SUBIC BAY FREEPORT – Businessman Eduardo Aliño officially has assumed post as Chairman and Administrator of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA).
In his first press conference as SBMA chief, Aliño noted the vast potential of Subic should be given priority for development. “We have so many potentials here in Subic and we may put up more hotels, more infra projects to attract more investors,” he said, adding his management team will study everything to see other priorities,
Citing his experience as a locator himself, he also expressed his desire to give investors who are experiencing difficulties in paying their financial obligations to SBMA, a chance or consideration to recover.
He said these businessmen had invested so much money and it would be so painful to lose the business they dreamed of in Subic, so giving them a chance to recover would be like giving them a new lease on life.
Earlier on Monday, Aliño attended the flag ceremony in front of the SBMA Administration Office with his family, and was welcomed by senior officers, members of the board, and employees of the agency.
In his message, he revealed having some apprehensions when President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. offered him the position. He said he consulted his family and thought about it for a while before saying “yes” to the President.
“How can I say NO to our President? If you always refuse to help our leaders, who else would? So, I said yes,” he shared, adding that his acceptance of the post was also driven by his desire to repay all the help SBMA people had given him and his business over the past 20 years.
“It is because of you, other than us, that made our terminal what it is right now. We won’t be able to accomplish all of these without your help,” he stressed.
Aliño was former president and chairman of the S.T.A.R. Group of Companies and former chairman of the Subic Bay Yacht Club. The S.T.A.R. Group of Companies is engaged in integrated supply chain services and port operations.
The new SBMA chief was also former president and chairman of the Subic Bay Freeport Grain Terminal Services Inc. and Mega Equipment International Corp. which is now being managed by one of his sons.
Addressing the employees of SBMA, he assured them fairness and honesty in serving the people, while asking for their support.
“I promise you that I will be fair. I promise you to be honest,” he said, adding that he has no agenda other than to help and to serve SBMA as a gesture of love for the country, God and the President.
At 73, Aliño who was installed in his post bt President Marcos on January 12, said he wants to leave a legacy in SBMA. He also congratulated his predecessor, Jonathan Tan, who has been appointed undersecretary of the Department of the Interior and Local Government.