SUBIC Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño reported a significant increase in the Subic Bay Freeport workforce, driven by a surge in manufacturing orders. The workforce grew from 156,811 workers in 2023 to 164,400 workers in 2024.
Aliño highlighted the growth in the manufacturing sector, which employed 27,484 workers across 110 companies in 2024, compared to 21,433 workers in 2023. He credited President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s proactive initiatives to attract foreign direct investments for this growth.
“We are anticipating more employment opportunities in Subic Freeport because of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s aggressive efforts to bring more foreign companies to invest in the country. His administration’s thrust has always been to create more jobs for Filipinos through foreign direct investments,” Aliño stated.
Manufacturing Sector Breakdown
The manufacturing sector employed workers from various regions, including:
- Olongapo City: 13,738 workers
- Zambales: 8,154 workers
- Bataan: 3,843 workers
- Pampanga: 188 workers
- National Capital Region: 140 workers
- Tarlac: 79 workers
- Other areas: 1,342 workers
Services Sector Leads Workforce Numbers
Despite the growth in manufacturing, the services sector remained the largest employer in the Subic Bay Freeport. In 2024, 116,776 workers were employed by 4,014 companies, a rise from 115,642 workers in 2023.
The services sector workforce distribution:
- Olongapo City: 46,857 workers
- Zambales: 17,999 workers
- Bataan: 14,984 workers
- Pampanga: 4,419 workers
- National Capital Region: 5,441 workers
- Tarlac: 1,727 workers
- Other areas: 25,349 workers
Shipbuilding/Marine-Related Services and Construction Sector
The shipbuilding/marine-related services sector, comprising 153 companies, saw a rise in employment with 6,187 workers in 2024, up from 5,878 in 2023. This male-dominated sector includes 5,512 male workers and 675 female workers, with most employees hailing from Olongapo City (2,742), Zambales (1,543), and Bataan (693).
Meanwhile, the construction sector employed 13,953 workers across 320 companies in 2024, marking an increase from 13,858 workers in 2023. The sector is also male-dominated, with 13,357 male workers and 596 female workers. Workers came primarily from Olongapo City (4,749), Zambales (2,214), and Bataan (1,747).
Positive Outlook for Subic Freeport Employment
Aliño expressed optimism about the Subic Bay Freeport’s employment trend, emphasizing its resilience against fluctuations in the national unemployment rate.
“With the steady increase in the workforce, the Subic Bay Freeport is on a constant upward trajectory, showing a positive and sustainable growth in its employment sector,” Aliño said.
The steady rise in the workforce underscores Subic’s role as a key economic hub in the country, further supported by the government’s continued efforts to foster job creation and attract investments.