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.
