‘’MARAMING SALAMAT SA LAHAT NA NAGMAMAHAL SA AKING INA’’- Mayor Bong

“Nagdurugo ang aking puso sa pagpanaw ng aking Mahal na Ina, ngunit bilang mayor ng Olongapo ay mahalaga na tuloy-tuloy ang aking trabaho para sa ating mamamayan,” wika ni Mayor James “Bong” Gordon, Jr.

While trying to put up a brave front, in a meeting with the city and barangay officials at the FMA Hall of the Olongapo City Hall last November 18, 2009, Mayor James “Bong” Gordon couldn’t hold back his tears while describing and remembering her mother. Amelia Juico-Gordon, the first female mayor and assemblywoman of Olongapo.

In the meeting, Mayor Gordon asked the different departments of the local government to prepare for the arrival of the remains of Ma’am Amelia until the day of her burial.

“Asahan natin na maraming darating na makikiramay sa Olongapo at katulad ng aking ina na mahilig sa pagpapalinis, bilang respeto sa aking ina ay panatilihin nating malinis ang lungsod at ipakita natin sa ating mga bisita na malinis at maayos ang Olongapo,” added the Mayor.

Because a lot of people are expected to pay their last respects for Ma’am Amelia, Mayor Gordon also assigned the Olongapo City Police Office (OCPO) and the officials of each barangay to take charge of the Peace and Order in Olongapo.

The Olongapo City Convention Center (OCCC) is ready for the arrival of Ma’am Amelia which was awarded by the prestigious Pearl S. Buck Award for the year 2002 because of her time and dedication to the care for orphans.

Ma’am Amelia’s remains will lie in state at the OCCC with viewing and vigil open for Olongapenos and visitors alike viewing and vigil. “Maraming salamat sa lahat na nagmamahal sa aking ina,” Mayor Gordon concluded.

Pao/Jordan