Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño (right) and Best Western Plus Hotel Subic Chairman and CEO Jaime Uy (left) sign the contract for the construction of a new building as an expansion project worth P600 million.
By: Dante M. Salvana
SUBIC BAY FREEPORT – Best Western Plus Hotel Subic and the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) have signed a ₱600-million Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) to expand the hotel’s operations, paving the way for the construction of a new building adjacent to the existing facility.
The project will be built on a 2,000-square-meter site and will combine hospitality, commercial, and office facilities to support the growing demand for business and tourism spaces in the Freeport.
Architect Jayson Steffen Uy, Vice-president for Facility and Construction of Savers Group Holdings Inc. (SGHI) said, ”The development will also serve as an extension of Best Western Plus hotel building, adding about 120 new rooms, additional function halls, and commercial spaces. A three-level steel parking structure will also be constructed to accommodate more visitors and businesses operating in the area”.
The proposed building may also introduce new entertainment amenities such as sports simulators similar to virtual attractions already operating in Pampanga he added.
The design phase is expected to be completed by late this year or early next year, with construction possibly starting next year. The company also said it plans to prioritize hiring workers from the Subic community once the project begins.
During the contract signing ceremony, Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman Eduardo Jose L. Alino emphasized the importance of the partnership between the private sector and the Freeport authority.
“We are gathered today for a meaningful milestone as we formalize a partnership through this contract signing between Simon & Stanley International Trading and Development Co. Inc. of Best Western Pus Hotel and the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority. This occasion represents more than just signatures on paper. It reflects a shared commitment to partnership, growth, and excellence,” Alino said.
He said the agreement is expected to open new opportunities and strengthen cooperation between the parties involved.
“On behalf of everyone present, we extend our appreciation to all those who made this possible. May this agreement mark the beginning of a strong and productive relationship. Thank you and we look forward to the journey ahead.” he added.
SBMA Director Ted Del Rosario, Senior Deputy Administrator (SDA) Renato Lee III, SDA Ramon O. Agregado, and other agency officials were also present during the said contract signing ceremony.
Best Western Plus Hotel Subic Chairman and CEO Jaime “Jack” Uy, meanwhile, thanked SBMA and other stakeholders for their support and trust in the company’s continued investments in the Freeport.
Uy said the company first explored opportunities in Subic in 2012, building on its earlier experience in Pampanga, where it helped pioneer cable television services in the Clark area following the eruption of Mt. Pinatubo and the area’s transition into a tourism estate.
He also noted that the company’s earlier building project in Subic — a six-story structure completed within three years — helped generate employment and contributed to economic activity in the Freeport.
According to Uy, the planned expansion reflects the company’s confidence in the leadership of SBMA and the long-term growth prospects of Subic Bay Freeport as an investment destination.
Despite global economic uncertainties and challenges faced by investors, the company said it remains optimistic about the region’s future and committed to complying with regulations while working closely with government agencies to advance the project.
Once completed, the development is expected to become one of the prominent commercial and hospitality landmarks in the Subic Bay Freeport, supporting tourism, business expansion, and local employment.
Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño and Best Western Plus Hotel Subic Chairman and CEO Jaime Uy show the signed contract, together with witnesses Savers Group Holdings Inc. VP Arch. Jayson Steffen Uy (3rd from left), SBMA Senior Deputy Administrator Ramon Agregado (2nd from left), SBMA Director Red del Rosario (2nd from right) and SBMA Senior Deputy Administrator Renato Lee III.