SUBIC BAY FREEPORT — The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) hosted around 60 tourism accreditation officers from across the Philippines for the Department of Tourism’s (DOT) mid-year training program on August 11, 2026, highlighting the Freeport’s growing role as a venue for tourism industry development and professional standards-setting.
Held at the Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center (SBECC), the program brought together DOT accreditation officers from various regions who are responsible for evaluating tourism establishments and helping ensure compliance with national tourism standards.
SBMA Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño said the selection of Subic Bay as the training venue reflects the Freeport’s position as both a major tourism destination and a learning center for hospitality and tourism professionals.
“We are deeply honored that the DOT selected Subic Bay as the host for this year’s accreditation mid-year training program,” Aliño said.
He noted that Subic Bay’s evolution from a former U.S. naval base into a self-sustaining economic hub and major tourism destination demonstrates the value of sustained investment, professional standards and strong public-private collaboration.
For the SBMA, hosting national tourism activities also provides an opportunity to strengthen the Freeport’s position in the country’s tourism value chain while exposing industry professionals to its tourism facilities, services and investment environment.
Aliño called on the SBMA Tourism Department, led by Department Manager Mary Jamelle A. Camba, to provide participants with what he described as the “gold standard of genuine Filipino hospitality.”
The SBMA chief also emphasized the broader economic impact of maintaining high service standards in the tourism sector, noting that every visitor interaction contributes to how the country’s destinations, culture and tourism industry are perceived.
“Every interaction, every service delivered, and every smile shared helps shape how the world views our rich natural heritage, our culture, and our nation,” Aliño said.
Meanwhile, DOT 3 Regional Director Dr. Richard Daenos thanked SBMA for hosting the activity and providing a venue conducive to professional learning and industry engagement.
The training forms part of the DOT’s continuing efforts to strengthen the capabilities of its accreditation personnel, who conduct assessments and inspections of tourism establishments and help implement national tourism standards.
With participants representing different regions, the activity also served as a platform for knowledge-sharing and coordination among tourism accreditation officers from across the country.
For Subic Bay, the hosting of the program underscores the Freeport’s expanding role beyond tourism promotion, positioning it as a venue for workforce development, industry collaboration and the advancement of service standards that support the competitiveness of the Philippine tourism sector.