Gordon leads reunion of Subic volunteers

By Bebot Sison Jr. - The Philippine Star

SUBIC BAY FREEPORT — Sen. Richard Gordon expressed confidence yesterday that officials and employees of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) would continue the spirit of volunteerism that has moved Subic to greater heights after the US military pulled out 14 years ago.

Reuniting with thousands of volunteers in commemorating Volunteers Day here, Gordon led the unfurling of the Philippine flag — and the first SBMA flag — in yesterday’s ceremonies.

"Today is a very important day for us and I have come here to show my trust and confidence in the present leaders of Subic," said Gordon, who served as the first SBMA chairman from 1992 to 1998.

"I know they would continue the good deeds we have started and I am very happy," he added.

Gordon reminded SBMA officials of the need to make the Subic Bay Freeport more competitive as an investment and industrial center.

He recalled that the Singaporean trade minister told him that they are taking a keen interest in developments in Subic Bay because it is the only place in the Philippines that could compete with Singapore.

"We need to push our country forward," Gordon said. "With the help of Administrator Armand Arreza, Chairman Feliciano Salonga and the employees of SBMA, with the spirit of volunteerism, we could regain the glory of what was Subic."

For his part, Salonga thanked Gordon and the volunteers "who have established the bedrock of unselfish and courageous labor" in Subic.

"I can see in your faces the exultation as we collectively renew our commitment to make the Subic Bay Freeport Asia’s best in service and logistics, and industry and tourism," he said.

"The volunteers’ dreams still live on in the heart of the present-day workers of SBMA, inspiring them as deeply as the time when the battle cry to protect and preserve to prosper was first sounded," he added.

As part of its 14th anniversary celebration, the SBMA has lined up a wide array of events that kicked off yesterday.

Aside from the grand reunion of former volunteers, there were parades and an evening concert featuring some of the country’s top bands, said Arreza, who also served as an SBMA volunteer during the Gordon administration.

Arreza said, "There is a lot to be thankful for in this year’s anniversary celebration." He cited over $1.3 billion in fresh capital from foreign direct investments which the Subic Bay Freeport had generated from January to September this year.

"It’s a banner year for the SBMA. We have accounted for 81 percent of the total investments generated in the whole country and with the good flow of business we are expecting to generate $1.8 billion by the end of the year," he said.

"In a year of my stay here in Subic, I am happy to note that the Freeport is starting to regain its strength and investors are beginning to trust us again, like what the Koreans and Chinese did," he added.

After a brief program and speeches from former SBMA officials yesterday, Gordon and the former volunteers visited the Volunteers Shrine to offer prayers of commitment, flowers and koi fish, after which they proceeded to Tappan Park to unveil a commemorative marker.

A grand parade around the Freeport Zone and Olongapo City was also held starting at 3 p.m. to signal SBMA’s 14th anniversary celebration.