SUBIC BAY FREEPORT—Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño recently delivered his first State of the Freeport Address (SOFA) at the Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center (SBECC) where he shared his accomplishments during the past year and moved on towards disclosing his aspiration of transforming Subic Bay into a Greenport city and a key player in the regional cruise industry.
Speaking before the members and board of directors of the Subic Bay Freeport Chamber of Commerce (SBFCC), officials from the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), SBMA Directors, LGU officials, and other stakeholders, Aliño delivered the 17th SOFA in line with the celebration of the 30th anniversary of the SBFCC.
In his address, Aliño revealed that the SBMA is positioning the SBF as a leader in sustainable port operations, highlighting the shore power system initiative that will reduce air pollution by 95%.
“Our growth to be the Greenport city, driven by collaborative growth in business and investment, channels a new dimension to pursue our mandate. But this channel is not just the SBMA’s vision and mission, we will need your help, your partnership, and your commitment,” Alino stated.
To support this vision, the SBMA is set to construct a dedicated cruise terminal within the next few years, further enhance its port facilities, and expand its international network through sister port agreements with the Port of San Diego in California, Osaka Port in Japan, and other key locations.
He highlighted the SBMA’s success in regaining investors that have led to a surge in infrastructure investments, economic activities, and a plan to develop Subic Bay into a major regional cruise hub and stopover for cruise ships both as a home port and turnaround hub.
Technological advancements to improve port navigation and security were also introduced with the installation of the country’s most advanced Vessel Traffic Management System (VTMS), which enhances real-time vessel monitoring and ensures safer, more efficient port operations.
Aliño also cited the SBMA’s ongoing efforts to integrate sustainability into its development plans, ensuring that growth does not come at the expense of the country’s natural environment.
He then outlined a series of projects aimed at boosting the Freeport’s position as a leading investment destination, including the development of new industrial parks, expansion of digital infrastructure to support the growing tech sector, and the establishment of Subic Bay as a hub for sustainable and green industries.
Key accomplishments of the past year were reported, underscoring the SBMA’s dividend contribution to the national coffers which landed the agency in the top seven.
“Aside from the dividends that we contribute to the national government, neighboring communities also get their share of revenues derived from corporate taxes. So I would like to thank our locators for paying your taxes because as you can see, here, your taxes go a long way especially in funding infrastructure projects in road rehabilitation and other development projects for our communities,” Alino said.
He also discussed the expansion projects of two locators namely, Sanyo Denki and Nidec that are poised to generate a total of 6,500 jobs. Employment generation is a primary mandate of the agency that is anchored on the Philippine Development Plan (PDP) for 2023-2028 of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s administration, to strengthen and build a good community here in Subic Bay by improving the quality of life of its stakeholders.
“We hope that the plans and programs we have shared with you pave the way toward even more closer cooperation among us. Because in Subic, we care…for our shared future, and our shared aspiration of growth and progress for all,” he added. (30)
