A Legacy Anchored: The Filipino Shipmate Monument Unveiled

January 27, 2026January 27, 2026 Vic Vizcocho 0 Comments

By: Noel Joseph V. Vizcocho

Unveiled: Filipino Shipmate Monument Stands watch over West Philippine Sea at Subic Freeport. From Left to Right: USSAP Secretary Noel Vizcocho, Treasurer Earl Arguelles, Vice Chairman Tony Balatbat, Olongapo City Mayor Rolen Paulino Jr, SBMA Chairman & Administrator Eduardo Jose Alino, USSAP Chairman Doce Salazar, CDR Rob Newmeyer of JUSMAG/US Embassy and VA Rep. Joseph Agra led the ribbon cutting & unveiling ceremony of the Filpino Shipmate Monument on January 14. SBNphoto by Vic Lenin Vizcocho

Subic Bay Freeport Zone- A momentous tribute to Filipino-American sailors was unveiled on January 14 with the ribbon cutting ceremony of the Filipino Shipmate Monument here at Subic Freeport. The monument honors the dedication and service of tens of thousands of Filipino American men and women who have proudly served in the United States Navy and Coast Guard from 1901 to the present.
The ceremony brought together veterans, government officials, community leaders, and families to commemorate the enduring legacy of Filipino sailors sacrifices, loyalty and gallantry in defending world peace and freedom. The monument stands as a lasting symbol of gratitude and recognition for their sacrifices and patriotism and will serve as a powerful reminder of the strong friendship and alliance between the Philippines and the United States of America.
Distinguished guest speakers during the event led by CDR Ryan Newmeyer, from the Joint U.S. Military Assistance Group (JUSMAG) Philippines, Olongapo City Mayor Rolen C. Paulino Jr and Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman and Administrator Engr. Eduardo Jose L. Alino, highlighted the historical ties between the Philippines and the U.S. Navy, emphasizing the courage and commitment of Filipino shipmates over more than a century of exemplary and faithful service. The monument also serves as an educational landmark, inspiring future generations to remember and honor the shared heritage and valor of Filipino-American service members.
“These statues embody the collective contributions of Filipino sailors, their sacrifices made far from home, their unwavering loyalty to the United States Armed Forces & their gallantry in the face of adversity,” said Doce Salazar, United States Sailors Alliance of the Philippines (USSAP) Chairman.
The Subic Bay Freeport Zone, with its rich naval history and once the home of the largest overseas American naval base until its closure in 1992, was chosen as the fitting site for the monument , bridging past and present connections between the two nations maritime forces.
The eight feet tall Filipino Shipmate monument modeled after the likeness of Fireman Second Class Telesforo Trinidad, the lone Filipino US sailor who received the Medal of Honor, is the flagship project of the 1000 strong USSAP and will now stand as a proud emblem of friendship, sacrifice, and the unbreakable bond between Filipino sailors and the United States Navy and Coast Guard.