San Diego's port authority has formalized a sister port agreement with a Philippine maritime organization, marking the fourth such international partnership for the regional waterfront agency.
Officials from the Port of San Diego and the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority signed a collaborative agreement on October 15 at a ceremony attended by local Filipino community leaders and government representatives. The memorandum establishes a framework for the two organizations to pursue joint trade ventures, share operational expertise, and work together on matters of mutual interest.
According to Port of San Diego Board Chair Ann Moore, the relationship supports the agency's focus on international collaboration and economic strength. Board Commissioner GilAnthony Ungab noted the partnership will help deepen connections with the Philippines while creating pathways for import and export cargo ventures across Asia.
The Subic Bay facility operates on the western coast of Luzon Island in an area previously used as a U.S. military installation. Today it functions as a commercial hub with cargo terminals, cruise ship docking, shipyards, foreign trade zones, hospitality facilities, marinas, dining establishments, conservation areas, recreation sites, and an airport—mirroring many of the Port of San Diego's own operations.
This marks San Diego's fourth sister port relationship following previous agreements with Sasebo, Japan in 1982, Ensenada, Mexico in 2004, and Nanjing, China in 2012. The Port of San Diego oversees 34 miles of bay waterfront across five cities and operates without tax revenue, funding public services through its diverse business portfolio.