SBMA workers seen to hit 100,000 this year

SUBIC BAY FREEPORT, Philippines – The number of workers here is expected to reach 100,000 this year, as the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) continues to attract investors in the tourism and manufacturing sectors. 

There are 99,463 employees working in various companies here, with shipbuilder Hanjin Heavy Industries and Construction-Philippines employing almost 30,000 workers, SBMA chairman Roberto Garcia said yesterday.

 Garcia said the service industry has the most number of workers, including waiters, busboys, bellhops and kitchen staff, at 45,661.

The manufacturing industry accounts for 14.79 percent of the total workforce. Most of the workers are employed at the Japanese-owned Subic Techno Park and the Taiwanese-controlled Subic Bay Gateway Park.

 With more hotels and restaurants being put up here, construction workers now account for 2.81 percent of the total workforce. 

Garcia said there is also a need for more domestic helpers and caretakers as retirees are relocating here. 

He said the SBMA is looking for more suitable spaces for new investors given the positive investment and employment generation outlook.