BURNS VICTIM LAD NO RELATIVES

A sixty one (61) year-old lady died after she was rushed to James L. Gordon Memorial Hospital due to thermal burns. Corazon Laluces , neighbor of the victim, Paulina Mesias, a resident of Santol St. Purok 3 New Cabalan, Olongapo City said, “ Tingin ko ung gaserang gamit nya ang sanhi ng kanyang pagkasunog, nasa sahig po kasi yun, baka nadilaan yung duster nya.”

Corazon went to Mayor James “Bong” Gordon, Jr. to ask for financial assistance to pay for hospital bills and burial fees. Mayor Gordon immediately granted the request of Corazon.

In a statement, Corazon said they immediately rushed Paulina to JLGMH on September 16, 2010. Paulina has no relatives in the city.

After a week of confinement in the hospital , Paulina died of multiple organ failure , she now lie-in-state at Dalluay Memorial Homes.

The incident serves as an eye opener. It can be recalled that Mayor Gordon has been repeatedly reminding every Olongapeño that extra care must be taken when using “gasera”, candles and the likes.

ENGLISH, SCIENCE AND MATH COMPETITIONS

Teachers and students of Olongapo City, from elementary to college, are invited once again on November 25 at Olongapo City Convention Center (OCCC) to join the Battle of the English Masters Year 4 and the Clash of Science and Math Wizards Year 1.

The Battle of the English Masters was launched on November 2007. The competition focuses on the students’ and teachers’ competence in the English language with the following categories: Grammar and Spelling Bee.

Now, the competition has an additional feature, “The Clash of the Science and Math Wizards.”

“This new event will augment the grade of the students to prepare them for future examinations. The refinement and competence of the teachers will also be enhanced,” said Beth Daduya of City Public Library.

The entire event will be televised over SBCTV22 (ch.78 Colorview CATV, ch. 16 Freeport Cable and ch. 22 aerial antenna).

This is another educational project of Mayor James “Bong” Gordon and First Lady Anne Marie Gordon through Councilor “Tet” Marzan-Estrella, and in cooperation with the Olongapo City Public Library, Department of Education, Gordon College, and Capstone Institute of Business and Arts.

The event is supported by National and Local agencies and departments, NGOs, SM Olongapo, Victory Liner, and the local business community.

34TH NATIONAL MILO MARATHON IN OLONGAPO CITY

The Organizers of the National Milo Marathon is again inviting the public to come and participate to the 34th National Milo Marathon Subic Freeport Zone Provincial Elimination Race come November 14, 2010 inside the Subic Bay Freeport Zone.

Since its first run in 1974, the National Milo Marathon has now become the biggest and most prestigious running event in the country, aiming to promote the youth’s physical and mental welfare.

Participants may enter their choice in any of the five categories, namely the 3-K, Kiddie Run, the 5-K Fun Run, the Biggest School Delegation Contest, the Interschool Running Team Competition and the Cheer Dance Competition.

Prizes await the individual winner in each category.

OLONGAPO FISHER FOLKS ORIENTATION AND GENERAL ASSEMBLY

The City Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Management Council (CFARMC) conducted their first Orientation and General Assembly on September 23, 2010, Thursday morning at Rizal Triangle Covered Court and FMA hall, 2nd flr. City Hall Complex. The assembly will be focusing on the function of FARMC and election of CFARMC officers of the city.

According to the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), CFARMC is a “council responsible for the development, improvement, management and conservation of the country's fisheries and aquatic resources”.

The participants in the orientation were fish workers, vendors and fishermen. The assembly was conducted to hear the suggestions of fishermen in terms of policies, programs, projects and preservation of bodies of water.

The main speakers of this event which was initiated by Mayor Bong Gordon were Mabel San Jose, Region III Asst. FARMC Coordinator, Lilian C. Garcia, Region III Asst. Regional Director of BFRA and Laureano Artegame, Chairman of Subic Bay Integrated FARMC (SBIFARMC) who discussed about the functions of FARMC in the community and the livelihood of fishermen.

Fishermen’s Side

According to Jhobal Sebarrotin, City Agriculturist, CFARMC assembly aims to provide the fishermen’s awareness on the proper way of fishing and bay clean-up. He also added that “the city has two Barangays with coastlines, Baretto and Kalaklan. These two main coastlines are the main livelihood source of fishermen that’s why they’re creating programs to save and conserve the coastlines”. These programs include “Mangroves Planting, Construction of Artificial reefs, Participating on Clean up Drives, and Fish Warden Training.”

The other municipalities who are also conducting the same activities are San Antonio in Zambales and Morong, Bataan.

Fish Folks Goal

The orientation of the said assembly focused on the implementation of the programs on the conservation of Subic Bay waters. Mayor Gordon said: “I want to bring back the beauty of the 1950’s Subic Bay.With tourism, we create employment and with fishes, we get food security.” Garcia and San Jose also added that the FARMC office will also provide assistance to fishermen folks.

There were 6 officers elected for CFARMC. Danny Mejia, 63 of Barreto as President, Natiola Teodoro, 70, of Kalaklan as Vice president, Joan Deane Mejia, 30, of Barreto, as Secretary, Angelito Villegas, 53 of Kalaklan as Treasurer, Juanito Agam 50, of Kalaklan as Auditor and Reynaldo Abiertas 51 of Kalaklan as Sgt. at Arms. They all agreed that the said assembly “encourages fishermen to take good care of the bay because it’s the main source of their food and livelihood”.

Mayor’s Support

Later, after his speech Mayor Gordon gave 20 gillnets to the fishermen. It was given to the three groups of fishermen in Olongapo City for communal use.

The first Orientation and General Assembly of the Fisher Folks in Olongapo City. Through the initiative of Mayor James Gordon, Jr., the City Agriculture Office headed by Jhobal Sebarrotin aims to provide awareness on the proper way of fishing and bay clean-up.

RED CROSS-- OLONGAPO CHAPTER, HELP AND SAVE LIVES

The Philippine Red Cross (PRC)-Olongapo City Chapter in celebration of the International Volunteers Day will be having a fund raising event dubbed PRC–Olongapo City Raffle Draw 2010. In cooperation with Subic Broadcasting Corporation (SBC) the event will be televised over SBC TV 22 on December 05, 2010 around 10 in the morning.

“International Volunteers Day (IVD) is an international observance designated by the United Nations (UN) since 1985. The declared aim of this activity is to thank the volunteers for their efforts and increase public awareness on their contribution to society,” a UN statement said.

Proceeds of the fund-raising in the upcoming IVD will go to the Disaster Preparedness and Youth program of the PRC in the community. The first (1st) prize is P30,ooo pesos, second (2nd) Prize is P15,000 pesos, third (3rd)Prize is P10,000 and fourth (4th) prize is P5,000 pesos. Consolation prizes of P2,000 will be given to at least ten (10) winners.

This yearly project of PRC has been organized in cooperation with Mayor Bong Gordon, PRC local Chairman of Red Cross and Mitzi Quisay, Chapter Service Representative of FUNDGEN/Social Service.

Pao/Sarrah

MAJOR, MAJOR AWARD FOR OLONGAPO CITY

Mayor James ‘Bong’ Gordon, Jr., was selected as the Gawad Parangal Awardee for Outstanding City Mayor together with CSWD Officer Genia ‘Gene’ Eclarino who was chosen as the Most Outstanding City Social Welfare and Development Officer in the entire Philippines in the 14th National Social and Development Forum.

The awarding ceremony will be held at Pryce Plaza Hotel, Cagayan Hill, and Cagayan de Oro City on September 29, 2010 at around 9:00 AM.

“Napaka-supportive ni Mayor sa aming departamento, nakapagpatayo siya ng Center for Youth, Center for Women at iba pa na may kinalaman sa social protection,” said Ms. Eclarino.

The said award is an annual search of the Association of Local Social Welfare and Development Officers of the Philippines Inc. (ALSWDOPI) in recognition of an individual who continue to make a difference in terms of social services

“Sisikapin pa natin ang pagtutulungan para mapaunlad ang Olongapo City,” Mayor Gordon said.

Defensive Driving Seminar

Mayor James “Bong” Gordon, Jr. addresses the regular Defensive Driving Seminar conducted on September 23, 2010 at the FMA Hall.

OLONGAPO CITY AND THE KONRAD ADENAUER MEDAL OF EXCELLENCE

In connection with the Konrad Adenauer Medal of Excellence (KAME) Award Program, Manuel Gotis, director of Bureau of Local Government Development (BLGD), last September 14, 2010, assessed Olongapo City’s achievements and projects for the past three years.

According to the Local Government Development Foundation (LOGODEF), “KAME is an award given for the best managed local governments in the Philippines and it is given every three (3) years or during a term of a local government official in honor of Konrad Adenauer, a onetime mayor of Cologne, Germany from 1921 to 1933 and the First Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany, who epitomized Christian democracy, social justice and equality amongst individuals and the society at large”.

Olongapo City, under the administration of Mayor “Bong” Gordon Jr. maintained its consistent performance and has proved itself outstanding in public service, constructive leadership and public management innovations. Assisted by Stephanie Navarro, Admin Aid of Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and Marivic Nierras, Officer in Charge in City Planning and Development Office (CPDO), Director Gotis inspected five (5) areas in Olongapo City to validate the city’s accomplishments. These includes Gordon College, Olongapo City Convention Center (OCCC), Olongapo Museum, Center for Women and Youth Center. Gotis inspected each facility in terms of its social infrastructures and programs.

According to Araceli San Jose, City DILG Director, said there were three (3) cities nominated and scheduled for KAME Award Program assessment. These are Pampanga’s San Fernando City, Negros Oriental’s Bayawan City, and Olongapo City. Accountability, Responsiveness, Management Innovation, Public and Private Partnership, Local Government Citizen Participation, Networking, Human Resources, Decentralization and Empowerment were the basis of the validation that Gotis used to assess the cities.

According to LOGODEF, “KAME is the only foreign award for local governments in the Philippines which has been duly recognized by the Senate of the Philippines in its Resolution No. 681. It makes a contribution to the creation of an international order that enables every country to develop in freedom and under its own responsibility”.

OLONGAPO SOARS HIGH AT 50

“Golden Gapo, Soars High at 50” is the theme for this year’s City Fiesta. To open up the celebration, the City Fiesta Executive Committee chaired by Councilor Rodel Cerezo and co-chaired by Councilor James Gordon delos Reyes will spearhead the launching and Presentation of Candidates in the search for the “Olongapo City Fiesta King and Queen 2010” on September 25, 2010, 7:00pm at the Olongapo City Hall Lobby.

The first canvassing, themed Sports Musicale, will be on October 30, 2010 at the Rizal Triangle Multi-Purpose Covered Court. The second canvassing, themed Goddess Night, will be held on December 18, 2010 in the same venue.

Finally, the coronation night with the theme, “Golden Years” will be held on December 28, 2010 at the Rizal Triangle Multi-Purpose Covered Court.

The much awaited City Fiesta Grand Parade will be held on the same day of the Olongapo City Fiesta on December 30, 2010. The colorful and fun-filled parade will be composed of different floats and groups from the different sectors of Olongapo City.

The proceeds will be used to fund Mayor James ‘Bong’ Gordon Jr’s programs on health, education and peace and order.

Other activities slated for the celebration of the Olongapo City Fiesta 2010 will be announced later, meanwhile, you may direct your inquiries to the office of Councilor Rodel Cerezo at 222 3301 or 224 8390.

MORE PHILHEALTH MEMBERS SOUGHT

As part of the intensified efforts of Mayor James Gordon, Jr. and FL Anne Gordon to provide health care assistance to all Olongapenos, the Department of Health, (DOH) in cooperation with the Olongapo City government is conducting a registration for the government’s health insurance program.

A day-long Philhealth registration will be held on Oct.2 at the Rizal Triangle Covered Court . First lady Anne Gordon is spearheading the event together with Rizalino Jose, in-charge of the city’s Philhealth Indigent Program and the representatives from the different department in the city government.

Dubbed “Philhealth Sabado, Magseguro, Magparehistro,” the event aims to enlist and distribute Philhealth cards to indigents identified by the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO).

DOH said, “The program intends to register non-members from the informal sector under Philhealth’s “Individually PayingProgram.”

In addition, DOH has announced that Philhealth is opening its doors across the country to provide universal health care coverage to all Filipinos.

Olongapo City Arts and Culture Council

The Olongapo City Arts and Culture Council convened at the Session Hall of the Olongapo City Hall on September 13, 2010. Part of the meeting was the discussion on the functions and purpose of the council. Councilor Eduardo Piano, chairman of the committee spearheaded the said meeting with Councilors Gina Perez, Tet Marzan and Edna Elane.

SM IN OLONGAPO CITY, CONFIRMED!

SM representatives gave a presentation to City Government Officials and employees on the SM City Perspective, Lay-out per floor, Building Profile, Business Opportunities, Employment Opportunities, SM Cares Program, its contribution to local community and Community development.

“Sinadya tayo ng SM hindi lamang sa magandang business climate sa lungsod kundi dahil na rin sa peace and order dito sa Olongapo. Makakatulong ang SM sa pagpapalakas ng turismo sa lungsod dahil imbes na sa loob lamang ng Freeport Zone mamimili ang mga turista at bisita, lalabas sila upang sadyain ang SM at Olongapo,” said Mayor Gordon.

The City has turned-over its City Mall to SM for development into a seven-storey building, complete with department stores, supermarkets, three movie theaters and three floors of parking spaces.

“At kapag masigla ang turismo at negosyo, sigurado maraming trabaho,” he added.

SM Supermall will operate in the city next year, 2011.

SM City representatives recently gave a presentation on its plan to build a mall in the city. Attended by SM personnel (inset from L-R) VP-HRD Julie M. Miteria, Regional Leasing Manager Jerry Tan, Regional Operations Manager Jojo Navare and Mall Manager Engr. Dennis Martel .

IFC Willing to Finance Purchase of Olongapo Power Distributor

The International Finance Corporation, the investments arm of the World Bank Group, is open to funding the planned acquisition of the electric power distribution system of Olongapo City by Cagayan Electric Power and Light Company (Cepalco).

In an interview with reporters, IFC Resident Representative Jesse Ang said “IFC is prepared to consider financing of Cepalco's acquisition of Olongapo utility" although "nothing is concrete yet."

IFC earlier worked with the Olongapo government to mobilize private sector participation in a transparent bidding process for the rehabilitation, management, operation, maintenance and expansion of the electricity distribution utility.

The Olongapo Public Utilities Department sold 139 gigawatthours of electricity to approximately 41,000 customers in 2008. The average peak demand in 2008 was at 28.6 megawatts.

“Having an efficient and viable electricity distribution company for a major city like Olongapo is key to the city’s development as it enables it to attract new businesses, which will result in more jobs and a better quality of life for thousands of families,” Ang said.

Cepalco won the bid to supply electricity to Olongapo for $13.3 million (P610.5 million) in August. It paid 50 percent of the sale price and will pay the remaining amount after the company acquires a new franchise from the Philippine Congress.

“This public-private partnership deal for Olongapo’s power system addresses the demand for reliable supply of electricity by local people and businesses,” Olongapo City Mayor James Gordon Jr said.

He added that, “given the government’s limited resources, it is only through private sector management that modernization and improved services can be achieved.”

IFC, a member of the World Bank Group, is the largest global development institution focused on the private sector in developing countries. (JAL) mb.com.ph

Subic Kicks Off E-Cargo System

SUBIC BAY FREEPORT — This Freeport launched the Enhanced Automated Cargo Transfer System (e-ACTS) Thursday with an assurance to business locators that the new system will remedy previous hitches in cargo handling.

Lawyer Redentor Tuazon, head of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Trade Facilitation and Compliance unit, said the use of e-ACTS as mandated by the Bureau of Customs (BoC) will ensure fast, safe, synchronized and secure cargo transit from the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), the Port of Manila, and the International Container Port Terminal to business enterprises in the free ports of Subic, Clark and Bataan.

“Everything has been prepared for the e-ACTS here in terms of equipment, software, manpower, and training. Our value-added services providers—E-Konek Pilipinas and InterCommerce—have provided all the support needed for us to shift from the manual system to the automated system, and to upgrade to e-ACTS. The SBMA did not have to spend money for this,” Tuazon said.

Tuazon said SBMA personnel are already accustomed to using the automated system, and some problems with the new technology, particularly with the scanners, have all been addressed, along with the required support facilities.

Earlier, officials of the SBMA also attended a summit meeting held at the BoC-Manila office to help “tie loose ends” in connection with the e-ACTS project’s thrust to boost the potentials of local ports in face of the increasing competition from other free ports in the Asia-Pacific region.

The summit was also attended by officials from the Subic-Clark Alliance for Development Council (SCADC), Clark Development Corporation (CDC), and the Authority of the Freeport Area of Bataan (AFAB).

In the said meeting, BoC Commissioner Angelito Alvarez explained that the e-ACTS would also boost the government’s campaign in anti-smuggling and anti-diversion through the adoption of electronic or Internet protocols in place of face-to-face transactions.

Alvarez also said that the e-ACTS “will serve as a showcase of BoC’s intention and commitment to put a stop to the abuse of the importation privilege of some unscrupulous free port zone export producers.” By FRANCO G. REGALA mb.com.ph

SINGAPORE AMBASSADOR LAUDS OLONGAPO CITY

Singapore Ambassador to the Philippines Ampalavanar Selverajah expressed appreciation to the warmth and hospitality accorded to him in his recent visit to Olongapo.

“Filipinos are renowned for their warmth and hospitality and I experienced that this morning, I was overwhelmed with the warm reception, thank you very much,” he said.

Senator Richard Gordon escorted Amb. Selverajah to City Hall on September 16, 2010. Mayor James “Bong” Gordon Jr. and FL Anne Gordon together with the city officials and employees welcomed the Ambassador at city hall’s steps.

SBMA administrator and CEO Armand Arreza was also present.

Mayor James “Bong” Gordon, Jr. presented in his speech the city’s HELPS program which also earned praises from the Ambassador.

Amb. Selverajah, in his message, said the Philippines and Singapore have over 40 years of diplomatic relations and bonding relationship.

He said he was delighted to see that some 460,000 Filipino tourists visited Singapore last year, making Filipinos the eight largest tourists of the city-state.

Mayor James “Bong” Gordon, Jr. and FL Anne Gordon welcome Singapore Ambassador to the Philippines, H.E. Ampalavanar Selverajah at the steps of Olongapo City Hall on September 16, 2010.

INTERNATIONAL COASTAL CLEAN UP DRIVE

The Lighthouse Marina Resort is spear-heading the coastal bay and water clean up drive in participation to the International Coastal Clean up, themed “Save my Bay, Save my World” on Saturday, September 25, 2010 at 6:00am from Waterfront to Moonbay Marina.

The Ocean Conservancy’s International Coastal Clean up Campaign will be observed not only in the city but all over the world.

On the said activity, volunteers will bring their own cleaning materials such as trash bags, rake, shovel, pail, refreshments, pen and paper for data recording. They are also encouraged to wear comfortable beach clothes, hat, gloves, thick-soled shoes or sandals, sunscreen and insect repellant.

A Photo exhibit and contest, an environmental forum and a beach party will round-up the activities.

Ayala, SM in Olongapo-Subic race

IT looks like the Zobels and the Sys are engaged in a quiet race to build their respective malls in the Subic-Olongapo corridor.

The Zobels’ Ayala Land was first to announce in October 2009, having secured a 50-year lease on a 7.5-hectare property, that it would build a mall-call center-hotel complex within the former US military facility.

Three months later, the Sys disclosed that they had convinced the Olongapo City Council to lease, also for 50 years, the City Hall-owned, but apparently money-losing, Olongapo City Mall.

Unlike the Ayala mall, the planned SM mall will be outside of Subic, a few blocks across the river from the naval base-turned-free port.

According to the grapevine, unlike the Ayalas who will build from the ground up, the Sys will simply retrofit and refurbish the Olongapo mall in time for Christmas next year.

The four-level mall will have the anchor SM Department Store, the SM Supermarket and three cinemas as well as parking for 366 cars.

The Ayala mall, on the other hand, will not be ready until the first or second quarter of 2012. It is not clear yet what the anchor store would be.

The Ayala mall will be built along the main Rizal Highway, past the Jollibee branch.

Among the casualties of the redevelopment: the first Korean restaurant in the base, the generically-named Subic Korean Restaurant, which is being asked to leave by October.

Subic Yacht Club as mini-Monaco

THE moribund Subic Yacht Club will shortly be turned into a mini-Monaco with gaming to be added to boost membership and hotel revenues.

According to the grapevine, a Japanese gaming company, Orient Pearl Entertainment and Management Inc. has reached an agreement with lead creditor Land Bank of the Philippines to initially acquire 25 percent of the club as a way to gain management control.

LandBank heads a consortium of local banks that foreclosed 40 percent of the club when its debt-financed construction floundered during the regional currency crisis.

Chaired by Toshio Shimada, Orient Pearl already operates six casino-hotels in the country, including the Majestic Networld Hotel at the corner of Roxas Blvd. and Buendia Ave. By Victor Agustin - Manila Standard

436 “ISKOLAR NG BARANGAY” RECEIVE CERTIFICATES

Four Hundred Thirty Six (436) students were added to the list of Barangay scholars Batch 3 in Brgy. Sta. Rita which is part of the HELPS program of Mayor James “Bong” Gordon Jr. He has intensified the Scholarship Program in the city to give opportunities to financially constrained but intellectually capable students in elementary, high school and college levels.

“Ang City Government ay handang umalalay sa pagtupad ng pangarap ng mga kabataang Olongapeñong nais makapagtapos ng pag-aaral,” Mayor James “Bong” Gordon said in his short message before the barangay scholars on September 13, 2010 at the Covered Court of Brgy. Sta Rita.

Present during the awarding of certificates were City Councilors Tet Marzan and Rodel Cerezo, Brgy Sta. Rita Kagawad Virginia Bitangcol, Eric Jahnke, Rosita Piano, Gibbs Guevarra and SK Kgd. Gerald Maneja. According to Brgy. Capt. Jerome Bacay, the certificates will serve as passes of scholars in the next enrollment.

“Ang programang ito ay sa pagpupursige ni Kgd. Gibbs Guevarra, chairman Committee on Education at ng Sangguniang Kabataan (SK),” Brgy. Sta. Rita Chair Bacay said.

Mayor James “Bong” Gordon, Jr. distributes certificates for the “Iskolar ng Barangay” in Brgy. Sta. Rita on September 13, 2010.

JOB OPPORTUNITIES ABROAD IN OLONGAPO CITY

Thru the initiative of Mayor James ‘Bong’ Gordon Jr., the Public Employment Service Office (PESO) and some placement agencies from Manila will conduct Special Recruitment Activities (SRA) for the people of Olongapo City who are looking for better opportunities.

Below are the agencies and their requirements:

1. LEAD RESOURCES MANAGEMENT(September 15, 2010 @ 8:00 am-Interview)

Restaurant Manager

Assistant Restaurant Manager

Kitchen and Dining Manager, Shift and Kitchen Supervisor

Qualifications:

21-28 years old

Male

College Graduate

With or without experience

Service Crew

Cook

Busser

Waiter

Waitress

Receptionist

Hostess

Line Cook

Qualifications:

21-28 years old

Male/Female

At least high school graduate

With or without experience

2. GLOBUS AG MANPOWER AGENCY

3. SKILLS INTERNATIONAL

4. HUMANIA INTERNATIONAL(September 16-17, 2010-Interview)

Interested applicants may visit Public Employment Service Office (PESO) at the Olongapo City Hall or call 224 4541.

FREE LIVELIHOOD TRAININGS TO PREPARE FOR THE FUTURE

The Livelihood Cooperative Development Office (LCDO) of Olongapo City in cooperation with Mayor Bong Gordon is conducting Free Livelihood Trainings this September. It aims to help city residents to start businesses that will be affordable and reasonably profitable.

The trainings’ schedules started last September 13, 2010 and will be repeated on September 20, 2010. The other free livelihood trainings will be conducted at Olongapo City Convention Center (OCCC) on the 17th, 20th, 24th, 28th and 29th of September.

The September 13, 2010 Digital T-shirt Printing seminar was a success. Mayor Bong Gordon and his wife Anne Gordon graced the occasion.

Mayor Gordon made his point to the residents of the city’s seventeen (17) barangays who will benefit from the livelihood trainings. The Livelihood Cooperative Development Office (LCDO) will continuously conduct different trainings in the different barangays of the city, as tasked by Mayor Gordon.

It can be recalled that Mayor Gordon has allocated funds to assist aspiring entrepreneurs believing that they eventually will help the city’s economy with their projects.

“We have the opportunity to improve our means of livelihood now. We are grateful for the assistance of Mayor Gordon”, said Mrs. Fatima Santos, one of the participants of the training.

BARANGAY BANICAIN COMPUTER LITERACY PROGRAM

Barangay Banicain is living up to the slogan of Olongapo City Mayor James ‘Bong’ Gordon Jr.’s administration “Fighting for Excellence”. Hailed as the most “high tech barangay”, Barangay Captain Ernelizar P. Batapa launched the second batch of the Barangay’s Computer Literacy Program last September 3, 2010.

The program gives residents of New Banicain the chance to upgrade their skills in computer and prepare themselves to become part of a dynamic labor force which can compete globally.

A total of sixty four (64) trainees enrolled for the program. Classes started last September 13, 2010 with nine units of computers and two instructors. Session schedule is Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 1:00PM-9:00PM, with the following subjects:

Module 1 Basic Computer Operation

Module 2 Windows

Module 3 Microsoft Word

Module 4 Microsoft Excel

Module 5 Microsoft PowerPoint

Module 6 Microsoft Publisher

Module 7 Basic Internet Operation

Photo shows Brgy. Kgd. Jocelyn L. Moratin, SK Chairman Avegail B. Dondriano, Brgy. Capt. Zar P. Batapa, City Councilor Rodel Cerezo, CLRC student Marilou Sarmiento, Brgy. Kgd. Ernelibeth P. Batapa and Brgy. Kgd Bayani L. Legaspi at Brgy. Banicain’s Computer Literacy and Reading Center.

12TH REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL ASSEMBLY

Mayor James “Bong” Gordon, Jr. graced the 12th Regional Development Council III Assembly and Fellowship with Local Chief Executives (LCEs) recently in San Fernando, Pampanga.

“ Ang pagdalo sa ganitong pagpupulong ay malaking tulong sa mga local chief executives lalo na sa usapin sa ekonomiya, kailangan ang suporta ng bawat isa ganun din ang mga nasasakupan ng bawat namumuno,” Mayor Gordon said.

The City of San Fernando hosted the occasion with City Mayor Oscar Rodriguez as the chairman of the Section Committee on Development Administration. He was given recognition for his pro-active support to the RDC.

The RDC III aims to strengthen the economy in Central Luzon,with the participation of the group, more investments are expected to come to the Region.

The presence of the Subic Seaport in Olongapo City and the Diosdado Macapagal International Airport in Pampanga has made the region the best place for investment and tourism.

Also present in the program were the regional directors and assistant regional directors of various government agencies in Central Luzon.

Mayor James “Bong” Gordon, Jr. participates in the 12th Regional Development Council(RDC) 3 Assembly and Fellowship in San Fernando, Pampanga recently along with (from left) RD NEDA III, Remigio A. Mercado, ARD Lynette Bautista, Aurora Province Gov. Bellaflor Angara- Castillo.

OLONGAPO CITY TO LAUNCH THE SECOND GARANTISADONG PAMBATA 2010

On Monday, 27 September, Olongapo City Mayor James ‘Bong’ Gordon Jr., in cooperation with the Department of Health, will again launch ”Garantisadong Pambata 2010” for the second time around at the Rizal Triangle, with the theme, “GP10 Ten Ways to save Your Child”.

Garantisadong Pambata (GP) is a nationwide campaign of the Department of Health to support various health programs in reducing childhood illnesses and deaths by promoting positive child care behaviors.

Mayor Gordon and the Olongapo City Health Office will recommend once more the GP strategy to the public which aims to improve the health of children from six months to five years old.

He will lead the giving of Vitamin A Capsule (VAC) supplements to 12-59 month old children.

The Olongapo City Health Office (CHO) will also follow-up children who fail to take the routine immunization such as BCG, DPT, OVP and Measles. Iron supplements for infants and pregnant women will also be distributed and positive caregiving, consultation and deworming will be conducted.

“Olongapo City Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation Ordinance”

Mayor James ‘Bong’ Gordon Jr. has approved the City Ordinance No.15 entitled “Olongapo City Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation Ordinance” on August 3, 2010.

As part of the ordinance on how to deal or lessen the effect of global warming, some of the city government projects include Urban Greening (Botanical Garden) in every barangay and improvement of air quality, particularly through the LTO for their proper gas emission testing to minimize the unwanted smoke discharge by vehicles.

Climate Mitigation is any action taken to permanently eliminate or reduce the long-term risk and hazards of climate change to human life and property .

"Mitigation is an anthropogenic intervention which was caused by human activity, to reduce the sources or enhance the sinks of greenhouse gases," the International Panel on Climate Change said.

Climate Adaptation refers to the ability of a system to adjust to climate change (including climate variability and extremes) to moderate potential damage, to take advantage of opportunities, or to cope with the consequences.

“Adaptation is an adjustment in natural or human systems to a new or changing environment,” IPCC added.

USNS Amelia Earhart (T-AKE 6) Military Detachment personnel rendered volunteer services to the City

U.S. Navy personnel visit Center for Youth at Sta Rita

As part of their community relations project, men and women of USNS AMELIA EARHEART painted rooms in the city's center for youth. Bags of goodies were also given to the youth housed in the center. The remaining unused gallons of paint were also donated to the center for upkeep of the facility.

Men and women of USNS AMELIA EARHEART who participated in the activity.

The USNS Amelia Earhart
(T-AKE 6) Military Detachment:

CDR Kyle Bryan
LT Sal D'Amato
OSCS Phillip Heldt
LSCS Tajudeen Saka
LS1 Garry Beton
LS2 Roly Roy
LS2 Brendan Barranger
LS2 Jessie Dickerson
OS2 Nahyira Soriano
OS2 Jonathan Marvick
OS2 Thanh Vi

CDR KYLE BRYAN joins Ed Piano and Arch. Luz Casipo

Kids and personnel of the city's social welfare services gave thumbs up sign and expressed their wholehearted appreciation to the volunteers from USNS AMELIA EARHEART. City Mayor James Gordon, Jr thru representative Coun. Ed Piano extended gratitude to the effort and act of friendship shown by the group. Photo by Mark Orpiano

RECYCLING RAINWATER!

Thru the initiative of Mayor James ‘Bong’ Gordon Jr. on how the public can save and make the most of rain water, he carefully studied and came out with an invention.

Dubbed as ‘BONG SPOUT DEVICE’;it is a pipe carrying rainwater from a roof, flow directly to the tank and supply particular areas within the house where it can be make use of.

“Malaking tulong rin ito sa mga hindi naaabot ng serbisyo ng tubig”,ayon kay City Engineer Bobby Alvarez,patunay lamang ito na ang ating Mayor ay hindi tumitigil sa paglilingkod sa publiko”.

Below is the diagram of the said project:

COMPUTER TRAINING GRADUATES OF BRGY. PAG-ASA

“ It’s never too late to learn about computers, use your free time to acquire knowledge,” Mayor Bong Gordon said in his message to the 28 graduates of Barangay Pag-asa Computer Learning Center on August 27, 2010 at the FMA Hall of the Olongapo City Hall. The first batch of graduates has surpassed the Microsoft Office Productivity Tools Training held in February to August 2010.

Nineteen (19) females and nine (9) males who graduated totaling to twenty eight (28), comprised the first batch of graduates. The training was facilitated by Cris Mark Marticio, computer trainor from Brgy. Sta. Rita. The Out-of-School Youth and residents of brgy. Pagasa benefited the training.

“Ilan sa dahilan ng ating mga graduates kung bakit nila kinuha ang training na ito, una, for personal reasons, pag may kamag-anak ka abroad madali na makipag-usap sa pamamagitan ng computer. Pangalawa, para sa trabaho, importante na may alam ka sa basic application sa computer,” Marticio said.

Because of the huge demand for the course, Brgy. Pag-asa has scheduled the second batch of trainees for the September to January 2011 training.

Aside from the trainings in every barangay, the Skills Training Center at the 3rd floor of the Olongapo City Hall is also offering free trainings on computer, welding and housekeeping, which are all part of the efforts of Mayor Bong Gordon to provide Olongapeños better chances on landing jobs if not set up their own businesses..

For more information, contact barangay Pagasa at 222-8037 and the Skills Training Center at 222-2661, 222-3301 and 222-3022.

Mayor James Gordon, Jr. shakes hand with the first batch of graduates of Brgy. Pag-asa Computer Learning Center on August 27, 2010 at the FMA Hall of the Olongapo City Hall. Nineteen (19) females and nine (9) males graduated totaling to twenty eight (28), comprised the first batch of graduates.

U.S. PEACE CORPS VISITS OLONGAPO CITY

Mayor James “Bong” Gordon, Jr. granted a warm reception to the courtesy call of the US Peace Corps volunteers on September 1, 2010 at FMA Hall of the Olongapo City Hall around 10:30 in the morning.

The US Peace Corps volunteers had a conversation with Mayor James “Bong” Gordon, Jr. pertaining to the Pre-Service Training scheduled on August 28 to November 11, 2010. During the conversation, Mayor James “Bong” Gordon, Jr. discussed what local government is doing in maintaining cleanliness in the city and projects that concerns environment.

The US Peace Corps will be conducting a Pre-Service Training Group 269 for the next group of Education (EDUC) and Children, Youth and Family (CYF) volunteers for the Tagalog speaking site in Olongapo City. There will be a total of 23 EDUC and 10 CYF trainees who will be staying in Barangay New Kalalake, Barangay Cabalan, Barangay Mabayuan and Barangay West Tapinac. The trainees will be having their practicum, in the following schools of Olongapo:

• Gordon College

• Kalalake National High School

• Olongapo City National High School

• DSWD Social Development Center

The US Peace Corps together with the Children, Youth Family Volunteers (CYF) are looking forward to work and be part of other projects with other schools and institution here n Olongapo successfully.

SAY PEACE. Mayor James Gordom, Jr. pose with the US Peace Corps volunteers after the courtesy call on September 01, 2010 at FMA Hall of the Olongapo City Hall. The group is having a Pre-Service Training from August 28 to November 11, 2010 in various barangays, schools and institutions in the city.

EDIBLE LANDSCAPING SEMINAR

An edible landscaping seminar was held on August 27,2010, Friday at FMA Hall, 2nd floor of the Olongapo City Hall Complex spearheaded by Jhobal C. Sebarrotin, acting city agriculturist together with Fe M. Banasihan, municipal agriculturist at Celeste R. Gonzaga, chairman, municipal agriculture and fishery council, Los Banos, Laguna.

The Resource Speakers in the seminar eventually showed 33 various medicinal plants and ornamental plants before the 122 participants from different non-government organizations, religious group, private and public elementary and high school and employees of the City Government of Olongapo.

The workshop was conducted at the Phil-Am Park where the Resource Speakers presented different varieties of Medicinal at Ornamental Plants that can be planted for landscaping activity. It is a prelude for the City of Olongapo to create its own Brgy. Agriculture and Fishery Council (BAFC) and eventually the establishment of the City Agriculture and Fishery Council (CAFC).

The participants were formed in 5 groups with 10 members each for the landscaping project to be focused on Parks and Plaza, for two weeks time, to culminate on Sept. 11, 2010.

To date, participants coming from the DepEd, Brgy. New Ilalim, West Bajac-Bajac and East Tapinac had already started planting at their respective chosen areas, the Rizal Triangle Park and Phil-am Park.

Part of the 33 various medicinal and ornamental plants presented before some of the 122 participants in the Edible Landscaping Seminar, an activity held last August 27, 2010, Friday at the FMA Hall, 2nd Floor of the City Hall Complex.