COMMUNITY CARE CONDUCTS SERIES OF SEMINARS

City Councilor Eyrma Yvette “Tet” Marzan-Estrella, Chairwoman on Committee of Education, has introduced the Community CARE (Campaign to Advance Relationship through Education) this October 22 at FMA Hall of City Hall.

As part of the introduction of Community CARE, a seminar in Résumé Writing and Interview Tips was held on the same date. Fifty (50) tertiary level students from different colleges in Olongapo City filled the allotted slots.

“The goal of Community CARE is to empower Filipinos through communication. Our one way to envision this goal is by means of seminar,” said Estrella.

By November 24, two free seminars will be conducted at FMA Hall.

First, the Personality Development Seminar will accommodate fifty (50) student leaders from private and public schools.

Second, the Financial Coaching for Teachers is reserved for fifty (50) teachers from private and public schools.

Moreover, first-come, first-served will be the basis for the registration in the said two seminars. Deadline of registration will be on November 11.

This is a project of Mayor James “Bong” Gordon Jr. in partnership with SMART Communications Inc.

NATIONAL BOOK WEEK 2010

Different publishers of books will conduct a book exhibit that will run from November 24 to 30 at the Olongapo City Public Library in celebration of National Book Week 2010.

According to Elizabeth Daduya, Acting City Librarian, the person who loves to read has extensive knowledge.

“Kaya naman hinihikayat namin ang mga Olongapeño na makiisa sa National Book Week na programa ni Mayor James “Bong” Gordon Jr. at ng Olongapo City Public Library sa pagsulong ng public library at mini-libraries ng labing-pitong (17) baranggay,” said Daduya.

The Battle of the English Masters is a yearly competition under the National Book Week with this year’s theme, “Global Partnership”.

“Bawat taon ay tumataas ang bilang ng nakikilahok mula sa pribado at pampublikong paaralan, kaya mas lalo pa naming pinalawak ang kompetisyon,” Daduya added.

Here are the schedule for the Battle of the English Masters Year 4 with the Clash of the Science and Math Wizards Year 1 on November 25 at Olongapo City Convention Center:

7:00 A.M. – 7:30 A.M. – REGISTRATION

8:00 A.M. – Onwards – CONTEST PROPER

Functions Rooms 1, 2 and 3 – Science and Math Elimination Round

(For Elementary, High School and College – Written)

8:00 A.M. – 12:00 noon

Plenary Hall – Elimination

(For Elementary, High School and College – Grammar and Spelling Bee)

8:00 A.M. – 9:00 A.M. – Elementary

9:01 A.M. – 10:00 A.M. – High School

10:01 A.M. – 11:00 A.M. – College

FINAL ROUND

Plenary Hall

1:00 P.M. – 1:30 P.M. – Elementary Spelling

1:30 P.M. – 2:30 P.M. – Elementary Science & Math

2:30 P.M. – 3:00 P.M. – Elementary English Quiz

3:00 P.M. – 3:30 P.M. – High School Spelling Bee

3:30 P.M. – 4:30 P.M. – High School Science & Math

4:30 P.M. – 5:00 P.M. – High School English Quiz

5:00 P.M. – 5:30 P.M. – College Spelling Bee

5:30 P.M. – 6:30 P.M. – College Science and Math

6:30 P.M. – 7:00 P.M. – College English Quiz

7:00 P.M. – 7:30 P.M. – Teachers Science and Math

7:30 P.M. – 8:30 P.M. – Teachers Science and Math

8:30 P.M. – 9:00 P.M. – Teachers English Quiz

Awarding: 9:00 P.M. – 9:30 P.M.

200 FACTORY WORKERS FOR TAIWAN

The Public Employment Service Office (PESO), Olongapo City and Eye Quest International Manpower Services, Inc. will conduct a Special Recruitment Activity (SRA) on October 27, 2010 at 9:00am-3pm. Some two hundred (200) factory workers will be hired for Taiwan.

“Ang Eye Quest International Manpower Services, Inc. ay isa lamang sa mga agencies na may full support at may tiwala sa kalidad ng workers ng Olongapo. It does not only need workers but it also prioritizes employees’ rights and welfare once you are hired. Malaking bagay ang tiwala nila for Olongapenos who have skills and other crafts,” Mayor James “Bong” Gordon Jr. said.

“Ang kompanya ay accredited ng Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA), kaya tiyak na ligtas ang mga workers na maha-hire,” Evelyn Delos Santos, manager of Public Employment Services Office (PESO) said.

Among the Taiwan companies are Sino American, Taiwan Fuhsing, Yu Feng Chemicals and Chipbond.

Interested applicants can also apply online at www.eqmanpower.com or submit a detailed resume at the PESO office.

OLONGAPO CITY’S BARANGAY OFFICIALS

Barangay elections in Olongapo City was relatively peaceful and a success despite a slight decline in the number of voters compared to the already low turn-out in the year 2007 elections from some 68,000 to this year’s 65,000.

The following are the newly elected barangay officials of Olongapo City:
Barangay New Asinan:Conrado Viray, barangay chairman, and sanggunian members: Joni Mae Elane, Ismael Dimarucut, Norma Merza, Oscar Fabrigas, Victoria Dela Vega, Roberto Olaes, and Alex Niro.

Barangay New Banicain sina: Ernelizar Batapa, barangay chairman, and sanggunian members: Ernelibeth Batapa, Jessie Cao, Michael Fanugao, Jocelyn Moratin,Godofredo Lagda, Benjamin Panis SR., and Bayani Legaspi.

Barangay Barretto: Carlito Baloy, barangay chairman, and sanggunian members; Wilfredo Avila, Rolan Napuli, Roland Elayda, Gregorio Lappay, Benjjamin Escobar, Amado Hoya, and Bethsaida Albarda.

Barangay East Bajac Bajac: Filipina Tablan, barangay chairman, and sanggunian members: Nelson Yco, Cesar Lobos, Ronald Villegas, Edison Cano, Samuel Bugayong, Jose Ablaza and Ryan Kristofer Albay.

Barangay East Tapinac: Buenafe Remedio, barangay chairman, and sanggunian members: Marlon Austria, Dante Hondo, Jojo De leon, Abraham Ebalo Jr., Francisco Magrata, Vinalou Vizcocho and Renato Del Rosario.

Barangay Gordon Heights: Jose Thomas Madria, barangay chairman, and sanggunian members: Michelle Aprid, Teodorico Danugrao, Mary Leguidleguid, Jerry mae Parcon, Romulo Buencarmino, Clemente Macabuli and Norma Domingo.

Barangay Kalaklan: Jesus Federico, barangay chairman, and sanggunian members: Sunday Mustacho, Nicanor Cano, Fernando Orca, Reynaldo Martorillas, Joel Dalida, Rhen Mendoza Sr. and Gloria Gedaria.

Barangay New Kalalake ay sina: Randy Sionzon as the Barangay Chairaman, and sanggunian members:Marlon Oduca, Rodrick Jardiniano, Danlex Bascos, Ricardo Legaspi, Hillario Orcullo, Ruben Matondo and Edwin Ecleo.

Barangay Mabayuan: Robert Ferrer, barangay chairman, and sanggunian members: Dionisio Vinoya Jr., Genaro Fermales, Charlic Espinoza, Jocelyn Sarmiento, Michael Fulton, Sonny Lazarte and Armando Tompong.

Barangay New Cabalan: Rafael Lim, barangay chairman, and sanggunian members: Delbert Muega, Joel Silvano, Crisanto Eugenio, Santiago Columbrites, Rey Cagongon, Antonio Arcenal and Jamie Tactay.

Barangay New Kababae: Amalia Corum, barangay chairman, and sanggunian members; Ronald Fonesca, Ferdinand Quinto, Raul Varela, Arnel Abutin, Erlito Basa, Victor Vasquez, and Anafemae Fonseca.

Barangay Old Cabalan: Basilio Palo, barangay chairman, and sanggunian members: Glenda Flores, Victoriano Tuazon, Rolando Alfa Jr., Zosimo Cabling jr., Jose Galang Jr., Roderick Gaton and Milagros Alipio.

Barangay Pag-asa: Jimmy Pasag, barangay chairman, and sanggunian members: Rodolfo Catologan, Justchelle Daduya, Alex Tinagan, Lutugarda Yanglay, Joy Altares, Ricky Esquibel, and Carlito Natividad.

Barangay Sta. Rita: Jerome Michael Bacay as the barangay chairman, and sanggunian members: Eric Jahnke, Rudolfo Niel Guevarra, Emeritu Linus Bacay, Ermelando Anonat, Ely Pamintuan,Virginia Bitangcol and Dante Basa.

Barangay West Bajac Bajac: Rafael Santulan Jr., barangay chairman, and sanggunian members: Mellisa Carabeo, Anthony Bong Deldio, Mercedes Capistrano, Dave Antonio,Cornelio Niro,Conrad Hipolito and Jose Marcelino

Barangay West Tapinac: Rodrigo Del Rosario as the Barangay Chairaman, and sanggunian members: Alberto Toledo,Thoedore Del Rosario, Alicia Villarin, Wilfredo Miranda, Macelo Ragadio,Mario Exala Lim and Rosaleen Aranzanso.
The newly-elected officials will take start office on December 1, 2010 and will be serving for 3 years.

SAN JOSE, NEW CITY DILG DIRECTOR

Mayor James “Bong” Gordon, Jr. has formally introduced Araceli San Jose as the new City DILG Director at the Rizal Triangle Multi-Purpose Center after the flag raising ceremony of the city officials and employees.

San Jose hails from Lingayen, Pangasinan. She graduated with a degree in BS Agriculture at the University of the Philippines, Los Baños. She had her PhD Units in Rural Development at Benguet State University and Masters Degree in Public Administration at Baguio Central University.

She was previously a Provincial Director at DILG-CAR from March 2010 to August 2010. She also served as the Municipal Local Government Operations Officer in DILG Danglas, Abra from February 2008 to March 2010, also as Local Government Operations Officer III and IV at DILG-CAR from July 16, 2002 to February 2008 and as Local Government Operations Officer II at DILG-Benguet from January 1997 to July 2002.

San Jose has received recognitions and non-academic distinctions such as:

*Best Employee of the Month (May, July 2007 and August 2006 DILG-CAR

*Best Specialist Performer CY 2000 and 2001 DILG-CAR

*Best Specialist Performer CY 2000-2001 DILG- Benguet

*Certificate of Excellence, as one of the top five graduates of the Induction Training for LGOOs DILG and Local Government Academy

*Certified Population and Development (POPDEV) Trainer Commission on Population.

“I am confident that having Araceli San Jose as our City DILG Director with her extensive experience in the field of local government operations is beneficial for our goal to make more improvements in the city ,” Mayor James “Bong” Gordon, Jr. said before the city officials and employees.

HIYAS NG SUBIK BEAUTY PAGEANT

This year’s Subik Subik Festival 2010 will launch the Hiyas ng Subik Beauty Pageant, the new attraction expected to be participated in by the maidens of Central Luzon and other parts of the country.

According to George Lorenzana of the Greater Subic Bay Tourism Bureau (GSBTB), the pageant as an added attraction will boost the tourism industry in the city.

This year’s Subik Subik Festival is on its 5th year. It was first introduce by the Greater Subic Bay Tourism Bureau (GSBTB) through the initiative of Mayor James “Bong” Gordon, Jr.

Once again, Mayor Gordon and the GSBTB are expecting the influx of foreign and local tourists to stop and join the fun of Subik Subik Festival 2010 on November 26-28, 2010.

“More tourists mean better economy for the city and the neighboring towns, people will acquire jobs and everyone will be productive, “ Mayor Gordon emphasized.

The event will feature the following programme of activities:

November 26-28

• Beer Fest & Food Festival

Daily Beer Drinking & Food Eating Contests

Street Partying & Live Bands

Mga produktong likhang Luzon

SUBIK! SUBIK! Todo Bigay Sale!

(Duty Free Shops’ Grand Sale)

November 26

• Hiyas ng Subik Body Painting Contest

• Zoobic Safari Animal Show

• Christmas Tree Lighting

• Fire works

• SBMA Anniversary celebrations

• Subik Clicks Photo Contest Awarding

• Ang Paghubog ng Hiyas(Parade of Captured Colors)

• Subik! Subik! Major! Major!

(Various Gay Performing Artists)

November 27

• Ang Paghirang sa

(Hiyas ng Subik Grand Coronation Night)

November 28

• Subik Hataw Sayaw

SUBIK CLICKS

Mayor James “Bong” Gordon, Jr. views the winning piece, “Parola” of Jon Eric Dizon who clinched first prize in the Subik Clicks Photo Exhibit 2010 held on October 16, 2010 at the Lighthouse Marina Resort.

MAYOR GORDON REITERATES GUIDELINES ON SUSPENSION OF CLASSES

Mayor James “Bong” Gordon Jr. was right when he ordered the suspension of classes in all levels on Monday, October 18 in spite of the declaration of PAGASA that Zambales was only under storm Signal No. 1 and Typhoon Juan was to hit Northern Luzon. Zambales was eventually declared under storm Signal No. 2 when the typhoon changed course and damaged many parts of Central Luzon.

“Mahalaga ang pagiging maagap at alerto lalo na at alam nating may naka-ambang bagyo na parating. Kahit na magsuspinde tayo ng klase, matiyak lang natin na ligtas ang kapakanan ng mga estudyante at guro,” said Mayor Gordon.

Again, Mayor James “Bong” Gordon Jr. reminded the following DepEd’s Guidelines on the Suspension of Classes in the face of Typhoons:

• Storm warning signal number 1: Classes in pre-school level in all public and private schools will be automatically suspended.

• Storm warning signal number 2: Classes in pre-school, elementary and high school in all public and private schools will be automatically suspended.

• Storm warning signal number 3: Classes in all levels are automatically suspended.

• Storm warning signal number 4: All travel and outdoor activities are cancelled.

Schools shall consider holding make-up classes on Saturdays or on weekdays beyond the originally-set school calendar to offset the days when classes are suspended.

TRAFFIC PLAN FOR OPLAN KALULUWA 2010

Every year, All Saints Day is observed all over the Philippines and it is expected that traffic congestion and delays will take place in major thoroughfares and in the vicinities of cemeteries, including those in Olongapo City.

The Office of Traffic Management and Public Safety (OTMPS) will deploy traffic personnel in all designated Traffic Control Points (TCP) and install appropriate traffic signs in all critical intersections, gates and turning points within the vicinity of the major cemeteries of the city, Olongapo Public Cemetery, Olongapo Memorial Park and Olongapo Heritage Garden.

Command posts will be set up at the parola near the Olongapo Public Cemetery and at Del Rosario Road infont of the Olongapo Memorial Park where representatives from OTMPS, PUD, OBFP, JLGMH, PNP, KHG, ESMO, Olongapo PNRC Chapter, City Engineering Office, Barangays and Civic Communication Group will be stationed.

The traffic scheme released by the Office of Traffic Management and Public Safety (OTMPS) for Olongapo Memorial Park and Heritage Garden are as follows:

- Del Rosario road will be open to vehicular and pedestrian traffic up to 1259H only.

- Vehicles going to Memorial Park from Sta. Rita Road will tun right at Tulio Street, right turn to Del Rosario Road straight to their destination.

- Vehicles coming from the National Hi-way can go straight to Memorial Park or to Heritage Garden.

- At 1300H Del Rosario Road will be CLOSED to Vehicular traffic until further notice.

- Motorist bound to Olongapo Heritage Garden will be permitted to enter provided they will park inside the Heritage Garden Parking Area, and if they are included in the list of vehicles submitted by Heritage Management.

- The whole stretch of the Del Rosario road will be a No Parking Zone from 0600H to 2400H.

Olongapo Public Cemetery:

- there will be no restrictions on Privately Owned Vehicles (POV) and Public Utility Vehicles (PUJ/PUB) via the National Hi-way passing through Olongapo Public Cemetery.

- Public Utility Tricycles shall only be allowed to drop off their passenger along the National Highway by Lyn’s Frame, approximately two hundred meters (200meters) away from the SBMA Kalaklan Bridge.

*Turning Points, before SBMA Kalaklan gate and at Kale Beach

*No temporary Terminal for PUJ’s/PUT’s along National Hi-way from corner Otero Avenue to Olongapo Public Cemetery

*Loading/Unloading on all Light Vehicles (POV’s) maximum of five (5) minutes only, parking is prohibited.

*All illegally park vehicles/motorcycles on the designated NO PARKING AREAS are subject for towing.

*PUJ Temporary Terminal

Along W 18th St. for Blue and Yellow Jeepneys to be managed by West Bajac-Bajac

PARKING AREAS

Olongapo Public Cemetery

-Along National Highway before Preda ONE SIDE PARKING going to City proper.

-Gordon Park

-Inside Ocean View with Parking Fee to be collected by the resort management.

Memorial Park/ Heritage Garden

-Nat’l. Hi-way from Victory Compound to Mactan, One side Parking going to City proper.

-By Forestry (Bennet and Apitong St.)

-Tabacuhan Road after Del Rosario St. up to Hulo, One side parking going to Hulo.

Mayor James Gordon, Jr. gave strict instructions to concerned agencies to maintain the peace and order of the areas assigned to them.

BARANGAY CAPTAINS BARE PLANS

Candidates for Barangay Captains in the 17 barangays of the City of Olongapo were given the chance to introduce themselves and air their platform of government through the program “Halalang Barangay 2010” on SBC TV Channel 22 on October 19, 2010. The show was hosted and facilitated by Vic Vizcocho, Jr., of the City Public Affairs Office and Araceli San Jose of DILG.

Each candidate was given time to discuss his/her platform and convince voters to be given each the chance to serve his barangay.

The candidates for barangay chair endorsed their respective candidates for brgy. Kagawad.

Generally, each candidate envisions to strengthen peace and order situation in his barangay, maintain cleanliness in the environment to prevent the widespread of different diseases. Some pushed to promote education for the Out-of-School Youths as a way of empowering them to be able to become productive citizens of the community.

Priority of the majority of the candidates is the promotion of health and health services in the barangay which when implemented, would sum up to having healthy residents in a healthy community.

The visions and platform of government of each candidate redounds to improving the welfare of each resident and the barangay itself.

Only the voting public, however, has the power to seat or unseat a candidate who they think is worthy of their trust. It is important, therefore, that the public was informed of the plans and visions of each candidate which would serve as their yardstick in coming up with a leader who can best serve their interest.

BB. OLONGAPO 2010 IS FROM NEW ASINAN

Cherry Hernaez, candidate number 12 was crowned Bb. Olongapo 2010. Nineteen(19) year old Cherry is a 3rd year Information Technology student of Columban College and a resident of Brgy. New Asinan.

Among the 17 candidates, Hernaez has proven herself worthy of the title. She has caught the attention of the judges and the audience when she bravely and wittingly answered the questions.

“ I guess it’s normal to feel nervous during the pageant, but what’s important is that I was able to answer the question correctly and confidently and maintained my poise. My friends and supporters helped a lot in my performance that night,” Hernaez said.

The Bb. Olongapo Grand Coronation Night was held at the Olongapo City Convention Center on October 16, 2010.

Aside from winning the Bb. Olongapo title, Hernaez also received the title Ms. Zoobic Safari and Ms. Centro Dep’t. Store.

Meanwhile, candidate number 17, Princess Mae Piano bagged the Bb. Olongapo Tourism. Princess is the daughter of former Councilor Edwin Piano and an IT graduate from Gordon College.

The runners-up are the following:

Ist runner-up - Jermaine Joy Barredo (no. 4)

2nd runner-up- Angel Gomez ( no. 6)

3rd runner-up-Jazmine Pasco (no. 9)

Bb. Olongapo 2010 Top 10 finalists:

candidate no. 1-Bianca Janine Ramos

candidate no. 4-Jermaine Joy Barredo

candidate no. 6-Angel Gomez

candidate no. 9-Jazmine Pasco

candidate no. 11-Krizza Eclevia

candidate no. 12-Cherry Hernaez

candidate no. 13-Kimberly Sison

candidate no. 14-Maribel Lanozo

candidate no. 15-Kimberly Sarreal

candidate no. 17-Princess Mae Piano

Special awards:

Ms. Slimmers World Subic (candidate no.7)

Ms. Charity (candidate no. 16)

Ms. CDO San Marino (candidate no. 9)

Ms. Photogenic (candidate no. 14)

Ms. Flawless (candidate no. 6)

Best in Swimsuit (candidate no. 4)

Ms. Capstone (candidate no. 4)

Ms. Talent(candidate no. 14)

Ms. Congeniality (candidate no. 9)

Ms. Savers Appliance Depot(candidate no.6)

Best in Long Gown (candidate no. 4)

Ms.CIO-Culinary Institute of Olongapo(candidate no. 1)

Ms. Smart Texter’s Choice Award (candidate no. 15)

Ms. Philam (candidate no. 4)

Ms. Gandang Reyes Haircutters (candidate no. 6)

Ms. Subic Grand Seas (candidate no. 6)

Ms. Wild Orchid (candidate no. 11)

Ms. Wow Card-(candidate no. 6)

Ms. Zoobic Safari (candidate no. 12)

Ambassadress of Goodwill (candidate no. 4)

Ms. Centro Dep’t. Store (candidate no. 12)

Mayor James “Bong” Gordon, Jr. said, the Bb. Olongapo contest is a boost to the tourism industry of the city. The Bb. Olongapo 2010 winner will represent the city in upcoming national beauty pageants.

BB. OLONGAPO 2010

AND THE WINNER IS…Cherry Hernaez, candidate number 12 was crowned Bb. Olongapo 2010. Nineteen(19) year old Cherry is a 3rd year Information Technology student of Columban College and a resident of Brgy. New Asinan. Photo shows Bb. Olongapo 2009 Rosemary Joanne Turner crowning Hernaez on October 16, 2010 at the Olongapo City Convention Center (OCCC).

OLONGAPO CITY RECEIVES SPECIAL CITATION FROM PHILIPPINE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE & INDUSTRY(PCCI)

Olongapo City has received another special recognition for its best practices and exemplary programs in trade and business. This time, the Philippine Chamber of Commerce & Industry (PCCI) gave the City of Olongapo a Special Citation for Investment Promotion in the 2010 Most Business Friendly LGU Awards for the second year in a row. Last year, the City of Olongapo received a similar special citation from PCCI.

The award was given on the occasion of PCCI's 36th Philippine Business Conference (PBC) during the Awards and Fellowship Night of Outstanding Local Government Units (LGU) and Local Business Chambers on October 13, 2010 at the Manila Hotel, City of Manila. This year’s PBC theme is ONE. GLOBAL. FILIPINO: “Creating Synergy for Competitiveness.”

On behalf of Olongapo City Mayor James “Bong” Gordon, Jr., Business Permit & Licensing Office (BPLO) Head Neal C. Perez accepted the Special Citation for Investment Promotion for the 2010 Most Business Friendly LGU Awards from PCCI Chairman Emeritus Atty. Miguel B. Varela and PCCI Chairman Sergio R. Ortiz-Luis Jr., during the said awarding ceremonies.

This is one of the major annual projects of the PCCI which confers Most Business-Friendly LGU Awards to provinces, cities and municipalities that have demonstrated outstanding efforts in instituting good governance reforms to promote trade and investment in their localities, such as innovative, streamlined and sound business licensing procedures; quality management and systems innovation, and effective investment promotion activities. This represents a framework for achieving continuous improvement of LGU services to their areas, benefitting both the business community and the citizenry.

Under the Most Business Friendly LGU Awards, there are five (5) main criteria for judging namely, (1) Quality Customer Service, (2) Public-Private Sector Partnership, (3) Investment Promotions, (4) Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSME) Development, and (5) Quality Management Systems & Innovations. This year, forty-six (46) local government units participated and submitted their bid for the 2010 Most Business Friendly LGU Awards. Olongapo City is one of the national finalists and ranked 3rd overall in the City Level 1 category for the 2010 Most Business Friendly LGU Awards.

On behalf of Olongapo City Mayor James Gordon, Jr., BPLO Head Neal C. Perez accepts the plaque of recognition for SPECIAL CITATION FOR INVESTMENT PROMOTIONS in the 2010 MOST BUSINESS FRIENDLY LGU AWARDS from PCCI Chairman Emiretus Atty. Miguel B. Varela (left) and PCCI Chairman Sergio R. Ortiz-Luis Jr. (right) during the 36th Philippine Business Conference (PBC) of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce & Industry (PCCI) held on October 13, 2010 at Manila Hotel, City of Manila.

Cooperation Afloat Readiness And Training

Rear Admiral Ron Horton,Commander, Task Force 73 and Commander, Logistics Group, Western Pacific made a courtesy call to Mayor James “Bong” Gordon, Jr. on October 13, 2010 in connection with Cooperation Afloat Readiness And Training (CARAT) program 2010.

OLONGAPO CITY MALL OFFICIALLY CLOSED FOR SM TAKE-OVER

With the take–over of SM on the City Mall, major tenants have already vacated their stores and people are warned to stay away from the vicinity when demolition team starts destroying the building.

“Filipinos are fond of malling. In a few months time, residents of Zambales, Bataan and Olongapo City will experience the convenience of SM shopping right in the heart of Olongapo,” Mayor James “Bong” Gordon said.

The seven(7) storey SM Mall with three theaters, a supermarket, department store and four (4) floors of parking is set to open in the last quarter of 2011. It is expected to generate Business Opportunities and Employment Opportunities. The SM Cares Program, Contributions to Local Communities and Community Development are also welcome perks for the city.

It can be recalled that SM Prime Holdings and the City of Olongapo has signed an agreement for the long-term lease and redevelopment of the Olongapo City Mall which is located right beside the Subic Bay Freeport Zone’s Main Gate. Present during the signing ceremony were Consultant to the City Mayor James Lorenzana, SMPHI President Hans T. Sy, Olongapo City Mayor James ‘Bong’ Gordon Jr., and SMPHI Executive Vice President/CFO Jeffrey C. Lim.

GORDON TELLS: EMPLOY OLONGAPEÑOS

Mayor James "Bong" Gordon, Jr. has reminded the Dep't. of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to prioritize Olongapeños to work in the implementation of infrastructure projects in the city.

Mayor Gordon has emphasized Republic Act 6685 which mandates that “private contractors, including sub-contractors to whom awards are made for the undertaking of national and local public works projects funded by either the National Government or any local government unit, including foreign assisted projects, must hire at least 50% of the unskilled and 30% of the skilled labor requirements from the unemployed bonafide and actual residents in the province, city and municipality who are ready, willing and able as determined by the governor, city mayor or municipal mayor concerned where the projects are to be undertaken.”

Mayor Bong Gordon said that for the city to effectively monitor the implementation of the mandate, the Public Employment Service Office (PESO) and the City Engineering Office are enjoined to submit the lists of all public works projects funded by the National Government and the manpower requirements stating the classes and quantity of labor requirements.

With Mayor Gordon’s initiative, more residents of Olongapo City are anticipating for more jobs. “These provisions of RA 6685 will greatly affect the economic condition of a certain province, city and municipality,” Mayor Gordon said.

CAMPAIGN PERIOD STARTS FOR BARANGAY AND SK ELECTIONS

The campaign period for the barangay and SK elections in the 17 barangays of Olongapo City has commenced. The candidates have been given ten (10) days to campaign in their respective barangays from October 14 to October 23, 2010, two (2) days before the election.

Based on the official list of Comelec Olongapo, there are 64 candidates for Barangay chair and 59 for SK Chairman. Meanwhile, a total of 603 are vying for Barangay Kagawad and 286 for SK Kagawad.

The election for barangay leaders and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) officials on October 25 is all systems go.

The last barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections were held in Oct. 29, 2007.

Meanwhile, the liquor ban in connection with the barangay and SK elections is in force and effect on October 24 until 25, 2010 along with the gun ban already in place.

TV5 Interviews Mayor Gordon

TV 5 reporter interviews Mayor James “Bong” Gordon, Jr. about Olongapo City’s Contingency Plan and Disaster Preparedness/Disaster Risk Reduction Management Program. The TV 5 crew held their disaster and emergency preparedness exercises at Halfmoon beach resort on October 09-10, 2010.

SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT SEMINAR-WORKSHOP

To further enhance public awareness on the importance and relevance of Solid Waste Management in Olongapo City, a seminar/workshop on Solid Waste Management will be held on October 14, 2010 from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the FMA Hall of Olongapo City Hall.

Dubbed as City Wide Eco-Solid Waste Multi-Sectoral Summit, the seminar/workshop is in accordance with R.A. 9003, “An act providing for an ecological solid waste management program, creating the necessary institutional mechanisms and incentives, declaring certain acts prohibited and providing penalties, appropriating funds therefore, and for other purposes.”

Among the topics to be discussed are the following:

1. The Lowcal, Low Cost, Low tech Approach/Remedies on Managing Wastes

2. The Sanitary Landfill Operations

3. The Conversion of Dump Site into EcoPark

4. Closure and rehabilitation of Dumpsite technicalities

5. Presentation of Residual Waste Management Solution

6. Presentation of Success Story

Through the initiative of Mayor James “Bong” Gordon, Jr., the Solid Waste Management Program in the city has been realized with the help of ESMO headed by Dante Ramos and Engr. Ogie Payumo.

The event will be facilitated by National Solid Waste Management Commission Landfill Expert Engr. Eli Ildefonso, movie actor-Environmentalist Roy Alvarez, Eco-Forum Philippines Unlimited, Inc. and Director Ruben Posadas.

“This seminar/workshop shall provide insights and details of the project to enable the participants to have an overview of the concept of the sanitary landfill development project,” Mayor Gordon said. “A system that forms major integral part of the garbage collection scheme, in order to enhance and ensure the capability of the city government in managing garbage disposal efficiently.”

OCTOBER IS SCOUTING MONTH

October will be observed as Scouting Month by the Boy Scouts of the Philippines (BSP) with the theme “Scouts: Acting Together to Save the Environment.”

The BSP is deeply involved in various projects and activities to support the economic, social and environment development objectives of the government through its advocacy programs.

On October 4, 2010 at the government employees flag-raising ceremony at the Rizal Triangle Multi-Purpose Center, Mayor James ‘Bong’ Gordon Jr. cited the importance of scouting and its role in society. Mayor Gordon is the Chairman of the BSP James L. Gordon Sr. Council.

“We are observing scouting month with more than a thousand national organizations all over the world,” said Mayor Gordon. “Scouting is part of our history.”

The Olongapo City BSP council has been renamed in honor of James L. Gordon Sr.

“Through the years, scouting has been part of a training program to promote responsible citizenship and leadership,” Mayor Gordon added.

More information about the scouting month may be obtained at the BSP Council office at East Tapinac Elementary School.