Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño recently delivered his inaugural State of the Freeport Address (SOFA) at the Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center (SBECC), where he reflected on the past year’s achievements and outlined his ambitious vision to transform Subic Bay into a Greenport city and a key player in the regional cruise industry.
Speaking before members of the Subic Bay Freeport Chamber of Commerce (SBFCC), officials from the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), SBMA directors, local government unit (LGU) officials, and other stakeholders, Aliño delivered the 17th SOFA in conjunction with the 30th anniversary celebration of the SBFCC.
In his address, Aliño emphasized SBMA’s efforts to position Subic Bay as a leader in sustainable port operations, citing the shore power system initiative, which aims to reduce air pollution by 95%. He stated, “Our growth to be the Greenport city, driven by collaborative growth in business and investment, channels a new dimension to pursue our mandate. But this channel is not just the SBMA’s vision and mission, we will need your help, your partnership, and your commitment.”
To support this vision, Aliño announced plans for the construction of a dedicated cruise terminal within the next few years, along with further enhancements to the port’s facilities. He also revealed SBMA’s efforts to expand its international network through sister port agreements with key ports such as the Port of San Diego in California, Osaka Port in Japan, and others.
Aliño highlighted SBMA’s success in attracting investors, leading to a significant increase in infrastructure investments and economic activity. He outlined plans to develop Subic Bay into a major regional cruise hub, positioning it as both a home port and a turnaround hub for international cruise ships.
Technological advancements aimed at improving port navigation and security were also showcased, including the installation of the country’s most advanced Vessel Traffic Management System (VTMS), which enhances real-time vessel monitoring and ensures safer, more efficient port operations.
Sustainability remained a key focus, with Aliño underscoring SBMA’s ongoing efforts to integrate environmental considerations into development plans, ensuring that economic growth does not come at the cost of the country’s natural resources.
Aliño also discussed several initiatives to further solidify Subic Bay’s status as a leading investment destination, including the development of new industrial parks, expansion of digital infrastructure to support the growing tech sector, and the establishment of Subic Bay as a hub for sustainable and green industries.
The chairman also highlighted SBMA’s strong financial performance, with the agency contributing substantial dividends to the national government, placing it among the top seven contributors. “Aside from the dividends we contribute to the national government, neighboring communities also benefit from the revenues derived from corporate taxes. Your taxes go a long way, funding infrastructure projects, including road rehabilitation and other development efforts for our communities,” Aliño said.
In terms of job creation, Aliño pointed to the expansion projects of two major locators, Sanyo Denki and Nidec, which are expected to generate a total of 6,500 jobs. Employment generation is a key priority for SBMA, aligning with the Philippine Development Plan (PDP) for 2023-2028 under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s administration.
“We hope that the plans and programs we have shared with you pave the way for even closer cooperation among us. In Subic, we care for our shared future and our shared aspiration of growth and progress for all,” Aliño concluded.
