Subic Bay Freeport – A groundbreaking ceremony was held at the former Subic International Hotel complex to pave the way for the construction of a world-class convention and leisure facility at the central business District in Subic Bay Freeport zone.
The lowering of the ceremonial time capsule which signals the start of construction for the $300-million Subic Sun Convention Resort and Casino complex was held on Thursday, March 14.
The ceremony was led by Gil Miguel T. Puyat, Chairman of the Subic International Hotel Corp., Kash Salvador, Director for Development of Accor Philippines and was joined by Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño, Director Rolen Paulino of the Bases Conversion and Development Authority and other Freeport zone officials.
The complex serves as barracks for servicemen during the US Navy days and was later converted into a hotel and business facilities and named Subic International Hotel after military pull-out.
It is one of the largest and world-class hotel in the country’s first Freeport zone catering to both international and domestic tourist.
The Accor Group is set to construct the said world-class integrated leisure and convention center, with the first phase having Ibis Styles and Mercure Hotels that have been the signature of the company for the Subic Sun Convention Resort and Casino Inc.
Ibis Styles is an economy hotel brand focused on in-style stays while the Mercure is a French midscale hotel brand, with both brands owned by ACCOR International Group. The Ibis Styles and Mercure Hotels are just part of the initial phase of the project.
According to Subic Sun Convention Resort and Casino Inc. Chairman and President Pablo Edgardo T. Puyat, “The operations are anticipated to commence by the conclusion of 2025, following the commencement of our $300 million investment commitment.”
He added, “A world-class integrated leisure and convention center will be constructed over the course of the succeeding phases, encompassing an expensive six-hectare property that will feature an integrated resort casino complex and five-star resort hotels.”
SBMA Chairman Eduardo L. Aliño said that with the additional facilities inside the Freeport, more tourists will now have hotels to stay in since hotels inside Subic Bay Freeport are fully-booked once peak season starts. “It provides them an alternative lodging inside the Freeport,” he added.