SUBIC BAY

SBMA, BCDA agree to use Port of Subic Bay as maritime gateway for Pax Silica
Jul 21, 2026

Subic Bay Freeport--The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) and the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) have agreed to make the Port of Subic Bay the preferred maritime gateway for the Pax Silica initiative.
 
The partnership was confirmed in the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between SBMA Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño and BCDA President and CEO Joshua M. Bingcang at the Bonifacio Technology Center in BGC, Taguig City, on July 20, 2026. 
 
"Having the Port of Subic Bay as the preferred maritime gateway for Pax Silica Operations within the Luzon Economic Corridor is a great honor for the SBMA. It is, in fact, a crowning recognition of the invaluable role the Port of Subic Bay can play, on par with the initiatives to support the National Government regarding Pax Silica,” Aliño said. 
 
“As part of the Luzon Economic Corridor, Subic Bay’s deep-water port and shipyard facilities are designed to transport raw materials like nickel and copper quickly, and processed tech goods between the port and the AI-native Economic Security Zone, or ESZ, in New Clark City,” he added. Meanwhile, Bingcang highlighted that the Port of Subic Bay offers a strategic advantage for the Pax Silica initiative. It serves as a critical gateway that enables the efficient movement of raw materials into the country and the timely delivery of finished products to customers,” PCEO Bingcang said. It serves as a critical gateway, enabling the efficient movement of raw materials into the country and the timely delivery of finished products to customers.
 
He added that the partnership advances the Marcos administration’s whole-of-government approach to infrastructure development and investment promotion, while reinforcing the Luzon Economic Corridor through stronger integration of ports, industrial hubs, and emerging technology ecosystems that will generate quality jobs and long-term economic opportunities for Filipinos.
 
Also present during the signing ceremony were SBMA Senior Deputy Administrator for Operations Ronnie Yambao and BCDA Senior Vice President for Legal Services Atty. Diana Joyce N. Basco-Galera.
 
This partnership requires the SBMA to identify and evaluate specific land and port areas under its jurisdiction that can be strategically leveraged for the Pax Silica initiative. It also involves evaluating the infrastructure, utilities, logistics, and port support requirements for Pax Silica.

The partnership would also include the assessment of land use compatibility and traffic connectivity with existing and planned master development plans of both economic zones; exchange of non-confidential information relevant to infrastructure planning and operational
coordination.
 
Both the BCDA and the SBMA would also conduct market sounding, logistics demand analysis, potential development phasing, and explore possible modes of cooperation or future project structures, subject to applicable laws and policies.
 
Pax Silica is a US-led strategic coalition launched in December 2025 to secure the global supply chains for artificial intelligence and semiconductors. Aimed at countering China's dominance in tech manufacturing and rare earth minerals, the initiative brings together over 30 partner nations to build resilient infrastructure.

News 2026