OLONGAPO FIGHTS AGAINST VAGRANCY

The city government executes its authority to protect Olongapo’s public areas from vagrants, curfew violators and other offenders that carry out illicit activities at the city’s parks, streets, and plazas. This is in line with Mayor James “Bong” Gordon, Jr. aspiration to rehabilitate these public vicinities into Olongapo’s prime tourist and recreational areas.

Spearheaded by the Parks and Plazas Management Office (PPMO) in coordination with the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO), Olongapo City Police Office (OCPO), Office of Traffic Management and Public Safety (OTMPS), Public Affairs Office (PAO) and with Brgy. West Bajac-Bajac, the composite team conducted a saturation drive in the vicinity of Rizal Avenue and at the Rizal Triangle Park and Multi-Purpose Covered Court late night of August 22, 2009.

The said pursuit apprehended thirty-six (36) wrongdoers, twenty-three (23) of which are vagrants, six (6) parking attendants, five (5) curfew violators and two (2) mentally-challenged individuals who were brought to the Olongapo City Center for Youth wherein CSWDO counselors provided appropriate counseling sessions for the group while the minors were held in custody then brought to their homes the following morning.

Accordingly, Mayor Gordon Jr. tasked the City Livelihood Cooperative and Development Office (LCDO) to involve the apprehended adults on the said office’s numerous livelihood training seminars as provision for decent and beneficial source of living.

The said saturation drive is based on the mandates of R.A 9208 otherwise known as, “An Act to Institute Policies to Eliminate Trafficking in Persons Especially Women and Children, Establishing the Necessary Institutional Mechanism for the Protection and Support of Trafficked Persons, Providing Penalties for its Violations, and for others”.

On the other hand, curfew violators are apprehended in connection with City Ordinance No. 22 Series of 1995 amended in 2002 that states that, “No minors below eighteen (18) years of age shall be allowed in streets and public places such as bars, restaurants, parks and playgrounds, amusement centers, beach resorts and similar establishments in the city of Olongapo during certain hours of the day as follows: a) Sundays to Thursdays – From 9:30 pm to 5:00 am of the following day; b) Fridays and Saturdays – From 11:00 pm to 5:00 am of the following day.”

MAYOR GORDON PRESENTS BB. OLONGAPO CANDIDATES

Mayor James “Bong” Gordon officially introduced the sixteen (16) Bb. Olongapo candidates to the public at the flag raising ceremonies held at the Rizal Triangle Multi-Purpose Covered Court last August 24, 2009.

The 16 Bb. Olongapo candidates are the chosen few from the group of applicants who registered and have undergone two successive screenings held last August 12 and 14 at the Olongapo City Convention Center.

Among the flock of beauties who will compete for the coveted title are Uniffer Oda, Alyza Karen Querubin, Cristaline Ruyo, Maria Kristel Empeño, Marvelyn Molina, Monica Marvie Romero, Maria Theresa Tagorio, Beverly Horario, Leana Patricia Dominico, Caselyn Barrion, Jhayne Anne Mundo, Joshua Grace Klietz, Hazel Tacazon, Rosemary Joan Turner, Cherryl Algabre and Madel Ferrer.

“The search for Bb. Olongapo will not only look for the finest maiden but will also consider the charm, wit, talent and intelligence of the contenders,” said Lei Montoya of the City Tourism Office.

The public is invited to watch out for the Bb. Olongapo candidates at the following scheduled activities:

August 28 Charity day and Adventure Trip
at Welfare Ville, Sta. Rita and
at Tree Top Adventure, SBFZ

September 5 Swimsuit Competition and
Presentation Night at
Ocean View Resort

September 12 Visit to a Company Sponsor
(Flawless)

September 19 Visit to a Company Sponsor
(Zoobic Safari)

October 3 Talent Presentation at
PAGCOR
Oriental Paradise Casino, SBFZ

October 10 City Clean-Up and Personality
Development Training on
Oral Communication at the
Olongapo City Convention Center

October 17 Pre-Judging, TBA

October 23 Bb. Olongapo Motorcade within the city

October 24 Grand Pageant Night at the
Olongapo City Convention Center

November 3 Public presentation of pageant winners
at the Rizal Triangle Multi-Purpose
Covered Court

The candidate who will be crowned as Bb. Olongapo will officially represent the city at the Bb. Pilipinas pageant.

Day care prepares for Regional Children’s Congress

Children, parents and day care workers were all amazed by the “Mystical Magical Show” held last August 21, 2009 at the Olongapo City Convention Center (OCCC) thru the efforts of the city’s Association of Day Care Workers (ADCW) in cooperation with the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO).

“This project not only aims to establish solidarity between among our day care workers and parents but also to bring together our students’ family members,” said Gene Eclarino, head of CSWDO.

As of today, a total of 55 Day Care Centers and child minding center teach and care for 2,400 children around the 17 barangays of Olongapo City.

“Olongapo is a child-friendly city not only because of the city government’s endeavor to protect the welfare of our little ones but also due to the efforts of our day care workers and parents to protect and support the rights and needs of our children,” said Mayor James “Bong” Gordon, Jr.

Meanwhile, proceeds of the said show will be used to prepare for the upcoming Regional Children’s Congress on October 30, 2009 at the Olongapo City Convention Center wherein an estimated 1,000 children and 3,000 day care workers are expected to participate.