local tourists – Author Carlo Carrasco

800 Square Meters Of Land Allotted By SBMA For Luzon Economic Corridor Initiatives

June 15, 2026June 9, 2026carlocarrasco

Subic Bay’s participation in the ambitious Luzon Economic Corridor (LEC) was felt anew as the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) announced it has allotted eight hundred square meters of land for the LEC initiatives and for the Bases Conversion and Development Authority’s (BCDA) utilization.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the SBMA’s official announcement. Some parts in boldface…

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) has allotted 800-square meters of land to be utilized by the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) for the Luzon Economic Corridor (LEC) initiatives.

SBMA Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño and BCDA President/ CEO Joshua M. Bingcang formalized this pact in a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) at the SBMA administration building on June 3, 2026.

SBMA Senior Deputy Administrator for Support Services Atty. Ramon O. Agregado and BCDA Senior Vice President for Conversion and Development Group Engr. Mark P. Torres witnessed the signing of the MOA along with officials and employees from both agencies.

Aliño stated that the designated area will serve as a workspace for BCDA officials and employees involved in official duties throughout the construction of the Subic-Clark-Manila-Batangas (SCMB) Railway Project and the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX) interchange expansion.

“We are delighted to have you join our community. This partnership is more than just us lending you a parcel of land. It is a commitment to building a vibrant, supportive, and sustainable home for your staff. We look forward to ensuring that their living experience here is not only comfortable but truly enriching,” Aliño said.

Meanwhile, Bingcang said that this prepositioning of BCDA officials and staff is part of the agency’s thrust to ensure that the BCDA’s assets in Bataan accelerate investments and development activities in the region.

He added that these combined developments are expected to boost investment inflows further and increase personnel movement and operational demands in and around the Subic-Bataan-Clark growth area.

The agreement signed by the two agencies stipulates the use of an approximately 800-square-meter vacant residential lot located between Lots 95 and 97 Corsair Street, West Kalayaan, Kalayaan Heights District, Subic Bay Freeport Zone.

The allocation was approved by the SBMA Board of Directors through Resolution No. 25-07-1360 dated July 10, 2025, subject to the terms and conditions of the MOA and applicable SBMA rules and regulations.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the Luzon Economic Corridor will pave the way for economic breakthroughs in the years to come?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

+++++

Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at @CarloCarrascoPH as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

Patient Transport Vehicle From PAGCOR Received By SBMA

June 9, 2026June 3, 2026carlocarrasco

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) announced that it recently received from the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) a patient transport vehicle which will boost the efficiency of medical service delivery in Subic Bay Freeport Zone.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the SBMA’s official announcement. Some parts in boldface…

Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) received a patient transport vehicle from the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) during a turnover ceremony held at its head office in Pasay City on May 26, 2026.

PAGCOR President and Chief Operations Officer (COO) Atty. Wilma T. Eisma turned over the patient transport vehicle to SBMA Public Health and Safety Department (PHSD) Medical Services Division OIC, Dr. Arlene Gravina-Cesa.

SBMA Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño expressed his gratitude to PAGCOR for the patient transport vehicle which will boost the efficiency of medical service delivery in Subic Bay Freeport.

“My heartfelt thanks to PAGCOR, especially to Chairman Alejandro H. Tengco, for providing the Freeport with a patient transport vehicle. This unit will certainly enhance the services of our Public Health and Safety Department (PHSD) during the scheduled, non-emergency transfer of clinically stable patients,” he said.

“Kay Mam Amy (Eisma), marami pong salamat at hindi pa rin kayo nakakalimot sa iyong dating tahanan, ang SBMA,” he added.

Meanwhile, according to Tengco, the donation is part of the agency’s broader efforts to make basic healthcare more accessible, ensuring that communities and sectors in need, are able to receive urgent medical attention through these new patient transport vehicles.

“More than simply meeting targets, it reflects a clear commitment: to support healthier, more resilient communities by investing in essential services people rely on when it matters most,” he said.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the SBMA has enough patient transport vehicles to ensure efficient medical service deliveries within the Freeport?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

+++++

SBMA Adjusts Bidding Timeline For Subic Bay International Airport

June 2, 2026May 29, 2026carlocarrasco

With the window remaining open for bidders to challenge Cerberus’ unsolicited offer for the Subic Bay International Airport (SBIA), the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) officially adjusted the bidding timeline, according to a news report by the Manila Standard. Previously, the SBMA announced a Swiss challenge for the airport development project.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the SBMA’s official announcement. Some parts in boldface…

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) is inviting rival bidders to challenge the unsolicited offer of Cerberus Asia Pacific Investments LLC for the P6.2-billion Subic Bay International Airport (SBIA) development project.

In a recent bid bulletin, the SBMA announced that the issuance and availability of tender documents has been rescheduled to June 17, 2026, moving back from its initial May 18, 2026 timeline.

“The extension ensures technical specifications, financial parameters, and contractual frameworks are comprehensive, accurate, and clear,” the SBMA said.

“This adjustment protects the integrity of the Comparative Challenge process and ensures an equal footing for all participants. No prejudice is caused to any party as documents have not yet been released,” it added.

The asset-management firm Cerberus originally submitted its unsolicited proposal on March 26, 2025, under an Operate-Rehabilitate-Add-Transfer scheme.

The project spans a 25-year concession period—with a possibility for extension—and involves upgrading, expanding, operating, and maintaining the SBIA before its eventual turnover to the SBMA.

The primary goal is to transform the airport into a modern, high-capacity cargo hub that meets international standards and streamlines logistics across the Luzon region.

The comparative challenge will operate under a “right-to-match” mechanism in accordance with the PPP Code Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR).

The original proponent will be given 30 calendar days to match or top the most superior proposal submitted by a challenger. If no challengers emerge, or if the original proponent submits a superior counter-offer, the contract will be awarded to Cerberus.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think several corporate entities overseas will eventually challenge Cerberus’ bid for the Subic Bay International Airport?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

+++++

More Financial Relief For Stakeholders Of Subic Bay Being Considered By SBMA

May 18, 2026May 13, 2026carlocarrasco

Following the temporary reduction of fees and added support for clients in the port of Subic Bay, the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) announced that it is considering more financial relief to the stakeholders. A public consultation was recently held at the Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center (SBECC).

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the SBMA’s official announcement. Some parts in boldface…

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.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the SBMA’s moves of providing financial relief to stakeholders is aggressive and very timely? Do you think the suspension of the ETAF will be a huge benefit for hotels, inns, condotels and daily rental housing facilities within the freeport? With the recent changes made by the SBMA, do you think more foreign investors will be convinced to invest in Subic Bay Freeport Zone soon?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

+++++

US Embassy Delegation Meets With SBMA For Luzon Economic Corridor

May 17, 2026May 15, 2026carlocarrasco

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) announced the United States Ambassador to the Philippines Heather Variava and her delegation composed of many representatives of the U.S. economic team recently visited the Subic Bay Freeport Zone and met with Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño for high-level discussions about the Luzon Economic Corridor (LEC).

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the SBMA’s official announcement. Some parts in boldface…

The United States Embassy delegation for the Luzon Economic Corridor Steering Committee visited this premier Freeport on May 13, 2026, seeking to create more investment opportunities.

US Ambassador Heather Variava, Senior Advisor for Economic, Energy, and Business Affairs, and Head of Delegation for the committee, together with several representatives of the US economic team, arrived here as part of the mission to work on US-Philippines growth through a series of coordination with government officials and business leaders.

The ambassador met with officials of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA), led by Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño, to discuss economic growth efforts for the Luzon Economic Corridor (LEC).

The LEC is a multi-billion-dollar economic partnership designed to supercharge infrastructure, logistics, and supply-chain connectivity between four primary hubs in the Philippines: Subic Bay, Clark, Manila, and Batangas.

Chairman Aliño said that the trilateral initiative with the US, Japan, and the Philippines 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. 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.

The SBMA top official said that with upcoming projects in railway connectivity, port modernization, clean energy, and semiconductor supply chains, “Subic Bay’s role as a premier logistics and manufacturing hub grows even stronger.”

Initially launched in April 2024 as a trilateral project between the Philippines, the United States, and Japan under the G7’s Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment (PGI), the initiative has rapidly scaled into a powerful 10-nation coalition.

The said visit is part of her travel to coordinate strategic infrastructure and investments alongside the Philippine government and business leaders, as the ambassador advocates for streamlining complex regulations to increase investor confidence.

In the official press release issued by U.S. Embassy in the Philippines, the Luzon Economic Corridor’s partners share a commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific and pledge to promote fair and transparent economic development. The partners will contribute through technical assistance, financing, and facilitation of private sector investments, while actively participating in working groups focused on transport, energy, and digital infrastructure.

“The expansion of the Luzon Economic Corridor partnership shows what we can accomplish when likeminded nations unite around strategic infrastructure and shared prosperity. This initiative is creating real opportunities for U.S. business, our Philippine partners, and investors across the Indo-Pacific while countering exploitative infrastructure practices with a better alternative,” said U.S. Senior Advisor for Economic, Energy, and Business Affairs Ambassador Heather Variava.

*The official Luzon Economic Corridor map released by the U.S. Embassy.*

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you consider the US Embassy delegation’s Subic Bay visit a strong move to convince foreign investors to be part of the Luzon Economic Corridor? Do you expect to see more economic cooperation and meetings between America and the Philippines over the next twelve months?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

+++++

Swiss Challenge For P6.2 Billion Subic Bay International Airport Launched By SBMA

May 3, 2026April 29, 2026carlocarrasco

New developments regarding the Subic Bay International Airport (SBIA) could happen soon as the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) formally launched the Swiss challenge for it, according to a news report by the Manila Bulletin. It is recalled that Cerberus Asia Pacific Investments proposed to manage, operate and rehabilitate the SBIA for P5.31 billion.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the news report of the Manila Bulletin. Some parts in boldface…

More than a year after an unsolicited proposal was first submitted, the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) has formally launched the Swiss challenge for the ₱6.2-billion Subic Bay International Airport (SBIA) project, opening the door to rival bidders for an airport that would complement the seaport facilities in the former United States (US) naval base in Zambales province.

In an invitation posted on the website of the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Center last Monday, April 27, SBMA invited challengers to apply for eligibility and submit comparative proposals for the airport project, which is an unsolicited proposal from American firm Cerberus Asia Pacific Investments LLC. PPP Center Deputy Executive Director Eleazar E. Ricote told Manila Bulletin on Tuesday, April 28, that the estimated project cost is ₱6.2 billion, up from the previous ₱5.31-billion estimate released by the agency last year.

SBMA noted that it received the unsolicited proposal from Cerberus in March 2025 under an operate-rehabilitate-add-transfer scheme in accordance with Republic Act (RA) No. 11966, or the PPP Code of the Philippines. Cerberus proposed a 25-year concession period, subject to extension.

To recall, Cerberus previously acquired the shuttered Hanjin shipyard in Subic in 2022 and has since invested at least $40 million to revive operations at the facility, now known as Agila Subic Multi-Use Facilities—said to be the future site of a joint US-Philippines ammunition production and storage facility. The firm had also earlier signaled plans to convert the Subic airport into a cargo and logistics hub as part of its broader investments in shipbuilding, logistics, semiconductors, and energy in the country.

The Swiss challenge—technically referred to in SBMA’s bidding documents as a “comparative challenge”—involves the upgrade, expansion, operation and maintenance (O&M), and eventual turnover of SBIA to SBMA after the concession period. The project primarily aims to establish an efficient and modern cargo transport system for Luzon region by transforming the airport into a modern, efficient, and high-capacity cargo hub that meets international standards and improves cargo shipment quality, SBMA said.

Following detailed evaluation and negotiations between SBMA and Cerberus, the American firm was granted original proponent status (OPS), making its unsolicited proposal subject to comparative challenge.

In Philippine PPP practice, a comparative challenge is essentially the formal Swiss challenge process for unsolicited proposals, wherein third parties may submit competing bids while the original proponent retains the right to match the best offer.

Under this project’s single-stage bidding process, challengers must submit a comparative proposal consisting of three envelopes: qualification documents, a technical proposal, and a financial proposal.

SBMA’s pre-qualification/qualifications, bids, and awards committee (PBAC) will first evaluate challengers’ legal, technical, and financial qualifications. Those who pass will proceed to the opening of technical proposals, and compliant technical bids will move on to the opening of financial proposals. The challenger submitting the financial proposal that meets the highest base concession fee in contract year one will be declared as having the most superior comparative proposal.

The comparative challenge will be conducted under a right-to-match mechanism, in which Cerberus, as the original proponent, may match or better the financial proposal of the most superior comparative proposal within 30 calendar days.

“In case the SBMA PBAC determines the financial proposal of the original proponent to be superior or more advantageous to the government or in case there is no challenger, the PPP contract shall be awarded to the original proponent,” SBMA said.

Interested challengers may obtain the instructions to challengers and other tender documents starting May 18 upon payment of a non-refundable participation fee of ₱1.4 million, or $23,333.33. Only challengers that have paid the fee in full may join the pre-bid conference, participate in the comparative challenge, and submit comparative proposals.

The comparative challenge process will run for 90 calendar days from the issuance of the challenge documents. Submission of comparative proposals must be completed on or before 2 p.m. on Aug. 17.

The Subic airport project complements the government’s broader push for the Luzon Economic Corridor (LEC), which aims to strengthen logistics, infrastructure, and industrial connectivity across the former US bases of Subic and Clark, Manila, and Batangas province.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think there will be challengers coming in for the P6.2 billion SBIA? When was the last time you visited the international airport in the Subic Bay Freeport Zone?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

+++++

Huge Shipment Of Diesel Arrives At Subic Bay Port

April 29, 2026April 26, 2026carlocarrasco

Recently at the Subic Bay Freeport Zone, a huge shipment of diesel of more than forty-four thousand metric tons arrived at the port which has been described as a crucial step in strengthening the energy security of the nation, according to an official announcement by the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA).

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from official announcement by the SBMA. Some parts in boldface…

The Philippine National Oil Company (PNOC), a government-owned and – controlled corporation (GOCC), has recently received a major diesel fuel shipment at the Port of Subic Bay, signaling a crucial step in bolstering the country’s energy reliability. The shipment consists of 44,119 metric tons—or 329,505 barrels of diesel fuel.

Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Senior Deputy Administrator for Port Operations Ronnie Yambao said that the shipment of PNOC’s 329,505 barrels or 44,119 metric tons of diesel arrived in Subic Freeport on April 10 through the Philippine Coastal Storage and Pipeline Corporation (PCSPC) storage facility.

He added that as of March 30, the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) had already issued a special permit to the PNOC Exploration Corporation (PNOC-EC) to fast-track the emergency importation of petroleum products, especially diesel, to stabilize the nation’s energy supply.

“The special permit is designed to bypass standard bureaucratic processes and customs procedures that could delay immediate importation of fuel”; he said.

The PNOC-EC is set to procure a total of two million barrels of oil and 22,000 metric tons of LPG to build a national buffer stock, aiming to mitigate price volatility and secure supply.

These emergency stocks that are expected to augment around 10 days of the country’s additional fuel supply and strengthen LPG reserves, are being secured in response to Middle East market disruptions.

Subic Bay Freeport is home to the PCSPC, the largest petroleum product import storage facility in the Philippines, which stores a significant portion of the national buffer stock. The facility currently has a storage capacity of approximately 6.3 million barrels (roughly one billion liters) of fuel.

It occupies about 160 hectares and accounts for 20% of the total fuel storage capacity in the Philippines. The depot is spread across the Boton and Maritan Hill areas within the Freeport.

The facility uses the infrastructure of the former U.S. Naval Base in Subic Bay. At its peak during the Vietnam War, the site handled the largest volume of fuel oil compared to any U.S. naval facility worldwide.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the port of Subic Bay will become even more important to the nation’s energy security as more shipments of oil come in?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

+++++

Temporary Reduced Fees And Support For Port Clients Confirmed By SBMA

April 21, 2026April 16, 2026carlocarrasco

In response to the spiked fuel prices and other economic uncertainties, the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) announced that it will temporarily offer reduced fees and provide financial support to its port clients.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from official announcement by the SBMA. Some parts in boldface…

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) has temporarily taken measures to provide port clients with the much-needed financial support, amid the ongoing rise in fuel costs in the global market.

SBMA Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño explained that this is in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s Executive Order No. 110, which immediately placed the entire country in a state of national energy emergency due to geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.

Aliño added that such temporary measures aim to provide aid to industries affected by the Middle East crisis by ensuring that cost-stabilizing strategies for the transport and food sectors are implemented without delay.

“These initiatives, including reduced fees and extended free storage, provide a fiscal cushion to reinforce investor confidence and prevent supply chain bottlenecks,” said Aliño.

He also cited that key industry participants namely, importers, suppliers, consignees, vessel owners, and consumers, will experience the impact of these measures through their respective counterparts – terminal operators, cargo handlers, brokers, consolidators, processors, ship agents, and shipping lines, resulting in a cascading effect throughout the supply chain.

As part of this initiative, the SBMA will implement a five percent tariff reduction on all commercial vessels, including harbor fees, berthing fees/ anchorage fees, and harbor cleaning fees, as well as a five percent tariff reduction on cargo charges including wharfage fees, and storage fees.

“We will also implement a five percent tariff reduction on SBMA shares such as pilotage fee, hauling services, tugboat services, heavy equipment rental, line handling services, chandling services, water tendering, cargo handling for containerized cargo, and bunkering services,” he added.

Additionally, the SBMA is also offering free storage for non-containerized cargo, and free storage period for an additional 2-day extension.

To further aid port clients, the SBMA will temporarily suspend the collection of shares from terminal operators/cargo handlers for liquid bulk cargo handling and related activities; the implementation of the one percent admission fee for liquid bulk; and the implementation of the ten percent increase on cargo handling and miscellaneous charges of non-containerized/ general cargoes.

Chairman Aliño assured port stakeholders that these measures shall take effect immediately upon its approval and ratification by the SBMA Board of Directors, adding that these will remain in force until geopolitical tensions subside, at which point they shall be lifted via a formal issuance following Board approval.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think this new move by the SBMA will be sufficient enough for the port clients and keep economic activity in the freeport growing? Do you think the SBMA will have to further intensify its tourism activities to attract more high-spending tourists to bounce back from a potential economic downturn?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

+++++

Subic Bay 2025 Port Revenue Reaches P1.77 Billion

April 16, 2026April 29, 2026carlocarrasco

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) announced that its port operations generated a total of P1.77 billion for the year 2025. The figure is an improvement of more than P70 million over 2024.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from official announcement by the SBMA. Some parts in boldface…

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) generated PHP 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 PHP 1.77-billion revenue in 2025 is 4.2 percent, or PHP 71.7 million, higher than the 2024 record PHP 1.7 billion.

Aliño added that the Seaport Department generated PHP 1.47 billion of the total, followed by the Airport Department with PHP 182 million, and the Trade Facilitation and Compliance Department (TFCD) with PHP 125 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 PHP 113.7 million in January of 2026 on a year-on-year comparison with PHP 100.4 million in January 2025.

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

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you see the port operations of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority generating more revenue in the years to come? Do you think more ports in other parts of the world will link with the port of Subic Bay?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

+++++

Expansion Contract Worth Almost P600 Million Signed By Best Western Plus Hotel Subic

April 12, 2026April 10, 2026carlocarrasco

Best Western Plus Hotel Subic, the 4-star hotel located along Dewey Avenue, signed the expansion project contract worth almost P600 million with the proponent Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA), according to the SBMA’s official announcement.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from official announcement by the SBMA. Some parts in boldface…

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.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Have you ever stayed at the Best Western Plus Hotel Subic already? Do you think the newly signed contract will lead to improvements on tourism inside the Subic Bay Freeport Zone over the next few years? Do you think this new development could influence other hotel operators to expand or renovate their respective places in order to attract more tourists and corporate clients?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

+++++

Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

	#sciencefiction on A Look Back at Amazing Spider-…
	#tech on 800 Square Meters Of Land Allo…
	#unitedstates on A Look Back at Amazing Spider-…
	#tumblr on A Look Back at Amazing Spider-…
	#wordpress on A Look Back at Amazing Spider-…

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this: