while boosting tourism, employment, and economic activity in the zone. (thevoicenewsweekly)

Photo c/o Fun-tastic Subic Bay Facebook page

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SBMA retakes control of Grande Island due to lease violations

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) has resumed possession of Grande Island after ending its lease agreement with GFTG Holdings Corporation.

SBMA officials said the move followed a decision by the authority’s board to terminate the contract after the company failed to fulfill agreed development commitments.

A pre-termination notice was issued earlier, giving the lessee a fixed period to vacate the property before enforcement measures were carried out.

The takeover was completed earlier this month after SBMA served a formal repossession notice and proceeded with implementation following the holiday period.

GFTG has since filed a request seeking the revival of its lease, which is now undergoing review by a board-level committee.

The island drew heightened public scrutiny last year after the arrest of several Chinese nationals accused of conducting unauthorized surveillance activities.

Investigators said the suspects allegedly used drones and electronic devices to gather images and data related to naval operations in Subic Bay.

Grande Island’s strategic location overlooking key maritime passages has since fueled security discussions, including proposals to place the area under tighter government control. (thechronicle.com)

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SBMA, SBF stakeholders hold 2nd Prayer Breakfast

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) gathered stakeholders to hold its 2nd Subic Bay Freeport (SBF) Prayer Breakfast with leaders of various religious sectors from surrounding localities at the Mini Golf Course on January 6, 2026.

 “This Prayer Breakfast is our humble acknowledgement that every plan, every decision, and every success must begin with faith and surrender to His will,” SBMA Chairman and Administrator Engr. Eduardo Jose L. Aliño said. 

“Amid our responsibilities and challenges, we pause to seek God’s wisdom, strength, and guidance. We come together as one community, different in roles and beliefs, yet united in our trust in the One who leads, protects, and provides,” he added.

San Roque Chaplain Father Emmanuel Montes, Saalam Advocacy Group Chapter President Ustadz Sam Maharum, and Bishop Noel Pantoja of the Evangelical Church were among the religious leaders who led the ecumenical mass during the said Prayer Breakfast.

The SBF Prayer Breakfast is patterned after the Philippine National Prayer Breakfast, an annual event where leaders from government, business, and faith communities gather at the Malacañang Palace grounds to pray for the nation, emphasizing faith, unity, integrity, and service.

Inspired by the U.S. National Prayer Breakfast and founded by Gil Puyat and Francisco Ortigas Jr. in 1975, the most recent event was held on November 18, 2024, led by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

The SBF Prayer Breakfast serves as a platform for leaders and local governments to set aside political and ideological differences and come together in prayer and seek guidance for the nation’s progress.

Chairman Aliño further said, “As we move forward into the year ahead, may God bless the work in our hands, guide the leaders of this Freeport Zone, and grant us clarity in every decision we make. May this time of prayer renew our commitment to the greater good; not only for the Subic Bay Freeport Zone, but for the people and communities we are called to serve.”

The 1st SBF Prayer Breakfast was held last January 13, 2025, and will continue to be held annually in Subic Bay Freeport, as a time out from political and ideological differences, and come together in prayer to seek guidance for the nation’s progress. (MPD-SBMA) 

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DOT certifies 2 Subic Freeport hotels for passing Halal standard

The Department of Tourism-Region 3 (DOT3) has awarded two hotels here for passing the standard of a Halal-friendly hotel. 

DOT3 Regional Director Richard Daenos, together with SBMA Tourism Manager Mary Jamelle Camba, handed the certificates of recognition to representatives of The Aurora Subic Hotel and The Mansion Garden Hotel during the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) flag-raising ceremony at the administration building on December 22, 2025.

Aurora General Manager Rhett M. Villaruz and Mansion Garden Hotel Operations Manager Sheanelle F. Calayag received the certificates for their compliance with the requirements of DOT Memorandum Circular 2024-003, which provides the Amended Guidelines for Recognizing Muslim-Friendly Accommodation Establishments (MFAEs). 

A Muslim-friendly accommodation offers prayer facilities (Qibla direction, mats, and prayer rooms), Halal food options (certified kitchens/ meals), and amenities such as water-friendly toilets and culturally sensitive staff training from official certifying bodies, including CrescentRating and local tourism departments.

Camba cited that the award is a testament to the capabilities of hotel establishments here in handling the various needs of tourists from different religious affiliations, adding that Freeport is a viable tourist destination for clientele from diverse cultures and beliefs.

She added that certain key features required by the DOT in Muslim-friendly establishments include dedicated prayer rooms, Qibla direction markers in rooms, prayer mats (Sejjadah), Quran available, Islamic TV channels, Halal-certified kitchens with separate utensils, and Halal minibar options, or menus clearly marking Halal dishes. 

She also mentioned that Megaworld Hotels & Resorts was also certified under this guideline.

Other features include water-friendly toilets (bidet sprays/ water source for ablution/ Wudu), and staff trained in Muslim customs, availability of nearby mosque information, and culturally sensitive service. (MPD-SBMA)

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SBMA champions 2025 FOI awards among GOCCs

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) emerged as champion in the recently concluded 2025 Freedom of Information (FOI) Awards held at The Bellevue Manila in Alabang, Muntinlupa City, on November 28. 

SBMA bagged the FOI Champion Award in the Government-Owned and –Controlled Corporation (GOCC) category, along with the Philippine Guarantee Corporation (PGC) in the 1^st Runner-Up spot and the Philippine Charity and Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) in the 2nd Runner-Up. 

 

SBMA Office Services Department (OSD) OIC-Manager and FOI Receiving Officer (FRO) Jaime H. Menor, Jr., with his staff FRO Angelo M. Mañalac and FRO Randy D. Canlas, received the award on behalf of SBMA Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño, marking a strong year for transparency and public accountability among government institutions. 

 

Aliño lauded this accolade, noting that it is a meaningful affirmation of the agency’s commitment to openness, proactive information sharing, and active public engagement, and emphasized that transparency remains a cornerstone of effective and democratic governance.

 

Themed, “KALIKASAN: Knowledge Access for Local and International Key Actions on Sustainability, Accountability, and Nature,” the awards ceremony underscored the crucial role of transparent public information in promoting environmental stewardship, good governance, and sustainable development, signifying a strong year for transparency and public accountability among government institutions.

 

Aside from the agency’s award, Canlas was also recognized as one of the Best FOI Receiving Officers in the Philippines, distinguishing himself among frontliners nationwide who ensure efficient, transparent, and citizen-friendly access to public information.

 

The FOI Awards is an annual initiative recognizing outstanding government agencies and individuals who champion transparency and uphold the public’s right to information under the FOI Program. (MPD-SBMA) 

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SBMA makes it to Green Destinations 2025 Top 100 stories

Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority’s (SBMA) entry, the Recyclables Collection Program, was hailed as one of the 2025 Top 100 Stories on the global recognition list from the Netherlands-based organization Green Destinations.

According to SBMA Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño, the agency was recognized in the “Good Practice Stories” in sustainable tourism from around the world for the Recyclables Collection Program.

The winning story, “Recyclables Collection Program: SBMA’s Strategy to Implement Circular Economy,” depicts how the agency implements its circular economy strategy primarily through its flagship program, the Recyclables Collection Event (RCE), which is held biannually. It involves collaboration among stakeholders to manage waste, raise funds for charity, and achieve carbon-neutrality goals. 

“This is the first international award of the SBMA for its sustainability efforts. The RCE is part of our bid to make the Subic Bay Freeport Zone the first carbon-neutral economic zone in the Philippines,” he added.

The Green Destinations Top 100 Stories award was presented during the Sustainable Destinations Forum 2025 on October 28-29 at Expo City Dubai, where the ceremony celebrating stories from around the globe was held. 

OIC-Senior Deputy Administrator for Regulatory Group Amethya Dela Llana cited that the primary goal of the Recyclables Program is to achieve a 30 percent reduction in emissions by 2030 and net-zero emissions by 2040. The initiative also aims to make Subic Bay Freeport into the first Green Port City in the country.

Dela Llana said that the RCE is a multi-faceted approach that transforms waste management from a disposal problem into an integrated system that creates resources, fosters community involvement, and supports social causes, embodying the principles of a circular economy.

SBMA Ecology Center OIC Rossell L. Abuyo added, “The RCE is an event where SBMA departments, Subic Freeport companies, and residents donate or sell segregated common recyclables such as paper, plastics, metals, and hazardous wastes such as used oil, e-waste, busted bulbs, and expired medicines.” 

She added that proceeds from the sales of these materials are often donated to local charitable institutions, namely the Missionaries of Charity house, which is a shelter for abandoned seniors, and Bantay Bata 163. There were also instances when the funds were used to provide grocery packs for outsourced utility workers. 

The Green Destinations 2025 Top 100 Stories list highlights sustainable tourism initiatives from around the world, with winning stories announced at the Green Destinations Story Awards ceremony in March 2025. 

Del Carmen of Siargao Islands, Philippines also won an award for its transformation from mangrove cutting to a Ramsar site, or a wetland acclaimed as being of "international importance," and the Cayo District, Belize, for its sustainable tourism projects. 

Other notable award categories were Destination Management, Nature and Scenery, Environment and Climate, Culture and Tradition, Thriving Communities, and Business and Marketing. (MPD-SBMA) 

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