US envoy impressed with Subic

SUBIC BAY FREEPORT — She came, she saw and she was impressed.

"I was very impressed with the Subic I see today. Everything is all activity, business and tourism-wise," said US Ambassador Kristie Anne Kenney during her recent visit to this special economic zone which used to be a US military base.

"This place is fabulous. It has such a beautiful setting and is very phenomenal in its vision to be at par with the fast-changing world," she added.

Kenney, who came with a group of US Embassy officials, was met by top executives of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority led by chairman Feliciano Salonga, administrator and chief executive officer Armand Arreza and senior deputy administrator for operations Gen. Jose Calimlim.

The SMBA officials briefed the US ambassador on current projects and other business concerns at the Freeport.

Joining the briefing were Zambales Gov. Vic Magsaysay Jr., first district Rep. Mitos Magsaysay and Olongapo City Mayor James Gordon Jr.

"We are glad that Ambassador Kenney had good words and praises about Subic. Her visit here also boosted the confidence of the American business community here," Arreza told The STAR.