US Embassy economic delegation eyes stronger partnership with Subic Bay Freeport

The United States Embassy delegation for the Luzon Economic Corridor (LEC) Steering Committee visited the Subic Bay Freeport on May 13, 2026, signaling stronger economic cooperation and expanded investment opportunities in the country.

Leading the delegation was Heather Variava, Senior Advisor for Economic, Energy, and Business Affairs and Head of Delegation for the committee, together with representatives from the US economic team. The visit forms part of ongoing efforts to strengthen US-Philippines economic relations through close coordination with government officials and business leaders.

The delegation met with officials of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority led by Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño to discuss economic growth initiatives under the Luzon Economic Corridor.

The LEC is a multi-billion-dollar economic partnership aimed at enhancing infrastructure, logistics, and supply-chain connectivity among the country’s major economic hubs — Subic Bay, Clark, Manila, and Batangas.

Aliño said the initiative, originally launched as a trilateral partnership among the Philippines, the United States, and Japan, has now expanded to include Australia, Denmark, France, Italy, South Korea, Sweden, and the United Kingdom.

“This ambitious venture will strengthen infrastructure, supply chains, and green energy across Subic, Clark, Manila, and Batangas,” Aliño said.

“It is most timely that Her Excellency Heather Variava and her delegation visit us now, as the Luzon Economic Corridor gains momentum through international partnerships and expanded economic engagement,” he added.

According to Aliño, upcoming projects involving railway connectivity, port modernization, clean energy, and semiconductor supply chains are expected to further solidify Subic Bay’s role as a premier logistics and manufacturing hub in the region.

The initiative was initially launched in April 2024 under the G7’s Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment (PGI), with the Philippines, the United States, and Japan serving as founding partners. Since then, the program has evolved into a broader 10-nation coalition supporting sustainable and strategic infrastructure development in the country.

The ambassador’s visit also forms part of efforts to coordinate strategic infrastructure and investment programs with the Philippine government and the private sector, while promoting reforms aimed at streamlining regulations and improving investor confidence.

Variava is currently leading efforts to advance economic growth initiatives under the Luzon Economic Corridor by promoting sustainable and transparent infrastructure partnerships in the region. (SNL)

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SBMA considers more financial relief to stakeholders

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) is undertaking more  financial relief measures for its stakeholders as discussed in a public consultation at the Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center (SBECC) here on May 11, 2026.

SBMA Senior Deputy Administrator for Support Services Atty. Ramon O. Agregado said that these temporary measures, stipulated in Board Resolution No. 26-04-1768, and approved on April 21, extend financial relief to affected Subic Bay Freeport Zone (SBFZ) stakeholders. This action responds to Executive Order No. 110 by President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr., which declared the entire country under a State of National Energy Emergency.

These measures include a 50% reduction in the Road Users' Fee (RUF); the suspension of the Environment and Tourism Administrative Fee (ETAF); free renewal of SBMA IDs in electronic ID (e-ID) format for SBF workers; a reduction of fees for renewing SBMA IDs in physical card format; and the implementation of the Economic Relief Assistance Program (ERA 4) for locators here.

 

Agregado said that the RUF is imposed only on Class 3 vehicles such as trucks, heavy equipment, and other vehicles except mass transit buses with a 45-passenger seating capacity, that utilize the road on a daily, monthly, or annual basis to partially recover the cost of repairing and maintaining the SBF road network.

 

“Please note that the RUF has not been adjusted since 1997 despite inflation and the fact that the prices of services and materials have increased numerous times throughout the years. Notwithstanding the above, the SBMA Board of Directors likewise approved in the same Resolution to defer the implementation of the programmed increase or adjustment of the RUF,” he added.

 

Meanwhile, ETAF, which covers all guests with short-term stays in SBFZ Accommodation Establishments, is suspended. These establishments include hotels, inns, daily rental housing facilities, condotels, and all other such establishments.

 

Other tourism establishments include restaurants, wellness centers, massage and health spas, golf courses, beach resorts, and theme parks, and all other tourism-related establishments, except duty-free shops and retail stores.

 

“The SBMA Board of Directors, through Resolution No. 26-04-1789, approved the temporary suspension of ETAF payments effective 24 April 2026. The same Resolution provides that the temporary suspension of ETAF payments shall remain in effect until otherwise lifted or modified by the SBMA Board of Directors,” Agregado said.

He added that to provide tangible financial relief specifically targeted to and in support of SBF workers, SBMA is launching the SBMA e-ID for renewals and temporarily waiving renewal fees for workers who opt for the e-ID instead of a physical card.

 

The Board also approved, through Resolution No. 26-04-1788, the temporary adjustment or reduction of the fee for the renewal of the SBMA ID of SBF workers who opted for a physical card instead of the e-ID format, from ₱200.00 to ₱130.00. This adjustment shall be effective upon receipt of a positive review by the Office of the Government Corporate Counsel.

 

The Board has also approved the ERA4 through Resolution No. 26-04-1784, allowing SBF locators a 50% deferral of payment for monthly lease rental/sublease share billing for a maximum period of six months, starting in May 2026.

 

“Locators will be allowed to pay half of their monthly billing without penalty for late payment for billings issued by the Accounting Department from May to October 2026, provided they have no past-due accounts as of April 30, 2026,” the SBMA official said.

 

The 2026 Middle East war has triggered the largest global oil supply disruption in history, with over barrels per day lost in March due to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. Fuel prices have skyrocketed—jet fuel doubled in price by April—causing severe shortages, rationing in Asian nations like Sri Lanka and the Philippines, and widespread economic fallout.

 

President Marcos signed Executive Order (EO) No. 110, s. 2026 on March 24, 2026, declaring a State of National Energy Emergency in the Philippines. This move was prompted by ongoing conflicts in the Middle East that threaten global oil supply, and it aims to ensure energy stability, control prices, and protect consumers through a “whole-of-government” approach. (MPD-SBMA)

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SBMA supports DepEd, Sanyo Denki partnership to train SHS graduates

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) expressed its full support for the Department of Education’s (DepEd) initiative to send senior high school (SHS) graduates for training with Sanyo Denki Philippines, Inc. (SDP).

Called the “Building Bridges Together from Enrollment to Employment” initiative, DepEd Regional Office 3 and the SDP signed the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) at the company’s building on May 4, 2026, witnessed by the SBMA.

SDP President Kenji Yanagisawa and DepEd Assistant Regional Director Jessie L. Amin signed the MOA, which was also witnessed by SDP Division Manager Cynthia Renion, and other SDO officials from Central Luzon.

SBMA Chief of Staff Atty. Von Rodriguez, who attended on behalf of SBMA Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño, said the initiative is part of DepEd Regional Office 3’s program to align educational outcomes with industry standards through strategic collaborations with the private sector.

“With this initiative, DepEd plans to enhance the workforce transition and employability of SHS graduates, starting with 120 students from the Schools Division Offices (SDO) of Bataan, Zambales, and Olongapo City,” Rodriguez said. 

This will expand to SDOs in Tarlac, Angeles City, and Mabalacat City.

Meanwhile, Yanagisawa said that people are the source of sustainable growth. He stressed the need to align education programs with employment demands, urged students to utilize the initiative, and extended his appreciation to DepEd and the stakeholders.

Amin expressed support for the partnership as it indicates a commitment to secure the future of the learners.

“Our greatest gift to humanity is our kindness to our children,” Amin said, adding that companies currently seek three qualifications: technical competence, technological skill, and soft skills, highlighting the latter as the priority.

The “Building Bridges Together from Enrollment to Employment” initiative aims to elevate SHS “exit points” by ensuring learners possess the specific skills and competencies required by modern employers.

Central Luzon is currently experiencing a robust labor market, characterized by high employment rates and a strategic shift towards higher-value industry and services sector jobs, necessitating a tighter match between worker skills and industrial demands.

In this region, SHS graduates demonstrate high foundational literacy, yet they face significant challenges in direct labor market entry due to a persistent job-skills mismatch. While the region achieved the highest basic literacy rate in the country at 92.8% as of 2024, only a small fraction of SHS graduates successfully transition into the workforce. (MPD-SBMA)

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Donnelly and Hayashi Rule the Waves at 2026 Subic Bay International Triathlon

The 2026 NTT Asia Triathlon Cup Subic Bay (SuBIT) concluded this past weekend at the Subic Bay Freeport Zone, featuring dominant performances from international stars and rising local talents. 

Canadian Liam Donnelly and Japan’s Manami Hayashi secured the top spots in the elite categories, marking a high-energy start to the triathlon season. 

Elite Division Highlights 

In the Men's Elite category, Liam Donnelly (CAN) delivered a stellar performance, finishing the sprint distance (750m swim, 20km bike, 5km run) in 56:16. He managed to hold off Kazakhstan's Daryn Konysbayev, who took silver, and Japan's Takuto Oshima, who rounded out the podium with bronze. 

The Women's Elite race saw Manami Hayashi (JPN) successfully defend her title with a time of 1:02:29. She led a competitive field, finishing just ahead of fellow Japanese athlete Ayame Hayashi and Turkey's Sinem Tous Servera. 

Podium Summary

• Elite Men: Liam Donnelly (CAN) - 56:16, Daryn Konysbayev (KAZ), Takuto Oshima (JPN). 

• Elite Women: Manami Hayashi (JPN) - 1:02:29, Ayame Hayashi (JPN), Sinem Tous Servera (TUR). 

Philippine National Championships 

The 2026 National Triathlon Championship saw intense local competition: 

• Men's National Champion: Inaki Lorbes (58:57). 

• Women's National Champion: Raven Alcoseba (1:04:58). 

Rising Stars: Junior and U-15 Results 

The Asia Triathlon Junior Cup saw Kazakhstan take the top spots with Ramazan Ainegov (Men) and Alua Nurmuhamet (Women). 

Local athletes also featured, including a podium finish in the junior women’s race. The U-15 category highlighted emerging talent in the sport. 

The event was organized by Triathlon Philippines in cooperation with the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA), and supported by the PSC, NTT, and Gatorade. (SNL)

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SBMA Expands Relief Measures: Lower Port Fees, 50% Road Charges Cut, Free E-Bus Rides Continue

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority has announced a new round of relief measures aimed at cushioning businesses, workers, and consumers from the effects of the ongoing global energy crisis triggered by tensions in the Middle East.

In a move expected to benefit shipping, logistics, and transport sectors operating in the Subic Bay Freeport Zone, the agency approved deeper reductions in port tariffs, slashed road-user fees, suspended environmental charges, and extended free rides on the Freeport’s electric bus system.

The measures were approved under SBMA Board Resolution No. 26-04-1768 during the 79th Meeting of the Board of Directors held on April 21, 2026. According to the agency, the package supports Executive Order No. 110, which declared a State of National Energy Emergency and launched the government’s Unified Package for Livelihoods, Industry, Food, and Transport (UPLIFT) Program.

SBMA Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño said the agency will further reduce port tariff rates by an additional 30%, on top of an earlier 5% reduction, bringing the total tariff cut to 35%.

The discounted charges cover vessel fees, harbor fees, berthing and anchorage fees, harbor cleaning charges, cargo fees, and wharfage charges. The reduction is expected to lower operating costs for shipping companies and help stabilize prices of imported goods and raw materials entering the country through Subic.

Beyond port operations, the SBMA also announced a 50% reduction in road-user fees inside the Freeport and deferred planned increases in transport charges.

At the same time, the agency confirmed that free rides on the Subic electric bus system will continue for workers, residents, and visitors, helping commuters cope with rising fuel and transport costs.

Another key measure is the temporary suspension of Environmental and Tourism Administrative Fees (ETAF), which will remain on hold until the national energy emergency is lifted.

Aliño emphasized that the interventions are temporary and will remain in effect only while supply disruptions and geopolitical instability continue.

He said the goal is to keep the movement of goods steady while protecting businesses and consumers from inflationary pressures caused by higher global oil prices.

Broad Economic Impact

The latest relief package is expected to benefit a wide range of sectors, including importers, exporters, suppliers, consignees, vessel owners, shipping lines, terminal operators, customs brokers, cargo handlers, and end-users.

Industry observers say the reductions could further strengthen Subic’s position as a competitive trade and logistics gateway at a time when businesses are looking for lower-cost ports and efficient supply chain hubs.

Strategic Support for National Stability

The SBMA said the measures are aligned with the economic stabilization efforts of Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and are intended to help preserve jobs, maintain supply flows, and shield industries from prolonged energy-related disruptions.

With global fuel markets still volatile, the latest steps by SBMA underscore Subic’s growing role as a strategic buffer zone for trade, logistics, and economic resilience in the Philippines. (SNL)

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SBMA Opens Competitive Bidding for Major Subic Airport Cargo Hub Project

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) has officially opened the competitive challenge process for the proposed redevelopment of Subic Bay International Airport into a modern cargo and logistics hub, signaling another major step in transforming Subic into one of the country’s key trade gateways.

The project stems from an unsolicited proposal submitted by Cerberus Asia Pacific Investments LLC, which has been granted original proponent status after undergoing detailed evaluation and negotiations with SBMA. With this status approved, other qualified investors are now invited to submit competing bids under the government’s comparative challenge process.

Under the proposal, the airport will undergo upgrading, expansion, operation, and maintenance for a concession period of 25 years, with possible extension. 

The initiative aims to convert the currently underutilized airport into a high-capacity cargo gateway that meets international standards and improves freight movement across Luzon.

Located inside the Subic Bay Freeport Zone, the airport has primarily served military and chartered flights in recent years. 

Once redeveloped, it is expected to strengthen supply chains, attract new investments, create jobs, and position Subic as a strategic logistics center alongside other major economic hubs in Central Luzon.

The bidding process will follow a single-stage right-to-match mechanism, where challengers may submit comparative proposals until August 17, 2026 — the same day bids are scheduled to be opened.

The planned airport transformation also complements the growing momentum in the Luzon Economic Corridor, where infrastructure, ports, airports, and industrial zones are being positioned to support regional manufacturing and global trade.

For Subic, this project could mark the return of the airport as a major economic asset — this time as a logistics engine for the future. (SNL)

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PNOC Diesel Shipment Arrives at Subic Port, Boosting National Energy Security

The Philippine National Oil Company (PNOC), a government-owned and controlled corporation, has received a major diesel fuel shipment at the Port of Subic Bay, marking a significant move to reinforce the country’s energy security amid global supply uncertainties.

The shipment, totaling 44,119 metric tons or approximately 329,505 barrels of diesel fuel, arrived in Subic Freeport on April 10 through the storage facilities of the Philippine Coastal Storage and Pipeline Corporation (PCSPC).

Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Senior Deputy Administrator for Port Operations Ronnie Yambao said the arrival of the diesel cargo underscores the strategic role of Subic Bay in supporting the country’s fuel supply requirements.

He added that on March 30, the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) issued a special permit to PNOC Exploration Corporation (PNOC-EC) to expedite the emergency importation of petroleum products, particularly diesel, to help stabilize the nation’s energy supply.

“The special permit is intended to streamline standard bureaucratic and customs procedures that could delay the immediate importation of fuel,” Yambao said.

PNOC-EC is set to procure a total of two million barrels of oil and 22,000 metric tons of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) as part of efforts to establish a national buffer stock aimed at mitigating price volatility and ensuring supply stability.

These emergency reserves are expected to add approximately 10 days of fuel supply while further strengthening the country’s LPG reserves in response to market disruptions in the Middle East.

Subic Bay Freeport is home to PCSPC, the country’s largest petroleum import storage facility, which holds a substantial share of the Philippines’ national fuel reserves.

The facility has an estimated storage capacity of 6.3 million barrels, or roughly one billion liters, accounting for around 20 percent of the country’s total fuel storage capacity.

Spanning approximately 160 hectares, the depot is strategically located across the Boton and Maritan Hill areas within the Freeport.

PCSPC also utilizes former infrastructure from the historic U.S. Naval Base in Subic Bay. During the height of the Vietnam War, the site reportedly handled the largest volume of fuel oil among all U.S. naval facilities worldwide.

Today, the facility remains a vital logistics hub for the storage and distribution of diesel, gasoline, and jet fuel to key markets including Metro Manila, Central Luzon, and Northern Luzon. (SNL)

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Subic Poised for Major Gains as U.S.-PH Launch Historic Economic Security Zone

The Subic Bay Freeport Zone is expected to emerge as one of the major beneficiaries of a newly announced U.S.-Philippines initiative to establish a 4,000-acre Economic Security Zone in Luzon, a landmark project aimed at strengthening supply chains and attracting advanced industries.

The plan, announced by the U.S. Department of State, seeks to build a strategic industrial hub that will support semiconductors, electronics, critical minerals, and other key manufacturing sectors while reducing dependence on vulnerable global supply routes.

For the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA), the development could open fresh opportunities for investments, trade expansion, and industrial growth as companies look for reliable production and logistics bases in the region.

With its deep-water seaport, international-standard infrastructure, and investor-friendly environment, Subic is widely seen as a natural logistics gateway that can support the movement of goods linked to the new zone.

Industry observers note that Subic’s strategic location in Central Luzon, along with its direct access to major shipping lanes and proximity to Clark, gives it a strong advantage as global manufacturers diversify operations across trusted partner countries.

The initiative forms part of the broader Luzon Economic Corridor, where the Philippines, United States, and Japan are increasing cooperation on infrastructure, connectivity, and economic resilience.

Analysts say this could translate into greater demand in Subic for warehousing, transport services, electronics assembly, cold-chain facilities, and export-oriented manufacturing.

For SBMA, the announcement also strengthens the case for continued modernization of port facilities, road networks, utilities, and digital systems to capture new waves of investment.

As global companies continue reshaping supply chains toward security and efficiency, Subic Bay is once again positioned to play a leading role in the Philippines’ next chapter of industrial and economic growth. (SNL)

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SBMA Cuts Port Fees and Extends Storage to Ease Supply Chain Costs

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) has rolled out a series of relief measures to support stakeholders affected by ongoing tensions in the Middle East. These include a five percent reduction in selected port fees and an extension of free storage periods for cargo.

SBMA Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose Aliño said the initiatives are designed to stabilize costs in key sectors such as transportation and food, while strengthening investor confidence and preventing supply chain disruptions within the Subic Bay Freeport Zone.

Effective April 8, following approval by the SBMA Board, a five percent reduction has been applied to charges on commercial vessels. These include harbor fees, berthing or anchorage fees, and harbor cleaning fees. 

The reduced rates will remain in effect until geopolitical conditions improve. 

Vessel owners may avail of the discount through their designated ship agents or shipping companies, which are expected to pass on the savings to their clients.

Similarly, a five percent reduction is being implemented on wharfage and storage fees for cargo. 

For operations at the Subic Bay International Terminal Corporation (SBITC) New Container Terminals and joint venture areas, storage charges will be categorized as either fixed or variable, depending on the applicable arrangement. 

Terminal operators, brokers, consolidators, and processors are required to reflect these reductions in their billing to clients and cargo owners.

In addition, SBMA is reducing by five percent its share in several service-related fees, including pilotage, tugboat services, line handling, water tendering, bunkering, hauling, heavy equipment rental, chandling, and cargo-handling services for containerized shipments.

To further ease costs, SBMA has extended the free storage period by two days across all cargo types. 

The new free storage durations are as follows: 12 days for imports (from 10 days), nine days for exports (from seven days), 12 days for transshipment cargo (from 10 days), and four days for domestic cargo (from two days). However, once cargo exceeds the free storage period, storage charges will be computed retroactively from the first day until final discharge.

Senior Deputy Administrator for Operations Ronnie Yambao also announced the suspension of several regulatory fees. These include SBMA’s share in terminal operator revenues for liquid bulk cargo handling, the one percent admission fee for liquid bulk cargo, and the planned ten percent increase in cargo handling and miscellaneous charges for non-containerized or general cargo.

With the suspension of the ten percent increase, tariff rates for non-containerized cargo revert to their levels prior to January 31, 2026. However, SBMA’s share remains at 15 percent.

Based on projections for 2026, SBMA estimates that these measures will generate approximately ₱76 million in total fiscal relief over one year. Of this amount, around ₱49 million will come from direct tariff reductions, while the suspension of new policies is expected to yield an additional ₱25 million in savings. 

The extension of free storage periods is projected to contribute about ₱2 million in operational savings for port stakeholders.

These initiatives also align with Executive Order No. 110, which declared a state of national energy emergency in response to uncertainties in global oil supply. 

According to Aliño, the measures aim to ease the financial burden on Freeport locators and stakeholders while helping protect consumers nationwide from rising costs. (SNL)

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SBMA generates ₱1.77B port revenue in 2025

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) generated ₱1.77 billion in revenue from port operations in 2025, reflecting steady growth driven by the port's continued strength and resilience as a logistics and trade hub in the Southeast Asian region.

SBMA Chairman and Administrator Engr. Eduardo Jose L. Aliño explained that the ₱1.77-billion revenue in 2025 is 4.2 percent, or ₱71.7 million, higher than the 2024 record ₱1.7 billion.

Aliño added that the Seaport Department generated ₱1.47 billion of the total, followed by the Airport Department with ₱182 million, and the Trade Facilitation and Compliance Department (TFCD) with P125 million.

“Our 2025 port revenue performance demonstrates how Subic Bay continues to thrive despite global economic uncertainties. This achievement highlights our modern infrastructure, efficient processes, and strong public-private partnerships,” Aliño said.

Meanwhile, the SBMA port revenues have already surged by 13 percent at ₱113.7 million in January of 2026 on a year-on-year comparison with ₱100.4 million in January 2025.

The ₱113.7 million earned in January, ₱97.7 million came from the Seaport Department, ₱5 million from the Airport Department, and ₱11 million from TFCD.

Aliño said that some of the key factors that fueled the growth include a 52 percent increase in SBMA share collections primarily due to a surge in non-containerized cargo handling. He said that this includes rice (up 484 percent), corn (230 percent), wheat (48 percent), and soya (3 percent).

Another factor, he added, is the 59 percent increase in vessel charges and 38 percent growth in cargo charges.

Non-containerized cargo volumes grew by 47 percent, with imported petroleum products up by 46 percent. This was accompanied by a 17 percent increase in foreign ship calls, totaling 149 additional vessel arrivals.

He assured that the SBMA remains committed to further investments in port modernization, digitalization, and sustainability initiatives.

“Our vision is to sustain this momentum and position Subic Bay as a leading port in Southeast Asia, enhancing national economic development and global trade connectivity,” Aliño added. (MPD-SBMA)

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Best Western Plus Hotel Subic signs ₱600-M expansion

 

Best Western Plus Hotel Subic has confirmed plans to expand its operations after signing the contract that will allow the construction of a new building beside the current hotel.

The expansion project was signed between the proponent, Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) and developer Simon & Stanley International Trading and Development Co. Inc.

SBMA Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño and Best Western Plus Hotel Subic Chairman and CEO Jaime “Jack” Uy led the contract signing for the expansion project at the Corporate Boardroom of the Administration Building on March 31, 2026.

Architect Jayson Steffen Uy, Vice-president for Facility and Construction of Savers Group Holdings Inc. (SGHI), shared that the new  building will consist of 120 additional hotel rooms, several commercial spaces, a three-floor parking area, restaurants, and parks.

SGHI is the exclusive developer for Best Western in the Philippines as the conglomerate that owns and manages Best Western Plus Hotel Subic.

Uy added that the new building will be an extension of Best Western with infused committed investment worth P587,967,200.00.

“With the current need for more spaces, function halls, and rooms, we decided to expand our operations in Subic,” Uy added.

The official stated that the design phase should be finished either this year or next year while the construction should be able to commence as early as the first quarter of 2027.

“As for employees, the company intends to source its manpower requirements locally,” he further said.

Meanwhile, SBMA Director Ted Del Rosario, Senior Deputy Administrator (SDA) Renato Lee III, SDA Ramon O. Agregado, and other agency officials were also present during the said contract signing ceremony.

Chairman Aliño welcomed the expansion project of Best Western Plus Hotel Subic, citing the growing need of hotels and establishments in Subic Bay Freeport. He added that aside from the company's committed investment, the agency also welcomes the job opportunities from the expansion project.

Best Western Plus Hotel Subic is the first internationally branded hotel in the Subic Bay Freeport Zone. It is a four-star property located on Dewey Avenue, providing easy access to major commercial hubs like Harbor Point Mall and SM City Olongapo. (MPD-SBMA) 

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DA eyes location for Bio-Safe facility in Subic Bay Freeport

The Department of Agriculture (DA) is considering to locate a Bio-Safe facility in this premier Freeport zone to ensure the security of agriculture, fisheries, and fertilizer supply chains against risks of smuggling and disease. 

Early this week, the DA-Inspectorate and Enforcement (DA-IE) unit, led by Undersecretary Carlos Carag met with Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) officials represented by Chief-of-Staff Atty. Von F. Rodriguez, at the corporate boardroom of the administration building, where the former discussed its mandate to establish a Bio-Safe facility or an examination facility in strategic locations in the country. 

The said facility is part of the government’s initiatives for the ₱1-billion Bio-Safe biosecurity program for 2026, which aims to examine all agricultural products before they are even allowed entry through the piers and go through Bureau of Customs (BOC) processes.

 

According to the DA Inspectorate and Enforcement Unit, the department is eyeing the establishment of such facilities at the Manila International Container Terminal (MICT), the Port of Subic, and the Port of Davao as part of the first phase of the said program.

 

The Bio-Safe biosecurity program aims to strengthen border controls, enhance on-ground enforcement against smuggling, and prevent food supply disruptions and price shocks.

 

Its core objectives include preventing disease outbreaks, specifically targeting transboundary animal diseases such as African Swine Fever (ASF) and Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) to prevent supply shocks and price spikes.

 

Another objective is to strengthen border control by enhancing the detection rate of agricultural smuggling, tightening sanitary/phytosanitary filters on imports, and economic protection, which aims to avoid massive industry losses, such as the estimated ₱200 billion lost due to past ASF outbreaks. (MPD-SBMA) 

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SBMA, Belgium eye sister port pact

A sister port agreement between the Port of Subic and the Port of Antwerp-Bruges is being considered during the visit of delegates from the Embassy of Belgium to the Philippines here on March 16, 2026.

Belgian Ambassador Her Excellency Vladislava Iordanova paid a visit along with officials from the Port of Antwerp-Bruges International (PoABI), the consultancy and investment subsidiary of the Port of Antwerp-Bruges.

During their visit, the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) team, led by Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño, proposed a Sister Port Agreement between the two ports to enhance the traditional friendship between the SBMA and the PoABI.

The Port of Antwerp-Bruges is the largest petrochemical cluster in Europe and the second-largest in the world; it is also the largest car-handling port in Europe, handling more than 3 million cars per year. It has two oil refineries and is a frontrunner in the energy transition.

The port is also a driver of economic growth with 4.5% GDP contribution and a total annual throughput of +370 million tonnes, including +13 million TEUs.

Meanwhile, the Subic Bay Freeport has several locators with European Equity, including Agila NY Naval Inc. and Agila South Inc. from the Netherlands, with a combined investment commitment of US$350 million.

Other notable companies inside the Freeport with EU Equities include PMNFTC Inc. from Switzerland with US$7M committed investment; Luxury Subic Home Development Corp. from Belarus with US$1M committed investment; and Schenker Philippines Inc. from Germany with US$0.9M committed investment. (MPD-SBMA)

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SBMA, BJMP sign MOA for Adopt-A-Mangrove Program

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) and the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA)  for the Adopt-A-Mangrove Program at the corporate boardroom of the administration building here on March 12, 2026.

The MOA, which was signed between SBMA Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño and BJMP Regional Office 3 (BJMPRO3) Regional Director, Jail Chief Superintendent (JCSupt) Paulino H. Moreno Jr., stipulates the development of approximately 400 square meters of mangrove area within Subic Bay Freeport. 

Aliño explained that under the MOA, SBMA will designate an area within the SBFZ mangrove forest to be adopted by BJMPRO3. Mangrove seedlings from the agency’s Mangrove Nursery will also be provided. He added that SBMA will monitor and evaluate the adopted area annually.

“And after completing the three-year program, SBMA will award BJMPRO3 with a Certificate of Completion upon turnover of the area to SBMA,” he added.

Meanwhile, JCSupt Moreno assured that BJMPRO3 personnel will plant at least 100 seedlings and ensure the survival of the planted mangrove propagules in the SBMA-designated area. 

He also said that BJMPRO3 personnel will conduct regular cleanup activities, provide adequate manpower, and hand over the area to SBMA after three years.

SBMA Ecology Center OIC Rossell L. Abuyo and BJMPPO Zambales Provincial Jail Administrator JSupt. Ferdinand G. Malabo witnessed the signing of the MOA along with other officials from the SBMA and BJMP.

Subic Bay Freeport Zone hosts approximately 61 to 65 hectares of protected mangrove forests, primarily in areas such as Triboa Bay, Binictican, and Malawaan. 

These areas serve as crucial coastal protection, wildlife habitats, and ecotourism sites, with ongoing conservation efforts, including tree planting and rehabilitation, conducted by the SBMA Ecology Center and its partners. (MPD-SBMA) 

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Subic Bay Reclaims Status as Premier Cruise Destination with Arrival of MS Crystal Symphony

Subic Bay officially signaled its return to the global cruise map as the MS Crystal Symphony docked early morning on March 14, bringing 550 international tourists to the freeport.

The arrival marks the first cruise visit of the year, effectively reviving Subic’s position as a major maritime stop in Southeast Asia.

Upon arrival, passengers were greeted with a traditional cultural welcome before departing on a fleet of tour buses for excursions across Subic’s shopping hubs and attractions, with two additional buses bound for Clark Freeport in Pampanga.

SBMA Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose Aliño highlighted the agency’s ambitious vision for the industry.

“Subic is positioning itself to become a premier cruise turnaround hub in Southeast Asia,” Aliño stated, noting that a P10.2-billion dedicated cruise ship terminal is currently in the planning stages.

The MS Crystal Symphony’s visit is a highlight of its 58-day voyage from Mombasa, Kenya, to Tokyo, Japan. Before arriving in Subic, the vessel made stops in Puerto Princesa, Coron, Boracay, and Manila.

This visit marks the start of a busy season for the freeport. Upcoming arrivals include: 

March 26: MS Adora Mediterranea (3,592 passengers)

March 30: MS Amadea (916 passengers)

April 6 & 16: MV Piano Land (2,722 passengers and crew)

Oct 25: Costa Serena, a frequent visitor to the bay.

Since the launch of cruise tourism in 2018, the SBMA has hosted 37 liners and nearly 50,000 passengers, generating approximately P173 million in tourism receipts for Central Luzon before the 2020 pandemic pause. (SNL)

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