Driving Regional Development and Business Growth at The 4th Subic Clark Business Conference

In frame: the attendees at the 4th Subic-Clark Business Conference

The Subic-Clark Business Conference, which happened on July 17th, 2025, was attended by several influential and nationally recognized business leaders and broadened the foundation for a multitude of business-minded people to connect, network, and be a witness to  stimulating conference talks. 

The event served as a platform for collaboration and innovation, which brought together local and international stakeholders from various industries to support a sustainable future for the Philippines. With its strategic economic zones and rapidly growing business centers, Subic-Clark offers the perfect backdrop for cultivating the partnerships essential to advancing both economic progress and environmental responsibility.

Its sessions explored key topics focused on embedding sustainability into infrastructure, logistics, and industrial practices. Its aim was to better equip its audience with valuable insights and practical strategies that will enable your organizations to meet sustainability goals while enhancing long-term growth and operational performance.

Each speaker brought a unique perspective on the business relations and unique standing points within both subic and clark. 

The keynote speaker segment features distinguished individuals, including Engr. Mark P. Torres, a licensed civil engineer with over 15 years of dedicated service at the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA); Elizabeth Carlos Timbol, who currently serves as Senior EVP–COO of GRBank, one of the Philippines' leading rural banks; and Ludwig Daza, from the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) and serves as Department Manager of Ecozone Development under the Policy and Planning Group. Also speaking was Edna D. Dizon, Regional Director of the Department of Trade and Industry–Region 3, who centered her presentation on manufacturing and MSME's. Rounding out the panel was Corina Tengco-Bautista, President of the BCCI, who delivered a presentation on the BCCI story: unlocking economic potentials through MSME empowerment. 

In frame: our speakers in action!

The conference also featured a lineup of distinguished session speakers, beginning with Sandro Bruni, who presented on solar energy solutions to support the Subic-Clark expansion, then Maricar Bautista, from the Department of Transport. This was followed by Francis Ceballos, Senior Vice President and Business Unit Head for Industrial and Logistics at Filinvest Land Inc. (FLI). Their presentations were followed by a panel discussion featuring Bruni, Ceballos, and Dr. Francisco Villanueva, President of the Clark Investors and Locators Association. The discussion was expertly moderated by Atty. Francis Initorio, the current Administrator of the Mt. Samat Flagship Tourism Enterprise Zone under the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority.

In frame: our speakers in action!

The program continued with a session speech led by Ronnie R. Yamabo, the Senior Deputy Administrator for the Operations Group of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority. This was followed by a panel discussion featuring  Yamabo, Benjamin E. Antonio III—the president of the Subic Bay Freeport Chamber of Commerce, and Atty. Carminda Z. Fabros of the Subic-Clark Alliance for Development. The panel was skillfully moderated by Lorens Ziller, the Executive Director for the Italian Chamber of Commerce in the Philippines.

This was followed by a session led by Alfredo Pascual, former Secretary of the Department of Trade and Industry and current Board Member of the ICCPI. Immediately after, a panel discussion took place featuring Pascual; Elizabeth Carlos Timbol, President of the Metro Angeles Chamber of Commerce & Industry; and Corina Tengco-Bautista, President of the Bulacan Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The discussion was moderated by Atty. Francis Initorio.

To conclude the panel discussions, Jadee Sarmiento, Chief Corporate Attorney at the Philippine National Railways (PNR), delivered a session entitled Transport Infrastructure: North-South Commuter Railway. This was followed by a panel discussion featuring EnP Melissa D. Feliciano, Environmental Planner and Chief of the Business Development Office – New Ventures Unit at Clark International Airport Corporation, alongside Sarmiento. The session was moderated by Lorens Ziller, Executive Director of the Italian Chamber of Commerce in the Philippines. The event formally concluded with closing remarks from Consul Enunina “Nina” Mangio, President of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry, who offered reflections on the day’s key insights and emphasized the importance of continued collaboration toward national progress.

In frame: our speakers in action!

The Subic Bay Freeport is developing a transshipment hub for ED and digital projects to reduce its carbon footprint. The freeport, inspired by ports like Singapore Marina Bay and Hong Kong Harbor, aims to become a sustainable investment hub. 

The Subic Bay Freeport Zone, a key component of the Philippines’ economic development plan, aims to attract foreign investments and foster job creation. With its strategic location, extensive infrastructure, and competitive incentives, the zone offers a favorable environment for industries such as logistics, manufacturing, and renewable energy. The development of a cruise ship terminal and a solar farm further underscores the zone’s commitment to sustainable growth and economic transformation.

The Greenport City initiative in the Philippines aims to develop a sustainable port city with a short-power connection facility, solar farm, and protected forests and mangroves. The city’s development incorporates various sustainable projects, including waste management initiatives and renewable energy projects. Local government units and private sector members are collaborating on these projects to achieve sustainable development and protect the environment.

In frame: some of the conference’s esteemed speakers and guests

The future of the Philippine economy hinges on the development of manufacturing and MSMEs. The Subic-Clark Corregidor, with its strategic location and infrastructure, serves as a model for industrial transformation. This corridor, with its deep-water port, international airport, and expressways, connects land, sea, and air, facilitating efficient trade and attracting investment.

The Philippines, particularly the Subic Clark region, possesses the necessary resources, including a skilled workforce, strategic location, and improving infrastructure, to become a trusted partner in global supply chains. However, potential alone is insufficient; bold investment, collaboration, and execution are crucial. MSME’s should utilize available tools and incentives to scale and integrate into supply chains for domestic market sustainability.

The conference was organized by OLACON events, Regional Business Conferences; with event partners including: Metro Angeles Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Inc. MACCI), Clark Investors and Locators Association (CILA), The Italian Chamber of Commerce in the Philippines, Nordic Chamber Philippines, German-Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Dutch Chamber of Commerce and the British Chamber of Commerce in the Philippines. The event was honored by the generous support of our sponsors and partners. Our Gold Sponsor, EVA Air, led the way, followed by our Silver Sponsors, Peak Energy Asia. We also acknowledge our Support Sponsors: Filinvest Innovation Park, Filinvest New Clark City, Alveo, and Toyota Mobility Solutions. Special thanks to our Booth Sponsors: Sprout Solutions, HMR, RCBC Credit Cards, Princess and MJ Pearl Shop, DITO Business, and Singapore Diagnostics. Finally, we extend our gratitude to our Media Partners: Business Mirror, Business World, ThePhilBizNews, The Manila Times, Focus Philippines, Port Calls, Rising Tigers, Top News Asia, and Ganda Negosyo.