The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) is batting for the completion of big-ticket projects under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s administration.
Speaking before stakeholders at the Build Better More Infrastructure Forum held at the New Clark City (NCC), in Capas, Tarlac, SBMA Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño said that the agency aims to complete these infrastructure projects by 2028.
𝗘𝗻𝘃𝗶𝗿𝗼𝗻𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝗳𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗹𝘆 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗰𝗼𝘀𝘁 𝗲𝗳𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝘀𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗰𝗲
“On top of our list is our initiative to become the first Philippine port equipped with shore power connection for ships. By 2028, we look to complete the project and deploy the shore power facility that looks to reduce the air pollution from ships by 95%. The project cost is around P250 million.”
The Shore Power Connection for Carbon Neutral Ports project will start construction at the New Container Terminal in 2025 for Phase 1, and at the Naval Supply Depot (NSD) and Ship Repair Facility (SRF) from 2026-2027 for Phase 2.
“This will provide shoreside electrical power to a ship at berth while its main and auxiliary engines are shut down. Shore power cuts air pollution from ships at berth by 95 percent,” he said.
The project cost will be under the General Appropriations Act (GAA) of the National Government for 2025, which will be around P100-million for Phase 1 and P150-million for Phase 2.
𝗟𝗼𝗴𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗰𝘀 𝗳𝗮𝗰𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗿𝘂𝗰𝗸𝘀
“To ensure that the growth in cargo will not lead to road congestion, we are now in the process of constructing a state-of-the-art truck holding area in our Tipo area. The project will include automated gates, optical plate scanners and amenities for truck drivers and clients. The project will cost around P100 million and will be completed by 2028,” Aliño said.
The Logistics Facility for Trucking Services will provide a holding area that can accommodate 100 trucks and vehicles. The construction of parking areas with amenities for cargo trucks and trailers will also be undertaken.
𝗛𝗼𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗷𝗲𝗰𝘁𝘀 𝗶𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗱𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗙𝗿𝗲𝗲𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁
Meanwhile, the Socialized Housing Program of the SBMA is under President Marcos’ Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pilipino Housing (4PH) Program and will cost P2-billion. The project is in partnership with the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD).
The area where the housing project will be constructed is at lots 70-B Rizal Highway Ext., Central Business District, Subic Bay Freeport Zone.
“This housing project will significantly improve the living conditions of approximately 1,300 low-income families by providing them with access to decent and safe housing units that are conveniently located near major employment hubs,” Aliño said.
A plan to build dormitories for Freeport workers is also in the works, as Aliño cited that these dormitories will be built close to industrial centers and techno parks. According to the chairman, this will save companies and workers finances, while reducing the number of vehicles and commuters on the road. The project will have a budget of P960 million and will be completed by 2028.
𝗦𝘂𝗯𝗶𝗰 𝗮𝘀 𝗮 𝗦𝗺𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝗖𝗶𝘁𝘆
“We are also embarking on the Subic Bay Smart City project, in which two of the main components include the installation of additional CCTV surveillance and traffic cameras. Subic Freeport is known to have some of the most disciplined drivers and pedestrians in the country mainly due to the strict implementation of traffic rules and regulations,” he added.
“The cost for these upgrades will be P224 million and we hope to complete them by the end of 2026.”
𝗦𝗸𝗶𝗹𝗹𝘀 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴
As part of the Marcos administration’s thrust to upskill Filipino workers, the Agency also plans to build the SBMA Center for Excellence that will boost the skills of the Freeport workers here.
Aliño said that this is to ensure the sustainability of the industries here.
“We understand that we need to continue to develop the competencies and talents of our workforce. A workforce capable of adapting and providing the needs of our vast industries,” he added.
The P21-million training facility aims to enhance the competitiveness of the 154,120 workforce of the Freeport thru technical education and skills development offered by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).
