MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Navy and Globalport Terminals Inc. (GTI) have signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) establishing Globalport as an Affiliated Reserve Unit (ARU) of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, strengthening cooperation between the military and the private maritime sector.
The agreement was signed by FOIC Jose Maria Ambrosio Ezpeleta, Flag Officer in Command of the Philippine Navy, and Sheila Romero, Chairman of Globalport Terminals Inc., with Milka Romero, Director of Globalport Terminals Inc., signing as witness.
The partnership allows the Philippine Navy to utilize Globalport’s nationwide network of port terminals as logistical hubs for Civil–Military Operations (CMO) and Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Response (HADR).
Under the agreement, Globalport ports may serve as operational staging areas for naval and humanitarian missions, enabling the rapid deployment of personnel, equipment, and relief supplies during disasters and national emergencies.
The MOA also provides that selected port facilities may be converted into forward naval operating bases and command centers when needed, allowing the Navy to expand its operational reach across key maritime corridors in the archipelago.
With the continuing modernization of the Philippine Navy and the acquisition of additional naval vessels, Globalport’s network of ports can also accommodate naval ships and provide ancillary services and logistical support, including docking, cargo handling, resupply, and other maritime support services necessary to sustain naval operations.
Founded in 2012 by former Deputy Speaker Mikee Romero, Globalport Terminals Inc. has grown into one of the country’s major port operators. The company previously operated major port facilities including Manila North Harbour and Harbour Centre, both key maritime gateways in Manila.
Today, Globalport operates several major baseport terminals across Luzon and strategic ports across the Visayas and Mindanao, forming a nationwide maritime logistics network.
These include Matnog Port in Sorsogon; Tacloban Port in Leyte; Tagbilaran Port in Bohol; Pulupandan Port and Banago Port in Negros Occidental; Zamboanga Port in Zamboanga del Sur; Davao Port in Davao del Sur; Ozamiz Port in Misamis Occidental; Iligan Port in Lanao del Norte; Nasipit Port in Agusan del Norte; Surigao Port in Surigao del Norte; and Opol Port in Misamis Oriental.
Sheila Romero, Chairman of Globalport Terminals Inc., emphasized the company’s commitment to supporting national security and disaster preparedness.
“Globalport is honored to partner with the Philippine Navy in this important initiative. Our ports serve as vital gateways connecting communities across the archipelago, and through this partnership we are ready to support humanitarian assistance, disaster response, and civil–military operations while helping strengthen the country’s maritime security.”
The establishment of the Globalport Affiliated Reserve Unit highlights the growing role of public–private partnerships in national defense, disaster resilience, and maritime security, ensuring that key maritime infrastructure can support both civilian and military operations when needed.
The signing ceremony was attended by senior officers of the Philippine Navy led by FOIC Jose Maria Ambrosio Ezpeleta, together with his Vice Commander Major General Edwin Amadar, NAVRESCOM Commander Major General Doroteo Jalandoni, Captain Edwin Ello, and N9 Chief Captain Jun Sales, along with other senior naval officers.
