THE Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) has presented comprehensive expansion plans with a projected total investment of P40 billion by 2028 to enhance Subic Bay's role as a key logistics hub and a cruise destination in the Philippines.

Among these plans include the development of five major projects aimed at boosting the logistics and catering to the demand anticipated with the development of the Subic Bay Freeport Zone, said SBMA Chairman Eduardo Aliño during the Subic-Clark Business Conference on Friday.

Among the projects is the construction of a new cruise terminal that aims to transform Subic Bay into a premier cruise ship home port.

SBMA Senior Deputy Administrator Ronnie Yambao said that this new venture is expected to boost tourism by accommodating ships hosting up to 5,000 passengers.

"The Subic Bay, as a home port, is a game-changer project initiated by our chairman because we wanted to contribute to the national government's program to increase tourist arrivals," Yambao said, adding that one way to do it is by attracting cruise ships.

He noted that the cruise terminal project will be executed in phases, and the initial phase is valued at P1.2 billion.

Yambao said that it will feature a dual-berthing facility with a capacity to handle larger vessels.

The next phase will include the establishment of commercial facilities for tourists, which is worth P8.9 billion.

The new projects also include the development of Lower Mau multi-purpose terminal and the Redondo Peninsula multi-purpose terminal, with an estimated investment worth P13 billion and P11 billion, respectively.

It also includes the expansion of the Subic container terminal, which aims to enhance cargo handling, and the expansion project along the San Bernardino area.

The projects are aligned with the expansion of the region's logistics infrastructure and support the economic growth of the upcoming freeport zone, according to SBMA.

Yambao said that the funding will be sourced through public-private partnerships and overseas development assistance, such as from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).

The SBMA said that it intends to start some of the projects as early as next year.

In addition, the SBMA also said that it is pursuing a carbon-neutral initiative for its ports.

Yambao said that they are targeting to reduce emissions of up to 95 percent through shore power connections for ships.

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