‘GAPO CELEBRATES 111TH YEAR OF PHIL. INDEPENDENCE

The City of Olongapo observed the 111th year of Independence on June 12, 2009 beginning with the flag-raising and floral offering at the Rizal Triangle Multi-purpose Center with the theme “Kagitingan, Kagalingan at Kasipagan Tungo sa Tunay na Kalayaan.”

The event was headed by Mayor James Gordon, Jr., First Lady and Zambales Vice-Governor Anne Marie Gordon, SBMA Administrator Armand Arreza, SK Federation led by Cheenee Hoya, Department of Education, PAGCOR, Olongapo Business Club, James L. Gordon Council, the City government of Olongapo and the Free and Accepted Masons of Olongapo City.

Mayor James Gordon, Jr. waves to the crowd with First Lady and Zambales Vice Governor Anne Marie Gordon during the 111th year celebration of the Philippine Independence Day in Olongapo City on June 12, 2009. (below) Mayor James Gordon, Jr. poses with Zambales Vice-Governor Anne Marie Gordon, SBMA Administrator Armand Arreza, Councilors Ellen Dabu, Rodel Cerezo and Gie Baloy with SK President Cheenee Hoya after the floral offering at Rizal Park, Rizal Triangle Multi-purpose Center.

In his message aired over Subic Broadcasting Corporation dwGO AM radio, Mayor Gordon said, “ we should inspire excellence and strengthen our economy in the pursuit of genuine freedom.”

In an interview with SBMA Administrator Armand Arreza by dwGO, he said, “Filipinos love democracy too much , it is part of the vibrancy at lakas ng demokrasya that we are all able to express our views tungo sa pag-unlad ng bayan. We have to protect our freedom from all forms of tyranny that hinders it,” he added.

Meanwhile, District Deputy Grand Thomasito Angeles also expressed, “ang bumubuo ng Free and Accepted Masons, Olongapo City ay nakikiisa at nakikisama sa pagdiriwang ng ating kalayaan. Ito po’y taun –taon naming kaugalian upang maipakita ang pakikiisa sa okasyong ito.”

The traditional Independence day parade was held in the afternoon also led by Mayor James Gordon, Jr. and First lady Anne Marie Gordon along R.M. Drive going to Rizal Triangle Multi-purpose Covered Court with a huge delegation of the different agencies, organizations, private and public sectors, city government of Olongapo, Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority and Freeport Service Corporation delegation.