Subic Bay Freeport, Philippines – The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) today disclosed a robust 8% increase in consolidated gross revenue from its Port Operations Group, reaching Php 874 million in the first half of 2026, compared to Php 806 million in the same period last year. This growth was propelled by stronger earnings in the Seaport and Trade Facilitation and Compliance Department (TFCD), despite ongoing global economic challenges. SBMA Deputy Administrator III for Operations Group, Ronnie Yambao, attributed the positive performance to strategic initiatives that balanced growth with stakeholder support. “We successfully navigated a complex global environment while implementing discount measures totaling approximately Php 81 million. These were aligned with Executive Order No. 110 of President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr., aimed at mitigating disruptions caused by the fuel supply crisis linked to the Middle East conflict,” Yambao explained. Breaking down the revenue contributions for H1 2026: The Seaport Department continued to be the primary revenue driver, contributing 78% of the consolidated gross income with Php 683 million—marking a 10% increase year-on-year. This growth was largely fueled by an 18% rise in non-containerized cargo, particularly bulk and break-bulk shipments, which surged 24%. Subic Bay International Airport accounted for 14% of the revenue, registering a slight 3% decrease due to lower leasing activities and reduced military logistics operations. Meanwhile, the Trade Facilitation and Compliance Department recorded an impressive 17% revenue increase, boosted by the newly implemented Registration Certificate (RC) Policy which introduced additional fees on trucks, heavy equipment, and regulated goods. The notable increase in non-containerized cargo was further supported by an 88% surge in rice imports. This import growth was driven by proactive government measures to secure rice stocks ahead of the anticipated El Niño weather phenomenon. The Department of Agriculture (DA) emphasized the critical importance of maintaining sufficient rice inventories in response to potential climate-related production impacts. SBMA Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose Aliño highlighted the Agency’s resilience and adaptability amid a challenging environment. “Our first-half results underscore the strength and flexibility of the Port Operations Group. We remain committed to not only sustaining growth but also delivering impactful measures to mitigate external disruptions, in line with the President’s directives,” Aliño said. The SBMA continues to strengthen its role as a key logistics and supply chain hub, supporting the nation’s economic stability and growth despite global uncertainties. (30)        

By Ruben A. Veloria OLONGAPO CITY, Philippines – Visiting delegates from Fish Right Project, an organization affiliated with US Embassy Manila, expressed gladness over the success of the fish processing center it sponsored to establish in 2020. Nygiel Armada, the Chief of Party of the Fish Right Project, said the group was very happy for the successful operation of the fish processing center the Project help established during Covid-19 pandemic in 2020. Armada said that while round scad or locally known as galunggong is very abundant in the area, many of the catch were left to spoil after they not sold in the market. To prevent this from happening, the Fish Right Project consulted the 40-member Bangkero at Fisherfolk Association (BFA) for the establishment of a fish processing center in Barangay Barretto here, where surplus catch of poor man’s favorite round scad (galunggong) or milk fish (bangus) were processed into high-value Spanish-style bottled products- like smoked round scadfish or milkfish, mackerel scad in corn oil, or Filipino favorite dish sisig. With the help of the facility, members of BFA have learned the method of fish preparation, cooking, packaging, and marketing of the produced bottled fish in a more competitive price which added to income of the association. According to BFA Vice-Pres. Luz Labong, before the processing center unsold fish were turned into dried fish which they sold for cheaply; today, aside form walk-in buyers, they delivered process fish in many stores in the province and Kadiwa Centers. Meanwhile, fisherfolks in Olongapo got the taste of Alaskan culinary from US-based chefs who showed them how to cook galunggong using herbs and fruits locally available in the Philippine market. Chef Edith Johnson and Sous Chef Jeren Schmidt showed excited expectators how to turn galunggong into deliciously tasty dish using herbs and fruits, such as dragon fruit, coconut milk, lemon juice, olive oil, cilantro, and a lot of green leaves. The cooking activity formed part of the cultural and experience exchange between the American visitors and local fishers which Fish Right Project promotes that strengthen more the Filipino-American friendships.

By Ruben A.Veloria   ZAMBALES, Philippines – While workers are occupied repairing the damaged slope protection dike in Bucao River in Botolan town, two more dikes in towns of Cabangan and San Felipe were reportedly damaged due to strong river current brought by heavy monsoon rain. In an ocular inspection conducted by Zambales 2nd District Representative Doris “Nanay Bing” Maniquiz and DPWH District Engineer Engr. Dennis Decin along major river channels in towns of Cabangan and San Felipe, found parts of the dikes were already damaged by lahar flowing down from slopes of Mt. Pinatubo. If went undetected, communities along Cabangan River would have been in danger, including Cadmang-Reserva and Banua Bayo in town of Cabangan, and Sto. Niño, San Narciso. Application of immediate solution to the damaged dikes such as sandbagging were mobilized to avert more damage to the dikes, while waiting for stronger and better solutions to arrive. Earlier this week, the Provincial Engineering Office (PEO) under the supervision of Zambales Provincial Consultant on Development and Infrastructure Engr. Domingo Mariano, responded to the reported encroachment of lahar from Mt. Pinatubo causing severe damages to protective dike along Bucao River. Heavy equipment and machineries were deployed in the area to repair the damaged portion of the dike and prevent flood water from flooding four barangays in the Botolan town. Meanwhile, more than 7,000 individuals were evacuated in various parts of the province which were flooded due to continuous heavy downpour for several days caused by monsoon rain. Reports from Zambales Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, about 7,046 individuals from 2,441 families were evacuated to safer locations. And an estimated ₱1.3 million worth of agricultural products were destroyed.    

SUBIC BAY FREEPORT, Philippines – A delegation of Thai business leaders, led by Her Excellency Makawadee Sumitmor, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Thailand to the Philippines, recently visited Subic Bay Freeport (SBF) to explore promising investment opportunities in this strategic economic zone. The delegation was warmly received by Eduardo Jose L. Aliño, Chairman and Administrator of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA), who highlighted the region’s strategic location within the Luzon Economic Corridor (LEC) and its potential as a hub for trade and industry. On 26 July 2026, at the Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center (SBECC), members of the Thai business delegation met with SBMA’s Business and Investment Group (BIG) officers to discuss avenues for collaboration and potential investments in the SBF. Ambassador Sumitmor emphasized the strong investment potential for Thai companies in sectors such as energy, logistics, technology, digital innovation, and various service industries. Representatives from the Thai embassy, the delegation, and PTT Philippines Corporation expressed optimism about future partnerships. The delegation also toured key facilities and businesses within the Freeport, identifying strategic areas for investment in the LEC. PTT Philippines Corporation, a leading oil and energy company and a wholly owned subsidiary of Thailand’s PTT Oil and Retail Business Public Company Limited (PTT OR), serves as a strong foundation for expanding Thai ventures within the region. The Subic Bay Freeport Zone plays a crucial role as a western maritime gateway in the Luzon Economic Corridor, linking major economic centers including Subic, Clark, Manila, and Batangas. The LEC initiative aims to enhance infrastructure and logistics, fostering greater connectivity through substantial planned investments. Thailand is actively pursuing opportunities in trade, logistics, and manufacturing within the Philippines’ LEC. The relative proximity of Subic Bay to Thailand, accessible by sea within three to four days, offers significant logistical advantages for Thai businesses seeking regional expansion. Current Thai investments, exemplified by PTT Philippines, set the stage for expanded engagement across the corridor’s energy and freeport sectors, signaling growing bilateral economic cooperation.      

SUBIC BAY FREEPORT, Philippines  – The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) has further solidified its commitment to excellence and workplace safety by earning the prestigious ISO 45001:2018 certification from DQS Philippines. The official awarding ceremony took place on Monday morning, August 3, 2026, at the SBMA corporate boardroom, Building 662. Presenting the certification was DQS Philippines Managing Director Romeo Zamora. SBMA Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño expressed pride and resolve in accepting the certification. “I stand proud of all of you for this achievement. Securing another ISO certificate is more than an institutional milestone—it is a sincere public service commitment. This recognition is for the people; undertake it with dedication and heart,” Aliño said. He emphasized the importance of not only obtaining certifications but also upholding the standards conscientiously. “The true value lies in implementing these standards earnestly and consistently—not only for the agency but for our country, our locators, workers, and the community we serve.” The ISO 45001:2018 certification establishes a robust Occupational Health and Safety Management System (OHSMS) that enables organizations to identify and mitigate workplace risks, prevent injuries, and enhance overall safety. SBMA has previously received ISO 9001:2018 certification for Quality Management Systems and ISO 14001:2018 for Environmental Management Systems from DQS Philippines, underscoring its comprehensive compliance with international standards. Romeo Zamora acknowledged the enduring partnership between the SBMA and DQS Philippines, highlighting their joint commitment to continuous improvement. “It is an honor to support the SBMA in achieving certification across QMS, EMS, and OHSMS. We look forward to further fostering this partnership to support effective management system implementation,” Zamora said. Operating as the local representative of the German-based DQS Group, DQS Philippines brings an extensive global network spanning 60 countries to its certification services. SBMA Total Quality Management Office (TQMO) Lead Auditor Lolita Bondoc announced that the SBMA is the first Freeport authority in the Philippines to secure three key ISO certifications. The agency is also preparing to integrate these management systems into a unified framework by 2028. In recognition of the pivotal role of internal auditors, the agency honored personnel responsible for maintaining rigorous internal audit programs that ensure compliance and readiness for third-party evaluations. Chairman Aliño concluded, “For government employees, adhering to these standards is essential. I salute the dedicated men and women whose efforts made this achievement possible.” (30)      

By Ruben A. Veloria   SUBIC, Zambales, Philippines — South Korean shipbuilder HD Hyundai Heavy Industries Philippines (HHIP) launched on Tuesday its first Philippine-made vessel M/V Orion Jade (Hull No. J001), merely 11 months after its steel cutting ceremony held at its Agila Southern Yard in Subic Bay. Finance Sec. Fredrick Go and Korean Ambassador to the Philippines Lee Sang-Hwa, together with Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman Engr. Eduardo Jose Alino, HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering Ind. CEO Kim Sung-joon, HD Hyundai Heavy Industries Philippines president Oh Sekwang, and local government officials, graced the ceremony. The launching of the Orion Jade, according to Sec. Go, is clear manifestation of the success of the initiatives of the (Pres.) Marcos Jr. administration to attract investment to the country and to be able to build world-class ships. Go added that Korean shipbuilding investment represents 4,000 jobs and thousands of created livelihood, which is expected to double in the following years as HHIP target production for 2028 is at least ten ships a year. As he closes his message, Sec. Go expressed his gratitude to Amb. Lee, and HHIP officials, saying, “Thank you for boosting our shipbuilding capability and providing employment to Filipino workers.” Amb. Lee described the project as “in a broader content, Subic Shipyard serves as the strategic asset to the Luzon economic corridor linking vital economic links like Clark, Subic, Manila and Batangas.” He also commended the Filipino workers for their highly regarded skills in shipbuilding which serve as the primary foundation of the shipyards’ accomplishments. In 2019, after the closure of Hanjin Heavy Industries, HD HHIP took over the shipyard facility with the United States equity firm Cerberus Global Investment LLC. In September 2, 2025, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. led the pressing of the ceremonial button to start the first cutting of steel plate marking the commencement of construction of a 115,000-ton petrochemical carrier. The ceremony held at the Agila Southern Yard, Subic Freeport Zone in Subic, Zambales— was a landmark event that marks the revival of the country’s shipbuilding enterprise. In July 2025, iMARINE published that according to South Korean media “HHIP has received orders for seven tankers, including four 115,000-dwt LR2 tankers and three product tankers, and is expected to deliver four in 2027 and three in 2028. HHIP’s annual production capacity is expected to be four LR2 tankers. Therefore, the company is committed to achieving full recovery by 2026. Korea Investment & Securities predicts that HHIP is expected to achieve operating income of 200 billion won, 418 billion won and 421 billion won in 2026, 2027 and 2028. The data assumes that the construction of LR2 tankers will start in 2026 and full production will start in 2027.”    

SUBIC BAY FREEPORT, Philippines — The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) released a total of ₱218,115,671.26 in revenue shares to eight local government units (LGUs) contiguous to this premier freeport zone. SBMA Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño said that this amount released on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, represents the revenue shares for the first semester of 2026, which is 10.24 percent higher than that of last year’s comparative period. The recipient LGUs are Olongapo City, the municipalities of Subic, San Marcelino, Castillejos, and San Antonio in Zambales, and the towns of Dinalupihan, Hermosa, and Morong in Bataan. Taking into account the population and land area, Olongapo was allocated the largest amount of ₱50,420,165.72, received by Olongapo City Mayor Atty. Rolen Paulino, Jr. This was followed by Subic, Zambales, which received ₱32,871,521.46, accepted on behalf of Mayor Jonathan John Khonghun. The remaining LGUs received their allocations as follows: Dinalupihan, Bataan, with ₱27,438,313.68, accepted on behalf of Mayor German Santos, Jr.; San Marcelino, Zambales, with ₱26,272,445.97, received by Mayor Elvis Soria; Hermosa, Bataan, with ₱23,422,520.27, accepted on behalf of Mayor Atty. Anne Adorable-Inton; Castillejos, Zambales, with ₱19,817,470.23, received on behalf of Mayor Jeffrey Khonghun; Morong, Bataan, with ₱19,340,287.10, received on behalf of Mayor Leila Linao-Muñoz; and San Antonio, Zambales, with ₱18,532,946.83, received by Mayor Dr. Arvin Antipolo.The LGU shares are sourced from five percent corporate taxes paid by business locators in the Subic Bay Freeport. They are distributed among LGUs based on population (50%), land area (25%), and equal sharing (25%). OIC-Deputy Administrator for Finance Editha Marzal, along with the finance team, led the distribution of the LGU shares. Marzal noted that the net shares distributed to the LGUs include not only the current collection period’s allocations but also the 10 percent retention withheld during the first semester of the 2024 distribution. According to Republic Act No. 9400, which amends RA 7227 or the Bases Conversion and Development Act of 1992, the SBMA is mandated to allocate two percent out of the five percent of gross income earned to LGU shares.         [1]

By Rose Frejane A. Cruz   SUBIC BAY FREEPORT ZONE — Meet the newest attraction in the Zoobic Safari family, a one-month-old African Lion Cub, born to a lioness couple inside the forest adventure park. According to Amorsolo Apostol, head of the Zoo Keeping Department, the said African Lion Cub, named Tina, was born on June 8 to African Lion couple Koko (father) and Mayumi (mother), both beloved residents of Zoobic Safari. “ Her birth marks another important milestone in the park’s ongoing commitment to wildlife conservation, responsible animal care, and public education,” Apostol said. He said that since her birth, Tina has been under the close supervision of Zoobic Safari’s experienced animal care team. “ She is growing stronger every day, showing healthy development and the playful curiosity that makes lion cubs beautiful.” It was further stated that Tina’s arrival provides visitors with a unique opportunity to appreciate one of Africa’s most iconic species while learning about the importance of protecting wildlife and preserving natural habitats for future generations. According to Robert Laurel Yupangco, President and CEO of Zoobic Safari, “Every new life reminds us of our responsibility to protect animals and our planet. Tina’s birth is a celebration of hope and conservation, inspiring us all to care for the environment and the magnificent animals that surround us.” He said that Zoobic Safari remains committed to providing world-class animal welfare while raising awareness about animal conservation through immersive educational experiences. Tina’s birth reflects the dedication of the park’s veterinarians, zookeepers, and conservation team to ensuring the highest standards of care for its inhabitants. “I invite visitors to follow Zoobic Safari’s official social media channels for updates on Tina’s growth and future opportunities to see the lion cub as she reaches appropriate milestones,” Yupangco added. About Zoobic Safari Zoobic Safari is the Philippines’ premier safari adventure park, offering visitors unforgettable wildlife encounters while promoting conservation, environmental education, and responsible ecotourism. Home to a diverse collection of exotic and native species, the park continues to inspire appreciation for nature through engaging and educational experiences for guests of all ages.