Saturday, November 14, 2009

Olongapo City Directory - Elected Officials

MAYOR JAMES GORDON, JR 0917-896-1947

VICE MAYOR CYNTHIA CAJUDO +63 47 603-1035
HON. GINA PEREZ +63 47 645-5727
HON. JC DELOS REYES +63 47 645-6540
HON. RODEL CEREZO +63 47 645-6545
HON. LUGIE LIPUMANO-GARCIA +63 47 645-6589

HON. EDWIN PIANO +63 47 603-1045
HON. GIE BALOY +639192107850
HON. JONG CORTEZ +639052822836
HON. ANSELMO AQUINO +63 47 645-6788
HON. ELEN DABU +63 47 645-6600
HON. NATHAN MANALO 09198972215
HON. AUDIE SUNDIAM (ABC PRESIDENT) 0926-268-3998
HON. CHEENEE HOYA (SK PRESIDENT) 0920-506-1514

When using land line, simply dial the bold numbers (they can be reached anywhere in the country without long distance charges, said numbers can also receive text messages)

When at their respective offices, above officials can be reached at any of the following numbers, an operator from the Olongapo Telecom Board will redirect you to the requested official:

222-2661, 222-3301, 222-3022, 222-2206, 222-2845, 223-8016, 224-8390, 222-5401

eMail: Olongapo@sangunian.com

Olongapo City Directory - Department Heads

DEPARTMENT HEADS

Mr. Delfin A. Juico, Jr Secretary to the City Mayor 222-2665
Mr. Fernando Magrata City Administrator 223-9244
Ms. Elflida S. Salmon City Council Secretary 222-2661 loc. 4222
Mr. Marcelino D. Andawi City Treasurer 222-2607
Ms. Telma Timbol City Auditor 222-2608
Engr. Bobby Alvarez City Engineer 222-3301 loc. 4135
Ms. Marey Beth Marzan OIC, City Budget Officer 222-2560
Mr. Dennis Martinez City Accountant 224-8385
Mr. Oscar Agustin City Assessor 222-2666
Dr. Arnieldo Tamayo City Health Officer 224-1628
Atty. Angelito R. Orozco City Legal Officer 222-2552
Eng’r Louie Lopez PUD Department 222-2659
Ms. Genia Eclarino CSWD Officer 222-5201
Eng’r Marivic Nierras OIC, City Planning Officer 222-2845
Ms. Keren G. Cajudo City Registrar 224-3976
Mr. Dante Ramos ESMO 2234538 / 2249346
Mr. Vic Viscocho P.A.O. Loc 4211
Ms. Angie Barroga Personnel Office 222-2559
Mr. Neal Perez Business Permit 222-2553
Ms. Lorela “Lie” Montoya OIC, Tourism Office 222-8492
Mr. Eliseo De Guzman City Director, DILG 222-5471
Dr. Arturo Mendoza Chief, JLGMH 222-2867
Psupt. Oscar Albayalde City Director, Phil. National Police 222-5731
Fire Marshal Jonas Silvano Chief, Fire Protection Bureau 160 / 223-2497 / 222-3310
Engr. Victor Bernabe GSO 222-2669
Dr. Louisina Cacho JLGMH Administrator 222-2867
Mr. Angie Layug Rescue Officer 224-7846
Ms. Arlida M. Pame Gordon College President 224-2089
Ms. Elizabeth Daduya City Librarian 224-8634
Mr. Noel Yap MIS 224-2370
Mr. Col. Jose A. Aquino, Jr TMB 224-5297
Hon. Emiline Fe M. Delos Santos City Prosecutor 222-2652
Mr. Virginia Navarro POPCOM Officer 222-4003
Ms. Aileen Sanchez Livelihood Officer
Mr. Marlon F. Bravo OIC, Convention Center 224-1468

Olongapo City Directory - City Hall PABX Trunk lines

City Hall Pabx trunk lines
222-2661, 222-3301, 222-3022, 222-2206, 222-2845, 223-8016, 224-8390, 222-5401

MAYOR’S OFFICE ( Hon. James “Bong” Gordon Jr.) 4000
MAYOR’S OFFICE CONFERENCE ROOM 4201
MAYOR’S OFFICE (MR. JUICO) 4205
MAYOR’S OFFICE ( Ms. LEIZEL) 4208
MAYOR’S OFFICE STAFF ( MON) 4206
MAYOR’S OFFICE STAFF (ATTY. NADINE) 4204
MAYOR’S OFFICE STAFF (ERNIE) 4207
MAYOR’S WORKING OFFICE 4212
MAYOR’S OFFICE RECEPTION AREA 4209
MAYOR’S OFFICE ( ZEROX AREA) 4244
VICE-MAYOR CYNTHIA CAJUDO 4138
KGD. GINA PEREZ 4179
KGD. JOHN CARLOS “JC” DELOS REYES 4175
KGD. RODEL CEREZO 4243
KGD. LUGIE LIPUMANO-GARCIA 4221
KGD. EDWIN J. PIANO (Telecom Board/Skills Training) 4229
KGD. GIE BALOY 4178
KGD. JONG CORTEZ 4160
KGD. ELMO AQUINO 4228
KGD. ELLEN DABU 4163
KGD. JONATHAN MANALO 4246
KGD. AUDIE SUNDIAM (ABC PRESIDENT) 4159
KGD. CHEENEE HOYA (SK-Sanguniang Kabataan ) 4144
SANGGUNIAN SECRETARY ( Effie Salmon) 4222
SESSION HALL 4153
SANGUNIAN STAFF (Weng /Gary) 4218
SANGGUNIAN MAIN LINE (Benny/Dave) 174
ADMINISTRATOR'S OFFICE (Mr. Ferdie Magrata) 4220
ACCOUNTING OFFICE (Mr. Dennis Martinez) 4148
ASSESSOR’S OFFICE (Mr. Oscar Agustin) 4125
ASSESSOR’S OFFICE STAFF 4126
BUDGET OFFICE ((Ms. Marey Beth Marzan) 4167
BUSINESS PERMIT DIVISION (Mr. Neal Perez) 4130
C.S.W.D. (Ms. Gene Eclarino ) 4303
CITY HEALTH (Dr. Arnildo Tamayo ) 4147
CITY HEALTH STAFF 4134
CITY PLANNING (CPDO )(Ms. Mareybeth Marzan) 4215
CITY PLANNING (CPDO ) STAFF 4213
CIVIL REGISTRAR'S OFFICE (Ms. Keren Cajudo) 4132
COMELEC (Atty. Lydia Pangilinan) 4140
COMMISSION ON AUDIT (C.O.A.) (Ms. Thelma Timbol) 4305
COOP ( OCGEMPCI ) ( Ms. Aileen Sanchez) 4137
DILG (Mr. Eliseo De Guzman) 4304
ENGINEERING OFFICE ( Engr. Bobby Alvarez) 4150
ENGINEERING OFFICE ( Architect Luz Casipong) 4302
ENGINEERING OFFICE (Engr. Julius Manglicmot ) 4328
ENGINEERING OFFICE STAFF 4135
MOTORPOOL (Marco Marcelo) 4173
ESMO (Mr. Dante Ramos) 4313
ESMO Staff (Environmental Sanitation Management Office) 4314
FMA HALL ( Mr. Mardy Soriano) 4250
G.S.O. (Engr.Victor Bernabe ) 4214
ID SECTION 4149
LABOR CENTER-PESO (Ms. Evelyn Delos Santos ) 4168
LEGAL OFFICE (Atty. Angelito Orozco) 4210
LEGAL OFFICE STAFF 4240
LIVELIHOOD OFFICE (Ms. Aileen Sanchez) 4123
M.I.S OFFICE (Engr. Noel Yap) 4172
P.A.O. (Mr. Vic Vizcocho) 4200
P.A.O. STAFF (Ms. Weng Malasan) 4211
P.A.O. STAFF ( Public Affairs) 4241
PERSONNEL OFFICE (Ms. Angie Barroga) 4217
PHIL. HEALTH ( Mr. Lino Jose) 4151
POPULATION OFFICE (POPCOM) (Ms. Virgie Navarro) 4136
PLEB-Peoples Law Enforcement Board ( Atty. Mendoza) 4251
POLICE ( DESK SGT) 4166
POLICE STA. 1 (Capt. Julius Caesar F. Domingo ) 4176
POLICE TRAFFIC INVESTIGATION 4177
PUBLIC MARKET (Mr. Jun delos Santos / Rene Cornelio) 4159
PUBLIC UTILITY DEPT.(PUD) (Engr. Louie Lopez ) 4122
PUBLIC UTILITY DEPT.(PUD) (customer service) 4124
SECURITY (LOBBY GROUND FLOOR) 4129
T.M.B. / OTMPS (Col. Aquino / Capt. Pablo) 4261
TREASURER’S ( Mr. Marcelino Andawi) 4127
TREASURER’S OFFICE (Cash Division) 4152
TREASURER’S STAFF ( Realty Tax Section) 4133
TREASURER’S STAFF 4128
TAX PAYER’S LOUNGE 4135
UBSP-Reach Up (Mr. Randino A. Ledesma) 4171
COOP CANTEEN 4162
OPERATOR 4002
AGRICULTURE ( JOVAL) 4155

222-2661, 222-3301, 222-3022, 222-2206, 222-2845, 223-8016, 224-8390, 222-5401

Olongapo City Directory - Barangay Officials Term 2007-2010

BARANGAY and OFFICIALS
Contact Number

ASINAN
223-5708
Hon. Conrado Viray Sr. Brgy. Captain 0929-225-6878
Kgd.Edna E. Elane Councilor 0918-434-4700
Kgd.Joel G. Aratea Councilor 0916-334-2242
Kgd.Ernesto Esmele Jr. Councilor 223-5708
Kgd.Norma M. Merza Councilor 0918-354-7183
Kgd.Benjamin B. Espinosa Jr. Councilor 0921-683-4341
Kgd.Oscar O. Fabrigas Councilor 223-5708
Kgd.Ismael R. Dimarucot Councilor 0920-304-9125
Sk Chair. Christelle N. Fabrigas Sk Chairman

BANICAIN
611-0382
Hon. Ernelizar Batapa Brgy. Captain 0919-495-6364
Kgd. Michael D. Fanugao Councilor 0915-465-3374
Kgd. Jocelyn L. Moratin Councilor 0918-785-1092
Kgd. Ivan C. Councilor 0927-971-8978
Kgd. Ernelibeth P. Batapa Councilor 0921-230-0953
Kgd. Bayani L. Legaspi Councilor 0918-451-9933
Kgd. Jaime R. Nazareno Councilor 0919-500-3352
Kgd. Jesse T. Cao Councilor 0918-216-7744
Sk. Chair. Avegail B. Dondriano Sk Chairman 0910-531-8473

BARRETTO
222-4295
Hon.Carlito Baloy Brgy. Captain 0928-762-1536
Kgd.Ferdinand Aquino Councilor 0920-708-8000
Kgd.Ronald Elada Councilor 0928-354-9187
Kgd.Wilfredo Avila Councilor 222-4295
Kgd.Otero Dabu Councilor 0920-403-0375
Kgd.Ana Napuli Councilor 222-4295
Kgd.Benjamin Escobar Councilor 0920-823-9731
Kgd.Bethzaida Albarda Councilor 0915-323-0880
Sk Chair. Cheenee F. Hoya Sk Chairman 0920-506-1514

EAST BAJAC-BAJAC
222-5035
Hon. Filipina Tablan Brgy. Captain 0920-540-4990
Kgd.Romeo G. Guerrero Councilor 0919-427-8378
Kgd.Jose B. Ablaza Councilor 222-5035
Kgd.David B. Salles Sr. Councilor 0918-443-8942
Kgd.Romeo D. Manalang Councilor 0928-742-5376
Kgd.Ronald R. Villegas Councilor 0920-225-8647
Kgd.Edison C. Cano Councilor 0920-516-4441
Kgd.Cesar L. Lobos Councilor 0917-436-5998
Sk Chair. Edwin R. Manansala Sk Chairman 0910-446-1503

EAST TAPINAC
223 - 3444
Hon. Benjamin Franco Brgy. Captain 0915-584-7211
Kgd.Oswaldo E. Espinoza Councilor 223-3217
Kgd.Jojo D. De leon Councilor 0919-690-7515
Kgd.Francisco S. Magarata Councilor 0927-518-7513
Kgd.Roberto R. Buenafe Councilor 0928-570-6624
Kgd.Marlon A. Austria Councilor 0919-495-4099
Kgd.Dante L. Hondo Councilor 0918-905-5887
Kgd.Renato C. del Rosario Jr. Councilor 0921-471-0013
Sk Chair. Shanadine Llarena Sk Chairman 0915-534-9956

GORDON HEIGHTS
223-5497
Hon. Edgardo Gingco Brgy. Captain 0927-518-7677
Kgd.Teodorico I. Danugrao Jr. Councilor 0918-791-4660
Kgd.Clemente L. Macabulit Jr. Councilor 0918-657-9287
Kgd.Ernesto C. Fortin Councilor 0918-422-8475
Kgd.Jose Tomas C. Madria Councilor 0921-403-2844
Kgd.Jerry may C. Parcon Councilor 0920-362-7423
Kgd.Isagani Dela Cruz Jr. Councilor 0929-276-3245
Kgd.Edgardo A. Garcia Councilor 0920-584-6921
Sk Chair. Mark Anthony V. Gonzales Sk Chairman 0919-478-9957

NEW KABABAE 224 – 8512 / 224 - 8458
Hon. Amelia Corum Brgy. Captain 0921-300-7453
Kgd.Ronald Fonseca Councilor 0927-449-6168
Kgd.Erlito Basa Councilor 0921-403-2751
Kgd.Ana Fema Fonseca Councilor 0915-648-8209
Kgd.Eduardo Bantican Councilor 224-8458
Kgd.Ferdinand Quinto Councilor 0928-974-4735
Kgd.Elena Labang Councilor 224-8458
Kgd. Bernadita Sanchez Councilor 0919-593-7703
Sk. Chair. Kevin Das Sk Chairman 0928-974-4105

KALAKLAN 224 - 6983
Hon. Jesus Ricardo Federico Brgy. Captain 0917-884-8075
Kgd.Romeo Matondo Jr Councilor 0921-787-8294
Kgd.Bernard Banlor Councilor 0928-717-7551
Kgd.Joel Dalida Councilor 0927-518-7995
Kgd.Reynaldo Martorillas Councilor 0906-791-6801
Kgd.Nicanor Cano Councilor 223-2662
Kgd.Rhen Mendoza Councilor 0921-353-8255
Kgd.Sunday Montacho Councilor 0920-778-5217
Sk. Chair.Keisha B. Moral Sk Chairman 0920-778-5217

KALALAKE 224 - 8264
Hon. Eduardo Gloria Brgy. Captain 0916-619-4112
Kgd.Edgardo N. Abaiagar Councilor 0920-894-3670
Kgd.Randy D. Sionzon Councilor 0919-334-1398
Kgd.Marlon C. Oduca Councilor 224-8264
Kgd.Ricardo S. Legaspi Councilor 0921-327-4202
Kgd.Rodrick S. Jardiniano Councilor 0921-667-7699
Kgd.Teodorico B. Cordova Councilor 0916-385-8223
Kgd.Danlex D. Bascos Councilor 0910-348-0755
Sk. Chair. Ralph Bradley V. David Sk Chairman 0922-504-3434

MABAYUAN 224 - 5179
Hon. Edgardo Danugrao Jr. Brgy. Captain 222-4273
Kgd.Eduardo D. De Ocampo Councilor 0920-844-5368
Kgd.Conrado G. Padilla Councilor 0919-381-7041
Kgd.Mike Sagun Councilor 0920-428-7420
Kgd.Efren Rodolfo Federico Councilor 0921-750-3255
Kgd.Richard Espinoza Councilor 0919-239-7464
Kgd.Robert Conrad Picache Councilor 0918-430-2608
Kgd.Orinisio Vinoya Jr. Councilor 0921-331-6468
SK Chair. Nellie Rose E. Domingo Sk Chairman 0919-628-0754

NEW CABALAN 224 - 5414
Hon. Audie Sundiam Brgy. Captain 0926-268-3998
Kgd.Arcenal Antonio Councilor 224-6340
Kgd.Reynaldo Gingco Councilor 0919-348-7308
Kgd.Joel Silvano Councilor 0918-220-9415
Kgd.Rafael Lim Councilor 0918-575-0257
Kgd.Crizelda Eugenio Councilor 0920-625-8160
Kgd.Robert Mojica Councilor 0910-535-8104
Kgd.Orlando Valdez Councilor 0920-330-4870
Sk. Chair. Mac Arnold D. Concepion Sk Chairman 0929-391-2893

NEW ILALIM 223 – 9772
Hon .Hermie Enriguez Brgy. Captain 0919-639-2289
Kgd.Nestor Fajardo Councilor 0928-224-6564
Kgd.Elsa Ballesteros Councilor 0928-705-0841
Kgd.Armando Mecate Councilor 0927-518-7806
Kgd.Jesus Tiberio Councilor 0927-518-7800
Kgd.Lani Sambillon Councilor 0919-810-2220
Kgd.Frederic Abenoja Councilor 0917-730-1709
Sk. Chair. Aira Jane G. Macasaet Sk Chairman 0918-733-2224

OLD CABALAN 223 – 1629
Hon. Basilio Palo Brgy. Captain 0910-492-5724
Kgd.Victoriano Tuazon Councilor 0910-715-5872
Kgd.Milagros Alipio Councilor 0919-597-2693
Kgd.Teresita Sese Councilor 0918-634-5424
Kgd.Vincent Millan Councilor 0915-594-7292
Kgd.Glenda Flores Councilor 0915-363-9306
Kgd.Mario Medina Councilor 0916-389-2158
Kgd.Fredirick Gaton Councilor 0921-555-7689
Sk Chair. Anna Marie A. Dizon Sk Chairman 0910-299-8942

PAG-ASA 222 - 8037
Hon. Jimmy Pasag Brgy. Captain 0919-209-1673
Kgd.Jay Daduya Councilor 0919-400-2737
Kgd.Carlito Natividad Councilor 0919-568-5366
Kgd.Larry Fontillas Councilor 222-8037
Kgd.Roger Arce Councilor 0921-487-0431
Kgd.Joy Altarez Councilor 0910-333-1483
Kgd.Antonio Tadlo Councilor 222-8037
Kgd.Ronalto Catologan Councilor 0919-220-4570
Sk Chair.Irenea Benita C. Daduya Sk Chairman 0918-627-4278

STA. RITA 222 - 4172
Hon. Jerome Michael Bacay Brgy. Captain 0919-647-9402
Kgd.Raquel Y. Atienza Councilor 0920-928-4326
Kgd.Rodolfo Neil Guevarra Councilor 0921-446-9775
Kgd.Eric P. Jahnke Councilor 0918-618-8524
Kgd.Emerlito Linus D. Bacay Councilor 0920-823-7317
Kgd.Rosita J. Piano Councilor 0927-518-7592
Kgd.Elsa V. Flores Councilor 0918-369-6329
Kgd.Virginia C. Bitangcol Councilor 0916-259-6759
Sk. Chair. Morielle Anne c. De Guzman Sk Chairman 0928-546-1038

WEST BAJAC-BAJAC 222 – 5173 / 224 - 2768
Hon. Rafael Santulan Jr. Brgy. Captain 0916-609-2213
Kgd.Alberto Santos Councilor 0921-426-3772
Kgd.Mercedes Capistrano Councilor 0919-572-7080
Kgd.Anthony Deldio Councilor 0919-882-2412
Kgd.Nelson Capistrano Councilor 0920-025-8293
Kgd.Melissa Carabeo Councilor 0919-798-4669
Kgd.Dave Antonio Councilor 0920-880-3982
Kgd.Cornelio Niro Councilor 0920-526-0949
Sk Chair.Ma. Arceline M. Niro Sk Chairman 0916-418-8476

WEST TAPINAC 223 - 3434
Hon. Rodrigo Del Rosario Brgy. Captain 0919-584-3923
Kgd.Alicia T. Villarin Councilor 0920-200-5189
Kgd.Teodoro F. Del Rosario Councilor 0905-346-1892
Kgd.Aida G. Escal Councilor 0919-816-7032
Kgd.Mario Lim Councilor 0910-470-6866
Kgd.Marcelo Ragadio Councilor 0920-538-3988
Kgd.Wilfredo F. Miranda Councilor 0919-263-8094
Kgd.Rosaleen T. Aranzanso Councilor 0928-506-6321
Sk. Chair. Chriss Jayson Ramos Sk Chairman 0927-261-8297

Olongapo City Directory - Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority

SBMA Directory

Chairman and Administrator
DEPARTMENT CONTACT NUMBERS EMAIL

FELICIANO G. SALONGA Chairman's Office (6347) 252-4888 / 4422 fsalonga@sbma.com


Board of Directors

CHAIRMAN FELICIANO G. SALONGA
HON. ARMAND C. ARREZA
HON. EDRALINO P. CAJUDO
HON. JENNIFER KHONGHON-TING
HON. ANTONIO REX CHAN
HON. RICARDO COSCOLLUELA
HON. ANGELITA DE JESUS-CRUZ
HON. TEODORO D. DEL ROSARIO
HON. MA. ANGELA S. GARCIA
HON. LEILA LINAO-MUNOZ
HON. JESUS VICENTE H. MAGSAYSAY II
HON. MA. VICTORIA P. PINEDA
HON. EDDIE U. TAMONDONG
For more information about the Board of Directors you may contact the Corporate Secretary at (6347) 252 - 4173


ARMAND C. ARREZA Administrator's Office (6347) 252-1934 /3644 acarreza@sbma.com

Senior Deputy Administrators
AME DEPARTMENT TEL. NO EMAIL
STEFANI C. SAÑO SDA for Business Dev't (6347) 252-4351 / 4365 ssaño@sbma.com
ATTY. RAMON O. AGREGADO SDA for Support Services (6347) 252-4885 / 4782 ragregado@sbma.com
ATTY. FERDINAND L. HERNANDEZ SDA for Operations (6347) 252-4166 / 4130 fhernandez@sbma.com
ATTY. JOCELYN G. ALVARADO SDA for Regulatory Group (6347) 252-4426 / 4370 jalvarado@sbma.com

Deputy Administrators
NAME DEPARTMENT TEL. NO EMAIL
ATTY. ROBERT S. MARTINEZ DA for Admin (6347) 252-4166 / 4130 rmartinez@sbma.com
RAUL F. MARCELO DA for Business Group (6347) 252-4426 / 4370 (6347) 252-4584
ATTY. MA. CRISTINA P. FERNANDEZ-MILLAN DA for Finance (6347) 252-4488 / 4167(6347) 252-4168
MARIA ASUNCION FERNANDO DA for Corporate Communications (6347) 252-4999 kfernando@sbma.com
DR. SOLOMON R. JACALNE DA for PSHD-Subic (6347) 252-4161 / 4880 sjacalne@sbma.com
ATTY. ROBERTO T. ONGSIAKO DA for Legal Affairs (6347) 252-4357 / 4356 rongsiako@sbma.com
ATTY. FERDINAND L. HERNANDEZ DA for Port Operations (6347) 252-4693 / 4620 fhernandez@sbma.com
RAUL F. MARCELO DA for Tourism (6347) 252-4150 rmarcelo@sbma.com
Engr. MARCELINO S. SANQUI DA for PWTSG (6347) 252-4834 / 4877 msanqui@sbma.com

Departments
DEPARTMENT NAME TEL. NO EMAIL
Accounting EMILIA S. CANONIZADO (OIC) (6347) 252-4045 / 4654 ecanonizado@sbma.com
Airport BGen. MARCELO S. SANTOS(Ret) (6347) 252-3131 / 9360 msantos@sbma.com
Corporate Secretary ATTY. RUBEN O. FRUTO (6347) 252-4170 / 4172 rfruto@sbma.com
Ecology Center AMETHYA P. DELA LLANA (6347) 252-4321 / 4435 adelallana@sbma.com
Extension Services Department John Bayarong (OIC) (6347) 252-4583 jbayarong@sbma.com
Financial Planning & Budget ANTONIETTA P. SANQUI (OIC) (6347) 252-4459 / 4512 asanqui@sbma.com
Fire Department RANNY D. MAGNO (6347) 252-4224 / 4830 rmagno@sbma.com
Human Resource LOLITA S. MALLARI (6347) 252-4232 / 4711 lmallari.@sbma.com
Intelligence and Investigation Col. ERIC S. PALABRICA (6347) 252-4506 / 4766 epalabrica@sbma.com
Internal Audit Service JOEL J. EA (6347) 252-4267 / 4030 jea@sbma.com
Investment Processing RONNIE R. YAMBAO (6347) 252-4791 / 4632 ryambao.@sbma.com
Labor Center ATTY. SEVERO C. PASTOR, JR. (6347) 252-4254 / 4346 spastor@sbma.com
Land & Asset Development Capt. DANTE A. ROMANO (Ret) (6347) 252-4479 / 4148 dromano@sbma.com
Law Enforcement ATTY. FERDINAND L. HERNANDEZ (6347) 252-4505 / 4641 fhernandez@sbma.com
Legal ATTY. VON F. RODRIGUEZ (6347) 252-4093 / 4314 vrodriguez@sbma.com
Locator Registration & Licensing KENNETH G. REMENTILLA (6347) 252-4669 / 4331 krementilla@sbma.com
Management Information System JEFFREY C. SALAZAR (6347) 252-4471 / 4497 jsalazar@sbma.com
Media Production Department Elizabeth O. Marcelo (6347) 252-4014 emarcelo@sbam.com
Office Services Department GERARDO B. HERMOSO, JR. (6347) 252-4390 / 4290 ghermoso@sbma.com
FAPO / Engineering Engr. JOSELITO D. BAKUTEZA (6347) 252-4483 / 4713 jbakuteza@sbma.com
Planning & Dev't Office ATTY. RUEL JOHN T. KABIGTING (6347) 252-4077 / 4078 rkabigting@sbma.com
Market Research RAYMUND GIL O. SIONGCO (6347) 252-4055 / 4626 rsiongco@sbma.com
Procurement, Property & Management RANI C. CRUZ (6347) 252-4270 / 4124 rccruz@sbma.com
Public Health and Safety-Admin DR. SOLOMON R. JACALNE (6347) 252-4106 / 4880 sjacalne@sbma.com
Public Relations Department ARMINA BELLEZA C. LLAMAS (6347) 252-4999 / 4368 allamas@sbma.com
Public Health and Safety-Cubi DR. RICARDO R. MAGSAYSAY (6347) 252-8929 / 4841 rmagsaysay@sbma.com
Seaport Department Capt. PERFECTO C. PASCUAL (Ret) (6347) 252-4541 / 4225 ppascual@sbma.com
Transportation and Communications Engr. JOEY A. LACANLALE (6347) 252-4438 / 4298 jlacanlale@sbma.com
Tourism PORTIA D. ZABALA (6347) 252-4242 pzabala@sbma.com
Transportation & Maintenance Department DIOSDADO R. SANTOS (6347) 252-4802 / 4263 dsantos@sbma.com
Construction and Maintenance ARLE C. CRUZ (6347) 252-4802 / 4263 accruz@sbma.com
Treasury PAULITA R. YEE (OIC) (6347) 252-4050 / 4010 pyee@sbma.com

Olongapo City Directory - Subic Freeport Schools

School President/Administrator/Contact Person Tel. No.
AMA - CLC Olongapo Christian Dino Diñoso 223-2450
AMA Computer College Raul T. del rosario 224-1560
Asian Institute of E-Commerce Aveleo Q. Fuentes 223-8453
Ayda Security Training Center - 252-6544
BEST Freeport College Merlita V. Mora 232-2857
BMB Talents and Promotion -
Central Luzon Institute of Technology Rene Paulo Legaspi 224-8042
Chrisfaems Technical Institute Erlinda Bautista 09109079431
Colegio de Castillejos Kevien Cobarubias (047)623-2313/623-2616
Columban College Rev. Msgr. Crisostomo A. Cacho 222-3329/224-1581/1582
Columban College-Sta. Cruz Rev. Fr. Noel Montes
COMTEQ Computer College Ansbert Joaquin 223-7092
Divine Spirit Hospital College Dr. Arturo Imbuido 222-9134
Freeport Institute for Research, Science and Technology Soledad Catli 252-2602 LOC 101
Global City Innovative College - 252-9280/9817
Gordon College 224-2088
GP Personality Enhancement Center Gina Prohorov 252-4336/09209544322
Hanjin Language Center Maricar Manalac 223-6948
Harvadis Educational Found Phil. Kim Jae Joung
Holy Infant Jesus College Erlinda Crispin 222-6965
Hopeful Beginnings Foundation Ma. Fe M. Dilag 811-1356/3588
Ja-Fil Promotion and Talents -
Kolehiyo ng Subic Evelyn S. Jimena 232-4896/4897
Lorraine Technical School Herson Rosendo 222-3431
Lyceum of Subic Alfonso Borda 252-3157/3358
MACSAT Iba Ricardo T. Torio 811-2463/1365
MACSAT Sta. Cruz Sheryl T. De Guzman 831-2806
Magsaysay Memorial College Rev. Fr. Daniel Presto 913-3607
Metro Subic College Dr. Teresita Ortin-Oliver 222-4961
Modern Institute of Cosmetology Ronnie B. Ruiz
Mondriaan Aura College Edgar Geniza 252-3808
Montessori Subic Rodolfo Casupanan 232-3800
Network Computer & Business Colleges -
Northern Zambales College Honorio E. Edano 821-1257
Olongapo Security Training Academy Joven B. Aquino
Paaralang Tersaryo ng Pilipinas Myrna S. Dominguez
Ramon Magsaysay Technological Univ. 811-1381
Renaissance Healthcare Institute Charles Bulayungan 09177435562
St. Benilde Center for Global Competence Joseph A. Tabirara 223-9031/225-4719
St. Joseph's School Adelwina Pineda 223-5486/4719
Sta. Isabel Multi Skills & Caregiver TC - 09177509424
STI College Olongapo Lualhati Meier 222-4312
Subic Bay College Fernando F. Julian Sr. 224-5206
Subic Bay College Iba Fernando F. Julian Sr. 811-3732
Subic Bay Law Enforcement Academy - 252-4143/4272/4650
Subic Foreign Language Center - 252-8933/8934
Subic Institute for International Studies Myung Kue Park 252-7531
Subic Security Training Academy - 224-9755/232-1075
Thomasites Center for Int'l Studies Jae Won Park 252-1256
Virgen Delos Remedios College Remedios Dela Peña 222-3045
World Aviation Corp. - 252-8946
World Peace Through Education Found. Asterio B. Elgincolin 821-1847

Olongapo City Slogans


  • 2004 - Fighting for Excellence
  • 2003 - Continuity, Persistence and Unity
  • 2002 - Shared Vision, Shared Struggle, Shared Triumph
  • 2001 - Olongapo . . .Kusang Loob, Malasakit, Kapwa Tao
  • 2000 - Vision + Values + Volunteerism = Victory
  • 1999 - Olongapo . . . First for the Common Good
  • 1998 - Courage, Commitment and Continuity
  • 1997 - Redevelopment, Re-Urbanization, It’s Our Time! Productivity, Progress & Pride For A New Philippines!
  • 1996 - Olongapo . . . Host City For APEC
  • Bringing the Philippines to the World & the World to the
  • Philippines by Air, Land, Sea, Satellite & Cyberspace
  • 1995 - Olongapo: Focused on a Global Philippines
  • 1994 - Subic: Rising Above It All
  • 1993 - Preparation, Hardwork, Opportunity
  • 1992 - Protect and Preserve To Prosper
  • 1991 - Fight On . . . Olongapo!
  • 1990 - Olongapo . . . We Make A Difference!
  • 1989 - Do It . . . The Olongapo Way
  • 1988 - Bawat Oras, Sama Sama (B.O.S.S.)
  • 1986 - Bawal Ang Tamad Sa Olongapo
  • 1985 - Keep It Up . . . Olongapo
  • 1984 - Duty, Dignity, Determination
  • 1983 - Self-Help, Self-Reliance, Cooperation
  • 1982 - Teamwork Olongapo City
  • 1981 - Aim High . . . Olongapo
  • 1980 - All Together Now

Olongapo City Philippines Location

Olongapo City is geographically located at 140°-15 longitude and 120°-17’ latitude and lies 127 kilometers northwest of Manila. It is a two and a half to three hour drive on the average, along the North Expressway and the Olongapo-Gapan Road. It is located at the southern most portion of Zambales Province, on the western coast of Central Luzon. It is bound on the northeast by the Municipality of Subic, Zambales; on the south and south by Dinalupihan, Bataan; on the Southeast by Morong, Bataan; and Subic Bay on the Southwest.

Because of the massive mountain system that characterize the area of the City, its topography is primarily rolling to steep and rugged along mountain ranges. Of its total area, about 80% are either rolling to steep and the rest are mainly flat areas which are usually found along the coast of Subic Bay.

There are two major mountain ridges, the Kalaklan Ridge and the Salimpuyo Ridge both 1,000 feet above sea level. Kalaklan Ridge is located at the northwest part of the city and its tip goes down to Subic Bay while Salimpuyo Ridge is located at the western side of the city. Almost 80% of the city’s land areas have slopes of 18% and higher thus limiting land available for urban development

  • Total Land Area - 18,500 hectares or 185.000 square meters
  • Built Up Area - 2,379.01 hectares or 13.0% of total land Area
  • Barangays - 17
  • Population - 250,710 (Proj. based on the 2000 NSO Census)
  • Growth Rate - 1.68%
  • No. of Households - 43,107 (2000 NSO Survey)
  • Urban Rural Distribution - 100%
  • Male - 49.18% of the total population
  • Female - 50.82% of the total population
    1. Based on the 2000 NSO Survey)
  • Population Density - (2002) - 13.55 persons/hectares;
  • Urban Density - 106.57 persons/hectare

Olongapo City Socio-Economic and Demographic Data

Physical Natural Characteristics

Topography

The City of Olongapo has a total land area of 18,500 hectares with about 2,352.34 hectares or 12.72% built up area. Development is constrained by the generally rolling/rugged mountainous terrain. It is geographically located at 14° and 50’ north latitude to 120° 17’ east longitude and lies 127 kilometers northwest of Manila, a two-hour drive on the average. It is located at the southernmost portion of Zambales Province, on the western coast of Central Luzon. The Municipality of Subic, northeast, bounds it on the north and northwest; by Dinalupihan, Bataan on the southeast by Morong, Bataan and Subic Bay on the southwest. The city is divided into seventeen (17) barangays.

Because of the massive mountain systems that characterized the area of the City, its topography is primarily rolling to steep and rugged along mountain ranges. Of its total area, about 80% is either rolling to steep and the rest are mainly deltaic flat areas which are usually found along the coast of Subic Bay. Based on available slope maps, areas which fall under the category of 0-8 percent or areas which are relatively flat cover about 20 percent of the land, and the rest have slopes ranging from 8 to more than 50 percent. Areas with steep slopes are located on the northern and eastern parts with an aggregate coverage of about 42 percent. In terms of elevation, most of the land is less than 500 meters above sea level.

There are two (2) major mountain ridges, the Kalaklan Ridge and the Salimpoyo Ridge both 1,000 feet above sea level. Kalaklan Ridge is located at the northwestern part of the city and its tip flows down to Subic Bay while Salimpoyo Ridge is located at the western side of the city. About 80% of the city’s land area has slopes of 18% and higher thus limiting land suitable for urban development.

Geology

The area is generally composed of volcanic rock which is deposited in various levels. Pyroclastic flows are prominent in the mountains and rock exposures are very common along cuts. On a very limited area like Olongapo City and at the Subic Bay Freeport (SBF), alluvial deposits are prominent especially along shorelines. The most common deposits consist of pyroclastic flows of quaternary origin.

In terms of geologic and foundation stability in the mountainous area, there are no limitations as to what type of structure may be built within the city. It should be considered, however, that due to the very stable and hard character of the rocks on the mountainous regions, earthmoving of this large mass to a flatter slope would indicate a very high cost due to the difficulty in ripping rocks. It is therefore suggested that as much as possible, proposed structures should be located in areas in which the most feasible foundation is appropriate. However, due regard for the volcanic surroundings and the frequent tectonic activities noted in the area must be made for such structures.

On the other hand, the US Navy during its occupancy of the area, conducted a foundation investigation of the areas within the then U.S. Facility now covered by the Subic Bay Freeport. In that study it was learned that there is a high probability that liquefaction will occur during an earthquake with a magnitude of 7 or greater on the Richter Scale with a maximum ground acceleration of 0.3 gravity. Thus, in areas where it is underlain with sandy substrate it is recommended that proper measures be observed in the establishment of foundation underneath the ground surface (World Bank, 1992).

Climate

Olongapo enjoys a generally pleasant maritime tropical climate. Average temperature is 80°F or 26°C. Humidity ranges from 75 to 80 degrees. Just like in other parts of the country, the City of Olongapo has two (2) distinct seasons: the dry and the wet seasons. The dry season is from March to June while the rainy season is from July to October. The intervening months of November to February are either too dry or too wet depending on the national situation. The most number of typhoons occur during the month of August.

Hydrology

For the City of Olongapo, the main source of water is the Santa Rita river basin. This particular watershed has a total area of about 92.4 sq. kilometers, with Santa Rita River as its main river which drains into Subic Bay. From the surface water map, Santa Rita River has seven (7) major tributaries. These include Mabayuan, Pamo, Naguraw, Tawirang-Balite, Jadjad, Iram and Licab. Since much of the City lies within an alluvial floodplain, it is also susceptible to perennial flooding, with 10 barangays experiencing chronic floods.

Aside from the Santa Rita River and Mabayuan Creek, Olongapo City also relies on groundwater source for its water supply system. A deepwell is found in San Isidro which supplies the water requirements of Barangay Barretto. In 1999, the beach resort – rich village of Barretto began drawing water from the Subic Water District to supplement its growing needs. Olongapo City also draws from a spring situated in the upland areas of Barangay Cabalan.

Within the Subic Bay Freeport Zone (SBFZ), sources of water are mainly from the Binictican watershed. Others come primarily from Boton and Malawaan rivers which are also located inside the former military reservation. The watershed of the SBFZ is presently covered with forest with some areas allotted for urban use. In the World Bank Report, it was found out that the surface water supply of the SBFZ is not enough to meet the future water demands. It is therefore imperative that with the future growth and development of the former naval facility, an alternative source of water should be determined in the near future. Current projects funded by the World Bank include developing new wells and drawing raw water from whatever sources will the result of the study be, to anticipate this future need.

Land Use and Vegetation

The most predominant type of land use in the area is grassland or shrublands which cover about 65 percent of the total land area of the City and SBFZ. They are usually found at elevations less than 500 meters above sea level. Practically all of the area has significant lands devoted to grasslands and shrublands. Grasses found in the area come in various types but the most dominant is cogon (Imperata cylindrical). Aside from cogon, there are also talahib (Saccharum Spontaneum), and buho (Schizostachum Lumampas).

Forest lands, on the other hand, cover only 30 percent of the project area. These lands are found inside the former Subic Naval Reservation, particularly in the Boton and Binictican watersheds and parts of the Bataan National Park in Morong. These are also forest lands located in the uplands of Olongapo City.

Trees found in the area are classified into two (2) namely; dipterocarp and non-dipterocarp. Under the dipterocarp group , tree species found include apitong (dipterocarpos grandiflorus) and white lauan (Shorea Contorta). Examples of non-dipterocarp is kupang (Parkia roxburgii). Aside from trees, non-timber species (Calamus species), ferns, vines, and other low growing plants. The rest are either devoted to built areas or agricultural land.

The present urban land use is typical where the majority of the commercial and institutional establishments are lined up along the major thoroughfares of the city. The inner blocks nearest to the main streets basically have a mixed land use, which is either commercial or residential. The interior sections are primarily residential apartments and houses.

Olongapo City Literacy and Education

Literacy and Education

In terms of Literacy and Education, the city has a high literacy rate of 96.71% and 88.74% for elementary and secondary levels. The high literacy rate can be attributed to the accessibility of education and existence of schools in all the barangays in the city.

More enrollments in public schools. SY 2003-2004 has a total enrollment of 35,868 children in elementary education of which 6,210 are from private schools which is an increase of 4,226 or 13.36% as against to revised SY 2002-2003 figure of 31,642 (Dep Ed 2004 AR). While enrolment in the secondary level is 20,748; 14,594 for public schools and 6,154 in private schools or an increase of 532 or 2.63% compared to the revised SY 2002-2003 figure of 20,216(Dep Ed 2004 AR).

The total enrolment for both primary and secondary education from SY 2002-2003 to SY 2003-2004 increased by 9.18%. The increase is obviously noticeable in public schools.

2002 – 2004 Enrollment

ELEMENTARYSECONDARY
YearPublicPrivateTotalPublicPrivateTotal
SY 02-0325,4176,22631,64214,3315,88520,216
SY 03-0429,6586,21035,86814,5946,15420,748

Using the mathematical notation of FP = PP (1 + r)
where in ; FP = Future Population
PP = Present Population
r = annual growth rate of 1.68 %
n = number of years for the projection
1 = the unit

Increased on number of schools. Tertiary education is well provided in the city with eight (8) privately owned colleges and a city government-run college. There are 10,185 students who are studying in all the colleges in the City and those located at the Subic Freeport Zone. Private investment in pre-school education contributed most on the 8% increased of elementary and secondary schools in the city.

2002 – 2004 Number of Schools

ELEMENTARYSECONDARY
YearPublicPrivateTotalPublicPrivateTotal
SY 02-0324194391365
SY 03-0425224791423

State of the Economy

Economic Indicators

The City’s Consumer Price Index (CPI) has increased from P 128.50 to P 132.80 by the end of 2004. Consumer’s Price Index is the measurement of changes in the cost of a fixed basket of products and services, including housing, electricity, food and transportation which are typically purchased by consumers.

The general upward price movement of goods and services in the City ranges from a low of 5. 9% to as high as 8.8%. Statistics from the National Statistics Office shows that a sudden general price increase was seen right after the 2004 national elections. This was between the period of May and June with monthly change of almost 2%, the highest incurred in the year. This can be attributed to the increase of supply of money in the market brought about by the spending spree during the recently held national elections. The City’s annual inflation rate was peg at a high 7.5% which is 3.5% higher than the 2003 annual rate.

Purchasing Power of Peso and Wage Rates

The annual average estimated purchasing power of peso was at a ratio of 1:78 cents, lower than the 2003 ration of 1:84 centavos. These means that fewer goods and services can be bought in every peso earned in the year 2004.

REGISTERED BUSINESSES BY CLASSIFICATION


New & Renewal 1998 – 2004

The lowest ratio incurred by the City was during the Yuletide Season at 1:75 centavos when inflation rate was at its highest level of 8.8%. The mandated wage order being observed by the City’s business establishments was the DOLE Wage Order No. RB-III-10 issued on August 20, 2004. It states that all employees and workers in the private sector in Region 3, receiving the minimum wage of P224.50 for non agricultural sector (establishment with a total asset of P30.0 Million or more) and P217.00 (for establishments with less than P30.0 Million assets) shall receive a Cost of Living Allowance (COLA) of P 15.00.

Trade and Service Industry

For several decades now, Olongapo City threads the line of development in tourism. It boasts of its famous Subic Bay beaches, forest treks and night entertainment which are very much accessible to domestic and foreign tourist alike. It has water sports adventure and other recreational activities. It offers the coziest beach hotels, restaurants and bars ideal for family, business affairs and travelers.

Trade and service industry dominates the economy of the City, accounting to almost 75% of the total registered business establishments. Trading includes the wholesale and retail sector. It was the sub sector of retail stores which comprise the bulk of the trading establishments around 90% of the trading outlets.

Supermarket magnates are well entrenched in the economy doing business in the City since the US navy days.

CLASSIFICATIONS199819992000200120022003
Services9089008667068741,042
Wholesales/Retail2,7502,4282,7252,6702,8542,811
Manufacturing8968956272102
Banking and Finance539394100102108
Educational Institution16121081324
Hotel and Restaurant156154159128152103
Real Estate444532536244600555
Amusement/Recreation333027495460
Transport/Communication1139237323730
TOTAL :4,5624,3094,5493,9994,7584,835

After the height of economic prosperity during the US Navy days, local entrepreneurs started to innovatively engage in franchise food chains. New entrants in the fast food sector are the well known Philippine’s franchise, such as McDonalds, Jollibee, Chow King, and others.

There are three (3) identified business districts which has been the economic nerve centers of the City.

The Ramon Magsaysay - Gordon Avenue Business District, which traverse in the barangays of East Tapinac and Asinan. This is the former popular 24 hours red district, Magsasay Avenue.

There are almost 800 establishments operating in the area and except for the girl bars; the area had maintained its image as the night life entertainment center of the City.

Another business district was the Rizal Avenue Business District, traversing the barangays of East Bajac-Bajac and West Bajac-Bajac. Rizal Avenue. Being the City’s main thoroughfare, the avenue is the location of the main public market, the East Bajac-Bajac Public Market and the old West Bajac-Bajac Public Market.

The old market is the traditional trading post of City’s traders and wholesalers. It is the transshipment point of agricultural and non-agricultural products coming from adjacent provinces. There are around 1,900 registered businesses in this area facilitating the flow of trade to the end users. The area also facilitates the trading needs of neighboring municipalities.

The business district that would propel the City’s economy in the next several years is the Barretto Beach Business District. Currently, there are 377 business establishments operating in this area, majority of which caters to tourism. The multi-national foreign community also plays a significant role in the area’s local economy. A substantial number of its members have conveniently engaged in beach resorts, restaurants and hotel business. In recognition of their role, the City government has established an extension office of its Tourism Office which also housed the affairs of the foreign war veterans and retirees associations.

Crop production is generally at a subsistence level of production and is practiced only in the outlying barangays of the city like New Cabalan, Old Cabalan, Sta. Rita, Gordon Heights and Barretto.

There are a total of 5,923 registered business establishments in the city, from previous year’s figure of 4,835. Wholesale, retail and service establishments dominate the businesses in the City which accounts to around 77% of the number of establishments.

Manufacturing Industry

The City’s economy was driven mainly by service and trade industry. Manufacturing industry was at its infantile stage of development. To date there are 134 manufacturing businesses which operates on various categories.

Few of these manufacturing businesses are in a high variety and low quantity scale of production or job shop type of production. Though small in operations, Olongapo manufacturer of slippers have found a niche in its market segment, popular known as the Lotus slippers. This multi-colored beach slippers with a nylon strapped 1 to 2 inches thick rubber soles have been a household name when it comes to fashionable casual beach slippers.

Some of them have found their market outside the City and have graduated to a batch scale of production. The presence of this mode of production can mostly be seen traditionally on bakeries and food manufacturers.

100 % Housing Occupancy Rate

There were 42,280 housing units in Olongapo City, of which 42,278 were occupied, or 100 percent occupancy rate. This registered an increase of 2.69 percentage points from 1990 and a ratio of 1.02 household per occupied housing unit or a ratio of 4.58 persons per occupied housing unit.

Proportion of multi-unit residential dropped by 15.3 percentage points from 42.3 percent in 1990 to 27 percent in 2000. Majority (60.34 percent) of the occupied housing units were single houses. Three out of four occupied housing units needed no repair or if needed one with minor repair only.

Olongapo city Built Up/Developed Area


Based on this table, it can be seen that as for built-up area, residential use accounts for 96.99% while Commercial use is 2.27%.


Actual Land Use

ClassificationArea(has)Percentage
Residential2,433.2596.99
Commercial57.002.27
Industrial0.230.010
Special18.310.73
Others1.520.09
Total2,508.79100

LAND USE CLASSIFICATIONAREA ( in hectare )PERCENTAGE (in %)
Urban Area2,508.7913.56
Freeport965.705.22
Forest /watershed6,521.2535.25
Disputed Area6,850.7537.03
Open Grassland1,653.518.94
TOTAL18,500.00100.00


However in terms of land classification, 35% is forest area or watershed and there is a significant amount of 37% of land area falling under disputed area. The City’s forest area still dominates the existing land classification occupying about 6,850.75 hectares or 37% of the total land area of the city. These areas are mostly located in the outlying barangays of the city namely New Cabalan, Old Cabalan, Gordon Heights, Barretto and portion of Kalaklan and Sta. Rita. There are 1,729 hectares or 9.34% presently classified as Alienable and Disposable (A & D) based on the records of the CENRO.

Soil Type:

There are five(5) predominant types of soil in the city: Hydrosol, La Paz Fine Sandy Loam, Antipolo Clay, Mountain Soil Undifferentiated and Quingua Silt Loam. A full description of the relevant features of the abovementioned soil types are as follows:

a) Hydrosol - this miscellaneous land type is found in the coastal region bordering the China Sea. It consists of soils under water throughout the year where mangroves and nipa palms grow. It is found quite extensively in Olongapo, Masinloc, Candelaria and Sta. Cruz. It is also found in limited areas in Palauig, Iba and Subic. This type of land is at present being utilized as salt beds, fishponds and in the growing of nipa palms and mangroves.

b) La Paz Fine Sandy Loam - a typical profile of this is as follows:

Depth of Soil (cm) Characteristics

0-20. Surface soil, light brown, yellowish brown silt loam to fine sandy loam. Plenty of red to chocolate brown streaks in the lower surface soil. It is fine granular and moderately friable, slightly loose and porous. Boundaries between horizons are clear and smooth.

20-45. Subsoil, light brown, loose and slightly friable, heavier than the surface soil, poor in organic matter.

45-74. Light brown, loose, porous and friable fine sandy loam to fine sand with no gravel.

74-below. Grayish brown in color, medium sand to coarse sand loose and porous substratum.

The area is mostly level and is grown mainly to lowland rice.

c) Antipolo Clay (26) - this soil type includes the hills and mountains of Cabangan, San Felipe, San Antonio, Subic, Castillejos and Olongapo as well as the rolling areas, hills and mountain between the City of Olongapo and the Province of Bataan. It is not important agriculturally, being hilly and mountainous. Erosion on bare areas has advanced considerably forming big gullies. The rolling areas are utilized for the upland rice, corn and vegetables.

d) Mountain Soil Undifferentiated (45) - the soils of this type are called mountain soils undifferentiated, because of their relative geographical location, that is, inaccessibility to the soil survey party. These are the Zambales mountain ranges along the eastern part of the province having deep ravines, and with high peaks and rugged ridges.

e) Quingua Silt Loam - a typical profile of this soil type is as follows:

Depth of Soil (cm) Characteristics

0-20. Light brown, yellowish brown to brown silt loam to fine sandy loam surface soil with abundant red to chocolate brown streaks. It is loose and fine granular and easily worked at optimum moisture.

20-25. Subsoil, light brown, loose to slightly compact, heavier in texture than the surface soil, friable silty clay loam. The presence of heavier material is due to the beaching of the fine materials of the surface soil.

25-74. Light brown, loose and friable fine sandy loam to fine sand lower subsoil.

75 - below. Substratum, sand to coarse sand brownish yellow to brown.
This soil type is one of the highly priced agricultural lands in the province. It is devoted principally to lowland rice culture. Except in places near the rivers and creeks, this type is generally not irrigated and the crop depends on the rainwater during its growing period.

Population and Density

Based on the 2000 Census of Population conducted by the National Statistics Office (NSO), Olongapo has a total population of 194,260 excluding transients with an annual growth rate of 1.68%. This would translate to a projected population of 207,647 for the year 2004.

Furthermore, the gross population density of the city is 11.22 persons per hectare, using the total land area of 18,500 hectares. Based on the participation rate of the barangays, Barangay Banicain is the most densely populated barangay with 538.86 persons per hectare at 13.20 hectares. While Barangay New Cabalan is the least dense barangay with 9.93 person per hectare at 1,955.57 hectares.

Considering the City’s built up area of 2,508.79 hectares, the net population density is 82.77 persons per hectare in the year 2004.

The 1.68% annual increase was perceived to be a conservative rating which was based on the 1995-2000 period. Observation shows that there was a steady influx of Southern small traders in the City and concentrations of its populace in various barangays.

Olongapo City Profile

1884 - A Royal decree was issued by King Alfonso II making Subic Bay as Spain’s stronghold in the Far East.
1885 - Don Juan Bautista de Antequiera, thefounder of Olongapo, constructed permanent structures of an arsenal composed of a watchtower, a gate, several buildings and a railway connecting the hills of Olongapo and the Bay.
1898 - A detachment from Admiral Dewey’s Fleet took Olongapo and Subic Bay during the Spanish-American War.
1904 - U.S. President Theodore Roosevelt issued an Executive Order designating Subic Bay and 70,000 acres of adjacent land, including Olongapo as an American Military reservation. Concerted American development of Subic started this year. Part of the reservation was developed as a naval station with a ship repair unit and a coaling station.
1908 - Establishment of an American military administration for town affairs.
1932 - Opening of Zig-Zag Pass, connecting Olongapo by land to Central Luzon.
1942 to 1944 - The Japanese military occupied naval station and built wooden sampans for use in the war effort.
1945 - During liberation, the Japanese made their last stand at the Zig-Zag Pass.
1951 - U.S. spent over $170 Million to convert the base into the homeport of her Navy’s Seventh Fleet, developing the Cubi Naval Air Station as the largest US installation of its kind in Asia.
1957 - The U.S. Navy’s Bartholomew plan was put into motion, starting the move to improve the town site to equip it with such amenities as a sewerage system, fire fighting system, etc. Unfortunately, the move was put on hold because of local agitation to retrieve Olongapo from the U.S. military reservation to the Philippine government.
December 7, 1959 - Olongapo was turned over to the Philippine government and converted into a municipality by virtue of Executive Order No. 366 issued by then President Carlos P. Garcia. The first government officials were appointed.
November 1964 - The first municipal election was held in Olongapo.
June 1, 1966 - President Ferdinand E. Marcos signed Republic Act No. 4645, converting Olongapo into a chartered city.
December 7, 1983 - The city became a highly urbanized city in Central Luzon.
June 15, 1991 - Mt. Pinatubo erupted causing widespread damage at the U.S. Facility and in Olongapo City.
September 16, 1991 - Senate rejects Treaty of Friendship, Cooperation and Security between the Republic of the Philippines and the United States of America, terminating the stay of U.S. military bases in the Philippines.
March 13, 1992 - R.A. 7227 creation of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority with Mayor Richard J. Gordon acting as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer to preside over the development of the Subic Bay Freeport.
November 24, 1992 - The U.S. Naval Facility which included the Naval Station and the Cubi Naval Air Station, was turned over formally to the Philippine Government.
November 24, 1992 - The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) took over the management of the Subic Bay Freeport.
July 1, 1993 - Olongapo City Mayor Richard J. Gordon was appointed SBMA’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer and had to give up the position of Mayor in accordance with law.
March 31, 1998 - Mayor Kate H. Gordon of Olongapo won the United Nations Educational Scientific Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Peace Prize Award which she received on March 31, 1998 in Stockholm, Sweden.
The Mayor was the only lady Mayor among five awardees who came from different regions of the world. The award was in recognition of her programs and initiatives that brought peace and order in her community and promoted productive living.
September 2, 1998 - After reviving the economy of Central Luzon and the City of Olongapo, Chairman Gordon stepped down from SBMA with the unfavorable decision of the Supreme Court on the issue of Chairmanship brought about by the change in national leadership.
December 01, 1999 - Mayor Kate H. Gordon was awarded the Konrad Adenauer Local Government Award (KALGA) and as a member of the East and Southeast Asian Network for Better Local Governance.
December 01, 1999 - Mayor Kate H. Gordon was an awardee of the Konrad Adenauer Local Government Award for initiating reforms in the city bureaucracy in order to achieve efficiency and productivity in governance.
June 2001 - Mayor Kate H. Gordon was awarded as the Outstanding Woman in Local Governance by the United Nations.
June 2001 - Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP).
June 2001 - given in Phitsanulok, Thailand during the Asia Pacific Summit of Women Mayors and Councilors Conference on June 19-22, 2001.
December 05, 2001 - Former Mayor and SBMA Chairman Richard J. Gordon appointed Secretary of Tourism by President Gloria M. Arroyo and was confirmed by the Commission on Appointments on December 05, 2001 the first national position held by a native of Olongapo City.

Olongapo City Barangay and History

Barangay Asinan

Asinan was the first barrio that was rehabilitated after world war ii by the us naval reservation administration because of the proximity of the place with the us naval base. Formerly the seat of business establishments operated mostly by chinese residents of the community in 1958, this barrio was relocated on a reclaimed area when the us naval base was expanded

Barangay Banicain

The place named banicain is one of the oldest place names that was in use in olongapo even before the advent of the spaniards. The old barrio of banicain was a sparsely populated village in the far shore of subic bay, easily visible from the old town of olongapo. The area is actually part of bataan province. The villagers regularly come to the town of olongapo in their sailboats to bring their products of firewood, cashew nuts and bananas. Out of their sales they bought pork, beef and other foodstuffs, clothes and shoes to take back home to banicain.

In the early 50’s when korean war was at its height, the u.s. navy decided to build a naval air station across the bay from olongapo. The site selected included the banicain area. The mountains at the back of the village had to be levelled to provide free space for runaways. The residents were then transferred, houses and all, to a resettlement site near asinan and tapinac.

Now, banicain is one of the 17 barangays of olongapo city. It is divided into 10 puroks with a total land area of 13.20 hectares. The original residents from across the bay are still in the area although they have been outnumbered by new comers.



Barangay Barretto

Before world war ii, barretto is known as sitio maquinaya. In 1945, it was utilized by the u.s. naval base as their naval supply depot. Barretto then is a forested area and the naval base established a sawmill in the area. When the u.s. government turned over the area to the philippine government, people begun to migrate in the area, most notable of which were the first 60 families from the nearby barangay who were ejected from their land. As the population grows the people petitioned the municipal government of olongapo which is then headed by then municipal mayor ruben geronimo, for the creation of sitio maquinaya into a full barrio. Acting positively on the petitioned, the municipal council passed and approved a resolution in july 5, 1961 which in turned requesting the provincial board of zambales to pass and approved an ordinance which will create maquinaya into a barrio. The rest is now history.

Barangay East Bajac-Bajac

Barangay east bajac-bajac lies mainly along the basin of the one-known “anderson falls” on the left side of rizal avenue going north. Simultaneous with the construction of project house in west bajac-bajac, project houses and a public market were also constructed and established in the barrio for use and occupancy by key civilian personnel and employees of the us naval base. Other places in the barrio that were not earmarked for project houses were occupied mostly by merchants who peddled their goods and wares on the public market.

Barangay East Tapinac

Bordering the row of houses on the eastern side of the town was a wide riceland with some few fishponds which comprised the barrio of east tapinac. During the period of reconstruction and rehabilitation of olongapo, these ricelands and fishponds were leveled, reclaimed and ultimately subdivided into residential lots for occupancy mostly by employees working inside the u.s. naval base.

Then several houses were built in the barrio, electrical posts and lines were installed and soon, electric powers were made available by the u.s. naval reservation administration to the residents.

Barangay Gordon Heights

Barangay gordon heights is located on the northern part of olongapo and was formerly a part of bo. Sta. Rita. The place is bounded by a mountain on the sides and conceived for rehabilitation by mayor amelia j. Gordon for the landless residents of olongapo as part of her master plan for the complete development of the city.

This barrio became a distinct and separate barangay in olongapo thru republic act no. 6199 entitled “an act creating barangay gordon heights in the city of olongapo”, which was approved in 1971 section one of republic act no. 6199 provides as follows: “the whole area of purok 7 in the bo. Sta. Rita, city of olongapo, is hereby separated from the said bo. And constituted into a distinct and independent barrio of this city, to be known as bo. Gordon heights. Bo. Gordon heights, on the east by watershed area, on the south by mabayuan river, and in the west by sta. Rita boundaries.”

Barangay Kababae

Barangay kababae was formerly situated adjacent to kalalake during the pre-war days. However, the site was affected when the u.s. naval base was expanded. Kababae was then relocated between bo. New ilalim and bo. Banicain.

Barangay Kalaklan

In both sides of the highway going north along the mountainsides overlooking the community of olongapo is barrio kalaklan developed by the u.s. navy. Due to the panoramic view and natural beauty of the place, project houses were built and constructed by the u.s. navy for the exclusive use of american naval officers stationed in subic bay. Although the area was reserved exclusively for american naval officers and other key civilian employees of the u.s. naval base, however, due to the rapid increase in the population of olongapo at that time due to the expansion of the naval base, barrio kalaklan was opened for occupancy by the other residents of olongapo.

Barangay Kalalake

The barrio of kalalake was an adjacent village of barrio kababae, east of the naval base during the pre-world war ii days and was formerly located near the bank of kalaklan river. The colorful legends of kalalake began in the time when giants rule the earth and spoke of giant young man and his giant lady love. Their homes were marked by two adjacent mounds of earth. The bigger one which was later named kalalake plateau was a flat-topped hill which many scholars loved to explore because of the caves that were said to harbor fairies and other supernatural beings.

The kalalake plateau was leveled by the u.s. navy to make way for the naval supply depot (nsd) warehouses. When the u.s. naval base was expanded in 1958, the residents of kalalake were affected and relocated at a reclaimed area adjacent to what is now asinan, across the perimeter channel, from what is now subic bay metropolitan authority (sbma).

Barangay Mabayuan

Due to the continued expansion of the u.s. naval base, almost one-half of barrio kalalake, which was formerly located along the border of the base, was affected and the residents living on the affected areas had to be relocated elsewhere. At the time, barrio kalalake was already thickly populated, occupied mostly by employees working inside the u.s. naval base and those affected by the expansion of the base could no longer be accommodated on the remaining portion of barrio kalalake. The other barrios meanwhile could not accommodate the displaced residents as these other barrios were then fast becoming populated due to the continued migration of people from the different places of the country in search of better opportunities in olongapo due to the presence of the u.s. naval base.

Faced with this problem, the u.s. naval reservation authorities and the town officials decided to create another barrio and the area on the western portion was found to be suitable for the purpose. The entire area was then graded, leveled, and divided into home lots and occupied by those affected by the expansion of the naval base and as the population on the area increased, the place was named “barrio mabayuan” which, in the literal interpretation means “a change for the better”.

Aside from being employed inside the u.s. naval base, the residents of the barrio embarked on agriculture, gardening, and poultry as their other source of livelihood. Soon, bigger houses were erected and officials were elected to represent the barrio.

Barangay New Cabalan

Barangay new cabalan is located between the boundary of bataan and olongapo city. It is one of the largest of all barangays in the city as far as land area is concerned. It has a hilly terrain which is bounded by tabacuhan and sta. Rita river on the north; hermosa, bataan and mountain ranges on the south; barangay old cabalan on the west and bangal, dinalupihan, bataan on the east. It is the home of our negrito brothers.

Barangay New Ilalim

This barrio, then known as “barrio ilalim”, was formerly a small fishing area situated on an interior site near the sea, adjacent to the boundary of bataan province and was virtually surrounded by dense forests, hence the name “ilalim”.

hen the u.s. navy yard expanded, the u.s. naval base officials found the site suitable for the establishment of an ammunition depot. Thus, barrio ilalim was relocated to another site near the northern part of barrio west tapinac. Upon it relocation, the place was named “new ilalim” and was opened for occupancy for the residents of olongapo. Soon enough, the place was resided upon mostly by those employed inside the u.s. naval base.

Barangay Old Cabalan

Barangay old cabalan was formerly a part of sta. Rita and located south of olongapo and bordered by barrio new cabalan.

ue to the increasing number of residents in barrio sta. Rita and the enormous size in land area, with a voting population of almost 19,000 which is comparable to a municipality in zambales, the government officials of olongapo city conceived of the idea of separating the entire area comprising old cabalan and constitute the same as a separate barangay to facilitate administration and control. A plebiscite among the residents of barrio sta. Rita was conducted on june 18, 1989, and gaining a majority vote, old cabalan was then constituted as the 17th barangay of olongapo city.

Barangay Pag-Asa

The decade of the 1950’s saw many changes in the community of olongapo. These were the years of the korean war when base facilities, more job opportunities were opened and job seekers flocked to olongapo from all over the country.

The need for increased community facilities gave u.s. naval reservation officials, who were then administering the community, the idea of a really comprehensive town plan. Thus, the u.s. navy commissioned bartholomew and associates of hawaii to draft a plan that would result in an orderly expansion of the town site and that would effectively set the u.s. naval base off from the town proper. In following the town plan, areas in the periphery of the town were filled in the reclaimed from swampland and subdivided to provide residential lots, markets sites, school sites, and all other requisites of a well-planned community. The lots were apportioned to legitimate residents. Those whose residential lots became part of the u.s. naval base were given replacement lots and were assisted in transferring their houses. Neighborhoods were kept intact as much as possible in spite of the wholesome transfer. When the u.s. navy relinquished the u.s. naval reservation and turned it over to the philippine government, olongapo become a municipality. The political subdivisions were later laid out. The area bounded by 12th street, gordon avenue and the perimeter channel was named barangay pag-asa. Like kalalake and asinan, the place was part of the area reclaimed from swampy ground to make room for residence that had to be moved out of the expanded base area.

Barangay pag-asa is the site of the second public market in the city. All the other barangays have names which are old place names in olongapo. Pag-asa residents like to believe that their barangays were given that name to give fresh hope to some of the residents who live on the borderline of poverty.

Barangay Sta. Rita

Barangay sta. Rita is the largest of all the 17 barangays of the city. It is bounded to the north by sta. Rita river, to the east by east bajac-bajac, to the west by barangay mabayaun and barangay gordon heights and to the south by barangay old cabalan.

Barangay sta. Rita is generally a flat valley bounded by mountain ranges and the sta. Rita river that serves as the catch basin of water during rainy season. Its land elevation is below sea level and considered the flood plain of the city of olongapo. Flooding that occurred can be attributed to the overflowing of the mabayaun and sta. Rita river where strong water emanated from the mountains surrounding it. The shallowing of the river brought about by the eruption of mount pinatubo in 1992 is also one factor in the frequent flooding of the area. Dredging is not given priority yet due to insufficient funds.

In spite of all the aforesaid difficulties, barangay sta. Rita is considered the most active barangay in terms of development. It surpasses other barangays in terms of number of puroks, number of population and the vastness of land area. Horticulture and residential lands exist.

Barangay West Bajac-Bajac

Barangay west bajac-bajac was a small fishing village of the province of zambales and a territorial jurisdiction of the municipality of subic. Because of its strategic area and location, it became a trusted territory of the united states government by virtue of the rp-us military base agreement of 1947. As a part of the us naval reservation, olongapo steadfastly grew and developed into a bigger and progressive community. After a series of high level negotiations by both officials of the philippines and the united states, olongapo became a regular municipality as the 14th town of the province of zambales by virtue of the executive order no. 366 dated december 7, 1959 issued and signed by then president elpidio quirino.

The rapid urbanization of olongapo in terms of population and income brought about conditions favorably for city hood. Finally, the birth of olongapo into a chartered city was realized on june 1, 1966 when president ferdinand e. Marcos signed into law r.a. 4645 otherwise known as the city charter of olongapo.

The city of olongapo is composed of 17 barangays, one of which is barangay west bajac-bajac.

Barangay West Tapinac

During the early years before world war II, barrio west tapinac was generally of low elevation and partly submerged in water during high tide as the area is beside the kalaklan river. Fishponds and nipa palm groves were common sights in this barrio with very few houses erected on higher grounds.

Before the place was opened by the u.s. naval reservation officials for occupancy, the fishponds were refilled with soil while the nipa palms and mangroves were cut and utilized into temporary houses that were built. After a span of about two years from the time the entire area was opened for habitation, the temporary houses were demolished by the occupants and bigger houses made mostly of woods and g.i. roofing’s were constructed. The barrio began to be thickly populated when the streets were widened and electric power was installed and supplied in the entire area.


I. Pre-Historic Legend

Olongapo was a small fishing village on the eastern shores of Subic Bay. It was one of the villages that dotted Subic Bay, having such musical names as Tibawa, Ilalim, Naglubid, Diliwariw, Banicain, Boton, Binictican, Ilingin, Maquinaya. Legend has it that the peaceful village of Olongapo was ruled by a benevolent man called Apo. The peace of the village was disrupted by a band of goons who sowed fear and terror among the simple folk. These bandits beheaded the Apo and took off with his head. The villagers were struck with fear and could not be appeased until a young man appeared out of the jungle one day. He carried in his arms the head of the revered old man which he found impaled on a bamboo pole. The villagers shouted with joy “Ulo ng Apo! Ulo ng Apo!” Now they could give the remains of their beloved Apo an honorable burial. And in his honor, the village became known as Olongapo!

II. Spanish Period

In 1884, Spanish King Alfonso II through a Royal Decree made Subic Bay (then called Subig) as Spain’s stronghold in the Far East. In 1885 Vice Admiral Juan Bautista de Antiquiera founded Olongapo as a settlement of the Spanish Navy. He built a naval arsenal with extensive fortifications. With Filipino conscripted harbor, the bay was dredged and shops and administration buildings were put up. From higher naval commands the order was sent to fortify Grande Island at the mouth of Subic Bay with mines and with cannon. But this project was hardly begun before it was overtaken by the route of the Spanish navy in Manila Bay by US Admiral George Dewey.

III. American Colony

In 1898 the United States declared war against Spain as an aftermath of the sinking of the US Ship Maine in Havana harbor, Cuba. Admiral George Dewey, then in Hong Kong, was ordered to engage the Spanish naval unit in the Philippines. The Spanish Command had been banking on the fortification of Grande Island in Subic Bay to forestall any attack on Spanish ships in Manila. The fortifications, however, had not yet progressed much, thus Dewey’s ships were able to proceed to Manila without intervention at Subic Bay. The much weaker Spanish ships were totaled by the stronger US ships at Cavite in Manila Bay on May 01, 1898. This was one of the battles that caused Spain to be defeated in the Spanish American war. Spain ceded the Philippines to the US for $20 Million.

The U.S. then developed Subic Bay as a naval station, building a coaling plant on the southern shore, to store the coal used in the steamships of the US navy and a Ship Repair Unit on the Rivera Basin. The Spanish buildings in Olongapo and the gated concrete perimeter fence became part of the US naval installation. (The Spanish gates and parts of the fence still stand today at the Subic Bay Freeport.) the US Navy enlarged the area it occupied.

In 1901 and 1904 US President Theodore Roosevelt issued Executive Orders delineating the boundaries of the US Naval reservation which consisted of 70,000 acres. In 1906 the Dewey Dry Dock was towed to Subic Bay from Chesapeake Bay taking six months and 12 days for the entire trip covering 12,000 miles. The presence of the Dry Dock made Olongapo a main source of skilled technicians well versed in the repair of naval vessels from small cruisers to huge aircraft carriers. Many Olongapo workers found work easily abroad after the U.S. Naval Facility closed down. American junior navy officers administered the affairs of the Olongapo Naval Reservation. Olongapo at the outbreak of the Pacific War in 1941 was a small town of around 7,000 residents. The administration was tightly controlled. The town site, subdivided neatly into blocks, allowed one residential lot for each family for which a “waiver fee” of P4.00 was paid annually. The joke then was that you waived your right to the lot and for that you paid a fee. Actually the entire area was controlled by the US Navy. One lived in Olongapo only if one had gainful employment. All residents were required to have ID cards. Transients could get transient IDs but had to leave the town on expiration of the ID or else have it extended. The Reservation Officer/town administrator was “assisted” by a group of residents called a Town Council usually with representatives from the Chinese and American Civilian communities. According to old timers, actually whatever the Reservation Officer decided was carried out with the Town Council saying yes sir.

In 1932 the newly constructed Zig Zag Pass was opened, thus making Olongapo accessible to Manila and Central Luzon through the mountain highway. Before then, the town was accessed by water transportation or jungle trail.

The outbreak of the Pacific War in December 1941, disrupted civilian life. In a scorched earth policy, US Navy men set fire to navy installations rather than have the Japanese use these. Olongapo residents followed suit by setting fire to most of the town. The Japanese occupied the area of the naval station where they built wooden sampans. With the return of the Americans in 1945 the Japanese made their last stand at the Zig Zag Pass. During the incumbency of Mayor Richard J. Gordon, Mr. Kasanobu Miyazaki, a Japanese owner of an accounting firm in Aioi City, Japan, requested that a shrine be built in New Cabalan where his brother, Capt. Masanobu Miyazaki died in battle at the Zig Zag Pass. Mayor Gordon ever attuned to the sentiments of his constituents, reasoned that people might resent a Japanese shrine, the wounds of war being still fresh. He suggested instead a peace monument dedicated to the Filipino, American and Japanese lives that were lost in that battle. The monument was thus built at the junction of the national highway and the road into New Cabalan. It is surmounted by a dove of peace. Every year Mr. Miyazaki comes to visit the monument.

The return of the US navy attracted many workers from all over the country. The US spent over $170 Million to convert the base into the homeport of the Seventh Fleet. Cubi Naval Air Station, (nicknamed Raodfords’ Folly at the beginning) together with the Naval Station became the largest U.S. installation of its kind in Asia.

IV. Independent Olongapo

In 1957 the US Navy started to implement its Bartholomew Plan. Whole neighborhoods were transferred to new sites that had just been filled with new soil. Magsaysay Drive was opened. A drainage canal was dug. However, before the planned new sewerage system and fire fighting system could be put in place everything was put on hold because of the local agitation to retrieve Olongapo from US rule to the Philippine government. The ID system strained relations just as the searches of luggage in transiting vehicles by U.S. Marines. The continuing agitation led to the protracted negotiation between the Philippine and United States Olongapo Committees that met to thresh out the conditions of the turnover, beginning in August of 1959. On December 07, 1959, the United States government after 61 years of holding on to power relinquished Olongapo to the Philippine Government. Charge d’ Affairs George M. Abbot signed for the US and Secretary of Foreign Affairs Felixberto Serrano signed for the Philippines. On the same day President Carlos P. Garcia signed Executive Order No. 366 creating the Municipality of Olongapo in the Province of Zambales. Olongapo was finally independent, 13 years after the Philippines gained independence from US rule.

The new municipality was not yet free of its troubles. The first municipal officials were appointed instead of elected. Men of the Provincial Governor were put in important positions in the city. Residents finally got a chance to choose their own officials when the first elections were held in November, 1964. James L. Gordon was elected Municipal Mayor. To get free of the political hold of the province, he worked for city status and got it on June 1, 1966 when RA 4645, the City Charter, was signed by President Marcos.

V. Olongapo a New City

James L. Gordon worked hard for self determination of Olongapo residents and he got it first through the relinquishment of Olongapo by the US government to the Philippine government then by his efforts for city status for Olongapo. His political battles earned for him many enemies who were after self aggrandizement. He fought to retain the power utility and the telephone system which some local politicians wanted to sell to private entities at a bargain. He reiterated his Filipino Citizenship which his political rivals questioned. He was entitled to claim American citizenship being the son of a retired US soldier. Yet he opted to remain Filipino.

In February 20, 1967, he was assassinated at City Hall, only eight and a half months after Olongapo became a city.

Gordon’s widow Amelia was elected Mayor in the next election. Like her husband, Mayor Amelia worked hard at social amelioration. She invited a Battalion Combat Team from Pampanga to carve out a residential area in the hilly Gordon Heights for homeless families. The BCT came with their bulldozers and pay loaders and the area was soon subdivided for distribution.

Richard J. Gordon was elected Mayor in 1980. He worked for recognition of Olongapo as Highly Urbanized City, a separate entity from the province of Zambales. This recognition was won by Olongapo on December 07, 1983.

During the 1987 election Kate H. Gordon was elected Representative of the First District of Zambales. This made a formidable partnership that worked for the advancement of the interests of Olongapo residents.

The presence of the US Navy in Olongapo for 91 years brought gainful employment for residents. One serious social disadvantage, however, was the proliferation of the sex trade as US Navy on rest and recreation made Olongapo a stopover area. In the efforts to neutralize this, particularly the salacious name of “Sin City” that the city had been getting, many measures were taken. Rules of hygiene, sanitation, propriety and grooming were strictly implemented. Efforts were made to turn the city into a Festival City, a Scene City, a Mardi Gras City, with wholesome fun encouraged. Olongapo music was at its best.

The even tenor of life in the city was disrupted by the eruption of Mt. Pinatubo on June 15, 1991. With the entire city covered in volcanic ash from 18 to 24 inches, life became a daily struggle. No water, no electricity, rare transportation, demolished structures, food shortage were only some of the trials experienced by Olongapo residents for some weeks. Native resiliency in the face of disaster came to the fore however, and the city was back to normal in less than a month.

In the national scene, however, legislators were working to free the country from any foreign military presence. On September 16, 1991 the Philippine Senate voted to reject the Treaty of Friendship, Cooperation and Security, thus effectively terminating the stay of US military bases in the Philippines and prohibiting the establishment of any other foreign military presence in the country.

The vision of a new Olongapo became even more defined with the ingenious design of Mayor Richard Gordon to put up thought provoking and highly-motivating slogans all around the city. Phrases like “What This Country Needs is Not a Change of Men but a Change in Men”, “Shared Vision, Shared Struggles, Shared Triumphs”, “Olongapo – A City with Integrity, Character, Dignity and Pride”, among other inspiring credos spelled the difference on how the city was painstakingly transformed into a highly-unified and forward-looking metropolis. These deeply ingrained values helped create a very disciplined and committed breed of achievers so characteristically Olongapo.



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FuOTe7Sin8I