Olongapo, SBMA Welcome Increased US Forces’ Presence
Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman-Administrator Roberto V. Garcia and Olongapo City Mayor Rolen Paulino have reiterated their stance in favor of increased US Military presence in the country.
Both were guests at the launch of the bi-monthly “Freeport Media Forum” of the Samahan ng Mamamahayag sa Subic Bay Freeport (SMSBF) at Aristocrat Restaurant, Subic Bay.
Paulino said that “as in the past, before the US Naval Base in Subic shut down in 1992, more US ships mean more dollars being infused to the local economy.”
Negotiations are ongoing between the Philippines and the US for an Enhanced Defense Agreement (EDA) in the face of China’s continuing aggression in occupying Philippine territories in the West Philippines Sea.
The EDA is expected to be signed by President Benigno S. Aquino and US President Barrack who is set to visit the Philippines this month in the course of an Asian tour.
Chairman Garcia for his part said the Freeport is undergoing sprucing up activities of its facilities and leisure business establishments for the rest and recreation activities of the visitors.
Mayor Paulino told the local media group that his administration is undertaking a massive river rehabilitation project in the city and once these bodies of water are desilted, residents and visitors alike will be able to take a boat cruise along the Kalaklan area through the man made channel up to the river that flows from Kalalake to Marikit Park.
He cited that mall developer SM Prime Holdings is assisting the city in developing a river cruise similar to the Baguio City Burnham Park experience.
Moreover, Paulino had already mobilized the city’s major operating departments like the police, tourism, health barangays and social welfare units to prepare for the coming of US sailors whom he refers to as tourists.
SBMA on the other hand, has acquired eight brand new mobile patrol vehicles to provide security and monitoring of the visiting servicemen while at liberty at the Freeport secured areas. (VVV)
