34 projects eyed under Subic Bay master plan

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines is looking at 34 possible projects in Subic Bay after the Japanese government finalized the master plan that would boost the area’s economic development.

In a statement, the Embassy of Japan said Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez on Monday met with Japan Foreign Affairs minister Yoshimasa Hayashi to discuss the final Subic Bay Regional Development Master Plan.

It was in 2019 when the Department of Finance (DOF) tapped the Japan International Cooperation Agency for the development of Subic Bay and its surrounding areas.

The Embassy released the proposed list of 34 projects under the master plan. The DOF, however, has yet to issue details on the master plan.

Most of the proposed projects are under the road and public transportation sector, including a new connecting link to the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway.

The plan also showed proposals to develop the Subic Bay West Coast Support Road and bypass roads in the Olongapo Metropolitan Area, and to widen the existing Kalalake Bridge from four lanes to six lanes and add four-lane bridges on the west and east side of Subic central business district.

Also included are proposals to develop a port access road, four-lane flyovers and pedestrian bridge or underpass at major intersections on Rizal Avenue, technical assistance on public transport management, and network development for vulnerable road users on arterial roads.

For the port sector, the proposals are redevelopments of SRF Compound, Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority Marine Terminal, Boton Wharf, and Leyte Wharf, as well as expansion of the POL Pier and the Subic Bay New Container Terminal.

Also included are the Multipurpose Public Terminal Development and Reserved for Future Development and Empty Container Yard, LNG Import and Bunkering Facility Development, and Navigation Safety Facility Development.

In the airport sector, the master plan listed the Improvement of the Runway End Safety Area and rehabilitation of facilities and equipment at Subic Bay International Airport. Feasibility studies are also planned on air cargo business, maintenance, repair and operations business, business jet, public-private partnership scheme, and other airport development in line with future demand.

For industrial promotion, projects include Subic Eco iPark Development and Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Terminal and Natural Gas Combined Cycle Gas Turbines Power Plan Project. There will also be strengthening of locator backup systems and market research for cargo attraction.

In terms of disaster risk management and maritime safety, proposed projects include a Coastal Disaster Management Base and Philippine Coast Guard Support Facility in Subic Bay.