To strengthen the development of ecozones in the Bangsamoro region, the BEZA and PFEZ, led by MTIT Minister Abuamri A. Taddik and MTIT Deputy Minister and BEZA OIC-Executive Director, Atty. Sukarno A. Abas, conducted benchmarking and site visitation in Subic Bay Freeport Zone (SBFZ) of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA). The activity was facilitated by the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA), headed by Group Manager Aleem Siddiqui Guiapal and his team.

Subic Bay Freeport Zone (SBFZ) is the first Freeport in the Philippines. It is a special economic zone and freeport area covering portions of the city of Olongapo and the town of Subic in Zambales, and the towns of Morong and Hermosa in Bataan. The SBFZ is operated and managed by the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA).

The delegates were welcomed by SBMA Chairperson and Administrator Rolen Paulino, Senior Deputy Administrator for Operations, Mr. Ronnie R. Yambao, and the SBMA team.

During the discussion, Atty. Abas pointed out that SBFZ and PFEZ have similar geographical landscapes and both operate as freeports and special economic zones. He also emphasized the need for the team to learn more about the organizational structure, port operation processes of the SBFZ, and the ecozone operations of SBMA.

Furthermore, Mr. Yambao hoped that the discussions and site visitations shall serve as a templates for the development of PFEZ as an international port of entry, wherein it can be utilized as a framework for the upliftment of lives of the Bangsamoro. He also mentioned that the management of the Subic Bay Freeport Zone (SBFZ) is willing to help BEZA and PFEZ BARMM on capacity development, including immersion of personnel.

The team visited several operational sites within the SBFZ. It was a great learning opportunity to immerse the team in the freeport and ecozone operations.