Subic Bay Freeport, Philippines – A United States delegation is eyeing more potential business opportunities here as part of a profile business mission in line with the initiatives of the Luzon Economic Corridor (LEC). According to SBMA Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño, the delegates from the U.S. Northeast, Midwest, and West Coast regions visited on July 8, 2026 to participate in the said business mission that will strengthen partnerships, expand business opportunities, and foster a prosperous future for both U.S. and Philippine enterprises. With the theme “Driving the Future of U.S.–Philippine Trade Through Innovation,” Aliño said that the mission reflects the SBMA’s commitment to enhancing international cooperation and economic growth within the Subic special economic zone. The delegation, composed of 25 executives and investors, conducted comprehensive discussions, site visits, and networking activities with SBMA officials and Subic company officials, all designed to showcase the potential and advantages of investing in the SBFZ. Subic Bay Freeport Chamber of Commerce (SBFCC) President Benjamin Antonio III, together with SBFCC Executive Director Donna May Tamayo also joined to take part in a rare opportunity to build strong, lasting business relationships that will drive economy not only in the Subic special economic zone but ultimately the country as a whole. The Philippine Trade and Investment Center (PTIC) in New York, the facilitator of the said U.S. Business Mission to the Philippines, said that the main goal of the trip is to create stronger economic ties and encourage more US companies to invest in the country’s growing economy. Aside from Subic Bay Freeport, the delegation also visited areas in Manila, Clark, and Corregidor Island to conduct business meetings, informational briefings, and tours of these major economic areas that are part of the LEC. “The trip comes at a time when the Philippines is actively working to welcome international businesses and establish itself as a key partner for US companies looking to grow in Asia,” the PTIC said. Officials from Worldwide Shipping & Logistics (WSL), who were also part of the delegation, said that these engagements strengthened economic cooperation and opened new opportunities for trade and investment between the United States and the Philippines. WSL Co-Founder Mrs. Richelyn Toth and General Manager Ms. Sherilyn Mecinas were among the 25 delegates who participated in high-level meetings, investment discussions, site visits, and strategic networking opportunities with leaders from government, industry, and the private sector. The said business mission follows the Philippines’ inclusion in the Washington-backed Pax Silica bloc — an initiative aimed at securing global artificial intelligence (AI) supply chains. As part of Pax Silica, the Philippines and the US announced in April, plans to develop a 1,618-hectare AI-native hub in New Clark City in Tarlac, which is expected to attract investment in AI and chip manufacturing.        

    CLARK FREEPORT ZONE, Pampanga, Philippines — The Clark International Airport Corporation (CIAC) was recognized by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. for remitting ₱585.71 million in dividends to the National Treasury, underscoring the state-run firm’s commitment to sound fiscal management and its contribution to funding the government’s priority programs for the Filipino people. The recognition was conferred during the 2026 GOCCs’ Day celebration held on 08 July 2026 at Malacañang Palace, where President Marcos honored government-owned and controlled corporations (GOCCs) that demonstrated exemplary performance and fulfilled their dividend obligations to the national government. CIAC President and Chief Executive Officer Jojit Alcazar received the Certificate of Recognition from President Marcos, together with Executive Secretary Ralph Recto, Finance Secretary Frederick Go, and Governance Commission for GOCCs (GCG) Chairperson Atty. Marius Corpus. CIAC was among the GOCCs recognized during the ceremony, alongside its parent agency, the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA), and fellow BCDA subsidiaries Clark Development Corporation (CDC), John Hay Management Corporation (JHMC), and Poro Point Management Corporation (PPMC). The dividend remittance of ₱585,709,498.80 represents 60 percent of CIAC’s adjusted net income for fiscal year 2025 and is 88 percent higher than the ₱310.99 million remitted in 2024. The increase reflects the corporation’s sustained financial growth, operational efficiency, and prudent fiscal management. Alcazar said the recognition affirms CIAC’s continuing efforts to strengthen its financial performance while supporting the national government’s development agenda. “This recognition reflects CIAC’s commitment to good governance, financial discipline, and responsible stewardship of public resources. Beyond fulfilling our statutory obligation, our dividend remittance represents our contribution to the government’s efforts to improve the lives of Filipinos through better public services and infrastructure,” Alcazar said. CIAC’s remittance exceeds the minimum requirement under Republic Act No. 7656, or the Dividend Law, which mandates GOCCs to remit at least 50 percent of their adjusted net earnings to the National Government. Based on CIAC’s adjusted net income of approximately ₱976 million in 2025, the corporation was required to remit around ₱488 million. Alcazar noted that CIAC likewise complied with the Department of Finance’s directive encouraging GOCCs to increase their dividend remittances, resulting in the higher payout to the National Treasury. He attributed the corporation’s strong financial performance to improved operational efficiency, sound fiscal management, a business-friendly environment for investors and locators, and sustained efforts to attract strategic partnerships that support the continued development of the Clark Aviation Capital. CIAC also expects its dividend contributions to continue growing as it advances its seven flagship projects under the Clark Aviation Capital, the corporation’s aviation-oriented development program that integrates logistics, commerce, innovation, and sustainable urban development to generate long-term investments, employment opportunities, and economic growth. During the GOCCs’ Day celebration, President Marcos underscored the crucial role of GOCCs in strengthening the country’s fiscal position and enabling the government to deliver essential public services. “Every peso remitted strengthens the government’s capacity to deliver better services without imposing additional tax burden on ordinary Filipinos,” the President said. He added that the dividends remitted by GOCCs will help fund classrooms for students, housing for Filipino families, and farm-to-market roads that improve the livelihoods of farmers and fisherfolk, demonstrating how responsible corporate governance directly benefits communities across the country. CIAC is the aviation and land development arm of the BCDA and manages the 2,367-hectare Clark Civil Aviation Complex, where the Clark Aviation Capital is being developed as the country’s premier aviation-centric investment and economic hub.      

NEW CLARK CITY, Philippines — The Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) has partnered with South Korea’s state-owned energy giant, Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO), to develop the smart energy systems that will power the next phase of New Clark City’s growth, strengthening the metropolis’ position as an investment-ready destination for high-value industries. The partnership complements BCDA’s efforts to position New Clark City as a key investment destination under the Luzon Economic Corridor by ensuring the reliable and sustainable energy infrastructure required by next-generation industries. The memorandum of understanding (MOU), signed on 8 July 2026, establishes a framework for BCDA and KEPCO to jointly assess, design, and develop advanced energy and infrastructure systems within New Clark City, drawing on KEPCO’s decades of experience in power generation, transmission, and smart grid deployment across South Korea and abroad. Through the partnership, BCDA aims to embed intelligent energy systems into New Clark City’s development from the outset, rather than retrofit these capabilities as demand grows. “As New Clark City continues to attract investments and jobs, our infrastructure must keep pace with the needs of future industries. Through this partnership with KEPCO, we are laying the foundations for an energy system that is smart, resilient, and sustainable from day one. This gives investors greater confidence that New Clark City can support the industries of tomorrow,” BCDA President and CEO Joshua M. Bingcang said. The partnership centers on three areas of cooperation. First, BCDA and KEPCO will explore smart energy management systems that combine information and communication technology (ICT) with smart grid infrastructure to optimize energy efficiency across New Clark City. Building on this, BCDA and KEPCO will jointly plan, develop, construct, and operate smart power grid systems designed to ensure a stable, reliable, and high-quality electricity supply throughout the smart city. The two organizations will also study renewable energy and microgrid solutions, including solar photovoltaic systems, fuel cells, energy storage systems, and other distributed energy technologies that can strengthen energy security while supporting New Clark City’s sustainability goals. To guide future investments, BCDA and KEPCO will jointly undertake technical and commercial feasibility studies and exchange relevant data to assess the viability of these projects before entering into more detailed cooperation agreements. “KEPCO has spent decades building smart grid and renewable energy systems that power millions of homes and industries in Korea. Now, we are pleased to bring that experience to New Clark City and to support the Philippines’ vision for a smart, sustainable urban future. We look forward to working closely with BCDA in the studies ahead,” Chan Hyuk Chun, Corporate Senior Vice President of KEPCO said. The partnership adds another strategic component to BCDA’s long-term vision of transforming New Clark City into the country’s premier smart and sustainable metropolis. By strengthening its energy infrastructure, New Clark City is better positioned to attract investments in advanced manufacturing, digital services, artificial intelligence, and other high-value industries that require reliable, resilient, and low-carbon power systems. This supports the Marcos administration’s push to accelerate infrastructure development, strengthen energy security, and position the Philippines as a competitive destination for future-ready industries. Also present during the signing were KEPCO Philippines President and CEO Yong Su Jeon and BCDA Officer-in-Charge Senior Vice President Mark P. Torres.

By Ruben A. Veloria   MASINLOC, Zambales, Philippines – Secretary of National Defense Gilberto Teodoro Jr., on Friday urged the stakeholders, local officials and fishermen to help in protecting fishing grounds against intruders for future generations. The message was conveyed during his visit in Masinloc to grace the celebration of the 10th Year Anniversary of the 2016 Hague Arbitral Award in the West Philippine Sea. Sec. Teodoro was welcomed by local officials headed by Zambales Gov. Hermogenes Ebdane Jr., and Zambales 2nd Dist. Rep. Doris Maniquiz, and senior officers of the Armed forces of the Philippines (AFP), and fishermen in the province. Speaking on the theme “Bayanihan sa Karagatan: Liwanag ng Kalayaan, Tanglaw ng Karagatan”, Teodoro noted that the fishing grounds are getting smaller in global scale. “That is why we should preserve our own (fishing grounds) and we should not allow ourselves to be controlled by foreign intruders with other motives. Otherwise, those wouldn’t be enough for our future generations,” Teodoro said in Tagalog. Teodoro, noted however, that the fishing grounds could not be flourished until all Filipinos, acting as one, accept the efforts of the government to maintain its ground over all contested areas in the West Philippine Sea, as stated in the 2016 Arbitral Ruling by the UNCLOS. Meanwhile, Gov. Ebdane, in his message, said that the West Philippine Sea and its resources belong to Filipino people, and the Filipinos should defend this area against foreign intruders and aggressors. Noting that the province of Zambales is fully supporting the position and actions in the West Philippine Sea in protecting the nation’s sovereignty and its fishermen harvesting the bountiful resources in the area. The governor mentioned the occasion was not merely a celebration for the Hague decision, but more importantly to recognize the courage and heroism Filipino fishermen, and the government’s continuing pursuit for peace in the West Philippine Sea. Before the program ended, Gov. Ebdane and Cong. Maniquiz assisted Sec. Teodoro in distributing batteries, fishing gears, and other fishing materials, and food packs to 3,500 fishermen in the province, followed by a free concert during the night.  

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.