SUBIC BAY FREEPORT – To pay tribute and honor in recognition of his invaluable contributions to the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) for the past six years as administrator and Chief Executive Officer, the management, staff and employees of this agency held a send-off rites dubbed “Salamat-Mabuhay” for Administrator Armand C. Arreza during a special flag-raising ceremony Monday morning.
Selected personnel composed of the 1st and 2nd platoons of the SBMA Law Enforcement Department (LED) led by Police General Orlando Maddela Jr., honored Arreza with a “pass and review” accompanied by a marching performance of the SBMA Brass Band.
In his message, Arreza thanked the more than 3,000 employees of SBMA for all the support accorded to him during his six-year stint as administrator in this institution.
“I considered myself privileged and very lucky, and indeed I am humbled to thank you for all the support you have given me. I was given rare honor and privilege of being able to serve with all of you here in this institution, and I am sure you will continue your best so that SBMA will continue to shine in the future,” Arreza said.
In behalf of the agency, SBMA Chairman Roberto V. Garcia presented Arreza a plaque of appreciation in recognition of his extraordinary leadership as administrator and CEO of SBMA for the past six years.
“The agency recognized an extraordinary leader and guide who has instilled in our mind and passion to innovate, to excel and to serve without loosing sight our common vision and goal,” Garcia said.
“In gratitude to a man whose concern for our welfare and that of our families, whose compassion and care to our people, his random and consistent acts of kindness touched many lives.
In appreciation of a dynamic chief executive, his vision and counsel have illuminated our path, a major significant impact in the growth and transformation of our beloved agency and institution, the development of our stakeholders and communities and our journey as individuals and as a team,” Garcia added.
Arreza assumed office as SBMA administrator on September 19, 2005, but he started working as a volunteer on May 3, 1993 under then Chairman Richard Gordon.
“If I was appointed in 2005, I don’t think I could have done a better job as he (Arreza) did. Before his term, SBMA is begging people to come here and invest but nobody was interested at SBMA. Now, SBMA has been transformed into a thriving, successful freeport,” Garcia said.
He also sought the support of the employees in building the success of SBMA.
“As we bid to the successes of Arreza and former Chairman Feliciano Salonga, the new board of directors and I ask you, if you gave 110 percent to them in the past, I will ask you to give 120 percent so that we can even bring SBMA to a better place,” Garcia added.
As to who will be the new administrator of SBMA, the employees expect the announcement anytime this week.
