Difference between revisions of "Angeles City News June 2014"

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==Pampanga, Bataan cities claim ’14 National e-Readiness Leadership Award==
*Source: http://news.pia.gov.ph/index.php?article=561403236825
*Friday, June 20, 2014
:By Carlo Lorenzo J. Datu (CLJD-PIA 3)
ANGELES CITY, Pampanga, June 20 (PIA) -- Angeles and San Fernando in Pampanga and Balanga in Bataan were among the 10 cities nationwide that were conferred Wednesday with the 2014 e-Readiness Leadership Award.
Representatives of the three local government units (LGUs) received the recognition at the conclusion of an Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Innovations Forum in Makati City.
“Winners garnered high marks in our Business Permits and Licensing System (BPLS) and E-Readiness Survey for Cities and Municipalities 2014 which we have done in partnership with Department of Science and Technology, Department of Trade and Industry, and USAID-INVEST project,” Department of Interior and Local Government Central Luzon Director Florida Dijan said.
“The survey was meant to assess the compliance of cities and municipalities to BPLS standards and their state of e-readiness in terms of ICT capacity and ICT environment.  One of its components is the e-Readiness assessment which measures the preparedness of LGUs to adopt and implement ICT project initiatives such as system computerization, e-Government and Smart Cities/Municipalities,” Dijan explained.
Other winners were the cities of Batangas, Cagayan de Oro, Cebu, Makati, Mandaluyong, Taguig, and Valenzuela.
==Scribe sets photo exhibit at SM City Clark==
*Source: http://www.sunstar.com.ph/pampanga/local-news/2014/06/18/scribe-sets-photo-exhibit-sm-city-clark-348896
*Thursday, June 19, 2014  (Date Published)
:(SunStar Pampanga)
CLARK FREEPORT -- Images of New York City takes centerstage in this year’s celebration of Filipino-American Friendship Day in Clark as a photo exhibit coinciding with the July 4 celebration takes place at SM City here.
An exhibit titled “I Love New York” will feature photos of varying subjects taken by journalist Noel Tulabut while covering the United Nations General Assembly and the initiatives of the Philippine Mission to the United Nations in New York since 2005.
It will run at SM City Clark Event Center from July 1 to 6.
The photos will cover various subjects like memorials for 9-11 terror attack, human interest, street scenes, city scapes, famous landmarks, events and festivities.
"This exhibit is not entirely about the Big Apple. It will also feature activities of our fellow Filipinos in New York like the annual Philippine Independence Day celebration," Tulabut said.
The photos complied by the newspaper columnist were taken from point-and-shoot cameras and from cellphone cameras as well.
"I must admit I am not a professional photographer but I thought I should share some of these shots especially to those who love art especially photography," Tulabut added.
Also to be featured in the exhibit are the photos of New York-based Capampangan Sam Sanchez who is a photography enthusiast living in Brooklyn.
Journalist-turned-diplomat Elmer Cato, now Minister and Consul at the Philippine Embassy in Washington DC will also have special participation with his award deserving photos taken in Manhattan District.
“It may be of interest to someone that Mr. Sanchez’ participation will not only feature his nice shots. It is also a way of giving him new meaning to his life and motivating him to go on living after he was diagnosed with renal failure and is now undergoing three dialysis sessions a week since last December,” Tulabut said.
Major sponsors of “I Love New York” photo exhibit are SM City Clark, Canon Philippines, Asiana Airlines, Smart Communications. Supporting the event also are topnotch photographer Borj Meneses and 3D animator and video editor Dodjie Aguinaldo. Media partners include Sun.Star Pampanga, Punto Central Luzon, Headline Gitnang Luzon, Central Luzon Daily, The Voice, Angeles City Business Week, Angeles Observer, 95.1 RWFM, DU 105.1, DWGV-FM 99.1.
==Angeles village lauded for drive vs dengue==
*Source: http://www.sunstar.com.ph/pampanga/local-news/2014/06/17/angeles-village-lauded-drive-vs-dengue-348776
*Wednesday, June 18, 2014  (Date Published)
:By Reynaldo G. Navales
ANGELES CITY -- The Department of Health (DOH) has lauded the efforts of a village here for implementing various programs to prevent the spread of dengue.
Health officials, including Assistant Secretary Eric Tayag, presented a certificate of recognition to Barangay Balibago during the Asean Dengue Day held at the Bayanihan Park here on Sunday.
Assistant Health Secretaries Gerado Bayugo and Nemesio Gako, and DOH Central Luzon Director Leonita Gorgolon assisted Tayag in presenting the certificate to Balibago officials.
The award, signed by Health Secretary Enrique Ona, stated that Barangay Balibago displayed "exemplary performance in raising awareness and mobilizing public and private resources for the prevention and control of dengue in the city."
Balibago chairman Rodelio "Tony" Mamac said he was elated by the award saying "they are just doing their job for the people."
Mamac said the number of dengue cases in their village greatly decreased over the past few years because of cleanliness and proper waste management.
"Since I assumed office [more than six years ago], I implemented a cleanliness drive and solid waste management program," Mamac said.
"Napakasimple. Dapat tanggalin at maalis ang pinagmumulan ng problema. Ang ginawa namin ay inalis ang lahat ng bagay na pwedeng pamugaran ng mga lamok," he added.
The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) and the World Health Organization (WHO) has chosen this city as venue for this year's Dengue Day celebration.
The Asean and WHO noted a significant drop in dengue cases in this highly urbanized city that could serve as a model for an international anti-dengue campaign.
The DOH said this year's Dengue Day theme is "Unity and harmony within the Asean community: Key in the fight against dengue."
Asean has reported an increasing number of dengue cases from 2012 to 2013.
Asean secretary-general Le Luong Minh said, "Dengue represents a significant economic burden on our region and hinders our development goals. The importance in addressing dengue at the regional level involving various stakeholders in a proactive and collective response cannot be overemphasized."
Dengue, according to Asean, is one of the fastest growing infectious diseases in the world, and the Asia-Pacific accounts for 75 percent of cases globally.
The WHO has estimated 50 million to 100 million dengue infections worldwide every year. In the Western Pacific region, 31 out of 37 countries and areas have reported dengue cases in the past two decades.
Asean is composed of Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam.
==Pinoy kids' clay-based water filter bags science award, benefits aeta community==
*Source: http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/366083/scitech/science/pinoy-kids-clay-based-water-filter-bags-science-award-benefits-aeta-community
*Tuesday, June 17, 2014 5:56 pm
:By Joel Locsin/TJD (GMA News)
A clay-based water filtration system not only netted a science award for students from state-run Philippine Science High School, it also provided clean water to an Aeta community in Pampanga province.
The system devised by students from the PSHS central campus is based on bentonite clay, a locally abundant material, and filters water from the Abacan River for the indigenous people.
“Water scarcity is a serious problem that already affects more than 1.2 billion people in the world and climate change worsens this problem as excessive groundwater extraction causes land subsidence and increases vulnerability to flooding... With our project, we are able to make use of available resource such as Bentonite to provide a means in bringing clean water to the Aeta communities in Sapangbato,” Jan Louise Cabrera and Joshua Miguel Danac during their project defense.
The team created a filtration system using Bentonite clay, a product of lahar erosion and an effective absorbent of dirt.
Benefiting from the project is the Aeta community in Barangay Sapangbato in Angeles City in Pampanga.
With the project, the team won the Best Bayanihan Project title at the Hyundai New Thinkers Spotlight, bagging medals, certificates, and a P90,000 cash prize.
Also, the students won college scholarship grants courtesy of Hyundai Asia Resources Inc. (HARI) Foundation.
The “Bentonite Absorbent as a Technological Improvement of Sapangbato Waters” project bested 19 other climate change intervention projects.
:Other communities
Even better for other Philippine communities, the students said this filtration system can be replicated in other areas as an alternative way to get potable water.
“With improvements to our prototype filter, we believe that this can be of value to many other communities faced with the same problem,” they said.
The Hyundai New Thinkers Spotlight is part of the Hyundai New Thinkers Circuit (HNTC) Program, a collaboration between HARI Foundation and the Department of Science and Technology - Science Education Institute (DOST-SEI), University of the Philippines’ National Institute of Geological Sciences (NIGS) and Marine Science Institute (MSI).
It aims to develop students into future climate scientists and leaders.
:Other winners
For the tilt, 20 school teams showed innovative community development projects through exhibits and project presentations.
Bayanihan projects were evaluated based on ingenuity, efficiency, sustainability, and the students’ overall participation in the HNTC cycle.
The other top 10 winners in the tilt included:
:  •Second place: Emilio Bernabe High School’s Neal Renz Empleo, Sheena Coleen Labampa and coach Marites Banzon, with 90.1 points for their project “Motorized Boat Made of Junked Home Appliances as Alternate to Rubber Boat during Flood Rescue Operations.” They won medals, certificates, P75,000 cash and two scholarship slots.
:  • Kasarinlan High School’s “Hydrocab” project
:  • Philippine Science High School Main Campus’ “Incorporation of Coir Geotextile, Aeration, and Rice Husk Filter into Localized Home Rainwater Harvesting”
:  • Sisters of Mary School’s “Electroschwartz Vertical Axis Wind Turbine.”
:  • Marcelo H. Del Pilar National High School (rPLANT Project)
:  • Pateros National High School (Eco-Riders)
:  • Claro M. Recto Information and Communication Technology High School (5 E’s in Waste Segregation)
:  • Mariveles National High School (Biodegradable Tamarind Seed-Based Plastic: A Remedy for the Changing Climate)
:  • Valenzuela City Science High School (H2O FLOOD).
Students from these schools comprised the 20 Hyundai New Thinkers Scholars, and their college studies shall be supported by HARI Foundation but they have to choose a science course.
The HNT scholars will be required to take up science and technology courses to avail of the scholarship. They will get support in their tuition and other fees and a monthly stipend from HARI Foundation.
“We stand here with a dream to drive a new world of possibilities for our young people, the leaders and innovators of tomorrow,” HARI Foundation President Ma. Fe Perez-Agudo said.
For her part, DOST-SEI head Dr. Josette Biyo urged the students to continue to show leadership in their own schools and communities after the HNTC Program.
“Think of this event as a practice session for your would-be daily undertaking once you’ve become a scientist, engineer or a community leader,” Biyo said.
==AC, CDC work for APEC 2015 infras==
*Source: http://www.sunstar.com.ph/pampanga/local-news/2014/06/15/ac-cdc-work-apec-2015-infras-348383
*Monday, June 16, 2014 (Date Published)
:By Reynaldo G. Navales
ANGELES CITY – The local government here and the Clark Development Corporation (CDC) are working together to speed up ongoing infrastructure projects in preparation for the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) meeting next year.
Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan and CDC President Arthur Tugade recently met at the city hall and discussed plans.
Joint development projects for the Clark-Angeles perimeter fence, the proposed Clark roundabout and other related matters were discussed during the meeting.
Pamintuan assured Tugade that the City Government will support the CDC undertakings.
“When we talk about Clark we instantly think of Angeles. This is why we are more than willing to partake on this endeavor since it will practically benefit not only Clark but Angeles City as a whole,” Pamintuan said.
The City Government conducted onsite inspections and tagging of illegal structures including eateries, sari-sari stores, and tricycle and jeepney terminals along the Don Juico Avenue in Barangay Anunas and Malabanias.
Some 90 out of 93 illegal structures were already demolished during an operation conducted by local government personnel on June 9 to 11 in preparation for the road’s greening and beautification.
CDC presented an architectural design and a “walkthrough” visual presentation of the proposed Clark-Angeles perimeter greening and beautification.
Parking areas with landscaping and “loading and unloading” bays for public utility vehicles will be put up. Pamintuan said these will provide “a beautiful view of how progressive Angeles is”.
The construction of the Clark rotunda, which is said to be the biggest roundabout in Central Luzon, is currently up for bidding.
The roundabout will complement the planned Sundial Garden/Mini-Cultural Center of the city at the Bayanihan Park.
The City Government is also planning to relocate jeepney terminals surrounding the Bayanihan Park (Hensonville, Friendship-Main Gate, Checkpoint-Highway and Balibago) to improve the traffic condition in the area.
“Political will is important. Some may get angry with all the inconvenience these projects are bringing. But, years from now, people will see how beneficial it is for a fast-growing city,” Pamintuan said.
Clark will be hosting the first leg of APEC 2015 in the country. According to Tugade, Clark will accommodate more than 1,700 senior ministers of finance and tourism from 21 countries for two weeks.
“This is not just Angeles or Pampanga or Clark. It is the Republic of the Philippines hosting the APEC 2015 that we are talking about,” Tugade said.
Pamintuan and Tugade said infrastructure projects will be completed to be accomplished by November in time for the APEC dry run.
City and CDC officials, private contractors, legal consultants, environment officials, local police, business and public transport representatives were also present during the meeting.
==Camp Olivas intelligence head denies extort attempt==
*Source: http://www.philstar.com/nation/2014/06/15/1334823/camp-olivas-intelligence-head-denies-extort-attempt
*Sunday, June 15, 2014  12:00 am
:By Ric Sapnu (The Philippine Star)
CAMP OLIVAS, Pampanga, Philippines – The head of the regional police intelligence section here has denied that elements of the Regional Special Operations Group (RSOG) allegedly tried to extort P1 million from the owner of a bar they raided last Friday in Balibago, Angeles City.
In a text message to The STAR, Chief Inspector Melvin Montante, regional intelligence section chief, said the RSOG operatives actually filed a case for violation of the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act against Honey Ko Bar owner, a certain Veronica Raymundo, an unidentified Australian national, and at least five employees of the fun joint before the Angeles City prosecutor’s office.
“How could the operatives ask or demand P1 million from Raymundo when we have filed the charges in court?” Montante said, adding that the RSOG men’s operation was legitimate.
The RSOG operatives were able to rescue 24 women in the raid on Honey Ko Bar along Fields Avenue in Balibago and later turned them over to social workers, Montante said.
Chief Inspector Heryl Bruno, Pampanga chief of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG), earlier said Raymundo has filed extortion charges against the RSOG operatives.
Bruno did not identify the RSOG operatives, who he alleged introduced themselves as belonging to the CIDG when they raided the Balibago bar.
==PH to observe Dengue Day in Angeles City==
*Source: http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php/news/provincial/74387-ph-to-observe-dengue-day-in-angeles-city
*Saturday, June 14, 2014 00:00
:By Richmond Mercurio
MEMBERS of various organizations, students, government officials and employees are expected to participate in the annual celebration of the ASEAN Dengue Day with this year’s theme “Unity and harmony within the ASEAN community: Key in the fight against dengue.”
The Department of Health (DOH) said the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the World Health Organization (WHO) picked Angeles City as venue for this year’s Dengue Day observance tomorrow, June 15.
The ASEAN Dengue Day which was launched in 2011 is an annual advocacy campaign day for the ASEAN countries committed to dengue prevention and control.
Health officials urged community leaders to launch regular clean-up drives in their respective jurisdictions to prevent the killer disease.
“We have doubled our effort to promote a clean and healthy environment as we called on all sectors to join hands and conduct cleanup activities against dengue,” the agency said.
==Clark needs $600M fresh investments in power sector==
*Source: http://www.malaya.com.ph/business-news/business/clark-needs-600m-fresh-investments-power-sector
*Friday, June 13, 2014
:By Richmond Mercurio
The Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) will need at least $600 million fresh investments from the private sector to energize its multi-billion peso Clark Green City project.
BCDA president and chief executive officer Arnel Casanova said the 35,000-hectare development inside the Clark economic zone in Angeles City, Pampanga will need about 300 megawatts (MW) for its power requirements.
Casanova said the Clark Green City project has already attracted a number of local and international power players, with potential investment seen in both traditional and renewable energy sources. The Department of Energy has estimated the cost of building new power plants at an average of $2 million per MW, depending on the type of technology to be used.
BCDA last week started inviting interested companies to submit proposals to undertake proposed feasibility studies on the utility components such as power and water of the planned modern industrial-residential complex.
“That’s why we want to open it to everyone. So everyone who’s interested to do their studies, we will be happy to accommodate,” Casanova said.
“There are a lot of interests actually. There are traditional and there are also renewable. Actually, (interests) came from big companies, global companies,” he added.
According to Casanova, the power plants are seen to cater exclusively to the energy requirements of Clark Green City.
“We want to first supply the power needs of the special economic zone,” he said.
Casanova said BCDA is also eyeing to set up its own distribution utility for Clark Green City. He stressed, however, that experienced distributors like Meralco can partner with them as well. 
“BCDA has the capability to operate and own infrastructure and utilities so we will have our own. But we will do this on a PPP (public-private partnership) basis. If any private sector is interested, we will welcome them,” Casanova added.
The Clark Green City, which is being planned to become a metropolitan area to complement Metro Manila, would possess high-rise green buildings and facilities for water catchment to prevent disasters like massive floods, garbage and waste disposal that would not require garbage trucks, and underground water pipes and electric wires.
“We’re building a complete city, bigger than the Bonifacio Global City that will be the core urban development of the metropolis. We’re building a new city half the size of Metro Manila and eventually, with the seamless connection of the other surrounding local government units, it will really be a new metropolitan area,” Casanova said.
Casanova said Manila has already become one of the densest cities in the world, with its entire population all packed in a 63,000-hectare land.
“To ease that congestion, to ease the migration, the continuous influx of people going to the city, we need to create a new city. Just like Seoul has Incheon, so they have this kind of two metropolitan districts located near each other and we saw that opportunity with the tollways, with its own airport and its own seaport in Subic, then the tollways right intersecting in Clark area, we feel there is really an opportunity to build a sustainable, green and disaster-resilient metropolis,” he said.
BCDA intends to bid out the first phase covering 1,300 hectares of Clark Green City by the third quarter of the year.
==Angeles celebrates 116th Independence Day==
*Source: http://www.sunstar.com.ph/pampanga/local-news/2014/06/12/angeles-celebrates-116th-independence-day-347890
*Thursday, June 12, 2014
:By Ashley Dela Peña
ANGELES CITY -- Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan during the city's commemoration of the 116th Independence Day at the Pamintuan Mansion on Thursday said that freedom depends on ordinary citizens themselves.
"Maraming Pilipino ang nagpapakita ng kabayanihan na hindi naitatala ng mga historyado," he said, referring to ordinary citizens.
"Nakasalalay sa mga ordinaryong mamamayan ang pakikibaka, hindi lamang sa ganap nakalayaan at pagbabago, kung hindi sa ganap na paglaya natin sakahirapan," he added.
For his part, Bases Conversion and Development Authority CEO Arnel Paciano Casanova said today's fight for freedom is against poverty, corruption and hopelessness.
"Ang kadakilaan ay hindi lamang nababatid sa pakikihamok o karahasan," Casanova said as he quoted President Benigno Aquino III about the current problems of the country.
"Laban para sa dignidad, sa dangal ng bawat Pilipino. At itong laban n ito ay laban sa katiwalian, laban sa korapsyon, at laban sa kawalan ng pag-asa," he said.
==BCDA president to lead 2014 Independence Day rites at Pamintuan Mansion==
*Source: http://news.pia.gov.ph/index.php?article=561402412414
*Wednesday, June 11, 2014
:By Carlo Lorenzo J. Datu (CLJD-PIA 3)
ANGELES CITY, Pampanga, June 11 (PIA) -- Bases Conversion and Development Authority President and Chief Executive Officer Arnel Paciano Casanova will lead the 116th Independence Day rites at Pamintuan Mansion in Angeles City, Pampanga.
“Event starts with a parade at 6:00AM from Museo ning Angeles which is near the Holy Rosary Parish. Participants shall consist of students, teachers, boy scouts, government employees, policemen, firefighters, soldiers, and representatives from the private sector,” the City Information Office (CIO) said.
This shall be followed by a flag raising at 8:00AM and wreath laying at the historical marker of the mansion.
“After messages from Casanova and Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan, there will be a re-enactment of the first anniversary celebration of the Philippine Independence by talents from Uyat Artista. It will be directed by Jayson Pabalan,” CIO added.
Built in 1890, the mansion was Don Mariano Pamintuan’s wedding gift to his son Florentino.
General Antonio Luna moved his army’s headquarters in the mansion on March 1899 after the Americans occupied Malolos, Bulacan.
Three months later, then President Emilio Aguinaldo transferred the seat of his government there and led the first and only public Independence Day celebration under his administration.
After the Americans captured Angeles in 1901, General Arthur MacArthur used the Pamintuan residence as his headquarters.
During World War II, the Japanese forces also used the house as a base when they conquered the area.
After the war, in 1959, the house came under the ownership of the Tablante family until it was finally donated to the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) in 1981.
The house underwent a five-year restoration and was inaugurated in 1988 as the Central Luzon office of the BSP.
After moving its regional office to the City of San Fernando in 2010, BSP decided to transfer responsibility over the property to the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) paving the way for the conversion of the mansion into a museum.
The city government and NHCP, through funding from the French government, eye the mansion to become the Museum of Philippine Social History that would display garments worn by Filipinos as well as tools and utensils and even the music since 1908.
Moreover, there is a move to declare the area covered by the mansion, Holy Rosary Parish, Museo ning Angeles, and the soon-to-rise Plaza Angel as an official heritage district.
Carrying the theme “Pagsunod sa Yapak ng mga Dakilang Pilipino, Tungo sa Malawakan at Permanenteng Pagbabago,” other major sites for this year’s celebration include Bonifacio National Monument in Caloocan City; Pinaglabanan Memorial Shrine in San Juan City; Emilio Aguinaldo Shrine in Kawit, Cavite; Barasoain Church in Malolos City; Mausoleo De Los Veteranos De La Revolucion in Manila; Plaza Quince Martires in Naga City; and Rizal National Monument in Manila.
==ASEAN, WHO pick AC as Dengue Day venue==
==ASEAN, WHO pick AC as Dengue Day venue==
*Source: http://punto.com.ph/News/Article/20617/Volume-7-No-136/Headlines/ASEAN-WHO-pick-AC-as-Dengue-Day-venue
*Source: http://punto.com.ph/News/Article/20617/Volume-7-No-136/Headlines/ASEAN-WHO-pick-AC-as-Dengue-Day-venue

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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:
  1. 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.
  2. The victims who are waiting for the right moment to retaliate. They can’t win yet, so they tolerate.

Pampanga, Bataan cities claim ’14 National e-Readiness Leadership Award

By Carlo Lorenzo J. Datu (CLJD-PIA 3)

ANGELES CITY, Pampanga, June 20 (PIA) -- Angeles and San Fernando in Pampanga and Balanga in Bataan were among the 10 cities nationwide that were conferred Wednesday with the 2014 e-Readiness Leadership Award.

Representatives of the three local government units (LGUs) received the recognition at the conclusion of an Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Innovations Forum in Makati City.

“Winners garnered high marks in our Business Permits and Licensing System (BPLS) and E-Readiness Survey for Cities and Municipalities 2014 which we have done in partnership with Department of Science and Technology, Department of Trade and Industry, and USAID-INVEST project,” Department of Interior and Local Government Central Luzon Director Florida Dijan said.

“The survey was meant to assess the compliance of cities and municipalities to BPLS standards and their state of e-readiness in terms of ICT capacity and ICT environment. One of its components is the e-Readiness assessment which measures the preparedness of LGUs to adopt and implement ICT project initiatives such as system computerization, e-Government and Smart Cities/Municipalities,” Dijan explained.

Other winners were the cities of Batangas, Cagayan de Oro, Cebu, Makati, Mandaluyong, Taguig, and Valenzuela.

Scribe sets photo exhibit at SM City Clark

(SunStar Pampanga)

CLARK FREEPORT -- Images of New York City takes centerstage in this year’s celebration of Filipino-American Friendship Day in Clark as a photo exhibit coinciding with the July 4 celebration takes place at SM City here.

An exhibit titled “I Love New York” will feature photos of varying subjects taken by journalist Noel Tulabut while covering the United Nations General Assembly and the initiatives of the Philippine Mission to the United Nations in New York since 2005.

It will run at SM City Clark Event Center from July 1 to 6.

The photos will cover various subjects like memorials for 9-11 terror attack, human interest, street scenes, city scapes, famous landmarks, events and festivities.

"This exhibit is not entirely about the Big Apple. It will also feature activities of our fellow Filipinos in New York like the annual Philippine Independence Day celebration," Tulabut said.

The photos complied by the newspaper columnist were taken from point-and-shoot cameras and from cellphone cameras as well.

"I must admit I am not a professional photographer but I thought I should share some of these shots especially to those who love art especially photography," Tulabut added.

Also to be featured in the exhibit are the photos of New York-based Capampangan Sam Sanchez who is a photography enthusiast living in Brooklyn.

Journalist-turned-diplomat Elmer Cato, now Minister and Consul at the Philippine Embassy in Washington DC will also have special participation with his award deserving photos taken in Manhattan District.

“It may be of interest to someone that Mr. Sanchez’ participation will not only feature his nice shots. It is also a way of giving him new meaning to his life and motivating him to go on living after he was diagnosed with renal failure and is now undergoing three dialysis sessions a week since last December,” Tulabut said.

Major sponsors of “I Love New York” photo exhibit are SM City Clark, Canon Philippines, Asiana Airlines, Smart Communications. Supporting the event also are topnotch photographer Borj Meneses and 3D animator and video editor Dodjie Aguinaldo. Media partners include Sun.Star Pampanga, Punto Central Luzon, Headline Gitnang Luzon, Central Luzon Daily, The Voice, Angeles City Business Week, Angeles Observer, 95.1 RWFM, DU 105.1, DWGV-FM 99.1.

Angeles village lauded for drive vs dengue

By Reynaldo G. Navales

ANGELES CITY -- The Department of Health (DOH) has lauded the efforts of a village here for implementing various programs to prevent the spread of dengue.

Health officials, including Assistant Secretary Eric Tayag, presented a certificate of recognition to Barangay Balibago during the Asean Dengue Day held at the Bayanihan Park here on Sunday.

Assistant Health Secretaries Gerado Bayugo and Nemesio Gako, and DOH Central Luzon Director Leonita Gorgolon assisted Tayag in presenting the certificate to Balibago officials.

The award, signed by Health Secretary Enrique Ona, stated that Barangay Balibago displayed "exemplary performance in raising awareness and mobilizing public and private resources for the prevention and control of dengue in the city."

Balibago chairman Rodelio "Tony" Mamac said he was elated by the award saying "they are just doing their job for the people."

Mamac said the number of dengue cases in their village greatly decreased over the past few years because of cleanliness and proper waste management.

"Since I assumed office [more than six years ago], I implemented a cleanliness drive and solid waste management program," Mamac said.

"Napakasimple. Dapat tanggalin at maalis ang pinagmumulan ng problema. Ang ginawa namin ay inalis ang lahat ng bagay na pwedeng pamugaran ng mga lamok," he added.

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) and the World Health Organization (WHO) has chosen this city as venue for this year's Dengue Day celebration.

The Asean and WHO noted a significant drop in dengue cases in this highly urbanized city that could serve as a model for an international anti-dengue campaign.

The DOH said this year's Dengue Day theme is "Unity and harmony within the Asean community: Key in the fight against dengue."

Asean has reported an increasing number of dengue cases from 2012 to 2013.

Asean secretary-general Le Luong Minh said, "Dengue represents a significant economic burden on our region and hinders our development goals. The importance in addressing dengue at the regional level involving various stakeholders in a proactive and collective response cannot be overemphasized."

Dengue, according to Asean, is one of the fastest growing infectious diseases in the world, and the Asia-Pacific accounts for 75 percent of cases globally.

The WHO has estimated 50 million to 100 million dengue infections worldwide every year. In the Western Pacific region, 31 out of 37 countries and areas have reported dengue cases in the past two decades.

Asean is composed of Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam.

Pinoy kids' clay-based water filter bags science award, benefits aeta community

By Joel Locsin/TJD (GMA News)

A clay-based water filtration system not only netted a science award for students from state-run Philippine Science High School, it also provided clean water to an Aeta community in Pampanga province.

The system devised by students from the PSHS central campus is based on bentonite clay, a locally abundant material, and filters water from the Abacan River for the indigenous people.

“Water scarcity is a serious problem that already affects more than 1.2 billion people in the world and climate change worsens this problem as excessive groundwater extraction causes land subsidence and increases vulnerability to flooding... With our project, we are able to make use of available resource such as Bentonite to provide a means in bringing clean water to the Aeta communities in Sapangbato,” Jan Louise Cabrera and Joshua Miguel Danac during their project defense.

The team created a filtration system using Bentonite clay, a product of lahar erosion and an effective absorbent of dirt.

Benefiting from the project is the Aeta community in Barangay Sapangbato in Angeles City in Pampanga.

With the project, the team won the Best Bayanihan Project title at the Hyundai New Thinkers Spotlight, bagging medals, certificates, and a P90,000 cash prize.

Also, the students won college scholarship grants courtesy of Hyundai Asia Resources Inc. (HARI) Foundation.

The “Bentonite Absorbent as a Technological Improvement of Sapangbato Waters” project bested 19 other climate change intervention projects.

Other communities

Even better for other Philippine communities, the students said this filtration system can be replicated in other areas as an alternative way to get potable water.

“With improvements to our prototype filter, we believe that this can be of value to many other communities faced with the same problem,” they said.

The Hyundai New Thinkers Spotlight is part of the Hyundai New Thinkers Circuit (HNTC) Program, a collaboration between HARI Foundation and the Department of Science and Technology - Science Education Institute (DOST-SEI), University of the Philippines’ National Institute of Geological Sciences (NIGS) and Marine Science Institute (MSI).

It aims to develop students into future climate scientists and leaders.

Other winners

For the tilt, 20 school teams showed innovative community development projects through exhibits and project presentations.

Bayanihan projects were evaluated based on ingenuity, efficiency, sustainability, and the students’ overall participation in the HNTC cycle.

The other top 10 winners in the tilt included:

•Second place: Emilio Bernabe High School’s Neal Renz Empleo, Sheena Coleen Labampa and coach Marites Banzon, with 90.1 points for their project “Motorized Boat Made of Junked Home Appliances as Alternate to Rubber Boat during Flood Rescue Operations.” They won medals, certificates, P75,000 cash and two scholarship slots.
• Kasarinlan High School’s “Hydrocab” project
• Philippine Science High School Main Campus’ “Incorporation of Coir Geotextile, Aeration, and Rice Husk Filter into Localized Home Rainwater Harvesting”
• Sisters of Mary School’s “Electroschwartz Vertical Axis Wind Turbine.”
• Marcelo H. Del Pilar National High School (rPLANT Project)
• Pateros National High School (Eco-Riders)
• Claro M. Recto Information and Communication Technology High School (5 E’s in Waste Segregation)
• Mariveles National High School (Biodegradable Tamarind Seed-Based Plastic: A Remedy for the Changing Climate)
• Valenzuela City Science High School (H2O FLOOD).

Students from these schools comprised the 20 Hyundai New Thinkers Scholars, and their college studies shall be supported by HARI Foundation but they have to choose a science course.

The HNT scholars will be required to take up science and technology courses to avail of the scholarship. They will get support in their tuition and other fees and a monthly stipend from HARI Foundation.

“We stand here with a dream to drive a new world of possibilities for our young people, the leaders and innovators of tomorrow,” HARI Foundation President Ma. Fe Perez-Agudo said.

For her part, DOST-SEI head Dr. Josette Biyo urged the students to continue to show leadership in their own schools and communities after the HNTC Program.

“Think of this event as a practice session for your would-be daily undertaking once you’ve become a scientist, engineer or a community leader,” Biyo said.

AC, CDC work for APEC 2015 infras

By Reynaldo G. Navales

ANGELES CITY – The local government here and the Clark Development Corporation (CDC) are working together to speed up ongoing infrastructure projects in preparation for the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) meeting next year.

Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan and CDC President Arthur Tugade recently met at the city hall and discussed plans.

Joint development projects for the Clark-Angeles perimeter fence, the proposed Clark roundabout and other related matters were discussed during the meeting.

Pamintuan assured Tugade that the City Government will support the CDC undertakings.

“When we talk about Clark we instantly think of Angeles. This is why we are more than willing to partake on this endeavor since it will practically benefit not only Clark but Angeles City as a whole,” Pamintuan said.

The City Government conducted onsite inspections and tagging of illegal structures including eateries, sari-sari stores, and tricycle and jeepney terminals along the Don Juico Avenue in Barangay Anunas and Malabanias.

Some 90 out of 93 illegal structures were already demolished during an operation conducted by local government personnel on June 9 to 11 in preparation for the road’s greening and beautification.

CDC presented an architectural design and a “walkthrough” visual presentation of the proposed Clark-Angeles perimeter greening and beautification.

Parking areas with landscaping and “loading and unloading” bays for public utility vehicles will be put up. Pamintuan said these will provide “a beautiful view of how progressive Angeles is”.

The construction of the Clark rotunda, which is said to be the biggest roundabout in Central Luzon, is currently up for bidding.

The roundabout will complement the planned Sundial Garden/Mini-Cultural Center of the city at the Bayanihan Park.

The City Government is also planning to relocate jeepney terminals surrounding the Bayanihan Park (Hensonville, Friendship-Main Gate, Checkpoint-Highway and Balibago) to improve the traffic condition in the area.

“Political will is important. Some may get angry with all the inconvenience these projects are bringing. But, years from now, people will see how beneficial it is for a fast-growing city,” Pamintuan said.

Clark will be hosting the first leg of APEC 2015 in the country. According to Tugade, Clark will accommodate more than 1,700 senior ministers of finance and tourism from 21 countries for two weeks.

“This is not just Angeles or Pampanga or Clark. It is the Republic of the Philippines hosting the APEC 2015 that we are talking about,” Tugade said.

Pamintuan and Tugade said infrastructure projects will be completed to be accomplished by November in time for the APEC dry run.

City and CDC officials, private contractors, legal consultants, environment officials, local police, business and public transport representatives were also present during the meeting.

Camp Olivas intelligence head denies extort attempt

By Ric Sapnu (The Philippine Star)

CAMP OLIVAS, Pampanga, Philippines – The head of the regional police intelligence section here has denied that elements of the Regional Special Operations Group (RSOG) allegedly tried to extort P1 million from the owner of a bar they raided last Friday in Balibago, Angeles City.

In a text message to The STAR, Chief Inspector Melvin Montante, regional intelligence section chief, said the RSOG operatives actually filed a case for violation of the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act against Honey Ko Bar owner, a certain Veronica Raymundo, an unidentified Australian national, and at least five employees of the fun joint before the Angeles City prosecutor’s office.

“How could the operatives ask or demand P1 million from Raymundo when we have filed the charges in court?” Montante said, adding that the RSOG men’s operation was legitimate.

The RSOG operatives were able to rescue 24 women in the raid on Honey Ko Bar along Fields Avenue in Balibago and later turned them over to social workers, Montante said.

Chief Inspector Heryl Bruno, Pampanga chief of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG), earlier said Raymundo has filed extortion charges against the RSOG operatives.

Bruno did not identify the RSOG operatives, who he alleged introduced themselves as belonging to the CIDG when they raided the Balibago bar.

PH to observe Dengue Day in Angeles City

By Richmond Mercurio

MEMBERS of various organizations, students, government officials and employees are expected to participate in the annual celebration of the ASEAN Dengue Day with this year’s theme “Unity and harmony within the ASEAN community: Key in the fight against dengue.”

The Department of Health (DOH) said the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the World Health Organization (WHO) picked Angeles City as venue for this year’s Dengue Day observance tomorrow, June 15.

The ASEAN Dengue Day which was launched in 2011 is an annual advocacy campaign day for the ASEAN countries committed to dengue prevention and control.

Health officials urged community leaders to launch regular clean-up drives in their respective jurisdictions to prevent the killer disease.

“We have doubled our effort to promote a clean and healthy environment as we called on all sectors to join hands and conduct cleanup activities against dengue,” the agency said.

Clark needs $600M fresh investments in power sector

By Richmond Mercurio

The Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) will need at least $600 million fresh investments from the private sector to energize its multi-billion peso Clark Green City project.

BCDA president and chief executive officer Arnel Casanova said the 35,000-hectare development inside the Clark economic zone in Angeles City, Pampanga will need about 300 megawatts (MW) for its power requirements.

Casanova said the Clark Green City project has already attracted a number of local and international power players, with potential investment seen in both traditional and renewable energy sources. The Department of Energy has estimated the cost of building new power plants at an average of $2 million per MW, depending on the type of technology to be used.

BCDA last week started inviting interested companies to submit proposals to undertake proposed feasibility studies on the utility components such as power and water of the planned modern industrial-residential complex.

“That’s why we want to open it to everyone. So everyone who’s interested to do their studies, we will be happy to accommodate,” Casanova said.

“There are a lot of interests actually. There are traditional and there are also renewable. Actually, (interests) came from big companies, global companies,” he added.

According to Casanova, the power plants are seen to cater exclusively to the energy requirements of Clark Green City.

“We want to first supply the power needs of the special economic zone,” he said.

Casanova said BCDA is also eyeing to set up its own distribution utility for Clark Green City. He stressed, however, that experienced distributors like Meralco can partner with them as well.

“BCDA has the capability to operate and own infrastructure and utilities so we will have our own. But we will do this on a PPP (public-private partnership) basis. If any private sector is interested, we will welcome them,” Casanova added.

The Clark Green City, which is being planned to become a metropolitan area to complement Metro Manila, would possess high-rise green buildings and facilities for water catchment to prevent disasters like massive floods, garbage and waste disposal that would not require garbage trucks, and underground water pipes and electric wires.

“We’re building a complete city, bigger than the Bonifacio Global City that will be the core urban development of the metropolis. We’re building a new city half the size of Metro Manila and eventually, with the seamless connection of the other surrounding local government units, it will really be a new metropolitan area,” Casanova said.

Casanova said Manila has already become one of the densest cities in the world, with its entire population all packed in a 63,000-hectare land.

“To ease that congestion, to ease the migration, the continuous influx of people going to the city, we need to create a new city. Just like Seoul has Incheon, so they have this kind of two metropolitan districts located near each other and we saw that opportunity with the tollways, with its own airport and its own seaport in Subic, then the tollways right intersecting in Clark area, we feel there is really an opportunity to build a sustainable, green and disaster-resilient metropolis,” he said.

BCDA intends to bid out the first phase covering 1,300 hectares of Clark Green City by the third quarter of the year.

Angeles celebrates 116th Independence Day

By Ashley Dela Peña

ANGELES CITY -- Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan during the city's commemoration of the 116th Independence Day at the Pamintuan Mansion on Thursday said that freedom depends on ordinary citizens themselves.

"Maraming Pilipino ang nagpapakita ng kabayanihan na hindi naitatala ng mga historyado," he said, referring to ordinary citizens.

"Nakasalalay sa mga ordinaryong mamamayan ang pakikibaka, hindi lamang sa ganap nakalayaan at pagbabago, kung hindi sa ganap na paglaya natin sakahirapan," he added.

For his part, Bases Conversion and Development Authority CEO Arnel Paciano Casanova said today's fight for freedom is against poverty, corruption and hopelessness.

"Ang kadakilaan ay hindi lamang nababatid sa pakikihamok o karahasan," Casanova said as he quoted President Benigno Aquino III about the current problems of the country.

"Laban para sa dignidad, sa dangal ng bawat Pilipino. At itong laban n ito ay laban sa katiwalian, laban sa korapsyon, at laban sa kawalan ng pag-asa," he said.

BCDA president to lead 2014 Independence Day rites at Pamintuan Mansion

By Carlo Lorenzo J. Datu (CLJD-PIA 3)

ANGELES CITY, Pampanga, June 11 (PIA) -- Bases Conversion and Development Authority President and Chief Executive Officer Arnel Paciano Casanova will lead the 116th Independence Day rites at Pamintuan Mansion in Angeles City, Pampanga.

“Event starts with a parade at 6:00AM from Museo ning Angeles which is near the Holy Rosary Parish. Participants shall consist of students, teachers, boy scouts, government employees, policemen, firefighters, soldiers, and representatives from the private sector,” the City Information Office (CIO) said.

This shall be followed by a flag raising at 8:00AM and wreath laying at the historical marker of the mansion.

“After messages from Casanova and Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan, there will be a re-enactment of the first anniversary celebration of the Philippine Independence by talents from Uyat Artista. It will be directed by Jayson Pabalan,” CIO added.

Built in 1890, the mansion was Don Mariano Pamintuan’s wedding gift to his son Florentino.

General Antonio Luna moved his army’s headquarters in the mansion on March 1899 after the Americans occupied Malolos, Bulacan.

Three months later, then President Emilio Aguinaldo transferred the seat of his government there and led the first and only public Independence Day celebration under his administration.

After the Americans captured Angeles in 1901, General Arthur MacArthur used the Pamintuan residence as his headquarters.

During World War II, the Japanese forces also used the house as a base when they conquered the area.

After the war, in 1959, the house came under the ownership of the Tablante family until it was finally donated to the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) in 1981.

The house underwent a five-year restoration and was inaugurated in 1988 as the Central Luzon office of the BSP.

After moving its regional office to the City of San Fernando in 2010, BSP decided to transfer responsibility over the property to the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) paving the way for the conversion of the mansion into a museum.

The city government and NHCP, through funding from the French government, eye the mansion to become the Museum of Philippine Social History that would display garments worn by Filipinos as well as tools and utensils and even the music since 1908.

Moreover, there is a move to declare the area covered by the mansion, Holy Rosary Parish, Museo ning Angeles, and the soon-to-rise Plaza Angel as an official heritage district.

Carrying the theme “Pagsunod sa Yapak ng mga Dakilang Pilipino, Tungo sa Malawakan at Permanenteng Pagbabago,” other major sites for this year’s celebration include Bonifacio National Monument in Caloocan City; Pinaglabanan Memorial Shrine in San Juan City; Emilio Aguinaldo Shrine in Kawit, Cavite; Barasoain Church in Malolos City; Mausoleo De Los Veteranos De La Revolucion in Manila; Plaza Quince Martires in Naga City; and Rizal National Monument in Manila.

ASEAN, WHO pick AC as Dengue Day venue

By Ding Cervantes

ANGELES CITY- The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the World Health Organization (WHO) has chosen this city as venue for this year’s Dengue Day on June 15, amid reports of significant drop in local dengue cases that could serve as a blueprint for an international anti-dengue campaign.

The Department of Health (DOH) regional office said this year’s Dengue Day theme is “Unity and Harmony within the ASEAN Community: Key in the Fight against Dengue.” Dr. Christine Joy Patio of the city health office here said delegates from various Asean countries are expected to attend Dengue Day events which will last two days from June 14 to 15.

She said ASEAN organizers chose Angeles as this year’s Dengue Day venue because of the significant decline of dengue cases here in the recent years, as she noted about 60 percent dive in the local cases of the mosquito-borne ailment from 2012 to 2013.

Statistics showed 1,170 dengue cases in this city in 2012, and only 639 cases in 2013. ASEAN Dengue Day is an advocacy event held every June 15 to increase public awareness of dengue, to mobilize resources for its prevention and control, and to demonstrate the region’s commitment to tackling the disease.

The advocacy event was agreed upon during the 10th ASEAN Health Ministers Meeting in 2010. The first regional event was held in 2011 in Jakarta, Indonesia, while Myanmar hosted the regional celebration in Yangon in 2012.

Last year’s Dengue Day was hosted by Hanoi, Vietnam. Dr. Rhoda Cruz, chief of the DOH regional office’s dengue monitoring group, said the foreign and local participants in the two-day annual event will visit local barangays to observe anti-dengue projects of the Angeles city health office.

Patio attributed the signifi cant decline in dengue cases to intensive campaign against the Aedes Aegypti mosquitor carriers of the disease, particularly in schools and business establishments. “Not only health workers, but also civic organizations in the city are involved,” she said.

She said the anti-dengue campaign pushing what the DOH calls “the 4 o’clock habit,” starts in May through the rainy season where breeding places of mosquito carriers normally abound. ASEAN has reported an increasing number of dengue cases from 2012 to 2013.

Le Luong Minh, Secretary-General of ASEAN, said “dengue represents a significant economic burden on our region and hinders our development goals. The importance in addressing dengue at the regional level involving various stakeholders in a proactive and collective response cannot be overemphasized.”

ASEAN also said that “dengue is one of the fastest growing emerging infectious diseases in the world, and the Asia Pacific hosts 75 percent of the global cases. WHO has estimated from 50 to 100 million dengue infections worldwide every year. In the WHO Western Pacific Region, 31 out of 37 countries and areas have reported dengue cases in the past two decades.

The ASEAN members include Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and VietNam.

City Council lauds Angeles mayor, security aides

(AC-CIO)

ANGELES CITY -- The City Council here praised the effort of Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan and his security escorts for the apprehension of riding-in-tandem criminals involved in a robbery incident that took place recently on Sto. Rosario Street in this city.

Vice Mayor Vicky Vega Cabigting and Councilor Maricel Morales presented the approved copy of the city council resolution to the mayor and his security team during the city hall's regular flag raising rites.

The city council resolution stated that the mayor and his security aides deserve the commendation, "being unmindful of the risk they have taken in chasing the suspects who were later found out to be armed."

Nonetheless, they pursued the suspect, which resulted in his apprehension, thus solving a crime, which has been committed.

Pamintuan was on his way home at around noon time from the city hall and as his service vehicle was about to turn right towards the subdivision where he resides, two criminals riding-in-tandem on a motorcycle snatched the bag of a Korean national later identified as Kim Byung Ki, 33.

The mayor said his security escorts, headed by retired policeman Mario Nulud, immediately gave chase and caught up with the surprised duo. However, one of the robbers was able to elude arrest and made good his escape.

Pamintuan said he ordered his men to bring the arrested suspect, identified as Robinson P. Tionio, 31, to the Rafael Lazatin Medical Center to treat his wounds, which he sustained when his motorcycle skidded and fell, ending the chase.

The council also commended the Angeles City Police Office, Station 1 Chief Inspector Kenneth DG Vega and his team for their prompt response when the mayor called them over after the apprehension.

The resolution was sponsored by Councilors Edgardo Pamintuan Jr., Maricel Morales, Jericho Aguas and Alexander Indiongco, seconded by Danica Lacson, Amos Rivera and Carlito Ganzon.

The members of the council unanimously approved it during their regular session held June 3.

PamCham, CLTV 36 set rehab for Cebu villages

By Ian Ocampo Flora

ANGELES CITY -- The Pampanga Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PamCham) and CLTV 36 are now undertaking the rehabilitation phase of its “Lingap ng Central Luzon para sa mga Biktima ng Bagyong Yolanda” program in Daanbantayan, Cebu.

December 4 last year, PamCham and CLTV 36 went to barangays Malbago, Calape, Batirya and Bagayto to distribute more than 2,000 relief packs, clothes, water and other supplies to the survivors of super typhoon Yolanda that devastated Visayas in November 8, 2013.

A total cash donation of P2,640,477 was generated in the five day fund raising-telethon by PamCham and CLTV 36 from November 11 to 16 last year.

The remaining funds of P1,723,881 were earmarked for the rehabilitation stage of the victims in Daanbantayan which is predominantly composed of fishing barangays.

Identified beneficiaries for the program are 77 fishermen who will be given 54 20-foot long bancas and 23 15-foot long paddle boats equipped with fishing gears and nets that will serve to replace the bancas that were wrecked in the third landfall of the super typhoon in November last year.

Also to help hasten recovery and augment the livelihood of the barangays’ residents, a total cash grant of P300,000 will be given to 100 women in the barangays who will receive P3,000 each that they will use for fish vending and fish processing, identified as their main source of income prior to the Yolanda devastation.

The first batch of 40 boats will be finished and awarded to the fishermen beneficiaries by PamCham and CLTV 36 on June 17 along with the P300,000 cash grant to the 100 women in Daanbantayan.

On July 10, the second and final batch of 37 boats will be handed over to the fisher folks in said the barangays.

Also, capacity building seminars will be provided by partner project implementer, the Center for Emergency Aid and Rehabilitation, Inc./Visayas Disaster Relief Network (CONCERN/VDRN).

CONCERN/VDRN is a 21-year old comprehensive disaster response management center/network that helps build the capability of the most vulnerable sectors in society to reduce vulnerability factors and the risks they face through people-based and development-oriented disaster response.

It had responded to major disasters such as the 1990 earthquake; the 1991 to 1996 Mt. Pinatubo eruption; 2001 and 2004 Mayon Volcano eruption; 2005 Nueva Ecija and General Nakar and Infanta landslide and mudslide; 2004 Baseco fire and Typhoon Milenyo; 2009 Zambales flooding and lahar; and the Typhoon Ondoy devastation.

29 girls working in a club rescued

By Ric Sapnu

CAMP OLIVAS, Pampanga -- At least 29 guest relation officers (GROs) were rescued from an alleged prostitution den, the Voodoo Club, along Fields Avenue, Barangay Balibago, Angeles City, during a recent operation.

Chief Superintendent Raul Petrasanta, Police Regional Office-3 (PRO3) director, said during the operation, two employees of the club who were not immediately identified were also arrested.

Petrasanta said operatives from the Regional Operation Section (ROS) and Regional Intelligence Division (RID) led by Inspector Maynard Pascual raided the club upon receipt of complaints that there were minor girls working and were being sexually exploited there.

The said operation was under the supervision of Chief Inspector Melvin Montante, chief of the Regional Intelligence Operations Section.

The rescued workers were turned over to the Regional Department of Social Welfare and Development for proper disposition, said Petrasanta.

Violation of anti-human trafficking in persons was filed against the two employees and owner of the club before the Angeles City Prosecutor Office of Judge Percival Atinaja.

AC confident to receive DILG's Seal of Good Local Governance

(angelescity.gov.ph)

ANGELES CITY – City officials here expressed optimism that Angeles City will be a recipient of the Department of the Interior and Local Government’s (DILG) Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG) for 2013

This was announced by the city’s technical working group and secretariat during the Local Governance Performance Management Systems (LGPMS) assessment and validation recently facilitated by the DILG Regional Assessment Team.

The SGLG is the expanded version of DILG's Seal of Good Housekeeping (SGH).

According to DILG City Director Remedios Rodriguez, the judging will still be based under DILG’s oversight assessment tool, the LGPMS, but with scaled up fundamentals.

The criteria will cover three core elements: 1) good financial housekeeping, 2) disaster preparedness, 3) social protection; and three essential areas of performance: 4) business friendliness and competitiveness, 5) environment management and 6) peace and order.

An initial evaluation was performed by the regional assessment group which includes an interview with the clustered technical working groups, onsite inspections and documentary valuation.

However, Rodriguez commented that the city still has some minor gaps to fill in.

“The regional assessment team allotted three working days to fill in these minor lapses,” Rodriguez said.

On the other hand, Angeles City performed well on the three basic elements (financial housekeeping, disaster preparedness and social protection).

Angeles was also commended for its business friendliness and competitiveness, peace and order, and environment management.

“Angeles City has been very consistent when it comes to complying with the LGPMS. Since the city regularly performs its responsibilities, meeting the conditions of the SGLG will not be a problem,” Rodriguez added.

For his part, Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan, who is currently attending the World Mayor's Summit in Singapore, expressed his enthusiasm, saying that “the SGLG will help the city government discover innovations, plans and policies to better serve the Angeleños.”

“The SGLG should not be treated as a competition between different LGUs but a tool for us to discover our weaknesses and evaluate our capabilities,” said Pamintuan, who added that it will also allow the administration to “raise the benchmark of local governance in our country and develop strategies, programs, and projects that will cater to the needs of the people.”

City department officials were in full force during the assessment procedure in support to the city’s performance evaluation.

The Angeles City Local Government, under the Pamintuan administration has been a consistent recipient of the SGH since 2011.

DILG has also named Angeles as one of the top ten performing LGUs in the country, ranking 4th in 2011 and 6th in 2012.

Kapampangan appointed to US federal aviation body

By Reynaldo G. Navales

ANGELES CITY -- President Barack Obama has appointed a Kapampangan as assistant administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for Airports, a United States government authority that regulates and oversees civil aviation in North America and over the world.

Eduardo Alfonso, a native of La Paz, Tarlac, left Angeles City as a teen and settled in San Francisco, California with his mother.

Alfonso finished his law school in San Francisco and served as City Attorney. He was also designated as legal counsel of San Francisco International Airport and Los Angeles World Airports.

Alfonso, in a statement, said that he will focus on the "safety and security" of airports in the US to improve services and prevent terrorism.

Alfonso was nominated by his peers in the US aviation industry and was chosen by FAA Administrator Michael Huerta.

He is an avid supporter of the Obama administration having supported his campaign in the past.

As Assistant Administrator for Airports, Alfonso is in charge of planning and developing projects involving airports, overseeing their construction and ensuring their compliance with federal regulations.

The FAA is divided into four "lines of business" with specific roles for Airports, Air Traffic Organization, Aviation Safety and Commercial Space Transportation.

“I am truly honored and humbled to be an FAA administrator under President Barack Obama’s administration. I am now a fabric of American history, as a member of the team of the first African-American US President,” Afonso said.

The “opportunity to serve this great nation is an exclamation point on my already fulfilled American Dream. I can only hope that my fellow Filipino immigrants, who come from a similar marginalized background, can find inspiration in my personal story of success. Kaya natin lahat!” he said.

Alfonso is a relative of businessman Manny Alfonso, owner of Rib Eye Restaurant and journalist Arnel San Pedro of the Clark International Airport Corporation’s Corporate Communications Office.

PAGCOR resolves classroom backlog in Pampanga public school

(PNA), SCS/PR/JSD

MANILA, June 4 (PNA) -- About 800 high school students in Francisco G. Nepomuceno Memorial High School (FGNMHS) in Angeles City, Pampanga studied in makeshift classrooms for the past several years.

The covered court was converted into learning venues separated only by movable panel boards made out of thin plywood serving as partition between sections of different levels. Teachers had to exert extra effort just to keep the students’ attention from wandering.

But even these makeshift classrooms were not enough to ease congestion in classrooms. To accommodate all enrolees – which number about 6,000 annually – the school had to implement a morning and afternoon shift. Because of this, FGNMHS was included in the Department of Education’s Red Code, which means the school urgently needs more learning venues.

However, this dismal set-up has improved when the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) and DepEd chose the school as the first recipient of a four-storey, 24-classroom building in the entire Angeles City.

The newly-constructed multi-storey building cost P40 million. It has 10 comfort rooms, two of which are designed for persons with disability (PWDs). Each room is also well-ventilated and equipped with a ceiling fan and two wall fans. The school building donation is part of PAGCOR’s “Matuwid na Daan sa Silid-Aralan” project, which aims to address classroom backlog in public schools all over the country. To date, PAGCOR has allocated P5 billion for the school building project.

During the turnover of the new school building last May 30, 2014, PAGCOR Chairman and CEO Cristino Naguiat Jr. once again shared PAGCOR’s commitment in helping the country’s education sector by building classrooms for the Filipino youth.

“PAGCOR wants to make good its promise to be instrumental in shaping the minds of Filipino students. The youth of today will set the direction of our country in the future. That is why we want to empower them through education and provide them the tools that will enable them to succeed and fulfil their dreams,” Naguiat said.

The PAGCOR chief added that the state-owned gaming firm is not only a partner of the government in building classrooms but also in modernizing public education.

“DepEd and PAGCOR are studying how we can upgrade the mode of teaching in public schools by utilizing modern technology such as the internet, computers and tablets. Through good leadership and judicious use of funds, we can make these things happen,” he enthused.

Senator Sonny Angara, chair of the Senate Committee on Games, Amusement and Sports, attended the turnover ceremonies in FGNMHS. He himself witnessed the huge contribution of PAGCOR to the education sector.

“Nakita naman natin ang ginagawa ng PAGCOR. Pagbaba ni President Aquino, wala nang classroom shortage. Maswerte ang Francisco G. Nepomuceno Memorial High School dahil kayo ang kauna-unahang eskwelahan dito sa Angeles na nabiyayaan ng napakagandang school building,” Angara said.

FGNMHS Principal Maria Celina-Vega said that their school is one of the most populated public high schools in Angeles City.

“There are 41 public elementary schools in the city but there are only 10 public high schools. Students from these elementary schools will eventually graduate and pursue secondary education. But since we have fewer high schools, overpopulation becomes a problem,” she said.

To accommodate all students, the school used to hold morning and afternoon shifts for Grades 7, 8 and 9. But with the construction of the PAGCOR-funded building, two year levels in FGNMHS will no longer have to do two or three shifts. Also, the school will now be able to implement DepEd’s ideal classroom ratio of one classroom per 45 students.

“The completion of PAGCOR’s school building is very timely dahil nadagdagan na ang mga teachers namin. Kapag maraming teachers at konti ang classrooms, mahirap din ang sitwasyon. Shortchanged sa oras ang mga bata dahil mag-aantay sila hanggang may mabakanteng classroom. Sa tulong ng aming stakeholders katulad ng PAGCOR, we can be assured that our students will have the quality of education they deserve,” Vega explained.

DepEd Undersecretary for Regional Operations Rizalino Rivera, who also graced the turnover rites, lauded PAGCOR for helping DepEd deliver quality education to the youth.

“Education is not just the responsibility of the schools and the teachers but of the entire community. PAGCOR remains to be the Santa Claus of DepEd. Because of PAGCOR’s generosity, nagkaroon ng 24-classroom building ang eskwelahang ito. The covered court will also no longer be used in holding classes. Ang lahat ng repormang ito ay hindi mangyayari without our partners,” he said.

Pamintuan in Singapore for World Cities Summit

(AC-CIO)

ANGELES CITY -- Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan is currently attending and participating in the World Cities Summit Mayors Forum 2014 (WCSMF), an invitation-only event running from June 1 to 4 at the Marina Bay Sands Expo and Convention Center in Singapore.

Pamintuan is one of 12 Filipino mayors attending the assembly, which is an interactive and enriching forum meant to facilitate ideas to create better cities.

The WCSMF has become one of the largest and most important gatherings of the world's city leaders, where real solutions to pressing urban challenges are exchanged.

This exclusive event for mayors, jointly organized by Singapore's Centre for Liveable Cities an Urban Redevelopment Authority, is also a key highlight of the biennial World Cities Summit.

For continuity of discussion, the forum will explore the theme "Liveable and Sustainable Cities: Common Challenges, Shared Solutions", which was also the theme in last year's summit held in Bilbao, Spain.

Topics to be discussed by the participants include "High Quality of Life: A Vibrant City Life", "Sustainable Environment: Water & Waste Management", "Competitive Economy: Driving Investments", "Integrated Long-term Planning: Balancing Stakeholder Interests", and "Dynamic Urban Governance: Fostering Good Governance and Intelligent Cities". "The World Cities Summit Mayors Forum is a gathering for knowledge sharing and information exchange to stimulate ideas in tackling common urban challenges. Thus, we are truly honored for them for inviting us in this remarkable gathering,” said the mayor, who also expects to learn several practices in good governance that the international community will convey.

The participants in the forum include 124 city leaders of international organizations, captains of industry and other thought leaders. Everyone is invited to share on the urban topic that is most relevant with their respective cities. Each city leader will speak in their respective roundtables for approximately four minutes, sharing one of their city’s best case studies.

The Angeles city mayor’s topic will fall under “High Quality of Life: A Vibrant City Life” and will share his experiences in establishing the City College of Angeles, an institution of hope for the youth which provides opportunities and access to quality & affordable education.

New building for city high school

By Fred Villareal

ANGELES CITY, Pampanga—The students of the Francisco G. Nepomuceno Memorial High School here will start classes in a new building put up by the Department of Education and the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp.

DepEd Secretary Armin Luistro led the turnover rites last May 29, praising the “collaborative work of education partners showing commitment to quality education for Filipino learners.”

Undersecretary for Regional Operations Rizalino Rivera underscored “safe and resilient learning environment for our learners; that is why, DepEd and PAGCOR have built high-standard classrooms. The DepEd is putting up structures that are ideal to the students’ learning environment. It’s not any ordinary building, it’s about ensuring that these spaces will allow young people to flourish and learn.”

He commended the partnership that is aimed to ease congestion as well.

“Because of PAGCOR’s donation, the students to classroom ratio improved at F. G. Nepomuceno, now, the ratio is 45 students to one classroom,” Rivera said.

He also commended the local government and the Parents Teacher Association for their support to achieve qualilty education, and the DepEd work hand in hand for education.

CIDG denies ‘abuse of authority’

(JTD)

ANGELES CITY -- The Provincial Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) headed by Chief Inspector Heryl Bruno Saturday denied allegations that he and his non-commissioned officers (NCOs) had been drinking and consuming food in local bars here and then refusing to pay the bills.

In a statement furnished Sun.Star Pampanga, the CIDG said that "for the past two days, allegations have been printed in the media falsely accusing our provincial head and his police NCOs of abuse of authority."

"At no time prior to publication did the media approach us for clarification or to get our side and the allegations are untrue and unfair to us. We do not drink or eat in bars and then refuse to pay and we strongly deny this. Even worse, the alleged bar owners are reportedly anonymous, depriving us of the opportunity to defend ourselves," said Bruno.

He also noted that "any such alleged crimes of refusing to pay were crimes, 'not just abuse of authority' that they should have been reported to the local police formally."

"CIDG Pampanga had recently conducted a number of anti-human trafficking operations against bars in Angeles City and that as a result, a number of persons had been charged in court for violations of Republic Act 9208 or the Anti-Human Trafficking Act. If any person thinks that by making false complaints, we will be dissuaded or discouraged from carrying out our duty without fear or favor, then that idea is misconceived and we stand accountable for all of our actions and at the same time reserve the right to seek legal redress as individuals against persons making false and defamatory allegations by filing criminal and civil complaints for defamation, as we will not stand idly by whilst our reputations and careers are destroyed by any false allegations," said Bruno.

He said the CIDG has sought the help of Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan for details of any such alleged complaints.

Meanwhile, unperturbed by the allegations, the CIDG continues with its operations and on Wednesday nabbed the 10th most wanted fugitive of the City of San Fernando.

In a separate statement, Bruno said that one Eric Galang was captured around 1:20 p.m. Saturday in Magalang town pursuant to a warrant of arrest for the alleged crime of rape issued by Judge Adelaida Medina, presiding judge of Regional Trial Court 45 of San Fernando, Pampanga.

“The operation is part of oplan Pagtugis which gives emphasis to the neutralization and arrest of most wanted persons in our area of responsibility. We are intensifying our operations against wanted persons and we appeal to the public to turn them in,” said Bruno.

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