Difference between revisions of "Angeles City News June 2014"

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==Right-of-way plaguing Angeles road projects==
*Source: http://www.sunstar.com.ph/pampanga/local-news/2014/06/29/right-way-plaguing-angeles-road-projects-350898
*Monday, June 30, 2014 (Date Published)
:(NCS/JTD)
CITY OF SAN FERNANDO -- The unresolved problem on right-of-way (ROW) is stopping the completion of vital road projects that have been implemented primarily in Angeles City in preparation for the holding of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) Summit next year, according to a source from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).
The source, who asked not to be identified, told Sun.Star Pampanga that the projects, worth over P1 billion, were started without resolving first the long-standing right-of-way issue that was seen as a potential setback.
"But government was committed to finishing the projects in time for the Apec so the DPWH went ahead and probably thought the ROW issue could be taken care of later on," the source said.
It did not turn out that way.
The strategy, according to the source, was for the projects to be launched even as negotiation for the ROW was simultaneously being conducted with concerned private individuals.
"Negotiations have apparently bogged down because many of the projects are way, way behind schedule," the source said.
One of the projects, the source said, is the Pandan-Magalang Road.
Angeles City Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan earlier threatened to sue contractors of the different projects in his turf due to the delay that has drawn the ire of motorists, business people and local folk.
The source said the ROW problem was inherited by the current DPWH officials from their predecessors who could not bring the issue to a close because of many factors, among them political and legal.
The source said that many private individuals and establishments along the routes of the Apec road projects have encroached on government property.
"Basically, the ROW problem has been exacerbated over the years of inaction owing the lack of political will from authorities," the source said.
But the source admitted that some of the contractors who have been awarded the projects do not have the equipment to finish the job on time.
"It's really a confluence of many factors that are well within control," the source.
Still, the source said, there is still enough time to complete the projects in time for the Apec meet, which is expected to shore up the image of the Philippines as an emerging economy in Asia.
Recently, Public Works Secretary Rogelio Singson instructed DPWH Regional Director Antonio Molano Jr. to bar several contractors from participating in any new bidding until they finish on time their projects for the Apec meet at the Clark Freeport.
Molano had told Sun.Star Pampanga that the contractors of the Apec projects have been castigated for the delay in road and construction works. He gave the assurance, however, that the projects will be completed "ahead of schedule."
==Village preps for rains, floods ==
*Source: http://www.sunstar.com.ph/pampanga/local-news/2014/06/28/village-preps-rains-floods-350755
*Sunday, June 29, 2014 (Date Published)
:By Ashley Dela Peña
ANGELES CITY – Barangay Pandan headed by Chairman Jerry Alejandrino in this city has started preparing for the rainy season and impending flooding.
Village councilman Bernardo Villavicencio said that Alejandrino has already initiated sandbagging operations to let avert flooding in the barangay in the midst of the on-going rehabilitation and widening of the Pandan-Magalang Road which the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) would be “finished ahead of schedule.”
“Di lang po sigurodo yung barangay council kung matatapos yun sa takdang panahon dahil nakikita namin na marami pang kulang. Kung talagang darating yung baha, malaki yun, dahil nga hindi pa tapos yung daan. As much as possible, pinamamadali naming yung paggawa ng daan, para sa ganun darating yung rainy season, meron nang daraanan ang tubig sa mga gagawing kanal ng DPWH,” he said.
According to Villavicencio, the barangay council is conducting de-clogging and cleaning of alleys and existing waterways to avert impending floods.
“Mostly po preparado itong Barangay Pandan as far as evacuation is concerned, kasi meron naman po eh,” he said.
Villavicencio also disclosed that the village council has proposed to the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council the purchase of boats from their calamity fund to have the barangay fully prepared in case of flooding.
“Hindi natin maa-anticipate kung gaano kalaki. Pero huwag sana ng lumaking malaking-malaki kasi (yung baha) baka kakailanganin namin ng bangka,” Villavicencio said.
==Big time drug pusher killed, cohort injured==
*Source: http://www.sunstar.com.ph/pampanga/local-news/2014/06/27/big-time-drug-pusher-killed-cohort-injured-350601
*Saturday, June 28, 2014 (Date Published)
:By Ric Sapnu
CAMP OLIVAS, Pampanga -- A big time drug pusher was killed and his cohort injured after their motorcycle accidentally hit an electric post during a brief chased conducted by operatives of the Anti-Illegal Drugs along Henson Street, Barangay Sta. Teresita, Angeles City, recently.
Senior Superintendent Marlon Madrid, Pampanga police acting provincial director, identified the suspects as Pascam Muhaiman, alias Sam, a resident of Balanga, Bataan; and Joseph Christina Matitu, 26, of Barangay Calantas, Floridablanca, Pampanga.
Madrid said the Anti-Illegal Drug Operations of Pampanga and Angeles City Police in coordination with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA3) conducted a buy-bust operation in Barangay Balibago, Angeles City against the two suspected drug pushers.
The two sensed the presence of policemen which prompted them to flee using their Honda Super 4 big bike (RO-3615).
Anti-illegal operatives chased them until they accidentally bumped a balut vendor, then driver of the motorcycle lost control of the steering wheel and hit a concrete electric post along the road of Barangay Teresita, Angeles City, the report said.
Madrid added Muhaiman died on the spot due to severe injuries in the different part of his body while Matitu was taken to Ospital ng Angeles for treatment.
Police recovered 11 medium sized heat-sealed transparent plastic sachets containing shabu, P16,000 and several drug paraphernalia from Muhaiman.
Madrid said Muhaiman and Matitu were listed as priority targets for neutralization for illegal drugs as per joint validation conducted between the PNP and PDEA.
==Lapid registers as Angeles City voter==
*Source: http://www.sunstar.com.ph/pampanga/local-news/2014/06/27/lapid-registers-angeles-city-voter-350643
*Friday, June 27, 2014
:By Ashley Dela Peña
ANGELES CITY -- Senator Lito Lapid on Thursday transferred his voter's registration here where he allegedly will seek the mayoral post, or run as district representative in the 2016 elections.
Lapid underwent the voter's registration process, from submitting the necessary documents for transfer to biometrics to become a registered voter of Angeles City.
He took his oath before Commission on Elections Officer Numer Lobo.
He had earlier transferred his residence from Porac to Angeles City where he was able to acquire a house here.
Meanwhile, political observers see this as Lapid's "move" to run for mayor or even a congressman, since there is a pending bill in Congress seeking to make Angeles City a lone district.
Lapid, born in Porac town, started his political career in 1992 when he ran under the opposition block Nationalist People's Coalition as vice governor of Pampanga, defeating the incumbent vice governor Cielo Macapagal-Salgado.
In 1995, he ran against Governor Bren Guiao for governor under the same party and won. When he sought a second term in 1998, Lapid joined the administration party Lakas-NUCD. After the impeachment of President Joseph Estrada in 2000 and the second Edsa Revolution the following year, he ran again for his final term and won.
He decided to run as mayor of Angeles City in 2004 but abandoned his plans when he was encouraged to run as senator in 2004 upon the prodding of then kabalen President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo (now Pampanga second district representative) under the administration coalition K4. Lapid accepted the offer and won the election landing in the 11th spot.
In May 2006, Lapid said that he was planning to run against now Vice President Jejomar Binay as mayor of Makati City citing reasons that he could save Makati from public demonstrations against then President Arroyo, but lost in the 2007 local elections.
==ACDRRMC holds WASH training==
*Source: http://www.sunstar.com.ph/pampanga/local-news/2014/06/25/acdrrmc-holds-wash-training-350174
*Thursday, June 26, 2014 (Date Published)
:By Ashley Dela Peña
ANGELES CITY -- The Angeles City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (ACDRRMC) recently held the Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) in Emergencies training and seminar for barangay councils at the Angeles City Library Conference Hall.
According to ACDRRMC head Rochelle Aguilar, the training was meant to prepare teams for sanitation and hygiene measures to be implemented in evacuation centers.
"Itong training na ito, pini-prepare niya yung teams natin sa barangay level para sa needs for water, sanitation and hygiene sa evacuation centers. Para kung anuman ang mangyari, at kailangan natin i-activate ang ating evacuation centers, we have a WASH team that will make sure na ang standards sa pagtitiyak ng water, sanitation and hygiene sa mga evacuation centers ay na-mi-meet," Aguilar said.
The WASH team, according to Aguilar, could be from the particular barangay or the victims themselves in the evacuation center.
City Health Office Assistant Dr. Maria Cheryl Tuazon, for her part said that the training “emphasizes the importance of safet water, sanitation and promotion of hygiene during emergencies which could lead to reduction of morbidities and mortalities during disasters and emergencies.
She added that illnesses that are to be avoided during these mergencies are water-borne diseases such as typhoid and cholera and vector-borne diseases such as dengue and leptospirosis due to floods.
Dr. Tuazon noted that there is a need for toilet facilities and that there must be proper education to avoid certain diseases.
“Kasi kung unsanitary ang pagkakalagay nun, doon nanggagaling yung contamination ng fecal materials sa water,” she explained.
The three-day training was attended by city rural health officers, barangay disaster risk reduction and management committees and ACDRRM officials.
==Rotary Club of Angeles, 50 Years==
*Source: http://www.sunstar.com.ph/pampanga/opinion/2014/06/25/sangil-rotary-club-angeles-50-years-350161
*Wednesday, June 25, 2014
:By Max Sangil
MANY good things happened in Angeles City in 1964. It was in this year Angeles became a chartered city.
The city was witnessing business activities never witnessed in the fifties. PX business was brisk. Many housing subdivisions all over the city were sprouting like mushrooms. Buy and sell business of cars and appliances coming out of nearby Clark Air Force Base meant hefty profits for the locals.
It was in this year when the Rotary Club of Angeles was chartered.
Johnny Uy, the most popular Chinese businessman in the city was a member of the Rotary Club of San Fernando (Pampanga) and past president at that.
It was him who gathered businessmen and professionals of the city to form a Rotary club. Mang Johnny's enthusiasm was so contagious that it infected everyone whom he approached, and in no time at all, the Rotary Club of Angeles was born.
The late Geromin G. Nepomuceno, son of Don Juan Nepomuceno, the leading businessman of the city, was elected as its first president. As charter president, he served during Rotary Year 1965-66. Succeeding Nepomuceno was Angelo 'Loy' David, then president of the Prudential Bank and Trust Company.
Then came Ricardo V. Flores, the boatman from Pagsanjan, Laguna who was invited by Don Juan to migrate to Angeles and established the Holy Angel Academy.
Flores was the third to occupy the presidency of the club.
The club meetings were held at the Spic and Span, a fusion restaurant located along Plaridel Street.
Fellowship and camaraderie was at its finest. And as a service club it did a lot of community service. After Flores, there was insurance man Dick Manalastas, lawyer Frank Villanueva, Bud Valdes, Al Wilkerson, Neng Bernardo, Bert Paras, Dante Timbol, Fil Del Rosario, lawyer Aciong Guiao, Ben Henson, Jogar Arceo, Melo Narciso, Jess Panlilio, Dading Angeles, Benjie Chu, Ted Suarez, Benny Sazon, Fred Ayson, Freddie Ayson, Tony Angeles, Pete Lansang, Berty Reyes, Ner Lumanlan, Ding Roque, Romy Pascual, Cris Galang, Casik Sabile, Eddie Antonio, Dan Dizon, Ric Bermudo, Mars Deang, Efren Tayag, Ed Sugay, Manny Alfonso, Jojo Flores, Tony Guzman and Romy Pecson.
I was inducted into the RC Angeles during the incumbency of the late Romy Pascual in 1992, and became its president in 2005. I was succeeded by American expat Walt Howard, a long time resident in the country. Then came banker Ed Panlilio, followed by government engineer Rico Guilas, restaurateur Manny Alfonso (second time) businessman Ray Dizon, and former barangay captain Jun Tungol. Businessman Dante Timbol was elected president for the second time also in 2012 and was succeeded by banker Gus Agustin.
This year, RC Angeles will celebrate its 50th year of existence with the young generation handed the gavel of power. Businessman Justin Flores was accorded the honor and getting the tag as the "golden president". He will be the 44th person who became president of this "most prestigious club". He will be inducted tonight at the fashionable Ribeye Function Hall, with gold as motif of the celebration of the club's golden anniversary.
The Rotary Club of Angeles is called with pride and reverence as the MOTHER CLUB! And it gave birth to Rotary Club Angeles North, RC Angeles Kuliat, RC Clark Centennial, RC Mabalacat, RC Angeles Friendship, RC Clarkfield, RC Angeles West, RC Balibago, RC Metro Angeles Centro, RC Angeles Centro, RC Dau, RC Magalang, RC Metro Angeles, RC Pampanga North, RC Mabalacat Clark and RC Angeles Midtown.
All members of these clubs have something in common. They internalized the motto: 'Service, above self'.
==Fying eye hospital in Clark for mission==
*Source: http://www.sunstar.com.ph/pampanga/local-news/2014/06/24/fying-eye-hospital-clark-mission-350025
*Tuesday, June 24, 2014
:By Reynaldo G. Navales
CLARK FREEPORT -- The Orbis Flying Eye Hospital on Monday landed in Clark International Airport (CRK) for a two-week eye care mission.
The mission, which will run from June 23 to July 4, is sponsored by FedEx Express, and includes an intensive training for technology transfer for ophthalmologists in Pampanga and other parts of Central Luzon.
Orbis executives coordinated with the Jose B. Lingad Memorial Regional Hospital (JBLMRH) and the Central Luzon Society of Ophthalmology in a bid to deliver eye care services in the region by improving the skills of local ophthalmologists.
Dr. Ahmed Gomaa, medical director of Orbis Flying Eye Hospital, said they implemented various training programs in the Philippines to provide quality eye care services to Filipinos.
"We looked forward to visiting Pampanga and we are grateful to our longtime sponsor, FedEx, whose generous support has made it possible for Orbis to conduct programs all over the world. We are excited to continue working together to eliminate avoidable blindness and deliver the highest standards of training," Gomaa said.
He said that about 39 million people around the world are blind and in the Philippines alone, more than 3 million are visually impaired.
He said that 80 percent of the cases can be treated if patients received proper medical attention.
Some 24 hands-on trainees are undergoing a workshop inside the Orbis’ converted DC-10 parked at the Clark aviation complex.
The World Health Organization (WHO) stated that about 90 percent of the world’s visually-impaired people live in developing countries. Some 19 million children are visually impaired and the top three causes of low vision or blindness are refractive errors, cataracts, and glaucoma.
Orbis is a non-profit organization that works in developing countries to save sight worldwide. It prevents and treats blindness through hands-on training, public health education, improved access to quality eye care, advocacy, and partnerships with local health care organizations.
The Orbis Flying Eye Hospital was in Pampanga in 2004 for a three-week medical mission.
Clark International Airport Corporation (CIAC) president Victor Jose Luciano lauded the efforts of FedEx and Orbis saying the mission is of great help to Filipinos.
Luciano vowed to provide assistance and support to the eye care program.
JBLMRH Director Dr. Yolanda L. Dee, Department of Health Central Luzon Director Leonita P. Gorgolon, University of the Philippines Chancellor Dr. Manny Agulto, and other medical doctors attended the opening ceremonies here yesterday.
Local officials present in the event include Pampanga Provincial Board Member Cherry Manalo, Mabalacat City Mayor Marino Morales, and Angeles City Vice-Mayor Vicky Vega Cabigting.
==AC gov’t, CDC tie up for APEC 2015 infra projects==
*Source: http://angelescity.gov.ph/news?view=8bcaf235f6ad4aae88cc0a2df70b712c0700
*Monday, June 23, 2014 1:29 pm
:(angelescity.gov.ph)
ANGELES CITY – The local government here and the Clark Development Corporation (CDC) gear up coordinated plans to hasten ongoing infrastructure projects in preparation for the country’s hosting of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) meet this 2015.
Plans were discussed during a focused coordination meeting at the Angeles City Hall led by Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan and CDC President Arthur Tugade.
The discussion dwelled on the joint development projects for the Clark-Angeles perimeter fence, the proposed Clark roundabout and other related matters concerning these improvements.
Mayor Pamintuan said that Angeles will be of support to any undertakings that CDC wishes to embark on as long as “it is for the good of the majority”.
“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.
For a more improved perimeter wall, the city government performed onsite inspections and tagging of illegal structures (like eateries, sari-sari stores, and tricycle and jeepney terminals) along the Don Juico Avenue in Barangay Anunas and Malabanias.
To date, 90 out of 93 illegal structures were already demolished during an operation held on June 9 to 11 in preparation for its greening and beautification.
Owners and public transport drivers and operators were advised regarding the said operation which resulted to the deliberate demolition of their own makeshift edifice.
Moreover, CDC presented an architectural design and a walkthrough visual presentation of the proposed Clark-Angeles perimeter greening and beautification.
Parking areas with beautiful landscapes as well as loading and unloading bays for public utility vehicles will be put up, which according to Pamintuan, will provide “a beautiful view of how progressive Angeles is”.
On the other hand, the Clark rotunda, which is said to be the biggest roundabout in Central Luzon, is currently up for bidding.
The roundabout will feature beautiful landscape designs which will complement the soon-to-rise Sundial Garden/Mini-Cultural Center of the city at the Bayanihan Park.
Displacement and relocation of jeepney terminals surrounding the Bayanihan Park (Hensonville, Friendship-Main Gate, Checkpoint-Highway and Balibago) is currently under study for a better traffic situation and public transportation depot.
“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.
Months from now, Clark will be hosting the first leg of APEC 2015 in the country before Boracay, Cebu, Iloilo and Manila..
According to Tugade, Clark will also be a home to more than 1,700 senior ministers of finance and tourism from 21 attending 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 targeted all infrastructure projects to be accomplished by November just in time for the APEC 2015 dry run.
City government and CDC officials, private contractors, legal consultants, environment officials, local police, business and public transport representatives were also present during the meeting.
==Angeles waste reduced by segregation==
*Source: http://www.sunstar.com.ph/pampanga/local-news/2014/06/21/angeles-waste-reduced-segregation-349451
*Sunday, June 22, 2014 (Date Published)
:By Ashley Dela Peña
ANGELES CITY -- An official of the City Environment and Natural Resources Officer (Cenro) on Friday said the volume of garbage sent to the central material recovery facility (MRF) here has significantly decreased since the implementation of the waste segregation program last March.
Cenro head Francis Pangilinan, during the solid waste management board meeting, said his office has "evaluated what our waste segregation program has accomplished and what we must do after."
"If we would compare the volume of garbage before the program, we have seen a decrease in the volume of garbage starting March and April of more or less, 20 percent, or if we would quantify it, it would be about 1,000 tons," Pangilinan said.
He added that even in the barangay level, they are for the waste segregation program.
"The decrease has been continuous and there are now more barangays that are doing waste segregation. There are also barangays that have their own MRFs within their community, though some do not have because of the lack of space," Pangilinan said.
Meanwhile, the Cenro has proposed an ordinance to the City Council that encourages barangays to create environmental police and impose fines, which would go to the barangay or be divided to enforcers or local folk who apprehend violators.
Pangilinan said revision in the current ordinance -- where fines are remitted to City Treasurer's Office -- could help people to be observant and vigilant.
"Through that, we could create the inertia for the citizens to be observant. That's why we provide an incentive to those who work hard," he said.
==Pisay Central’s bentonite water-filtration project wins Hyundai New Thinkers Spotlight award==
*Source: http://businessmirror.com.ph/index.php/en/features/science/34174-pisay-central-s-bentonite-water-filtration-project-wins-hyundai-new-thinkers-spotlight-award
*Saturday, June 21, 2014
: (CS&T Media Service )
AS climate change causes water scarcity and contamination in most communities in the country, students from Philippine Science High School-Central Campus devised a water-filter system using a locally abundant material called bentonite to source clean water from Abacan River in Angeles City, Pampanga, for indigenous people.
With eutrophication and sedimentation prevailing in the Abacan River, Jan Louise Cabrera, Joshua Miguel Danac and mentor Karizz Anne Morante created a filtration system using bentonite clay—a product of lahar erosion and an effective adsorbent of dirt—to benefit the Ayta community in Barangay Sapangbato in Angeles, City.
The innovation earned the Best Bayanihan Project title at the Hyundai New Thinkers Spotlight recently held at the Hyundai Center for Green Innovation in Angat, Bulacan.
The project entitled “Bentonite Absorbent as a Technological Improvement of Sapangbato Waters” bested 19 other climate-change intervention projects and bagged medals, certificates, and a cash prize of P90,000 for the team. The students were also awarded college scholarship grants courtesy of Hyundai Asia Resources Inc. (Hari) Foundation.
“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,” said Cabrera and Danac during their project defense. “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 Ayta communities in Sapangbato.”
They said the filtration system could also serve as model for other communities to adopt as an alternative way to source 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 added.
The Hyundai New Thinkers Spotlight is the culminating phase of the Hyundai New Thinkers Circuit (HNTC) Program—a collaborative program of Hari Foundation and the Department of Science and Technology-Science Education Institute (DOST-SEI), together with the University of the Philippines’s National Institute of Geological Sciences and Marine Science Institute. The program aimed to develop students into becoming future climate scientists and leaders.
In the Spotlight, 20 school teams showcased their innovative community-development projects through exhibits and project presentations to compete for 20 scholarship slots. The Bayanihan projects were evaluated based on ingenuity, efficiency, sustainability, and the students’ overall participation in the HNTC cycle.
Emilio Bernabe High School’s Neal Renz Empleo, Sheena Coleen Labampa and coach Marites Banzon placed second 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, a cash prize of P75,000 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,” and Sisters of Mary School’s “Electroschwartz Vertical Axis Wind Turbine” rounded up the top five.
Completing the top 10 are 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), and Valenzuela City Science High School (H2O FLOOD).
The college education of the students shall be supported by Hari Foundation provided they choose a science course.
Hari Foundation President Ma. Fe Perez-Agudo encouraged them to be leaders in whichever field they choose in the future.
“We stand here with a dream to drive a new world of possibilities for our young people, the leaders and innovators of tomorrow,” Agudo said.
She also urged the Hyundai New Thinkers to be “part of the solution” as the answers could already be in front of them.
“You are more than brilliant scholars. You are a spark of hope for a better world,” Agudo said.
Dr. Josette Biyo, the new director of DOST-SEI, urged the students to continue to exemplify leadership in their own schools and communities even 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 as she encouraged the participants to choose science courses in college.
==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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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.

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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.

Right-of-way plaguing Angeles road projects

(NCS/JTD)

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO -- The unresolved problem on right-of-way (ROW) is stopping the completion of vital road projects that have been implemented primarily in Angeles City in preparation for the holding of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) Summit next year, according to a source from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).

The source, who asked not to be identified, told Sun.Star Pampanga that the projects, worth over P1 billion, were started without resolving first the long-standing right-of-way issue that was seen as a potential setback.

"But government was committed to finishing the projects in time for the Apec so the DPWH went ahead and probably thought the ROW issue could be taken care of later on," the source said.

It did not turn out that way.

The strategy, according to the source, was for the projects to be launched even as negotiation for the ROW was simultaneously being conducted with concerned private individuals.

"Negotiations have apparently bogged down because many of the projects are way, way behind schedule," the source said.

One of the projects, the source said, is the Pandan-Magalang Road.

Angeles City Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan earlier threatened to sue contractors of the different projects in his turf due to the delay that has drawn the ire of motorists, business people and local folk.

The source said the ROW problem was inherited by the current DPWH officials from their predecessors who could not bring the issue to a close because of many factors, among them political and legal.

The source said that many private individuals and establishments along the routes of the Apec road projects have encroached on government property.

"Basically, the ROW problem has been exacerbated over the years of inaction owing the lack of political will from authorities," the source said.

But the source admitted that some of the contractors who have been awarded the projects do not have the equipment to finish the job on time.

"It's really a confluence of many factors that are well within control," the source.

Still, the source said, there is still enough time to complete the projects in time for the Apec meet, which is expected to shore up the image of the Philippines as an emerging economy in Asia.

Recently, Public Works Secretary Rogelio Singson instructed DPWH Regional Director Antonio Molano Jr. to bar several contractors from participating in any new bidding until they finish on time their projects for the Apec meet at the Clark Freeport.

Molano had told Sun.Star Pampanga that the contractors of the Apec projects have been castigated for the delay in road and construction works. He gave the assurance, however, that the projects will be completed "ahead of schedule."

Village preps for rains, floods

By Ashley Dela Peña

ANGELES CITY – Barangay Pandan headed by Chairman Jerry Alejandrino in this city has started preparing for the rainy season and impending flooding.

Village councilman Bernardo Villavicencio said that Alejandrino has already initiated sandbagging operations to let avert flooding in the barangay in the midst of the on-going rehabilitation and widening of the Pandan-Magalang Road which the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) would be “finished ahead of schedule.”

“Di lang po sigurodo yung barangay council kung matatapos yun sa takdang panahon dahil nakikita namin na marami pang kulang. Kung talagang darating yung baha, malaki yun, dahil nga hindi pa tapos yung daan. As much as possible, pinamamadali naming yung paggawa ng daan, para sa ganun darating yung rainy season, meron nang daraanan ang tubig sa mga gagawing kanal ng DPWH,” he said.

According to Villavicencio, the barangay council is conducting de-clogging and cleaning of alleys and existing waterways to avert impending floods.

“Mostly po preparado itong Barangay Pandan as far as evacuation is concerned, kasi meron naman po eh,” he said.

Villavicencio also disclosed that the village council has proposed to the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council the purchase of boats from their calamity fund to have the barangay fully prepared in case of flooding.

“Hindi natin maa-anticipate kung gaano kalaki. Pero huwag sana ng lumaking malaking-malaki kasi (yung baha) baka kakailanganin namin ng bangka,” Villavicencio said.

Big time drug pusher killed, cohort injured

By Ric Sapnu

CAMP OLIVAS, Pampanga -- A big time drug pusher was killed and his cohort injured after their motorcycle accidentally hit an electric post during a brief chased conducted by operatives of the Anti-Illegal Drugs along Henson Street, Barangay Sta. Teresita, Angeles City, recently.

Senior Superintendent Marlon Madrid, Pampanga police acting provincial director, identified the suspects as Pascam Muhaiman, alias Sam, a resident of Balanga, Bataan; and Joseph Christina Matitu, 26, of Barangay Calantas, Floridablanca, Pampanga.

Madrid said the Anti-Illegal Drug Operations of Pampanga and Angeles City Police in coordination with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA3) conducted a buy-bust operation in Barangay Balibago, Angeles City against the two suspected drug pushers.

The two sensed the presence of policemen which prompted them to flee using their Honda Super 4 big bike (RO-3615).

Anti-illegal operatives chased them until they accidentally bumped a balut vendor, then driver of the motorcycle lost control of the steering wheel and hit a concrete electric post along the road of Barangay Teresita, Angeles City, the report said.

Madrid added Muhaiman died on the spot due to severe injuries in the different part of his body while Matitu was taken to Ospital ng Angeles for treatment.

Police recovered 11 medium sized heat-sealed transparent plastic sachets containing shabu, P16,000 and several drug paraphernalia from Muhaiman.

Madrid said Muhaiman and Matitu were listed as priority targets for neutralization for illegal drugs as per joint validation conducted between the PNP and PDEA.

Lapid registers as Angeles City voter

By Ashley Dela Peña

ANGELES CITY -- Senator Lito Lapid on Thursday transferred his voter's registration here where he allegedly will seek the mayoral post, or run as district representative in the 2016 elections.

Lapid underwent the voter's registration process, from submitting the necessary documents for transfer to biometrics to become a registered voter of Angeles City.

He took his oath before Commission on Elections Officer Numer Lobo.

He had earlier transferred his residence from Porac to Angeles City where he was able to acquire a house here.

Meanwhile, political observers see this as Lapid's "move" to run for mayor or even a congressman, since there is a pending bill in Congress seeking to make Angeles City a lone district.

Lapid, born in Porac town, started his political career in 1992 when he ran under the opposition block Nationalist People's Coalition as vice governor of Pampanga, defeating the incumbent vice governor Cielo Macapagal-Salgado.

In 1995, he ran against Governor Bren Guiao for governor under the same party and won. When he sought a second term in 1998, Lapid joined the administration party Lakas-NUCD. After the impeachment of President Joseph Estrada in 2000 and the second Edsa Revolution the following year, he ran again for his final term and won.

He decided to run as mayor of Angeles City in 2004 but abandoned his plans when he was encouraged to run as senator in 2004 upon the prodding of then kabalen President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo (now Pampanga second district representative) under the administration coalition K4. Lapid accepted the offer and won the election landing in the 11th spot.

In May 2006, Lapid said that he was planning to run against now Vice President Jejomar Binay as mayor of Makati City citing reasons that he could save Makati from public demonstrations against then President Arroyo, but lost in the 2007 local elections.

ACDRRMC holds WASH training

By Ashley Dela Peña

ANGELES CITY -- The Angeles City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (ACDRRMC) recently held the Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) in Emergencies training and seminar for barangay councils at the Angeles City Library Conference Hall.

According to ACDRRMC head Rochelle Aguilar, the training was meant to prepare teams for sanitation and hygiene measures to be implemented in evacuation centers.

"Itong training na ito, pini-prepare niya yung teams natin sa barangay level para sa needs for water, sanitation and hygiene sa evacuation centers. Para kung anuman ang mangyari, at kailangan natin i-activate ang ating evacuation centers, we have a WASH team that will make sure na ang standards sa pagtitiyak ng water, sanitation and hygiene sa mga evacuation centers ay na-mi-meet," Aguilar said.

The WASH team, according to Aguilar, could be from the particular barangay or the victims themselves in the evacuation center.

City Health Office Assistant Dr. Maria Cheryl Tuazon, for her part said that the training “emphasizes the importance of safet water, sanitation and promotion of hygiene during emergencies which could lead to reduction of morbidities and mortalities during disasters and emergencies.

She added that illnesses that are to be avoided during these mergencies are water-borne diseases such as typhoid and cholera and vector-borne diseases such as dengue and leptospirosis due to floods.

Dr. Tuazon noted that there is a need for toilet facilities and that there must be proper education to avoid certain diseases.

“Kasi kung unsanitary ang pagkakalagay nun, doon nanggagaling yung contamination ng fecal materials sa water,” she explained.

The three-day training was attended by city rural health officers, barangay disaster risk reduction and management committees and ACDRRM officials.

Rotary Club of Angeles, 50 Years

By Max Sangil

MANY good things happened in Angeles City in 1964. It was in this year Angeles became a chartered city.

The city was witnessing business activities never witnessed in the fifties. PX business was brisk. Many housing subdivisions all over the city were sprouting like mushrooms. Buy and sell business of cars and appliances coming out of nearby Clark Air Force Base meant hefty profits for the locals.

It was in this year when the Rotary Club of Angeles was chartered.

Johnny Uy, the most popular Chinese businessman in the city was a member of the Rotary Club of San Fernando (Pampanga) and past president at that.

It was him who gathered businessmen and professionals of the city to form a Rotary club. Mang Johnny's enthusiasm was so contagious that it infected everyone whom he approached, and in no time at all, the Rotary Club of Angeles was born.

The late Geromin G. Nepomuceno, son of Don Juan Nepomuceno, the leading businessman of the city, was elected as its first president. As charter president, he served during Rotary Year 1965-66. Succeeding Nepomuceno was Angelo 'Loy' David, then president of the Prudential Bank and Trust Company.

Then came Ricardo V. Flores, the boatman from Pagsanjan, Laguna who was invited by Don Juan to migrate to Angeles and established the Holy Angel Academy.

Flores was the third to occupy the presidency of the club.

The club meetings were held at the Spic and Span, a fusion restaurant located along Plaridel Street.

Fellowship and camaraderie was at its finest. And as a service club it did a lot of community service. After Flores, there was insurance man Dick Manalastas, lawyer Frank Villanueva, Bud Valdes, Al Wilkerson, Neng Bernardo, Bert Paras, Dante Timbol, Fil Del Rosario, lawyer Aciong Guiao, Ben Henson, Jogar Arceo, Melo Narciso, Jess Panlilio, Dading Angeles, Benjie Chu, Ted Suarez, Benny Sazon, Fred Ayson, Freddie Ayson, Tony Angeles, Pete Lansang, Berty Reyes, Ner Lumanlan, Ding Roque, Romy Pascual, Cris Galang, Casik Sabile, Eddie Antonio, Dan Dizon, Ric Bermudo, Mars Deang, Efren Tayag, Ed Sugay, Manny Alfonso, Jojo Flores, Tony Guzman and Romy Pecson.

I was inducted into the RC Angeles during the incumbency of the late Romy Pascual in 1992, and became its president in 2005. I was succeeded by American expat Walt Howard, a long time resident in the country. Then came banker Ed Panlilio, followed by government engineer Rico Guilas, restaurateur Manny Alfonso (second time) businessman Ray Dizon, and former barangay captain Jun Tungol. Businessman Dante Timbol was elected president for the second time also in 2012 and was succeeded by banker Gus Agustin.

This year, RC Angeles will celebrate its 50th year of existence with the young generation handed the gavel of power. Businessman Justin Flores was accorded the honor and getting the tag as the "golden president". He will be the 44th person who became president of this "most prestigious club". He will be inducted tonight at the fashionable Ribeye Function Hall, with gold as motif of the celebration of the club's golden anniversary.

The Rotary Club of Angeles is called with pride and reverence as the MOTHER CLUB! And it gave birth to Rotary Club Angeles North, RC Angeles Kuliat, RC Clark Centennial, RC Mabalacat, RC Angeles Friendship, RC Clarkfield, RC Angeles West, RC Balibago, RC Metro Angeles Centro, RC Angeles Centro, RC Dau, RC Magalang, RC Metro Angeles, RC Pampanga North, RC Mabalacat Clark and RC Angeles Midtown.

All members of these clubs have something in common. They internalized the motto: 'Service, above self'.

Fying eye hospital in Clark for mission

By Reynaldo G. Navales

CLARK FREEPORT -- The Orbis Flying Eye Hospital on Monday landed in Clark International Airport (CRK) for a two-week eye care mission.

The mission, which will run from June 23 to July 4, is sponsored by FedEx Express, and includes an intensive training for technology transfer for ophthalmologists in Pampanga and other parts of Central Luzon.

Orbis executives coordinated with the Jose B. Lingad Memorial Regional Hospital (JBLMRH) and the Central Luzon Society of Ophthalmology in a bid to deliver eye care services in the region by improving the skills of local ophthalmologists.

Dr. Ahmed Gomaa, medical director of Orbis Flying Eye Hospital, said they implemented various training programs in the Philippines to provide quality eye care services to Filipinos.

"We looked forward to visiting Pampanga and we are grateful to our longtime sponsor, FedEx, whose generous support has made it possible for Orbis to conduct programs all over the world. We are excited to continue working together to eliminate avoidable blindness and deliver the highest standards of training," Gomaa said.

He said that about 39 million people around the world are blind and in the Philippines alone, more than 3 million are visually impaired.

He said that 80 percent of the cases can be treated if patients received proper medical attention.

Some 24 hands-on trainees are undergoing a workshop inside the Orbis’ converted DC-10 parked at the Clark aviation complex.

The World Health Organization (WHO) stated that about 90 percent of the world’s visually-impaired people live in developing countries. Some 19 million children are visually impaired and the top three causes of low vision or blindness are refractive errors, cataracts, and glaucoma.

Orbis is a non-profit organization that works in developing countries to save sight worldwide. It prevents and treats blindness through hands-on training, public health education, improved access to quality eye care, advocacy, and partnerships with local health care organizations.

The Orbis Flying Eye Hospital was in Pampanga in 2004 for a three-week medical mission.

Clark International Airport Corporation (CIAC) president Victor Jose Luciano lauded the efforts of FedEx and Orbis saying the mission is of great help to Filipinos.

Luciano vowed to provide assistance and support to the eye care program.

JBLMRH Director Dr. Yolanda L. Dee, Department of Health Central Luzon Director Leonita P. Gorgolon, University of the Philippines Chancellor Dr. Manny Agulto, and other medical doctors attended the opening ceremonies here yesterday.

Local officials present in the event include Pampanga Provincial Board Member Cherry Manalo, Mabalacat City Mayor Marino Morales, and Angeles City Vice-Mayor Vicky Vega Cabigting.

AC gov’t, CDC tie up for APEC 2015 infra projects

(angelescity.gov.ph)

ANGELES CITY – The local government here and the Clark Development Corporation (CDC) gear up coordinated plans to hasten ongoing infrastructure projects in preparation for the country’s hosting of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) meet this 2015.

Plans were discussed during a focused coordination meeting at the Angeles City Hall led by Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan and CDC President Arthur Tugade.

The discussion dwelled on the joint development projects for the Clark-Angeles perimeter fence, the proposed Clark roundabout and other related matters concerning these improvements.

Mayor Pamintuan said that Angeles will be of support to any undertakings that CDC wishes to embark on as long as “it is for the good of the majority”.

“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.

For a more improved perimeter wall, the city government performed onsite inspections and tagging of illegal structures (like eateries, sari-sari stores, and tricycle and jeepney terminals) along the Don Juico Avenue in Barangay Anunas and Malabanias.

To date, 90 out of 93 illegal structures were already demolished during an operation held on June 9 to 11 in preparation for its greening and beautification.

Owners and public transport drivers and operators were advised regarding the said operation which resulted to the deliberate demolition of their own makeshift edifice.

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

Parking areas with beautiful landscapes as well as loading and unloading bays for public utility vehicles will be put up, which according to Pamintuan, will provide “a beautiful view of how progressive Angeles is”.

On the other hand, the Clark rotunda, which is said to be the biggest roundabout in Central Luzon, is currently up for bidding.

The roundabout will feature beautiful landscape designs which will complement the soon-to-rise Sundial Garden/Mini-Cultural Center of the city at the Bayanihan Park.

Displacement and relocation of jeepney terminals surrounding the Bayanihan Park (Hensonville, Friendship-Main Gate, Checkpoint-Highway and Balibago) is currently under study for a better traffic situation and public transportation depot.

“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.

Months from now, Clark will be hosting the first leg of APEC 2015 in the country before Boracay, Cebu, Iloilo and Manila..

According to Tugade, Clark will also be a home to more than 1,700 senior ministers of finance and tourism from 21 attending 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 targeted all infrastructure projects to be accomplished by November just in time for the APEC 2015 dry run.

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

Angeles waste reduced by segregation

By Ashley Dela Peña

ANGELES CITY -- An official of the City Environment and Natural Resources Officer (Cenro) on Friday said the volume of garbage sent to the central material recovery facility (MRF) here has significantly decreased since the implementation of the waste segregation program last March.

Cenro head Francis Pangilinan, during the solid waste management board meeting, said his office has "evaluated what our waste segregation program has accomplished and what we must do after."

"If we would compare the volume of garbage before the program, we have seen a decrease in the volume of garbage starting March and April of more or less, 20 percent, or if we would quantify it, it would be about 1,000 tons," Pangilinan said.

He added that even in the barangay level, they are for the waste segregation program.

"The decrease has been continuous and there are now more barangays that are doing waste segregation. There are also barangays that have their own MRFs within their community, though some do not have because of the lack of space," Pangilinan said.

Meanwhile, the Cenro has proposed an ordinance to the City Council that encourages barangays to create environmental police and impose fines, which would go to the barangay or be divided to enforcers or local folk who apprehend violators.

Pangilinan said revision in the current ordinance -- where fines are remitted to City Treasurer's Office -- could help people to be observant and vigilant.

"Through that, we could create the inertia for the citizens to be observant. That's why we provide an incentive to those who work hard," he said.

Pisay Central’s bentonite water-filtration project wins Hyundai New Thinkers Spotlight award

(CS&T Media Service )

AS climate change causes water scarcity and contamination in most communities in the country, students from Philippine Science High School-Central Campus devised a water-filter system using a locally abundant material called bentonite to source clean water from Abacan River in Angeles City, Pampanga, for indigenous people.

With eutrophication and sedimentation prevailing in the Abacan River, Jan Louise Cabrera, Joshua Miguel Danac and mentor Karizz Anne Morante created a filtration system using bentonite clay—a product of lahar erosion and an effective adsorbent of dirt—to benefit the Ayta community in Barangay Sapangbato in Angeles, City.

The innovation earned the Best Bayanihan Project title at the Hyundai New Thinkers Spotlight recently held at the Hyundai Center for Green Innovation in Angat, Bulacan.

The project entitled “Bentonite Absorbent as a Technological Improvement of Sapangbato Waters” bested 19 other climate-change intervention projects and bagged medals, certificates, and a cash prize of P90,000 for the team. The students were also awarded college scholarship grants courtesy of Hyundai Asia Resources Inc. (Hari) Foundation.

“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,” said Cabrera and Danac during their project defense. “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 Ayta communities in Sapangbato.”

They said the filtration system could also serve as model for other communities to adopt as an alternative way to source 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 added.

The Hyundai New Thinkers Spotlight is the culminating phase of the Hyundai New Thinkers Circuit (HNTC) Program—a collaborative program of Hari Foundation and the Department of Science and Technology-Science Education Institute (DOST-SEI), together with the University of the Philippines’s National Institute of Geological Sciences and Marine Science Institute. The program aimed to develop students into becoming future climate scientists and leaders.

In the Spotlight, 20 school teams showcased their innovative community-development projects through exhibits and project presentations to compete for 20 scholarship slots. The Bayanihan projects were evaluated based on ingenuity, efficiency, sustainability, and the students’ overall participation in the HNTC cycle.

Emilio Bernabe High School’s Neal Renz Empleo, Sheena Coleen Labampa and coach Marites Banzon placed second 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, a cash prize of P75,000 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,” and Sisters of Mary School’s “Electroschwartz Vertical Axis Wind Turbine” rounded up the top five.

Completing the top 10 are 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), and Valenzuela City Science High School (H2O FLOOD).

The college education of the students shall be supported by Hari Foundation provided they choose a science course.

Hari Foundation President Ma. Fe Perez-Agudo encouraged them to be leaders in whichever field they choose in the future.

“We stand here with a dream to drive a new world of possibilities for our young people, the leaders and innovators of tomorrow,” Agudo said.

She also urged the Hyundai New Thinkers to be “part of the solution” as the answers could already be in front of them.

“You are more than brilliant scholars. You are a spark of hope for a better world,” Agudo said.

Dr. Josette Biyo, the new director of DOST-SEI, urged the students to continue to exemplify leadership in their own schools and communities even 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 as she encouraged the participants to choose science courses in college.


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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