1st Death Anniversary of Amelia J. Gordon

VOLUNTEERS’ DAY 2009 COMMEMORATED

Senator Richard Gordon and Olongapo City Mayor James “Bong” Gordon led the observance of the 17th year of “Araw ng mga Volunteers” on November 30, 2009 at the Olongapo City Convention Center (OCCC).

With “VOLUNTEER’S DAY 2009: A tribute to the Original Volunteer-Mama Amelia J. Gordon” as theme, Ma’am Amelia, who pass away on Novembe 17, was recognized and awarded as an original volunteer.

“Ang aking ina ang tunay na halimbawa ng leadership by example. Noong mga panahon na walang naniniwala sa Olongapo, hindi napanghinaan ng loob ang aking ina bagkus ay tumayo siya at gumawa ng mabuti para sa mga mamamayang ng Olongapano” Mayor Bong Gordon said.

“Ang isang tunay na volunteer ay ang gumagawa ng mga bagay na hindi nag-aantay ng anumang kapalit. Ang aking ina ang unang nagturo sa akin at sa aking kapatid kung ano ang tunay na kahulugan ng volunteer at hanggang sa ngayon ay amin pa ring dala-dala sa aming ipinapasa sa aming pamilya”, Senator Dick Gordon said calling her mother ‘Super Volunteer’.

Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Administrator and CEO Armand C. Arreza, Gordon Heights Brgy. Capt. Eduardo Gingco, Boy Scouts of the Philippines- James L. Gordon Council Vice-Chair Gregorio Elane and James L. Gordon Memorial Hospital (JLGMH) Medical Dir. Dr. Arturo Mendoza also delivered messages honoring Ma’am Amelia.

New Cabalan’s Barangay Captain Audie Sundiam focused his tribute to the children whose lives were changed because of Ma’am Amelia. The Boy’s Town and Girl’s Home are now home to the children she has helped.

Philippine National Red Cross- Olongapo Chapter Board Secretary Linda Crispin and the Philippine Association for Volunteer Effort (PAVE) also paid tribute to Ma’am Amelia.

The OCCC was packed with over three thousand (3,000) families of the volunteers. Earlier, the Bagumbayan Volunteer led the offering of flowers and prayers to Ma’am Amelia and other departed volunteers at the Volunteers’ Shrine at the Subic Bay Freeport.

To continue the legacy of Ma’am Amelia Gordon, volunteers took the reaffirmation of commitment to volunteerism during the ‘’VOLUNTEER’S DAY 2009: A tribute to the Original Volunteer-Mama Amelia J. Gordon’’ on November 24, 2009 at the Olongapo City Convention Center (OCCC).

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WhgO9z7O2aM
Para Sayo ang Pasko by James "Bong" Gordon and Anne Marie Gordon ... video of Mama Amelia Juico Gordon played during her Necrological Ceremony at Olongapo City Convention Center dated November 24, 2009. Amelia Juico Gordon 1919- 2009

THOUSANDS OF OLONGAPENOS JOINED THE FUNERAL MARCH FOR MA’AM AMELIA

The Gordon clan, led by Senator Richard Gordon and Olongapo City Mayor James “Bong” Gordon, joined by thousands of friends and supporters joined the funeral march to bring the acknowledged “Mother of Olongapo” to her final resting place at Gordon Park, Kalaklan on November 25, 2009.

As the funeral march passed by the streets of Olongapo City from the Olongapo City Convention Center (OCCC) to Gordon Park, many more thousands lined-up the sidewalks and buildings to get a glimpse of Ma’am Amelia for the last time.

To show their respect to the first woman mayor of Olongapo City and elected Assemblywoman in the Batasang Pambansa, people lined-up in the streets. Teachers, students, government employees, private citizens and many other mourners formed a human chain and waved ‘red ribbons’ as the cortege pass. At some points, the carriage bearing the casket of Ma’am Amelia was showered with confetti.

At the Gordon Park, Ma’am Amelia was honored with a 21 gun salute by the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Philippine Flag was handed over to her first-born child, Veronica Lorenzana-Gordon.

In behalf of the family, Senator Richard Gordon thanked all the people who mourned, condoled and helped the family in their time of grief.

“Ito ang pinaka-mabigat na pangyayari sa aming pamilya ngunit hindi ninyo kami pinabayaan, sinamahan ninyo kami simula nang dumating ang aking ina hanggang ihatid ito sa Gordon Park. Maraming salamat sa inyong lahat”, Senator Gordon said.

Ma’am Amelia died on November 17, 2009 at the age of eighty-nine (89). She was recognized for her services and humanitarian work and received numerous medals and awards, including the Doña Aurora Aragon Medal, the Silver Jubilee Family Award, the Silver Medal Award from the Philippine National Red Cross (PNRC), the Gintong Ina Award Alay kay Inay, the Gold Humanitarian Service Cross Award and recipient of the prestigious 2009 Pearl S. Buck International Woman of the Year Award.

Thousands of people joined and awaited the funeral procession that brought Amelia Juico Gordon to her final resting place last November 25, 2009 at Gordon Memorial Park.

Senator Richard Gordon and sister Veronica Gordon-Lorenzana accepts the Philippine Flag in honor of their mother’s contribution to Olongapo and to the welfare of Filipino children during the ceremony held at the funeral of their mother Amelia Juico Gordon.

Mayor James “Bong” Gordon Jr. sprinkles earth on her mother’s grave. Amelia Juico Gordon, was laid to her final resting place beside her husband, the late Mayor James Gordon Sr. at the Gordon Memorial Park last November 25, 2009.

Goodbye, Ma’am Amelia

For the past three days since Amelia Juico Gordon’s remains arrived from Manila , hundreds of people have been going in and out of the Olongapo City Convention Center each day and night to offer their condolences and to have a last glimpse at the acknowledged mother of Olongapo, who passed away last November 17, 2009.

“My mother is not only a remarkable leader but also devoted her life to the service of Olongapeños. She was also the champion of thousands of underprivileged children she took in her care,” said Mayor James “Bong” Gordon Jr.

Ma’am Amelia’s remains will be laid in her final resting place tomorrow, November 25 at the Gordon Memorial Park after the requiem mass that will be held at the Olongapo City Convention Center at 12 noon the same day.

‘’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

Amelia Gordon, Champion of the Underprivileged

Amelia Juico Gordon passed away at the age of 89 but her achievements and good deeds will be remembered for more than a lifetime…

Acknowledged as the “Mother” of Olongapo, “Ma’am Amelia,” as Olongapeños fondly referred to her, pioneered the city’s Master Plan as mayor and assemblywoman.

However, Amelia’s commitment to help the public, means more than government service. She was wholeheartedly dedicated in caring for the young and needy. She adopted more than 50 children and changed the lives of thousands more as the founder of Olongapo City’s Boys’ Town and Girls’ Home. She led the formation of Iba-Olongapo Catholic Women’s League, Red Cross-Olongapo City Chapter and of Olongapo City Civic Action Group, organizations that are helping Olongapeños up to the present.

“For Mama, every human being who needed help will be given assistance regardless of his or her birth, fortune, position or political affiliations. She was not afraid to get her hands dirty or lay her life on the line. She braved disasters—the massive Baguio earthquake in 1990, Mt. Pinatubo eruption in 1991 and various floods and other calamities, to ensure that food and aid reached those who are in need,” said daughter Veronica Gordon-Lorenzana.

Due to her noble deeds, Amelia, mother of Senator Richard Gordon, received various awards such as the Doña Aurora Aragon Medal Award, Silver Jubilee Family Award, Silver Medal Award from the Philippine National Red Cross (PNRC), Gintong Ina Award, Gold Humanitarian Award, the highest award given by the Red Cross, and the 2002 Pearl S. Buck Woman of the Year Award, an award given to women who make outstanding contributions in the areas of cross-cultural understanding, humanitarian outreach and improving the quality of life and expanding opportunities for children around the world like world-wide achievers, Laura Bush (2006) and Audrey Hepburn (1993), in recognition of Amelia’s life-long dedication to the welfare and protection of children.

“My mother was not only our mother, she was the mother of all. She gave meaning and hope to the lives of orphaned and abandoned children. She was a great leader, a remarkable woman, champion of underprivileged children and most of all, a devoted mother. We will always treasure her memories and will always be proud of her life’s work,” said youngest son Olongapo Mayor James “Bong” Gordon Jr.

2002 Pearl S. Buck International Woman of the Year, Amelia Juico Gordon or ‘’Ma’am Amelia,’’ as Olongapeños fondly referred to her, passed away last November 17, 2009 at the age of 89. She lived her life to the fullest, protected and fought for the rights and protection of abandoned and orphaned children. She led the formation of many civic groups in Olongapo including the Olongapo City Boy’s and Girls Home, Red Cross Olongapo City Chapter and the Catholic Women’s League of Zambales.

Pao/sara

Amelia Juico-Gordon, 89

Amelia Juico-Gordon, born on September 4, 1920, passed away on November 17, 2009 at the age of eighty-nine.

She was a tireless public servant, elected as the first woman mayor of Olongapo City following the assassination of her husband James Gordon, Sr. in 1967 and then as Assemblywoman in the Batasan Pambansa in 1984.

She continued her life of service in the private sector, advocating the protection and promotion of the welfare of needy and abandoned children, legally adopting fifty-four children as her own, changing the lives of thousands more as the founder of the Olongapo Boys Town and Girls Home, and founding several other civic organizations such as the Olongapo City Civic Action Group (OCAG), the Iba-Olongapo Catholic Women’s League, and the Olongapo City Red Cross where she also served as Chairperson for twenty-eight years.

In recognition of her humanitarian pursuits, her dedication to children and adoption, and her life-long work for the cause of abandoned Filipino children of American descent, Amelia Juico-Gordon became the second Filipina recipient of the Pearl S. Buck International Woman of the Year Award in 2002.

She also received numerous medals and awards for her other political and civic accomplishments, including the Doña Aurora Aragon Medal, the Silver Jubilee Family Award, the Silver Medal Award from the Philippine National Red Cross, the 1985 Gintong Ina Award Alay kay Inay, the 1993 Gold Humanitarian Service Cross Award, and the 2000 Centennial Woman of the Year Award.

Amelia Juico-Gordon lived a full life, affecting positive change in the lives of so many people, and inspiring and enabling countless more to live as human beings deserving of dignity and respect.

She is survived by her children -- Veronica "Onnie" Gordon-Lorenzana, Barbara "Bai" Gordon-Delos Reyes, Cecille Gordon-Mullen, Richard "Dick" Gordon, James "Bong" Gordon and Imelda Deza.

Amelia Gordon, nagdiwang ng ika-87 kaarawan

Ipinagdiwang ang ika-87 kaarawan ni dating city mayor at former assembly woman Amelia Juico Gordon nitong ika-4 ng Setyembre sa Admiral Hotel.

Dinaluhan ng ilang dignitaries, personal na mga kaibigan at mga kapamilya ang payak na pagdiriwang ng kaarawan ni Amelia Gordon, ina nina Senator Richard “Dick” Gordon at Mayor James “Bong” Gordon, Jr., na kinikilala din bilang “Ina ng Lungsod” ng Olongapo.

Magugunitang kilala rin si Ma’am Amelia Gordon sa dami ng mga kapos-palad at mga batang kanyang kinalinga at kinupkop noong kanyang panahon hanggang sa kasalukuyan.

Dekada singkwenta (50) nang magsimulang maging ina si Amelia Gordon para sa mga batang kapos sa pagmamahal at pagkalinga. Matapos ang masaklap na pagkamatay ng kanyang kabiyak at dating punong lungsod na si James Leonard Gordon,Sr., nahalal si Amelia Gordon bilang mayor. Siya ay naglingkod mula 1968 hanggang 1971 bilang mayor at naging kinatawan naman ng Olongapo sa Batasang Pambansa noong 1972.

Sa kabila ng kanyang pagpasok sa pulitika ay nagpatuloy pa rin ang kanyang pagkalinga sa mga kapos-palad. Habang abala sa pagpapaunlad ng Olongapo ay itinatag ni Amelia Gordon ang mga organisasyong tumutulong sa mga mahihirap tulad ng Iba-Olongapo Catholic Women’s League, Olongapo City Red Cross, Olongapo Civic Action Group, at Olongapo Boys’ Town and Girls’ Home na magpahanggang sa ngayon ay matatag na mga organisasyong umaalalay sa mga Olongapeňo..

Isang matagumpay na businesswoman din si Amelia Gordon. Itinayo niya ang kauna-unahang centrally air-conditioned restaurant, sinehan, grocery, bakery at multi-story hotel sa lungsod na kilala sa pangalang Admiral kung saan idinaos ngayon ang kanyang ika-87 kaarawan.

Dahil sa kanyang mga di-matatawarang achievements, nagkamit ng di mabilang na awards si Amelia Gordon. Kabilang sa mga ito ang Doňa Aurora Aragon Medal Award, Silver Jubilee Family Award, Silver Medal Award mula sa Philippine National Red Cross (PNRC), Gintong Ina Award Alay kay Inay ’85, Gold Humanitarian Service Cross Award noong 1993, Centennial Woman of the Year Award noong taong 2000, at Pearl S. Buck International Award noong 2004.

Si Ma’am Amelia Gordon, ina nina Senator Richard Gordon at Mayor Bong Gordon, sa kanyang ika-87 kaarawan noong Setyembre 4 , 2007 sa Admiral Hotel.

PAO/jpb