The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) registered an 8 percent increase in consolidated port gross revenue in the first half of 2026 to PHP874 million from PHP806 million in the same period last year, driven by its seaport and trade facilitation operations despite continuing global economic challenges.
Ronnie Yambao, SBMA Deputy Administrator III for the Operations Group, attributed the positive performance to strategic initiatives that balanced growth with support for stakeholders.
“We successfully navigated a complex global environment while implementing discount measures totaling approximately PHP81 million. These were aligned with Executive Order No. 110 of President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr., aimed at mitigating disruptions caused by the fuel supply crisis linked to the Middle East conflict,” Yambao explained.
Of the total, Yambao said the seaport department remained the primary revenue driver, accounting for 78 percent of consolidated gross revenue at PHP683 million, a 10 percent increase year on year.
The growth was largely driven by an 18 percent increase in non-containerized cargo, particularly bulk and breakbulk shipments, which surged 24 percent.
The Trade Facilitation and Compliance Department also recorded a 17 percent increase in revenue, boosted by the newly implemented Registration Certificate (RC) policy, which introduced additional fees for trucks, heavy equipment, and regulated goods.
Meanwhile, the Subic Bay International Airport accounted for 14 percent of total revenue, recording a slight 3 percent decline due to lower leasing activities and reduced military logistics operations.
Yambao also noted that the increase in non-containerized cargo was boosted by an 88 percent surge in rice imports. Higher rice imports resulted from the government’s proactive measures to secure sufficient rice stocks ahead of the anticipated El Niño weather phenomenon.
The Department of Agriculture (DA) emphasized the critical importance of maintaining adequate rice inventories in response to potential climate-related impacts on production, Yambao said.
SBMA Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose Aliño highlighted the agency’s resilience and adaptability amid a challenging environment.
“Our first-half results underscore the strength and flexibility of the Port Operations Group. We remain committed to not only sustaining growth but also delivering impactful measures to mitigate external disruptions, in line with the President’s directives,” Aliño said.
He said SBMA continues to strengthen its role as a key logistics and supply chain hub, supporting the nation’s economic stability and growth despite global uncertainties.
