Australian Ambassador Marc Innes-Brown met with officials of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) on June 2 to discuss the strategic role of the Subic Bay Freeport in the Luzon Economic Corridor (LEC).

SBMA Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño welcomed the Australian delegation at the SBMA Administration Building, where discussions focused on expanding Australia’s economic engagement in the Philippines following its recent entry into the LEC partnership.

During the meeting, Senior Deputy Administrator for Port Operations Ronnie Yambao presented key infrastructure projects that would strengthen Subic’s position within the economic corridor, including a proposed railway connection linking the Freeport to other major hubs in Luzon to improve cargo movement and logistics efficiency.

Australia officially joined the LEC partnership in May 2026, supporting efforts to enhance regional connectivity, strengthen supply chains, and promote economic growth. Initially launched by the Philippines, the United States, and Japan, the corridor links the strategic hubs of Subic, Clark, Manila, and Batangas.

As part of its commitment, Australia will help mobilize investments for critical infrastructure projects through its Manila Deal Team and provide technical expertise under its Partnerships for Infrastructure program. The country has also committed AUD 45 million (approximately P1.9 billion) for the PROGRESS initiative, which aims to support sustainable economic development in the Philippines.

SBMA officials said the planned infrastructure projects under the LEC are expected to boost investment opportunities and further enhance the Freeport’s role as a key logistics and trade hub in the region.