LIVELIHOOD TRAINING IN OLONGAPO

Olongapo Mayor James “Bong” Gordon, Jr. and First Lady Anne Gordon has intensified further the city's free Livelihood Training Program for Olongapeños interested and eager to learn to start their own business.

“Ang free livelihood training ay malaking tulong sa mga Olongapeños para sa dagdag na kita hindi lamang sa mga walang trabaho kundi pati na rin sa mga nasa opisina, mga maybahay at iba pa,” according to Mayor Gordon.

The free livelihood training is in line with Mayor Gordon’s HELPS Program.

The following is the list of livelihood training schedule for the whole month of May given by the lead agency of the program, the Livelihood Cooperative Development Office (LCDO):

May 16 – Short-Term Course on whole body massage 9:00-3:00 p.m. (15days)

May 17 – Fashion Accessories making 9:00-3:00 p.m. (1day)

May 23 – Digital T-shirt and Mug printing 9:00-3:00 p.m. (1day)

May 24 – Chinese Dimsung making 9:00-3:00 p.m. (1day)

May 27 – Bacon and Hamburger Patties making 9:00-3:00 p.m. (1day)

May 31 – Banana Catsup making 9:00-3:00 p.m. (1day)

Those interested to join the aforementioned livelihood trainings may visit the Livelihood Training Center at Ohio St., Brgy. Kalaklan.

Arthur Vendors’ Association

Mayor James “Bong” Gordon, Jr. administered and First Lady Anne Gordon graced the oath-taking of the Arthur Vendors’ Association (AVA) held at West Bajac-Bajac recently. (Below photo) Vendors Management Action Team (VMAT) head Angie Layug(first row-3rd from left) Brgy. Capt. Rafael Santulan, Jr. (4th from left) and Aileen Sanchez, LCDO head (2nd from right) were also present in the occasion.

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.

Anne Gordon Invites Housewives To Free Livelihood Lessons

‘‘Muli akong nananawagan sa mga kababaihan, lalo na ang mga ina ng tahanan na makilahok at matuto sa tuloy-tuloy na libreng livehood training programs na ibinibigay ng Pamahalaang Lungsod ng Olongapo sa pamumuno ni amyor James “Bong” Gordon Jr. sapagkat ang mga kasanayan na inyong matututunan ay maaaring makatulong sa kabuhayan ng inyong pamilya o magamit upang makapagtayo ng sariling negosyo, ” said known advocate of women empowerment Olongapo First Lady and Zambales Vice-Governor Anne Marie Gordon.

For the month of March alone, the Livelihood Cooperative and Development Office has lined up the following free lessons:

Meat Processing - March 4-5

Basic Cosmetology w/manicure,
Pedicure and Foot Spa - March 8-12

Flip-Flop Slipper Making - March 16-20

Chocolate Candies Making - March 18

Dimsum Making - March 23-24

Aroma Candle Making - March 26

“Ang programang ito ni Mayor Gordon ay malaking tulong at malaking tipid sa mga nais matuto ng iba’t-ibang kasanayan. Kailangan lamang nilang magpatala dito sa LCDO at libreng madadagdagan ang kanilang kaalaman,” said Aileen Sanchez, head of LCDO.

Currently, beneficiaries of the said program has reached more than six thousand and counting, including the out-school-youth, Small to Medium Entrepreneurs and the producers of Gawang Gapo which provides the opportunity to budding entrepreneurs to showcase their products for 5 days at the lobby of the Olongapo City Hall.

Thru the initiative of Mayor Gordon, a two-story Livelihood Training Center located at Ohio St., Kalaklan was constructed and now serves as the official venue where enrollees learned practical livelihood knowledge and skills from competent LCDO and TESDA trainers.

For more details and inquiries about the free livelihood trainings, visit the LCDO at the second floor of the Olongapo City Hall.

LCDO CONDUCTS FREE LIVELIHOOD TRAININGS

‘‘Inaanyayahan ko ang mga Olongapeño na magparehistro at makinabang sa patuloy na livelihood training na ibibigay ng lungsod,” said Mayor James “Bong” Gordon Jr.

Thru the Livelihood Cooperative and Development Office (LCDO), the city continuously conduct free livelihood trainings to provide supplemental skills to jobseekers or ideas to those who want to start their own business.

“Para sa buwan na ito lamang ay nakapagpatapos na ang LCDO ng mga trainess sa Fashion Accessories Making (Peb. 5), inumpisahan na rin ang Massage Therapy Training nitong ika-8 na magtatapos sa ika-19 ng Pebrero at nakahanay naman ang Soap Making sa ika-23 at baking sa ika-24 ng buwan,” Aileen Sanchez, head of LCDO explained.

Presently, beneficiaries of the said program has reached more than six thousand and counting, including the out-school-youth, Small to Medium Entrepreneurs and the producers of Gawang Gapo which provides the opportunity to budding entrepreneurs to showcase their products for 5 days at the lobby of the Olongapo City Hall.

“Nanawagan ako sa mga kababaihan lalo na sa mga ina ng tahanan na samantalahin ang mga ganitong pagkakataon sapagkat ang mga libreng pagsasanay na ito ay maaaring maging daan upang makatulong sa pagtataguyod ng kabuhayan ng pamilya o maging daan upang kayo ay magkaroon ng sariling negosyo ,” said Olongapo First Lady and Zambales Vice-Governor Anne Marie Gordon, a known advocate of women empowerment.

For more details and inquiries about the free livelihood trainings, visit the LCDO at the second floor of the Olongapo City Hall.

Pao/sara

LIVELIHOOD PRIORITY OF MAYOR BONG

The promotion of livelihood for Olongapeños is one of the projects that Mayor James “Bong” Gordon, Jr. focuses on as part of his “HELPS Program,” the letter L standing for Livelihood and labor.

With the full support of First Lady and Zambales Vice Gov. Anne Marie Gordon, Mayor Bong Gordon wants to strengthen ‘self-employment’ and address both unemployment and underemployment, thus the creation of the Livelihood Cooperative Development Office (LCDO).

The projects of the LCDO includes the ‘Gawang Gapo Product Exhibit’. ‘Gawang Gapo’ provides budding entrepreneurs the opportunity to display and sell their products at the lobby of the City Hall. In 2009, over sixty (60) exhibitors availed of the chance to showcase their products.

Also, over one thousand (1,000) residents benefitted from the Livelihood Skills Training given by the LCDO like fish processing, fruit preserves making, herbal soap-making, balloon decorating, scented candle making, fashion accessories making and many others.

“Huwag lamang tayong umasa na maging empleyado sa mahabang panahon. Kailangan na tayo ang mag may-ari ng negosyo. “Kahit magsimula muna sa maliit na puhunan lamang,’’ Mayor Gordon said to the employees of the local government.

Meanwhile, First Lady Anne Marie Gordon herself directs and monitors the implementation of the livelihood and self-employment initiatives of Mayor Gordon to ensure success.

“Karaniwan sa mga dumadalo sa aming mga trainings ay ang mga maybahay, asawa ng mga OFWs at mga walang trabaho,” LCDO head Aileen Sanchez said. “Hindi lang basta skills ang itinuturo namin kundi pati mga tagubilin sa aspetong administrasyon, operational at pinansyal ng pagne-negosyo,” she said.

Apart from the skills seminars, the local government also assists Olongapeños coordinate with banks and other financial institutions for the capital they need to start up a business.

Mayor Gordon’s livelihood initiatives is expected to continue on through 2010 and thereafter.

Mayor Bong Gordon delivers a message to the participants of the ‘Specialized Training and Seminars for Gawang ‘Gapo Entrepreneurs’ held at the Livelihood Training Center, Brgy. Kalaklan. (Photo/Caption Courtesy of PAO)

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GRADUATES OF FREE LIVELIHOOD TRAINING ON COSMETOLOGY REVEALED

On Monday, November 16, 2009, fifty six (56) attendees were recognized at the flag raising ceremony as graduates of the Basic Cosmetology Training in partnership with the City Government of Olongapo, Livelihood Cooperative Development Office (LCDO) and the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) –Zambales.

Aside from the certificate of attendance issued by the LCDO and DOLE to all the graduates, the top fifteen of the class received a starter kit that includes tools for haircut, manicure and pedicure set and foot spa set.

Livelihood is a one stop shop, do it yourself business scheme that offers Olongapeños a choice of at least eight easy to do business templates such as meat processing, fish processing, dimsum making, vegetable processing,fruit processing, handicrafts making, massage therapy and basic cosmetology.

“Livelihood training is for people who are looking for easy-to-start, easy-to-do and easy on the budget kind of business,” Aileen Sanchez, LCDO head said.

“Putting up a business will be easier if you have adequate technical skills and knowledge about the industry which you’re planning to invest in. This is why attending business and livelihood training seminars is an important step which all entrepreneurs must consider,” Mayor James Gordon, Jr. said.

“Business and livelihood institutions are always available to help you. Immerse yourself in the community and ask around. You can likewise approach your barangay officials to inquire on available training seminars which might interest you,” Mayor Gordon added.

The free trainings are still in line with the program of Mayor James “Bong” Gordon, Jr. to help alleviate and uplift the lives of Olongapeños.

The Livelihood and Cooperative Development Office is located at the 2nd Floor of the City Hall Complex or call telephone number 222-3301 local 4123.

Mayor James “Bong” Gordon, Jr. with the fifty six (56) graduates of Free Basic Cosmetology Training after the flag raising ceremony at the Rizal Triangle Multi-Purpose Covered Court on November 16, 2009.

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Free 5-day Basic Reflexology and Seated Massage Course starts on Nov 16

Mayor James “Bong” Gordon, Jr. is inviting interested individuals to register and learn from the Free 5-Day Basic Reflexology and Seated Massage Course that will be conducted by the Livelihood and Cooperative Development Office (LCDO) in cooperation with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) on November 16-20 at the newly constructed 2-story Livelihood training Center in Ohio St., Kalaklan.

“The Olongapo City Government is determined in its objective to provide livelihood, work and business opportunities to its constituents. Thus, I am encouraging jobseekers, housewives, out of school youth and even employed individuals to attend the city sponsored skills and livelihood trainings. These short courses may be your way to better jobs here and abroad or means to establish your own businesses,” said Mayor Gordon.

The LCDO (Livelihood and Cooperative Development Office) also offers free training lessons in Basic Massage Therapy, Cosmetology, Food Processing, Fish Processing, Fruit Processing, Dimsum Making, Candle Making and Fashion Accessories Making. Trainees who will decide to apply their acquired knowledge and venture into business will also be assisted by the LCDO thru the ‘Gawang Gapo Program’ wherein the city’s budding entrepreneurs are given opportunities to display their products for a week at the lobby of the Olongapo City Hall.

For training schedules and registration, visit the LCDO office at the 2nd Floor of Olongapo City Hall. Registration is in “first come, first serve basis.”

Pao/sara

LCDO Conducts Another Massage Training

Thru the initiatives of Mayor James “Bong” Gordon Jr. and with the cooperation of Livelihood and Cooperative Development Office (LCDO) and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) , the city’s 10-Day Free Short Term Course on Whole Body Massage started this October 12 and will end on the 23rd of this month.

“Due to the increasing demand for massage therapists for local and international deployment, the Olongapo City Government is encouraging the out of school youth, jobseekers, aspiring entrepreneurs or even non-working housewives to register in our training programs,” said Mayor James “Bong” Gordon Jr. “Take advantage of these free training opportunities because these may be your way to good jobs or to even own a business,” he added.

“This 10-day training is being conducted at the newly-constructed two-story Livelihood Training Center at Ohio St. Brgy. Kalaklan. Thru this building, we can now accommodate more trainees and develop more training courses for Olongapeños,” said Aileen Sanchez, head of LCDO.

The LCDO (Livelihood and Cooperative Development Office) also offers free training lessons in Basic Massage Therapy, Cosmetology, Food Processing, Fish Processing, Fruit Processing, Dimsum Making, Candle Making and Fashion Accessories Making. Trainees who will decide to apply their acquired knowledge and venture into business will also be assisted by the LCDO thru the Gawang Gapo Program wherein the city’s budding entrepreneurs are given opportunities to display their products at the lobby of the Olongapo City Hall.

For inquiries and questions on training schedules, interested registrants may visit the LCDO at the 2nd Floor of Olongapo City Hall or call 222-5401 local 4123.

Mayor James “Bong” Gordon, Jr. welcomes the trainees of the city’s 10-day Free Short Term Course on Whole Body Massage that is being held at the newly constructed two-story Livelihood Training Center at Brgy. Kalaklan.

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FOUR YEARS OF GAWANG ‘GAPO

In an aggressive move to help push Olongapo’s own products in the market, the City Local Government headed by Mayor James ‘’Bong’’ Gordon, Jr. launched Gawang ‘Gapo (Made in Olongapo City four (4) years ago.

Recently, Mayor Bong Gordon, Vice Mayor Cynthia Cajudo and Livelihood Cooperative and Development Office (LCDO) head Aileen C. Sanchez led the observance of the ‘‘Gawang ‘Gapo 4th Year Anniversary’’.

In connection with the observance, a 21-day product exhibit 0f over twenty (20) exhibitors on August 10 to 31, 2009 at the Olongapo City Mall lobby featuring a wide array of products made exclusively by Olongapeños in food, novelty items, accessories and other products has been launched.

Gawang ‘Gapo is a flagship program of Mayor Gordon and Olongapo First Lady and Zambales Vice Gov. Anne Marie Gordon that aims to promote small entrepreneurship and create livelihood opportunities for the local community.

Likewise, the livelihood project aims to make local and foreign tourists, alike, patronize products that are proudly made in Olongapo by Olongapeños.

Since 2005 over one hundred (100) exhibitors had availed of the chance given by the city government to display and sell their products for a week at the Olongapo City Hall lobby.

For more information regarding the Gawang ‘Gapo products and exhibits, call 224-8390 local 4123 or visit the Livelihood Cooperative and Development Office (LCDO) at 2nd Floor Annex Building, Olongapo City Hall.

Olongapo City Vice Mayor Cynthia Cajudo delivers an inspirational message during the Gawang ‘Gapo (Made in Olongapo) 4th Year Anniversary held on August 10, 2009 at the Olongapo City Mall.

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86 COMPLETES LIVELIHOOD TRAININGS AT BRGY. GORDON HEIGHTS

Eighty-six (86) residents of Barangay Gordon Heights will graduate on July 3, 2009 after completing several free livelihood courses offered by Mayor James “Bong” Gordon, Jr. through the Livelihood and Cooperative Development Office (LCDO).

Gordon has been encouraging community-based trainings to directly involve barangay officials and residents.

A one-day mini trade-fair will highlight the said event which will showcase the end-products of fruit, meat and fish processing, dimsum making, iodized salt making, baking and sweet pastries.

“Sa pamamagitan ng munting trade fair na ito, maipapakita natin sa iba pa nating kababayan na mapapakinabangan nila kaagad ang kanilang natutunan upang pagkakitaan,” said Barangay Kagawad and Livelihood Committee Chair Ed Garcia.

“Lubos ang pasasalamat ng Barangay Gordon Heights kay Mayor Bong Gordon sa libreng pagsasanay na ipinagkakaloob niya sa ating mga mamamayan,” said Barangay Chair Ed Gingco. “Ipagpapatuloy namin ang pagkakaroon ng libreng kursong pangkabuhayan dito sa Gordon Heights para mas marami pang residente and makinabang.”

Gordon continues to provide livelihood trainings to Olongapeños to equip them with the necessary skills and competencies that can promote self-employment and assistance to would-be entrepreneurs.

“With the different livelihood training programs we are offering, we hope to alleviate poverty by offering poor residents the means to raise their incomes,” Gordon emphasized.

PAO/chay

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.

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LOCAL AND OVERSEAS EMPLOYMENT FOR OLONGAPEÑOS

Over four thousand (4,000) Olongapeños and from neighboring provinces such as Bataan and Zambales trooped to the Olongapo City Convention Center (OCCC) on May 26, 2009 for the Special Recruitment Activity (SRA), a part of Mayor James Gordon, Jr.’s job and opportunities assistance program for the people of Olongapo.

The activity was a joint effort of the Subic IT Council headed by Engr. Jay Son, WOW Card Inc., Public Employment Services Office (PESO), Bagumbayan Volunteers and the City Council’s Committee on Labor and Employment.

Mayor James “Bong” Gordon, Jr. through the Public Employment Services Office (PESO), headed by Evelyn delos Santos, thousands of job seekers were served, including the former US base employees, who are given priority on the Guam project.

Twenty thousand (20,000) skilled workers are needed to fill in jobs created by the impending transfer of the US military facility in Okinawa, Japan to Guam. In line with this, an on line registration was also conducted which made the processing of applications fast and easy.

“Patuloy nating ilalapit sa mamamayang Olongapeño ang mga trabaho sa pamamagitan ng PESO. Ito ay bahagi ng naisin ko na maiangat ang pamumuhay ng ating mga kalungsod,” Mayor Gordon said.

Nineteen (19) Overseas Recruitment Agencies and thirteen (13) Local Companies participated in the Special Recruitment Activity (SRA), in cooperation with the Department of Labor and Employment(DOLE), Philippine Overseas Employment Agency (POEA), Technical Skills Development Agency (TESDA) and PESO skills Training.

Aside from employment opportunities, the livelihood projects of Mayor Gordon is also in high gear. The Gawang-Gapo program which has a display booth at the lobby of City Hall, continue to promote bonafide ‘made in Olongapo’ products.

Olongapeño job seekers may visit the PESO or contact telephone numbers ((047) 224-4541 loc. 4168. Entrepreneurs who want to promote their products through Gawang-Gapo may coordinate with the Livelihood and Cooperative Development Office (LCDO) at the 2nd floor of the City Hall or contact telephone numbers (047) 224-8390 loc. 4307.

Close to 5,000 job seekers flocked to the one-day Jobs Fair offered by Mayor James “Bong” Gordon , Jr. to Olongapeños on May 26, 2009 at the Olongapo City Convention Center. The event was successfully held through the efforts of the Subic Bay IT Council, Public Employment Services Office, City Council Committee on Employment and Labor chaired by Councilor Edwin Piano, Olongapo City Skills Training, WOW Card, Inc., Bagumbayan Volunteers and Senator Richard Gordon. (Photos and caption/PAO)

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FREE LIVELIHOOD TRAININGS CONTINUE

The Livelihood and Cooperative Development Office (LCDO) is steadfast in providing free livelihood trainings.

A two-day training on Meat Processing was conducted in New Kababae recently which was attended by 30 individuals who learned the process of making tocino, longanisa ang ham.

Meanwhile, Barangay Barretto was the beneficiary in the training on rugs and potholder making using the five sewing machines available in the barangay with 10 women completing the training.

The free trainings are still in line with the program of Mayor James “Bong” Gordon, Jr. to help alleviate and uplift the lives of the Olongapeños.

“Hindi hadlang ang kahirapan para umangat sa buhay. Immediately after the training, they can already start selling their end-products and start earning extra income,” said Mayor Gordon.

The LCDO is all set to conduct free trainings in Barangay Pag-Asa and Barangay Gordon Heights for the month of May.

Other interested barangays may choose from the following training modules which they deem fit in their area:

Meat Processing
Fish Processing
Fruit Processing
Dimsum Making
Atchara Making
Basic Cosmetology
Massage Therapy Course/ Basic Reflexology
Scented Candle Making
Baking Seminar
Sweet Pastries
Recycled Materials Seminar
Curtain and Throw Pillow Case Making
Liquid Detergent, Powder Detergent and Fabric Conditioner Making
Backyard Farming

The Livelihood and Cooperative Development Office is located at the 2nd Floor of the City Hall Complex or call telephone number 222-3301 local 4123.

PAO/chay

FREE LIVELIHOOD TRAININGS CONTINUE

The Livelihood and Cooperative Development Office (LCDO) is steadfast in providing free livelihood trainings.

A two-day training on Meat Processing was conducted in New Kababae recently which was attended by 30 individuals who learned the process of making tocino, longanisa ang ham.

Meanwhile, Barangay Barretto was the beneficiary in the training on rugs and potholder making using the five sewing machines available in the barangay with 10 women completing the training.

The free trainings are still in line with the program of Mayor James “Bong” Gordon, Jr. to help alleviate and uplift the lives of the Olongapeños.

“Hindi hadlang ang kahirapan para umangat sa buhay. Immediately after the training, they can already start selling their end-products and start earning extra income,” said Mayor Gordon.

The LCDO is all set to conduct free trainings in Barangay Pag-Asa and Barangay Gordon Heights for the month of May.

Other interested barangays may choose from the following training modules which they deem fit in their area:

Meat Processing
Fish Processing
Fruit Processing
Dimsum Making
Atchara Making
Basic Cosmetology
Massage Therapy Course/ Basic Reflexology
Scented Candle Making
Baking Seminar
Sweet Pastries
Recycled Materials Seminar
Curtain and Throw Pillow Case Making
Liquid Detergent, Powder Detergent and Fabric Conditioner Making
Backyard Farming

The Livelihood and Cooperative Development Office is located at the 2nd Floor of the City Hall Complex or call telephone number 222-3301 local 4123.

More and more Olongapeños are benefitting from the free livelihood training program of Mayor James “Bong” Gordon, Jr. where acquired knowledge and skills can be used as source of livelihood.
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DOLE-ZAMBALES GRANTS LIVELIHOOD FUND TO OLONGAPO

Olongapo City received a livelihood assistance grant from the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) in Zambales amounting to P450,000.00 that will fund several livelihood programs of the City Government through the Livelihood Cooperative and Development Office (LCDO).

Target beneficiaries are 155 residents of Olongapo City who are willing to enhance their skills and business.

DOLE-Zambales Provincial Officer Angelita S. Fernandez said the funds will be coursed through different community-based associations in Olongapo under the supervision of the LCDO which has already chosen several groups that submitted feasible project proposals, to be the recipients of the grant.

The said financial support will be used to cover expenses that will be incurred in the conduct of Training Cum-Production and Livelihood Enhancement programs prepared by LCDO.

Livelihood Enhancement programs include subsidizing the proposal for a Rolling Store and Convenience Store; and Training cum Production programs such as Fish Burger, Meat and Fruit Processing, Reflexology, Manicure/ Pedicure and Foot Spa, and Haircut Services.

To date, LCDO has already started the project through the conduct of several trainings. With this grant, the said office is expecting an increase in skilled and self-employed individuals.

According to Melvin June Malit, marketing and promotion officer of LCDO, “We will make sure that each of these projects will be sustained. We really have to ensure the success of the program so that we can expect continuous support from these agencies.”

Mayor James “Bong” Gordon, Jr. continues to empower more Olongapeños by providing more livelihood opportunities. “We are fortunate enough that DOLE is supporting our livelihood programs. This will surely boost entrepreneurship and more employment opportunities among Olongapeños,” Gordon said.

DOLE gives financial grants to different community associations to support livelihood projects that promote employment and profitable activities.

DOLE-Zambales Assistant Regional Director Atty. Alvin M. Villamor hands over the check amounting to P450,000.00 to Mayor James “Bong” Gordon, Jr. as financial grant for the livelihood projects of the city. Also in the photo are by DOLE-Zambales Provincial Officer Angelita S. Fernandez (4th from left) and Sr. LEO Maylene M. Evangelista (4th from right).

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SEVEN WOMEN’S GROUPS RECIPIENT OF UNFPA MICRO CAPITAL GRANT

Mayor James “Bong” Gordon, Jr. awarded seven (7) women’s groups in Olongapo with commemorative checks amounting to P200,000.00 from the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) during the Flag Raising Ceremony of government employees on January 12, 2009.

After careful evaluation of the project proposals submitted by several groups, the Project Selection Committee, composed of UNFPA, City Planning and Development Office (CPDO) and Livelihood and Cooperative Development Office (LCDO), has chosen the beneficiaries of the Micro Capital Grant Program. They will be given seed capital to start their proposed projects.

‘Samahan ng Kababaihan ng Mabayuan’, led by Gertrudes Da Anton, will engage in Iodized Salt Production and Marketing; ‘Gawaing Aktibong Pampayanan sa Olongapo, Inc.’ (GAPO, Inc.) headed by Elvira U. Chiong, and ‘Samahan ng Kababaihan sa Mactan’, led by Norma Mercado, will use the capital for their Micro Finance Project.

‘Pag-asa ng Buhay Association of Differently-abled Persons’ (PBADAP) is into Rice Retailing. Two others, namely, ‘BALIKATAN’ headed by Gloria Menta and ‘Women Senior Citizens’ led by Lilia Valdez, proposed a Botica Natin sa Nayon Project.

‘Entre Pinay’, under the Livelihood and Cooperative Development Office, will operate several projects namely, Botica Natin sa Nayon Project to be led by Mar Filamor; Processed Foods Project under Evelyn Booc; Pera sa Basura Project to be supervised by Cynthia Gaspar; and a Water Bonsai Project.

“We are giving these women opportunities to earn extra and be able to avail of Olongapo City's reproductive health services,” said Mayor Gordon.

UNFPA is the world's largest source of fund for population assistance. MCG was conceived to help alleviate poverty in the countryside. This program also seeks to empower women financially by providing them with seed capital for livelihood activities.

Federation of Senior Citizens Association of the Philippines (FSCAP) Olongapo Chapter Board of Director Domingo Cruz receives the check from Mayor James “Bong” Gordon, Jr. as recipient of the UNFPA Micro Capital Grant. Also present were (from left) Councilor Jonathan Manalo, City Health Officer Dr. Arnildo Tamayo, Councilor Jong Cortez, Vice Mayor Cynthia G. Cajudo; (From Right) Councilor Edwin Piano and Lilia Valdez, Women Senior Citizen President. (Middle) Roberto Fadrique, FSCAP Board of Director.

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20, GRADUATED FROM BASIC MASSAGE THERAPY COURSE BATCH 3

Twenty (20) aspiring massage therapists consist the 3rd batch of graduates in the Basic Massage Therapy Course of Olongapo City. Mayor James “Bong” Gordon, Jr. acknowledged the graduates during the flag raising ceremony on December 22, 2008.

The 3rd batch of graduates has brought to 134 the total number of new massage therapists who earned their skills through the city’s skills training and development program.

Part of the training include sub-courses on Swedish Massage, Shiatsu Massage and Whole Body Massage .

“Masuwerte kami dahil ang batch ngayon ay may natutunan pang karagdagang lesson sa aromatherapy at pinoy hilot,” Veronica Labrador said, one of the new massage therapists.

Certified Massage Therapist and Technical and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) Accredited Omar Zeus Beltran and Trainor Gerardo Manio gave lectures and trainings to the massage therapists.

Inquiries on the training course are being entertained by the Livelihood and Cooperative Development Office (LCDO,) at the 2nd floor of the Olongapo City Hall.

Mayor James “Bong” Gordon, Jr. with the 3rd Batch of graduates of the Basic Massage Therapy Course of Olongapo City after the flag raising ceremony on December 22, 2008 at Rizal Triangle Multi-Purpose Covered Court.
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OLONGAPO LIVELIHOOD CAPITAL ASSISTANCE

Mayor James Gordon, Jr. and Zambales Vice Governor and First Lady Anne Marie Gordon have extended another livelihood capital assistance to several residents of Olongapo at the lobby of the Olongapo City Hall on December 17, 2008.

“Ako’y nagpapasalamat sa inyo dahil masipag kayo na magkaroon ng hanap-buhay, magandang simula yan,” Mayor Gordon said.

“Ang gusto ni Mayor lahat ng taga-Olongapo ay may trabaho, para lahat nakangiti sa araw ng Pasko,” Zambales VG Anne Marie Gordon said.” Lahat ng yumaman ay nag-umpisa sa maliit, walang biglang-yaman.”

The First Lady said she wants Olongapo to be progressive that’s why as vice-governor of Zambales and first Lady of Olongapo, she assures Olongapeños of her continuous support especially when it comes to livelihood projects.

She also cited some of the awards received by the city like the “clean and green”, peace and order, most competitive city and most child-friendly awards. “Dahil yan sa inyo,” she added.

The Livelihood Cooperative and Development Office (LCDO) aims to equip Olongapeños the necessary knowledge and skills to venture into livelihood projects.

The livelihood assistance will be used for sari-sari store, hog raising, slipper vending, ukay-ukay, kakanin and merienda vending, doormat vending and other livelihood projects.

Mayor James Gordon, Jr. hands over the financial assistance to one of the recipients of the Livelihood Capital Assistance Program of the city government with First Lady and Zambales Vice-Governor Anne Marie Gordon at the lobby of the Olongapo City Hall on December 17, 2008.
pao/nmm

REFERENCE MATERIALS FROM DOST

The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Zambales Office turned over several reference materials in CD form to the Livelihood and Cooperative Development Office (LCDO) of Olongapo City on November 17, 2008 during the flag-raising ceremony at the Rizal Triangle Multi-Purpose Center.

Salvador Espiritu of the DOST Zambales Office turned over the materials to Olongapo City Mayor James ‘Bong’ Gordon Jr. and LCDO chief Aileen Sanchez.

The reference materials contain pertinent information that can help the local Micro-Small and Medium Enterprise flourish and turn into a sturdier industry.

Topics include: ‘Goat Raising’, ‘How to put your business online’, and ‘Wedding Giveaways’.

“Ito ang push natin para sa ating livelihood sector. Ito ay para sa lahat ng gustong magtayo ng kanilang business o sinomang interesado na palakasin pa ang kanilang mga business ventures,” said Mayor Gordon.

For more information regarding the city’s livelihood programs, visit the LCDO at the 2nd floor of the Olongapo City Hall.

Mayor James ‘Bong’ Gordon Jr. with Salvador Espiritu, representative of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Zambales Office and the staff of the Livelihood Development and Cooperative Office (LCDO) headed by Aileen Sanchez on November 17, 2008 during the turn over of the CD Library to LCDO at the flag raising ceremony at the Rizal Triangle Multi-Purpose Center.

PAO/Don