By Ruben A. Veloria
MAKATI CITY, Philippines- The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) and power distributor Subic Enerzone (SEZ) launched on Friday (October 23) the renewed partnership in providing reliable and efficient energy supply in Subic Freeport.
The renewed partnership was formalized during a simple ceremony held at the Ayala Triangle Gardens in Makati, by SBMA Chairman and Administrator Engr. Eduardo Jose Aliño, Aboitiz Power Distribution Utilities (APDU) Exec. Chairman Mr. Anton Perdices, OIC- Pres. and Gen. Mgr. Jay Navarro, with toast of wine. In his speech, Perdices described Subic Freeport as a place of many opportunities and possibilities for investors.
But these possibilities need efficient and reliable power for continuous operation and business. ”With the SBMA and Subic Enerzone’s renewed partnership, there is only one way to do- prepare for rising demand for better and efficient power supply to do business investment in Subic,” said Perdices.
In response, Chairman Aliño said the event is the start of renewing one of the most important commitment of SBMA to the growing investment community in the Freeport. Alino added that with a reliable power in place, SBMA has to modernize its infrastructure, including its seaports, airports and road linkages.
Subic Enerzone’s contract with SBMA to provide power energy will be ending in 2028, ”But we are not waiting for it to end,” the SBMA chief said,” because the needs of the region keep changing. So, let us modernize our infrastructures now.” Chairman Alino concluded his message withm ” Subic next chapter is about people, business and opportunities sharing vision. working together to keep the power on, and build a more sustainable Freeport.”
Meanwhile, on site Aboitiz executive SEZ GM Navarro assures that Subic Enerzone is ready for Subic’s growth as power demand and capacity forecasts project a steady rise. “To ensure we meet future demand without straining the grid, we have prepared to add 168 MVA, securing the Freeport’s growth trajectory all the way to 2053,” said Navarro.
Under renewed SBMA-Aboitiz’s partnership, a major project roadmap extending out to 20248, including: additional capacity of 27 MVA at Maritan; 33 MVA at SBIP, 230 kV Substation by 2030; replacing old substations in Remy Field, Maritan and Cubi; and renovation of substation control rooms. “Together with SBMA. We are proud to power Subic’s next chapter. We empower business and community,” Navarro said.
