By HENRY EMPEÑO | February 18, 2026

SUBIC BAY FREEPORT – Industrialist Eduardo Jose L. Aliño, chairman and administrator of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA), was named among PeopleAsia’s “People of the Year.”

The award, given by Stargate PeopleAsia magazine to individuals who demonstrated exceptional leadership and service to the Filipino community, cited Aliño for bringing decades of business savvy to his role as SBMA chief executive.

The awardees included San Miguel Corp. Chairman Ramon S. Ang, who was named Lifetime Achievement Awardee; veteran journalist Jessica Soho; and Public Works and Highways Secretary Vince Dizon.

In its citation, PeopleAsia described Aliño as “guarding the crown jewel” that is Subic, roping in more investors, creating more jobs, breaching revenue targets, and embarking on facilities development projects aimed at generating more trade and tourism.

“I don’t want that jewel to be removed from the crown.” Aliño was quoted in the PeopleAsia tribute. “I have to sustain SBMA’s good performance.”

He also outlined to PeopleAsia plans to construct the Subic Bay Cruise Ship Terminal next year to bring tourists to Subic and nearby provinces, create a thriving tourism industry and business climate, provide livelihood and higher incomes to more people.

Aliño was chairman and president of the S.T.A.R. Group of Companies, a major player in integrated supply chain services and port operations, before he was tapped by President Marcos to head the Subic agency in January 2024.

Under his leadership, the SBMA breached its P4 billion operating revenue target and remitted P1.465 billion in revenue earnings to the national government last year.

SBMA data also showed that in 2024 alone, Subic brought in 159 new locators with total committed investments worth P20.6 billion. The new investments generated 6,466 new jobs for the community.

The new business locators included major global players like Hyundai Heavy Industries, he world’s largest shipbuilding company, which is expected to reclaim the country’s “rightful place among the world’s great shipbuilding nations.” 

With his vision to make Subic a Green Port City, Aliño also launched the Green Anchor Awards last year to recognize stakeholder who partnered with the SBMA in strengthening its port sustainability and environmental stewardship programs.

Aside from these, Aliño is credited for initiating socialized housing projects for SBMA employees, launching an electric bus public transportation system, redeveloping parks and public spaces in the Subic Freeport, and facilitating the entry of new leisure developments.

Aliño’s strong performance was also reflected in the Quarterly Survey of Philippine Business and Industry (QSPBI) conducted by the Philippine Statistics Authority early this year when the SBMA received a first-place ranking in overall performance. 