Subic kicks off business expo

Subic Bay Freeport – The Subic Bay Freeport Chamber of Commerce (SBFCC) and the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) kicked off the Subic Bay Business Expo (SUBEX) 2026, the first business expo held at the Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center (SBECC) in this Freeport on 20 October 2026.

According to SBFCC President Benjamin “Bubong” Antonio III, SUBEX 2026 is a two-day business expo that gathered investors and locators here, industry leaders, local government and ecozone authorities, business executives, sustainability experts, community leaders and other stakeholders.

He added that this year’s theme is “Subic Bay Unbound: The Next Frontier of Global Trade” that focuses on Subic Freeport’s role as a strategic gateway for trade and investment, positioning the region as a competitive destination for businesses seeking to expand operations and connect with regional and global markets.

With a tagline of “Navigating Secure Supply Chains and Advanced Industries,” SUBEX 2026 showcased this Freeport’s diverse investment opportunities, and will feature interactive exhibitions, B2B networking sessions, and industry-led discussions.

During the opening day of the SUBEX 2026, the event conducted a discussion on Manufacturing and Supply Chain – Highlighting logistics breakthroughs, industrial infrastructure, and manufacturing growth; followed by Pax Silica Initiative and the Luzon Economic Corridor – Exploring high-tech infrastructure investments and strategic economic alignment across Subic, Clark, Manila, and Batangas.

The high-level panel discussion centered around the Pan-Asian Advantage, capitalizing on Japan, Taiwan, and the Philippines’ multisector manufacturing in Subic Bay. Subic Techno Park President Ichiro Tsuji, Manila Economic and Cultural Office (MECO) Executive Officer Terry Lin, and SBMA Department Manager Karen Magno provided insights on the multisector manufacturing here.

Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) Senior Vice President for Conversion & Development Group Engr. Mark P. Torres discussed some of the aspects regarding the Pax Silica Initiative, answering the challenges that the project is facing.

The official cited the important role of the BCDA in implementing the US-led Pax Silica initiative in the Philippines by designating and developing a 1,620-hectare advanced manufacturing and AI park within New Clark City (Tarlac).

The opening day also showcased booth exhibits across manufacturing, maritime, and supply chain industries, as well as break-out sessions on port automation and AI-driven supply chain logistics.