Spanish envoy sees Subic as key trade, logistics hub
Ambassador of Spain to the Philippines His Excellency Miguel Ultray Delgado is eyeing more Spanish companies to invest in this premier Freeport.
Photograph by Jonas Reyes for the Daily Tribune
Daily TribuneAmbassador of Spain to the Philippines His Excellency Miguel Ultray Delgado is eyeing more Spanish companies to invest in this premier Freeport.
Photograph by Jonas Reyes for the Daily Tribune
SUBIC BAY FREEPORT — Ambassador of Spain to the Philippines Miguel Ultray Delgado is keen on attracting more Spanish companies to invest in this premier economic zone.
During his visit on 22 May, Ambassador Delgado was warmly welcomed at the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) administration building by Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño.
Accompanying the ambassador were Trade and Economic Counsellor Silvia Torices de la Varga, Market Analyst Jose Primo Santos Mendoza, Economic and Commercial Attache Pedro González Lendínez, and Jose Moreno Sanchez Perez, CEO of Spanish company Metalyset.
The delegation received a briefing from SBMA’s Business and Investment Department, with presentations by Manufacturing and Maritime Manager Karen Magno and Senior Deputy Administrator Ronnie Yambao.
Ambassador Delgado described Subic Bay as “a beacon of economic potential,” adding, “If it sustains this progress, it can become a premier logistics and trade hub in Southeast Asia.”
He cited Subic Bay Freeport’s ranking among the best Economic Zones worldwide, as noted in the White Paper study by Spanish company IDOM in partnership with FEMOZA (World Free and Special Economic Zones Federation).
Delgado said the timing of the visit was ideal, highlighting growing interest from several Spanish firms across diverse sectors. “We brought here the best example with Mr. Moreno and Metalyset, and we expect to attract more companies in the coming years,” he said.
Founded in Spain in 2008, Metalyset is an international technical and industrial services company specializing in metalworking. It expanded internationally in 2015 and continues to take on large-scale projects globally.
Chairman Aliño emphasized the visit as a symbol of the strong historical and economic ties between the Philippines and Spain, noting the iconic Spanish Gate — Subic’s original entrance — as a testament to their shared heritage.
Also joining the delegation was Best Chang, Assistant to the CEO of Xantheng Subic International Corporation, who showcased Taiwanese investments in Subic Freeport, including the Tipo High-tech Eco Park and Subic Bay Gateway Park.
Aliño expressed gratitude to the Spanish government for its ongoing support in advancing the Philippines’ development in renewable energy, sustainable tourism, and maritime education.