Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño on March 19, 2025 led the groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of a five-storey building.
“This is why I cannot hide how overjoyed I am today,” SBMA Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño said about the realization of his dreams for SBF workers.
The chairman was elated over the start of the realization of his dream of providing housing facilities to the workers of this premier Freeport.
“To me, this is the first step towards the realization of a strong, comfortable and peaceful way of life for our Freeport workers, the same as the dream of our dear President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for every Filipino in the country,” he added.
“In fact, this dormitory project is in response to the President’s instructions in connection with his Pambansang Pabahay Para sa Pilipino, or 4PH program,” he continued.
Isuzu Gencars Inc. General Manager Edgard Cabangon said that the collaboration between his company, the SBMA, and RDBT Construction Corporation has identified several worker dormitories as priority projects that recognize the need for affordable, accessible, and decent housing within the Freeport.
He said that by building these dormitories close to factories, industrial areas, and technoparks, it not only improves the workers’ efficiency, but also helps companies and employees reduce the cost of living.
He also cited that this initiative will also ease traffic congestion by reducing the number of vehicles and commuters on the road, contributing to a greener and more sustainable environment.
According to Cabangon, this proposal is the first of its kind in the Freeport zone, which offers large-scale accommodations catering to workers, employees, and even students of nearby schools and colleges.
RDBT Construction Corporation will be constructing the five buildings, which includes four dormitory blocks and an administrative building, all of which are rising at five storeys, on a one-hectare parcel of land.
Architect Rafael Demacio Tecson, RDBT Construction Corp. CEO said that each dormitory block will have 188 units, with an approximate bed capacity of 1,500, which is 6,000 beds in total.
Tecson said that the common areas will be designed to allow natural ventilation, which is key for the green structure development. This does not only improve indoor air quality, but also promotes the health and well-being of everyone using the space.
Each dormitory is designed for eight occupants, shared by four people at a time. The layout shows smooth traffic flow, allowing residents to take turns using the shared bath, toilet and lavatories without overcrowding.
The ground floor will be used as commercial spaces including laundry services, 24/7 convenience store, a cafeteria, coffee shops, and restaurants, providing essential services for the workers throughout their stay.
SBMA Senior Deputy Administrator for Business and Investment Group Renato Lee III said that the dormitory complex is a testament of both investor confidence in the SBMA and our readiness for the influx of jobs in the zone.
“We are very optimistic in the investment attractiveness of the country because of the benefits of CREATE MORE or RA 12066, the government’s efficiency and accountability brought about by the strict implementation of the EASE of Doing Business Act or RA 11032 and the overall reduction in the cost of doing business here in the Philippines,” Lee said.
“I have no doubt that we will be able to generate more investments in the coming years. When you generate investments, you generate jobs. But what is crucial here is not just Subic Freeport being investment-ready, but employment-ready as well,” he added.
Lee added that it is where the project plays a crucial role in the overall direction of the SBMA by making sure that the Freeport workers are also taken care of.