Angeles City News September 2014

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

Angeles City Catholic Church

Sacrifice of the faithfuls by crucifying themselves.

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

Belgian firm to have 11MW solar power project in Clark

• Source: http://news.pia.gov.ph/index.php?article=2431411696877
• Tuesday, September 30, 2014

By Rosa Bianca R. Pamintuan

CLARK FREEPORT, September 30 (PIA) -- Belgian firm Enfinity Philippines Renewable Resources Inc. (EPRRI) has signed an agreement with Clark Development Corporation for the establishment of an 11-megawatt solar power project inside the Freeport.

The P814 million initiative consists of putting up 220,200 panels in a 25 hectare leased property.

“Clark power needs is at 50 to 70 megawatts daily and with the foreseen shortage next year, this project will be a big help to the locators operating inside the Freeport. This shall also be cheaper than regular rates,” Enfinity consultant Bengino Gonzales said in a press statement.

EPRRI was registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission on July 15, 2010.

It shall invest in or otherwise engage in the exploration, development, and utilization of renewable resources with particular focus on solar and wind energy generation.

The company eyes 500 megawatts of solar power portfolio in the country in the next three to five years. (CLJD/RBRP-PIA 3)

Pampanga ‘market’ for premium cars

• Source: http://www.sunstar.com.ph/pampanga/local-news/2014/09/29/pampanga-market-premium-cars-368200
• Monday, September 29, 2014

By Reynaldo G. Navales

ANGELES CITY -- "The province of Pampanga is a huge market for premium cars," said businessman Levy Laus, president and chief executive officer of the Laus Group of Companies (LGC), during the launching of the all new 2015 BMW X4 series at the Marquee Mall on Friday.

Laus said it is rare that a premium car is launched in the countryside.

"Countryside at that, we talk of Pampanga being the choice. Most probably they now think that aside from Metro Manila, Pampanga has become one huge market for premium cars," Laus said.

With more than 10 years of the LGC Pampanga Premiere Cars, the dealership of BMW in Pampanga continues to thrive, according to Laus.

"I know of a big real estate company and they were discussing if they invest in Pampanga or elsewhere. The benchmark happens to be a government official who mentioned that in a province or a region where BMW dealership thrives, that one is an indication of the people," he said.

The real estate firm used the BMW dealership as a point of reference in investing in the province, Laus said.

He also cited the distinct lifestyle of the Pampanguenos. "This is the kind distinction that we [Kapampangans] have."

Laus lauded their partner Asian Carmakers Corporation (ACC) BMW Philippines for investing in Pampanga and putting up the display of world-class cars which the BMW customers deserve.

"It is an honor and prestige that Pampanga Premiere Cars was chosen by ACC BMW Philippines for presenting this brand new product which will excite the BMW customers," Laus said.

3 Angeles village chiefs lead anti-drugs rally

• Source: http://www.sunstar.com.ph/pampanga/local-news/2014/09/27/3-angeles-village-chiefs-lead-anti-drugs-rally-367941
• Sunday, September 28, 2014 (Date Published)

By Joey Pavia (Contributor)

ANGELES CITY -- Officials of three villages here led by Salapungan barangay captain Reynaldo “Rey” Malig expressed their indignation against illegal drugs during a rally and program on Friday.

The anti-drugs rally was attended by Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB) Vice- Chairman and permanent Board Member Dr. Rommel Garcia, Vice-Mayor Vicky Vega-Cabigting, Station 6 Commander Chief Insp. Dederick Relativo, Angeles City Anti-Drug Abuse Council head Anna Liza Suller, Order of Knights Rizal regional head Fr. Sonny Pahed, Drug Enforcement Unit head Insp. Marlon Ventus, Sta. Teresita Barangay Captain Marino Banola, Claro M. Recto Barangay Captain Mario Bognot and others groups, including Tau Gamma Phi, Phi Beta Rho, Tropang Crime Watch and ABE Kapampangan.

“We are leading this rally to save our people, especially the children, from the drugs menace. We must fight it now before it’s too late,” said Malig.

Students from public and private schools joined the rally along the major streets in Salapungan. They displayed placards saying, “there is no future when you are into drugs.”

Garcia, who was with the group which established the Central Luzon Drug Rehabilitation Center in Magalang, Pampanga, said “the orientation of the mind is disrupted when you are into drugs.”

“You have memory loss as well,” he added.

In his speech, Garcia also told stories of violence and murder caused by people who were hooked on illegal drugs.

“Drugs users killed their own children, partners, friends, parents, relatives and innocent people. As I have said, they don’t recognize and are totally lost when they are on drugs,” said Garcia.

Garcia cited the case of Leo Echegaray, the first Filipino to be executed by lethal injection in 1999 when death penalty was restored. The house painter was found guilty of raping her own daughter who was less than a year old.

“Echegaray was reportedly into drugs that’s why he committed the crime against his own daughter,” he said.

Bishop tells LGUs, DPWH: ‘Maintain trees along highway’

• Source: http://www.sunstar.com.ph/pampanga/local-news/2014/09/27/bishop-tells-lgus-dpwh-maintain-trees-along-highway-367936
• Saturday, September 27, 2014

By Reynaldo G. Navales

ANGELES CITY -- A Catholic bishop has called on the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and local government units to maintain trees along the national highway to prevent accidents.

San Fernando Auxiliary Bishop Pablo David, priest of the Holy Rosary Parish Church, issued the statement during a dinner for a cause at the SM City Clark on Friday, which was spearheaded by the Sibul Ning Aeta Foundation (Sibul), in cooperation with other civic and environment organizations.

David said cited an accident in the City of San Fernando in May this year where a woman was killed after a tree fell on the jeepney they were riding.

Trees should not be blamed for the road accidents, he said.

The bishop also stressed that major thoroughfares in Singapore and other progressive countries are "lined" with trees.

"Accidents happen because the DPWH and local government units are not maintaining the trees," David said.

Environmentalists have underscored the importance of tree planting to ensure sufficient water supply.

Sibul and the City Government’s task group One Million Trees initiated the planting and maintenance of bamboo, fruit bearing and hardwood trees in the mountain ranges of Sapangbato.

Experts predicted that in 10 to 15 years, water supply in the Greater Clark Watershed Area will be depleted, said Cecile Yumul, head of the Save the Trees Coalition.

"A very alarming situation, each and every one of us will surely be affected," Yumul said.

"The solution given is very simple, plant trees," she said.

Sibul Ning Aeta Foundation, Inc. is a non-profit organization registered under the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The foundation aims to assist indigenous communities achieve a quality life.

"These past years, the foundation diversified to a sustainable forest management that can offer many forestry by-products thereby building capacity among local communities," Yumul said.

Solar power field to rise in Clark

• Source: http://www.sunstar.com.ph/pampanga/local-news/2014/09/25/solar-power-field-rise-clark-367538
• Friday, September 26, 2014 (Date Published)

By Ferth Vandensteen Manaysay

CLARK FREEPORT -- As the use of renewable energy has grown considerably over the past years, this Freeport is set to benefit from this development through a solar field, which will be constructed starting October this year.

Benito Aquino Gonzales Jr., a well-known renewable energy advocate, disclosed in an interview that an international energy company has leased a 25-hectare land inside this Freeport for the construction of a solar field encompassing 220,000 solar panels, which can produce 15 to 18 megawatts of electricity.

Gonzales identified the said energy company as Enfinity, which invested about $24 million for the said solar field, which is slated to open on June 2015.

According to its company website, Enfinity was founded in 2005 and is "now one of the world's largest and most experienced solar photovoltaic development companies." It is "active across North America, Europe and Asia Pacific and has developed and built some of the largest solar energy projects in the world."

Gonzales also said that the construction of the solar field is very timely given the rising costs of energy consumption in the country.

"In this country, the prices of energy go up by 5.6 percent per annum," said Gonzales, adding that the construction of the solar field may also help the government in reducing the adverse effects of the looming energy crisis next year.

The solar field, Gonzales claimed, might be able to save Clark from a potential energy shortage given the growing energy demand of the businesses inside the Freeport as well as the government plan to develop the Clark International Airport.

“Malampaya is scheduled for maintenance on March 2015 which cannot be re-scheduled, according to Secretary Petilla. That’s 1,600 megawatts. How can you replenish that? This is why we want to put the solar panel there at Clark,” said Gonzales, adding that the energy demand of Clark is about 50 to 70 megawatts per day.

Aside from Clark, a 330-hectare solar field is also set to rise in Orani, Bataan, which can supply power to the entire province. The BWS Incorporated will place 1,500,000 solar panels, which have a capacity to produce 150 megawatts of electricity.

Alviera to create new economic hub in Central Luzon

• Source: http://www.sunstar.com.ph/pampanga/local-news/2014/09/25/alviera-create-new-economic-hub-central-luzon-367545
• Thursday, September 25, 2014

By Joey Pavia (Contributor)

ANGELES CITY -- Top officials of Ayala Corporation (AC) graced on Thursday the launching here of the P75 billion Alviera in Porac, Pampanga, and the developers described the township project as the next economic hub in Central Luzon.

AC Chairman and CEO Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala and Ayala Land Inc. (ALI) Chairman Fernando Zobel de Ayala joined other Ayala officials and representatives of the Leonio family's Leonio Land Holdings Inc. in the grand launch of the 1,100-hectare Alviera at MarQuee Mall here.

Ayala Land president Bernard Vincent Dy said, "What's more important than our investment (in Alviera) is the opportunity to create an economic hub" in Pampanga and Central Luzon. He added that Central Luzon "is a thriving region."

Dy said that Pampanga's strong economy was one of the major factors considered by Ayala before investing in Porac.

Dy said that Pampanga has the third largest gross domestic product (GDP), average annual family income and remittances from Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) among the provinces in the country.

Pampanga has the second largest number of graduates and educated population, Dy added.

Ayala expects to generate P15 billion initially in sales. It will be spending some P7.5 billion for the first phase and it completion date is set in 2016. All units will be available for sale by November.

By 2016, some 200 hectares of the first phase will have facilities, residential areas, a country club, a transport terminal and some retail shops.

Ayala Land’s goal is to create the next economic hub in Region III, with the potential to serve 65,000 residents, 20,000 workers and 20,000 students once the property is completely developed in 20 years. Dy said that the Angeles City-based Holy Angel University and Quezon City-based Miriam College will establish its respective campus for the second phase of the Alviera.

The second phase of the Alviera will also feature the continuation of residential development; completion of the retail center; commercial lots, such as the industrial park. Ayala’s residential brands will include Ayala Land Premier (ALP), the developer for the upscale market; Alveo Land Inc. and Avida Land Inc.

Dy said that some 30 hectares will be allotted for “light and non-polluting” manufacturers at the industrial park.

Ayala said that Alviera is about five minutes drive to the Clark Freeport and 40 minutes drive to the Subic Bay Freeport via the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway.

Alviera’s main entrance is few kilometers away from the SCTEX-Porac exit.

Leoncia Holdings Managing Director Clarissa Leoncia-Asuncion, Porac Mayor Carling De La Cruz and Vice-Mayor Dexter David graced event.

Bizman: Rise in bank deposits indicates strong economy

• Source: http://www.sunstar.com.ph/pampanga/local-news/2014/09/24/bizman-rise-bank-deposits-indicates-strong-economy-367343
• Wednesday, September 24, 2014

By Joey Pavia (Contributor)

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO – "It's a strong indication that money is freely flowing and economic growth is sustained in Central Luzon, especially in Angeles City and the City of San Fernando.”

Thus said businessman Renato "Abong" Tayag, former president and now director of the Metro Angeles Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MACCI), when asked to comment about the 19.7 percent increase in bank deposits in the region last year.

"I am happy for my fellow businessmen and more optimistic when it comes to businesses in general," said Tayag in a phone interview on Wednesday.

Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Monetary Board (MB) member Alfredo Antonio said on Tuesday the growth of bank deposits in Central Luzon "is the fastest in Luzon."

There are seven regions and 13 cities in Luzon. Two of the cities – Angeles City and Olongapo City – are highly urbanized.

Tayag said that the private sector and government should ensure the “steady growth” of food production.

“Food is important. An abundant supply of food avoids the effect of inflation,” said Tayag. He added that those with fix incomes suffer most when the prices of food are high.

Antonio said that the regional growth was made possible largely by the expansion of the services and agriculture sectors. He added that the positive growth was recorded in the agriculture, hunting, forestry and fishing sector across the regions in Luzon, and Central Luzon posted the highest growth at 5.4 percent in 2013.

Antonio said agriculture rebounded at 3.6 percent from its stagnant growth last quarter and a year ago.

Tayag said that the national government should improve more the infrastructure in the region to sustain the economic growth.

He stressed that the Clark Freeport and Subic Bay Freeport “are vital to the sustained economic growth not just in the region and Luzon but in the entire country.

SM City Clark celebrates ‘Mabini Para Sa Kabataan’

• Source: http://www.sunstar.com.ph/pampanga/local-news/2014/09/23/sm-city-clark-celebrates-mabini-para-sa-kabataan-367207
• Tuesday, September 23, 2014

By Reynaldo G. Navales

ANGELES CITY -- The National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) in partnership with the Department of Education and SM Supermalls recently celebrated the birth anniversary of “profound thinker and political philosopher, Apolinario Mabini here.

The celebration dubbed “Mabini Para saKabataan” featured a series of activities at SM City Clark with multi-arts learning for elementary school students from grades 5 to 6.

The activities included visual storytelling with slides and multimedia, animation, empowering songs, spoken word, collaborative movement, imaginative writing, and transformative drawing.

The teachers on the other hand had their training in the morning, learning about Mabini and the ideals he stood for in a new, interactive and relevant way.

At least 500 students and 30 teachers from public schools in Angeles City attended the said event. SM officials led by Mall Manager Ana Datu, welcomed the participants while NHCP Senior History Researcher Ellen Samonteo imparted her special remarks. Kara Escay, Ana and Rayyn Cortez of NHCP also shared the empowering songs about Mabini with the students.

Parish conducts waste handling seminar

• Source: http://www.sunstar.com.ph/pampanga/local-news/2014/09/21/parish-conducts-waste-handling-seminar-366819
• Monday, September 22, 2014 (Date Published)

By Reynaldo G. Navales

ANGELES CITY -- The Ministry on Service of the Holy Rosary Parish Church recently conducted a seminar on waste segregation and conversion to compost.

Former City Councilor Louie Reyes, head of the Green Youth Brigade, said residents of Hensonville Plaza subdivision attended the seminar facilitated by ministry head Sister Maria May Cano.

“The topic is very interesting because it is so easy to learn and teach your household members about segregating and composting. At the same time, we profit from the fertilizer we produce from composting. Imagine how much we can save,” Reyes said.

This is one way of helping the local government unit minimize its expenditures on solid waste management, according to Reyes.

“Imagine how we can inspire one household to do its part in the community and save all the troubles of collecting unsegregated waste. It is so empowering to note that we can help the environment by these simple acts,” Reyes said.

Sister May, who was a dietician and nutritionist before becoming a nun, showed the residents on how to mix kitchen waste with soil.

“She showed us how easy it is. Even if our homes have no garden, we can use clay pots as our mini compost pit,” Reyes said.

The residents enjoyed the seminar which also encouraged them to do gardening as a hobby, according to Reyes.

Sister May stressed the importance of segregating and composting waste as part of the global campaign to preserve the environment.

“We can be models and impact our community one step at a time,” Reyes said.

The Holy Rosary Parish Church maintains an ornamental and medicinal plant and vegetable garden and nursery.

“We were so excited and we wanted to invite Sister May again for a cooking seminar. We were all smiles,” Reyes said.

From US base to ‘Green City’

• Source: http://manilastandardtoday.com/2014/09/22/from-us-base-to-green-city-
• Sunday, September 21, 2014 12:01 am

By Dexter A. See

ANGELES CITY, Pampanga—A government agency planned to convert a former US air force base here into a “Green City,” which will generate jobs and investments and promote an environment friendly way of life for its people, a senior official said on Sunday.

Arnel Casanova, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA), said the P200 billion project will convert the 36,000 hectare former Clark Air Force Base into a mix of industrial, commercial and institutional areas of green environment.

“The area is half the size of Metro Manila. We expect it to generate about P1.57 trillion per year to the economy and 925,000 jobs,” Casanova said.

The BCDA, which was tasked to turn former military bases into productive areas, has invested P33.8 billion into the project. The heart of the project is a 9,450-hectare metropolis dubbed as the “Clark Green City.”

Builders will use the green building system and put up environmentally-friendly structures. Its facilities will tap renewable energy such as solar and hydro power.

Casanova said the Clark Green City was its most ambitious project and the first of its kind in the history of the country because “we are building a city for the modern Filipinos.”

The House of Representatives Special Committee on Bases Conversion, in a resolution, supported the Green City project and directed the BCDA to coordinate with other government agencies and local government units to help attain its targets.

“Considering that the House of Representatives represents a broader spectrum of the Philippine society, both geographical and sectoral, the members of the House of Representatives agree to and support the general framework and broad features and objectives of this proposed Clark Green City Master Development Plan,” the resolution said.

Casanova welcomed the support of the House of Representatives and said it will pave the way for greater cooperation among stakeholders “as we build the country’s most modern city.”

“We have been talking with the local chief executives to address the concerns of their constituents. The Clark Green city aims to promote inclusive growth and is envisioned to benefit the people of Tarlac, including farmers groups and indigenous people,” Casanova said.

Pamintuan thanks CDC for projects

• Source: http://www.sunstar.com.ph/pampanga/local-news/2014/09/20/pamintuan-thanks-cdc-projects-366595
• Saturday, September 20, 2014

By Reynaldo G. Navales

CLARK FREEPORT -- Angeles City Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan has expressed his gratitude to the Clark Development Corporation (CDC) for the infrastructure projects being undertaken in the city to be completed before the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) ministerial meeting next year inside this Freeport.

During his regular monthly Kapihan with the members of the Pampanga Media at the Bel Posto Ristorante of Imerex Plaza Hotel in Angeles City, Pamintuan announced that the construction of the Bayanihan Rotunda has already commenced and is expected to be finished before November 30 this year.

The roundabout, financed by CDC at P15.14 million, is in preparation for the country's hosting of part of Apec. He said that the rotunda is part of the tourism projects that he has envisioned aside from being the biggest rotunda to be constructed in Central Luzon.

Aside from the rotunda, Pamintuan also said that the P16-million promenade project of the city, also financed by CDC, is set to commence within the month along the perimeter road of Clark Freeport.

The three-kilometer tourism-related project is expected to be completed before the end of the year. It is part of the beautification of the city and Clark in time for the Apec summit.

Pamintuan also said that he has informed CDC president Arthur Tugade that the illegal establishments and other "eyesores" along the perimeter road at Don Juico Street in Barangay Malabanias up to the Friendship Gate of this Freeport has been cleared.

The City Engineering Office, according to Pamintuan, is now preparing for the construction and beautification of the area.

Meanwhile, the CDC said that also included in the five-lane rotunda project are the construction of 470-linear meter drainage system, landscaping of 5,488.72 square meters, planting of 29 new palms, and the construction of a 1,828.70 square meter concrete sidewalk.

Pamintuan added that Angeles will support any undertaking the CDC will 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 support this endeavors since it will practically benefit not only Clark but Angeles City as a whole," Pamintuan said.

Angeles City village hosts forum on illegal drugs, rally

• Source: http://www.sunstar.com.ph/pampanga/local-news/2014/09/18/angeles-city-village-hosts-forum-illegal-drugs-rally-366227
• Friday, September 19, 2014 (Date Published)

By Joey Pavia (Contributor)

ANGELES CITY -- A village near one of the largest universities in Central Luzon in terms of population is hosting a forum on illegal drugs on September 18 and 19.

Reynaldo “Rey” Malig, barangay captain of Salapungan, here, said that the first forum was held at the Nazarene Academy on Thursday. The second forum will be held at 9 a.m. on September 19 at the Salapungan Elementary School.

Salapungan is near the Angeles University Foundation (AUF) and it hosts some of the facilities of the AUF and its hospital. Several students and AUF workers are renting rooms and apartments in the village with at least 6,871 residents as of latest data.

"An ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure," said Malig when asked why he is hosting the forum on illegal drugs ahead of the other villages.

Malig said that climax of his anti-illegal drugs campaign is the huge rally set on September 26. He is asking concerned residents in other villages to join the rally to save the people from “the evils of drugs.”

Malig said that he had also invited members of the Angeles City Police Office (ACPO) to discuss the anti-bullying law in both schools. They are P01 Ireneo Galang and Inspector Evangeline Geminiano.

AGI eyes Clark project

• Source: http://business.inquirer.net/178952/agi-eyes-clark-project
• Thursday, September 18th, 2014 at 4:29 am

Doris C. Dumlao |Philippine Daily Inquirer

MANILA, Philippines–The group of property tycoon Andrew Tan is considering to bid for a piece of 9,450-hectare Clark Green City in Pampanga, which is envisioned by the state-controlled Bases Conversion Development Authority (BCDA) to become the country’s first “smart, green and disaster-resilient” metropolis. Kingson Sian, president of Tan-led Alliance Global Group Inc., said on the sidelines of the conglomerate’s annual stockholders’ meeting that the group had long been interested in Clark, Pampanga. In the past, AGI’s property arm Megaworld Corp. has participated and won several property ventures bid out by the BCDA to the private sector. “I think [for] all of these things that are sizable, we are always going to participate in a way that we will look at it. If it makes sense, then we’ll go into it,” Sian said. “We’ll always look at it, at the very least.” Clark, a former US Air Force base, today offers modern infrastructure facilities, generous fiscal and non-fiscal incentives, professional support services, amenities and other perks for industrial and other business locators. For its part, state-run BCDA has started the bidding process for the first phase of development of the P200-billion Clark Green City. It plans to auction off contracts covering the long-term lease and development of five lots with a total area of 1,250 hectares. Of these five lots, two lots measuring 300 ha (Lot 1) and 200 ha (Lot 2) will be dedicated to industrial use, while the remaining three lots, measuring 200 ha (Lot 3), 400 ha (Lot 4) and 50 ha (Lot 5) will be for mixed-use developments. The term of the lease is 50 years, renewable for another 25 years. As the project is within the Clark Special Economic Zone, prospective investors, developers and locators can avail of various incentives such as a 5-percent levy on gross income earned in lieu of all national and local taxes and duties, as well as tax- and duty-free importation of raw materials and capital equipment. In 2011, Megaworld announced a P7-billion deal with the state-owned Clark Development Corp. (CDC) to develop up to 550 hectares of the former US military property into a mixed-use complex. But while a memorandum of agreement was signed with CDC to develop portions of the Clark Freeport Zone and the Clark Special Economic Zone, the government did not push through with the proposed development. Meanwhile, Sian affirmed Megaworld’s interest in the bidding for the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH)’s P122.8-billion Laguna Lakeshore Expressway Dike project, the biggest infrastructure project so far to be offered under the public-private partnership framework. “It’s a big project so it’s interesting. I think we got the documents,” Sian said, adding that a project of this scale may require partnerships with other parties.

Lies about a developer

• Source: http://manilastandardtoday.com/2014/09/17/lies-about-a-developer/
• Wednesday, September 17, 2014 at 12:01am

Emil Jurado

Somebody suggested to me that we should vie for the Guinness Book of World Records. Our policemen act really fast when a crime is committed.

In Tokyo, Japan policemen are at the scene of the crime in 10 minutes. In New York, it’s five minutes. But, in the Philippines it’s instantaneous.

Why? It’s the policemen themselves committing the crime.

There’s a $3 billion, 177-hectare area within the 32,000-hectare industrial and logistics project of the government at Clark, the former US air base aimed at spurring economic development in Central Luzon. It’s called the Global Gateway Logistics City in the Clark Free Port Zone.

But the fly in the ointment is that the company contracted to build it and the group financing it are slugging it out before the courts. The logistics hub is caught in the middle.

The project is actually being pursued by two foreign groups -- the Kuwaiti-funded Global Gateway Development Corp. (GGDC) and the Peregrine Development International. The former is initiating a well-funded media campaign to put pressure on its partner and contractor to kick Peregrine out of the project. Clark Development Corp. officials are actually concerned because it could mean further delays in the completion of the project.

Here are the facts:

GGDC claimed it would assume operational control over the project because of what it called “favorable ruling” from the Court of Appeals in its appeal for justice against Peregrine. The truth of the matter is that the CA issued a TRO or Temporary Restraining Order directed against another TRO, which in turn was issued by the Regional Trial Court of Pampanga last June. It was actually Peregrine which brought the case before the RTC, asking for a status quo at the Clark Freeport Zone project, when its partner GGDC unilaterally terminated the contract.

The project actually started in 2006 when Peregrine paid the Clark Development Corp. $20,000 for the right to develop the 177-hectare site that the CDC designated for a logistics project under a 50-year lease. Peregrine’s initiative led to the technical studies, such as environmental master plan and financial models, which it then presented to investors. Two years later, Peregrine partnered with the Kuwaiti group known as KGL as financier and the two signed an agreement called “engineering procurement construction management” or EPCM.

Under the agreement, Peregrine would be the developer and prime contractors while KGL would take care of the financing the project through its subsidiary in the Philippines, which eventually became known as the GGDC. Then, last April, after almost six years as partners in the development, GGDC sent Peregrine a notice of termination, and then GGDC also filed an arbitration case in Singapore alleging that Peregine violated the EPCM big time. In a response to its termination by GGDC, Peregrine filed the case in Pampanga RTC seeking status quo perhaps pending the outcome in the arbitration sought by GGDC in Singapore.

In other words, the development project was suspended outright, and so Peregrine went to the RTC asking for a status quo, which the RTC granted through the TRO, which GGDC then contested before the CA that granted another TRO against the TRO issued by the RTC.

As a lawyer myself, I believe that the CA did not rule on the merits of the case, and neither did the CA authorize GGDC to take over operation of the logistics projects as what GGDC claimed in its media attacks on Peregrine. In effect, the 60-day TRO issued by the CA means that, for the time being, the RTC order is in effect for the GGDC to keep the status quo in the project.

In short, the appellate court neither authorized GGDC to take over the project nor ruled that the agreement between GGDC and Peregrine should be terminated.

Let’s rewind a bit to know that Peregrine conceived the project in 2006 and spent for the right to develop the site. Through 2007, Peregrine conducted environmental and land use studies, developed a master plan and financial models and sought out third-party investors. In the course of this search, Peregrine identified and selected the Kuwait Group known as KGL. One of the affiliates of KGL, KGL Investments Co. (KGLI) then agreed to carry out the investment after which the parties then memorialized their agreement in a EPCM contract in 2008 which stipulate that Peregrine would retain exclusive rights to be the developer and prime contractor, while KGLI initially funded the project through a private equity fund called the Port Fund and a local entity established as GGDC.

A dispute arose over a notice of termination in April. The EPCM contract does not mandate that all disputes are subject to arbitration. This is a key point since Philippine law does not recognize the authority of arbitration tribunals.

In many of the press releases this past weeks, GGDC cited alleged breaches by Peregrine, including cost overruns, dealing unbeneficial to GGDC, the use of GGDC-funded assets for non-GGDC projects, failure to comply with applicable laws, which materially affected the project’s implementation, failure to observe the procurement and bidding procedures to ensure competitive bidding, and willfully committing other acts inimical and adverse to the best interest of GGDC. Had these allegations been fact-checked and looked into a more closely, they would have never been printed.

Peregrine vehemently denied these allegations as pure lies by GGDC. The truth of the matter is in the past six years, GGDC has evaluated Peregrine’s past performance on a quarterly basis, based in large part on monthly independent audits that GGDC itself conducts. In fact, the cumulative average for all six years of Peregrine in the partnership is 96.8 percent and GGDC is aware of this. A simple fact-check of the audit reports and GGDC’s own Award Fee reports would demonstrate that GGDC allegations are baseless. Company officials know it.

Peregrine’s stellar six-year cumulative track record of 96.8 percent in the last 10 successive quarters through the first quarter of this year rated 100 percent. This seriously calls into question GGDC’s allegations that Peregrine has a history of contract violations and breaches.

I repeat: there have been NO cost overruns, NO use of GGDC assets for non-GGDC projects, NO failure to faithfully observe the procurement and bidding procedures to ensure competitive bidding, NO failure to comply with applicable laws or regulations, and NO willfully committing other acts inimival and adverse to the best interest of GGDC. Since there is not a single incident, or example proof that GGDC can offer, the conclusion is that the allegations against Peregrine are all blatant lies. A simple fact-check of the GGDC audited and certified GGLC financial statements, audited monthly budget, cost and audit reports and Award Fee evaluations will substantiate the claim that Peregrine does not have a history of contract violations and breaches.

SM Cinema sets Korean Film Festival

• Source: http://www.sunstar.com.ph/pampanga/local-news/2014/09/16/sm-cinema-sets-korean-film-festival-365849
• Tuesday, September 16, 2014

(PR)

ANGELES CITY -- Seven blockbuster and critically-acclaimed films will highlight the Korean Film Festival at the SM Cinema from September 17 to October 12.

A joint partnership between the Korean Embassy’s Korean Cultural Center in the Philippines and SM Cinema, the film festival will begin at SM City Clark from Sept 17 to 21, followed by screenings at SM Lanang Premier in Davao from September 24 to 28, and at SM City Cebu from October 1 to 5. The film festival's culminating event will be on October 8 to 12 at SM Megamall.

Other partners include the Korean Film Council (KOFIC), the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP), the Korea Tourism Organization–Manila (KTO), and the Korea Copyright Commission.

The much awaited films include “A Company Man,” starring Korean superstar So Ji-sub as a hit man who finds himself targeted by his ex-employers after he falls in love with a single mother and quits his job; “Hwayi: A Monster Boy,” which is top billed by Korean heartthrob Yeo Jin-goo as a 16-year-old boy who was raised by five criminal fathers to become the perfect assassin; and “My Paparotti,” which focuses on the special relationship between a high school gangster and the music teacher who helps him pursue his dream of becoming a singer like the late tenor Luciano Pavarotti.

Audiences will also enjoy Korean comedies like “All About My Wife” which is about a timid husband who hires a professional Casanova to seduce his seemingly perfect but fearsome wife, hoping this will make her divorce him; and “Man on the Edge,” a box-office hit about a powerful crime boss's right hand man, and his new identity mixed with supernatural shenanigans.

The festival will also feature contemporary films such as “Hide and Seek,” a mystery that revolves around two families who believe strangers to be living and hiding in their homes, and struggle to fight back; as well as “King of Pigs,” the animated drama in the 2012 Cannes Film Festival Directors’ Fortnight selection, which is about childhood bullies and the memories that come with it.

For more information and queries, please contact the Korean Cultural Center at 555-1711 or email events@koreanculture.ph. The 2014 Korean Film Festival is one of the many interesting cultural events of SM Cinema.

People’s Park rising in ‘dirty’ rail station

• Source: http://www.sunstar.com.ph/pampanga/local-news/2014/09/15/people-s-park-rising-dirty-rail-station-365629
• Monday, September 15, 2014

By Joey Pavia (Contributor)

ANGELES CITY -- A People's Park is rising at the old railway of the Philippine National Railways (PNR) in Angeles City and it stretches to four villages.

Alexander Cauguiran, the City Government's point person for the People's Park, said the transformation of the two-kilometer PNR railway and its area from a "very dirty place" to a park filled with ornamental plants, vegetables, sports and recreational activities "is happening fast with the help of believers from the private sector."

Cauguiran, chief-of-staff of Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan, said the establishment of the park is in line with the "contract with the Angelenos" of the two-term mayor with the 400,000 residents of the highly urbanized city.

"We promised to build parks and we are making one without using money from the city government," said Cauguiran, who showed the development on the park more than two months after the transformation started in July.

Cauguiran said at least P1 million in cash and materials from 28 donors were used for the park, which is mostly along G. Valdez St. It stretches to Barangays Agapito Del Rosario, Claro M. Recto, Lourdes Sur East and Lourdes Sur.

The two basketball courts in the park will be rehabilitated using P200,000 and a venue for beach volleyball was recently completed “using the finest sand from Porac town,” he said.

“It used to be filled with garbage and was a hiding place for drug pushers and criminals. Now it’s a beehive of activities. Alex Cauguiran and Miniang are the ones in charge of its complete transformation,” said Pamintuan, referring to her wife, Herminia “Miniang” Pamintuan.

Pamintuan said the city is planning to host the first Angeles Beach Volleyball sports competition at the park.

Four sections

“It’s aptly named People’s Park because it is owned by the people. They can do what they want as long as they respect the area and its structures. The vegetables are for public’s consumption and we just ask them to spare the very young ones not yet fit for eating,” said Cauguiran.

He said the park is divided into four zones and each section has its respective point person, including Auxiliary Bishop Pablo Virgilio David of the Holy Rosary Parish church.

Zone A at in Agapito Del Rosario and local artist Edil Paras is in charge. It has ornamental plants.

Zone B is at Claro M. Recto and David and Kiko Pangilinan are the point persons. It has ornamental plants, sports area and children’s playground.

Zone C is at Lourdes Sur East and the point person is Joy Cruz of the Angeles City Tourism Office. Its main attraction is the old train station which will be restored and transformed into a museum.

Zone D is at Lourdes Sur East and Lourdes Sur and the point persons are Erlinda Canco and Julito Gumabon of the city’s agriculture office. It has vegetable plantations and playground.

City Engineer Don Dizon said the People’s Park has a combined area of some two hectares. He added that the whole stretch of the park will be filled with street lights.

Cauguiran said the Rotary Club of Angeles was the first to donate and it gave P20,000. He added the other donations and assistance came from (as of September 15) Angeles Electric Corporation, Angeles Water Works, Bishop David, City College of Angeles, Army Reserve Command Force, Engr. Ronnie Roncal , Engr. Dennis Soliman, Franz Rivera Edgardo “Gaydu” Dizon David, Patrick McCran, Bernie Cruz, Jojo Flores, Soft and Bloom Landscaping, Engr. Lito Ramos, Engr. Spencer “Pen” Concepcion, CMR IT High School Yokohama-Clark, Abong Tayag, Rogie Ayson of Poracay Resort and the Granil family, SM City Clark, Delfin Lee, Romy Macarayo, Willy Sapnu of the RDW Trading, ABC Hotel’s Gerard Heinen, Eddie Tan of Jenra malls and Mark Sovino.

Cauguiran said they assured the PNR officials that the city will return the property to them “once they need it already for their projects.”

“That’s why we only build structures that we can remove and transfer,” he added.

DILG briefs Angeles execs on disclosure policy, environmental compliance

• Source: http://www.sunstar.com.ph/pampanga/local-news/2014/09/13/dilg-briefs-angeles-execs-disclosure-policy-environmental-compliance-
• Sunday, September 14, 2014 (Date Published)

By Reynaldo G. Navales

ANGELES CITY -- The Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) recently briefed barangay secretaries and treasurers of Angeles City on the Full Disclosure Program (FDP) and Environmental Compliance Audit (ECA).

"FDP is in line with the administration’s call for honest, transparent, and responsive governance. The reports should be posted in three conspicuous places so that constituents may have knowledge on where the budget of the barangay is being utilized," DILG City Director Remedios Rodriguez said.

"ECA, on the other hand, is a means to assess the compliance of local government units on basic environmental laws particularly on Republic Act 9003 otherwise known as the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000. It ensures that environmental issues and concerns are being acted upon by the city and barangay officials," Rodriguez added.

Serving as the highlight of the occasion was the awarding of Certificates of Recognition to villages with exemplary performance particularly on their timely submission of reports for the first semester of 2014.

21,845 trees up for Angeles watershed reforestation

• Source: http://www.sunstar.com.ph/pampanga/local-news/2014/09/13/21845-trees-angeles-watershed-reforestation-365349
• Saturday, September 13, 2014

By Reynaldo G. Navales

ANGELES CITY -- The local government here recently received 21,845 tree saplings from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) as part of its strategies to meet the goals of the National Greening Program.

The program set by President Benigno Aquino III targets to cover 1.5 million hectares with 1.5 million trees before 2016.

In coordination with Task Force 1 Million Trees by Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan, headed by Bishop Jose Briones and the City Agriculture Office with Erlinda Cangco as officer-in-charge, Angeles City, is set to use this donation to further control soil erosion and maximize the greening of the city.

"The 21,000 trees donated by the DENR are truly valuable as they will replace trees, which were earthballed in the many infrastructure projects in the city," said Pamintuan, who then expressed his gratitude to the agency.

Trees against flooding

"We will plant these trees along the vulnerable areas of the barangays namely Amsic, Anunas, Cuayan, Margot, Sta. Teresita, Sapangbato and Tabun," said Alejandro David, DENR forest ranger and focal person for Angeles City.

David said that these forest tree species are intended for watery places and riverbanks. Bitaog, kupang, mahogany, molave and narra are some of the trees included in the donations.

Cangco expressed her gratitude and stated that the donation is very timely, especially since planting season has started last June and will end this December.

"I am happy and thankful for this donation from the DENR. This will be of big help for a better and greener Angeles City," she added.

Bishop Briones of Task Force 1 Million Trees, on the other hand, called this as a God-given gift to the city as he challenged Angeleños to be involved and take part in protecting nature.

"We are asking and encouraging all the residents along the riverbanks to protect these plants to avoid both man-made and natural calamities," he said.

Noy’s second cousin to head Clark airport

• Source: http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2014/09/12/1368135/noys-second-cousin-head-clark-airport
• Friday, September 12, 2014

By Ding Cervantes

CLARK FREEPORT, Pampanga, Philippines– President Aquino’s second cousin, lawyer Egmidio “Dino” Tanjuatco Jr., looms as the next president and chief executive officer (CEO) of the Clark International Airport Corp. (CIAC).

A reliable source from the office of Transportation Secretary Joseph Emilio Abaya told The STAR in a telephone interview that the President has named Tanjuatco to the CIAC board, in preparation for his election as CEO.

Tanjuatco was reportedly sworn in as member of the CIAC board on Saturday. CIAC, which runs the Clark International Airport, is a subsidiary of the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC).

A source, who asked not to be named for lack of authority to talk about the appointment, said the CIAC board is expected to meet anytime to elect Tanjuatco as replacement for Victor Jose Luciano, who has occupied the post since October 2006.

Luciano will be appointed as director of the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines, the source said.

Tanjuatco is the son of former Rizal congressman Egmidio Sumulong-Tanjuatco, a first cousin of the late President Corazon Aquino on her mother’s side.

The younger Tanjuatco, a lawyer, was a former member of the Rizal provincial board.

The elder Tanjuatco was appointed head of a task force that took charge of official residences, guesthouses and other properties and assets belonging to the government after the ouster of former President Ferdinand Marcos in 1986.

Reservations

Alex Cauguiran, a former CIAC executive vice president and founder of the Move Clark Now Movement (MCNM) that pushed for the development of Clark airport here, expressed reservations on Tanjuatco’s appointment.

“Does he have the contacts in the aviation industry, the goodwill among airlines, the understanding of the ins and outs in the aviation world?” he asked.

“Running the Clark airport is a matter we have taken very seriously. On it we have rested our hopes for better lives and the future of our children. We cannot allow it to be taken for granted,” he added.

Cauguiran has lamented the failure of the Aquino administration to fully develop Clark as the country’s premier international gateway.

He also raised concern whether Tanjuatco could push for the development of Clark as the country’s premier international gateway within a timeframe and ensure corresponding funding.

Luciano to step down as CIAC prexy?

• Source: http://www.sunstar.com.ph/pampanga/local-news/2014/09/11/luciano-step-down-ciac-prexy-364980
• Thursday, September 11, 2014

(JTD)

CLARK FREEPORT -- Clark International Airport Corporation (CIAC) president and Chief Executive Officer Victor Jose Luciano is reportedly getting ready to step down from his post after allegedly receiving the "pink slip" from Malacañang.

Highly placed Sun.Star Pampanga sources at CIAC disclosed that last week, Egmidio Tanjuatco has been nominated to the board by President Benigno Aquino III, a move seen as a "step in the replacement" of Luciano.

Tanjuatco is said to be a cousin of the President.

CIAC sources however said that Luciano is still on his post as no formal or official communication has yet been received by the airport executive.

"As of now he is still the president of CIAC and he has been up to his responsibilities and work. There is no confirmation yet," the sources said.

Luciano himself declined to comment on the reports.

Luciano was responsible for bringing in several airlines to the Clark International Airport and initiating improvements in the proposed international gateway.

GGDC takes over GGLC project

• Source: http://www.centralluzondaily.net/ggdc-takes-over-gglc-project/
• Wednesday, September 10, 2014

By Jess Malabanan

CLARK FREEPORT – The Global Gateway Development Corp. (GGDC), a wholly-owned unit of Kuwaiti private equity investment firm KGL Investment Company, said yesterday it is assuming operational control over the development of the 177-hectare Sabah Al-Ahmad Global Gateway Logistics City (GGLC) project here. In a statement, the GGDC, owner and lessee of GGLC, disclosed that it would handle the development of the project after it received a favorable ruling from the Court of Appeals against the former contractor, Peregrine Development International Inc. (PDII). The GGDC said the appellate court, in a recent decision, issued a temporary restraining order (TRO) in favor of the company in connection with a petition for certiorari it filed earlier. The TRO effectively set aside the previous rulings of a regional trial court in Angeles City where Peregrine initially filed a complaint. The GGDC filed an arbitration case in Singapore against its former project contractor, which included allegations of substantial breaches of the engineering, procurement and management agreement between the two parties. It decided to supervise the GGLC project after Peregrine violated the EPCM agreement and endangered the project by false accusations and physically not allowing the other contractors to work on the project. “The PDII should leave the project amicably and let the legitimate owners finish the project for the benefit of Central Luzon,” the GGDC said.

P90 million earmarked for Clark road project

• Source: http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/index.php/en/news/regions/38510-p90-million-earmarked-for-clark-road-project
• Tuesday, September 9, 2014

By Ashley Manabat

CLARK FREEPORT—The Clark Development Corp. (CDC) will pursue the development of the Mabalacat east road as part of the “general face-lifting” before the Asia-Pacific Economic Conference summit here in January.

Juan Miguel Fuentes of the CDC environmental department said P50 million has been earmarked for the development of the east road connecting the Mabalacat Gate in Barangay San Francisco and SM Clark.

A supplemental budget of P40 million will be added for the Mabalacat east road, Fuentes said, adding that the detailed engineering specifications of the work increased the total project cost to P90 million.

Mabalacat City Mayor Marino Morales said the improvement of the Mabalacat east road will provide seamless ingress and egress within the city limits because the central business district in Barangay Dau is already congested, especially during peak hours.

Landscape artist adopts trees imperiled by road projects

• Source: http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/635973/landscape-artist-adopts-trees-imperiled-by-road-projects
• Monday, September 8, 2014 7:00 am

By Tonette Orejas (Inquirer Central Luzon)

ANGELES CITY—If children and animals can be adopted, why not trees?

Landscape artist Jose Camilo del Rosario took this tact to save 57 trees, mostly acacia, that were scheduled to be cut, and inevitably killed, to widen two national roads here.

Four months since the trees were adopted in April this year, each one has grown new branches, twigs and leaves—signs these are on the way to recovery after being earth-balled from their original location and transferred to Del Rosario’s lots inside Town and Country Homes and along Sapang Balen Creek, both in this city.

“People were quarreling over what to do with the trees. But these trees could be relocated,” Del Rosario, 45, said on Tuesday.

The rescued trees owe their lives to many “adoptive parents.”

Cecil Yumul of Save the Trees Coalition (STC) convinced Del Rosario to provide refuge to the condemned trees.

JQG Co., the contractor, shouldered the cost of relocation and Jojo de Leon earth-balled the trees.

“When the trees arrived in my place, it rained for a few days and that gave them a refreshing start,” said De Leon, who apprenticed for landscaper Shirley Sanders. He replanted the earth-balled trees next to mature trees that provided them shade from harsh sunlight.

The trees, De Leon said, needed to be saved because it usually takes 20 years for these to grow to maturity.

He said the trees that lined the circumferential road leading to Clark Freeport were planted by former Pampanga Gov. Juanita Nepomuceno and her husband Francisco, also a former governor.

Del Rosario told the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) that he was ready to adopt the rest of the 275 trees that were scheduled to be cut to give way to the widening of the circumferential road and Pandan Road.

“They can get the trees back,” he said, should the DPWH decide to replant them near the highways.

Adopting trees has been a fairly new solution to the waves of tree cutting by the DPWH for road expansion projects since 2011.

The city government in the Pampanga capital of San Fernando had earth-balled some 30 trees in 2012 and replanted these to a land of the late Tomas Dizon there.

Pampanga Gov. Lilia Pineda adopted several trees in her farm in Lubao town.

Del Rosario, who is known for his low-maintenance gardens, said local officials should care for trees on roadsides by setting aside budgets for their trimming.

STC has also found recourse not only in tree-loving people but also in the courts. In a court-approved mediation with the DPWH, STC saved 486 trees in Angeles and Mabalacat cities from being cut. Later, STC agreed to earth-ball and transfer 106 weak trees.

Pamintuan: Arts and culture is soul of Angeles

• Source: http://www.sunstar.com.ph/pampanga/local-news/2014/09/06/pamintuan-arts-and-culture-soul-angeles-364035
• Saturday, September 6, 2014

By Joey Pavia (Contributor)

ANGELES CITY -- Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan and his determined efforts to bring back the “soul of the city” is on the right track.

Pamintuan’s dream to make Angeles City the center of arts and culture in Pampanga and the entire Central Luzon is fast becoming a reality.

He is aided by some P326 million worth of tourism-related projects in the city set to be completed before the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit early next year.

"I want to bring back the soul of the city to the people of Angeles. This is my second coming in Angeles City and I always prioritize arts and culture," said the two-term mayor of Pampanga's highly urbanized city. Pamintuan first became mayor from 1992 until 1998 and then he made a comeback in 2010.

But the artists and their great works – or even ordinary folks -- will only be truly attracted to a beautiful city. To bring back the "heart and soul of the city" is to clean the city first.

Plaza Angel

Salapungan, Angeles City Barangay Chief Reynaldo Malig could not believe what he saw when he recently joined the monthly press conference of Pamintuan at the Museo Ning Angeles in downtown Sto. Rosario. At the second floor of the Museo, Malig could very well see the façade of the Holy Rosary parish church.

"It's tremendously appealing and a sight to behold after the city government successful put down the ugly wires," said Malig, who joined Pamintuan in earlier meetings with electric and telephone companies.

Pamintuan convinced the private firms to remove the “spaghetti wires” or the thick tangle of telephone and electric wires hanging from posts.

The area, which hosts the Pamintuan Mansion, Museo and Holy Rosary Church, is dubbed Plaza Angel.

“The Plaza Angel will be a heritage plaza where people can relax, walk and enjoy arts and culture,” said Pamintuan. Once completed, he added, it will be free from all vehicles on a given day so that the public will enjoy more.

In late August, Pamintuan disclosed that the National Historical Commission will convert the Pamintuan Mansion into “one of the best museums in the country.”

The old mansion is where Emilio Aguinaldo held the ceremonies for the first anniversary of Philippine Independence in 1899.

City for Artists

In the nearby City Library, artists -- from musicians, dancers, stage actors to local poets -- were given rooms to practice, teach each other and perform, said Joy Cruz of the Museo and the City Tourism Office (CTO).

“It’s for free. You will see many artists and people at the city library, especially on Saturdays,” said Cruz.

John Montances, head of the CTO’s tourism operations, said “some of the renowned local artists based abroad are helping the aspirants by teaching them for free at the city library.”

“The artists were inspired after seeing the city government doing something significant to cultivate and promote arts and culture,” said Montances.

The same scenario – the removel of wires and cables -- is happening along MacArthur Highway in Balibago, Angeles City. The popular area is host to several hotels, restaurants, bars, banks and the government-run casino.

The nearly done APEC-related infrastructure projects in Balibago complemented the efforts of the city government to beautify the center of business and entertainment of the city.

“I had to do what many others before me could have done. A progressive city should be beautiful as well,” said Pamintuan, who got a lot of help from his chief-of-staff, Alex Cauguiran, in pushing for the completion of the projects within the second term of the mayor.

City Administrator Dennis Albert Pamintuan said Cauguiran is “the enforcer” tasked to hasten the removal of the telephone and electric wires in major areas. He added that Cauguiran plays a crucial role in the fulfillment of the projects of the city related to arts, culture and tourism.

New Park

On September 1, the Clark Development Corp. (CDC) announced the construction of the P15.4 million “Bayanihan Rotunda” in Balibago. It will serve as the main entrance to the Clark Freeport.

Cauguiran said the city has more plans at huge spaces of Bayanihan Park. He said they will construct a Contemporary Art Space, Sundial, Amphitheater, Mt. Pinatubo Museum, Bonsai Garden, the Pamana Walk, multi-purpose hall and refreshment center.

“I knew Mayor Pamintuan for a long time already. He naturally loves the arts and culture. These projects are also part of the so-called ‘contract’ with the Angelenos,” said Cauguiran. He was referring to the campaign promises of Pamintuan administration to the 326,336 residents of the city (May 2010 census).

Estacion De Angeles

Cauguiran said the Pamintuan government and private entities have launched an initiative to clean and improve the areas around the old railways of the Philippine National Railway (PNR). Most of the improvement will be at G. Valdez Street, Agapito Del Rosario, where the very famous “Aling Lucing Sisig” pork dish was born.

Earlier this year, Pamintuan and his wife, Herminia “Miniang” Pamintuan, city hall workers and officials and volunteers started a series of clean-up drive at the PNR railway station.

Cauguiran said the “Estacion De Angeles” will have an ornamental and vegetable garden, jog path and sports area.

He added that no public funds will be used to restore the Estacion. It will be funded by private groups.

At historic Plaza Miranda Street, which is a few meters away from downtown Sto. Rosario, the city will create a senior citizen’s park. Then at the areas along the perimeter fence of Clark in Malabanias, Angeles City, the city government and the CDC will provide a relaxing place to sit, read, talk and walk.

Cauguiran said that these projects related to reviving the soul of Angeles City will be completed in 2015. Most of which, he added, will be done by the end of 2014.

One small step, one giant leap

Herminia, the first lady of Angeles City, would go the city hall complex during her spare time to fix the garden and water the plants.

The Pamintuan couple’s friend, businessman Dennis Uy, will lease a huge commercial lot near the Pamintuan Mansion and Museo. He will convert the area to gardens, food and souvenir stalls in line with the Plaza Angel Heritage Site project.

Gerald Stone, an American call center executive based in Angeles City, on September 1 turned over his collection of old coins and money to the city for display at the Museo.

Nothing is impossible when collective effort is applied. It doesn’t matter if the contribution is big or small.

The journey began and some of the goals were achieved when Mayor Pamintuan had one small step for his dream---and one giant leap for the great artists and people of Angeles City.

BCDA sets aside initial P5B for Clark Green City

• Source: http://www.philstar.com/business/2014/09/05/1365413/bcda-sets-aside-initial-p5b-clark-green-city
• Friday, September 5, 2014- 12:00am

By Ding Cervantes (The Philippine Star)

CLARK FREEPORT, Pampanga, Philippines – Bases Conversion Development Authority (BCDA) has set aside an initial P5 billion of its funds for basic infrastructure and utilities within the 35,000-hectare Clark Green City in this freeport’s northern Sacobia reservation, even as the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has already started work on access roads to the site.

In an interview, BCDA president and chief executive officer Arnel Paciano Casanova said the P5 billion would come from his authority’s funds.

“We will provide the basics to make the site accessible to investors who then would do the rest. I expect the private sector to spend about P59 billion to put up needed infrastructure in the rest of the Clark Green City,” he said.

Casanova noted that the scheme for the project here would be similar to that implemented by BCDA at the Global City in Fort Bonifacio in Taguig City.

He stressed that no funds from the national government would be used for Clark Green City as BCDA has funds for the “initial” P5 billion for the basic infrastructure projects to be bid out to contractors anytime this third quarter. “We do not get funds from the government. We remit funds to the government,” he added.

Casanova said that the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has started on roads to link the 35,000-hectare site for the Clark Green City, which is mostly within Tarlac province, to the main freeport here.

The first areas to be developed under Phase 1 of the Clark Green City will cover 1,300 hectares, amid plans to formally launch the project next year.

BCDA said Clark Green City “will be environmentally sustainable, socially inclusive, economically competitive, culturally relevant, and technologically integrated.”

“It will generate billions in investments and generate thousands of jobs” and “will also provide the catalyst for the economiof surrounding local government units,” BCDA said.

A master development plan identified five dedicated districts in the project, namely a government district; a central business district; an academic district; an agri-forestry research an development district; and wellness and eco-tourism district.

The BCDA signed recently a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the University of the Philippines for the establishment of a global campus for the premier state university in Clark Green City to serve as the anchor for the city’s “Brain Capital.”

Casanova said that when fully finished, the Clark Green City is estimated to contribute P1.57 trillion per year to the Philippine economy and will create 925,000 jobs.

He said the project, when completed, would cost a total of about P200 billion, with most of the funds provided by the private sector.

“The green metropolis would be a mix of industrial, institutional and commercial areas, which would apply green technologies by adapting a Green Building System. Renewable energy from sustaining sources will be used by all facilities and buildings in Clark Green City that is half the size of Metro Manila,” he added.

BOC confiscates P22 M worth of clothing

• Source: http://www.philstar.com/business/2014/09/04/1365046/boc-confiscates-p22-m-worth-clothing
• Thursday, September 4, 2014 - 12:00am

By Zinnia B. Dela Peña (The Philippine Star)

MANILA, Philippines - The Bureau of Customs seized P22 million worth of used clothing and other garments allegedly smuggled into the country.

The BOC intercepted almost 2,800 bales of comforters and used clothes, mostly branded apparel from the United States, in nine separate warehouse units in Baguio City.

The used clothing, which reportedly entered the Subic and Clark Freeport zones and the Cavite Export Processing Zone, were misdeclared as scrap fabric intended for the manufacture and subsequent export as rags.

An investigation by the BOC’s Intelligence Group found that certain locators inside economic zones use their privilege to import raw materials tax-free to smuggle used clothing in the guise of scrap fabric. These locators then sell the used clothing dealers who then supply local ‘ukay-ukay’ business owners.

The importation of used clothing is prohibited under Section 2530 of the Tariffs and Customs Code of the Philippines and Republic Act 4653 to health and economic reasons. This law has been in effect since 1966.

Export manufacturing enterprises registered with the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) and located at PEZA Zones are allowed tax-free and duty-free importation of raw materials, capital equipment, machineries and spare parts. They are also exempted from paying wharfage dues and export tax, impost or fees.

Ukay warehouses raided

• Source: http://www.sunstar.com.ph/baguio/local-news/2014/09/03/ukay-warehouses-raided-363434
• Wednesday, September 3, 2014

By Franco G. Regala

THERE goes your latest signature ukay-ukay find.

The Bureau of Customs on September 2 raided nine warehouses in the city and was able to seize an estimated P22.4 million worth of branded clothing, comforters and other garments.

Four of the warehouses are in Hilltop, three in Bonifacio Street and two in Magsaysay Avenue.

These secondhand products came from USA, Canada, Hong Kong and Europe.

BOC Public Information officer and Assistance Division chief Charo Lagaoan told media the raid was in accordance with Republic Act 4653, effective since 1966, or an act safeguarding the health of the people and maintain the dignity of the nation by prohibiting the commercial importation of textile articles or what is commonly known as used clothing and rags.

She explained these secondhand garments gained entry to the country through locators at the freeport zones or export processing zones such as Subic and Clark Freeport Zones and Cavite Export Processing Zone, declared as raw materials or used scrap of clothing which should be remanufactured and exported as rags and not meant for sale in the country.

However, from these zones, wherein Export Manufacturing Enterprises registered with the Philippine Economic Zone Authority are given the privilege of tax-free and duty-free importation of raw materials, the products are distributed in bales to different distribution points where they are sold in wholesale by local ukay-ukay business owners.

"On top of the fact na bawal ang ukay-ukay, itong mga importers na ito, inabuso po yung prebilihiyo na binibigay sa kanila ng gobyerno para makapag-import ng materials tax free," she stressed.

She added these have been one of the causes of leakage in the revenue of the country.

Furthermore, while Filipinos have long been shopping secondhand products especially apparel as part of the change in economic condition and preference, the law still exists and must be implemented, Lagamon stressed.

Although the Republic Act was not fully enforced, "It does not change the fact that the law still exists and has not been repealed," said Lagaoan.

Bonifacio de Castro, District Collector of the Bureau of Customs in San Fernando, La Union seconded this.

"While times may have changed, it is the duty of the Bureau of Customs like any other law enforcement agency of the government to implement RA 4653, not bend it even for practicalities' sake,” he said.

"Moreover, we need to ensure that legitimate stakeholders in the local garments industry are protected from unscrupulous and illegal importations of clothing," he added.

Lagamon noted it is the first time the BOC is confiscating items from free ports and it is not the last as the bureau will be stricter now in implementing the law knowing there is a spread of the ukay-ukay trade in the country.

Known as the "Ukay-ukay Capital of the Philippines", Baguio was their first target as it is the port of discharge in the north where most secondhand clothing sold in other provinces in the Cordillera and nearby provinces such as Pangasinan and La Union come from.

Lagamon said while warehouse owners will only be confiscated of their products, follow up operations nationwide will be conducted to identify what cases are to be filed against the consigning importers that will be traced and found violating RA 4653.

At present, the BOC is currently keeping an eye on the free port zones and warehouses nationwide reported as distribution points of secondhand garments for them to trace the importers and to prevent the distribution of these products.

On another note, while the commercial distribution of secondhand clothes is prohibited, Lagamon shared there is no law prohibiting the sale of Japanese and Korean home surplus or general merchandise.

However, she noted it has to be made sure secondhand appliances are tested and ensured to be working properly so that safety of consumers will not be compromised.

Former inmate shot dead

• Source: http://www.tempo.com.ph/2014/09/former-inmate-shot-dead/
• Tuesday, September 2, 2014

By Franco G. Regala

CAMP OLIVAS, Pampanga – A man with previously detained for robbery cases was shot dead last Sunday by a lone gunman on Balibago Street in Angeles City.

Reports reaching the office of Chief Inspector Cherrylou Donato, Police Regional Office-3 (PRO3) spokesperson, identified the victim as Elpidio Alvez alias “Tyson’’ and/or “Joy Negra, reportedly a gay, of Venus St. Dona Anicia Subd. Dau, Mabalacat City.

Initial reports said that Alvez was shot several times for unknown reason by an unidentified man at the corner of Fields Ave. and Teodoro St. at about 1 a.m.. He sustained bullet wounds in different parts of the body, including one in the left eye.

The suspect, who was wearing a black jacket and a ball cap, walked casually towards the north direction of Teodoro St. in Balibago, police said.

Inspector Roberto Manuel, Police Station 4 chief, said three spent of 9 mm pistol were found in the crime scene.

Police said victim had previous cases of theft and robbery and had been in and out of Angeles City Jail.

Water rates in Clark freeport slashed

• Source: http://www.interaksyon.com/business/94470/water-rates-in-clark-freeport-slashed
• Monday, September 1, 2014 3:25 PM

By Darwin G. Amojelar, InterAksyon.com

MANILA – State-run Bases Conversion and Development Authority expects to attract more locators in the Clark Freeport Zone after reducing water rates in the freeport zone.

"While in other places water rates are increasing, the Clark Development Corp (CDC) and BCDA were able to reduce water rates thereby making the cost of doing business in Clark cheaper and competitive,” Arnel Paciano D. Casanova, BCDA president and chief executive said.

Clark Water Corp, the freeport's water distributor, today started the implementation of P1 per cubic meter reduction in water charges following the amendment of its concession agreement with CDC.

Under the agreement, CDC extended Clark Water's 25-year concession agreement by another 15 years that will end in October 21, 2040. The extension thus allowed the Ayala-owned water company to stretch the tariff recovery for its capital projects.

In return, Clark Water will invest an additional P5 billion to improve and expand its water and wastewater services in the freeport.

Arthur Tugade, CDC president, said that the reduced water rates will greatly help locators in the zone, particularly those using large volumes of water in their daily operations.

Tugade said the vision is to put up large-scale projects to make Clark a highly competitive business district, opening more opportunities for economic growth.

The CDC is a member of the BCDA Group. The BCDA Group is composed of the John Hay Management Corp, Poro Point Management Corp, Clark International Airport Authority, North Luzon Railways Corp, and BCDA Management Holdings Inc.