Ang Pahayagan

SUBIC BAY FREEPORT — Eduardo Jose L. Aliño, Chairman and Administrator of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA), has been named one of Stargate PeopleAsia’s People of the Year 2026.

Aliño was recognized for his leadership and advocacy of choosing “not what is easy, but what is right,” as well as for steering Subic Bay toward becoming a dynamic economic hub and “Greenport.” Since assuming office in January 2024, he has focused on boosting revenue generation, attracting investments, and integrating sustainability into Freeport operations.

Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Eduardo Jose L. Aliño proudly shows the trophy he received as among the People of the Year 2026 awardees from Stargate PeopleAsia Media Corp. Aliño is recognized for his “industrialist” approach to projects that aim to transform Subic Bay into a dynamic economic hub and “green port.”

Under his leadership, SBMA secured nearly ₱600 billion in investments in 2025 and surpassed its ₱4 billion operating revenue target. The agency remitted ₱1.465 billion in dividends to the national government, ranking among the top contributors to state coffers.

In 2024, the Freeport welcomed 159 new locators with a total committed investment of ₱20.6 billion, generating 6,466 jobs. SBMA also ranked first in overall performance in the Quarterly Survey of Philippine Business and Industry conducted by the Philippine Statistics Authority in early 2026.

Aliño launched initiatives such as the Green Anchor Awards to promote sustainability and trade facilitation, the Subic Bay Residencias housing project for employees, an electric bus public transport system, and the redevelopment of the Boardwalk area. He also facilitated the entry of new developments, including the IBIS Styles Subic Hotel, and secured major investors such as Hyundai Heavy Industries. (PR)

TOP 📸:  Aliño with other 2026 awardees which include Ramon S. Ang, Jessica Soho, Martin Nievera, Sheila Romero, Fr. Flavie Villanueva, SVD, DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon, and Dr. Hayden Kho Jr. (Photos courtesy of SBMA MPD)