The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) has disbursed ₱197.85 million in revenue shares to local government units (LGUs) surrounding the Subic Bay Freeport Zone, with a significant share going to Bataan towns. Covering collections from January to June 2025, the funds will be used for projects in tourism, education, infrastructure, health, peace and order, livelihood, and social welfare, particularly in areas still recovering from recent tropical cyclones.

In Bataan, Dinalupihan received ₱24.64 million, Hermosa ₱21.19 million, and Morong ₱17.49 million. SBMA Chairperson and Administrator Eduardo Jose Aliño said the revenue shares highlight the agency’s commitment to helping nearby communities grow alongside the Freeport, benefiting not only local residents but also the 166,000 workers who choose to work within the economic zone.

The LGU share is computed based on population (50 percent), land area (25 percent), and equal sharing (25 percent). This year’s allocation is slightly lower than last year’s ₱204.7 million due to changes in tax policy, including a new 25 percent tax by the Department of Finance and the removal of the five percent tax privilege for contiguous LGUs.

Outside Bataan, Olongapo City received the largest share at ₱46.27 million, followed by Zambales towns Subic (₱29.68 million), San Marcelino (₱23.76 million), Castillejos (₱17.99 million), and San Antonio (₱16.82 million). In total, about 785,000 residents from these eight LGUs are expected to benefit from the SBMA’s revenue sharing program.

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