SBMA, Leechiu eye partnership for tourism, investment promotions in Subic

Subic Bay Freeport — The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) and the Leechiu Property Consultants (LPC) are eyeing to collaborate for the development of the tourism sector and promote more investments inside this premier Freeport.

During a meeting between SBMA officials and LPC executives at the conference room of Building 225 in Subic Bay Freeport on February 25, 2026, the two discussed plans to explore collaborative initiatives to accelerate tourism growth and investment promotion here.

Led by SBMA Business and Investment Group’s Senior Deputy Administrator (SDA) Renato Lee III, discussions focused on expanding high-impact tourism segments including cruise ship tourism, wreck diving, forest trails, and Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) activities.

David Lee-Chiu, CEO of Leechiu Property Consultants highlighted Subic Bay’s deep-water port and strategic location as key advantages in positioning the Freeport as a competitive cruise ship destination in Luzon.

Lee-Chiu also noted that increased cruise calls would drive growth across hospitality, retail, transport, and local enterprises.

According to SBMA Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Alino, some of the tourism-related activities that have a strong niche market is wreck diving, pointing out that Subic Bay’s historic shipwrecks continue to attract both domestic and international divers.

He added that Subic Bay is considered the wreck diving capital of the Philippines, featuring over 19 identified shipwrecks and aircraft from the Spanish-American War, WWII, and the Vietnam War.

Also discussed was the development and promotion of forest trails and eco-tourism experiences, recognizing Subic Bay Freeport’s protected forest areas as prime assets for sustainable tourism, nature-based recreation, and eco-adventure activities.

Both parties underscored the need to enhance MICE capabilities through investments in convention facilities, hotels, and integrated developments to capture corporate and international events.

LPC is a prominent real estate brokerage and consultancy firm in the Philippines. Founded in 2015 by David Leechiu, the company is a market leader in office leasing and investment sales.

The top Philippine real estate advisor has over 12,272 closed transactions, including P32 billion in sales and 1 million square meters of office space leased.