Marcos eyes PH as major shipbuilder with Cerberus-Hyundai partnership

President Ferdinand ''Bongbong'' Marcos Jr. on Tuesday expressed confidence that the partnership between Cerberus and HD Hyundai would help make the Philippines one of the biggest shipbuilders in the world. 

Marcos said this as he congratulated the United States-based firm Cerberus and South Korea’s HD Hyundai Heavy Industries on the finalization of their lease agreement on a portion of the Agila Subic Shipyard.

''With this initiative of Cerberus and HD Hyundai, we will have a fresh start and a strong foundation in realizing our vision to be amongst the largest and most consequential shipbuilders in the world,'' Marcos said in his speech. 

''We have established our position as the largest source of competent and able seafarers in the world. The next logical step for us is to ensure that the ships run by Filipinos can also be made by Filipinos,'' he added. 

Marcos said the partnership would not only generate jobs but will also enable the transfer of critical skills and improve the country’s position in the global market.

The President further lauded Cerberus for the realization of its plans, including its interest in microelectronics, semiconductors and critical metals.  

The Presidential Communications Office said that after acquiring the Agila Subic Shipyard in 2022, the firm has not only worked on revitalizing the shipyard but has also helped the Philippine Navy establish a world-class operating base.—LDF, GMA Integrated News