Subic Bay Freeport – The 3rd Central Luzon Sustainable Tourism Summit wrapped up successfully at the Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center (SBECC) on September 12, 2025, reaffirming the region’s commitment to a greener and more inclusive future.
The three-day gathering, held from September 10 to 12, was organized under the theme “Building Green Legacies: Sustaining Nature, Celebrating Culture, and Empowering Industry.” It brought together government leaders, business executives, and community stakeholders determined to transform Central Luzon into a model for sustainable tourism and development.
Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño praised the event’s success, emphasizing its role in strengthening partnerships for climate-conscious growth. In his keynote, “Sustainable Subic: Tracking the Race to Zero,” Aliño highlighted the Freeport’s roadmap to becoming the first carbon-neutral economic zone in the country.
Among the initiatives already in motion are the installation of solar-assisted charging stations for e-buses, expanded community-driven coastal cleanups, and recycling programs. “We aim to make sustainability not just a policy but a way of life here in Subic Bay,” Aliño said.
Strong support from national leaders
The summit drew support from key officials, including Senator Joseph Victor Ejercito, Tourism Secretary Maria Esperanza Frasco, and senior representatives from the Department of Tourism (DOT), Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), and regional tourism offices. They expressed confidence that Central Luzon could position itself as a leader in sustainable tourism practices that balance economic progress with cultural and environmental stewardship.
Knowledge sharing and ecotourism experiences
Participants took part in a trade expo showcasing local products, immersive ecotours highlighting the region’s “green” destinations, and a series of high-level lectures. Topics ranged from heritage and cultural preservation to green architecture and food waste reduction.
Highlights included:
- “Heritage Conservation: Living Traditions in the Modern World” by Dr. Laya B. Gonzales of UP Cebu.
- “From Relics to Relevance: Museums as Custodians of Archeology, History, and Heritage for Sustainable Development” by Dr. Michael P. Canilao of the National Museum.
- “Green Infrastructure: Designing Cities that Breathe” by Arch. Michaela Rosette M. Santos-Tayag of the Philippine Green Building Initiative.
- “From Plate to Planet: Food Waste, Recycling and the Power of Segregation” by Zed Avecilla (PARMS), with Rina Papio and Nikki Sevilla (PASS).
The final day featured lectures on youth leadership and underwater heritage conservation, underscoring the importance of empowering the next generation of advocates and protecting fragile marine resources.
Recognizing champions of sustainability
Capping the event was the Sustainable Tourism Appreciation and Recognition (STAR) Awards, which honored individuals, organizations, and communities that have championed green initiatives in tourism and development.
The summit concluded with renewed commitments from both public and private stakeholders to build on these efforts, ensuring that Central Luzon’s growth is anchored on environmental stewardship, cultural pride, and inclusive prosperity.