SBMA eyes P40 billion port, airport projects

MANILA, Philippines — The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority is aiming to start the implementation of five projects worth over P40 billion by 2028 to expand the logistics capability of the Subic Bay Freeport Zone.

Ronnie Yambao, senior deputy administrator for operations at SBMA, told reporters the agency plans to implement five projects with a total cost of P41.4 billion.

“This is through public-private partnership (PPP) or through an overseas development assistance. So, these are the modes of financing,” he said.

Among the projects is the P13 billion terminal at Lower Mau to support the Luzon economic corridor and provide additional capacity of 2.5 million metric tons bulk cargoes.

This will involve the construction of a 570-meter wharf with a depth of 12.9 meters and back-up area of 17.2 hectares for warehouses and storage.

Also being planned is construction of the multi-purpose port terminal at Redondo Peninsula amounting to P11 billion.

In addition, the SBMA is planning to implement the P10.16 billion Subic Bay Cruise Ship Facility project to support international and local cruise operations.

Other projects being pursued are the P7.02 billion improvement of the Subic Bay International Airport’s existing buildings and new facilities and the P250 million shore power connection for carbon neutral ports.

“These are very strategic initiatives by the SBMA to expand the logistics capability of Subic Bay Freeport Zone,” Yambao said.

He said the SBMA wants to start the implementation of the five projects before President Marcos steps down in 2028.

“We hope to, if not through a feasibility study, start the feasibility study or open it for public bidding under the new PPP Code,” he said.