Unlike the rest of the Philippines which gained independence from the United States after World War II in 1946, Olongapo was governed as a part of the United States naval reservation. After lobbying efforts of James Leonard T. Gordon, the area was relinquished to the Philippine government and converted into a municipality on December 7, 1959. The first mayor appointed was Mayor Geronimo and was later succeeded by James Leonard T. Gordon.
Six years later under Mayor James Leonard T. Gordon, Olongapo was reconverted to a chartered city on June 1, 1966.
[1] Olongapo City administers itself autonomously from Zambales province. Adjacent to the city is the Subic Bay Freeport Zone, which until 1992 was a United States naval base. Like his father before him, Mayor Richard Gordon, who was against departure of the US military forces, lobbied for the turnover of the facility and its conversion into a freeport after the Senate of the Philippines rejected an extension of a treaty with the United States government.
The city is known for its innovative methods of urban management in the 1980s in addressing crime and cleanliness that has been copied by local governments nationwide. These include the public utility color-code, traffic management system, waste management system earning Olongapo City national and international award such as the UNESCO Cities for Peace representing Asia and the Pacific in 1997 and the Konrad Adenauer Local Medal of Excellence in 1999. Furthermore, the Asian Development Bank and World Bank have also recognized its successful urban redevelopment and city development strategy after the US Base turnover.
AWARDS
Outstanding Sangguniang Panlungsod
Most Outstanding Councilor of the Philippines
Most Child friendly City
Most Competitive city
Fisrt Aid & BLS Olypics Champion
TESDA KABALIKAT Award
Gawad Kalasag Hall of Famer
Lupong Tagapamayapa Hall of Famer (Barretto, Sta. Rita, Old Cabalan,
Best City Peace and Order Council
Mayors
* Ruben Dela Cruz Geronimo Nov. 1959 - May, 1964 as Municipal Mayor
* James Leonard T. Gordon (Nov. 1964 - June 1, 1966 as Municipal Mayor)
* James Leonard T. Gordon (June 1, 1966 - Feb. 20, 1967 as City Mayor)
* Amelia Juico Gordon (June 1967 - June 30, 1972)
* Geronimo "Momoy" Lipumano (July 1972 to May 1980)
* Richard "Dick" Gordon - (June 30, 1980 - April 23, 1986) (1st term)
* Richard "Dick" Gordon (April 26, 1986 - June 30, 1998)(2nd term)
* Cynthia Cajudo(June 30, 1998) acting capacity
* Katherine "Kate" Gordon - (June 30, 1998 - June 22, 2001)
* James Gordon, Jr. (June 30, 2001 - June 30, 2010) (1st term)
* James Gordon, Jr. (June 30, 2010 - June 30, 2013) (2nd term)
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