Thursday, March 18, 2010

UBSP HELPS Caravan


Surrounded: People gathered around Mayor James “Bong” Gordon Jr. to express their support and appreciation at the UBSP HELPS Caravan held last March 15, 2010 at the Olongapo City convention Center.

She’s definitely the one


She’s definitely the one: Olongapo First Lady and Zambales Vice-Governor Anne Marie Gordon, who is now running as Congresswoman of the First District of Zambales, sits with UBSP coordinators and beneficiaries at a program held at the Rizal Triangle Covered Court held last March 15, 2010.

City’s Little Achievers


Mayor James “Bong” Gordon Jr. takes time off from his busy schedule at the Olongapo City Hall to personally hand over diplomas to the city’s little achievers at the Brgy. Banicain Day Care Centers I, II, and III Commencement Exercises held last March 15, 2010 headed by the City Social Welfare and Development Office and Brgy. Captain Zar Batapa.

‘’2010 FREE OPERATION TULI’’

The local government of Olongapo City will hold its Annual Summer Program “Operation Tuli” under the leadership of no less than Olongapo City Mayor James “Bong” Gordon, Jr. in partnership with the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) Federation under its president Cheenee F. Hoya.
Mayor Gordon has directed SK Federation President Hoya and other SK Chairmen to confer with their barangay constituents and announce the Free Operation Tuli so that a lot of adolescent male can benefit from the circumcision project of the local government.
Free Operation Tuli aims to give free circumcision procedure to over two thousand (2,000) boys from the seventeen (17) barangays in Olongapo. This yearly endeavor is meant to help parents from the barangays who can't afford to have their sons circumcised in the hospital, private or otherwise. “Ang pondo para sa mga gagamiting gamot at medical supply ay buhat sa SK at local fund,” SK Pres. Cheenee Hoya said.
With the combined efforts of the local government and SK Federation, the City Population Office (POPCOM) headed by Virginia Navarro with the doctors and medical staff of the City Health Office (CHO) headed by Dr. Arnildo Tamayo will perform the procedure with the help of some Red Cross Volunteers.
Schedule of ‘’Free Operation Tuli’’ in the 17 barangay:
BARANGAY DATE

1. ASINAN APRIL 06, 2010
2. BANICAIN APRIL 07, 2010
3. BARRETTO APRIL 08, 2010
4. EAST BAJAC-BAJAC APRIL 12, 2010
5. EAST TAPINAC APRIL 13, 2010
6. GORDON HEIGHTS APRIL 14, 2010
7. KABABAE APRIL 15, 2010
8. KALAKLAN APRIL 16, 2010
9. KALALAKE APRIL 19, 2010
10. MABAYUAN APRIL 20, 2010
11. NEW CABALAN APRIL 21, 2010
12. NEW ILALIM APRIL 22, 2010
13. OLD CABALAN APRIL 23, 2010
14. PAG-ASA APRIL 26, 2010
15. STA. RITA APRIL 27, 2010
16. WEST BAJAC-BAJAC APRIL 28, 2010
17. WEST TAPINAC APRIL 29, 2010

One hundred (100) boys from each barangay will have a chance to benefit from the Free Operation Tuli project on a first-come-first-serve basis. For those interested, they can proceed to the POPCOM Office located at the Ground Floor of the Olongapo City Hall or they may call 222-4003 or contact their respective SK Chairman for slot reservations.

OLONGAPEÑOS CHEER PACMAN’S VICTORY OVER CLOTTEY

As expected, the Olongapo City Convention Center (OCCC) was a full house last Sunday as thousands of viewers rooted for the Pound for Pound King Manny Pacman Paquiao as he pummeled his way to victory over Ghanaian Joshua Clottey.

“Hindi magkamayaw ang mga tao sa loob ng convention center. Bawat suntok na pakawalan ng Pambansang Kamao ay damang-dama ng mga manonood sa OCCC na animo’y nasa Dallas Cowboy Stadium sa Texas din dahil sa malalaking TV screens sa loob at labas ng OCCC na ating inilagay para sa libu-libong taga-suporta ni Pacman dito sa Olongapo,” said Dr. Donald Vigo who has been tasked by Mayor James “Bong” Gordon Jr. to act as Event Coordinator in preparations for the public’s free viewing of Manny Paquiao’s fights.

“Maraming Salamat kay Mayor Bong Gordon at First Lady Anne Marie Gordon, napanood namin ng libre at live ang laban ni Pacman,” wika ni Allan Perez, 21, ng Barangay Pag-asa.

“Si Manny Paquiao ay hindi lamang isang boksingero para sa ating mga Pilipino. Siya ay nagsisilbing larawan ng inspirasyon ng pangarap at pagsisikap. Kaya naman, pinagsisikapan ng pamahalaang lungsod na suporthan ang mga sports at boxing aspirants sa pamamagitan ng mga proyekto katulad ng Paboksing sa mga barangay at libreng panonood ng laban ni Paquiao upang buhayin ang lakas ng loob ng mga nagnanais na may marating sa larangan ng sports,” said Mayor James “Bong”Gordon Jr.

“Karangalan din ng mga Olongapeño na ang nahirang na kumanta ng Pambansang Awit ng Pilipinas sa harap ng buong mundo na nanonood ng laban ni Pacman ay si Arnel Pineda, ang vocalist ng world famous international band na Journey, na nagsimula ng kanyang karera bilang singer dito sa Olongapo,” Mayor Gordon added.

Thursday, March 11, 2010

Thumbs up not enough: Children give their full hi-fives to Mayor James “Bong” Gordon Jr.

ADVOCATES OF EDUCATION


ADVOCATES OF EDUCATION: Mayor James “Bong” Gordon Jr. and Olongapo First Lady and Zambales Vice-Governor Anne Marie Gordon hand out a check amounting to P100,000.00 to representatives of New Cabalan Elementary Schools (OCES) as part of the city government’s school empowerment program that aims to further improve the condition of public education in Olongapo. Beneficiaries of the program are chosen based on the proposals that schools have submitted to the city indicating how they will utilize the fund to boost the quality of education they provide their students.

BASIC EMERGENCY OBSTETRIC AND NEWBORN CARE ORNINANCE OF OLONGAPO CITY

According to the Department of Health (DOH), almost four thousand six hundred (4,600) women die giving birth each year translating into ten (10) mothers dying and leaving more than thirty children motherless every day.

In the Philippines today, 6 out of 10 births take place at home making it difficult to follow a woman from prenatal to postnatal stage thus contributing to a high maternal fatality rate. Hemorrhage, hypertensive disorders during pregnancy and obstructed labor constitute the majority of complications relating to maternal fatalities. All of these problems can be prevented through proper medical care.
The DOH also mentioned three (3) factors that contribute to the growing maternal fatality rate: (1) the decision when to seek care, (2) reaching the health facility and, (3) receiving appropriate care in the facility.

According to City Health Officer Dr. Arnildo Tamayo, in Olongapo City, maternal deaths also occur. “The city has an annual population growth of more than five thousand births yearly,” he said, “the population is growing steadily and every pregnant mother is at risk.”

To address the root cause of this problem, Mayor James “Bong” Gordon, Jr. has approved Ordinance No. 59 or the Basic Emergency Obstetric and Newborn Care (BEONC) Ordinance of Olongapo City passed by the city council recently.
The objective of this ordinance is to provide pregnant mothers with adequate and affordable basic emergency obstetric and newborn care, and encourage pregnant women deliver their babies in health centers and hospitals as birth delivery outside a health facility is commonly practiced especially in far-flung areas.

The ordinance also aims to establish Women's Health Teams in communities composed doctors, midwives, nurses and Barangay Health Workers to ensure that all pregnant women in the community, especially the poor, are adequately served and lead the effort in convincing mothers to shift from home birth to facility or hospital birth.

Mayor Gordon has directed the City Health Office (CHO) as the lead agency in the implementation of this ordinance to ensure that systems, programs and services are available pregnant women at all times. The CHO will also adopt the aforementioned measures to reduce maternal deaths in the city.

MORE OF FL ANNE GORDON’S “ABOT-KAYANG BIGAS PROGRAM”

Olongapo City First Lady and Zambales Vice-Governor Anne Marie Gordon has launched “Abot-Kayang Bigas Program” on February 22, 2010 at Marikit Park for the benefit of the less fortunate residents of Olongapo.

“We want to uplift the condition of our fellow Olongapeños, and through this program we can help them purchase goods at a reduced price,” FL Anne Gordon said.

The “Abot-kayang Bigas” program is the expansion of the “Tindahan Natin Outlet” program which started in 2008 catering to Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) and senior citizens in the city.

With the program now expanded with more beneficiaries, more positive comments are being reaped by the City Social Welfare and Development Office headed by Gene Eclarino and its 12 volunteers which consist of PWDs and Senior Citizens, supervised by PWD Elsie Valencia.

“Mura na ang bigas, konbinyente pa ang lugar namin, hindi kami naiinitan at nakaupo pa kami habang nag-aantay ng aming turn,” Maryjane Mendigorin of Blk 20 Gordon Heights said.

“The program aims to help indigents to meet their basic needs, especially when it comes to rice consumption, from P18.25 our commercial rice is now P16.75,” Gene Eclarino revealed.

The “Abot-kayang Bigas” program supplies commercial rice everyday, 1pm to 5pm at Marikit Park.

Anne Gordon Invites Housewives To Free Livelihood Lessons

‘‘Muli akong nananawagan sa mga kababaihan, lalo na ang mga ina ng tahanan na makilahok at matuto sa tuloy-tuloy na libreng livehood training programs na ibinibigay ng Pamahalaang Lungsod ng Olongapo sa pamumuno ni amyor James “Bong” Gordon Jr. sapagkat ang mga kasanayan na inyong matututunan ay maaaring makatulong sa kabuhayan ng inyong pamilya o magamit upang makapagtayo ng sariling negosyo, ” said known advocate of women empowerment Olongapo First Lady and Zambales Vice-Governor Anne Marie Gordon.

For the month of March alone, the Livelihood Cooperative and Development Office has lined up the following free lessons:

Meat Processing - March 4-5

Basic Cosmetology w/manicure,
Pedicure and Foot Spa - March 8-12

Flip-Flop Slipper Making - March 16-20

Chocolate Candies Making - March 18

Dimsum Making - March 23-24

Aroma Candle Making - March 26

“Ang programang ito ni Mayor Gordon ay malaking tulong at malaking tipid sa mga nais matuto ng iba’t-ibang kasanayan. Kailangan lamang nilang magpatala dito sa LCDO at libreng madadagdagan ang kanilang kaalaman,” said Aileen Sanchez, head of LCDO.

Currently, beneficiaries of the said program has reached more than six thousand and counting, including the out-school-youth, Small to Medium Entrepreneurs and the producers of Gawang Gapo which provides the opportunity to budding entrepreneurs to showcase their products for 5 days at the lobby of the Olongapo City Hall.

Thru the initiative of Mayor Gordon, a two-story Livelihood Training Center located at Ohio St., Kalaklan was constructed and now serves as the official venue where enrollees learned practical livelihood knowledge and skills from competent LCDO and TESDA trainers.

For more details and inquiries about the free livelihood trainings, visit the LCDO at the second floor of the Olongapo City Hall.

March is National Rabies Awareness Month

“Nais kong ipaalala sa mga magulang na ingatan ang kanilang mga anak lalo na ngayong bakasyon laban sa rabies na maaaring makuha sa kagat ng aso. Ayon sa tala ng Department of Health (DOH), pinakamataas ang insidente ng rabies sa panahon ng bakasyon sa eskwela kung kalian mas maraming batang naglalaro sa paligid at kalsada,” Mayor James “Bong” Gordon Jr. told city govt. employees recently.

According to DOH National Epidemiology Center (NEC) director Eric Tayag, cases of dog bites are expected to increase in the summer since more children will be playing outside their homes where there are more prone to animal attacks or dog bites.
“Kaya naman tuwing Marso, ang Olongapo at ang buong bansa sa pamamagitan ng DOH ay inoobserba ang buwan na ito bilang National Rabies Awareness Month, upang ipaalala sa mga magulang na ingatan ang anilang mga anak laban sa kagat ng aso at ipaalala rin sa mga nag-aalaga ng hayop na responsibilidad nila ang mga ito, lalo na ang pagpapabukana sa kanilangb aso,” Mayor Gordon added.

“Rabies is a viral infection of animals that can be transmitted to humans. It is caused by a virus of the Rhabdoviridae family, which attacks the central nervous system. The virus is usually excreted in the saliva of an infected animal. Dogs remain the principal animal source of rabies. In the Philippines, rabies has been transmitted to humans from the bites of dogs (98 percent) and cats (two percent). A person who is infected with rabies may experience symptoms like fever, anorexia, nausea & vomiting, headache, pain or paresthesia at site bite, signs of nervous system dysfunction as hyperactivity, disorientation, hallucination, seizures & paralysis,” explained Dr. Arnold Lopez, City Veterinarian. “That is why it is very important for dog-owners to make sure that their pets can’t harm people or children and give them the appropriate vaccinations,” said Lopez.

“Dito sa Olongapo, simula ng 2007 hanggang 2009 ay bumaba ang insidente ng dog bite at rabies dahil na rin sa pagpapatupad ng City Ordinance No. 23 (series of 1995) na nagbabawal sa mga stray animals sa kalsada para na rin sa kaligtasan ng publiko at sa pagtutulungan ng City Health Department at ng mga barangay na mabigyan ng bakuna ang mga amga alagang aso,” said Mayor Gordon.

For details and inquiries on how to get your dogs vaccinated, visit your barangay offices or the City health Office at the ground floor of the Olongapo City Hall.

Monday, March 8, 2010

Mayor Gordon’s Free Livelihood Training Program


Mayor James “Bong” Gordon Jr. with the recent graduates of Basic MassageTraining. The graduates were among the thousands of trainees who benefitted from Mayor Gordon’s Free Livelihood Training Program to augment the skills of jobseekers or help budding entrepreneurs to start their own business

New Banicain Fishport


Mayor James “Bong” Gordon Jr. inspects the construction of the New Banicain Fishport which will be the central trading station of fishing vessels in the city.

IDs FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES

The Sangguniang Panlungsod has passed a resolution fully supporting the Implementation and Recognition of Identification Cards (ID) for Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) pursuant to Republic Act 7277 or Magna Carta for Persons with Disability as Amended and for Other Purposes.

The resolution guarantees for PWDs at least 20% discount privileges in drugstores, dental and medical services including diagnostic and laboratory fees in all hospitals and medical facilities and transportation fares in all public utility vehicles nationwide. Accommodation in hotels and similar lodging establishments, restaurants and recreation centers are also subject to the same discount that PWDs can use and enjoy.

To avail of these benefits and privileges, the issuance of PWD Identification Cards duly endorsed by the National Council for the Welfare of the Disabled Person will be necessary.

Because of this, Mayor James “Bong” Gordon, Jr. has directed the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) to facilitate the production of the IDs, charged to the PWD Funds.

Another issue that is common to disabled persons are the harsh and rude words or statements being said to them. This resolution prohibits the utterance of slanderous and abusive statements which can make the PWDs lose their self-esteem.
The resolution was approved unanimously by the City Councilors, namely, Elena Dabu, sponsor of the resolution, Gina Perez, John Carlos delos Reyes, Rodel Cerezo, Sarah Garcia, Edwin Piano, Angelito Baloy, Aquilino Cortez, Anselmo Aquino, Carlito Baloy and Cheenee Hoya with City Vice Mayor Cynthia Cajudo.

Olongapo City Observes Fire Prevention Month

“By virtue of Proclamation No. 115-A, Olongapo City and the rest of the country observes the Fire Prevention Month, March of every year, to increase the level of awareness of the public on the ways to prevent fires and to save lives and properties because March is the month of hot and dry season when the environment is more prone and conducive to fires,” said Mayor James “Bong” Gordon Jr.
“With this year’s theme: Sustaining Fire Prevention through Active Community Participation, the city government is calling on Olongapeños to help prevent or minimize the incidents of fires by being constantly aware of the environment,” Mayor Gordon added.
Accordingly, the City Bureau of Fire Protection has provided the following home and life-saving tips to prevent the incidence of fires:
List down the phone numbers of the Fire Department in case of emergencies.

Eliminate fire hazards through good housekeeping: dispose waste paper, rubbish and other flammable materials regularly.

Keep matches and lighters out of children’s reach.

Oil or gas lamps and candles should be placed away from curtains. Do not light them near windows, fans or where children or pets may topple them. Put out the flame before going to bed.

Never read in bed by candle or lamp.

Do not leave a burning candle unattended.

Do not keep flammable materials like gasoline, alcohol and paint inside the house.

Regularly check your electrical installations, and have all frayed wirings and electrical fixtures changed or repaired by a licensed electrician.

Never leave a lighted cigarette/cigar/pipe unattended. This may fall on flammable materials.

Crush cigarette butts thoroughly before discarding them. Do not throw butts into the waste basket. Always have ashtray available in your home.

Check LPG, kerosene and oil stove regularly for leakage and defects.

Don't leave the stove while cooking and always turn it off after use.

Don't heat wax, paints and other polishing substances over open flames.

Always check your kitchen before going to sleep.

Unplug electrical appliance after use.

Don't replace blown fused with tin foil, wire or metal to short circuit the current. Used only approved and standard fused.

Always keep a first-aid kit handy.

It can be recalled that Mayor Gordon’s HELPS (health, housing, environment, education, livelihood, labor, peace and order and social services) report shows a decreasing trend in the city’s fire incidents from 2007 to 2009 due to the combined efforts of the Bureau of Fire Protection and the communities to save lives and properties.

Remembering the Father of Olongapo: James L. Gordon Sr.

On March 4, Olongapo City will commemorate the 43rd Death Anniversary of James L. Gordon Sr., the acknowledged father of Olongapo.
James L. Gordon Sr., whose father was an American, opted to choose the citizenship of his Filipino mother and went on to fight for Olongapo's freedom. On December 7, 1959, after 61 years under the U.S. Government, the then Community of Olongapo was finally turned over to the Philippine Government. On the same day, then President Carlos P. Garcia signed Executive Order no. 366 which created the Municipality of Olongapo in the Province of Zambales.
In 1964, Gordon Sr. was elected mayor in the first ever local elections in the young municipality. His resolve to turn the municipality into a city was finally realized two years later, in 1966, when Republic Act 4645, the City charter was signed by then President Ferdinand Marcos. On September 3, 1966, then Vice President Fernando Lopez swore in James L. Gordon as Olongapo’s first city mayor at a formal inauguration ceremonies.
Known for his dictum, “ang paggogobyerno ay bigay-buhay, hindi hanap-buhay,” Gordon Sr. battled crime and corruptions and narrowly escaped three attempts on his life until finally a hired convict, released from prison for the purpose, shot Gordon Sr. in the head at close range while talking to a woman seeking assistance at the city hall lobby. Gordon Sr. was rushed to USS Repose, a US Navy Hospital ship where doctors tried but failed to save his life. The news of James Gordon's death shocked the nation. Nationalist and then Senator Jose W. Diokno, in paying his last respects to Gordon Sr. said that the mayor was "born an American and died a Filipino." James L. Gordon’s remains were placed in a caisson reserved for Philippine presidents while his funeral procession was attended by high-ranking Philippine and American officials, recognizing his enormous contribution to the genesis of Olongapo City, now a bustling metropolis due to the legacy of good governance that James Gordon Sr. had started.
"Because of my father’s legacy, I will always strive to become a good leader. Serving the people and delivering justice as speedily as I could when I became mayor, especially for the poor, was like delivering justice to the death of my father,” said former mayor of Olongapo, first chairman and administrator of Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) and past Tourism Secretary, Senator Richard Gordon who is also the Bagumbayan Party Standard Bearer for the presidential race.
“ I will always look up to my father’s achievements and noble contributions to the freedom and development of the then Community of Olongapo. He loved Olongapo so much that he died fighting the depraved elements of society. We owe it to him to see that Olongapo City continue to be progressive and model city for competitiveness and good governance,” said Mayor James “Bong” Gordon Jr.