SUBIC BAY FREEPORT — The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) held a Subic Bay Freeport (SBF) Prayer Breakfast for leaders from various religious sectors in communities surrounding the Freeport at the Mini Golf Course on 6 January 2025.

SBMA Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño said the activity underscored the importance of faith in leadership and governance.

“This Prayer Breakfast is our humble acknowledgement that every plan, every decision, and every success must begin with faith and surrender to His will,” Aliño said.

“Amid our responsibilities and challenges, we pause to seek God’s wisdom, strength, and guidance. We come together as one community. Different in roles and beliefs, yet united in our trust in the One who leads, protects, and provides,” he added.

Among those who attended the prayer breakfast were San Roque Chaplain Father Emmanuel Montes, Saalam Advocacy Group chapter president Ustadz Sam Maharum, and Bishop Noel Pantoja of the Evangelical Church.

The SBF Prayer Breakfast is patterned after the Philippine National Prayer Breakfast, an annual gathering of leaders from government, business, and faith communities at Malacañang Palace to pray for the nation, emphasizing faith, unity, integrity, and service.

The Philippine National Prayer Breakfast was inspired by the U.S. National Prayer Breakfast and was founded by Gil Puyat and Francisco Ortigas Jr. in 1975. Its most recent, the 49th edition, was held on 18 November 2024, and was led by Ferdinand Marcos Jr..

The SBF Prayer Breakfast serves as a platform for leaders and local governments to set aside political and ideological differences, come together in prayer, and seek guidance for the nation’s progress.

Chairman Aliño concluded, “As we move forward into the year ahead, may God bless the work in our hands, guide the leaders of this Freeport Zone, and grant us clarity in every decision we make. May this time of prayer renew our commitment to the greater good; not only for the Subic Bay Freeport Zone, but for the people and communities we are called to serve.”