The Port of San Diego and the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) signed a memorandum of understanding Oct. 15 to establish a sister-port partnership aimed at expanding trade, sharing expertise and promoting sustainable port development.

The agreement was signed during a ceremony attended by SBMA officials and local leaders from the Filipino community.

The partnership will provide opportunities for the two ports to exchange knowledge on port operations, trade, supply chain resilience and environmental stewardship. It also aims to strengthen professional and community ties through exchanges involving port officials, maritime industry representatives and organizations in shipping, logistics and tourism.

Subic Bay, on the western coast of Luzon, is a former U.S. military base that has been redeveloped for commercial use. Its operations include cargo and cruise services, shipbuilding facilities, foreign trade zones, hotels, marinas, restaurants, wildlife preserves, recreational facilities and an airport.

“Positioned as a major maritime and logistics hub in the Philippines, Subic Bay stands to gain significantly from broadened international partnerships,” said Ronnie Yambao, SBMA senior deputy administrator for port operations. He said the agreement with San Diego could expand SBMA’s international network and create opportunities in cargo, cruise tourism and sustainable port development.

Port of San Diego Board of Port Commissioners Chair Ann Moore said the partnership reflects the port’s commitment to innovation through international cooperation, with potential benefits for economic resilience beyond the two waterfronts.

Commissioner GilAnthony Ungab said the agreement could strengthen ties with the Philippines, expand collaboration on import and export cargo opportunities in Asia, and facilitate the exchange of best practices in sustainable port development, supply chain resilience and environmental protection.

Subic Bay is the Port of San Diego’s fourth sister-port partner. Previous agreements were established with Sasebo, Japan, in 1982; Ensenada, Mexico, in 2004; and Nanjing, China, in 2012.