j) ---- History and Culture in SUBIC BAY
Subic Bay was first used as a port in any significant way in the 17th Century by the defending Spaniards whom realised its deep safe waters would make an ideal safe harbour for its fleets.
In 1885 it became a naval base and in 1898 the Americans set up a naval repair and supply base in Subic after taking control of the Philippines from the Spanish.
Until 1932 it could only be reached by sea until roads were constructed to make Subic accessable from other parts of the Philippines by land.
After sometime in Japanese hands during which many air and sea battles were conducted , the USA took control back in 1945 and because of the many scuttled and bombed ships and aricraft that were shot down during the battles that were waged , it is now a favourite area for divers to explore these wrecks.
During the Vietneam war Subic was a valuble strategic base for USA operations throughout Asia.
Although the USA has no interests in Subic as a base it has progressed to be an important FreePort Zone with duty free shopping and International trade.
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