Olongapo celebrates 46th cityhood

By Allen M. Villa

Friday 8th of June 2012

OLONGAPO CITY, June 8 (PIA) -- The Olongapo City government, in partnership with SM City Olongapo (SMOL), recently celebrated its 46th cityhood anniversary with a photo exhibit of the old Gapo inside the mall, giving visitors a glimpse of its unique history.

The exhibit traced its early days as a barrio of the municipality of Subic under the US Naval Reservation Administration, its transformation into a town, and in just seven years, its conversion into a city.

Olongapo became a city by virtue of Republic Act 4645 signed into law by President Ferdinand Marcos on June 1, 1966.

During the program, Olongapo City Mayor James Gordon Jr. expressed his gratitude to SM City Olongapo for being an important part of the celebrations.

In his speech, Gordon shared that the successful transformation of the City into a bustling business hub can be credited to its stakeholders and the community from which the business draws its resources.

The event also highlighted handicraft exhibit of the Ugnayang Katutubong Aeta ng Olongapo (UKAO) group from Iram Resettlement Area, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the city’s indigenous people.

City officials led by Mayor Gordon, First Lady and SBMA director Anne Marie Gordon, Councilor Eduardo Piano, former Councilor Edwin Piano, City Museum Curator Gregorio “Yang” Elane, and Public Affairs Office head Mike Pusing graced the occasion.

SMOL assistant manager Renalin Briones, Human Resources manager Rodora Lo, Accounting manager Joy Quiazon, and CRS manager Joselito Isidro welcomed them.

The photo exhibit will run from June 1-12 at the 4th level of the SM mall.(CLJD/AMV-PIA3)