Friday, April 30, 2010

Olongapo: A Child-Friendly City


Thru the continuous implementation of various programs and projects dedicated to the general welfare of the young, the Olongapo City government has created a child-friendly metropolis where the children can grow well and their rights and welfare are being advanced and protected.

“Tayong lahat ay minsan ding naging bata kaya dapat lamang na naiintindihan natin ang kanilang mga karapatan at pangangailangan. Sabi nga ng bayani ng Bagumbayan na si Jose Rizal, ang mga kabataan ang pag-asa ng bayan, kaya dapat ay protektahan natin sila laban sa panganib at pang-aabuso, sa masasamang elemento o bisyo at mapalaki at mahubog natin sila ng wasto upang maging modelong mamamayan at susunod na mga lider ng lipunan,” said Mayor James “Bong” Gordon Jr.

“Olongapo City is a national finalist to the Search for the Most Child-Friendly City because of the incessant and combined efforts of different city government departments under the leadership of Mayor Gordon and thru the assistance of barangay health and social workers and the participation of the communities,” said Gene Eclarino, head of City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO).

“Lahat ng basic needs ng mga bata at nung isisilang pa lamang ay pinagsisikapan nating tugunan. Katulad na lamang ng libreng bakuna at check-up sa ating mga health centers na ngayon ay nakapagbibigay na rin ng Basic Emergency Obstetric and New Born Care (BEMONC) services sa loob ng bente-kwatro oras. This is to encourage pregnant mothers to deliver in a health facility rather than do home birthing, that sometimes, results to infant and maternal death because of lack of medical care needed to attend to birthing problems and complications, ” said Mayor Gordon.

“Sa pamamgitan ng City Health Office ay nagsasagawa rin tayo ng feeding program para sa mga batang ang edad ay 5 pababa sa mga lugar na nasaliksik nating mas nangangailangan ng tulong sa nutrisyon,” said Rich Torralba, City Nutrionist. “Sa katunayan, bumaba ang malnutrition prevalence rate noong 2009 dahil na rin sa mga programang pang-nutrisyon ng lungsod katulad nga ng feeding programs, Garantisadong Pambata at ang kampanya ng lungsod sa mga school canteens laban sa mga junk foods. Sa atas ni Mayor Gordon ay ikinakampanya rin natin ang ASIN Law o ang paggamit ng iodized salt hindi lamang sa ating mga kabahayan kundi pati na sa mga commercial establishments na nagtitinda ng pagkain dahil malaki ang maitutulong ng iodized salt sa ating kalusugan lalo na sa mga bata,” Torralba explained.

“Bilang isa sa pangunahing karapatan ng mga bata at kabataaan, binibigyang prayoridad ng pamahalaang lungsod ang edukasyon. Access to quality and affordable education for all, iyan ang ibinibigay sa lungsod kasama na ng mga scholarship programs mula sa elementarya hanggang kolehiyo,” said Councilor Nathan Manalo, a certified city scholar who graduated as cum laude at Gordon College.

“And to respond to the needs of our public schools to improve their facilities, the city government thru the Sangguniang Panlungsod has passed City Ordinance no.55 that mandates for a grant of school empowerment fund amounting to Php 100,000 for public elementary and high schools that will top the National Achievement Test (NAT) in the city level,” ayon naman kay Tet Marzan, City Planning and Development Office Project Coordinator. “Sa pamamagitan ng school empowerment fund ay mas mabibigyan natin ng pagkakataon ang mga bata at kabataang Olongapo sa mas maayos at de-kalidad na edukasyon,” Marzan explained.

“Because we believe that education is for all, Olongapo City has also introduced the ALIVE (Arabic Language and Islamic Values Education) as a peace-building strategy where Muslim –Filipino children in the city are given an opportunity to understand their own language and culture to result to a more compassionate population and to build respect and tolerance to other religion,” Mayor Gordon added.

“Ngunit hindi lamang ang mga mga bata at kabataang nakakapasok sa eskwelahan ang tinutulungan ng lungsod,” said Councilor Manalo. “Opportunities for non-formal education are also being given to Out-Of-School Youth thru the computer classes held in the barangays and thru the Alternative Learning System in coordination with the DepEd so that our OSYs can have equal opportunities and access to education,” Manalo disclosed.

“Ipinagmamalaki rin ng Olongapo ang 55 Day Care Centers natin sa 17 barangay na nagbibigay rin ng non-formal education at pangangalaga sa mga bata edad 3 hanggang 5 bilang preparasyon sa kanilang pagpasok sa elementarya. Sa katunayan, mayroon din tayong in-house day care center sa ikatlong palapag ng Olongapo City Hall na siya namang nangangalaga sa mga anak ng mga empleyado ng lungsod,” Eclarino added.

Moreover, aside from addressing the basic needs of children, the city government is also prepared to respond to children involved in high-risk situations thru the Social Development Center which caters to female children who are victims of child abuse, child labor, human trafficking and street children in need of special protection; the Center for Youth (formerly OCARE) which caters for male minors, street children, victims of violence and Children in Conflict with the Law (CICL) and the Center for Women and their children who are victims of violence, human trafficking and other forms of abuse. A Sagip-Kababayan Program is also being implemented in the city to rescue children and prevent them from being abused and exposed to other forms of exploitation, indignities and degradation.

“Being a child-friendly city is a legacy from no other other than the acknowledged mother of Olongapo, Pearl S. Buck International Woman of the Year Awardee, Amelia Juico Gordon, who, in her quest to safeguard the rights and welfare of the young, adopted more than 50 abandoned children and raised them herself and helped thousands more thru the Boys and Girls Home that she established before,” said Vice-Governor Anne Marie Gordon, an advocate of women and children’s rights.

Wednesday, April 21, 2010

Iba na Ngayon: “Its better Automated!”

“Since this is our first time on computerized voting, Mayor James “Bong” Gordon Jr. has tasked the Public Affairs Office (PAO) to constantly inform the public about the A-Z’s of poll automation,” Vic Vizcocho, Jr., head of PAO said over SBC TV22 simulcast on radio dwGO. “Sa pamamagitan ng palagiang pagpapaalala sa publiko sa pamamagitan ng radyo, telebisyon, dyaryo o internet man ay mas mapapadali ang pagtuturo natin sa mga botante tungkol sa makabagong paraaan ng pagboto at pagbilang ng boto gamit ang bagong balota at PCOS o Precinct Count Optical (PCOS) machine,” said Vizcocho.
According to the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) official website for voters’ education www.ibanangayon.ph , voters must observe the following guidelines regarding the proper use of the modern ballot:
1. Before accepting the ballot from the BEI, check to see if the ballot is:
a. Un-filled up; and
b. Clean, i.e., there are no marks anywhere on the
ballot
2. Vote by shading in the oval next to name of the candidate of your choice.
a. Completely shade in the oval. Do not use a check, or an x, or a dot, or any similar mark.
b. Do not make any mark outside the voting areas of the ballot.
c. It is alright to go over or beyond the lines of the voting oval
d. Use the COMELEC provided marking pen
e. Do not over-vote
f. Use only the COMELEC provided marking pen
g. Before filling up the ballot, be sure about the choices you are making. You will not be able to erase the marks you’ve already made; there will be no replacement ballot available.

3. After voting, enclose the ballot in the ballot secrecy folder and proceed to the PCOS.
a. There may be a line, so join the end of the line.
b. Do not show your ballot to anyone.
c. When it’s your turn to cast your ballot at the PCOS, slide your ballot out of the secrecy folder so that only the top portion is exposed.
d. Align the exposed portion to the mouth of the feeder and gently ease the ballot into the PCOS.
e. Release the ballot without removing the ballot secrecy folder.
f. Wait for the PCOS confirmation of your ballot before leaving

4. After casting your vote, return to the BEI for indelible inking.
It can be recalled that the poll automation is the brain-child of Senator Richard Gordon, who is now running for president, to address the usual long and tedious manual counting of votes that the COMELEC used to do.

Step 1
Pagkakuha ng Official Ballot, siguraduhing ito'y walang mga pre-shaded ovals.
Be sure that the ballot is free of marks and that the ovals are not pre-shaded.




STEP 2
Para mabilang ng wasto ang iyong mga boto,
I-SHADE NG BUO ang oval na katapat ng kandidatong iboboto gamit
ang black marker mula sa presinto.
SIGURADUHING HUWAG MAG OVER VOTE.
To ensure that your vote will be counted properly, completely shade the oval beside the name (s) of the
Canidadates using the black marker provided in the precinct. Do not over-vote.


STEP 3
Ipasok ang iyong Official Ballot sa PCOS.
Feed your ballot at the PCOS machine.

FREE OPERATION TULI COMMENCES

The city government of Olongapo under the leadership of Mayor James Gordon, Jr., SK Federation, and the City Population Office (PopCom) with the doctors and medical staff of the City Health Office and Red Cross volunteers have launched the Annual Free Operation Tuli.

In an interview over dwGO with Virgie Navarro, city population officer she said, “so far wala namang kinakaharap na problema sa mga pasyente namin, meron lang ilan na hindi muna pinayagan na maisagawa ang “procedure” dahil hindi pa napapanahon, maaaring sa susunod na taon pa.”

The project started on April 6, 2010 in Brgy. Asinan. Among the five (5) barangays , Brgy. Barretto emerged with the most number of patients with two hundred one (201) registrants, followed by Brgy Gordon Heights- one hundred fifty (150), Brgy Asinan- fifty five (55), Brgy New Banicain- forty seven (47) and Brgy New Kababae- thirty seven (37).

The project will continue until the end of April. “Malaking tulong ito sa mga kapuspalad dahil hindi na nila po-problemahin ang panggastos sa pag papatuli sa kanilang mga anak,” FL Anne Gordon said.

City Health Officer Arnildo Tamayo cautioned the patients to follow the doctor’s advice and make sure to take medical prescriptions properly and on time. The Medicines were funded by the SK Federation headed Olongapo SK Federation President Cheenee Hoya andfrom the local funds.

The remaining schedule of Free Operation Tuli are as follows:

Kalaklan April 16, 2010
New Kalalake April 19, 2010
Mabayuan April 20, 2010
New Cabalan April 21, 2010
New Ilalim April 22, 2010
Old Cabalan April 23, 2010
Pag-asa April 26, 2010
Sta. Rita April 27, 2010
West Bajac Bajac April 28, 2010
West Tapinac April 29, 2010.
East Tapinac April 30, 2010

Contact your SK chairman for slot reservations or call the city PopCom office at 222 4003.

IBA na Ngayon - Features Ramon Bautista, Mo Twister "Voter Education" by...

Voters Education Animation Project (Tagalog Version)

Gordon : Free Kindle Units for 17 M students

Bagumbayan standard bearer Richard Gordon does not only guarantee salary increases to public teachers, doctors and other professionals should he win the May 2010 presidential race, but also vows to provide free Kindle units to 17 million public school students in the country.
This is in line with Olongapo Mayor James “Bong” Gordon, Jr.’s program to advance education as a tool for progress fro the city and its people.
“We need to improve the quality of education in the country to produce globally competitive graduates and we will do that by increasing the salaries of our teachers up to P40,000 and by providing a Kindle to each of our students wherein all the books that a student will need can be contained in a portable device with a storage capacity of over 1000 publications in digital format,” said Senator Gordon. “This way, all of our students will have free access to up-to-date learning and reading materials. Wala nang estudyante ang magtitiis pumasok ng walang libro,” Senator Gordon added.
Senator Gordon, former mayor of Olongapo City, first chairman and administrator of Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority and past secretary of the Department of Tourism, proposes to get the funds to purchase 17 million Kindle units, approximately amounting to $100 each, by allocating 50 centavos of every text message to the budget for education.
“We must provide the best education to our students for this country to move forward and not be left behind. Matagal na tayong naiiwan ng mga kalapit-bansa sa Asya, its our time to soar high dahil alam kong kaya natin. “Halos 3-bilyong text messages ang ipinadadala nating bawat araw, kapag siningil mo ng 50 sentimos ang bawat text message, we will have enough money to buy Kindle. I know, there will be opposition to the idea, but this is doable. When we give it for free to students, I don’t think they will refuse,” Gordon explained.

FL ANNE GORDON, Family Inspires Her

Olongapo City First Lady and Zambales Vice Gov. Anne Marie Gordon takes time to introduce and disclose things about herself to Olongapeños before enumerating her programs and projects for the 1st District of Zambales.

‘’Ako po si Anne Gordon, nakapagtapos ng Nursing sa St. Joseph’s College at kumuha ng Master’s Degree in Business Administration sa De La Salle University. Ako po ay maybahay ni Mayor Bong Gordon at ina ng nag-iisa naming anak na si Jane,’’ FL Anne Gordon said at the “Binggo Bonggah-Anne, Panalo Ka Bayan!” courtesy of Kalinga Community for Children on April 14, 2010 at Brgy. East Bajac-Bajac.

FL Anne Gordon, who is running for Congress in the 1st District of Zambales, also imparted that her inspiration in whatever she does is her family. “Nagsilbing malaking inspirasyon sa akin ang mga halimbawa ng aking mga magulang na parehong naging lingkod bayan. Ang aking ama ay nagsilbi bilang sundalo samantalang ang aking ina naman ay isang public school teacher.”

‘’Dahil na rin sa inspirasyon ng aking ina na isang guro, lubos akong naniniwala na ang edukasyon ay susi sa magandang kinabukasan kaya’t patuloy ang aking pag-suporta sa mga mahihirap nating kabataan sa pamamagitan ng Scholarship Programs. Naranasan ko rin mismo kung gaano kahirap ang magtaguyod ng pamilya dahil ang sweldo ng aking mga magulang ay hindi sapat para sa aming siyam (9) na magkakapatid. Dahil dito, pinagsumikapan kong ilunsad ang programang ‘Abot Kayang Bigas’ pati na rin ang mga proyektong pangkabuhayan at Skills Training,’’ conveyed FL Anne Gordon.

She also acknowledged and paid tribute to the woman whom Olongapeños affectionately calls “Ina ng Olongapo,” first woman mayor and assemblywoman and recipient of the 2002 Pearl S. Buck Woman of the Year Award, “Dahil na rin sa inspirasyon na ibinigay ng pamilya Gordon, partikular na sa mga proyektong pangkawang-gawa ni Mama Amelia (Gordon), ipinagpapatuloy ko ang pagtulong sa ating mga kababayan,” FL Anne said.

Finally, FL Anne acknowledges Mayor James “Bong” Gordon, Jr. for being a good husband to her and a loving father to their daughter Jane who is currently studying on a scholarship at the Marymount University in Virginia, USA.

MAYOR BONG GORDON: ‘’Meron na tayong SIPSIP 1’’


Mayor Bong Gordon, Olongapo City First Lady and Zambales Vice-Gov Anne Gordon who is now running for the congressional seat of the 1st District of Zambales and Vice Mayor Cynthia Cajudo inspect the powerful IMS Model 5012 HP Versi Dredge with Patented Starwheel dredging machine at the mouth of Kalaklan River.
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‘’Gusto kong ipa-alam sa inyo na meron ng sariling dredging machine ang Olongapo na ngayon ay nag- lilinis na sa ibat-ibang mga channels at rivers ng lungsod,’’ said Mayor James “Bong” Gordon, Jr. at the recent “Binggo Bonggah-Anne, Panalo Ka Bayan!” courtesy of Kalinga Community for Children at Brgy. East Bajac-Bajac.

‘’Tinawag natin na ‘Sipsip 1’ ang unang dredging machine at dadagdagan pa natin yan, bibili pa ng isang dredging machine ang lungsod na tatawagin naman nating ‘Sipsip 2’,’’ Mayor Gordon proudly announced.

’Kung dati ay humihiram lamang tayo ng dredging machine sa Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), ngayon ay tuloy-tuloy ang gingawang trabaho ng City Engineering Office (CEO) dahil ayon sa mga flood control experts ay malaki ang tulong ng desilting sa mga ilog sa lungsod. Sinimulan noong buwan ng Marso ang desilting sa bukana ng Kalaklan River,’’ Mayor Gordon added.



It can be recalled that the first city-owned dredging machine arrived on February 3, 2010. The IMS Model 5012 HP Versi Dredge with Patented Starwheel Dredging Machine which was bought by the city government from the United States came in with accessories. “Kung ikukumpara sa isang ordinaryong dredging machine na nasa three hundred (300) meters lamang ang layo ng buhangin na kayang ibuga, ang dredging machine na binili ng city government ay tripleng mas powerful dahil meron itong kapasidad na 1.5 kilometer maximum length of pipe na di hamak na mas malayo ang kayang ibuga na buhangin,” General Service Office (GSO) Head Engr. Vic Bernabe said.

‘’Bagamat mas maliit siya sa size ay mas malakas o compact naman ito at kayang pumasok kahit na sa mga makikipot na ilog na hindi nagagawa ng isang ordinaryong dredging machine, the GSO head added.
According to a study done by flood control experts, the over flow of rivers is a result of erosion. Soil, mud, rock and other particles go down from the mountains and making the rivers shallow. To prevent river overflows, the dredging machine will be used for regular desilting works in Olongapo City rivers particularly Sta. Rita River, Mabayuan River, Cabalan River, East Bajac-Bajac Channel and Kalaklan River.

Wednesday, April 7, 2010

CADASTRAL SURVEY PROJECT CONTINUES

After conducting a series of barangay meetings last February for the cadastral project Mayor James Gordon, Jr., the City Planning and Development Office (CPDO) is calling on Olongapo residents to cooperate in the cadastral survey to conducted by the contractor AB Surveying and Development.

The cadastral project is funded by Senator Richard Gordon through the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), thus, no single centavo will be spent by the landowner.

According to Eng’r. Joanne Agaton of CPDO, the benefits of the cadastral survey are as follows: First, it speeds up the processing of land title application; second, less expenses in land titling; third, minimize land dispute , and helps the local government in planning and formulating projects and programs for every barangay.

Cadastral Survey is a kind of land measurement to determine the boundary of lots and authenticate ownership.

In an interview over dwGO’s and SBC TV22’s Mayor’s Corner, Agaton said, “sa lungsod ng Olongapo, tatlong (3) barangay ang kailangang unahin at iprioritize ng cadastral project. Ito ay ang barangay New Cabalan, Old Cabalan at Brgy. Barretto.”

The Cadastral Lot Survey work schedule is as follows:

April 10, 2010 Kalaklan
April 20, 2010 Mabayuan
April 30, 2010 Gordon Heights
May 10, 2010 East Bajac-Bajac
May 20, 2010 West Bajac-Bajac
May 30, 2010 New Kalalake
June 9, 2010 New Asinan
June 19, 2010 East Tapinac
June 29, 2010 Pag-asa
July 9, 2010 West Tapinac
July 19, 2010 New Kababae
July 29, 2010 New Ilalim
August 8, 2010 New Banicain
August 18, 2010 Sta. Rita

For queries about the cadastral project, visit the office of AB Surveying and Development at no. 25 Jones St. New Asinan Olongapo City.

ELECTED LIGA NG MGA BARANGAY-OLONGAPO CHAPTER OFFICIALS TOOK OATH


The newly elected officers of ‘Liga ng mga Barangay-Olongapo Chapter’ formally took their oath of office before Mayor James “Bong” Gordon, Jr.

They are Brgy. New Cabalan Chairman Audie S. Sundian as President, Brgy. New Banicain Chairman Ernelizar P. Batapa as Vice-President and Brgy. Gordon Heights Chairman Edgardo R. Gingco as Auditor

“Olongapo’s progress will start from our barangays, given the trust and confidence of their fellow ‘Liga ng mga Barangay’ officers and members, this will give leadership to the barangay development in the city as Liga President Sundiam sits in the Sanguniang Panlungsod,’’ Mayor Gordon said.

City Councilor Edwin Piano and Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) OIC-City Director Dennis D. Villasenor stood as witness at the oath-taking of the three (3) officials at the flag raising ceremony on March 29, 2010 at the Rizal Triangle Covered Court.

In the Special Election participated-in by the seventeen (17) members of the league on January 12, 2010, Sundiam got 14 votes, Batapa 13 votes and Gingco 14 votes. The 3 officials received their respective confirmation and recognition letters from Liga ng mga Barangay sa Pilipinas National President Ricojudge Janvier M. Echiverri.

“The Liga, under my guidance, will continue to support the HELPS program of Mayor Bong Gordon,’’ said Liga President Sundiam who joined the Sanguniang Panlungsod (SP) on March 10, 2010 as Liga representative.
Olongapo City First Lady and Zambales Vice Gov. Anne Gordon has also expressed her support to the ‘Liga’ through programs and projects for the barangays.
‘’Bgy. Chair Sundiam as Liga president is a welcome development to the city government as the administration of Mayor Gordon is geared towards uplifting the 17 barangays of Olongapo,’’ said Vice Gov. Anne who is currently running for congress in the 1st District of Zambales.

LIGA NG MGA BARANGAY OATH-TAKING: Mayor Bong Gordon administers the oath-of-office to the newly-elected officials of the ‘’Liga ng mga Barangay-Olongapo Chapter,’’ namely Liga President Audie S. Sundiam, Liga Vice-President Ernelizar P. Batapa and Liga Auditor Edgardo R. Gingco during the Flag Raising Ceremony at the Rizal Triangle Covered Court on March 29, 2010. Witnessing the oath-taking are City Councilor Edwin Piano at Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) OIC-City Director Dennis D. Villaseñor.

Mayor James “Bong” Gordon Jr. formally turned-over a computer set donation to Cabalan Transport Service Cooperative Incorporated (CTSCI) last March 27, 2010 at the FMA Hall of Olongapo City Hall where the members and officers of CTSCI held their General Assembly. Also present in the occasion were incumbent councilors Gina Perez, Jong Cortez, Ellen Dabu, Rodel Cerezo and city consultants Tet Marzan, Romy Guerrero, Edna Elane and Ed Piano.

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.