SBMA names environment officers

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) has established environment officers in its various departments and operational units to bring together employees and workers in the Subic Bay Freeport in a collaborative effort to make this economic zone more environment-friendly.

The environment advocates banded together to form the SBMA Environmental Officers’ Organization (SEOO), which is envisioned to be the leading advocate for a sustainable environment in Subic Bay Freeport.

The officers of SEOO recently took their oath of office before SBMA Chairman Roberto Garcia, who expressed his appreciation to the members of the organization for “going out of their official functions for the sake of environmental protection.”

“We need to be more aware of our environment, and our task goes down from the simplest of things as keeping the environment clean to preserving it and improving it, too,” Garcia reminded the group.

“For this very important task, you would be in the forefront as prime movers,” he added.

Those who were inducted as SEOO officers are: Loreto Abella of the Public Health & Safety Department, who was elected president; Jun Sarmiento, of the Office of the Deputy Administrator for Finance, vice president; Arlene Pangilinan, of Public Relations Department, secretary; Angie Nafarrete, of Airport Department, treasurer; Jay Sanggalang, of the Financial Control Department, auditor; and Ruben Veloria, of the Media Production Department, public relations officer. Forester Patrick Escusa of the Ecology Center was chosen as head of the Secretariat.

Among the stated goals of the SEOO is the promotion of positive environmental awareness in the conservation and preservation of nature within the Freeport and its environs.

The group also endeavors to encourage the wise use of resources through reducing, reusing, and recycling (3R’s); launch environment-related activities and projects that will increase awareness of​ the importance of a healthy environment in the work place, home​,​ and community; and engage in environmental projects such as reforestation, as well as environmental and safety compliance audits​.

Aside from aiming to be the leading advocate for sustainable environment in Subic Bay Freeport, the SEOO also seeks to serve as role model for similar organizations around the country.

For its initial projects, the SEOO is planning to lead the first Arbor Day celebration in the free port this year, launch an environmental songwriting competition, and organize a counterpart group in the private sector. (ADP/MPD-SBMA)

PHOTO:
Officers of the SBMA Environmental Officers’ Organization take their oath of office before SBMA Chairman Roberto V. Garcia on May 27. (AMD/MPD-SBMA)