The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) and the Bureau of Customs (BOC)-Port of Subic formalized a partnership to regulate the admission of recyclable non-hazardous materials into the Freeport through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed on October 2, 2025.
SBMA Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliรฑo and BOC-Port of Subic District Collector Noel C. Estanislao led the signing held at the SBMA Corporate Boardroom.
๐๐ต๐๐ด ๐ถโ๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ ๐ด๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐ก๐๐๐ก๐๐ ๐ธ๐๐ข๐๐๐๐ ๐ฝ๐๐ ๐ ๐ฟ. ๐ด๐๐๐ฬ๐ ๐๐๐ ๐ต๐๐ถ-๐๐๐๐ก ๐๐ ๐๐ข๐๐๐ ๐ท๐๐ ๐ก๐๐๐๐ก ๐ถ๐๐๐๐๐๐ก๐๐ ๐๐๐๐ ๐ธ๐ ๐ก๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ ๐ ๐๐๐ ๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ข๐ ๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐ก๐๐๐๐๐๐ (๐๐๐), ๐คโ๐๐โ ๐ค๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐ข๐๐๐ก๐ ๐กโ๐ ๐๐๐๐๐ ๐ ๐๐๐ ๐๐ ๐๐๐๐ฆ๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐-โ๐๐ง๐๐๐๐๐ข๐ ๐๐๐ก๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐ ๐ก ๐กโ๐ ๐๐๐๐ฆ๐๐๐๐๐ ๐ ๐๐๐ก๐๐
โThis agreement will not only ensure proper regulation of recyclable non-hazardous materials, but also enhance our shared efforts to safeguard our borders, protect the environment, and support legitimate industries within the Freeport,โ Estanislao said.
Under the MOU, SBMAโs proposed guidelines on the admission of non-hazardous recyclables will be enforced in line with Freeport policies. The agreement also calls for closer coordination between SBMA and BOC in monitoring recycling operations, exchanging industry information, and providing training for agency personnel and registered recyclers. Periodic policy reviews will likewise be conducted to address operational gaps and adapt to evolving needs.
Aliรฑo welcomed the partnership, stressing that collaboration between government agencies and the private sector is key to attracting more businesses while protecting the environment.
Recyclable non-hazardous materials include paper, cardboard, metal cans, glass containers, and certain plastics such as PET bottles, which can be safely processed if properly sorted and cleaned.
Senior Deputy Administrator for Regulatory Amethya Dela Llana noted that Subic currently hosts 12 recycling firms, with four more companies planning to establish operations. She added that SBMA regularly organizes Recyclables Collection Events (RCEs) and weekly recycling drives, with proceeds benefiting charities like the ABS-CBN Lingkod Kapamilya Foundation.
Prior to the signing, a public hearing at the Subic Bay Yacht Club presented stakeholders with the proposed guidelines, implementing procedures, liquidation reports, and penalties framework for the admission of non-hazardous materials.
