Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño and Australian Ambassador to the Philippines Marc Innes-Brown meet in a high-level discussion regarding the Subic Freeport’s role in the Luzon Economic Corridor at the SBMA Corporate Boardroom on June 2, 2026.
Subic Bay Freeport – Australian Ambassador to the Philippines Marc Innes-Brown visit with Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) officials on June 2, 2026, as part of a high-level discussion regarding the role of Subic Bay Freeport in the Luzon Economic Corridor (LEC).
SBMA Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño welcomed the ambassador and his delegation at the SBMA Administration Building to discuss a strategic partnership to expand Australia’s economic footprint in the Philippines, alongside initial trilateral partners such as the United States and Japan.
According to a presentation by Senior Deputy Administrator for Port Operations Ronnie Yambao, the SBMA infrastructure plans for the LEC would boost the economy of the Freeport zone, as it is the best option for companies investing in the said economic corridor.
Yambao also presented the railway project that will connect Subic Bay Freeport to the rest of the LEC, providing seamless cargo handling to and from the Freeport.
Innes-Brown recently announced that Australia officially joined the LEC partnership in May 2026 as a new major partner. Australia is backing the massive infrastructure initiative to boost economic ties, enhance regional connectivity, and support resilient global supply chains.
Australian Ambassador to the Philippines Marc Innes-Brown flashes, with a delighted smile, a couple of mangoes from the box gifted by Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño.
Originally launched as a trilateral project between the Philippines, the United States, and Japan, the corridor connects four strategic hubs in Luzon: Subic Bay, Clark, Manila, and Batangas.
Australia, alongside several other international powers, joined a broad expansion to accelerate investments across these areas.
Among the commitments and contributions of Australia for the LEC partnership, one significant and highly doable initiative is the country- led financial mobilization strategy, wherein investments will be directed towards critical projects, through Australia’s dedicated Manila Deal Team.
The country has offered framework support and expertise under Australia’s specialized Partnerships for Infrastructure program, and has committed AUD 45 million (PHP 1.9 billion) for the bilateral economic initiative named PROGRESS to fuel sustainable regional growth. (30)