Tag: travel

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

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

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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.

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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

Ambitious Offshore Airport Planned By Vietnam

Ambitious Offshore Airport Planned By Vietnam

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Regardless of external developments, it is clear that tourism in Vietnam is booming (for reference click here and here) and that makes travel an essential part of the nation’s economy and society. With the future of greater travel and accessibility in mind, Vietnam is aiming even higher as their government announced the plan of creating an offshore airport, according to a news report by VnExpress.

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

Vietnam is considering an unprecedented aviation project that would see an airport built on an artificial island off Nha Trang, a major tourism destination.

The Ministry of Construction has submitted amendments to the national airport master plan for 2021-2030 to the government for approval.

It includes a new 497-hectare airport at Van Phong, around 65 kilometers from Nha Trang, on land reclaimed from the sea, according to the government’s portal.

To be situated in Van Thang Commune, it is estimated to cost VND9.2 trillion (US$360 million) and handle around 1.5 million passengers annually by 2030, increasing to 2.5 million by 2050.

Authorities expect the airport to support regional economic growth, positioning Van Phong as a marine logistics and economic hub and enhancing connectivity and boosting tourism.

Offshore airports have been built in several Asian geographies. Japan’s Kansai International Airport, built on an artificial island in Osaka Bay at a cost of some $20 billion, is among the most well-known examples.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? Do you think Vietnam’s ambitious plan to build and operate an offshore airport will come true? Have you ever spent time in an offshore airport before?

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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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

Japanese Triathletes Defend SuBIT Crowns

Japanese Triathletes Defend SuBIT Crowns

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Takuto Oshima and Manami Hayashi, both from Japan, take a crack at extending their hold on their respective titles in the NTT Asia Triathlon Cup Subic Bay, more commonly known as the Subic International Triathlon (SuBIT), at Subic Bay Freeport Zone on May 2 (Saturday).

SuBIT’s 33rd staging carries with it the NTT Asia Triathlon Junior Cup for first time and henceforth the official Philippine National Triathlon Championships and qualifier for National Training Pool.

While Oshima (ranked #88 male in the world) and Hayashi (#36 female) will enjoy strong support from their compatriots, Oshima will face the strongest challenge from Canadian Liam Donnelly who is ranked higher by 15 notches.

Hayashi on the other hand is top-ranked among the female entries and the closest to her who are non-Japanese are Turkey’s Sinem Servera (#87) and USA’s Michelle Magnani (#91).

Organized Triathlon Philippines in cooperation with Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority, the oldest and longest running triathlon event in Southeast Asia is sponsored by Philippine Sports Commission, NTT, Gatorade (official hydration partner), Western Guaranty Corporation, C-Vitt and Subic Bay Travelers Hotel (official race hotel).

One of the more popular triathlons in Asia, this year’s SuBIT drew 92 elite triathletes and 31 elite juniors from 24 countries including Australia, Brazil, Bahrain, Canada, Cambodia, Guam, Hongkong, Indonesia, India, Japan, Kazakhstan, South Korea, Qatar, Thailand, Taipei, Turkey, Ukraine, USA, Singapore, UAE, Bangladesh, Samoa and Philippines.

Looming as top bets from Southeast Asia include 2025 Southeast Asian Games champion Indonesian Rashif Amila Yaqin, also 2023 SEAG silver medalist, in the male division.

French Cambodian Margot Garabedian, 2023 SEAG gold medalist and runner-up in the 2026 Asian Beach Games aquathlon last April 24, lead the ASEAN campaign in the distaff side.        

The non-elite athletes in the field of nearly 500 will display their wares in the second day of action.

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Note: This post was sourced from the official press release of the event from Triathlon Philippines.

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 at https://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

Huge Shipment Of Diesel Arrives At Subic Bay Port

Huge Shipment Of Diesel Arrives At Subic Bay Port

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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.

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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

Vietnam’s New International Airport To Handle Most International Flights By 2027

Vietnam’s New International Airport To Handle Most International Flights By 2027

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In Vietnam, it is anticipated that most international flights currently handled by the old Tan Son Nhat International Airport (serving Ho Chi Minh City) will be moved to the new Long Thanh International Airport by next year, according to a news report by VnExpress. The said move will be gradual and it will start this year.

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

The Airports Corporation of Vietnam has proposed that international flights should move gradually from Ho Chi Minh City to Long Thanh International Airport in neighboring Dong Nai Province starting this year.

According to the state-owned joint-stock company that manages 22 airports across Vietnam, including 10 international, the transition will make the under-construction Long Thanh a global aviation hub.

In the initial phase — from the start of Long Thanh’s commercial operations later this year to around March 2027 — all long-haul international flights will be moved from Tan Son Nhat airport in HCMC.

During this period Long Thanh will handle 19% of all international passengers in the Ho Chi Minh City market while Tan Son Nhat will continue to handle the rest.

In the next phase, from March 2027 through 2030, all international flights will steadily be shifted to Long Thanh, except for short-haul routes under 1,000 km operated by Vietnamese airlines.

By 2027 Long Thanh is expected to handle more than 90% of international passenger traffic.

After 2030 all international flights will operate from Long Thanh, laying the foundation for a major international transit hub.

Tan Son Nhat will then focus on domestic routes and non-scheduled international services, including charter flights.

Tan Son Nhat, until now the largest airport in Vietnam, handled 109,652 international flights last year, or 43% of the country’s total number.

The ACV has established Long Thanh International Airport as a first-tier subsidiary along with other units for cargo and fuel services.

It is also implementing workforce training programs, including on-site experience at Tan Son Nhat, to develop operational expertise ahead of the new airport’s launch.

It has signed a consultancy agreement with South Korea’s Incheon Airport Consortium, to support trial operations, the transition and traffic forecasting.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? Do you think the move of international flights from the old international airport to the new one will proceed as scheduled? If you have been to Vietnam lately, how would you describe the quality of Tan Son Nhat 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.

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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

Temporary Reduced Fees And Support For Port Clients Confirmed By SBMA

Temporary Reduced Fees And Support For Port Clients Confirmed By SBMA

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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.

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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

Security In Bali Tightened In Response To Murders Of Several Foreigners

Security In Bali Tightened In Response To Murders Of Several Foreigners

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Bali, the island in Indonesia famous as a tourist attraction, now has its security tightened by the local authorities in response to the unfortunate wave of kidnapping and murders of several foreigners there, according to a news report by VnExpress.

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

Police on Indonesia’s Bali island have vowed to increase security after several foreigners were kidnapped and brutally murdered this year.

“We urge the public to promptly report any criminal or suspicious activity involving foreigners to the nearest authorities,” director of criminal investigation at the Bali police department, Senior Commisioner I Gede Adhi Mulyawarman was quoted as saying by the South China Morning Post.

A wave of kidnappings and brutal murders have tarnished the island’s once-peaceful reputation.

On Feb. 15 Ukrainian Igor Komarov, 28, was kidnapped and later found dead in a suspected murder case, Jakarta Post reported.

A video circulating online showed Komarov being beaten and pleading with his family for help, and indicated that the attackers demanded a US$10 million ransom for his release. In late February his body was discovered by locals.

In March, Dutch tourist Rene Pouw was killed by two knife-wielding motorbike attackers, AFP reported.

According to United Nations data, Indonesia has one of the lowest crime rates in the world, with a murder rate of just 0.3 per 100,000 people in 2022.

Reports from Indonesia’s statistics agency indicate that Bali remains among the safest places in the country. Bali reported 7.05 million foreign tourist arrivals in 2025, the highest figure in the past decade.

According to the Australian government’s travel advisory website, Bali is generally safe for tourists, but caution is advised regarding motorcycle accidents, petty theft and alcohol-related issues.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? Have you ever visited Bali in Indonesia before? Do you think the crime wave affecting foreigners will turn away international tourists from visiting Bali?

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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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

Malaysia To Implement World Anti-Doping Code At The 2027 SEA Games

Malaysia To Implement World Anti-Doping Code At The 2027 SEA Games

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In an effort to ensure that the 2027 edition of the Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games) will fully comply with the standards of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), host nation Malaysia will implement the World Anti-Doping Code in the regional games, according to a news report by VnExpress.

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

Malaysia is set to become the first Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games) host to implement the World Anti-Doping Code at the 34th edition next year.

President of the Olympic Council of Malaysia (OCM) Mohamad Norza Zakaria stated at a press conference on April 8 that the adoption of the code aims to ensure that the 2027 SEA Games fully comply with the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) standards, thereby enhancing the transparency and international standing of the Games.

Malaysia’s proposal was approved at the first meeting of the Southeast Asian Games Federation (SEAGF) for the 2025-2027 period, held on the same day.

The World Anti-Doping Code, first adopted in 2004, serves as the foundation for harmonizing policies, regulations, and activities to combat doping among sports organizations and authorities worldwide.

Mohamad Norza also said that the SEAGF had agreed to set May 8 as the deadline for national Olympic committees to propose additional sports for the 2027 SEA Games. After this date, proposals will be submitted to the Malaysian SEA Games Organizing Committee (MASOC) and the National Sports Council for consideration before being discussed at the next council meeting, expected in the coming months.

The 2027 SEA Games, featuring 38 sports, will be hosted across Sarawak, Penang, Johor, and Kuala Lumpur.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the implementation of the World Anti-Doping Code will make Malaysia’s hosting of the 2027 SEA Games more credible and more transparent? What breakthroughs do you think will happen in the next SEA Games in relation to the anti-doping measures?

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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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

Subic Bay 2025 Port Revenue Reaches P1.77 Billion

Subic Bay 2025 Port Revenue Reaches P1.77 Billion

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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.

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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

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

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

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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.

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