Government agencies and environmental groups held an inter-agency meeting at the Manila International Container Port (MICP) on July 6, 2026, to discuss matters concerning shipments of electronic waste (e-waste) into the Subic Bay Freeport Zone ( SBFZ). Bureau of Customs Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno said the meeting is part of the Agency’s efforts to resolve the e-waste issue which environmental groups allege, violates the Basel Convention, an international treaty adopted in 1989 to prevent wealthy nations from dumping toxic, explosive, and electronic waste in developing countries. The inter-agency meeting initiated by the BOC was attended by the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA), the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), the Office of the Solicitor General (OSG), the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA), as well as non-government organizations (NGOs) such as the EcoWaste Coalition and BAN Toxics. The meeting focused on identifying appropriate courses of action and coordinating its next steps to address the issue. Participating agencies and organizations agreed to submit their position papers to facilitate a comprehensive evaluation of available legal, regulatory, and policy options. Discussions also covered measures to strengthen existing mechanisms and prevent similar future incidents. According to Ban Toxics, Task Force End E-Waste Imports was created to stop the purported waste-dumping by the United States (US) in Subic Bay Freeport. The task force cited that since March 2025, 234 containers of suspected e-waste and a container van of plastic waste have been monitored as illegally shipped from the US into the Subic Bay Freeport Zone. Meanwhile, SBMA OIC-Deputy Administrator (DA) for Regulatory Amethya Dela Llana assured that the companies importing e-waste here obtained Importation Clearance (IC) from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources – Environmental Management Bureau (DENR-EMB). Since the US is one of only five United Nations member states that have not ratified the Basel Convention, the Task Force End E-Waste Imports said that companies importing from the US violate the Basel Convention. Dela Llana added that the SBMA follows DENR Administrative Order No. 2013-22 (DAO 2013-22), the official policy regulating the “Revised Procedures and Standards for the Management of Hazardous Wastes” in the Philippines. It serves as the procedural manual for implementing Title III of Republic Act No. 6969 (Toxic Substances and Hazardous and Nuclear Wastes Control Act of 1990). Under Chapter 10 of DAO 2013-22, the order permits the importation of specific “recyclable materials”—such as electronic assemblies, scrap metals, and scrap plastics—but only if they are not contaminated by highly toxic components like lead, cadmium, mercury, or PCBs. A Manila court order also ruled in favor of e-waste importation via the Subic Special Economic Zone. The court declared Subic a separate customs territory which allows private importers to operate freely under DAO 2013-22. During the meeting, the BOC cited that the Port of Subic is legally bound to comply with the decision and is constrained from taking further action beyond what the law permits. The BOC added that all actions taken by the Port of Subic have been in accordance with court rulings and existing laws, balancing customs enforcement with respect for the judicial process. Commissioner Nepomuceno encouraged all agencies to remain steadfast in carrying out their respective regulatory functions despite the pending legal proceedings. The dialogue among government agencies and advocacy groups shall continue until a clear and lawful resolution is reached. The participating agencies and environmental groups reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining close coordination, ensuring that all actions are consistent with existing laws, regulations, and national policies on environmental protection and responsible waste management.

Subic Bay Freeport, Philippines – In its thrust to boost connectivity between 47 government agencies for faster communication, the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) and the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) launched the Government Network (GovNet) Project in this premier Freeport. Held at the Best Western Hotel on June 24, the GovNet interconnects national government agencies, local government units (LGUs), public schools, and state hospitals through a secure, high-speed fiber-optic network to streamline public services and data sharing. “GovNet is more than infrastructure; it is the backbone of a unified digital ecosystem for government. As a high-speed interagency facility, it will connect 44 government agencies, ensuring faster communication, better coordination, quicker document processing, and easier access to online services,” SBMA Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño said. Aliño said that GovNet will help modernize government operations and bring public services closer to the people as the National Broadband Program (NBP) was created to bridge the digital divide, provide intervention policies, and infrastructure. The National Broadband Plan (NBP) is the Philippine government’s strategic blueprint to build a nationwide digital infrastructure, accelerating the deployment of fiber optic cables and wireless technologies to provide universal, fast, reliable, and affordable internet services. “Subic has long been recognized as a center for trade, logistics, investment, tourism, and innovation. But in today’s digital economy, roads, ports, and airports are no longer enough,” DICT Central Luzon Assistant Regional Director Atty. James Francis Villanueva said. He added that digital infrastructure has become just as important as physical infrastructure, and through the GovNet, the department is helping to ensure that Subic Bay remains globally competitive and fully prepared for the opportunities of the digital economy. The GovNet project provides a dedicated fiber-optic internet with bandwidth capacities reaching up to 10Gbps, which connects isolated agency databases to improve inter-agency communication and ease government transactions. The said project eliminates the need for multiple, expensive individual ISP subscriptions by centralizing government network infrastructure.        

CLARK, Pampanga, Philippines — Central and Northern Luzon is home to world-class heritage sites, beach and mountain resorts, natural attractions, and cultural treasures, yet remains largely overlooked by travelers from the Visayas and Mindanao. To help bridge this gap, concerned stakeholders are embarking on the Clark and Beyond Roadshow from July 12 to 17, 2026, bringing Central and Northern Luzon’s tourism and investment opportunities directly to key southern markets. The initiative comes at a turning point for the region specifically for core areas like Clark, Zambales, La Union, Baguio, Subic, and Pampanga, Central and Northern Luzon are now the country’s third-largest contributor to national GDP, and Clark International Airport (CRK) recently recorded a 15% year-on-year increase in passenger traffic, surpassing 2.75 million travelers. This momentum is further boosted by Cebu Pacific’s strategic decision to consolidate all of its turboprop operations in Clark. To harness this growth, the campaign unites major aviation and tourism stakeholders, including the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA), Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA), Luzon International Premier Airport Development (LIPAD), Department of Tourism Region 3 (DOT-3), and destination marketing specialist, Selrahco Management. The delegation also features several hotels such as Marriott Hotel Clark and Park Inn Clark and travel related agencies, all collaborating to build direct business linkages. “The true purpose of this roadshow goes beyond destination marketing, it is about reshaping domestic connectivity,” said Charles Lim, President of Selrahco PR. “With Clark now established as a world-class gateway and direct flights strengthening access from Cebu, Davao, and Iloilo, travelers and businesses alike have new opportunities to engage with Central and Northern Luzon’s growing tourism and economic landscape.” Targeting three of the country’s most dynamic travel and business hubs, Cebu, Davao, and Iloilo, the roadshow aims to promote the region’s emerging leisure destinations to southern travelers, strengthen business, investment, and MICE opportunities between Central and Northern Luzon, and key markets in Cebu, Davao, and Iloilo, and reinforce Clark International Airport as a convenient gateway to Luzon. The Clark and Beyond Roadshow invites participation from travel and tourism-related establishments, including hotels, theme parks, malls, tour attractions, travel operators, bus liners, and local government units (LGUs). Interested organizations and agencies looking to expand their market reach are encouraged to secure their slot by contacting 09664218812 or send an email to selrahcopr@gmail.com By creating stronger tourism and trade linkages, the initiative seeks to meaningfully reshape the country’s domestic travel and economic landscape.                            

ZAMBALES, Philippines — The Philippine National Police, under the command of PNP Chief Police General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr., unearthed a buried cache of firearms, ammunition, explosive materials, and subversive documents in Sitio Buri, Barangay Inhobol, Masinloc, Zambales on June 25, 2026, in a focused Internal Security Operation conducted by the Zambales 1st Provincial Mobile Force Company (PMFC), in coordination with the Zambales Provincial Explosive and Canine Unit (ZPECU) and the Masinloc Municipal Police Station (MPS). The discovery stemmed from information provided by a former member of a Communist Terrorist Group (CTG), prompting a three-day internal security operation from June 23 to 25, 2026 that led police personnel to a buried repository of war materiel. Recovered from the site were two improvised shotguns; 123 rounds of assorted ammunition composed of 10 rounds of 40mm, 33 rounds of 5.56mm, 26 rounds of 7.62mm, 23 rounds of 7.62×39, six rounds of .30 caliber, 25 rounds of 9mm, and six rounds of 12-gauge shotgun ammunition; 20 empty magazines, including 17 for caliber 5.56 rifles and three for caliber 7.62 rifles; one bandolier; four high-explosive rifle grenades; one canister; one non-electric blasting cap with fuse-time and commercial fuse measuring .28 meter; two commercial detonating cords measuring 1.98 meters and 5.46 meters; assorted tactical medical items; and one folder containing subversive propaganda materials. All recovered firearms, ammunition, and other non-explosive items are now under proper documentation and custody of the Zambales 1st PMFC, while the explosive materials will be turned over to the Zambales Provincial Explosive and Canine Unit for proper handling and disposal. “Mahalagang tagumpay ito sa ating patuloy na kampanya laban sa mga armadong banta sa kapayapaan at seguridad. Ang pagkakarekober ng mga nakatagong armas at war materiel ay isang malinaw na hakbang upang mapigilan ang anumang pagtatangkang gamitin ang mga ito laban sa mamamayan,” said PGEN Nartatez. The successful recovery reflects the PNP’s continuing commitment to sustaining internal security operations and denying armed threat groups access to resources that may be used to sow violence and fear in communities. It also advances the PNP Focused Agenda, a strategic direction for transformation designed to make police service more responsive and more attuned to public safety needs, particularly through the priority on Enhanced Managing Police Operations, which strengthens intelligence-driven efforts against armed threats and other security risks. “We will continue to act on every piece of information and pursue locations believed to be used to hide firearms, explosives, and other materials of armed groups. Our operations will not stop until these threats are located, recovered, and removed from our communities,” the PNP Chief added. As the PNP continues to intensify internal security operations to locate and recover hidden war materiel and prevent its possible use by armed groups, under the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., it assures the public of “Bagong PNP para sa Bagong Pilipinas: Serbisyong mabilis, tapat, at nararamdaman.” (PNP-PIO)    

CLARK FREEPORT ZONE, Pampanga, Philippines — State-run Clark International Airport Corporation (CIAC) and Jamco Philippines Inc. (JPI) formally commemorated and strengthened their longstanding partnership through the ceremonial signing of a lease agreement on June 23, 2026, marking a major expansion of the aircraft interiors manufacturer’s operations at the Clark Aviation Capital. The agreement was signed by CIAC President and Chief Executive Officer Joseph Alcazar and JPI President Giovanni Atzei at the CIAC Office. The lease agreement formalizes JPI’s continued presence and expansion in Clark, underscoring the company’s confidence in the country as a strategic location for aerospace manufacturing and reinforcing CIAC’s vision of developing Clark into a premier aviation and aerospace hub in the region. Under the agreement, JPI has committed to invest at least P600 million within the first three years, with the expanded facility expected to be fully operational by 2028. “This is more than an expansion of capacity; it is an elevation of capability,” Alcazar said. “It positions Clark as a strategic manufacturing hub within the global aerospace industry and further demonstrates that world-class aerospace production can be proudly accomplished in the Philippines,” he added. JPI is a wholly owned subsidiary of Jamco Corporation, a Japanese company headquartered in Tokyo. Its primary business is the manufacture of aircraft parts and equipment, including advanced aircraft interior components supplied to the global aerospace industry. The company has operated in Clark for the past 15 years and supports the global supply chains of leading aircraft manufacturers Airbus and Boeing. Through the expansion, Jamco intends to strengthen its operations in Clark to better serve its international clients and meet growing market demand. As part of the expansion, the company will transition from partial assembly operations previously undertaken in Japan to full and final assembly in Clark. Finished products will be shipped directly to Airbus facilities in Toulouse, France, and Boeing facilities in South Carolina and Seattle, Washington. Alcazar said the project would not only bring substantial capital investment but also create significant employment opportunities and further strengthen the country’s aerospace manufacturing capabilities. “Beyond the capital investment, Jamco Philippines’ plan to double its production capacity is expected to generate thousands of skilled and sustainable jobs, contribute to regional economic growth, and strengthen the local talent base needed to support the country’s expanding aerospace manufacturing industry,” he said. Jamco’s workforce is projected to grow from approximately 450 employees to as many as 1,400 personnel upon completion of the expansion. “This sends a strong message to the global investment community that Clark continues to offer the infrastructure, talent, business environment, and long-term vision required by high-value industries,” Alcazar added. The renewed partnership between CIAC and JPI supports the national government’s efforts to transform the Clark Civil Aviation Complex into the “Clark Aviation Capital”, an integrated ecosystem for aviation, logistics, commerce, and sustainable urban development aimed at driving long-term economic growth.          

Subic Bay Freeport, Philippines — Preparations are underway for the joint celebration of Pride Month through a collaboration between the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) and the City Government of Olongapo. Slated on June 27, the Pride Month celebration with the theme “Celebrating Diversity, Inspiring Unity” will kick off with a colorful parade by members of the LGBTQIA+ community in the Subic Bay Freeport Zone and Olongapo City in costume. Jennifer Guiang, SBMA Gender and Development-Focal Point System (GAD-FPS) Executive Committee Chairperson, and Procurement and Property Management Department (PPMD) acting manager, and Accreditation Office OIC, said that this is the second joint celebration between the two parties. “We are so excited to team up with Olongapo City for this festive event after quite a long time. We are looking forward to the success of this Pride Month celebration and, of course, to the continued partnership with Olongapo City,” Guiang said. Guiang added that the celebration will also be joined in by SBMA employees and interested locators, apart from contingents from the 17 barangays of Olongapo City. The parade will start from Olongapo City and end at the Harbor Point Ayala Mall in Subic Bay Freeport to symbolize their collaboration initiatives. At the Harbor Point Ayala Mall, competitions will highlight the celebration, including the TikTok Challenge, in which each participating group will consist of 5 to 10 members. Participating groups will be judged according to creativity and originality, advocacy, group coordination and presentation, energy and audience impact, and eco-friendly materials. Guiang also said that other competitions include Most Creative Pride Walk Delegation, in which costumes, props, chants, and advocacy materials will be judged. Meanwhile, Olongapo City Councilor and chairperson of the Committee on Women, Family, and Gender Equality, Eyrma Yvette Marzan, disclosed that the Best in Costume award will also be given to selected participating groups, as well as the Championship title for best barangay representation. Defending champion Barangay Gordon Heights assured participation in the upcoming Pride Month celebration.            

Agreement marks a major step in positioning the smart city as a hub for public safety and justice institutions   NEW CLARK CITY, Philippines — The Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) have formalized a partnership to bring critical NBI facilities to New Clark City, marking a significant step in expanding the bureau’s institutional presence and operational capacity outside Metro Manila. On June 15, 2026, BCDA President and CEO Joshua M. Bingcang and NBI Director Atty. Melvin A. Matibag signed a memorandum of understanding at the NBI Headquarters, Pasay City to establish an NBI regional office, a dedicated NBI Academy for training and professional development, and modern forensic and investigative facilities in New Clark City. The agreement formalizes plans to strengthen the bureau’s capabilities and support its growing operational needs. Established as a disaster-resilient backup government hub outside Metro Manila, New Clark City is steadily emerging as a center for government services, innovation, education, industry, and institutional development. “The presence of the NBI adds another important dimension to that vision. It strengthens New Clark City’s role as a center for institutions that uphold public safety, justice, and service to the Filipino people,” BCDA President and CEO Joshua M. Bingcang said. Meanwhile, NBI Director Atty. Melvin A. Matibag expressed the NBI’s commitment to maximizing the partnership’s potential. The partnership likewise supports President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s agenda to modernize the country’s public safety and criminal justice institutions, while positioning New Clark City as a hub for research, training, innovation, and inter-agency collaboration. Present during the ceremony were NBI Deputy Director for Operations Atty. Antonio M. Pagatpat, Deputy Director for Administration Atty. Jose Justo S. Yap, and BCDA OIC Senior Vice President for Conversion and Development Group Engr. Mark P. Torres.  

CLARK FREEPORT ZONE, Philippines — Moving swiftly to realize its vision of becoming the country’s premier aviation hub, the Clark International Airport Corporation (CIAC) has officially signed a 25-year lease agreement with Heatcon Asia, Inc., a leading global provider of composite repair solutions and a key supplier to aerospace giant Boeing. The agreement formalizes the establishment of Heatcon’s manufacturing, material distribution, and in-shop composite repair facility within the Clark Civil Aviation Complex. The contract was signed by CIAC President and Chief Executive Officer Jojit Alcazar and Heatcon Asia, Inc. President Howard Victor Banasky, in a ceremony witnessed by key officials from both organizations. Alcazar emphasized that the partnership is a major win for the country’s aerospace sector, directly aligning with the mandates of the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) to drive high-value industrial growth. “This investment represents a significant milestone in Clark’s continued emergence as a leading aviation and aerospace hub,” Alcazar said. “Heatcon’s facilities support major aviation players in the region, including Boeing, and are expected to further strengthen Clark’s position as an attractive destination for aircraft Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) services,” he added. Alcazar also noted that by establishing its presence here, Heatcon is directly contributing to CIAC’s vision of transforming the region into a premier aerospace center in Southeast Asia. He added that as global aircraft fleets expand and require strict safety and efficiency standards, Clark is positioning itself to capture the rising demand for world-class MRO services. “Today’s signing formalizes a partnership rooted in innovation and global excellence. It highlights Clark’s readiness to support the growing demands of the global aerospace industry while advancing our vision of developing Clark Aviation Capital,” Alcazar noted. Established in 1978, Heatcon is a globally recognized manufacturer that supplies hot bonders, heat blankets, and process materials to both commercial and military aviation sectors. According to Heatcon management, the new Clark facility will serve as a strategic hub to support its rapidly growing customer base across the Asia-Pacific region, marking a pivotal step in the company’s global expansion. Expressing his gratitude for the collaboration, Alcazar stated: “We thank Heatcon for its trust and investment in CIAC. Their growth is our growth, and we are committed to supporting the long-term success of their operations here. We hope this partnership serves as the launchpad for decades of shared success, innovation, and growth.” Under the Marcos administration, CIAC is aggressively executing its thrust to transform the Clark Civil Aviation Complex into the Clark Aviation Capital, a dynamic, aviation-driven business, manufacturing, and logistics hub. As the premier land and aviation development arm of the BCDA, CIAC is mandated to prime the Clark Aviation Capital for global enterprises specializing in industrial, commercial, warehousing, and high-tech manufacturing operations, solidifying the Philippines’ footprint in the global logistics chain.        

By Ruben A.Veloria   ​SUBIC, Zambales — Crystal Bridges Holding Corporation (CBHC), owned by Puregold Price Club founder Lucio Co, has officially taken over the management and operations of PrimeWater in this municipality. ​ The transition follows CBHC’s 100% acquisition of PrimeWater Infrastructure Corp.’s stocks from the Villar Group, effectively transferring control of the Subic Water District joint venture as of May 11, 2026. ​ The acquisition was announced during a media briefing attended by senior PrimeWater officials, led by President Engr. Jose Paulino Santamarina and General Manager Engr. Jose Dinulong. Also present were Subic Mayor Jon Khonghun, Zambales 1st District Representative Jay Khonghun, and Subic Water District Chairperson Paulyn Goña. ​ An Apology to Consumers ​During the briefing, Santamarina apologized to the thousands of local households—representing roughly 35% of Subic’s water consumers—who have been plagued by chronic water shortages. ​”We recognize the severe impact these water disruptions have had on local businesses and households,” Santamarina said. “We sincerely apologize to the public for the hardships they have experienced.” ​To address these issues, Santamarina announced several immediate initiatives to ensure a steady, high-pressure water supply through the dry and rainy seasons alike. The new management’s pipeline for the year includes constructing three new deep wells and replacing aging distribution pipes. ​Local Leadership Demands Accountability tability ​Local officials did not hold back their frustration regarding the town’s previous service provider. ​”We were completely neglected by PrimeWater,” Subic Mayor Jon Khonghun said in Tagalog. “This must not happen again under Crystal Bridges.” ​Congressman Jay Khonghun echoed the sentiment, noting that past promises went unfulfilled. “The Villar Group promised us infrastructure development and better services, but nothing was delivered. Under Lucio Co’s leadership, we expect genuine and improved service.” ​To ensure accountability, Rep. Khonghun, Mayor Khonghun, and Engr. Dinulong have mandated that the new management submit a comprehensive program plan, detailing specific engineering upgrades and project timelines. ​Funding and Rate Freezes ​When asked if Co was prepared to heavily invest in the rehabilitation of Subic’s water network, Santamarina assured the public that the necessary capital is already secured. ​”Crystal Bridges is fully committed. The resources have been prepared, and the funds are ready,” Santamarina stated. “The new management will settle all outstanding liabilities left behind by the previous operator. We acknowledge the financial obligations required for a total system rehabilitation, and we have sufficient funding to do it.” ​ In a final reassurance to residents, Santamarina pledged a strict rate freeze during the transition period. ​”While we work on improving water services across all barangays in Subic, there will be absolutely no water rate increases until all promised upgrades are completed and consumers are fully satisfied with our service,” Santamarina concluded.