US warship docks in Subic

SUBIC BAY FREEPORT — Visiting American servicemen aboard the American frigate, USS Vandegrift which docked here yesterday for a four-day port visit, cited the remarkable development converting the former US Naval base into a progressive commercial and industrial Freeport zone.

Commanding officer Robert Donner said that Subic Freeport served as model in transforming military facilities into commercial usage particularly the airport and seaport facilities, tourism sites, industrial plant projects creating thousands of jobs for residents in neighboring communities affected by the base pull-out.

"I’ve been here before and I’m glad to be back to see the inspiring development going on in this place. It is really impressive," Donner told Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman Felicito Payumo who welcomed them in a courtesy call in his office.

Payumo briefed the US Navy officers about the developments of Subic Freeport, including the on-going development of world-class sea port facilities and the plan of the government to construct a road that would link Subic and former Clark Air base in Angeles City.