A new P1.1-billion dormitory complex is set to be built in Subic Bay Freeport, designed to provide a “home away from home” for approximately 6,000 workers in the area. The groundbreaking ceremony for the five-story building was led by Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño on March 19, 2025.
“I am overjoyed today as we take the first step toward realizing a dream for the workers of Subic Freeport,” Aliño said, expressing his excitement about the project’s significance for the area’s workforce.
The dormitory complex is seen as a critical step in achieving a comfortable, peaceful living environment for Freeport workers, aligning with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s vision of affordable housing under the Pambansang Pabahay Para sa Pilipino (4PH) program.
Isuzu Gencars Inc. General Manager Edgard Cabangon highlighted the partnership between his company, SBMA, and RDBT Construction Corporation, noting that the need for affordable, accessible housing within the Freeport has never been more pressing. He emphasized that constructing these dormitories near factories and industrial areas not only boosts worker efficiency but also lowers the cost of living and reduces traffic congestion, contributing to a greener environment.
“This initiative is the first of its kind in the Freeport zone, offering large-scale accommodations for workers, employees, and students from nearby schools,” Cabangon said.
The complex will consist of five buildings, including four dormitory blocks and an administrative building, all rising five stories on a one-hectare plot of land. RDBT Construction Corporation will manage the construction, with each dormitory block providing 188 units, resulting in a total of 6,000 beds. Architect Rafael Demacio Tecson, CEO of RDBT, noted that the design prioritizes natural ventilation, enhancing indoor air quality and promoting the health and well-being of residents.
The dormitories will house eight occupants per room, shared by four individuals at a time. The ground floor will feature essential commercial spaces, including laundry services, a 24/7 convenience store, a cafeteria, coffee shops, and restaurants, to cater to the needs of the workers.
SBMA Senior Deputy Administrator for Business and Investment Group Renato Lee III stressed that the dormitory complex reflects growing investor confidence in the Freeport and readiness for more job opportunities in the area.
“We’re optimistic about the investment potential in the country due to government initiatives like the CREATE MORE Act and the EASE of Doing Business Act, which have made doing business here more efficient and cost-effective,” Lee said. “As investments grow, so do job opportunities, and this project ensures that we are not only investment-ready but also employment-ready.”
This dormitory complex is a key part of SBMA’s commitment to supporting its workers as the Freeport continues to thrive.
