'Gapo agog with 6-day visit of US sub

SUBIC BAY FREEPORT - Residents and businessmen here have a reason to be merry as they welcomed the arrival of the US Navy submarine USS Ashville which docked here yesterday for a six-day port call.

Some hopefuls who regard the ratification of the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) as a "gift from heaven" to Olongapo folks said that the visit "may be the beginning of steady arrivals of ships, just like in the old days."

"Since last week, I've heard the entertainment sectors of Subic Bay Freeports and Olongapo City have been planning for a grand welcome," said Roberto Pangalangan, a Subic businessman.

He said he heard from an Olongapo businessman that Magsaysay entertainment district would be lighted during the vessel's visit.

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA), on the other hand, has lined up a series of events dubbed as "Sabik Sa Subic Festival."

This included cultural shows and on-the-street dancing which features top bands from Manila. A bikini open competition is scheduled for tonight's events.

The 362 feet, 6,000-ton nuclear-powered submarine is now docked at the Alaya pier inside the compound of the former Ship Repair Facility (SRF). It is the second submarine to visit Port of Subic since VFA took effect, the first being USS Sta. Fe that came last December.

In a statement, SBMA Chairman Felicito Payumo said Subic will remain hospitable to the more or less 150 US Navy personnel who will be here not just for rest and recreation "but to indulge in various community projects in component towns of the Freeport."

"The big difference is that they used to be here as part of the US military base but now, they are coming here as our guests. We would like them to have an enjoyable and peaceful stay as possible," he said.

US Navy Commander Kerry Ingalls, for his part, said that the visit is part of "the long tradition of friendship, mutual cooperation and goodwill between the US and Philippine government."

According to Capt. Leo MacGinn, US defense attache to the Philippines, the visit would also include series of conference and workshops with the Philippine Navy at the former US naval station in San Antonio, Zambales.

"The submarine crew will likewise assist in the rehabilitation of a public school in Dinalupihan, Bataan, as part of its community project," he said.