UPDATE: Former U.S. Base Workers in Historic Grand Reunion
SUBIC BAY – Some 22 years since the American pull-out from Subic Naval Base, then the largest US military installation outside its mainland, a grand reunion of former employees has been set on 16-22 March 2014.
“The reunion will be the very first ever gathering of all former employees from all activities or commands of the former US Base,” said Ernesto “Ernie” Tawatao, chair of the grand reunion executive committee and a former base employee from COMUSNAVPHIL (Command US Navy Philippines).
“It’s about time to get organized and ensure that people will not forget the men and women of Subic Naval Base who once were the pride of Filipinos, epitome of good work ethics and skills par excellance,” he added.
BASE WORKERS’ WEEK
According to Tawatao, the plan is to make the reunion an annual event, a plan firmed-up by the Olongapo City Council Resolution no. 89, series of 2013, declaring March 16-22, 2014 “Subic Bay Naval Base Workers Week and Every Third Week Of March Every Year Therafter.”
Passed unanimously by all members of the city council present, namely, councilors Eyrma Yvette Marzan-Estrella, Aquilino Y. Cortez Jr., Benjamin C. Cajudo II, Noel Y. Atienza, Edna A. Elane, Eduardo G. Guerrero, Elena C. Dabu, Alreuela Bundang-Ortiz, Emerito Linus D. Bacay, Carlito J. Baloy, Dolly Mae M. Ramos and Vice Mayor Rodel S. Cerezo, Mayor Rolen C. Paulino, himself a former base worker, approved and signed the resolution on Sept. 11, 2013.
COMMEMORATIVE MARKER
The planned Grand Reunion has also gained the full support of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) through Chairman & Administrator Roberto V. Garcia who agreed to allot a space in the open lot adjacent to the former Consolidated Civilian Employees Office (CCPO) for a “Commemorative Marker” that will serve as a constant reminder of the base workers who once worked on the US Base.
“The marker is going to be a place where former base employees, their descendants, tourists and guests and future generations may visit any day of the year,” Tawatao explained.
Architect Tony Balde, a member of the Execom has drafted several designs for the marker that will be submitted to the SBMA Board for approval.
A couple of former Commanding Officers (CO) of the Ship Repair Facility (SRF) and Public Works Center (PWC) have confirmed attendance while other former American officers in Subic, including the last head of Subic Naval Base, US Navy Rear Admiral Tomas Mercer, have expressed willingness to attend the Grand Reunion.
ACTIVITIES
Among others, highlight of the week-long activity will be a photo exhibit at Harbor Point, Ayala Mall which will feature old photos of Subic Naval Base and employees; the unveiling of the “Commemorative Marker;” Command Tours and US Ships Tours (subject to presence and security status); Naval Base Shindig (No Host Dinner) Balikbayan Party at Harbor Point; a Sunset Parade from 7th St., Olongapo City to Remy Field to be followed by a Parade and Review of some 300 cadets of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA); a Family Day/Picnic; and, Awards Night.
A one-time registration of P100 per person will entitle the registrant a lei-ID and free access to all the events, except in the Balikbayan Party and PMA Cadets Parade and Review where minimal fees will be charged to cover the expenses for the said events.
Local businesses already operating during the US Base’s presence, among which is Cork Room, a famous folk house at the time along R. Magsaysay Drive that has moved inside the former base’s fenced area along Dewey Ave. with the same folk singers, probably known to most base workers, still entertaining, have pledged to afford “special” treatment and rates to former base workers and family during the Former Base Workers’ Week,
SOUVENIR PROGRAM
A souvenir program which shall feature old photos and highlight the history of the US Naval Base and lives of the base workers and their families will be available for sale at a minimal cost.
Public and private individuals or entities are welcome to place greetings and/or advertisements on the souvenir program at reasonable rates, the proceeds of which shall be used to cover expenses for the Grand Reunion and any left, if at all, shall serve as fund for the former base workers’ association that will be registered at the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).
Having a legal personality via SEC registration, Tawatao explained, will enable the group to obtain support from major business entities in the country, a plus for the succeeding reunions in the future.
Other Grand Reunion 2014 Execom members are Roberto “Bobby” Flores, co-chair and former president of Filipino Civilian Employees Association (FCEA), then the base workers’ labor union; Jack Kingsley, treasurer and former Provost Marshall, US Facility (USFAC); Dolly V. Hernane, secretary and formerly of SRF; and, Vic V. Vizcocho, Jr., public affairs officer and formerly of PWC.
Chairs of various committees and also members of the Execom include Betty Fielder, Edith Espinosa, Sergio Pulgan, Ody Yap, Babes Baldomero, Romy Sitchon, Rey Espiritu, Nap Camba, Rolly Esguerra, Joven Poblete, Judy Padua, Pete Antes, Art Padilla, Lourdes Noble, Tom Eximiniano and Zeny Flores.
Former employees of the US Naval Base, regardless of classification (direct or non-direct hire), and their descendants, including those of the departed, are welcome to take part in the reunion. (Vic V. Vizcocho, Jr.)
