SBMA explores biotech partnership with Taipei BioInnovation Park

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) is exploring potential joint ventures with the Taipei BioInnovation Park (TBIP) to expand biotechnology and biomedical activities in the Subic Bay Freeport.

During a visit to TBIP in Taipei, Taiwan, on Tuesday, SBMA Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño expressed admiration for the facility and its cutting-edge biotechnology and biomedical capabilities.

“This visit to the Taipei BioInnovation Park will definitely be a unique learning experience for us. This morning will also help us a lot in discussing the proposed expansion of SBDMC (Subic Bay Development and Management Corporation, Inc.) business activities in the Subic Bay Freeport to include biotechnology and biomedical activities,” Aliño said.

He emphasized the importance of aligning these proposed expansion projects with the SBMA’s broader plans.

“The proposed expansion plan should be in line with our mandate to promote the Subic Special Economic Zone into a self-sustaining, industrial, commercial, financial, and investment center by attracting and promoting productive foreign investments that will generate employment opportunities in and around the zone,” he added.

The visit was made at the invitation of Century Development Corporation (CDC) and included SBMA Directors Ruel John Kabigting and Teodoro Del Rosario, as well as Senior Deputy Administrator Ramon Agregado. Their three-day trip included a visit to Taiwan’s Pingtung Agricultural Biotechnology Park (PABP), where they toured MOS Burger’s newly completed food processing plant.

The MOS Burger facility is a joint venture between An-Shin Food Services Co. and MOS Food Services, located within the PABP, Taiwan’s only national agricultural biotechnology park and one of the world’s most advanced agricultural high-tech industrial clusters.

The PABP houses over 110 agricultural enterprises engaged in value-added natural products, aquaculture, livestock biotechnology, agricultural materials & facilities, and technical services. These companies form a highly integrated industrial supply chain, enhancing Taiwan’s position in the global market.

According to SBDMC President Willy Wang, the TBIP visit was designed to give SBMA officials insight into Taiwan’s first BOT (Build-Operate-Transfer) development project in the biotechnology sector and to explore potential joint venture opportunities.

He added that the TBIP provides incubation space for emerging biotechnology, leading companies that integrate research and development (R&D), trial production, and business office functions.

He also noted that CDC is a shareholder in the United Development Corporation, which is a joint venture partner with the SBMA in SBDMC, Inc. — a pioneer in industrial park planning known for its successful Nankang Software Park, one of Taiwan’s most advanced industrial zones.