Subic
Bay has been recognised for many centuries as a deep safe
harbour. The Spanish were the first to realise Subic Bay’s
potential, using the bay in the17th century as a port to
defend and maintain the Philippines as past of their empire.
In the following decades the Spanish decided to build a
navy base utilising the safe harbour and its natural resources.
Following the loss by the Spanish to the
US in 1898, the US established a naval repair and supply
base in Subic Bay. Subic Bay was only accessible by sea
up until 1932 when the zig zag road was cut through the
mountains linking Subic Bay and Olongapo to the rest of
the Philippines.
In
1941 Subic Bay was bombed by the Japanese and was held by
them for the next four years, until the US took back the
Philippines in 1945. The control of the navy base returned
to the US. During the two invasions by both the Japanese
and the US, a number of naval ships were either bombed or
scuttled in Subic Bay Philippines. They have now created
an underwater tourist hit, with scuba divers from around
the world enjoying the wrecks in there underwater graveyards.
In the following years the Philippines gained
independence, however the US maintained control of the Subic
naval bases, an agreement was signed between the two countries
giving the US 99 years of free use of the facility. Subic
Bay becomes a strategic site for the US in maintaining a
strong presence in Asia, especially with the outbreak of
the Vietnam war.
In 1991 Olongapo and Subic Bay was covered
in nearly half a metre of ash from the eruption of Mt Pinatubo.
In 1992 the Subic Bay Freeport was created, later that year
the last of the US naval ships left Subic Bay, as the renewal
of the treaty between the two countries was rejected by
the Philippines Senate.
The Subic Bay Freeport Zone is now well
on its way in becoming an economic, commercial and tourist
destination. The Subic Bay Freeport is booming with international
class restaurants and duty free shopping.
Where
is Subic Bay
Subic Bay is located in Zambales Province,
Central Luzon Region or Region III. It is on the west coast
of the main island of Luzon about 120 kilometres north of
the Philippine capital, Manila. The coastal area is surrounded
by mountains with lush impenetrable jungles, ideal for trekking.
The bay opens out into the South China Sea.
