Subic Bay Freeport has strengthened its position as a startup gateway with the launch of the SBMA Business Acceleration Hub and the Subic Bay Angel Investor Network at the Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center (SBECC) on 20 October 2025.

During the Dakal Lakad 2025 Demo and Graduation Day, Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Senior Deputy Administrator for Business and Investment Renato Lee III said the twin programs establish Subic as a gateway for startups to access investors and strategic partners while scaling innovations beyond the region.

“The project aims to stimulate growth of startups and support them through acceleration with SBMA incentives and business locations within the Subic Bay Freeport Zone. We are also celebrating the graduation of 10 startups, coinciding with the launching of the Angel Investor Network,” Lee said.

The programs were conceptualized by SBMA Business and Investment Department for ICT Officer-in-Charge Engr. Panfilo S. Jurilla.

The SBMA spearheaded the Angel Investor Network in compliance with Republic Act No. 11337, or the Innovative Startup Act, which aims to strengthen the local startup ecosystem through government-led initiatives.

The law provides benefits and incentives for startups and enablers through the Philippine Startup Development Program, managed by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), and Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT).

“We’re also proud to share that SBMA has already incubated and produced a successful startup — growing from just two BPO and accounting agents to 300 today,” Lee added.

Meanwhile, 10 of Central Luzon’s most promising startups showcased their innovations during the Dakal Lakad 2025 Demo and Graduation Day, co-organized by SBMA, SULONG Central Luzon, and the Wadhwani Foundation.

The event marked the culmination of a five-month acceleration program designed to help startups transition from incubation to investment readiness.

Among those who delivered messages were SBMA Chairman and Administrator Engr. Eduardo Jose L. Aliño, DICT Region 3 Director Engr. Antonio Edward E. Padre, DTI Region 3 Assistant Director Richard V. Simangan, DOST Pampanga Provincial S&T Director Engr. Mary Michelle M. Quiambao, and Bulacan State University Chancellor Dr. Ruben E. Borja II.

The 10 startups that graduated from the program were Tambanokano Aqua Farm, Dayap Philippines, Project Nitriact, Wisdom | The IP Vault Co., Kilala PH, Kloudtech, Ordermo, Hive Energy PH, InnoVSmarter, and Expoxur.

Chairman Aliño thanked the partner agencies and academic institutions for helping make Subic Bay Freeport a platform for incubating startups and realizing their market potential. He emphasized that SBMA remains committed to supporting business growth in the Freeport.