Armie Llamas column:
Mindful Musings
Dear mindful readers,
As your eyes carefully browse through this long read of an article, I hope and pray that you are well and in good health.
This day November 24, 2024, the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) marks its 32nd anniversary, celebrating a phenomenal journey that has transformed Subic Bay from a former United States naval base into a bustling economic zone. Established to manage and oversee the vast 67,452 hectares, with the 14,000 hectares secured and fenced area that hosts much of the development, the SBMA has been pivotal in transforming the region into a booming hub for manufacturing and maritime, tourism, and other industries.
The SBMA was established in 1992 following the withdrawal of U.S. military forces from the Subic Bay Naval Base, by virtue of Republic Act No. 7227 or the Bases Conversion and Development Act of 1992, to oversee the transition of Subic Bay from a military base to a vibrant commercial zone. Since its inception, the SBMA has successfully attracted numerous investments, leading to increased job opportunities and enhanced quality of life for its stakeholders.
The anniversary celebration kicked off with a wreath-laying ceremony at the Volunteers’ Shrine in honor of the 8,000 volunteers who worked tirelessly without remunerations to kickstart operations in the early years of the Subic Bay Freeport Zone.
During the ceremony, SBMA Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño reiterated that the SBMA’s primary mission is to provide jobs and livelihood opportunities for the residents of Olongapo City and nearby communities. This has since become the heart and soul of the Agency.
Following the conduct of the activities at the Shrine was a motorcade of SBMA vehicles adorned with red and blue balloons from the Volunteers’ Shrine to Administration Bldg. 229.
The festivities were even made more meaningful with the formal signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the SBMA and the Inter-Agency Task Force for Maritime Incidents and Emergency Response (IATF – MIER) which consists of the Philippine National Police Maritime Group, the Philippine Coastguard, Bureau of Customs, and the National Mapping and Resource Information or NAMRIA, as well as an MOU on the donation of security equipment from the United States Embassy.
The MOU aims to establish effective procedures and action plans to aid in identifying potential emergencies, provide guidelines for preparedness and response, propose mitigation efforts to minimize environmental impact, and highlight necessary system reviews to ensure the protection of life and property within our navigational waters.
Now, what would the number 1 sports destination that Subic Bay is known for be, without sports as fun games? A basketball tournament participated in by our top SBMA basketball strongmen against the muscle hunks of the Local Government of Subic, Zambales was also held with the latter winning by a few points. ( a few points daw! Haha )
Then came the most awaited and most significant event which breathed new life for Subic Bay Freeport stakeholders – the Inauguration and Blessing of the new Magsaysay Bridge. The event was attended by former SBMA Chairpersons Richard Gordon, Roberto Garcia and now Director of the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) Rolen Paulino, as well as the SBMA Board of Directors and local government officials led by Olongapo City Mayor Atty. Rolen Paulino, Jr.
Quoting SBMA Deputy Administrator Engr. Marco Estabillo from the message he delivered at the inauguration, “The story of the Magsaysay Bridge is one of resilience. Originally constructed in 1958 by the Americans, it served as a vital link for our communities for over six decades. However, by 1999, its load capacity was restricted, and by 2007, its condition had significantly deteriorated. In 2009, safety concerns necessitated its closure to vehicular traffic, leaving a critical gap that remained unresolved for nearly a decade.
It was through the tireless efforts of then-Chairman and Administrator Wilma T. Eisma, with the invaluable support of our beloved Senator Richard Gordon, his colleagues in the Senate such as Senator JV Ejercito, and the steadfast backing of Congress led by then-Congressman Jeffrey D. Khonghun, that funding for this bridge was finally realized in 2018 through the National Government Fund. This pivotal moment transformed what was once a dream into a tangible reality.”
He added, “Despite significant challenges—ranging from the COVID-19 pandemic to underground utilities and unpredictable weather conditions, this project pressed forward with steadfast determination. By 2022, under the guidance of the SBMA Project Management Office, construction gained significant momentum, leading us to where we are today.”
So…what was then playfully referred to as the “Forever Bridge” due to several years of delay but has now been realized and opened to the public, just solidified a famous Pinoy meme that says, “Walang forever.” 😂
Day 2 of the Anniversary activities consisted of the fun run that was largely participated in by SBMA officials and employees, while wrapping the festivities off with a special event for seniors in the afternoon.
With more than 1800 locators and a 163,000-strong workforce, the SBMA has, with resilience, achievement, and forward-thinking strategies, built a legacy on collaboration, sustainability, and community development, and is poised to continue its role as a catalyst for growth in the region.
The SBMA’s 32nd anniversary is not just a celebration of its past achievements but also a reaffirmation of its commitment to progress, sustainability, and community well-being. As the Agency continues to innovate and adapt to the changing economic landscape, it remains a vital player in the development of the country, anchored on the vision of President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr., of an economically independent and viable future for the Subic Bay Freeport Zone, as part of a better, resilient and more progressive Bagong Pilipinas.
Happy anniversary SBMA!
Love and light,
Iamempress22 ♥️