Amerasians, Bargirls and Olongapo: A Comprehensive Study of the Development Planning Process

Abstract

Olongapo has always put itself in a pedestal. It has deemed itself as a developed city in the country today. Yet look at that development; there are segments of the society that has not substantially improved. If we take a closer look into the living standards and quality of life of the amerasians and the bargirls, they are living testaments of this deceived development. The need for a study for them is to show that this lack of advocacy and strategic planning lead to .. detrimental living conditions of the bargirls and amerasians. More important, it also features their plight and their desires for change. Finally, to say that today more than ever, there is a need to change the society’s ill ways of looking into the culture of prostitution and amerasians. It is indeed a sad testimony that there is still no equality and justice when it comes to the socially different. Olongapo City has a rich and grand culture. Its residents take pride on it. But do they take pride on the stereotyped nuances of its society? More important, is the development in Olongapo substantial and sustainable and socially-equitable and -just? This paper will try to present you the two distinguishing marks of Olongapo: The Bargirls and Amerasians. It will cover the history of Olongapo, the culture, the hardships, the dynamics of its politics and the development planning process.