Countdown to 50

The 50th Anniversary of Olongapo’s Turn-Over from the United States Government to the Philippine government is just ten days away and the city government is all set to memorialize the said event.

Mayor James “Bong” Gordon, Jr. has delegated concerned department heads several months before to prepare for the commemoration of this significant episode in the city’s history, including the launching and release of commemorative stamps especially made and issued for the said event.

The Sangguniang Panglungsod, on the other hand, has passed a resolution last month declaring December 7 as Special Working Holiday.

Olongapo First Lady and Zambales Vice-Governor Anne Marie Gordon, the City Fiesta Executive Committee Chairperson also aims for the full celebration of this year’s festivities as part of the 50th turn-over anniversary.

“On December 7, 1959, after 61 years under the US Government, the then community of Olongapo was finally turned over to the Philippines. This epic period paved the genesis of Olongapo’s cityhood in 1966, the transformation of a municipality into a bustling metropolis,” said Mayor Gordon, explaining the significance of the said occasion.

Pao/sara