Mayor Gordon foregoes celebration of his birthday

Mayor James “Bong” Gordon decided against the prior plan of city department heads to throw a surprise celebration party for his 62nd birthday this year.

“Due to the recent catastrophe that hits the city, I am foregoing any merry-making or celebrations. Instead, I am asking you to come up with projects that will provide livelihood and employment assistance to the people of Olongapo and that will make me very happy on my birthday,” Mayor Gordon said, addressing the department heads.

To adhere to this request, last September 30, 2009, several programs were held simultaneously by the City Health Office, Dental Services Department, Livelihood and Cooperative Development Office (LCDO) and the Public Employment Services Office (PESO) at the Rizal Triangle Covered Court where hundreds of Olongapeños benefited from the free medical and dental consultation, free livelihood training, and free haircut service that the said offices provided.

Jobseekers also took advantage of the employment opportunities that were offered by accredited recruitment agencies and companies that participated at the said event. Later that day, Mayor Gordon together with Olongapo First Lady and Zambales Vice-Governor Anne Marie also distributed grocery gift bags to underprivileged families in Brgy. Barreto.

Pao/sara