SUBIC BAY FREEPORT — Officials and employees of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) last week paid their last respects to their former chairman of the agency, RAdm. Feliciano G. Salonga, Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary (PCGA), who passed away last January 29 at the age of 86.
In a necrological service, SBMA officials led by current chairman Roberto Garcia paid tribute to Salonga who headed the Subic agency for six years, from 2006 to 2013.
Former SBMA administrator Armand Arreza, who served with Salonga, was in attendance along with former Zambales governor Vicente Magsaysay and his son, former SBMA director Jesus Victor.
A graduate of the US Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, New York, Salonga held the rank of a Rear Admiral in the PCGA, and organized the PCGA 103rd Squadron (Zambales) in Subic and became its commander.
Among PCGA officials who gave their final salute to their former comrade were Commodore Gerry Reyes, who read a poem in Salonga’s honor; Vice Admiral Jose Lito Aseniero; VAdm Joseph Dy; and VAdm Valentin Prieto.
Salonga’s wife, Luz, received the Philippine flag presented by PCGA officials.
Salonga served as the fourth SBMA chairman and head of agency and was credited with steering the agency towards further development of its maritime business sector. He was known among SBMA employees for his punctuality and colorful language.
Prior to his appointment to the SBMA, Salonga served in various capacities for other maritime-related companies: president and general manager of Philippine Shipyard & Engineering Corp.; vice chairman of the Bataan Shipyard & Engineering Co., Inc.; managing director of Marine Consultancy Division of B.P. Mata & Co., Inc.; marketing director of MLD & Associates, a marine consultancy firm; and executive chairman of Sabah Shipyard Philippines, Inc.
He also became chief of the Aids-to-Navigation Group, PCGA National Command; and a commissioned officer (LT. SG) of the Philippine Navy who at one time served as TF-04 Intelligence Officer, Patrol Force Staff Engineering Officer, and Division 21 Chief Engineering Officer.
In 1998, Salonga was named “Outstanding Professional Achievement Awardee for the year 1998” by the alumni group of his alma mater, the United States Merchant Marine Academy Alumni in Kings Point, New York.
In 1994, he was also awarded a presidential citation by President Fidel V. Ramos for the successful privatization of the Philippine Shipyard & Engineering Corporation in Subic, Zambales.
In 1989, Salonga was named an adopted son of Subic in recognition of his service to the community. A similar honor was bestowed on him on October 24, 2015, when he was made an adopted son of Zambales for his goodwill and support to the people of the province «with the common vision for excellent service and development of the (Subic Bay) Freeport and the Zambales Province.”
Salonga’s remains were buried on February 5.
