The Philippine Navy (PN) and port operator Globalport Terminals Inc. (GTI), which has major facilities in the Visayas and Mindanao, have signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) which seeks to establish an "affiliated reserve unit" within the company.

The Navy said the MOA was signed by PN chief Vice Admiral Jose Maria Ambrosio Ezpeleta and GTI chairperson Sheila Marie Romero at the PN headquarters in Naval Station Jose Andrada, Manila recently.

"The agreement aims to establish an affiliated reserve unit within GTI to support national defense and ensure the continuity of critical port operations during times (of) national emergency. In partnership with the Armed Forces of the Philippines, GTI personnel will be organized and trained as part of the reserve force," Navy public affairs chief Capt. Marie Angelica Sisican said.

The partnership highlights GTI’s role in maritime and port operations, with its terminals supporting the logistical and operational requirements of the PN while strengthening civil–military cooperation.

“Your commitment to partnering with your PN reflects our shared vision aimed at advancing our maritime nation’s development for the benefit of the present and future generations of Filipinos,” Ezpeleta said.

The Navy said the activity reflects the continuing partnership between the institution and its partners in strengthening national resilience, enhancing maritime security and ensuring the sustained operation of critical port infrastructure in support of the country’s development and defense efforts.

“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,” said Romero.

Founded in 2012 by former House 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.

Globalport operates several major baseport terminals in 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.