April 6, 2026

Philippines looking into setting up Bio-Safe facility in Subic Freeport

The Philippines' Department of Agriculture (DA) is exploring the establishment of a Bio-Safe examination facility inside the Subic Freeport, to bolster the country's defenses against agricultural smuggling and prevent the spread of animal diseases.

In a statement, the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) said officials from the DA-Inspectorate and Enforcement Unit (DA-IE), led by Undersecretary Carlos Carag, met with SBMA representatives to discuss the proposed facility.

During the meeting, SBMA chief of staff Von Rodriguez briefed the visiting officials on the freeport's layout and logistics, while identifying potential sites for the Bio-Safe center.

The facility is part of the government's ₱1 billion (US$17.9 million) Bio-Safe biosecurity programme for 2026, which aims to inspect agricultural products before they reach the country's ports and undergo processing by the Bureau of Customs.

According to DA-IE, the agency plans to set up Bio-Safe centers at key entry points, including Subic Freeport, Manila International Container Terminal, and the Port of Davao during the programme's initial phase.

The initiative seeks to strengthen border controls, curb agricultural smuggling, and prevent disruptions in food supply that could trigger price spikes.

It will also guard against transboundary animal diseases, such as African swine fever and avian influenza.

The DA said the Bio-Safe programme will reinforce border checks and protect the agricultural sector from smuggling, contamination and economic shocks.

- Inquirer