Around Subic

Around Subic A place for people to share life & culture around the Subic Bay

07/08/2026

Meet the man behind Tessavi Clinic.

Every journey starts with a story. Get to know Dr. Edsel Padolina as he shares what inspired him to build one of Subic’s trusted aesthetic and wellness clinics and the vision that continues to drive him today.

Let’s hear his story.

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) has set October 29, 2026 as the deadline for companies to submit competing b...
04/08/2026

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) has set October 29, 2026 as the deadline for companies to submit competing bids for the ₱7-billion redevelopment of the Subic Bay International Airport (SBIA) under a Swiss Challenge. The project stems from an unsolicited proposal by Cerberus Asia Pacific Investments LLC, which has been granted Original Proponent Status after its proposal underwent evaluation and negotiations with SBMA.

The proposed 25-year concession covers the upgrade, expansion, operation, and maintenance of SBIA through an Operate-Rehabilitate-Add-Transfer (ORAT) scheme. Plans include modernizing airport facilities to meet international standards and transforming the airport into a strategic air cargo and logistics hub. A pre-bid conference is scheduled for September 14, while the opening of comparative proposals will take place on October 29.

Under the Swiss Challenge process, qualified challengers may submit competing proposals, after which the original proponent will have the right to match the best offer. According to project documents, the redevelopment aims to enhance cargo capacity, strengthen logistics connectivity in Central Luzon, and support the broader Luzon Economic Corridor, which links Subic, Clark, Manila, and Batangas. (⁠BusinessWorld Online)

SBMA Board Member Migol Marcelo represented the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority during the Tourism Congress of the Phil...
04/08/2026

SBMA Board Member Migol Marcelo represented the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority during the Tourism Congress of the Philippines (TCP) – Luzon Regional Consultative Meeting held on July 30 at the Quest Plus Conference Center in Alabang. The regional gathering brought together tourism leaders, government agencies, and industry stakeholders to discuss the direction of tourism development across Luzon.

During the event, Marcelo, together with the SBMA Tourism Department, presented Subic Bay’s tourism and investment roadmap. His presentation outlined the Freeport’s ongoing and planned initiatives, including sustainable eco-tourism programs, infrastructure development, and strategies aimed at strengthening Subic Bay’s appeal as a destination for both visitors and investors.

The consultative meeting also served as a venue for collaboration among tourism stakeholders from different regions. Through its participation, SBMA shared its current initiatives and exchanged insights with industry partners on opportunities that could contribute to the continued development of tourism in the Subic Bay Freeport.

A delegation of Thai business leaders, led by Thai Ambassador Makawadee Sumitmor, recently visited the Subic Bay Freepor...
04/08/2026

A delegation of Thai business leaders, led by Thai Ambassador Makawadee Sumitmor, recently visited the Subic Bay Freeport to explore potential investment opportunities and discuss possible areas of collaboration with the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA). During the July 26 meeting, discussions focused on the Freeport’s role within the Luzon Economic Corridor (LEC)—an initiative connecting Subic, Clark, Manila, and Batangas to strengthen trade, logistics, and infrastructure.

According to SBMA, Thai companies are exploring opportunities in sectors such as energy, logistics, technology, digital innovation, and services. Representatives from the Thai Embassy and PTT Philippines Corp., a subsidiary of Thailand’s PTT Oil and Retail Business Public Company Limited and an existing locator in the Freeport, also participated in the visit. The delegation toured several facilities and locator companies to better understand the area’s business environment and identify potential investment sites.

If realized, future investments could further expand business activity within the Subic Bay Freeport and strengthen economic ties between the Philippines and Thailand. As of now, the visit marks an exploratory step, with discussions centered on identifying opportunities for future collaboration. (⁠Business Inquirer)

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) has been awarded the ISO 45001:2018 Certification, an internationally recogn...
04/08/2026

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) has been awarded the ISO 45001:2018 Certification, an internationally recognized standard for Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems (OHSMS). The certification was formally presented by DQS Philippines on August 3 during a ceremony at the SBMA Corporate Boardroom. ISO 45001 provides a framework for organizations to identify workplace hazards, reduce occupational risks, prevent work-related injuries, and strengthen employee health and safety practices.

With this latest recognition, SBMA now holds three major international management certifications: ISO 9001 for Quality Management, ISO 14001 for Environmental Management, and ISO 45001 for Occupational Health and Safety. According to SBMA Total Quality Management Office Lead Auditor Lo**ta Bondoc, the agency is the first Freeport authority in the Philippines to obtain all three certifications. The agency also shared that it is working toward integrating these management systems into a unified framework by 2028.

ISO 45001 is recognized globally and is adopted by both public and private organizations to improve workplace safety and risk management. For businesses, workers, and stakeholders operating within the Subic Bay Freeport, the certification reflects SBMA’s compliance with internationally recognized occupational health and safety standards as it continues to implement its management systems.

Zambales is making a name for itself not just for its beaches and mountains, but also as one of the Philippines’ fastest...
03/08/2026

Zambales is making a name for itself not just for its beaches and mountains, but also as one of the Philippines’ fastest-growing renewable energy hubs. ACEN, the Ayala Group’s listed energy company, is developing nearly 1 gigawatt (GW) of solar power and battery energy storage projects across the province—placing Zambales among the country’s largest clean energy investment destinations.

Among the major developments are the SanMar Solar Project in San Marcelino, one of the country’s largest operating solar farms, and the expanding Palauig Solar projects, which will be paired with large-scale battery storage systems to provide a more reliable supply of electricity. Together, these projects are expected to strengthen the country’s energy security while creating jobs, attracting investments, and generating long-term economic opportunities for local communities.

As the world shifts toward cleaner energy, Zambales is proving it has more to offer than tourism alone. With renewable energy, infrastructure, and sustainable development moving forward together, the province is positioning itself as a key player in the Philippines’ green future.

What are your thoughts on Zambales becoming a clean energy hub?

The Municipality of Iba, the capital of Zambales, is taking a major step toward becoming a city. The Sangguniang Bayan h...
03/08/2026

The Municipality of Iba, the capital of Zambales, is taking a major step toward becoming a city. The Sangguniang Bayan has approved a resolution supporting the municipality’s bid for cityhood and is asking Congress to grant a waiver on the current income requirement under the Local Government Code.

While Olongapo is an independent highly urbanized city and is no longer under the jurisdiction of the Province of Zambales, the province itself currently has no city. If the proposal is approved, Iba would become the only city within the Province of Zambales. Local officials believe cityhood could unlock higher national funding, attract more investments, generate more jobs, improve healthcare and education services, and accelerate infrastructure development for residents.

The road to cityhood is still a long one. Congress must first pass a cityhood law granting Iba’s request, including the proposed income requirement waiver. Once approved, the measure must then be ratified by Iba’s registered voters through a plebiscite before it officially becomes a city.

Do you think Iba is ready to become the only city in the Province of Zambales? Let us know your thoughts below.

HD Hyundai Heavy Industries Philippines has officially launched the Orion Jade, the company’s first vessel built in Subi...
28/07/2026

HD Hyundai Heavy Industries Philippines has officially launched the Orion Jade, the company’s first vessel built in Subic, marking a major milestone in the revival of large-scale shipbuilding in the Philippines. Measuring around 250 meters long, the vessel represents the beginning of expanded operations at the former Hanjin shipyard and highlights Subic’s growing role as a global shipbuilding hub.

For Subic, this is more than just another ship launch. It signals new opportunities for local jobs, skills development, and economic growth while reinforcing the Freeport’s reputation as one of the country’s most important industrial and maritime centers. As more vessels are expected to be built here in the coming years, Subic continues to prove it’s not only a tourism destination—but also a place where world-class industries are making a comeback

A reported attempted carnapping outside BPI SBMA, across Le Charme Hotel, has sparked renewed discussions on both person...
27/07/2026

A reported attempted carnapping outside BPI SBMA, across Le Charme Hotel, has sparked renewed discussions on both personal safety and emergency preparedness inside the Subic Bay Freeport Zone.

According to the motorist, an unidentified man allegedly entered the driver’s seat while the vehicle’s engine was still running as they briefly used the ATM. The vehicle was not taken because the smart key remained with the owner. Employees and bystanders from Le Charme immediately alerted the driver and helped prevent the suspect from leaving before personnel from the SBMA Law Enforcement Department (LED) arrived.

Beyond the incident itself, the motorist also raised a serious concern: they claimed that the SBMA 911 emergency hotline was not responsive during the situation. While no one was injured, the incident raises an important question for both residents and visitors—how prepared is our emergency response system when every second counts? As Subic continues to grow as a destination for business, tourism, and leisure, the community hopes emergency services can be just as reliable as the infrastructure being built.

What are your thoughts? Have you ever experienced delays when trying to contact emergency services in SBMA?

The Bureau of Customs (BOC) has stopped three container vans carrying suspected electronic waste from the United States ...
26/07/2026

The Bureau of Customs (BOC) has stopped three container vans carrying suspected electronic waste from the United States from being unloaded at the Port of Subic. The shipment, declared as scrap copper, was flagged over possible violations of the Basel Convention—an international treaty that regulates the movement of hazardous waste between countries. Authorities said the containers will remain under government custody while further inspection and legal procedures continue.

The development comes as concerns over foreign e-waste entering Subic continue to draw national attention. Customs says it is strengthening inspections and coordinating with other government agencies to ensure environmental laws are followed. The case remains under investigation, with officials working to determine whether the shipment complies with both Philippine regulations and international agreements. (Inquirer News)

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