Ex-Subic workers reunite in 4th of July celebration

By Bebot Sison Jr. - The Philippine Star

SUBIC BAY FREEPORT — The Philippine and United States national flags will fly high once again here when thousands of workers of this former US naval base join the Filipino-American Friendship Day celebration tomorrow.

"This is the right moment to reminisce the valor of the Filipino and American soldiers, some of whom are our friends or relatives, who sacrificed their lives during the war to ensure us the peace and freedom that we enjoy today," said Armand Arreza, administrator and chief executive officer of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA).

"But their friendship did not end after the war in 1945. Filipino civilian employees helped in the operation of the Subic naval base, the biggest US military installation outside the US mainland," he added.

At least 26,000 Filipino workers performed various tasks such as building and ground maintenance, ship repair, restaurant and hotel operation, law enforcement, and fire and medical staff, among other things, in the former US base.

After the Philippine Senate voted 12-0 in 1991 rejecting US military presence in the country, the American troops pulled out from Subic — and Clark Field in Pampanga, too — formally ending 92 years of US military presence on Philippine soil.

By virtue of Republic Act 7227 sponsored by then Bataan first district Rep. Felicito Payumo, the Subic Bay Freeport and Special Economic Zone was created under the management of the SBMA, turning the former US military facility into a civilian commercial-industrial complex.

Then Olongapo City mayor, now Sen. Richard Gordon was appointed SBMA chairman. He persuaded thousands of former base workers to volunteer in securing and maintaining all properties left behind by the Americans. Residents of Olongapo, Bataan and Zambales responded to his call.

Today, the former Subic naval base-turned-bustling economic hub, known as the Subic Bay Freeport, is a favorite destination of local and foreign tourists and investors.

"As we celebrate this historical day when Filipinos and Americans sealed the perpetual friendship between their respective countries, it will be also be the day for former base employees to say hello to their former co-workers," said lawyer Ferdinand Hernandez, SBMA deputy administrator for administration.

The Fourth of July celebration, according to Hernandez, should be a special day for everyone as it will serve as a reunion for all former American and Filipino base workers, while promoting greater friendship with the foreign nationals staying in the Freeport and nearby areas.

As part of the celebration, there will be performances by the Bongo band, whose lead vocalist is Olongapo City Mayor James Gordon Jr. himself, as well as by the Anna International Performers and the Philippine Air Force band.

The public will enjoy music from the 50s to the 80s from the Flintstones and the Gang, and the Oldies But Goodies Band, while Amerasians will perform special numbers.

The celebration will start with a motorcade around Olongapo City and will culminate with a fireworks display at the Boardwalk.