Subic Bay: Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairperson and Administrator Eduardo Jose Ali±o announced on Thursday that the construction of socialized housing for workers within the Subic Bay Freeport Zone (SBFZ) is slated to begin in the first quarter of the year. This initiative is part of the Marcos administration's Pambansang Pabahay Para sa Pilipino (4PH) Program.

According to Philippines News Agency, the construction is expected to commence in February or March, with some units projected for completion by the end of the year or mid-next year. This development is specifically aimed at SBMA employees, providing them with affordable and sustainable housing options. In May 2024, SBMA formalized this project through a memorandum of understanding with the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD).

The housing initiative is designed to offer affordable living arrangements close to the workers' place of employment, thus enabling them to minimize commuting time and expenses. Many workers in the freeport zone hail from provinces in Central Luzon such as Bataan, Pampanga, and Tarlac, and this project aims to ease their daily commute.

In addition to addressing housing needs, Ali±o highlighted SBMA's employment growth, noting that the authority closed 2024 with a workforce of 164,000, marking an increase of 7,000 jobs from the previous year. He also mentioned that further employment growth is anticipated as investors continue to commit to expanding their operations within the SBFZ.