Even though global economic headwinds were very challenging and the economy of the Philippines continued to slow down, revenue of the Port Operations Group of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) reached P874 million in the first half of 2026 (8% higher compared to the same period last year), the authorities confirmed.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the official announcement of the SBMA. Some parts in boldface…
The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) today disclosed a robust 8% increase in consolidated gross revenue from its Port Operations Group, reaching Php 874 million in the first half of 2026, compared to Php 806 million in the same period last year.
This growth was propelled by stronger earnings in the Seaport and Trade Facilitation and Compliance Department (TFCD), despite ongoing global economic challenges.
SBMA Deputy Administrator III for Operations Group, Ronnie Yambao, attributed the positive performance to strategic initiatives that balanced growth with stakeholder support.
“We successfully navigated a complex global environment while implementing discount measures totaling approximately Php 81 million. These were aligned with Executive Order No. 110 of President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr., aimed at mitigating disruptions caused by the fuel supply crisis linked to the Middle East conflict,” Yambao explained.
Breaking down the revenue contributions for H1 2026:
• The Seaport Department continued to be the primary revenue driver, contributing 78% of the consolidated gross income with Php 683 million—marking a 10% increase year-on-year. This growth was largely fueled by an 18% rise in non-containerized cargo, particularly bulk and break- bulk shipments, which surged 24%.
• Subic Bay International Airport accounted for 14% of the revenue, registering a slight 3% decrease due to lower leasing activities and reduced military logistics operations.
• Meanwhile, the Trade Facilitation and Compliance Department recorded an impressive 17% revenue increase, boosted by the newly implemented Registration Certificate (RC) Policy which introduced additional fees on trucks, heavy equipment, and regulated goods.
The notable increase in non-containerized cargo was further supported by an 88% surge in rice imports. This import growth was driven by proactive government measures to secure rice stocks ahead of the anticipated El Niño weather phenomenon.
The Department of Agriculture (DA) emphasized the critical importance of maintaining sufficient rice inventories in response to potential climate-related production impacts.
Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you feel confident that port operations in the Subic Bay Freeport Zone will somehow grow stronger until the end of this year?
You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.
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