SUBIC BAY FREEPORT ZONE (PIA) — The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority strengthened values-based leadership and cooperation among Freeport stakeholders by convening faith leaders and officials for collective reflection on governance and public service.
This initiative emphasized the role of faith and moral guidance in decision-making as SBMA and its partners carry out programs affecting businesses, workers and communities within and around the Subic Bay Freeport Zone.
SBMA Chairperson and Administrator Eduardo Jose Aliño said grounding leadership in faith helps guide policies and actions toward the public good.
“This Prayer Breakfast is our humble acknowledgement that every plan, every decision, and every success must begin with faith and surrender to His will,” he said.
Aliño added that the gathering also served as a pause for leaders to seek guidance amid their responsibilities and challenges.
“Amid our responsibilities and challenges, we pause to seek God’s wisdom, strength, and guidance. We come together as one community, different in roles and beliefs, yet united in our trust in the One who leads, protects, and provides,” the official futhered.
Religious leaders representing different sectors, including San Roque Chaplain Father Emmanuel Montes, Saalam Advocacy Group Chapter President Ustadz Sam Maharum, and Bishop Noel Pantoja of the Evangelical Church, led an ecumenical prayer to underscore inclusivity and mutual respect.
Subic Bay Freeport Prayer Breakfast draws its framework from the Philippine National Prayer Breakfast, which brings together leaders from government, business and faith sectors to promote unity, integrity and service in public leadership.
The Philippine National Prayer Breakfast was founded in 1975 by Gil Puyat and Francisco Ortigas Jr. and was inspired by the U.S. National Prayer Breakfast.
Its most recent gathering was held on Nov. 18, 2024, led by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.
First held in January 2025, the Freeport prayer gathering will continue annually as part of its efforts to encourage collaboration, ethical leadership, and shared responsibility for sustainable development. (CLJD/RGP, PIA Region 3-Zambales)
