Angeles City News May 2014

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Dietary supplement is a product that contains vitamins, minerals, herbs or other botanicals, amino acids, enzymes, and/or other ingredients intended to supplement the diet. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has special labeling requirements for dietary supplements and treats them as foods, not drugs. Manufacturers and distributors of dietary supplements and dietary ingredients are prohibited from marketing products that are adulterated or misbranded. That means that these firms are responsible for evaluating the safety and labeling of their products before marketing to ensure that they meet all the requirements of DSHEA and FDA regulations.

Angeles City Catholic Church

Sacrifice of the faithfuls by crucifying themselves.

Wars of ancient history were about possessions, territory, power, control, family, betrayal, lover's quarrel, politics and sometimes religion. But we are in the Modern era and supposedly more educated and enlightened . Think about this. Don't just brush off these questions. Why is RELIGION still involved in WARS? Isn't religion supposed to be about PEACE? Ask yourself; What religion always campaign to have its religious laws be accepted as government laws, always involved in wars and consistently causing WARS, yet insists that it's a religion of peace? WHY?? There are only two kinds of people who teach tolerance: The Bullies. They want you to tolerate them so they can continue to maliciously deprive you. Do not believe these bullies teaching tolerance, saying that it’s the path to prevent hatred and prejudice. The victims who are waiting for the right moment to retaliate. They can’t win yet, so they tolerate.

PAGCOR donates classrooms in Pampanga – DEPED

• Source: http://dwdd.com.ph/2014/05/pagcor-donates-classrooms-in-pampanga-deped/
• Friday, May 31, 2014 9:10 am

(PIA / AES)

DEPED LogoAngeles City, Pampanga (DWDD) - The Department of Education (DepEd) and the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) turned over more than 20 classrooms to Francisco Nepomuceno Memorial High School in Angeles City, Pampanga on May 29.

“Ang PAGCOR ay isa sa pinakamalaking partner ng DepED. Ito po ay ilan lamang sa napakaraming classrooms na naipatayo ng PAGCOR,” DepEd Secretary Armin Luistro said in a statement.

He said that the Deped and its education partners are committed to deliver what the Filipino learners deserved. He added, “This is a collaborative work of education partners showing commitment to quality education for Filipino learners.”

The education chief expressed his gratitude to the “partners in education” from all the public and private sector. “Before this is just a dream but with the help from PAGCOR, we are able to carry on our commitment to our learners,” he said.

“We thank PAGCOR for this assistance. PAGCOR remains to be one of our biggest partners in delivering quality education to Filipino learners,” Undersecretary for Regional Operations Rizalino Rivera said on the turnover of classrooms.

Rivera added that the classrooms would not only be used by this year’s students. He said, “We hope that these classrooms will not only benefit the students of the next few years but will hopefully surpass even the next generation.”

Safe and resilient learning environment for learners

“We aim to build safe and resilient learning environment for our learners; that is why, DepEd and PAGCOR have built high-standard classrooms,” Rivera said.

He emphasized that DepEd is putting up structures that are ideal to the students’ learning environment. He added, “It’s not any ordinary building, it’s about ensuring that these spaces will allow young people to flourish and learn.”

He added that because of PAGCOR’s donation, the students to classroom ratio improved at Francisco G. Nepomuceno Memorial High School. “Now, the ratio is 45 students to one classroom.”

Active participation in education

“Ang lokal na pamahalaan, ang PAGCOR, ang lehislatura, ang Parents Teacher Association (PTA), at ang DepEd—lahat ay nagtutulung-tulong para sa edukasyon,” Rivera said.

He emphasized that education not only the responsibility of the teachers and the parents. He said that it is the responsibility of the pcommunity.

ComsTech to spend P1.2B for Pampanga power co-op takeover

• Source: http://businessmirror.com.ph/index.php/en/business/companies/32978-comstech-to-spend-p1-2b-for-pampanga-power-co-op-takeover
• Friday, May 30, 2014

By Ashley Manabat

MABALACAT CITY­—An executive of the investment partner of the Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) said it would spend P1.2 billion to take over the beleaguered Pampanga Electric Cooperative II (Pelco II) starting June 1.

“We are pumping some P1.2 billion for the takeover of Pelco II, whose debt amounts to as much,” said Dennis Anthony Uy, president and chief executive officer of Angeles City-based ComsTech. “We will be taking over starting June 1,” said Uy, adding that the takeover is perceived by Meralco Chairman Manuel V. Pangilinan as part of his legacy to his fellow Capampangans. Pangilinan was born in Apalit, Pampanga. The amount Uy cited is the winning bid for the investment (IMC) and management contract over Pelco II as authorized by the National Electrification Administration (NEA).

The IMC lasts 20 years, Uy said. He explained that Pelco II will still own the cooperative, but Meralco and ComsTech will manage and operate it under the IMC. Pelco II distributes electricity to this city and four other towns in Pampanga.

Uy said the contract also stipulates that Meralco and his firm also assume responsibility over the cooperative’s liabilities. Uy also assured Pelco II employees the availability of retirement funds for long-time workers who had long wanted to retire, but could not do so because of lack of funds. He also noted that Pelco II’s work force is bloated with 500 personnel, despite estimates it would work efficiently with only 150.

In December last year Pelco II board members adopted a resolution issued by the NEA, inviting “all interested and qualified parties to participate in the bidding for providing investments and the management of assets, operations, business and liabilities of Pelco II.” Apart from this city with a population of more than 250,000, Pelco II also distributes power to the towns of Guagua, Bacolor, Santa Rita, Lubao and Porac.

City official slams Angeles tree cutting

• Source:http://www.sunstar.com.ph/pampanga/local-news/2014/05/29/city-official-slams-angeles-tree-cutting-345430
• Thursday, May 29, 2014

By Reynaldo G. Navales (Manila Bulletin)

ANGELES CITY -- Councilor Carmelo "Pogi" Lazatin Jr., during their regular session last May 27, hit the administration of Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan for its apparent "inconsistent" stand concerning the cutting of trees affected in road-widening projects.

Lazatin said that before the May 2013 elections, the Pamintuan administration was adamant in protecting the trees along the MacArthur Highway and even issued an order forbidding the cutting of the said trees.

"I was of the understanding that Mayor Pamintuan is against the cutting of trees, even those that are lining various road widening projects, so I think it's rather contradictory that the City Government is now in favor of cutting the trees in the name of development," Lazatin said.

Lazatin's statements came after the recent cutting of several Acacia trees along the West Circumferential Road in Calibutbut, Bacolor allegedly using resources and with the presence of personnel from Angeles City Government, in particular, the City Engineer's Office.

Lazatin also expressed concern over the use of Angeles City's resources in cutting trees within the territory of Bacolor.

"Normally, one would expect that in projects within the territory of an LGU, be it the cutting of trees or something else, resources of that LGU will be used," Lazatin said, "I just find it unusual that resources of the Angeles City Government were used in that particular situation."

Lazatin also added that the trees are erected on private land and no consultations were conducted with the landowners prior to the cutting.

Aerotropolis to generate job opportunities

• Source: https://ph.news.yahoo.com/aerotropolis-generate-job-opportunities-163134778.html
• Wednesday, May 28, 2014

(Manila Bulletin)

Thousands of laborers in the provinces of Pampanga, Tarlac, Nueva Ecija, and even Bulacan need not go to Metro Manila to work once an aerotropolis rises at the Clark International Airport (CIA) in Angeles City.

CIA President Victor Jose Luciano said airport-driven development is expected since a number of developers and industries are moving operations to Clark.

“There will be airport-driven development in a radius of 50 kilometers in and out of Clark. This will cover Porac, Floridablanca, San Ferndando in Pampanga, as well as Capas, Tarlac City, and Hacienda Luisita in Tarlac, and certain parts of Bulacan, and Nueva Ecija,” he said.

Luciano named the Ayala Corporation and the JAMCO-Aircraft Interiors Company as among the many developers and industries already doing business around the CIA.

“With the creation of these industries around Clark, thousands of workers will not need to work in Manila. They can be around their homes in the provinces,” Luciano added.

He said that government, for its part, will build the airport infrastructures and expressways to link CIA to the various industrial areas in Central Luzon.

According to a 2011 study of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), annual passenger forecasts for the Greater Capital Region, which covers the National Capital Region (NCR), and Regions 3 and 4A, will rise from 49.8-million in 2020 to 75-million in 2030, shooting up to 106.7-million in 2040.

In 2012, total traffic recorded in the region was already at 31.879-million.

To meet these expected volumes, the government has identified two viable options, both of which will involve the expansion of CIA, as well as the development of a new international airport in Metro Manila.

The two options differ insofar as the fate of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport is concerned.

Angeles observes National Flag Day

• Source: http://www.sunstar.com.ph/pampanga/local-news/2014/05/26/angeles-observes-national-flag-day-344883
• Tuesday, May 27, 2014 (Date Published)

(CIO)

ANGELES CITY -- Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan and other city officials here carried out a ceremonial flag-raising as the city joins the country in observing National Flag Day.

“Today, we are raising our flag with pride for it is the symbol of unity, sovereignty and independence in our country,” said Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan. “We should take time to look back in history and see how this piece of cloth changed the fate of us Filipinos forever."

Performances from the Angeles City Rondalla and Sinukwan Performing Arts added solemnity to the short program hosted by the Angeles City Tourism Office.

The Philippine national flag was conceptualized by the first President of the Republic of the Philippines, General Emilio Aguinaldo, during his exile in Hong Kong in the 1890s, and was displayed during battles in the same decade.

It was first unfurled during the country’s proclamation of independence on June 12, 1898 in Kawit, Cavite which was sewn by Marcela Agoncillo and her two daughters.

A year after the declaration, the Filipinos led by Aguinaldo celebrated the first anniversary of Philippine independence in Angeles.

It was held at the historic Pamintuan Mansion, which is now declared by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) as the seventh official heritage site observing the simultaneous flag raising rites during Independence Day.

Days before the celebration, the local government here conducted “Watawat ko, Iwawagayway ko,” a lecture-forum aimed at discussing the law-mandated directives concerning the Philippine national flag.

“This is an opportunity for us to get familiar with the do’s and don’ts when it comes to the use of our very own flag,” said City Tourism Officer, Dr. Richard Daenos.

Attendees to the said two-hour symposium consist of representatives from the City Government offices, educational institutions, and local police.

Activities include the proper folding, handling and safe-keeping of the national flag and its proper disposal when it is worn and torn.

Professor Teodoro Atienza, senior history researcher from the National Historical Commission of the Philippines, facilitated the discussion, saying “such initiatives are important to benefit the young generation’s knowledge on flag awareness.”

“We should pay respect to our flag every day because this is not just a mere symbol. This flag embodies the identity of the entire Filipino race,” said Atienza.

Vice Mayor Vicky Vega-Cabigting, for her part, encouraged each attendee to observe every flag-raising ceremony as an opportunity to give thanks and honor to the people that brought Philippines to what it is today.

Government offices, business establishments and private households are encouraged to display the Philippine flag from May 26 to June 30.

The city will also join the country in celebrating the 116th Anniversary of Philippine Independence at the Pamintuan Mansion.

1,300 Angeles City Hall workers benefit from new CNA signing

• Source: http://businessmirror.com.ph/index.php/en/news/regions/32761-1-300-angeles-city-hall-workers-benefit-from-new-cna-signing
• Monday, May 26, 2014

By Ashley Manabat

ANGELES CITY—Some 1,300 city hall workers here stand to benefit from the signing of a new Collective Negotiations Agreement (CNA) between the employees union and the city government.

The Association of Government Employees for a New and Dynamic Angeles (Agenda) represented by its president, Eduardo Sanchez, and Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan signed the new CNA which will be in effect for three years. The signing was held at the session hall of the Sangguniang Panglunsod after the flag-raising ceremony here on Monday.

As a signing bonus, city hall employees will received P12,000 each and stand to benefit from the improved provisions of the new CNA.

After the signing, Sanchez immediately expressed his gratitude to Pamintuan, saying in the dialect: “We are thankful because without your support, we will not be able to deliver the needs of our members.” Pamintuan said from the time he was city mayor in 1996, he has encouraged and even inspired city hall employees to form their union so that their interests can be protected.

“For me it is important to form a union in order to protect the rights and interests of the workers. This will help maintain their welfare and their interests,” the mayor said.

The officers of the LGU- Baguio City Employees Association Inc. led by their president, Ramon Manuel Micu, as well as officers of the Mabalacat City Government Employees Association led by their president, Rodrigo de Leon, were on hand as a show of solidarity and support to Agenda.

ACPRC celebrates 50th year, holds induction rites

• Source: http://www.sunstar.com.ph/pampanga/local-news/2014/05/24/acprc-celebrates-50th-year-holds-induction-rites-344495
• Saturday, May 24, 2014

(PR)

ANGELES CITY – "For over 50 years now, the Angeles City Press and Radio Club (ACPRC), with members coming from various print and broadcast outfits in the city, aimed to convene in an organization that would recognize them as credible and ethical professionals in the field."

Thus, said Jose Aubrey Pelayo IV as he was sworn-in as the newest president of the organization during its turnover and induction ceremonies held at the Wensha Spa and Buffet (formerly Shanghai Palace Restaurant) in Barangay Balibago, this city.

The event carried the theme "ACPRC @ 50: Facing New Challenges", which clearly reflects the issues faced by journalists today, such as seeking justice for the November 2009 Maguindanao massacre, which was named as the single, most deadliest attack targeting journalists in history, along with fighting several legislation from Congress that seem to hamper press freedom.

Pelayo shared his goals with both the new and veteran members of the Angeles press, where he stressed the protection for media practitioners, establishment of their own headquarters, holding regular monthly meetings, health insurance for members, charitable activities, services, forums and others as his goals.

Present in the celebration were Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan and Vice-Mayor Vicky Vega-Cabigting, who pledged their support to the organization.

During his speech, Pamintuan heavily stressed on the role of media as people who are at the forefront of explaining and clarifying the context of the current issues which affect society.

"The role of media in informing the public to inspire them to act with informed decisions in order to save this country from the scandals hounding it is more important now more than ever," said the mayor, who was the guest of honor.

For her part, Vice Mayor Vicky-Vega Cabigting wished the organization well, and praised Pelayo for his plans and projects, which will definitely aid the members in upholding the truth and integrity of their news and views.

Vega-Cabigting was also the inducting officer for the ceremonies.

Also witnessing the induction were Police Senior Superintendent Eden Ugale, acting director of the Angeles City Police Office, Mabalacat Councilor Dwight Morales representing Mayor Marino Morales, and Pampanga Board Member Cherry Manalo who represented Governor Lilia Pineda.

Pelayo hopes that the ACPRC would once again be palpable to all five senses of the people of Pampanga.

Jose Aubrey Pelayo IV, aka Jay Pelayo IV, was a former TV reporter for ABS-CBN Pampanga and now a provincial correspondent for ABS-CBN dzMM Teleradyo. He was also a former community director of the Knights of Columbus, Angeles City chapter, a member of Knights of Rizal, and current co-anchor of Agyu Tamu Angeleño on GVFM and GVAM. He is also the current Deputy City Information Officer for Angeles City.

Angeles mayor: Fast track infra projects

• Source: http://www.sunstar.com.ph/pampanga/local-news/2014/05/22/angeles-mayor-fast-track-infra-projects-344223
• Friday, May 23, 2014 (Date Published)

(AC-CIO with reports from the Office of Strategic Management)

ANGELES CITY -- Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan and his chief-of-staff, Alexander Cauguiran, invited authorities from the region's Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and local contractors in a meeting last week to address issues regarding the "slow phasing and response" of the said agencies and companies regarding the city's several infrastructure projects.

The mayor and his chief-of-staff were completely distraught of the "red-tape" and other procedural quandaries, especially in the regional agencies, that seem to hamper the progress of the projects simultaneously being done in the city.

“The Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation Summit for 2015 is coming – but my biggest worry is that most of these projects might not be ready for the rainy season this July,” said the mayor, clearly agitated by the lack of prompt action from the agencies.

The mayor also acknowledged the numerous comments he is receiving via text and Facebook regarding the state of the infrastructure projects, which is why he wishes that the agencies would hasten the accomplishment of said roads.

"We are listening to the people, and we hear their concerns. We are also concerned about the development of these as well, thus, it was imperative for us to convene in this meeting," he said.

The infrastructure projects, which include the rehabilitation and widening of the Pandan-Magalang Road, West Circumferential Road, MacArthur Highway, Mon Tang Avenue, and planned roundabout at the Bayanihan Park are all set to ease the traffic situation and prepare the city for the APEC conferences next year.

Pandan-Magalang Road

Pandan barangay chairman Jerry Alejandrino said 16,000 people from his area are worried as they anticipate the upcoming rainy season, as their area may be flooded – and their concerns are further substantiated by the slow rehabilitation work of the DPWH and contractor JQG Construction on the road.

In their defense, Alexander Bognot, project engineer of JQG Construction responded by saying that they had several problems in the last few months, especially when a temporary restraining order on the trees along the construction prevented the agencies from moving forward.

After acquiring the permit to clear the obstructions, the construction saw the need to install a new drainage system there, as the road is known to be prone to flooding during the rainy seasons. They are now currently working on digging 31 holes for drainage purposes, having done 15 as of writing.

Bognot also said that they have only received the rehabilitation design regarding the next phase of construction last Monday from the DPWH.

As for the target completion of the project, Bognot said that the July 16 deadline unfortunately won’t be met due to said challenges.

He however promised that with continuous coordination meetings with the DPWH, that they will fast-track the construction.

The project engineer also stated that some trees are still in the way of the 15-meter road widening plan.

With the mayor’s demand, the DENR has already released a permit to clear out any obstructions in the area if necessary.

However, there are still some electric posts from Angeles Electric Corporation that need to be taken care of. Pamintuan has already reached the AEC to ask their plan. He suggested that, while construction is ongoing, AEC might as well install their lines underground.

Another option for AEC would be to purchase the lots where they can install their posts. Currently, the electric company is deciding on these two options.

West Circumferential Road

JQG Construction is also in charge of the widening and drainage rehabilitation of the West Circumferential Road (from Panings to Westfields Elementary School) in Barangays Sto. Domingo and Cut-cut. This project has already been completed.

The second phase of the project covers road construction from Westfields to Korean Town in Barangay Anunas. Rehabilitation is ongoing.

Street lights will also be installed along this road. According to Rolando R. Gonzales, a project engineer of DPWH, they are currently in the process of bidding and are surveying the area which will eventually determine the number of lights needed.

A memorandum-of-agreement (MOA) will also be forged between the DPWH and the city government upon project completion which will identify the latter as the one to shoulder the electrical expenses and maintenance of the said lights.

MacArthur Highway

Constituents should expect the widening of McArthur Highway (covering Barangays Sto. Domingo to Ninoy Aquino) by CICO construction. Some obstructions are still in the way in the form of trees, however, the permit by the DENR has already been released to clear these said obstructions.

Eventually, bicycle and pedestrian lanes will be installed along the highway, and the City Engineers Office is preparing the necessary funding for the purchase of Thermo Plastic Equipment to be used on painting the said bike and pedestrian lanes.

Along Balibago

As of writing, the drainage system along Pulung Maragul to Don Bonifacio Subdivision is 100 percent complete, and is currently in the “curing” stage which will be done in around two weeks time. Haidee Construction is involved in this drainage rehabilitation.

Haidee Construction, together with BP Cruz Construction and Trading, is also involved in the widening and drainage repair of the highway, which covers Mon Tang Avenue.

Expected completion of the project will be on October 24, 2014. As with the Pandan-Magalang road, the mayor’s efforts have prompted the DENR to release the permit for the clearing of obstructions in the area.

Construction of the Balibago Pedestal Overpass (near Systems Plus College Foundation) by Northern Builders is also ongoing and will be completed on June 19, 2014.

Other Beautification Projects

Apart from infrastructure projects, the local government is also in the process of “face lifting” the different views one can see when traversing Angeles.

A dual-purpose project comes in the form of the Clark Roundabout by Clark Development Corporation (CDC), which looks to ease traffic in the area, while at the same time, beautify it. The project is currently for bidding and is expected to complete December this year.

The mayor, however, insisted to have the project fast tracked. Frank Madlambayan, CDC’s Vice President for Operations positively responded, saying that they will have the project done by November.

Another project of CDC is the greening and beautification of the perimeter fence covering Fields Avenue to Friendship. The design concept by the local government was submitted to CDC last April 21.

According to the mayor, this project aims to provide a view of the different hotels, restaurants and businesses in Angeles whilst driving through Clark. Madlambayan, for his part, promises that he will hold a meeting with concerned authorities to fulfill their part in the project.

The city is also set to construct an open-type Sundial Garden/Mini-Cultural Center at the Bayanihan Park. Designed by Nikki Reyes, this garden will stand as another monument for the city. Completion is expected later this year.

Plaza Anghel is expected to be done on June 30, 2014. Angeleños will expect to see a park, designed sidewalks, a trellis, water features and other landscaped views once completed. A coffee shop at the city library will also rise, with a Kapampangan art concept. It will also serve as the official Angeles City Tourism Info Center.

Finally, Plaza Matua at the San Nicolas Market will feature improve the view of the market with several designs, water features and wall art. The plaza will relocate the PNP Community Police Assistance Center, remove the rotunda and rehabilitate the market restroom. It is expected to be completed later this year.

DPWH hit for slow road construction

• Source: http://www.sunstar.com.ph/pampanga/local-news/2014/05/21/dpwh-hit-slow-road-construction-344047
• Thursday, May 22, 2014 (Date Published)

By Reynaldo G. Navales

ANGELES CITY -- Officials here assailed the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) for the delayed construction of the Pandan Road (Angeles-Magalang), which has severely affected residents and businessmen in the area.

During the City Council session on Tuesday, Vice Mayor Maria Vicenta "Vicky" Vega Cabigting said residents and traders along the vital road are complaining about the slow phase of the construction.

The vice mayor cited the hazard it may pose to the people living in the area because of deep excavations along the highway.

She also assailed the contractor of the project, saying that only few workers are being dispatched lately.

"Wala pa sa sampu yung mga workers nung dumaan ako. Yung isa nagwawalis pa. Yung iba naman naghuhukay," Cabigting said.

"What if umulan po ng malakas at mapuno ng tubig yung mga hukay? What if may mga batang naglalaro at di alam na malalim ang hukay?" she added.

Cabigting said they will invite DPWH officials in their session next week to shed light on the issue.

"Kung hindi pa nila inaksyunan ito ay mapipilitan tayo na gumamit ng social media at gumawa ng fan page para mapansin ang sentiments ng mga tao," Cabigting said.

"Sa pagkakaalam ko po dapat tapos na ang project ngayong May. Masyado na po itong matagal," she added.

Councilor Maximo Sangil said the city council may ask the Office of the Ombudsman to conduct an investigation regarding the delayed project.

The project started last February and is expected to be completed by May 23 based on the contractor’s work schedule.

Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan recently met with DPWH officials and discussed the issue. The mayor also urged the agency to speed up the project.

Angeles City joins world HIV memorial

• Source: http://www.sunstar.com.ph/pampanga/local-news/2014/05/20/angeles-city-joins-world-hiv-memorial-343923
• Wednesday, May 21, 2014 (Date Published)

By Reynaldo G. Navales

ANGELES CITY -- "As we light the candles in remembrance of those who passed away because of AIDS, let us light another candle of hope-that there is hope for the victims."

Thus, said Vice Mayor Vicky Vega-Cabigting during the ceremonial World HIV Candle Lighting rites held at the Reproductive Health and Wellness Center (RHWC) in this city.

The candle lighting ceremony is the world's largest information and awareness drive spearheaded by the Global Network of People Living with HIV (human immuno-virus) aimed to raise social consciousness about the dreadful illness.

"For the succeeding years, we have been very active with our information dissemination campaign. This time, we need to intensify it more," Vega-Cabigting added.

To date, 75 HIV-positive patients were detected by the RHWC, which according to its officer-in-charge, Dr. Hernand Tulud, is a great indication that the local government is really performing its task.

"There is this growing fear that AIDS (Acquired Immuno-deficiency Syndrome) is on the rise. Actually, these number of detections are cases, for all we know, have been there for several years," said Tulud.

"The increase in number means we are reaching out to these people because we can do something for them," Tulud added.

For her part, Councilor Maricel Morales said that the goal to attain a zero HIV-detection starts with the initiative of the communities.

“Prevention is better than cure, and prevention can start with smart awareness. We are aiming for ZERO-that is, zero new infections, zero AIDS-related deaths, zero stigmas, and zero discrimination here in Angeles,” said Morales.

Also present during the memorial observance were representatives from the entertainment sector, local police, city health board, and city AIDS council.

The International AIDS Candlelight Memorial is held annually every third Sunday of May and is led by more than 1,200 community organizations in 115 countries worldwide.

New reproductive health clinic

To augment the city’s reproductive health programs, the local government here recently opened the newly renovated Reproductive Health and Wellness Center at Balibago.

According to Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan, the new clinic will complement the health services currently offered by the city to its constituents – especially for the indigent citizens.

“We now have a bevy of health services being offered for Angeleños including the Renal Care Unit, Trauma Ward and others at the Ospital ning Angeles Annex. This facility will focus on supplementing our anti-HIV AIDS programs designed by the ACAC,” he said.

The said facility houses an HIV-detection center, STD testing clinic, and counseling rooms for walk-in patients and entertainment workers in the city.

The Angeles City AIDS Council (ACAC) office, the League of Angeles City Entertainers and Managers (LACEM) office and the teen information center are also housed in the said two-story building.

19 colleges in Central Luzon poised to raise tuition fees

• Source: https://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?nid=2&rid=645285
• Tuesday, May 20, 2014

(PNA), JBP/ZST/PS

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga, May 20 (PNA) -- The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) regional office 3 has allowed 19 schools in Central Luzon to raise tuition fees for this coming school year.

Dr. Caridad Abuan, CHED regional director, said there are 34 colleges and universities in the region that applied for tuition fees hike but 11 were disapproved while four others waived to continue their petition to hike fees this school year.

”Only 19 private institutions of higher learning in the region were granted to increase their school fees after complying with the requirements asked by the agency,” Abuan said.

She said those given the go signal to raise tuition fees are six schools in Bulacan; five in Tarlac; four in Pampanga, including Angeles City, two in Nueva Ecija and two in Zambales, including Olongapo City.

She also said those schools underwent certain processes before allowing to raise tuition fees.

Abuan said the average tuition fee increment is 10.23 percent, taking into consideration the inflation rate in the region which is 7.49 percent.

The CHED official also said that they will strictly monitor those schools that were approved to raise tuition fees.

”We will look if the increased tuition fees were really spent to the specific purposes,” she said.

The CHED has outlined the distribution of the increase, wherein 70 percent should go to the faculty members and staff salaries, 20 percent for repair of facilities, and 10 percent for reform investment purposes.

Angeles City celebrates Nat’l Heritage Month

• Source: https://ph.news.yahoo.com/angeles-city-celebrates-nat-l-heritage-month-165156324.html
• Sunday, May 18, 2014

(Manila Bulletin)

Manila, Philippines --- The Angeles City government in Pampanga, through its Angeles City Tourism Office (ACTO), is supporting various local events for the celebration of the National Heritage Month.

Presidential Proclamation No. 439, s. 2003 declares the month of May as the National Heritage Month, and for this year, the theme of the city’s celebration is “Pamanang Pinoy: Tuklasin, Mahalin, Panatilihin!”

Various activities are lined up for the whole month, which will showcase the traditions, culture, history and beliefs of Filipinos and Angeleños as well.

According to City Tourism Officer, Richard G. Daenos, one of ACTO’s main objectives is to actively support activities that “mirror the soul and spirit of an Angeleño”.

For his part, Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan said he gladly supports these activities and believes that such events will give the youth a better understanding of the city’s vast traditional and historical wealth.

“We acknowledge the efforts of the organizers of the events and we extend our gratitude to them in coming up with meaningful activities for our celebration of the National Heritage Month,” the mayor said.

Highlighting this celebration, among the several events to be held, are Las Flores de Angeles or Reyna ning Flores de Mayo and Sabat Santa Cruzan.

Reyna ning Flores de Mayo is a well-known pageantry that takes place during the month of May. This year, the event will be spearheaded by, Angeles University Foundation (AUF), in partnership with SM City Clark.

According to Rommel Guina, Assistant Director of AUF Center for Culture and Arts, they are currently in the screening process, searching for beautiful Kapampangans to participate in the event. The ladies, together with their costumes, designed by prominent Kapampangan designers, are bound to excite and inspire awe from the audience. This activity will be held for the benefit of AUF Medical Center charity patients and scholars.

The pageant is said to take place at SM City Clark, May 24, 2014.

Angeleños get ‘Alaga Ka’ cards

• Source: http://www.sunstar.com.ph/pampanga/local-news/2014/05/17/angelenos-get-alaga-ka-cards-343358
• Saturday, May 17, 2014

By Reynaldo G. Navales

ANGELES CITY -- Some 600 Angeleño families on Wednesday received the benefits-expanded “Alaga Ka” cards from Philhealth and the city government here through its Gender and Development Office.

Themed “Alaga Ka Para sa Maayos na Buhay, PhilHealth announced the expanded benefits that would be extended to its the members. This year, the National Housing Targeting System (NHTS) identified 12,000 members to benefit from the program.

Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan, during the distribution of the cards and members’ forms at MarQuee Mall, praised Philhealth for allowing the city to extend their insurance services to Angeleños, saying that these will greatly supplement the current programs and projects of his administration in healthcare and social welfare.

"Now with improved facilities in our general hospital, the Ospital ning Angeles, coupled with the fact that several of our citizens have Philhealth cards, there is no reason for Angeleños not to take advantage of our services even if they are in dire need," Pamintuan said.

According to Henry V. Almanon, branch manager of Philhealth Region 3, birth certificates are no longer required to secure membership. He added that this service would also be free for one year. Family members ages 21 below and 60 above can also be chosen as beneficiaries.

DSWD Region III Representative Maribel Blangco said that for the Pantawid Pamilya members, the age bracket for children beneficiaries entitled for free high school education was extended to 14 to 17 years old.

City Administrator Dennis Albert Pamintuan said that the main priorities of the Pamintuan administration are education and health. For healthcare, Angeles City was very first in the whole country to have a renal care unit which houses more than 15 dialysis machines.

This allowed Pamintuan to improve the Ospital ning Angeles and construct new buildings. Philhealth members will get free accommodation in the said hospital under the “No Balance Billing” privilege.

In 2013, more than 20,000 insurance cards were given to indigent Angeleños.

Clark Airport, HARP join hands to boost tourism industry in Pampanga

• Source: http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?nid=2&rid=644176
• Friday, May 16, 2014

(PNA), JBP/ZST/MDDR/PS

CLARK FREEPORT, Pampanga, May 16 (PNA) -- The Clark International Airport Corporation (CIAC) and the Hotels and Restaurants Association of Pampanga (HARP) have forged an agreement that will grant discounts and incentives to arriving passengers at the Clark International Airport.

The move is part of an effort to boost the tourism industry not only in Clark but in the whole Pampanga province as well.

CIAC president and CEO Victor Jose I. Luciano and HARP president Mitchi Kaye T. Otsuru signed the agreement during the HARP 4th General Membership Meeting and Business Matching Activity held Wednesday at the Century Hotel in Angeles City.

Luciano said the agreement will give privileges to arriving passengers at the Clark airport in selected restaurants and hotels, which are mostly members of HARP.

Luciano expressed his gratitude to the HARP members for their continued support in the development of Clark Airport, which is now bustling with international and domestic flights.

“Clark will not succeed without HARP,” according to Luciano who also said that “we will continue to attract airlines and tourists.”

For her part, Otsuru said that the agreement seeks to revitalize the tourism industry in the province as part of their program to attract tourists.

“This is a welcome development to promote tourism and we thank president Luciano and the CIAC management for their support to this project,” she said.

Clark Airport had been attracting over a million passengers since operating in 2003, catering international and domestic flights.

Under the agreement, the members of HARP will grant passengers arriving through the Clark Airport discounts in their establishments.

Passengers with boarding passes will be entitled to privileges such as discounts in hotels, restaurants and other HARP member establishments in Angeles City and the whole province of Pampanga.

CIAC, on the other hand, will exert effort to promote the discount privileges extended by HARP members to the passengers using Clark Airport.

Clark airport is host to several airlines such as Cebu Pacific Air, Tiger Air Philippines, Dragonair, Jin Air Qatar Airways and Seair-International that fly to several international destinations in Asia as well as domestic flights such as Cebu, Caticlan and Kalibo.