Subic Bay Freeport Zone – The leadership of the United States Sailors Alliance of the Philippines (USSAP) officially inaugurated the monument named ‘Filipino Shipmates’ – a symbol of the dedication of Filipino Sailors recruited by the United States from 1901 to 1991 in the Philippines.
One of the points made by Doce Salazar, Ret. Lieutenant Commander of the United States Navy, the importance of building the said monument as a recognition and tribute to the Filipinos and Americans who fought in the war from 1940 to 1945 in the midst of World War 2 which greatly affected the area of the Subic Bay Freeport Zone and neighboring provinces.
According to USSAP records, about 35,000 Filipino sailors were recruited from 1901 to 1991 as part of the strengthening of relations between the Philippines and the United States. This also includes their mandate to protect civilians against any kind of threat, especially at sea.
The ribbon cutting ceremony was attended by Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority or SBMA Chairman and Administrator Engr. Eduardo Jose L. Alino, Olongapo City Mayor Atty. Rolen Paulino Jr., representatives of USSAP and the US Embassy in Manila.
USSAP is a non-profit organization comprised of Filipino sailors who have served and are currently serving in the US Navy and US Coast Guard. One of their mandates is to provide a platform for all Filipino US Sailors to engage in community service responsibility activities to preserve the legacy of Filipino sailors in the Philippines.
