SBMA bent on giving Subic a facelift

Subic Port. FILE PHOTO

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) is bent on revitalizing the tourism industry at the Subic Bay Freeport and bring it at par with other popular tourist attractions found in Singapore and Guam.

In a statement, SBMA chair Roberto Garcia explained that, under “Operation Facelift” program, the agency hopes to restore the natural beauty of Subic, long known for its lush natural resources like rainforests, pristine beaches and native wildlife.

The SBMA’s tourism development program will also make use of technology to enhance and preserve Subic’s resources, for example, by replacing the existing grass with the “frog grass” variety, and planting particular types of trees that require little maintenance.

“As years went by, some of the structures and spaces seem to have been neglected or left unattended, and have become eyesores,” Garcia said, citing the reason why the SBMA started the program.

“We hope that volunteers from companies, civic organizations and schools, as well as residents, will help us in painting street curbs, planting trees and flowering plants, repainting building walls, and cleaning the streets,” Garcia added.

He likewise urged business locators and residents of the freeport to support the beautification drive by keeping their areas orderly and clean.

With its natural and man-made attractions, Subic was named the “Premier Convention Capital of Central Luzon” by the Department of Tourism in October 2012.

In December 2012, Subic was also identified by the DOT as one of the top destinations in the country, due to the quality of its facilities and high level of tourist arrivals. Amy R. Remo