The Philippines is urging the United States to consider Subic’s Agila Subic shipyard as a potential site for building US Navy warships, amid Washington’s plan to expand its fleet over the next 30 years.
Philippine Ambassador to the US Jose Manuel Romualdez said Thursday that the former Hanjin Subic Shipyard, now operated as a multi-use facility by Cerberus Capital Management, could play a role in the US shipbuilding revival effort.
“(The US) wants to increase their shipbuilding industry… ours is already operating right now,” Romualdez said, noting that proposals have been raised in past Pentagon meetings.
The shipyard, projected to employ 4,000 workers by 2025, currently hosts major tenants, including HD Hyundai Heavy Industries Philippines, set to be fully operational next year.
Romualdez also encouraged US stakeholders to expand defense industrial partnerships with the Philippines, including ammunition and drone manufacturing plants, stressing that “economic strength is the foundation of strategic strength.”
US Ambassador MaryKay Carlson said defense and security ties are expected to continue on a “positive upward trajectory” in the coming years.
The remarks came during the US–ASEAN Business Council’s largest business mission to the Philippines, which brought 35 US companies from August 11–14, alongside an Aerospace, Defense, and Security Mission involving 26 firms in the sector.