Dormitory for workers to rise in Subic freeport

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SUBIC BAY FREEPORT — A dormitory complex with a budget of P1.1 billion is set to be constructed inside the country's premier freeport.

It will soon become the "home away from home" for some 6,000 employees working inside the economic zone, said Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) chairman and administrator Eduardo Jose Aliño, who led the groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of the five-storey building on Wednesday.

"This is why I cannot hide how overjoyed I am today," said Aliño, who added that the project is the realization of his dream of providing a housing facility to the freeport's work force.

GROUNDBREAKING Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority chairman and administrator Eduardo Jose Alino (fifth from right) leads the groundbreaking ceremony on March 19, 2025, for the construction of the P1.1-billion dormitory complex that can accommodate 6,000 Freeport workers and employees. PHOTO BY MAHATMA RANDY DATU

"To me, this is the first step towards the realization of a strong, comfortable and peaceful way of life for our freeport workers, the same as the dream of our dear President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for every Filipino in the country," the SBMA chief said.

"In fact, this dormitory project is in response to the President's instructions in connection with his Pambansang Pabahay Para sa Pilipino, or 4PH program."

Isuzu Gencars Inc. general manager and ALC Group of Companies chairman Edgard Cabangon, meanwhile, said that building dormitories close to factories, industrial areas and technoparks not only improves the workers' efficiency, but also helps companies and employees reduce the cost of living.

He also said that this initiative will ease traffic congestion by reducing the number of vehicles and commuters on the road, contributing to a greener and more sustainable environment.

Cabangon said this proposal is the first of its kind at the freeport zone. It will be beneficial to contract workers, employees and even students from nearby schools and colleges.

RDBT Construction Corp. will be constructing the four dormitory blocks and one administrative building on a one-hectare parcel of land.

Architect Rafael Demacio Tecson, RDBT Construction Corp. CEO said that each dormitory block will have 188 units, with an approximate capacity of 1,500 beds per building and 6,000 beds in total.

Tecson said that the common areas will be designed to allow natural ventilation, which is key for the green structure development. This does not only improve indoor air quality, but also promotes the health and well-being of everyone using the space.

Each dormitory is designed for eight occupants, shared by four people at a time. The layout shows smooth traffic flow, allowing residents to take turns using the shared bath, toilet and lavatories without overcrowding.

The ground floor will be used as commercial spaces including laundry services, 24/7 convenience store, a cafeteria, coffee shops, and restaurants, providing essential services for the workers throughout their stay.

SBMA Senior Deputy Administrator for Business and Investment Group Renato Lee III said that the dormitory complex is a testament of both investor confidence in the SBMA and our readiness for the influx of jobs in the zone.

"We are very optimistic in the investment attractiveness of the country because of the benefits of Create More or RA 12066, the government's efficiency and accountability brought about by the strict implementation of the EASE of Doing Business Act or RA 11032 and the overall reduction in the cost of doing business here in the Philippines," Lee said.

"I have no doubt that we will be able to generate more investments in the coming years. When you generate investments, you generate jobs. But what is crucial here is not just Subic Freeport being investment-ready, but employment-ready as well," he added.