SBMA celebrates weeklong Arbor Day

SUBIC BAY FREEPORT — The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) kicked off its weeklong celebration of Subic Bay Arbor Day 2025 with the opening ceremony held at the Harbor Point Ayala Mall Promenade on Monday.

Dubbed “Kanian Tiawan, Kanian Biag, Kanian Biay” in Ayta Ambala dialect, or “Our Forest, Our Home, Our Life” in English, the celebration will end on June 27.

SBMA chief of staff Von Rodriguez, and Department of Trade and Industry Zambales provincial director Enrique Tacbad joined SBMA Ecology Center officer in charge Rossell Abuyo during the ribbon-cutting ceremony that jump-started the series of events.

The Subic Bay Arbor Day will feature an expo at the Harbor Point Ayala Mall from June 23 to 27, a Bamboo Nursery will be launched at the El Kabayo forest area on June 24 and Tiawon Talks will host online lectures on June 26.

Other events include the Carbon Mo Capture Mo Photography Contest on June 27 and the Magtanum Kitamo Arbor Day tree-planting activity at the Mulawin-Bayakan Reforestation Site on June 27.

Speaking on behalf of SBMA Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose Aliño, Rodriguez said that the agency is taking vital steps to achieve a carbon-neutral zone here in Subic Bay Freeport.

He added that the agency is holding the annual event diligently to ensure that the environment here is well taken care of.

Subic Bay Freeport boasts a well-preserved natural environment, offering a scenic backdrop for businesses and a place where nature and productivity intersect. The area is naturally sheltered from typhoons due to its mountain ranges and deep harbor.

The SBMA is actively engaged in environmental management, including waste management and conservation efforts. 

Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority chief of staff Atty. Von Rodriguez joins Department of Trade and Industry-Zambales provincial director Enrique Tacbad and SBMA Ecology Center officer in charge Rossell Abuyo during the ceremonial cutting of the ribbon that kicked off the weeklong celebration of the Subic Bay Arbor Day on June 23, 2025 at the Ayala Malls Harbor Point Promenade in Subic Bay Freeport. PHOTO BY MAHATMA RANDY DATU