The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) on Sunday, Sept. 3, commemorated the birthday of the former Olongapo's pioneer female mayor, Amelia Gordon.
"We celebrate not just a date on the calendar but a timeless legacy of humanitarianism that continues to inspire generations," the PRC said in its statement.
The organization stated that its Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Richard Gordon, Amelia Gordon's son, will carry on his mother's legacy by "ensuring that the spirit of compassion and service blazes brightly in Olongapo and beyond."
Amelia Gordon also played an essential role in his son's journey, who is currently the head of the PRC.
"Her devotion to humanitarian causes was exemplified by her role as the founder of the Olongapo Chapter of the Philippine National Red Cross," PRC noted.
"A beacon of compassion"
The organization described Gordon as "a beacon of compassion" due to her profound impact on numerous lives, mainly through her adoption of more than 50 children.
She also founded the Boys Town and Girls Home in Olongapo City.
"These sanctuaries provided shelter and hope to orphaned Filipino children of American descent, etching Amelia's name in the annals of philanthropy."
Gordon devoted her life to children's adoption and humanitarian causes, which led to her being awarded the Pearl S. Buck International Woman of the Year, an honor also bestowed upon two other Filipino recipients: former president Corazon Aquino and social advocate Rosalind Wee.
Gordon as Olongapo Mayor
Meanwhile, Gordon's legacy did not end with her role as the "first female mayor of Olongapo City" and her philanthropic endeavors.
She also played a pivotal role in the city's elevation to cityhood in 1966 and bravely championed Olongapo's quest for independence from American rule.
During her tenure as the city head, Gordon competently spearheaded Olongapo City in the tumultuous era of the Vietnam War.
"Her strong leadership ensured peace and security for the city's inhabitants," the PRC said.
Project and accolades
Influenced by her "humanitarian principles," Gordon launched the city's most significant housing development programs to affirm Olongapo's inflating population.
Aside from the Pearl S. Buck International Woman of the Year, due to her humanitarian principles and dedication, Gordon also received various awards, including the Silver Humanitarian Service Cross Award from the American Red Cross, the Gold Humanitarian Award, and the Doña Aurora Aragon Quezon Medal from the Philippine National Red Cross.
She also accepted the Gintong Ina Awardee and the Philippine Centennial Commission Volunteer Lifetime Achievement Award.
Even after her retirement, Gordon did not stop on her advocacies and remained devoted to serving her fellow Filipinos, actively contributing as a PRC volunteer.
She led the blood donation program and relief operations in disasters, including the Cabanatuan earthquake and the eruption of Mt. Pinatubo.