SUBIC BAY FREEPORT — The Port of Subic and the Port of San Diego will establish a sister-port partnership on Oct. 15, 2026, to explore trade and cargo opportunities, strengthen cruise tourism and promote environmentally sustainable port operations.
The agreement, to be formalized in San Diego, California, will provide a framework for the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) and the US port to exchange expertise, develop business opportunities and improve port competitiveness.
SBMA Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño said the partnership would help both ports identify potential cargo routes, logistics initiatives and other commercial opportunities to strengthen maritime links between Subic Bay and California.
“A central focus of our collaboration will be the expansion of trade and commercial cargo services,” Aliño said, noting that the arrangement would allow the two ports to explore opportunities to expand their commercial connections.
The partnership will also cover cruise tourism, with both sides sharing practices in cruise operations, passenger handling, port services and tourism infrastructure.
For Subic, the exchange is expected to help improve its capacity to accommodate cruise operations and enhance services for passengers and cruise operators, supporting the Freeport’s position as a tourism destination.
Environmental sustainability will be another priority, particularly the adoption of cleaner port operations, energy efficiency measures and emissions-reduction initiatives.
The Port of San Diego’s experience in green port technologies and environmental programs will provide a reference for SBMA in identifying practices that could be adapted to Subic’s operating requirements.
Ronnie Yambao, SBMA senior deputy administrator for port operations, said the agreement would also strengthen professional ties among port officials, shipping and logistics companies, and tourism stakeholders through knowledge-sharing and industry exchanges.
“Positioned as a major maritime and logistics hub in the Philippines, Subic Bay stands to gain significantly from broadened international partnerships,” Yambao said.
The agreement forms part of SBMA’s efforts to expand its international port network and identify opportunities in cargo development, cruise tourism and sustainable port management.
In February 2026, SBMA signed a similar sister-port agreement with the Port of Kaohsiung in Taiwan. The agency is also planning a sister-port agreement with the Port of Antwerp-Bruges in Belgium in May 2027.
The planned partnerships are intended to strengthen Subic Bay’s international maritime connections while supporting trade development, tourism and the modernization of port operations.