The newly customized and modernized port, yard, and cargo handling operations within the Subic Bay Freeport (SBF) are expected to generate not only revenues for the government but also employment opportunities and boost tourism within the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) and the province of Zambales.

On top of the direct revenues, SBMA’s income would be complemented by fees and taxes from the expected increase in trade and business activities in SBF, said Harbour Centre Port Terminal, Inc. (HCPTI).

On employment, HCPTI said that it plans to increase the recorded total of 145,230 workers employed by the 3,689 companies involved in various businesses in the SBF.

The data stated that the workers come from Olongapo City with 64,474 employees; Zambales, 27,087; Bataan, 18,062; Metro Manila, 5,091; Pampanga, 4,170); Tarlac, 1,900); and other places in the country, 24,446.

On tourism, HCPTI said that its development and installation of modern technology infrastructure and system which are customized for port, yard, and cargo handling will attract the return of more cruise ships with the modernization and improvements within SBF.

Tourism will jack up not only in Subic town but also in neighboring Zambales with acclaimed spots for tourists, it said.

The modernization “will ensure SBF’s ability to ensure higher port terminal efficiency and productivity through the faster movement of cargo and ship turnaround times and, thus, increase bulk and breakbulk cargo volume” it also said.

The validity of HCPTI’s joint venture with SBMA had passed scrutiny by the Supreme Court (SC) which had declared that the former “has clear legal right” and the latter has “correlative ministerial duty” in the agreement.

HCPTI said that the development of SBF, the former United States naval base, into a world-class infrastructure will enhance the economic activity, employment and tourism not just in Subic but also in nearby provinces.