Students and Scouting, Child Friendly Brgy Sta Rita

CHILD FRIENDLY

Read along session being conducted by Councilor Ed Piano in various elementary schools
Scouting prepares future leaders

Using games and story-telling to start kid's interest in reading

Barangay Consultation

BARANGAY CONSULTATION. Mr. Piano conducts regular visits to the city’s 17 barangays to check the implementation of city ordinances, whether these are working according to the legislators’ intention or there are flaws that needed amendment. At the same time, he also hears out the problems and grievances of residents and later tries to find ways by which the city government could act on the matter.

Public consultation being a major part of legislation and public service, Councilor Piano sees to it that he personally talks to his constituents to give them relevant informations and hear their requests and opinions on matters at hand. Photos show Councilor Piano with barangay officials and residents.

Councilor Ed Piano took the chance to speak to his kabarangays during the activity at Tabacuan Sta Rita

Olongapo Sta Rita Tabacuan flood

Sta Rita Drum and Lyre: Best Band in the City

Barangay Sta. Rita information

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 mabayuan 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 mabayuan 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 given priority top priority with the simoultaneous operation of two dredging machne.

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.

Sta Rita Barangay Official Directory

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

Disaster Readiness and Mitigation activities

FLOOD CONTROL AND ROAD CLEARING OPERATION

Turn-over of 2,000 sacks for sandbagging operation tomorrow at Sta Rita Village and Jolo Tabacuan.

Meeting with brgy officials: Capt Bacay, kgds, purok leaders

Councilors Piano and Cerezo supervises the flood control and debris clearing operation after typhoon "labuyo" and "Maring" where 80% of the city's roads were affected

Sta Rita pambato sa Gawad Kalasag

BARANGAY STA. RITA ADVANCES TO NAT’L LEVEL OF GAWAD KALASAG 2009

The Barangay Disaster Coordinating Council (BDCC) of Barangay Sta. Rita is one of the finalists for this year’s Best BDCC in the urban category of the 2009 Gawad Kalasag award.

“This is a first for Barangay Sta. Rita. After being hailed as the Best BDCC in the Regional Level, they automatically qualified for the National Level of the Gawad Kalasag 2009,” according to Mayor James “Bong” Gordon, Jr.

Originally pitted against two other cities, Bacolod and Davao City, Barangay Sta. Rita is now set to go one-on-one against Davao after Bacolod dropped out of the competition.

According to Captain Jerome Michael Bacay, “Barangay Sta. Rita takes pride in having our own Fire Rescue and Disaster Response Unit with Chief Arturo De Jesus.”

The said unit provides immediate response to emergency situations in the barangay during calamities and other disaster situations and even responding to calls outside the bgy.

“Patuloy kaming sinusuportahan ni Mayor Bong Gordon sa pamamagitan ng mga trainings at kagamitan na ipinagkakaloob niya sa aming barangay. Malaking tulong din na kaagapay ng mga barangay officials ang aming mga kabarangay sa pag-iwas sa sakuna. Kung walang kooperasyon ang lahat, hindi natin makakamit ang ganitong pagkilala,” added Bacay.

A validating team visited the city recently and assessed the barangay based on their basic disaster management capability. The validating team was headed by Regional Disaster Coordinating Council Director Neri Amparo. Also part of the team were Dionisio Magayanes, Jr., Angelo Pailando, Crsipina Abat, Engr. Edmundo Fernandez and Tessie Castañeda.

Gordon is encouraging other barangays in the city to strengthen their disaster management plans. “Let us continue what Barangay Sta. Rita has started. They were recognized in the national level and helped make Olongapo City more competitive. Naghahanda din ang lungsod para sa Best City Disaster Coordinating Council category ng Gawad Kalasag,” remarked Gordon.

The Gawad Kalasag (Kalamidad at Sakuna Labanan Sariling Galing ang Kaligtasan) has been promoting total disaster risk management among local disaster coordinating councils.

The National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC) has been actively providing incentives and awards with the hope of strengthening the spirit of volunteerism among private and public emergency responders and enhancing monitoring systems in the national and local levels through the Kalasag Awards.

Pista ng Sto Nino sa Purok 1 Sta Rita

Viva El Sto. Niño!

Mayor James “Bong” Gordon, Jr. and Olongapo First Lady Zambales Vice Governor Anne Marie Gordon conveyed their greetings to the residents of Barangay Sta. Rita and the devotees of the Patron Saint Sto. Niño in celebration of its feast day on January 18, 2009.

In a message, Mayor Gordon said, “panahon na naman ng pasasalamat sa taong nagdaan at paghingi muli ng gabay at biyaya sa darating na taon.”

“The yearly celebration in honor of the beloved patron is among the most effective way of gathering people and keeping the spirit of the Christian community alive,” he added.

The feast day of Sto. Niño commemorates the beginnings of Christianity in the country. The celebration also reminds catholics that true devotion should reflect concern to the less fortunate, most especially the children.

In closing, Mayor Gordon reminded that “as we honor the image of the Child Jesus, may we be inspired by the simplicity, humbleness and unconditional faith of a child.”

The City Government of Olongapo is joining the community in this peaceful and successful celebration in honor of the beloved patron saint, Sto. Niño.

Señor Sto. Niño, patron saint of Barangay Sta. Rita, will celebrate its feast day on January 18, 2009.

Sta Rita Balic Balic Elem School Band

Olongapo Sta Rita Tabacuan Elem School band

Tabacuan drum and Lyre Corp during parade


At competion... the champs


Practice at Sta Rita High School grounds

Youth Center at Mayumi Santa Rita

SOFT OPENING OF CENTER FOR YOUTH

Olongapo City Mayor James ‘Bong’ Gordon Jr. and Zambales Vice Governor and Olongapo City First Lady Anne Marie Gordon led the inauguration of the Center for Youth at Barangay Sta. Rita, Olongapo City.

Accompanying Mayor Gordon on the ribbon cutting ceremony were Vice Governor Anne Marie Gordon with Vice Mayor Cynthia Cajudo, Councilor Ed Piano, Department of Social Welfare and Development Office (DSWDO) Regional Director Dr. Minda Brigoli, City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) head Gene Eclarino, Olongapo City Police Director Abelardo Villacorta and Family Court Judge Renato J. Dilag of RTC Branch 73. The inauguration mass was celebrated by Sta. Rita Parish Rev. Father Nelson Vencilao.

Also joining the inauguration were several department heads of the local government and barangay officials.

The Center for Youth is located at the compound of the Olongapo City Women’s Center where the Welfareville Daycare Center at Mayumi St., Barangay Sta. Rita is also located.

“Ang Center for Youth ay pansamantalang tahanan ng mga kabataang Olongapeno na in conflict with the law. Dito ay may tanggapan si Judge Dilag upang mapag-usapan ang kasong kinakaharap ng mga kabataan,” wika ni Vice Gov. Gordon.

Meanwhile, Mayor Gordon gladly delivered the news that the City has received the ‘Most Child Friendly City’ Award for Region 3. “Sana ay muling mapili ang lungsod bilang National Awardee ng Presidential Search for the Most Child Friendly sa buong bansa. Kaya natin ‘yan kung magtutulungan ang lahat.”

Mayor Gordon also proudly announced the most prestigious award that the city has received recently, the ‘Most Competitive Medium Sized City” award from the Asian Institute of Management (AIM).

“Nanguna ang lungsod sa iba pang medium sized cities at nangibabaw ang Olongapo kasama ang General Santos City, Cabanatuan, San Pablo, Tagum, Tarlac City at Lucena. Dito ay pinagbabatayan ang kalakasan at kahinaan ng isang lungsod at ang uri ng pamumuhay rito,” Mayor Gordon said.

Mayor Gordon encouraged Olongapenos to continue coordinating with his administration, “Hindi ito maisasakatuparan kung hindi nakikipag-tulungan ang mga Olongapeno.”

The three-story building has seven (7) rooms, including a court room, which can accommodate over sixty people.

Mayor Bong Gordon and Olongapo First Lady and Zambales Vice-Gov. Anne Marie Gordon led the inauguration and blessing of Center Youth. Also present during the occasion are Vice Mayor Cynthia Cajudo, Kgd Piano, DSWD Regional Dir. Minda Brocoli, Family Court Judge Renato J. Dilag of RTC Branch 73, CSWD head Gene Eclarino, barangay and department heads officials of the city government.

Olongapo Sta Rita Tabacuan Memorial Drag Race

Mt Balimpuyo visit

A look at Barangay Sta Rita from Mt. Balimpuyo

Tabacuan Sta Rita Dancers: CHICHESTER DANCERS

Santa Rita Elementary School got new computers

COMPUTER SET DONATIONS

Through the initiative of Mayor James “Bong” Gordon Jr. and in-collaboration with Aboitiz Energy Solutions Inc. (AESI) and the Department of Education (DepEd), several computer sets were turned over on August 15, 2008 to Sta. Rita Elementary School and Gordon Heights Elementary School.

At Sta. Rita Elementary School, Mayor Gordon, Councilor Ed Piano, DepEd City Superintendent Ligaya Monato, AESI Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Benjamin A. Cariaso Jr. and other AESI officials attended the turnover ceremonies.

Meanwhile, in Gordon Heights Elementary School, Vice Governor and Olongapo First Lady Anne Marie Gordon, Vice Mayor Cynthia Cajudo and other AESI officials were present during the turnover ceremonies.

Eight (8) computer sets from the Aboitiz Foundation were given to Sta. Rita Elementary School and another eight (8) computer sets to Gordon Heights Elementary School.

AESI, in collaboration with local government units and other organizations, aims to ‘help people help themselves’ so they can build a better future and in order to provide their basic needs and livelihood.

Education is one of Mayor Gordon’s priorities and this is a part of his many collaborations with Non-Government Organizations (NGOs) in order to advance the welfare of the city and turn the city’s programs into reality.

Mayor James “Bong” Gordon Jr., Naomi Arzadon, DepEd Assistant Superintendent, Sta. Rita I Elementary School (SRES) Principal Amelita L. de la Torre and Aboitiz Energy Solutions Inc. (AESI) Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Benjamin Cariaso during the turn over ceremonies of eight (8) computer sets to SRES on August 15, 2008.

Farewell CAPTAIN SUNDIAM

RESOLUTION FOR THE LATE CAPTAIN SUNDIAM

Olongapo City, led by Mayor James “Bong” Gordon Jr., mourns the loss of former Sta. Rita Barangay Chairman Gomercindo Sundiam. The city expressed its sympathies through a resolution passed by the City Council on August 6, 2008 and signed by Mayor Gordon on August 7, 2008.

The resolution, entitled ‘Resolution No. 124 (series of 2008) or A Resolution Conveying Profound Sympathies and Condolences to the Bereaved Family of Former Barangay Chairman Gomercindo B. Sundiam Sr. Of Sta. Rita, This City,’ also nightlighted the achievements and recognitions of the former barangay chairman.

Sundiam started his public service career as a purok leader and barangay secretary during the time of Barangay Captain Maximano Endoso. He later served as a barangay councilman until finally he was elected as Barangay Captain for thirteen (13) years.

Because of his dynamic leadership, Sta. Rita became the recipient of the “Hall of Fame Award” as a multiple winner of the “Most Outstanding Lupon ng Tagapamayapa Award”. He was also known for initiating fresh programs, including the establishment of the Barangay Public Safety Office (BPSO), which provides trainings and equipments to Barangay Tanods to help them perform their duties efficiently.

He was also the first barangay captain in the city who provided ‘honoraria’ or ‘allowance’ to Purok Leaders, Daycare and Health Workers.

Captain Sundiam passed away at the age of seventy two (72) due to cardiovascular arrest or heart attack on August 4, 2008.

PAO/Don

MEDAL OF EXCELLENCE FOR STA. RITA STUDENTS

Two students from Sta. Rita Elementary School received Medals of Excellence from Mayor James “Bong” Gordon, Jr. recently.

In the flag-raising ceremonies at Rizal Triangle Covered Court, Mayor Bong Gordon awarded the Medals of Excellence to Jerwin Escobar and Joan Aicy Sayno of Sta. Rita elementary School. The award symbolizes the city’s recognition of the excellent performance of the students in their studies.

“The City Government recognizes the excellent attitude of these students towards their academic endeavors. They serve as proof that even young Olongapeños really fight for excellence,” Mayor Gordon said.

Escobar is Sta. Rita Elementary School’s valedictorian while Sayno is the school’s salutatorian of batch 2008.

It can be recalled that Mayor Gordon has also recently awarded Medals of Excellence to Girlie Cambe (Valedictorian) and Kerwin Corales (Salutatorian) of Iram High School and Denise Michaela Corales (Valedictorian) and Mary Jane Antonio (Salutatorian) of Iram Elementary School. Other students who also show exemplary performance in their studies are likewise being given recognition by the city government.

Education is one of Mayor Gordon’s top priorities. The city government fully supports the education of young Olongapeños, especially those financially constrained but intellectually capable students. The city is currently providing scholarship grants to more than one thousand elementary, secondary and college students.

Mayor James ‘Bong” Gordon, Jr. together with City Councilors Edwin Piano, Rodel Cerezo and Gina Perez awards the Medal of Excellence to Joan Aicy Sayno of Sta. Rita Elementary School during the flag raising ceremonies of city officials and employees on Monday.


Mayor James ‘Bong” Gordon, Jr. together with City Councilors Rodel Cerezo and Gina Perez awards the Medal of Excellence to Jerwin Escobar of Sta. Rita Elementary School during the flag raising ceremonies of city officials and employees on Monday.

PAO/jpb/

Day Care Center & Women's center sa Sta. Rita

BAGONG DAY CARE CENTER SA ‘GAPO, PINASINAYANAN!

Pinangunahan nina Mayor James ‘’Bong’’ Gordon, Jr. at Olongapo First Lady at Zambales Vice Gov. Anne Marie Gordon ang pagpapasinaya sa bago at karagdagang Day Care Center sa lungsod.

Sa basbas ni Sta Rita Parish Priest, Rev. Father Nelson Vencilao ay magkatuwang na isinagawa ang ribbon cutting sa Welfare Ville Day Care Center nina Vice Gov. Anne Marie Gordon at Vice Mayor Cynthia Cajudo kasama sina City Councilors Ellen Dabu, Gie Baloy, Elmo Aquino, Ed Piano at Rodel Cerezo.

Pinangunahan rin ni City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) head Gene Eclarino ang inauguration at blessing. Ang Welfare Ville Day Care Center ay matatagpuan sa compound ng Olongapo City Women Center at Youth Center sa Mayumi St., Sta Rita.

‘’Sinadya nating magtayo ng Day Care Center sa mismong compound ng Women Center at Youth Center upang maihatid natin ng mas mabilis ang pangangailangan sa edukasyon ng mga anak ng mga residente ng center gayundin sa mga kabataang nakatira malapit dito,’’ wika ni Vice Gov. Gordon.

‘’Pinag-aaralan na ni Mayor Bong Gordon ang pagtatayo ng ‘Home for the Aged’ dito rin sa compound upang maaruga ang mga matatanda ng lungsod na walang matuluyan,’’ dagdag pa ng Bise Governador.

Sumentro naman ang mensahe ni Mayor Bong Gordon sa pagkilalang natanggap ng lungsod kamakailan bilang “Most Competitive Medium-Sized City” mula sa Asian Institute of Management (AIM).

‘’Nanguna ang lungsod sa iba pang medium sized cities at nangibabaw ang Olongapo kasama ng General Santos City, Cabanatuan, San Pablo, Tagum, Tarlac City at Lucena. Dito ay pinagbatayan ang kalakasan at kahinaan ng isang lungsod at ang uri ng pamumuhay rito,’’ wika ni Mayor Bong Gordon.

Hinikayat pa ni Mayor Gordon ang mga Olongapeño na ipagpatuloy ang pakikipag-tulungan sa kanyang administrasyon, ‘’Hindi ito maisasakatuparan kung hindi nakikipag-tulungan ang mga Olongapeño.’’

Sa ngayon ay may 45 day care students. Ito rin ang ika-55 day care center sa lungsod na nasa ilalim ng pangangala at patnubay ng City Social Welfare and Development (CSDWO) kabilang na ang Child Minding Center na matatagpuan mismo sa loob ng City Hall.

OLONGAPO CITY NEW DAY CARE CENTER: Si Mayor Bong Gordon habang nagbibigay ng mensahe sa pagpapasinaya ng Welfare Ville Day Care Center nitong ika-10 ng Hulyo 2008 sa Mayumi St., Sta Rita. Nasa larawan rin sina (from right to left) Olongapo First Lady at Zambales Vice Gov. Anne Marie Gordon, DSWD for Region 3 Asst. Dir. Adelina S. Apostol, Vice Mayor Cynthia Cajudo, City Councilors Gie Baloy, Ed Piano at Ellen Dabu.

Sta Rita Balic Balic Elem School Brigada Eskwela 08