Report on AUICK Associate Cities
Olongapo, Philippines

Reported by Ms. Elizabeth Simpao Zavalla, City Planning and Development Coordinator, Olongapo City, Philippines

Background

127 kilometres northwest of Manila, Olongapo is situated among mountains on the Subic Bay. The city suffered from loss of jobs because of the withdrawal of the U.S Navy and from the eruption of Mt. Pinatubo. Olongapo is now focused on the development of trade and tourism in the coming decade.

Administration and Revenue

American rule ended in 1959. Since 1963, the city has been governed by the Olongapo City Government and headed by an elected mayor. For the current fiscal period, expected revenue and expenditure are US $16,955,042.09 and US $16,818,198.10, respectively.

Main Challenges Facing the City

Poverty Alleviation:
Numerous factors contribute to poverty. The U.S Naval Base used to employ many local residents and the city thrived. To fill the gap, the city has developed the Freeport Zone; however this has yet to prove economically advantageous. The city’s labour force is now generally lacking in skills, and Olongapo is experiencing the national problem of outward migration of educated and skilled workers. The average income for Olongapo is $202.00 a month.

Reproductive Health:
There is limited funding for reproductive health programs. The local and central governments have a campaign to educate citizens on the problems associated with early marriage, but this campaign has been hindered by a lack of resources. Also, USAID has been running programs in the city’s 17 health centres, but these will end in 2005, further reducing our sources of support.

Education:
The city has 13 colleges offering tertiary education, but only one of these is a local government institution offering low cost tuition. Tuition fees at private colleges are too high for most residents.

Environment:
The city is low-lying, lacks a drainage system, and is prone to flooding. Water is supplied by a private company, but some areas are still undersupplied. There is no sewerage system in Olongapo, so sewerage is discharged directly into the river from septic tanks. The city also needs a program to protect forests and to maintain the water quality in Subic Bay for tourism and fishing.

Traffic:
Olongapo has more than 20,000 vehicles at present, and these are causing traffic and pollution problems. The city has no method of testing air quality at the present time.

Role and Relationship with AUICK

Between 1996 and 2003, Olongapo participated in 7 AUICK training courses on: public health, primary health care, housing, public utilities, solid waste management, and sustainable water resource management.  Olongapo hopes that in the future AACs can establish common strategies, develop model approaches, maintain continuous coordination, strengthen relationships through sister city partnerships, and refine the role and tenure of Liaison Officers.

Other Information

The city is suffering from a lack of space for further development. The city cannot implement a housing program because there is not enough government land. Also, when the present landfill site becomes full, finding a suitable new site will be very difficult.