OPERATION SMILE AT PAMPANGA

Olongapo City First Lady and Zambales Vice Gov. Anne Gordon speaks with the 3 mothers of children who were about to undergo the free hare-lip and cleft lip and palate surgical operations. Seventeen patients availed the medical mission courtesy of the ‘Kapampangan Development Foundation’ (KDF). The final pre-surgery screening was done on May 30, 2010 at the Social Action Center (Sacop) San Fernando, Pampanga while the surgical procedure was executed on May 31, 2010 at the Mother Theresa Calcutta Medical Center (MTCMC) also in San Fernando, Pampanga.

REASONS WHY FL ANNE GORDON IS RUNNING FOR CONGRESS

Olongapo City First Lady and Zambales Vice Gov. Anne Gordon has revealed her reasons for running for congresswoman in the 1st District of Zambales and Olongapo considering that she’s now the second highest government official in Zambales.

‘’Bilang pangalawang pinuno ng Zambales na syang nag-aasikaso sa 13 bayan at 233 barangays ng lalawigan, kumakandidato ako bilang congresswoman ay una, upang matulungan ang Lungsod ng Olongapo dahil importante na malagyan natin ng malaking pondo ang HELPS program o Health, Housing, Education, Environment, Livelihood, Labor, Peace and Order, Social Services at Sports program ni Mayor Bong Gordon at nang Gordon Straight Ticket team,’’ said FL Anne Gordon at the “Bingo Bong-gah Anne, Panalo Ka Bayan” courtesy of Kalinga Community for Children held at East Tapinac Oval Track (ETOT).

‘’Ikalawang dahilan, kumakandidato rin ako upang masuportahan ang mga programang pang-kaunlaran ng Lungsod ng Olongapo at ng Unang Distrito ng Zambales. Ikatlong dahilan, ay gusto ko ring matulungan ang mga nasabing lugar sa larangan ng turismo, ika-apat na dahilan ay kinakailangan na rin na magkaroon ng panukalang batas para magkaroon ng maraming investments dito sa siyudad ng Olongapo at sa Unang Distrito ng Zambales,’’ expounded FL Anne as she addressed the huge crowd of over thirteen thousand (13,000) Olongapeños who were present at the oval track.

‘’At ang pang-huli kung bakit ako kumakandidato, ay dahil kailangan nang maamyendahan ang Republic Act 7227 o ang Bases Conversion and Development Act of 1992. Ang Subic Bay Freeport Zone (SBFZ) na pinag-hirapan ng mga mamamayan ng Olongapo at ng Unang Distrito ng Zambales ay dapat magkaroon ng mas malaking benipisyo para sa mga residente nito,’’ added FL Gordon.

The First Lady also said that as Vice Governor of Zambales, she has done and is still doing all that she can for her constituents in the 1st District of Zambales. And running for congress is an opportunity for her to serve a greater community.

Pao/Jordan

UBSP COORDINATORS

She’s definitely the one: Olongapo First Lady and Zambales Vice-Governor Anne Marie Gordon, who is now running as Congresswoman of the First District of Zambales, sits with UBSP coordinators and beneficiaries at a program held at the Rizal Triangle Covered Court held last March 15, 2010.

OLONGAPO CELEBRATES INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY!

Each year around the world, International Women's Day (IWD) is celebrated on March 8. Here in Olongapo City, Olongapo City First Lady and Zambales Vice Gov. Anne Marie Gordon with Vice Mayor Cynthia Cajudo and Kgwd. Ellen Dabu led the celebration of IWD with a march joined by over one thousand (1,000) women coming from different women’s groups.

Officers and members of the Olongapo City Women’s Council, teachers and students, barangay health workers, barangay officials and employees and residents have come together to march for economic, political and social achievements of women.

At the Rizal Triangle Multi-Purpose Center, Mayor James “Bong” Gordon, Jr. and Gabriel Munuera Vinals, Head of Political, Economic, Trade and Public Affairs Section of the European Union Delegation to the Philippines were the guests of honor in the program held after the march.

“Maliban sa pagiging ilaw ng tahanan, ang babae sa ngayon ay haligi na rin ng tahanan. Mga mahahalagang papel ang ginagampanan ng isang babae sa kanyang tahanan at sa komunidad. Kaya mahalaga na pangalagaan, respetuhin at kilalanin ang mga karapatan ng isang babae,” First Lady and Olongapo City Women’s Council Chair Anne Gordon said.

Mayor Bong Gordon, FL Anne Gordon and Vice Mayor Cynthia Cajudo awarded P900,000.00 Philhealth Indigent Unit allotment which was part of the funds raised at the 2009 City Fiesta as promised by FL Anne.

Livelihood assistance was also awarded to the beneficiaries with the help of representatives from the Olongapo City Police Office (OCPO) Women and Children Protection Desk and the Soroptimist International.

Activity Booths also opened. A lot of women, and men alike, waited in line for free haircut, free medical and dental consultation, mobile birth registration, PAP Smear screening, foot spa and job fair.

Meanwhile, different activities are set for the entire month of March to celebrate International Women's Day. There will be a “Buntis Party” on March 18, 2010 at 1:30pm and “Women’s Night” on March 29, 2010 at 1 o’clock pm both events will take place at the FMA Hall of the Olongapo City Hall.

Olongapo City First Lady and Zambales Vice Governor Anne Gordon and the Olongapo City Women’s Council led the parade of Olongapo women in celebration of the International Women’s Day with the theme “Babae: Tagumpay Ka Ng Bayan” on March 8, 2010.

Mayor Bong Gordon, First Lady & Zambales Vice-Gov. Anne Gordon and Vice Mayor Cynthia Cajudo awards Livelihood Capital Assistance (LCA) to thirteen (13) beneficiaries during a program observing Women’s Month. The LCA is part of the funds raised at the 2009 City Fiesta headed by FL Anne Gordon.

SCHOOL EMPOWERMENT FUND

ADVOCATES OF EDUCATION: Mayor James “Bong” Gordon Jr. and Olongapo First Lady and Zambales Vice-Governor Anne Marie Gordon hand out a check amounting to P100,000.00 to representatives of New Cabalan Elementary Schools (OCES) as part of the city government’s school empowerment program that aims to further improve the condition of public education in Olongapo. Beneficiaries of the program are chosen based on the proposals that schools have submitted to the city indicating how they will utilize the fund to boost the quality of education they provide their students.

114 COUPLES AT MASS WEDDING

One hundred and fourteen (114) couples chanted “I do” in unison at the mass wedding ceremonies officiated by Olongapo City Mayor James “Bong” Gordon, Jr. on Valentine’s Day, February 14, 2010 at the Olongapo City Convention Center (OCCC).

Mayor Bong Gordon also stood as godfather while Olongapo City First Lady and Zambales Vice Gov. Anne Marie Gordon was godmother to the newlyweds. Also there for the ceremonies as sponsors were City Councilors Gina Perez, Ellen Dabu, Rodel Cerezo, Nathan Manalo and Jhong Cortez with City Consultants Bugy delos Reyes, Tet Marzan, Ed Piano, Romy Guerrero and Edna Elane.

“Sa panahon ngayon na mahirap ang buhay ay kinakailangan na ang mag-asawa ay nagtutulungan, kaya naman patuloy ang pamahalaang lokal sa iba’t-ibang programang may kaugnayan sa pagbibigay ng ikabubuhay ng isang pamilya katulad ng trabaho o kaya’y livelihood,” Mayor Bong Gordon said.

Communication between husband and wife is what First Lady Anne Gordon specifically pointed out, “Ang lahat ng problema ng mag-asawa ay kailangang pag-usapan at narito kaming inyong mga ninong at ninang na handang makinig at magbigay ng solusyon sa inyong problema basta lapitan nyo lamang kami sa Mayor’s Office at sa aking tanggapan.”

Meanwhile, the oldest couple in the group Avelino Magante, 72 years old and wife Leonora, 53 years old was chosen to lead the ceremonial cutting of the cake. On the other hand, the youngest couple Carlo Silverio, 23 years old and wife Eleonarda, 18 years old led the ceremonial wine toast.

First Lady Anne at Vice Mayor Cynthia Cajudo handed each couple their gift, envelop bid, grocery bag and food packs that the couples shared together with their guests.

The City Civil Registry headed by Keren Cajudo facilitated the processing of documents with the other city govt. departments concerned.

Since 2004, when Mayor Bong Gordon and First Lady Anne’s mass wedding started, over a thousand couples were united in matrimony through the project.

Mayor Bong Gordon and First Lady Anne Gordon with Vice Mayor Cynthia Cajudo witness the ‘ceremonial cutting of the cake’ by the oldest couple Avelino (72 years old) and Leonora Magante (53 years old) at the ‘’Mass Wedding Ceremony’’ on February 14, 2010 at the Olongapo City Convention Center (OCCC).

Pao/Jordan

FIRST LADY ANNE GORDON: ‘’Smiling is Contagious’’

‘’Smiling is contagious,’’ Olongapo City First Lady and Zambales Vice Gov. Anne Marie Gordon said. ‘’When someone is smiling they lighten up the room, change the moods of others, and make things happier. A smiling person brings happiness with them. Smile lots and you will draw people to you,’’ First Lady Anne Marie added.

Mayor James ‘’Bong’’ Gordon, Jr. and FL Anne Gordon are working together in the program ‘’Operation Smile’’. Target of the program is to lessen if not eliminate cases of people with missing teeth and without dentures in Olongapo.

‘’Smiling is a great way to make yourself stand out while helping your body to function better. Smile to improve your health, your stress level, and your attractiveness. Smiling is just one fun way to live longer read about the others and try as many as you can,’’ Mayor Gordon said.

Olongapo City’s ‘’Operation Smile’’ is in response to requests of Olongapeños, particularly Senior Citizens who find it difficult to eat, talk and are even shy to smile because of missing teeth.

The main objective of this program is to give away removable dentures to edentulous patients or people without teeth. This will also affect their health because it will be easier for them to eat and more importantly they will feel much better about themselves. This program aims to create smiles and change lives.

Those who will pass the dental evaluation will be given free removable dentures. For those interested, they can go to the Olongapo City Dental Health Services Clinic located at the City Hall lobby and look for City Dentist Dr. Donald Vigo.

Pao/Jordan

MORE LIVELIHOOD ASSISTANCE FROM MAYOR GORDON AND FIRST LADY ANNE

Mayor James “Bong” Gordon, Jr. and Olongapo City First Lady and Zambales Vice-Gov. Anne Marie Gordon have extended another Livelihood Capital Assistance (LCA) to 9 beneficiaries at the flag raising ceremonies on January 25, 2010 at the Rizal Triangle Multi-Purpose Center.

The LCA aims to give Olongapenos an initial fund or capital to start their own businesses or any income-generating projects that will eventually support their family’s basic needs.

The nine (9) recipients of LCA are the following:

1. Josefina Zerrudo- Brgy. Mabayuan

2. Adoracion Santos- Brgy. Mabayuan

3. Alicia Barlaan- Brygy. Sta Rita

4. Angeles Especia- Brgy. Sta. Rita

5. Gil Royo- Brgy. New Cabalan

6. Teresita Carabeo- Brgy. West Bajac-Bajac

7. Shirley Custodio- Brgy. West Bajac-Bajac

8. Carmelita Bumagat- Brgy. Sta Rita

9. Jerry Fernandez- West Bajac-Bajac

The recipients will have to return the amount within ten (10) months but without interest. This is ensure that more people will benefit from the livelihood assistance program of Mayor Gordon and First Lady Anne.

Each beneficiary has undergone a screening. Representatives from the Livelihood Cooperative and Development Office (LCDO) visited the candidates for the LCA to make sure that they really are not financially capable of starting up their own businesses.

Hog raising, sari-sari store, balut vending, cigarette vending, barbeque vending, rice vending, fish and vegetable vending, tocino making are just some of the many small businesses that the recipients will venture into which requires minimal amount of capital.

It can be recalled that the 2009 City Fiesta under the Chairmanship of First Lady Anne Marie, part of the funds raised was allotted to the Livelihood Program of Mayor Gordon.

Mayor Bong Gordon and Olongapo First Lady and Zambales Vice-Governor Anne Marie Gordon with the recipients of the Livelihood Capital Assistance (LCA) Program at the Rizal Triangle Multi-Purpose CeAnter on January 25, 2010. Also in the picture are City Councilors Edwin Piano and Ellen Dabu.

Pao/Jordan

CHAMPION OF THE YOUNG

Children swarm around Olongapo First Lady and Zambales Vice-Governor Anne Marie Gordon at the Barangay Consultation held at Amapola St. Barangay Sta. Rita last January 13, 2010.

Vice-Governor Anne Marie Commends CSWDO

Olongapo First Lady and Zambales Vice-Governor Anne Marie Gordon has commended the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) for its feat in the 2009 Search for the Outstanding Violence Against Women (VAW)-Responsive Local Government Unit.

The said competition is a year-long search being conducted by the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW), together with the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), the Department of Social Welfare and Development, the Women’s Crisis Center (WCC), Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines (ULAP), and the Coalition Against Trafficking of Women in Asia-Pacific (CATW-AP).

“From the 12 nominees , Olongapo, thru the joint efforts of the CSWDO, City Council Committee on Women and organized women’s groups, clinched the second place for the city’s dedication to violence against women campaigns, women empowerment and gender development programs,” explained Vice-Governor Anne Marie Gordon, a known advocate of children and women’s rights and welfare.

It can be recalled that Olongapo First Lady and Zambales Vice-Governor Anne Marie, pioneered the establishment of the Center for Women in the city, a temporary refuge for battered women that provides rescue, counseling, training, livelihood and medical assistance, sheltering and administration of justice to abused victims. Records show that as of end of October 2009, the Center for Women served a total of 184 women with VAWC cases where 44 were provided with temporary shelter, 15 filed formal complaints, 10 have on-going court trials while five have pending cases at the City Prosecutor’s Office.

“We can end Violence Against Women (VAW). This social issue does not just involve women, but also men and more importantly children and families, the core of human societies. Hence, we must all work together to battle this problem,” she added.

Pao/sara

Vice-Governor Anne Marie Gordon Exceeds Expectations

As First Lady of Olongapo, Anne Marie Gordon has proven her compassion and sincerity to reach out to the indigent and the underprivileged and as Presiding Officer of the Provincial Board of Zambales, Anne Marie Gordon has exceeded the expectations of her contemporaries and constituents.

Together with her husband Mayor James” Bong” Gordon Jr., she has become the people’s champion when it comes to the provision of supplemental social, health care, livelihood and educational assistance beyond the available services that the city provides.

As Presiding Officer of the Provincial Board, Vice-Governor Anne has passed 422 legislative measures in 2008 alone to address various concerns of the province focusing on economic and infrastructure development, responsive bureaucracy, preservation of the environment, socio-cultural development, health and family welfare and agriculture progress.

As genuine advocate of human rights, Anne is responsible, along with Mayor Bong Gordon, for the establishment of Center for Women , a safe haven that provided refuge to battered and abused women in the city wherein they are given temporary shelter, appropriate counseling and moral support, and are taught to be self-reliant until the time they find their feet to rise up from their condition.

Every day, First Lady Anne Marie receives and attends to request of healthcare assistance from discounts and promissory notes on hospital bills, medicines, request for wheelchairs, stainless braces and aid for burial expenses. Not only Olongapeño patients seek for her assistance at James L. Gordon Hospital but also residents from Zambales where she has been serving as Vice-Governor.

Patient statistics at the James L. Gordon Memorial hospital now shows that the number of admitted and out-patients coming from Zambales increased dramatically since First Lady Anne Marie was elected as Vice-Governor of Zambales.

The First Lady also make sure that the underprivileged are given the necessary health assistance every year thru the provision of Philhealth Indigent cards which deserving individuals can use in times of medical emergency.

Under the leadership of Vice-Governor Anne Marie as Presiding Officer, the Provincial Council has approved the budget appropriating the procurement of hospital equipment such as x-ray machines, infant ventilators, CT scan machine, new ambulance vehicles, plasma separator, incubator, dialysis machines, mammography machines, cardiac monitors and other hospital equipment for RMM Hospital, Candeleria District and San Marcelino District Hospital in Zambales.

Olongapo First Lady and Zambales Vice-Governor Anne Marie, a supportive wife, devotee of the disadvantaged, a competent leader and most of all, an extraordinary woman. Pao/sara

CITY FIESTA QUEEN 2009

1ST CANVASSING for CITY FIESTA QUEEN on Nov 20

The seventeen (17) lovely candidates of the Search for Olongapo City Fiesta Queen 2009 will mesmerize the crowd and outdo each other in the 1st canvassing to be held on November 26, 2009 at the Olongapo City Convention Center (OCCC) where the candidates will grace the stage with their Chinese-inspired costumes.

Olongapo City First Lady and Zambales Vice Gov. Anne Marie Gordon, as 2009-2010 City Fiesta Executive Committee (execom) chair, will lead the event that will also pay tribute to the Filipino-Chinese Community of the city.

Zambales Vice-Governor and Execom Chair Anne Marie also invited non-government organizations to support the candidates.

‘’Each candidate has a counterpart civic group or NGO that will in raising funds and distributing the city fiesta tickets for a worthy cause,’’ said Execom chair Gordon.

As with the past proceeds of the Search for City Fiesta Queen, funds that will be raised this year will also go to the scholarship , livelihood and Philhealth Indigent programs of the city.

Olongapo City Fiesta Candidates presented

Vice-Governor Anne Gordon presents City Fiesta Queen Candidates

Olongapo First Lady and Zambales Vice-Governor Anne Marie Gordon formally introduced to the public the 17 candidates vying for this year’s City Fiesta Queen crown at the presentation recently held at the FMA Hall.

“The 17 candidates, representing all the city’s barangays, will help us raise funds to support the city’s Philhealth Indigent programs, livelihood and scholarship projects,” said Vice-Governor Anne Marie Gordon, also the current City Fiesta Executive Committee Chair.

This year’s line up of exquisite candidates who will draw the admiration of the crowd are:

1.Jewel Anne Salvador Tan - New Asinan

2.Cherish Joy Feliminiano -New Banicain

3.Michelle Araceli Delgado-Barretto

4.Princess Rose Mabini- East Bajac-Bajac

5.Shainne Laban- East Tapinac

6.Charmaine Smith- Gordon Heights

7.Jesselle Rose Lumague-New Kababae

8.Camille Anne David Edrosolo-Kalaklan

9.Lily Mae Batunan-New Kalalake

10. Elizabeth Espinosa-Mabayuan

11. Dianarah Carpio Fabia-New Cabalan

12. Leah Crizell Mapa-New Ilalim

13. Jovaressa Resuello-Old Cabalan

14. Maria Zita Aragon-Pag-asa

15. Unifer Oda-Sta. Rita

16. Ma. Arceline Niro- West Bajac-Bajac

17. Jelyn F. Benavidez-West Tapinac

The City Fiesta Execom invites the residents to watch out and support their candidates on the following scheduled events:

1. 1st Canvassing-November 20, 2009

Chinese Night at the Olonagpo City Convention Center

2. 2nd Canvassing- December 4, 2009

Korean Night, Rizal Triangle Covered Court

3. 3rd Canvassing-December 16, 2009

International Night, Olongapo City Convention Center

4. Coronation Night- December 23, 2009

Rizal Triangle Covered Court

5. City Fiesta Grand Parade –December 30, 2009

6. Queen’s Ball-December 31, 2009

Olongapo City Convention Center

Mayor Bong Gordon and the seventeen (17) candidates of the Search for the City Fiesta Queen during the presentation recently at the FMA Hall, City Hall. Also in the picture are Zambales Vice Gov. and 2009 City Fiesta Executive Committee chair Anne Marie Gordon, 2009 City Fiesta Executive Committee co-chair Iluminada Santos, City Councilors Edwin Piano and Ellen Dabu with the barangay chairmen. PAO/sara

Olongapo City Alay Lakad raised close to P300k in today's activity

Participants of this year's walk-for-a-cause with the theme: "Lakad Kabataan, Ituloy and Kaunlaran" assembled 5:30 am at Rizal Triangle and walked towards the Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center (SBECC) wherein the Execom held an awarding ceremony for exceptional participants, highest contributor, early birds, biggest delegation, most disciplined group, most colorful group, youngest participant and the chairman’s award.

Zambales Vice Governor and Soroptomist President was given a special citation for successfully completing her term as 2008 Alay Lakad Chairman. She likewise turned-over a check worth P200K+ to the new chairman as seed money for the foundation's projects.

Lions Club International, District 301-D1 President Abner Santos thanked all those who participated in this year's walk and assured that obtained funds from different Alay Lakad activities will be channeled by the foundation and CSWDO into pro-poor projects like scholarships of beneficiaries, capability trainings and livelihood projects.

Lucky participants who also bought raffle tickets were able to take home special prizes.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m5ZAELVbKho

Team Gordon Inaugurates a livelihood training center

Images of Team Gordon Activities

• Livelihood and Skills Training Center at Ohio Street Kalaklan Inauguration
• Blessing and Inauguration of Mercury Street at Brgy Sta Rita
• Blessing and Inauguration of Footbridge at Lawin Street New Cabalan

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2EuuIrU7cKY

VICE GOV. ANNE MARIE GORDON IS 2009 CITY FIESTA CHAIR

City Mayor James “Bong” Gordon Jr. has again designated Olongapo First Lady and Zambales Vice Gov. Anne Marie Gordon as Chairman of the Fiesta Executive Committee (Execom).

In a letter, Mayor Bong Gordon acknowledged the success of 2006 City Fiesta under the chairmanship of Vice Gov. Anne Marie Gordon. ‘’Dahil sa maganda at maayos na pagpapalakad ni Vice Gov. Gordon, naniniwala ako na kayang-kaya niyang ipag-patuloy ang kanyang nasimulang pagpapa-sigla sa City Fiesta.’’

Likewise, Mayor Gordon also assigned business woman Iluminada Santos as C0-chairman. She was the treasurer of the 2006 City Fiesta execom.

The newly appointed Execom will organize the other committees needed in planning the different events and activities, not only during the actual fiesta but all year round.

The 2006 City Fiesta through the leadership of Vice Gov. Gordon was able to give one million pesos to the livelihood project and training programs of the Livelihood Cooperative and Development Office (LCDO).

The Philhealth Indigency Program also received P1 million for the hospitalization and medical assistance of the city’s poor residents.

The 2006 Execom also funded the Olongapo Center for Youth with P1M and Php 30,000 for the Olongapo City Government Choir.

As part of the colorful tradition of the city, one of the highlights of the annual City Fiesta is the search for the City Fiesta Queen which aims to raise funds for the different programs of the city for education, health and livelihood. (end)

PAO/wheng

FREE LIVELIHOOD TRAININGS FOR OLONGAPO RESIDENTS

A series of free livelihood trainings in Barangay Gordon Heights is being conducted through the cooperation of the Livelihood Cooperative Development Office (LCDO) as part of Mayor James Gordon, Jr.’s effort in providing Olongapo residents opportunities to augment their income.

The first set of training in May 27-29 was on fruit processing where residents learned how to make mango puree’ and dried mango. The participants consisted mostly of women ages eighteen (18) years old and above. More trainings like meat processing, dimsum making, fish processing, iodized salt making, baking, sweet pastries, recyclable processing and rug making have been scheduled on June 4-5, June 10-11, June 17-18, June 19, June 25, June 26, July 6-10 and July 15-17, 2009, respectively.

“Women usually excel in business since they are diligent and have the skills in budgeting. New businesses, especially in the fields of cooking and food processing, usually needs the skills of women,” said Aileen Sanchez, LCDO head.

The LCDO will continuously conduct different trainings among the different barangays of the city as Mayor Gordon’s aim in the implementation of the city’s livelihood programs.

LCDO is the main implementor of Mayor Gordon’s livelihood program with the guidance and support of Olongapo First Lady and Zambales Vice Governor Ann Marie C. Gordon.

Pao/nmm

ARNEL PINEDA LANDMARK

Journey lead vocalist Arnel Pineda is flanked by Olongapo Mayor James Gordon Jr. and city first lady Anne Gordon during the groundbreaking rites on the site where his mini statue will rise along side that of Freddie Aguilar, who like Pineda started his singing career doing the rounds of Olongapo’s entertainment circuit. Mayor Gordon, himself a musician, said the statue is a fitting tribute to Pineda who is considered a distinguished son of Olongapo.

WOMEN’S MONTH CELEBRATION

The Olongapo City Women’s Council chaired by First Lady and Zambales Vice Governor Anne Marie Gordon has already laid out its plans and activities for the celebration of the International Women’s Month this March.

In a meeting led by the Council Vice Chair and City Councilor Ellen Dabu held on February 19, 2009 at City Hall, the plans and activities were thoroughly discussed for the benefit of Olongapo’s women.

To jump-start the beginning of Women’s Month, Mayor James “Bong” Gordon, Jr. tasked the council to be in-charge of the Flag Raising Ceremony of city officials and employees on March 2, 2009 at Rizal Triangle Multi-Purpose Center.

First Friday noon mass on March 6 at FMA Hall will also be led by the council while on March 9 a livelihood seminar for Barangay West Bajac-Bajac women residents will be held.

More than three thousand (3,000) women will also join a “show of force” parade on March 10. The parade will start from the Olongapo City Mall and pass thru RM Drive and Rizal Avenue to Rizal Triangle Multi-Purpose Center.

Still part of the celebration are activities such as medical and dental missions, pap smear, ligation, breast examination, mobile birth certificate registration, reflexology and foot spa, job fair and awarding of Mayor Bong Gordon’s livelihood assistance.

Meanwhile, the City Health Office (CHO) will treat four (4) months to nine (9) months pregnant mothers in a ‘’Buntis Party’’ where first-time mothers will be given tips on motherhood and child care.

Dialogue with the City Prosecutors Office, Olongapo City Police Office (OCPO), James L. Gordon Memorial Hospital (JLGMH) and City Personnel Office regarding Juvenile Justice & Welfare Act, Human Trafficking and Violence Against Women and their Children will likewise be conducted on March 16.

Before the culmination of the month-long celebration, a fund raising concert will be held on March 27 at the Olongapo City Convention Center (OCCC) showcasing Olongapeña talents.

For the first-time, the council will also be selecting ten (10) outstanding Olongapeña from different sectors such as in medicine, business, sports, entertainment, education, media, religious, civic works, politics and family.

Pao/rem

MASS WEDDING CEREMONY

Another Mass Wedding Ceremony has been set on Valentine’s Day, Feb. 14, 2009 with City Mayor James ‘’Bong’’ Gordon, Jr. as officiating officer with the support of Zambales Vice Gov. and Olongapo First Lady Anne Marie Gordon.

About 100 couples who are living-in together without the blessing of the church and law are expected to benefit from the activity.

The City Civil Registry Office headed by Keren Cajudo, is the lead agency in the selection of qualified couples based on the documents to be submitted.

To be part of the ceremony which is set to be held at the Olongapo City Convention Center (OCCC), applicants must be 23 years of age and above and have been living together for at least five years or more as per Article 34 of the Family Code of the Philippines.

Certified True Copies of Live Birth (birth certificate) of the couple must be presented as well as the Certificate of Live Birth of their eldest child who must be 5 years old and above.

If the couple’s eldest child is 4 years old or below and/or they do not have a child, they must secure a certification from their Barangay Chairman to attests that the couple has been living together for five years or more.

In addition, the couples must also submit their 2009 Community Tax Certificates (cedula) and their accomplished application form from the City Civil Registry Office. The office is now accepting applications until February 13, 2009 only.

On the other hand, couples under 23 years of age or those who have been living together for less than five years must go through the normal Marriage License Application.

They must secure a Certificate of No Marriage (CENOMAR), Parental Consent, and must undertake a Family Planning Seminar and Marriage Counseling. Submission of these documents is until February 2, 2009 only.

Mayor Gordon and Vice Gov. Anne Marie Gordon will be the ‘ninong’ and ‘ninang’ and will also provide a wedding reception for the newly weds. The city councilors, barangay officials and department heads will also stand as principal sponsors and witnesses.

Since Mayor Gordon initiated the Mass Wedding on 2004 to 2008, hundreds of couples have already availed of the opportunity.

For more information about the Mass Wedding Ceremony, visit the City Civil Registry Office or call telephone numbers 224-3976.

Pao/rem