Difference between revisions of "Angeles City News March 2015"

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==Panata at Panalangin set at Marquee==
*Source:http://punto.com.ph/News/Article/22401/Volume-8-No-69/Headlines/i-Panata-at-Panalangin-i-set-at-Marquee
*Tuesday, March 31, 2015 4:45 pm
:By Ashley Manabat
ANGELES CITY – To highlight the solemn observance of the Holy Week, a stage production will offer a glimpse of the various practices of the Kapampangan faith and sacrifices through a fusion of visual arts, music, drama and dance on Black Saturday (April 4) at 5 p.m, at the Marquee Mall promenade area here.
“Panata at Panalangin,” a project of Bale Balayan and the Sinukwan Center for the Arts, is an hour-long presentation of a spiritual journey through culture and the arts, according to director Peter De Vera.
“This is not just an entertainment but what they are performing is a real “panata” (sacrifice) already,” he added. “This meaningful presentation is our traditional way of giving importance to our religious beliefs,” De Vera said during the joint press conference of the Angeles City Tourism Office (ACTO) and the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) at the Marquee Mall here on Monday.
“Ito ay paulit-ulit nating ginagawa dahil naniniwala tayo na ito ay isang magandang halimbawa na pwedi nating maiambag hindi lamang sa society but to the whole world (We keep on doing this because we believe that this is a good example that we can contribute not only to society but to the whole world),” said ACTO officer Richard Daenos.
:Dance rally
Meanwhile, the 1st “Yugyugan Para sa Kultura ng Bayan” which is meant as a dance rally for the promotion of cultural heritage and its preservation, is set on April 29 in celebration of the International Day of Dance.
The NCCA, led by its chairman, Prof. Felipe M. De Leon Jr. and OIC executive director Adelina M. Suemith, will spearhead the event with dance rallies in various locations like Pampanga, Baguio, Cebu, Iloilo, Cagayan De Oro, Batangas and Rizal Park in Manila.
De Vera said all dancers including Zumba dancers, alliance of choreographers, schools and dance companies here will now have chance to not only showcase their dancing skills but to lend their passion to the promotion of culture and the arts.
De Vera, National Committee on Dance (NCD) vice chair, also said the dance venue for this city is in front of the Museo Ning Angeles at Plaza Anghel.
Dancers in at least 10 or 12 other sites in the Philippines will be performing “Ako ay Pilipino” simultaneously at 6 p.m. with other dancers around the world, De Vera said.
The NCD choreographed two to three figures to some 100 performers that will perform uniform movements during the countdown to the Yugyugan, he said.
NCD’s Josefina Guillen is in charge of the national committee.
==Angeles village is DILG's showcase in regional assembly==
*Source:http://www.sunstar.com.ph/pampanga/local-news/2015/03/30/angeles-village-dilgs-showcase-regional-assembly-400324
*Monday, March 30, 2015
:(Sun.Star Angeles)
ANGELES CITY -- Barangay Cutcut of Angeles City is the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) - Central Luzon's Regional Showcase Barangay for the first semester of 2015.
During the assembly here over the weekend, barangay chairman Cecilia Nepomuceno comprehensively delivered her State of the Barangay Address (SOBA) highlighting their accomplishments for the past six months in the areas of infrastructure, peace and order, waste management, health and sanitation, education, culture and sports, senior citizens, persons with disabilities, and the proposed projects of the barangay for Calendar Year 2015.
DILG-Central Luzon Director Florida M. Dijan, in her message, expressed her appreciation and lauded the local and barangay officials of Cutcut for adhering to the department’s mandates and in performing their respective duties and responsibilities making their barangay eligible to be showcased in Region III. She concluded her speech by extending the message of the secretary of the department to all present.
She also emphasized that the department will always be of service to partner local government units.
Meanwhile, DILG Angeles OIC-City Director Belina Herman congratulated Nepomuceno and her council for pulling off and organizing the showcase barangay assembly.
Gracing the assembly were Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan, Councilors Bryan Matthew Nepomuceno and Alex Indiongco, Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) Regional Director Fire Chief Supt. Aloveel Ferrer, Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Regional Director William Beltran, representatives from selected national government agencies (NGAs), local officials and other assembly members.
Pamintuan lauded Barangay Cutcut for being one of the most financially organized and capable barangays in Angeles City. He also stressed the importance of working in unison to achieve a common goal.
Pursuant to Proclamation No. 260 dated September 30, 2011, all barangays in the country are required to call for a barangay assembly at least twice every year and deliver their state of the barangay address to their respective constituents concerning matters provided by Section 397(b) Chapter VI of the Local Government Code: Accomplishments and Financial Report from the past six months and updates on on-going programs and projects.
The barangay assembly also serves as a venue or platform for its members to raise issues and concerns affecting the community, as well as for advancing proposals and recommendations to improve the quality of service of barangay officials.
==Usec bats for quality education thru K-12==
*Source:http://punto.com.ph/News/Article/22380/Volume-8-No-68/Headlines/Usec-bats-for-quality-education-thru-K-12
*Sunday, March 29, 2015 4:24 pm
:By Ashley Manabat
CLARK FREEPORT – The need to strengthen the educational system in the country through the K to 12 (K-12) program should be prioritized for us to sustain our human capital development.
This was the assessment made by Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Undersecretary for International Economic Relations Laura Q. Del Rosario who also said the K-12 program “is a tool” for the Philippines to be competitive within the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation area.
The K-12 program aims to uplift the quality of education in the Philippines in order for graduates to be easily employed. It also aims to meet the standards required for professionals who would want to work abroad.
During the media forum “Inn The News” organized by the Capampangan in Media, Inc. in cooperation with the Holiday Inn Resort Clark, Social Security System and the Clark Development Corp. at the said hotel here last Friday, Del Rosario said the Philippines lags behind other nations in enhancing its educational program.
She said the average number of years for Americans who stay in the US educational system is 14 years, which is K-12 plus two years just like Canada, Japan, Singapore and Australia, she noted.
This is a reversal as compared to the Philippines because Filipinos stay in school at an average of only six or seven years, she lamented. These are the children of the marginalized sectors like farmers, fishermen and the like, she said.
China is like the Philippines but the difference is that China has its own scientists and research and development (R&D), Del Rosario pointed out.
“The point is, if this is our average years of education…seven, how can we compete?” she asked.
“When people talk about Philippine labor, they’re just talking of not even a million skilled workers or highly skilled workers because they’re just a few,” Del Rosario said.
:Human capital
“So when we are talking of sustainability, I think we should look at human capital development,” she said.
“One of our APEC priorities really is inclusive growth which means we have to work on our human capital development,” she added.
“So why do we average only seven years? Assuming and to be fair we have more classrooms now and we have more teachers, but we cannot fully implement the K-12 program because there’s a TRO,” she lamented.
“I talked to the teachers’ groups and asked them why did you do that (TRO)? Many of them said they are losing their jobs. But don’t you see that jobs are being created from 11 to 12? They don’t see the connection.
What about the jobs created for grades 11 and 12?” Del Rosario said.
But to the teachers that’s a different issue, she said.
Del Rosario said it’s a matter of retooling. “The 1 and 2 should be retooled for them to teach 11 and 12. After all, this is supposed to be higher than grade 10. But they just refused to accept that,” she said.
“Iba daw ang pagturo ng high school hindi nila kaya (It’s different to teach high schools, the teachers can’t cope),” she added. “But that is why we are retooling,” she pointed out. Retooling is a teaching technique, she said.
Del Rosario warned that if the Philippines will slow down on this, we will be left behind by Vietnam who is pushing its own K-12 program.
She said there are now only three countries that are not K-12 – “our country Chad and Mali in Africa.”
Del Rosario stressed that the Philippines need the K-12 program to be competitive. She said the Philippines is one of a few underdeveloped countries with short years for full education.
==Local artists to create new arts hub==
*Source:http://www.sunstar.com.ph/pampanga/local-news/2015/03/28/local-artists-create-new-arts-hub-399983
*Saturday, March 28, 2015
:By Ferth Vandensteen Manaysay
ANGELES CITY -- Local artists in this city have joined hands to rehabilitate a two-decade abandoned building and turn it into a new arts hub in the heritage district.
The old CSSI building at 1246 Miranda Street is designed to be an eco-friendly contemporary arts hub that will serve as a venue for arts practitioners in Pampanga and a nesting ground to harness young potential artists in the city.
Leading the charge is John Jurado, director of Teatro Angeleno, who is on a mission to create this hub called the “Arts and Garden Museum”.
"We desire to create experiences through our works. Thus, we envision more of these productions, speaking engagements, workshops, art collaboration talks and exhibits happening here," Jurado said.
A stage production from Teatro Angeleno, "Ang Paglilitis ni Mang Serapio" will be staged at the Arts and Garden Museum on April 1 and 2 in time for the Lenten season.
According to Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan, the initiative of the local artists on the rehabilitation and transformation of the building is in line with the local government’s goal of providing venues where people can appreciate the arts and at the same time, budding artists will have a stage to hone their skills and talents – and this is manifested by the five new parks found across the city.
"There is a continuous need for community development and education in the city that are necessary for a progressive society and I applaud this coterie of local artists on their initiative," the mayor said.
==Angeles City to implement strict measures to clean-up Sapang Balen creek==
*Source:http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?nid=8&rid=748436
*Friday, March 27, 2015
:(PNA), FPV/ZST/RKM/PS
ANGELES CITY, Pampanga, March 27 (PNA) --The City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) will implement stricter measures in dealing with the problems of illegal structures and dumping of waste along the Sapang Balen Creek here.
Sapang Balen creek is one of the major waterways of the city and it cuts across seven barangays.
A large number of illegal structures were built on it and residents along the river banks wantonly throw away their garbage.
Despite efforts being done by CENRO and the City Engineer's Office together with schools and church-based organizations to regularly clean it, Sapang Balen remains murky and filthy.
Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan expressed his full support to this program.
“The Sapang Balen Creek is one of the major waterways of this city. I am encouraging our fellow Angeleños to take part towards the improvement of Sapang Balen and for the betterment of our city,” the mayor said.
The rehabilitation project will center on providing solutions for the indiscriminate throwing of solid waste in the creek and the presence of informal settlers along the creek.
In a meeting with concerned city government agencies and barangay officials where Sapang Balen flows through, the main problems were identified and among the solutions proposed is the strict implementation of existing local ordinances and national laws on environment by penalizing with fines those who are caught dumping trash on the river.
Illegal structures which were constructed along the river will be demolished and the respective barangay will increase the frequency of garbage collection in areas near the river.
In an attempt to lessen indiscriminate throwing of solid waste, the local government urges the city’s village chiefs and every resident traversing the Sapang Balen creek to monitor and do their part in keeping their surroundings solid waste free.
CENRO is also planning to set up screens along the edges of the river to catch the garbage being thrown to prevent it from reaching the water system.
In addition, screen barriers will be set up in the barangay boundaries in order to prevent the garbage from flowing downstream to other barangays.
"The Sapang Balen Creek symbolizes the main artery of the city. If it is polluted, it will reflect on the state of cleanliness in our city. Murky and filthy water flowing through it will bring diseases, dengue-bearing mosquitoes, filth, pollution and environmental disasters. We will no longer tolerate the destruction of our environment and if we are to contribute in minimizing the effect of climate change, the Sapang Balen Creek will be our battle ground," Pamintuan added.
==Pamintuan to Angeleños: Participate in Earth Hour==
*Source:http://www.sunstar.com.ph/pampanga/local-news/2015/03/26/pamintuan-angelenos-participate-earth-hour-399668
*Thursday, March 26, 2015
:By Reynaldo G. Navales
ANGELES CITY -- Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan has called on all Angeleños to actively participate in the annual Earth Hour on Saturday, March 28, by turning-off their lights from 8:30 to 9:30 p.m.
"Let us use our power to 'change climate change'," said Pamintuan, quoting the slogan of Earth Hour.
"This is a small sacrifice we can make for Mother Earth. Let us tell our relatives, friends, colleagues, neighbors and all those around us to participate by turning off our lights for at least 60 minutes," he added.
Earth Hour started in Sydney, Australia in 2007 as a lights-off event to raise awareness about climate change. Since then, Earth Hour has become a worldwide movement and hundreds of millions of citizens in 162 countries and territories worldwide have participated in this annual event.
"This act of turning-off our lights for 60 minutes from 8:30 to 9:30 in the evening every 28th of March symbolizes our solidarity with the campaign for defense of the environment, for the protection of endangered species and our forests, and all other activities against climate change," Pamintuan said.
==SM City Clark to highlight panda-themed Earth Hour==
*Source:http://www.sunstar.com.ph/pampanga/local-news/2015/03/25/sm-city-clark-highlight-panda-themed-earth-hour-399414
*Wednesday, March 25, 2015
:By Ian Ocampo Flora
CLARK FREEPORT -- SM City Clark will join this year's observance of Earth Hour 2014 with the switching off of its major lighting system and in hosting a promotional campaign in saving and conserving energy through a panda-themed event.
SM City Clark Public Relations manager Venus Manalang told Sun.Star Pampanga that they will be displaying pandas and other related attractions.
The inspiration came from the logo of the World Nature Foundation (WWF).
WWF is an international non-governmental organization that leads the yearly observance of Earth Hour.
Manalang said that they will be giving away panda masks for the event that will be hosted by the mall at The Meeting Place at around 8 p.m. Other attractions include the ceremonial lighting of the event’s centerpiece.
An initiative of the WWF for Nature, the Earth Hour is a worldwide movement uniting individuals, families, communities, and business establishments to protect the planet through a symbolic switch-off of lights to symbolize their commitment to the planet and to remind the people of the need to preserve a sustainable Earth.
The Earth Hour began in Sydney, Australia in 2007. The following year, the WWF launched the Earth Hour internationally. More than 400 cities in 35 countries, including the Philippines, joined the campaign. In 2013, more than 7,000 cities were involved.
==Angeles to experiment on new traffic rerouting scheme==
*Source:http://www.sunstar.com.ph/pampanga/local-news/2015/03/24/angeles-experiment-new-traffic-rerouting-scheme-399293
*Tuesday, March 24, 2015
:By Reynaldo G. Navales
ANGELES CITY -- The Angeles City Traffic Enforcement and Management Office (ACTEMO) will be implementing a new traffic rerouting scheme to ease the heavy build up of vehicles along the Marisol Rotonda, Abacan Bridge, MacArthur Highway and J. Gonzales Boulevard.
Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan ordered the Angeles City Traffic Management Board (ACTMB) to come up with studies on how to decongest vehicular traffic in major roads, intersections and roundabouts around the city, including the implementation of experimental traffic re-routing plans, on top of on-going road widening and rehabilitations, increased number of traffic enforcers and strict implementation of traffic laws.
"The Marisol (Ninoy Aquino) area, especially the rotunda near the Marisol subdivision entrance is one of the choke points that aggravate traffic conditions going towards Angeles City proper and Balibago business district, especially during rush hour," said Pamintuan.
Danilo Concepcion, member of the ACTMB, shared this observation that when "vehicles coming from Malabanias Road, J. Gonzales Blvd, MacArthur Highway and those exiting from Marisol Subdivision merge around the rotonda, a gridlock happens and traffic remains at a standstill and traffic volume begins to accumulate along MacArthur Highway in the Balibago area."
Based on the rerouting scheme, vehicles coming from Marisol going to Balibago can turn right at the entrance. Meanwhile, those who are headed to Angeles City or MacArthur Highway will use Don Pepe Street, then exit at the second gate. Public utility vehicles will have to turn right at the corner of Sonny Lao Building, exit at MacArthur Highway near the Datelcom Building and then turn left towards Balibago, using the loading and unloading bay near the Marisol main gate.
Trucks and other vehicles coming from Malabanias Road or the Araw Malansik Street will turn right at Ligaya Street, turn left at Pag-asa Street, turn left at MacArthur Highway and proceed to the rotonda towards Balibago.
The third outer lane in front of Marisol will be dedicated for the PUV’s which include the jeepneys and tricycles.
Vehicles coming from Balibago can take the Rotonda, make a U-turn at the end of the island and enter Marisol through the main entrance.
Vehicles from J. Gonzales Boulevard going to Marisol can make a U-turn at the Rotonda, make another U-turn at the end of the island and enter Marisol through the main entrance or use the second gate.
Motorists from Marisol are only allowed to turn right to Balibago while vehicles heading to the city proper are advised to take the Marisol second gate.
In addition, the “no pedestrian” crossing within 30 meters radius of the rotonda will be strictly implemented.
This means that public transportations will no longer load or unload passengers near and around the rotonda.
Loading, unloading bays will be placed for the commuting public where they can ride and alight safely.
“This will be an experimental scheme and we won't stop implementing such schemes until we can come up with a system that will ease traffic in the area with the least amount of inconvenience to pedestrians, commuting public, public transportation and private vehicle owners. If this is successful, we can completely decongest the rotunda for only vehicles from Balibago and back will pass through it,” said Concepcion.
“If our effort turns out good, then we can make the rerouting permanent and we will request the City council to assist us in making it into an ordinance,” Concepcion added.
Abacan Loop and Balibago decongestion
Meanwhile, to further lighten the traffic along MacArthur Highway, near the Abacan Bridge, the city government through the City Engineer’s Office is set to finalize the designs and plots of the proposed Abacan Loop which will be situated under the Abacan bridge.
The construction of the loop will further relieve the heavy traffic condition being experienced by the city especially in the Abacan-Balibago area.
Construction, Planning and Programming Engineer Paterno Tayag said that the project will be up for bidding on April this year.
“The construction of the Abacan Loop will follow shortly after the project is awarded to the winning contractor,” said Tayag.
Mayor Pamintuan, on the other hand, assured the groundbreaking and the start of the project construction in the second quarter of 2015.
==Pamintuan, GAD support 90-day maternity leave bill==
*Source:http://www.sunstar.com.ph/pampanga/local-news/2015/03/23/pamintuan-gad-support-90-day-maternity-leave-bill-398998
*Monday, March 23, 2015
: (AC-CIO)
ANGELES CITY -- Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan and the Gender and Development (GAD) office of this city have announced their support to Senator Pia Cayetano's Senate Bill 2710, or the proposed Expanded Maternity Leave Law.
The bill seeks to expand the maternity leave of working mothers—married or unmarried—from 60 days to 90 days. The bill’s aim is to provide working mothers "sufficient time to take care of their newborn babies and regain their full health," said Cayetano, in her explanatory note.
Pamintuan noted that the proposed law is "for the entire family and will ensure greater bond between the mother and the infant."
For her part, Angeles City GAD Officer Poyen Pineda-David said that, "The longer leave would allow working mothers to complete the exclusive breast-feeding of their babies for six months. This will contribute to better health for the children and the mothers too."
In her bill, Cayetano also stated that, "According to a study cited by Time magazine, mothers who immediately resume work after giving birth experience disparaging health and increased personal stress. This, in turn, affects the total well-being of the family, including the health and cognitive development of the children."
"Our family is most important to us. A healthy family contributes to a healthy society and community," Pamintuan said.
Once approved, the proposed law will give a working mother in the government, who has rendered an aggregate service of at least six months in the last 12 months, a maternity leave of 90 days with full pay based on her average weekly or regular wages, whether the delivery was normal or Caesarean. She may also opt to seek an additional maternity leave of 30 days without pay provided her employer would be notified in writing before the 75th day of maternity leave.
In the private sector, a working mother, who has paid at least three monthly maternity contributions in the 12-month period preceding the semester of her childbirth, abortion or miscarriage and who is currently employed, shall be paid a daily maternity benefit equivalent to 100 percent of her present basic salary, allowances and other benefits or the cash equivalent of such benefits for 90 days.
==Businessman mulls joining council race in 2016==
*Source:http://www.sunstar.com.ph/pampanga/local-news/2015/03/21/businessman-mulls-joining-council-race-2016-398767
*Sunday, March 22, 2015 (Date Published)
:By Joel P. Mapiles
ANGELES CITY -- The local businessman-owner of PG Pawnshop in Angeles City is contemplating on joining the city council race in 2016, mainly to contribute to environmental protection, improvement of social services and empowerment of the youth as partners in development.
Joseph Galang, popularly known as "PG," who started to run their family business in 1988 at the age of 16, through registering PG Pawnshop in his name as single proprietor, wants to try his luck as candidate for city councilor in 2016.
Galang has already established six branches of PG Pawnshop – two in Angeles City, another one in Dau, Mabalacat City, one in the City of San Fernando, one in Concepcion, Tarlac and another one in Apalit town.
He also put up Ponce-De Leon Realty Development Corporation involved in lending and real estate business.
Social service is not new to Galang who always extends assistance even in his personal capacity to underprivileged children from Bahay Bata Center, Bahay Pag-ibig, Munting Tahanan ng Nazareth, elementary pupils from Barangays Palat and Sta Cruz, Manibaug in Porac town, among others.
“PG” is also actively involved in providing livelihood activities to the people in Barangay Sapang Bato by giving them the chance to be trained and earn as soap makers with him as financer without asking them for anything in return.
He is also an incumbent Pampanga Chapter President of Law Enforcement Riders Association of the Philippines whose members are mostly policemen, highway patrol group and civilians. The group is involved in providing motorcycle-riding courses to those who are interested particularly motorcycle enthusiasts.
It is his vision, he said, to provide members of the tricycle drivers’ association in the city proper trainings and scientific know-how on how to drive safely in and out of the city.
“These drivers are mostly heads of the families. We have to equip them with proper trainings. They have their children waiting for them, needing their love and care at home. They have to go back home safely,” he said.
As environment advocate, he said he wants to advocate the total banning of plastic in the city to help in the preservation of clean and sanitized environments like what is being practiced in other cities in the country.
He said he also wants the city to put up clean, fragrant, modern, state of the art comfort rooms in all the public terminals – be it tricycle, public utility vehicles or buses and even terminals for three-wheelers.
“This is our city. We love this city and everybody has the right for a convenient and well-off comfort rooms. We deserve that as Angeleños and we could conveniently share that to visitors and guests of the city,” he said.
==CGC featured in ‘Cityquest’==
*Source:http://www.sunstar.com.ph/pampanga/local-news/2015/03/21/cgc-featured-cityquest-398772
*Saturday, March 21, 2015
:By Ian Ocampo Flora
CLARK FREEPORT -- Clark Green City (CGC), together with other urban mega projects worldwide, was featured in the Cityquest, a global community of large-scale city builders organized by the New Cities Foundation and the King Abdullah Economic City (KAEC) of Saudi Arabia.
The report dubbed “Building New Cities: Challenges, Opportunities and Recommendations”, was published on Monday, said officials of the Bases Conversion Development Authority (BCDA), proponent of the Clark Green City project.
BCDA is a government corporation under the Republic of the Philippines mandated to transform former military bases into premier centers of economic growth.
Its most ambitious project is the transformation of some 9,450 hectares of property inside the Clark Special Economic Zone, a former US Air Force base, into a new city called Clark Green City.
The new city is envisioned to be environmentally sustainable, socially inclusive, economically competitive, culturally relevant, and technologically integrated.
The new city is expected to be a catalyst for economic development of surrounding local government units. It will see five districts rise in three phases over the next five decades.
The construction of brand new cities is a bold response to the urbanization challenge.
Across the planet, hundreds of billions of dollars are being invested in new urban mega projects in countries including China, India, Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, Ecuador, the Philippines, Palestine, Morocco, Afghanistan, Germany and more.
The New Cities Foundation and its member, KAEC, came together in 2013 to create Cityquest, a unique platform for exchange of knowledge and best practices in implementing these projects.
The report is a milestone in the Cityquest initiative, distilling key trends and priorities that emerged from the Cityquest-KAEC Forum in December 2014, which was attended by 227 senior executives from 28 countries, including representatives of Clark Green City and nine other new cities. The report is complemented by extensive research carried out by the New Cities Foundation.
==Kuliat Foundation scrambling to raise P14-M for Angeles museum==
==Kuliat Foundation scrambling to raise P14-M for Angeles museum==
*Source:http://www.sunstar.com.ph/pampanga/local-news/2015/03/20/kuliat-foundation-scrambling-raise-p14-m-angeles-museum-398552
*Source:http://www.sunstar.com.ph/pampanga/local-news/2015/03/20/kuliat-foundation-scrambling-raise-p14-m-angeles-museum-398552

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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.

Panata at Panalangin set at Marquee

By Ashley Manabat

ANGELES CITY – To highlight the solemn observance of the Holy Week, a stage production will offer a glimpse of the various practices of the Kapampangan faith and sacrifices through a fusion of visual arts, music, drama and dance on Black Saturday (April 4) at 5 p.m, at the Marquee Mall promenade area here.

“Panata at Panalangin,” a project of Bale Balayan and the Sinukwan Center for the Arts, is an hour-long presentation of a spiritual journey through culture and the arts, according to director Peter De Vera.

“This is not just an entertainment but what they are performing is a real “panata” (sacrifice) already,” he added. “This meaningful presentation is our traditional way of giving importance to our religious beliefs,” De Vera said during the joint press conference of the Angeles City Tourism Office (ACTO) and the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) at the Marquee Mall here on Monday.

“Ito ay paulit-ulit nating ginagawa dahil naniniwala tayo na ito ay isang magandang halimbawa na pwedi nating maiambag hindi lamang sa society but to the whole world (We keep on doing this because we believe that this is a good example that we can contribute not only to society but to the whole world),” said ACTO officer Richard Daenos.

Dance rally

Meanwhile, the 1st “Yugyugan Para sa Kultura ng Bayan” which is meant as a dance rally for the promotion of cultural heritage and its preservation, is set on April 29 in celebration of the International Day of Dance.

The NCCA, led by its chairman, Prof. Felipe M. De Leon Jr. and OIC executive director Adelina M. Suemith, will spearhead the event with dance rallies in various locations like Pampanga, Baguio, Cebu, Iloilo, Cagayan De Oro, Batangas and Rizal Park in Manila.

De Vera said all dancers including Zumba dancers, alliance of choreographers, schools and dance companies here will now have chance to not only showcase their dancing skills but to lend their passion to the promotion of culture and the arts.

De Vera, National Committee on Dance (NCD) vice chair, also said the dance venue for this city is in front of the Museo Ning Angeles at Plaza Anghel.

Dancers in at least 10 or 12 other sites in the Philippines will be performing “Ako ay Pilipino” simultaneously at 6 p.m. with other dancers around the world, De Vera said.

The NCD choreographed two to three figures to some 100 performers that will perform uniform movements during the countdown to the Yugyugan, he said.

NCD’s Josefina Guillen is in charge of the national committee.

Angeles village is DILG's showcase in regional assembly

(Sun.Star Angeles)

ANGELES CITY -- Barangay Cutcut of Angeles City is the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) - Central Luzon's Regional Showcase Barangay for the first semester of 2015.

During the assembly here over the weekend, barangay chairman Cecilia Nepomuceno comprehensively delivered her State of the Barangay Address (SOBA) highlighting their accomplishments for the past six months in the areas of infrastructure, peace and order, waste management, health and sanitation, education, culture and sports, senior citizens, persons with disabilities, and the proposed projects of the barangay for Calendar Year 2015.

DILG-Central Luzon Director Florida M. Dijan, in her message, expressed her appreciation and lauded the local and barangay officials of Cutcut for adhering to the department’s mandates and in performing their respective duties and responsibilities making their barangay eligible to be showcased in Region III. She concluded her speech by extending the message of the secretary of the department to all present.

She also emphasized that the department will always be of service to partner local government units.

Meanwhile, DILG Angeles OIC-City Director Belina Herman congratulated Nepomuceno and her council for pulling off and organizing the showcase barangay assembly.

Gracing the assembly were Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan, Councilors Bryan Matthew Nepomuceno and Alex Indiongco, Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) Regional Director Fire Chief Supt. Aloveel Ferrer, Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Regional Director William Beltran, representatives from selected national government agencies (NGAs), local officials and other assembly members.

Pamintuan lauded Barangay Cutcut for being one of the most financially organized and capable barangays in Angeles City. He also stressed the importance of working in unison to achieve a common goal.

Pursuant to Proclamation No. 260 dated September 30, 2011, all barangays in the country are required to call for a barangay assembly at least twice every year and deliver their state of the barangay address to their respective constituents concerning matters provided by Section 397(b) Chapter VI of the Local Government Code: Accomplishments and Financial Report from the past six months and updates on on-going programs and projects.

The barangay assembly also serves as a venue or platform for its members to raise issues and concerns affecting the community, as well as for advancing proposals and recommendations to improve the quality of service of barangay officials.

Usec bats for quality education thru K-12

By Ashley Manabat

CLARK FREEPORT – The need to strengthen the educational system in the country through the K to 12 (K-12) program should be prioritized for us to sustain our human capital development.

This was the assessment made by Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Undersecretary for International Economic Relations Laura Q. Del Rosario who also said the K-12 program “is a tool” for the Philippines to be competitive within the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation area.

The K-12 program aims to uplift the quality of education in the Philippines in order for graduates to be easily employed. It also aims to meet the standards required for professionals who would want to work abroad.

During the media forum “Inn The News” organized by the Capampangan in Media, Inc. in cooperation with the Holiday Inn Resort Clark, Social Security System and the Clark Development Corp. at the said hotel here last Friday, Del Rosario said the Philippines lags behind other nations in enhancing its educational program.

She said the average number of years for Americans who stay in the US educational system is 14 years, which is K-12 plus two years just like Canada, Japan, Singapore and Australia, she noted.

This is a reversal as compared to the Philippines because Filipinos stay in school at an average of only six or seven years, she lamented. These are the children of the marginalized sectors like farmers, fishermen and the like, she said.

China is like the Philippines but the difference is that China has its own scientists and research and development (R&D), Del Rosario pointed out.

“The point is, if this is our average years of education…seven, how can we compete?” she asked.

“When people talk about Philippine labor, they’re just talking of not even a million skilled workers or highly skilled workers because they’re just a few,” Del Rosario said.

Human capital

“So when we are talking of sustainability, I think we should look at human capital development,” she said.

“One of our APEC priorities really is inclusive growth which means we have to work on our human capital development,” she added.

“So why do we average only seven years? Assuming and to be fair we have more classrooms now and we have more teachers, but we cannot fully implement the K-12 program because there’s a TRO,” she lamented.

“I talked to the teachers’ groups and asked them why did you do that (TRO)? Many of them said they are losing their jobs. But don’t you see that jobs are being created from 11 to 12? They don’t see the connection.

What about the jobs created for grades 11 and 12?” Del Rosario said.

But to the teachers that’s a different issue, she said.

Del Rosario said it’s a matter of retooling. “The 1 and 2 should be retooled for them to teach 11 and 12. After all, this is supposed to be higher than grade 10. But they just refused to accept that,” she said.

“Iba daw ang pagturo ng high school hindi nila kaya (It’s different to teach high schools, the teachers can’t cope),” she added. “But that is why we are retooling,” she pointed out. Retooling is a teaching technique, she said.

Del Rosario warned that if the Philippines will slow down on this, we will be left behind by Vietnam who is pushing its own K-12 program.

She said there are now only three countries that are not K-12 – “our country Chad and Mali in Africa.”

Del Rosario stressed that the Philippines need the K-12 program to be competitive. She said the Philippines is one of a few underdeveloped countries with short years for full education.

Local artists to create new arts hub

By Ferth Vandensteen Manaysay

ANGELES CITY -- Local artists in this city have joined hands to rehabilitate a two-decade abandoned building and turn it into a new arts hub in the heritage district.

The old CSSI building at 1246 Miranda Street is designed to be an eco-friendly contemporary arts hub that will serve as a venue for arts practitioners in Pampanga and a nesting ground to harness young potential artists in the city.

Leading the charge is John Jurado, director of Teatro Angeleno, who is on a mission to create this hub called the “Arts and Garden Museum”.

"We desire to create experiences through our works. Thus, we envision more of these productions, speaking engagements, workshops, art collaboration talks and exhibits happening here," Jurado said.

A stage production from Teatro Angeleno, "Ang Paglilitis ni Mang Serapio" will be staged at the Arts and Garden Museum on April 1 and 2 in time for the Lenten season.

According to Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan, the initiative of the local artists on the rehabilitation and transformation of the building is in line with the local government’s goal of providing venues where people can appreciate the arts and at the same time, budding artists will have a stage to hone their skills and talents – and this is manifested by the five new parks found across the city.

"There is a continuous need for community development and education in the city that are necessary for a progressive society and I applaud this coterie of local artists on their initiative," the mayor said.

Angeles City to implement strict measures to clean-up Sapang Balen creek

(PNA), FPV/ZST/RKM/PS

ANGELES CITY, Pampanga, March 27 (PNA) --The City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) will implement stricter measures in dealing with the problems of illegal structures and dumping of waste along the Sapang Balen Creek here.

Sapang Balen creek is one of the major waterways of the city and it cuts across seven barangays.

A large number of illegal structures were built on it and residents along the river banks wantonly throw away their garbage.

Despite efforts being done by CENRO and the City Engineer's Office together with schools and church-based organizations to regularly clean it, Sapang Balen remains murky and filthy.

Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan expressed his full support to this program.

“The Sapang Balen Creek is one of the major waterways of this city. I am encouraging our fellow Angeleños to take part towards the improvement of Sapang Balen and for the betterment of our city,” the mayor said.

The rehabilitation project will center on providing solutions for the indiscriminate throwing of solid waste in the creek and the presence of informal settlers along the creek.

In a meeting with concerned city government agencies and barangay officials where Sapang Balen flows through, the main problems were identified and among the solutions proposed is the strict implementation of existing local ordinances and national laws on environment by penalizing with fines those who are caught dumping trash on the river.

Illegal structures which were constructed along the river will be demolished and the respective barangay will increase the frequency of garbage collection in areas near the river.

In an attempt to lessen indiscriminate throwing of solid waste, the local government urges the city’s village chiefs and every resident traversing the Sapang Balen creek to monitor and do their part in keeping their surroundings solid waste free.

CENRO is also planning to set up screens along the edges of the river to catch the garbage being thrown to prevent it from reaching the water system.

In addition, screen barriers will be set up in the barangay boundaries in order to prevent the garbage from flowing downstream to other barangays.

"The Sapang Balen Creek symbolizes the main artery of the city. If it is polluted, it will reflect on the state of cleanliness in our city. Murky and filthy water flowing through it will bring diseases, dengue-bearing mosquitoes, filth, pollution and environmental disasters. We will no longer tolerate the destruction of our environment and if we are to contribute in minimizing the effect of climate change, the Sapang Balen Creek will be our battle ground," Pamintuan added.

Pamintuan to Angeleños: Participate in Earth Hour

By Reynaldo G. Navales

ANGELES CITY -- Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan has called on all Angeleños to actively participate in the annual Earth Hour on Saturday, March 28, by turning-off their lights from 8:30 to 9:30 p.m.

"Let us use our power to 'change climate change'," said Pamintuan, quoting the slogan of Earth Hour.

"This is a small sacrifice we can make for Mother Earth. Let us tell our relatives, friends, colleagues, neighbors and all those around us to participate by turning off our lights for at least 60 minutes," he added.

Earth Hour started in Sydney, Australia in 2007 as a lights-off event to raise awareness about climate change. Since then, Earth Hour has become a worldwide movement and hundreds of millions of citizens in 162 countries and territories worldwide have participated in this annual event.

"This act of turning-off our lights for 60 minutes from 8:30 to 9:30 in the evening every 28th of March symbolizes our solidarity with the campaign for defense of the environment, for the protection of endangered species and our forests, and all other activities against climate change," Pamintuan said.

SM City Clark to highlight panda-themed Earth Hour

By Ian Ocampo Flora

CLARK FREEPORT -- SM City Clark will join this year's observance of Earth Hour 2014 with the switching off of its major lighting system and in hosting a promotional campaign in saving and conserving energy through a panda-themed event.

SM City Clark Public Relations manager Venus Manalang told Sun.Star Pampanga that they will be displaying pandas and other related attractions.

The inspiration came from the logo of the World Nature Foundation (WWF).

WWF is an international non-governmental organization that leads the yearly observance of Earth Hour.

Manalang said that they will be giving away panda masks for the event that will be hosted by the mall at The Meeting Place at around 8 p.m. Other attractions include the ceremonial lighting of the event’s centerpiece.

An initiative of the WWF for Nature, the Earth Hour is a worldwide movement uniting individuals, families, communities, and business establishments to protect the planet through a symbolic switch-off of lights to symbolize their commitment to the planet and to remind the people of the need to preserve a sustainable Earth.

The Earth Hour began in Sydney, Australia in 2007. The following year, the WWF launched the Earth Hour internationally. More than 400 cities in 35 countries, including the Philippines, joined the campaign. In 2013, more than 7,000 cities were involved.

Angeles to experiment on new traffic rerouting scheme

By Reynaldo G. Navales

ANGELES CITY -- The Angeles City Traffic Enforcement and Management Office (ACTEMO) will be implementing a new traffic rerouting scheme to ease the heavy build up of vehicles along the Marisol Rotonda, Abacan Bridge, MacArthur Highway and J. Gonzales Boulevard.

Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan ordered the Angeles City Traffic Management Board (ACTMB) to come up with studies on how to decongest vehicular traffic in major roads, intersections and roundabouts around the city, including the implementation of experimental traffic re-routing plans, on top of on-going road widening and rehabilitations, increased number of traffic enforcers and strict implementation of traffic laws.

"The Marisol (Ninoy Aquino) area, especially the rotunda near the Marisol subdivision entrance is one of the choke points that aggravate traffic conditions going towards Angeles City proper and Balibago business district, especially during rush hour," said Pamintuan.

Danilo Concepcion, member of the ACTMB, shared this observation that when "vehicles coming from Malabanias Road, J. Gonzales Blvd, MacArthur Highway and those exiting from Marisol Subdivision merge around the rotonda, a gridlock happens and traffic remains at a standstill and traffic volume begins to accumulate along MacArthur Highway in the Balibago area."

Based on the rerouting scheme, vehicles coming from Marisol going to Balibago can turn right at the entrance. Meanwhile, those who are headed to Angeles City or MacArthur Highway will use Don Pepe Street, then exit at the second gate. Public utility vehicles will have to turn right at the corner of Sonny Lao Building, exit at MacArthur Highway near the Datelcom Building and then turn left towards Balibago, using the loading and unloading bay near the Marisol main gate.

Trucks and other vehicles coming from Malabanias Road or the Araw Malansik Street will turn right at Ligaya Street, turn left at Pag-asa Street, turn left at MacArthur Highway and proceed to the rotonda towards Balibago.

The third outer lane in front of Marisol will be dedicated for the PUV’s which include the jeepneys and tricycles.

Vehicles coming from Balibago can take the Rotonda, make a U-turn at the end of the island and enter Marisol through the main entrance.

Vehicles from J. Gonzales Boulevard going to Marisol can make a U-turn at the Rotonda, make another U-turn at the end of the island and enter Marisol through the main entrance or use the second gate.

Motorists from Marisol are only allowed to turn right to Balibago while vehicles heading to the city proper are advised to take the Marisol second gate.

In addition, the “no pedestrian” crossing within 30 meters radius of the rotonda will be strictly implemented.

This means that public transportations will no longer load or unload passengers near and around the rotonda.

Loading, unloading bays will be placed for the commuting public where they can ride and alight safely.

“This will be an experimental scheme and we won't stop implementing such schemes until we can come up with a system that will ease traffic in the area with the least amount of inconvenience to pedestrians, commuting public, public transportation and private vehicle owners. If this is successful, we can completely decongest the rotunda for only vehicles from Balibago and back will pass through it,” said Concepcion.

“If our effort turns out good, then we can make the rerouting permanent and we will request the City council to assist us in making it into an ordinance,” Concepcion added.

Abacan Loop and Balibago decongestion

Meanwhile, to further lighten the traffic along MacArthur Highway, near the Abacan Bridge, the city government through the City Engineer’s Office is set to finalize the designs and plots of the proposed Abacan Loop which will be situated under the Abacan bridge.

The construction of the loop will further relieve the heavy traffic condition being experienced by the city especially in the Abacan-Balibago area.

Construction, Planning and Programming Engineer Paterno Tayag said that the project will be up for bidding on April this year.

“The construction of the Abacan Loop will follow shortly after the project is awarded to the winning contractor,” said Tayag.

Mayor Pamintuan, on the other hand, assured the groundbreaking and the start of the project construction in the second quarter of 2015.

Pamintuan, GAD support 90-day maternity leave bill

(AC-CIO)

ANGELES CITY -- Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan and the Gender and Development (GAD) office of this city have announced their support to Senator Pia Cayetano's Senate Bill 2710, or the proposed Expanded Maternity Leave Law.

The bill seeks to expand the maternity leave of working mothers—married or unmarried—from 60 days to 90 days. The bill’s aim is to provide working mothers "sufficient time to take care of their newborn babies and regain their full health," said Cayetano, in her explanatory note.

Pamintuan noted that the proposed law is "for the entire family and will ensure greater bond between the mother and the infant."

For her part, Angeles City GAD Officer Poyen Pineda-David said that, "The longer leave would allow working mothers to complete the exclusive breast-feeding of their babies for six months. This will contribute to better health for the children and the mothers too."

In her bill, Cayetano also stated that, "According to a study cited by Time magazine, mothers who immediately resume work after giving birth experience disparaging health and increased personal stress. This, in turn, affects the total well-being of the family, including the health and cognitive development of the children."

"Our family is most important to us. A healthy family contributes to a healthy society and community," Pamintuan said.

Once approved, the proposed law will give a working mother in the government, who has rendered an aggregate service of at least six months in the last 12 months, a maternity leave of 90 days with full pay based on her average weekly or regular wages, whether the delivery was normal or Caesarean. She may also opt to seek an additional maternity leave of 30 days without pay provided her employer would be notified in writing before the 75th day of maternity leave.

In the private sector, a working mother, who has paid at least three monthly maternity contributions in the 12-month period preceding the semester of her childbirth, abortion or miscarriage and who is currently employed, shall be paid a daily maternity benefit equivalent to 100 percent of her present basic salary, allowances and other benefits or the cash equivalent of such benefits for 90 days.

Businessman mulls joining council race in 2016

By Joel P. Mapiles

ANGELES CITY -- The local businessman-owner of PG Pawnshop in Angeles City is contemplating on joining the city council race in 2016, mainly to contribute to environmental protection, improvement of social services and empowerment of the youth as partners in development.

Joseph Galang, popularly known as "PG," who started to run their family business in 1988 at the age of 16, through registering PG Pawnshop in his name as single proprietor, wants to try his luck as candidate for city councilor in 2016.

Galang has already established six branches of PG Pawnshop – two in Angeles City, another one in Dau, Mabalacat City, one in the City of San Fernando, one in Concepcion, Tarlac and another one in Apalit town.

He also put up Ponce-De Leon Realty Development Corporation involved in lending and real estate business.

Social service is not new to Galang who always extends assistance even in his personal capacity to underprivileged children from Bahay Bata Center, Bahay Pag-ibig, Munting Tahanan ng Nazareth, elementary pupils from Barangays Palat and Sta Cruz, Manibaug in Porac town, among others.

“PG” is also actively involved in providing livelihood activities to the people in Barangay Sapang Bato by giving them the chance to be trained and earn as soap makers with him as financer without asking them for anything in return.

He is also an incumbent Pampanga Chapter President of Law Enforcement Riders Association of the Philippines whose members are mostly policemen, highway patrol group and civilians. The group is involved in providing motorcycle-riding courses to those who are interested particularly motorcycle enthusiasts.

It is his vision, he said, to provide members of the tricycle drivers’ association in the city proper trainings and scientific know-how on how to drive safely in and out of the city.

“These drivers are mostly heads of the families. We have to equip them with proper trainings. They have their children waiting for them, needing their love and care at home. They have to go back home safely,” he said.

As environment advocate, he said he wants to advocate the total banning of plastic in the city to help in the preservation of clean and sanitized environments like what is being practiced in other cities in the country.

He said he also wants the city to put up clean, fragrant, modern, state of the art comfort rooms in all the public terminals – be it tricycle, public utility vehicles or buses and even terminals for three-wheelers.

“This is our city. We love this city and everybody has the right for a convenient and well-off comfort rooms. We deserve that as Angeleños and we could conveniently share that to visitors and guests of the city,” he said.

CGC featured in ‘Cityquest’

By Ian Ocampo Flora

CLARK FREEPORT -- Clark Green City (CGC), together with other urban mega projects worldwide, was featured in the Cityquest, a global community of large-scale city builders organized by the New Cities Foundation and the King Abdullah Economic City (KAEC) of Saudi Arabia.

The report dubbed “Building New Cities: Challenges, Opportunities and Recommendations”, was published on Monday, said officials of the Bases Conversion Development Authority (BCDA), proponent of the Clark Green City project.

BCDA is a government corporation under the Republic of the Philippines mandated to transform former military bases into premier centers of economic growth.

Its most ambitious project is the transformation of some 9,450 hectares of property inside the Clark Special Economic Zone, a former US Air Force base, into a new city called Clark Green City.

The new city is envisioned to be environmentally sustainable, socially inclusive, economically competitive, culturally relevant, and technologically integrated.

The new city is expected to be a catalyst for economic development of surrounding local government units. It will see five districts rise in three phases over the next five decades.

The construction of brand new cities is a bold response to the urbanization challenge.

Across the planet, hundreds of billions of dollars are being invested in new urban mega projects in countries including China, India, Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, Ecuador, the Philippines, Palestine, Morocco, Afghanistan, Germany and more.

The New Cities Foundation and its member, KAEC, came together in 2013 to create Cityquest, a unique platform for exchange of knowledge and best practices in implementing these projects.

The report is a milestone in the Cityquest initiative, distilling key trends and priorities that emerged from the Cityquest-KAEC Forum in December 2014, which was attended by 227 senior executives from 28 countries, including representatives of Clark Green City and nine other new cities. The report is complemented by extensive research carried out by the New Cities Foundation.

Kuliat Foundation scrambling to raise P14-M for Angeles museum

By Ian Ocampo Flora

ANGELES CITY -- The Kuliat Foundation has set the ball rolling to gather donations of at least P14-million for maintenance, repairs and other operational costs of its Museo Ning Angeles.

The Kuliat Foundation Inc. (KFI) is a non-stock non-profit organization committed to working for the preservation of Angeles City's history, culture and traditions. It is also the official administrator of the Museo ning Angeles. Built in 1922, the Museo Ning Angeles is the original town hall of then town of Angeles.

The National Museum of the Philippines (NMP) declared the Museo ning Angeles as an "Important Cultural Property of the Philippines."

But despite of this, like other museums operated by non-government groups, the Museo ning Angeles relies mostly on donations. Kuliat Foundation Director Joy Cruz said that the Angeles City government pays for some staff and supports the museum in many aspects. The museum even receives some proceeds from the yearly Tigtigan Terakan event.

Cruz said that the museum alone needs some P50,000 to keep operations going. This April 25, Kuliat Foundation is hosting a benefit fashion show at the Holy Angel University to raise funds for this year’s restoration project of the Museo Ning Angeles.

The fashion show dubbed "Pidayit" will showcase the works of renowned Angeles-based fashion designer Phillip Torres.

"Pidayit" is a gala event that showcases the conjoining of culture and chic, a synthesis of homespun art and modern styles. This show will feature Kapampangan beauty titlists and internationally renowned models and will highlight works of Torres.

Pampanga most peaceful province in Central Luzon – NEDA says

(PNA), FFC/ZST/JM/PS

BACOLOR, Pampanga, March 19 (PNA) -- The Police Regional Office-3 (PRO-3) said that based on the assessment of the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA), Pampanga is the most peaceful province in Central Luzon.

This report was made during the 1st Quarterly Full Council Meeting of the Regional Peace and Order Council (RPOC) presided by Nueva Ecija Governor Aurelio Umali, chairperson of RPOC together with Zambales Governor Hermogenes Ebdane, Pampanga Governor Lilia Pineda, PRO 3 officer-in-charge Police Supt. Ronald Santos and Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Regional Director Florida Dijan held on Thursday at Promenade King's Royale, this town.

It can also be noted that the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) declared that Pampanga is now insurgency free and ready for further development.

The PRO-3 reported that on the comparative average monthly crime rate (AMCR) per province and city showed that Pampanga recorded the lowest AMCR with 42.12, followed by Zambales with 72.49, Nueva Ecija with 72.78, Tarlac with 72.86, Bulacan with 78.24, Bataan with 82.69, Aurora with 115.85, Olongapo City with 134.25 and Angeles City with 276.79.

Based on report of the PRO 3, the average monthly crime rate in the region is pegged at 76.49 incidents, which is lower compared to 77.7 incidents in year 2013.

In 2014, PRO-3 recorded a total crime volume of 100,033 crime incidents in the region as compared to 98,478 for the same period last 2013, reflecting a significant increase of 1,555 incidents or 1.57 percent.

Reports have it that the significant increase in crime volume could be attributed to the system of gathering crime statistics, which include crimes reported to the barangays and other law enforcement agencies.

Bulacan recorded the highest crime volume with 29,051 or 29.04 percent followed by Nueva Ecija with 18,070 or 18.06 percent, Tarlac with 11,763 or 11.75 percent, Angeles City 11,469 or 11.146 percent, Pampanga 10,771 or 10.76 percent, Bataan with 7218 or 7.21 percent, Zambales with 4,919 or 4.91 percent, Olongapo with 3,812 or 3.81 percent and Aurora with 2,960 or 2.95 percent crime incidents.

Out of the 100,033-crime volume during the period, index crime recorded 45,698, which is higher by 2,611 or 6 percent compared to the tally of 43,087 of the year 2013.Reports also have it that non-index crime reflected a record of 54,335 incidents, which is lower by 1,056 or 1.9 percent of the tally in 2013, which is 55,391.

The index crime distribution for the period 2014 showed that physical injuries is the most prevalent incident with a total of 24,340 followed by theft with 12,088, robbery with 4,451, carnapping with 1,921, rape with 1,112, homicide with 871, murder with 810 and cattle rustling with 105 recorded incidents.

It can be noted that all index crime in 2014 has significantly increased compared to 2013.

Meanwhile, others who attended the RPOC meeting were Olongapo City Mayor Rolen Paulino, Mayor Maria Angela S. Garcia, LMP president in Bataan, Mayor Oscar Tetangco Jr, LMP president in Pampanga and regional directors and representatives of the member line agencies of the government.

Angeles lines up activities for Lent

By Reynaldo G. Navales

ANGELES CITY -- The City Government here through the Angeles City Tourism Office (ACTO) has lined-up activities in observation of the Lenten season done in partnership with socio-civic, performing arts and the religious sector.

Kicking off this year’s Lenten observance is Sinukwan Kapampangan’s “Panata at Panalangin: A Spiritual Journey through Culture and the Arts” which features a mixed-media art exhibit and dance performances depicting the religious practices of the Kapampangan region.

On its fourth year, the presentation will be staged on March 30 to April 4 at MarQuee Park under the artistic direction of Peter de Vera.

A holy week recollection with a theme “Thinking of the Poor, Feeling for the Poor and Caring for the Poor” will be spearheaded by the Holy Rosary Parish Church (HRPC) on March 30 to April 1.

The recollection-cum-sharing will feature key speakers including Fr. Rocky Evangelista of Tuloy Foundation, Peter de Vera of Bale-Balayan Museum for the Poor, and veteran journalist Kara David with her advocacy ”Project Malasakit”.

On April 1, the HRPC will do “Dalan ning Krus” (Stations of the Cross) at 4:00 p.m. The same day in the afternoon, Barangay Tabun’s annual community-wide fellowship through “Apunan ning Pamisanmetung” will take place at 7:00 pm. This event is a symbolic get together headed by the barangay's local officials, which aims to unite Tabun’s community and the people who come from different religious sects and backgrounds.

The Mass of the Lord’s Supper and the Bisita Iglesia: Veneration of the Blessed Sacrament are set to happen on April 2 at the Holy Rosary Parish Church.

Jesus’ sacrifices and martyrdom will again be remembered as Lourdes Northwest Barangay Council and Jason Pabalan’s Uyat Artista stage a two-part theatrical re-enactment of the Last Supper and the Crucifixion of Christ with “Siete Palabras” (The Seven Last Words) on April 2 and 3.

Angeleños are set to pay homage to the Holy Cross where Jesus was crucified through the solemn Veneration of the Cross and the Good Friday Procession on April 3 at the Holy Rosary Parish Church.

Culminating the city’s weeklong Lenten observance is HRPC’s Easter Vigil, Easter Procession and the traditional “Salubong” which celebrates the celebration of Christ’s resurrection and His symbolic reunion with the Blessed Virgin Mary.

The pre-dawn procession is slated to happen on April 4 from 8:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.

Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan stressed the need to keep these religious observances amidst the city’s growth and modernization.

"This is yet another opportunity for our citizens to preserve and promote our intangible heritage and that is by safeguarding our traditions and religious practices," said Pamintuan.

"Let us reflect and keep the real essence of this season deep in our hearts," the mayor added.

DTI-Central Luzon resolves more consumer complaints in 2014

(PR)

ANGELES CITY – "Caveat emptor" or "let buyers beware".

This is an old law, which reminds consumers or buyers of their responsibility to be watchful in buying products.

For consumers in Central Luzon, the figures showing the number of consumer complainants received by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Central Luzon reflects the need to be reminded of this old law.

It was disclosed that the DTI regional and provincial offices were able to resolve 487 or 91 percent of the 538 cases brought to their offices in 2014 through mediation and arbitration.

Topping the list of consumer complaints are buyers of cellphones with 124 or 23 percent of the complaints received. This is followed by tablets/iPad with 75 complaints. Household appliances are also among the common complaints with 63, motorcycle with 16, vehicles with 15 and laptops with five complaints.

The number of complaints resolved increased from 427 in 2013 to 487 in 2014 or a 14 percent improvement in the number of cases resolved for the year.

DTI officials' commitment to the public is the resolution of consumer complaints through mediation within seven working days and through arbitration within 20 working days.

Among the resolved cases, the DTI Regional Office in Angeles City ranked first in the mediation and resolution of 128 cases, Bulacan had 70, Nueva Ecija had 69 cases while the DTI Pampanga Office had 59 cases.

The province of Aurora only had five consumer complaints, all of which were resolved through mediation.

The Consumer Protection Division (CPD) of DTI-Central Luzon reminded cellphone dealers, retailers and manufacturers to follow the provisions of Republic Act (RA) 7394 or the Consumer Act of the Philippines, which provide that implied warranty for consumer items like cellphones and tablets have a minimum period of 60 days to one year.

Officials of DTI also reminded the buying public to be vigilant in examining the warranty certificates, which should meet the "minimum standards for warranties" under RA 7394.

The certificate should clearly stipulate the duration of the warranty, and its terms and conditions to ensure that the consumer is protected by inherent defects of the product.

Vice mayor supports wage hike for day care workers

By Reynaldo G. Navales

ANGELES CITY -- Vice Mayor Vicky Vega-Cabigting has expressed support to a resolution filed by a neophyte city councilor calling for an increase in the salaries of day care workers here.

The resolution, which was authored by Councilor Carmelo "Pogi" Lazatin Jr., was approved on first reading during the City Council's regular session last February 3 with an amendment to include the barangay health workers.

Cabigting said there is no harm in trying to re-file it after Councilor Alexander Indiongco rejected the resolution because an earlier version has been filed and acted upon by Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan.

Indiongco said there is no need to re-file the resolution because Pamintuan had already approved a P1,000 salary increase to day care workers instead of P5,000.

"In good-faith po nag–action po ang ating City Mayor kung hihingi na naman tayo at the start of the year parang hindi necessary po," Indiongco said.

Lazatin meanwhile explained that the "essence with re-filing the resolution is to increase an additional couple of thousands to the salaries of day care workers since they are the front liners in providing basic social services."

Cabigting explained that there is a P735-million allocation for non-office budget and if the council members would look closely, there are overlapping projects.

"Ang binibida naman po ng ating local government ngayon ay maraming pera. If the city government wants to be lean and mean, and if ang makikinabang naman po dito ay mga front liners, then there is no harm if they take a portion out of the budget of this overlapping projects," Cabigting said.

Cabigting added that her office has a P2-million budget for special programs and P900,000 for women health projects but apparently, the project proposals are still pending for review.

"I believe these projects will not be approved and the budget allocated for these will not be given to me. So why not use it instead to fund the salary increase of our day care workers and barangay health workers, who are our front liners in the delivery of basic social services?" Cabigting said.

She added that she would rather see that the budget intended for her projects be given to the day care workers and barangay health workers than to not know at all where the City Government spends it.

"Sa akin po mas maganda po na sa mga day care workers and barangay health workers mapunta itong pondo na ito kaysa naman po sa hindi natin alam kung saan napupunta ang pera ng bayan," Cabigting said.

The resolution was unanimously approved by the city council, including Indiongco, who afterwards added that "no committee hearing is needed" for the resolution and made a motion to include barangay health workers.

Science-tech farm to be developed in Clark

By Edd K. Usman

The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) has struck a deal with a theme park in Clark Field, Pampanga to put up a science and technology model farm (STMF).

The Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (PCAARRD), an agency under the DOST, said the STMF will showcase the “fusion of science and technology and corporate responsibility in a tech transfer modality imbued with a heart for the common good and benefit.”

PCAARRD signed the agreement with Zoocobia Fun Zoo and Paradise Ranch in Clark, Angeles City.

The STMF will be established in an adjoining property of the Zoocobia theme park, said PCAARRD, stressing the STMF for mango is a manifestation of its “resolve and continuing effort in terms of improving its technology transfer initiatives.”

Zoocobia will open its mango plantation and PCAARRD will supply the full package of technology and mentoring to make “mango picking an adventure and enjoyable experience,” the DOST Council said.

Zoocobia will also “provide the land, trees, farm inputs, and workers for the project,” the agency said.

The proposed theme park comes complete with educational experience involving various animals, including “large birds, bearcat, monkey, pot bellied pig, toy poodle, and some more animals seen in various settings for a truly exciting and interactional experience.”

Arts Month 2015 closes with colors

(Manila Times)

The National Arts Month was celebrated for the whole month of February and was ended with a blast of colorful and cultural performances from various groups showcasing their prowess in the arts scene.

The concluding program for the month-long festival was held on February 28 at the Rizal Park Open Air Auditorium with performances led by the ethnic dance of the University of the Philippines Kontra Gapi’s ethnic dances.

Traditional and contemporary dances were also staged by various dance groups like the Unibersidad de Manila’s Sinag Lahi Dance and The Nuno Dance Troupe of Angono. They filled the stage with colorful folk dances, from Pandanggo sa Ilaw, Pandanggo sa Baso, Tinikling and jotas, to the folk dances of Cordillera.

J-crisis contrasted the traditional tone of the night when they delivered a heart-stopping performance of high-flying acrobatic hip-hop routines.

Ani ng Dangal honorees from the Halili-Cruz Dance Company came in their grand ballet routine and contemporary dance performance.

Awardee Liza Diño was accompanied by her partner Aiza Seguerra in a flamenco performance to the tune of “Makita Kang Muli.” Joanna Ampil sang one of her original singles from her latest album, as well as her rendition of the song “Memories,| a musical piece from the internationally acclaimed production, Cats.

Besides dance and musical performances, theatrical pieces were delivered by the Sining Banwa performers from Ligao National High School, Ligao, Albay and members of Artistic Inc. from the Southern Tagalog region. Sining Banwa rendered a dramatic performance commemorating the heroes of the famous Bikolano epic, Ibalon, while Artistic Inc. showcased a musical excerpt from their National Arts Month staging of “Sining Tsinelasan sa Liliw” which centred on the life of Apolinario Mabini.

Also, the Art Circle, a student organization from the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila, conducted the “SELF-E: Engage, Encourage, Express, Explore th rough Arts.”

The closing ritual was Sinukwan Kapampangan’s “Graci Angeles” performance in thanksgiving to the angels from which Angeles City was named.

As summer-time approaches, the NCCA returns the summer heat with various programs. The month is ushered in by performances from the Jilin Art Troupe for the commemoration of the 40th Philippines-China Democratic Relations. International delegates from various countries united in bringing cultural performances together in the 13th International Festival for Language and Culture.

For schedules on upcoming activities, contact Rene Napeñas, head of NCCA Public Affairs and Information Office at 527-2192 local 208, or e-mail ncca.paio@gmail.com. Visit www.ncca.gov.ph.

DOT pushes C. Luzon as ‘convention capital’

By Astrud Aguinaldo (Contributor)

CLARK FREEPORT -- The Department of Tourism (DoT) Region III is positioning Clark and Subic as the preferred destinations for Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibition (MICE) events.

Ronnie Tiotuico, regional director ofthe DOT-3, said his department is planning to compile all MICE-related activities and facilities in Central Luzon and produce an audio-visual documentary.

The DOT-3 will soon announce the bidding at www.philjobs.com, he added.

“My next project is to put up a bid, for suppliers on AVPs, as to who will cover and produce the project which is the documentary,”n Tiotuico said during the media forum “Balitaan” organized by the Capampangan in Media, Inc. in cooperation with the Clark Development Corp. (CDC) and the Social Security System at the Bale Balita here last Friday.

DOT-3 will then distribute the DVD copies of Central Luzon MICE documentary to major associations and organization, he said.

Tiotuico also said several non-government organizations such as Lions, Kiwanis, Jaycees, Rotary, and Soroptimist will be given copies. According to him, the members of these international NGOs go around the country for regional and national conventions and with their international counterparts they can also invite them to hold their conventions or conferences here in Central Luzon.

Tiotuico reported that DOT-3 extended technical assistance and support in the planning and management of the Kiwanis Asia Pacific Convention 2015 held at the Fontana Leisure Parks and Resort here last week with this year’s theme: “Toward another century of growth and service.”

Aside from convention centers, the DOT regional director underscored that both Clark and Subic have “world-class” accommodation and support facilities like hotels, restaurants and recreational facilities and tour packages that tourists can avail themselves of.

He said convention centers like Fontana, Holiday Inn, and Widus Hotel and Casino in Clark and the Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center in Subic are the biggest in Central Luzon which can accommodate 5,000 people.

Tiotuico also noted that several hotel renovations in this freeport further stimulated vibrant international events here such as the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation-Senior Officials’ Meeting 1 and the 19th Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta in Clark.

“I was inspired by the recently held APEC meetings here. Ang ganda ng support ng mga hotels dito sa Clark.

Nag-renovate sila because of APEC, kaya we’re now ready (… The support of the hotels here is praiseworthy.

They renovated because of APEC that is why we are now ready),” he said. “Central Luzon is ripe to become the convention capital, if not in the Philippines but at least in the Luzon area,” he added.

In June 2014, a fourday conference of the Philippine Meetings, Incentives, Conventions and Exhibitions/Events or MICE was held here.

Some 600 participants representing airlines, hotels, resorts, convention centers, destination management companies, incentive planners, event organizers/planners, professional congress/ exhibitor organizers, MICE venues, local government units and the media attended the event.

Pampanga culture goes global

By Liezel Cayanan (Pampanga PIO)

CLARK FREEPORT -- Pampanga has once again proven its rich culture as foreign delegates witnessed the celebration of the Arts Month festival of the province.

The festival, which was organized by the Arts, Culture and Tourism Office of Pampanga (ACTOP), showcased the rich culture of the Kapampangan to the 900 delegation of the Kiwanis International-Asia Pacific.

“This activity was very timely as we recently celebrated our National Arts month. It served not only as a display of the local culture and talents but we also want to show through this activity how we, Kapampangans welcome visitors in our province,” said Arwin Lingat, Provincial Tourism officer.

The program started with the display of the City of San Fernando’s famous "Parul Sampernandu" or giant lanterns, which sparkled much to the delight of the foreign delegates.

It was followed by the presentations and artistic performances of Kapampangan artists who took center stage as they showcase their talents.

The famous Caragan dance which depicts the Aeta ancestry of the City of Mabalacat was also performed by the Power Mabalacat City Center for the Arts.

Angeles City’s Sinukwan Kapampangan also performed folk, rural and ethnic dances of Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao.

Meanwhile, guests expressed their delight as they were able to have a glimpse at the rich culture of the Filipinos especially the Kapampangans.

CDC launches first ever academic excellence award

(PNA), FPV/ZST/RKM/PS

CLARK FREEPORT, Pampanga, March 11 (PNA) --The Clark Development Corporation (CDC) has launched the first ever academic excellence award for outstanding graduating students in March this year.

The highest ranking and well-rounded students nominated by their respective schools will receive cash prize, custom made medal/trophy with CDC symbol of academic excellence award and a certificate.

Overall, 49 participants will receive a cash prize wherein Php10,000 each for 18 college students and Php5, 000 each for 31 technical-vocational students.

A special endorsement for those who are 18 years old and above will be extended by CDC to its partner Clark locator for apprenticeship and/or possible employment.

The event is open to graduating students who belong to the top 1% of their class for each academic school year.

Depending on the budget, the project targets the top 1 up to the top 3 scholars.

Likewise, the recipients should be graduates of public or private schools situated in the following five neighboring areas of the Clark Freeport/Special Economic Zones, namely Angeles City, Mabalacat City, Porac in Pampanga and Bamban and Capas in Tarlac.

The awards will be given to vocational and college students who meet the following criteria: class rank 10%, general weighted average of 1.75 or its equivalent grade 20%, extracurricular and other leadership skills 20%, other awards received 10%, good character, positive attitude (courtesy, team player, etc.) and moral values 20%, recommendation of direct teacher/professor and classmates or peers 10%, economic status (indigent, middle income, etc.) 10% for a total of 100%.

The academic excellence award falls within the memorandum of cooperation signed by the CDC along with Commission on Higher Education (CHED), Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) and Department of Education (DepEd).

An independent search and awarding committee, which shall be formed by the CDC External Affairs Department (EAD), will be in charge of the program.

The awarding will take place by the last week of March.

The courses aligned with priority industries inside the Clark Freeport Zones consist of industrial, tourism, hotel, restaurants and other service enterprises, call center, business process outsourcing (BPOs), business enterprises, hospital and aviation and agro-industry.

The award equally aims for a sustainable growth that would meet its target of generating and filling-up 100,000 jobs in this Freeport.


New business name registration in CL rises by 11%

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

ANGELES CITY, March 10 (PIA) -- New business name registrations in Central Luzon totaled to 35,643 in 2014, which is 11% higher compared to the 32,620 in 2013.

“Among the factors in the rise is the simplification of the procedures and faster transaction time,” Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) OIC-Regional Director Judith Angeles said.

Bulacan has the most business name registrations for the second year in the row at 9,092.

One of DTI’s major targets is to have business name processing in less than 15 minutes.

Its 2014 accomplishment report showed that the average processing time for business name registration in the region is less than six minutes, which is faster than the 2013 average of seven minutes.

DTI provincial office in Tarlac and the Industry Development Division in Angeles City have the fastest average transaction time for the region, where a completed business name application can be processed in a little over three minutes.

“Another continuing innovation of our agency in enabling business is streamlining the business registration process and integrating them with the requirements of partner government agencies under the Philippine Business Registration (PBR) system,” Angeles added.

PBR integrates the business registration processes of DTI, Home Mutual Development Fund or Pag-ibig, Bureau of Internal Revenue, Social Security System, and Philippine Health Insurance Corporation.

Under it, a business registrant will only go to one venue to lodge his business registration application for the five agencies.

12,633 registrants or 36% of all the new business name registration in the region last year were processed through the PBR.

Angeles council okays salary increase of day care workers, BHWs

By Reynaldo G. Navales

ANGELES CITY – Members of the Angeles City Council unanimously approved a resolution calling for a P5,000 increase in the salaries of day care workers in the city.

Councilor Carmelo “Pogi” Lazatin said the resolution he authored was approved during the city council’s regular session last February 3 with an amendment to include the Barangay Health Workers in the city.

"The essence with refilling the resolution is if we could increase another couple of thousands to the salaries of Day Care Workers," Lazatin said.

It can be recalled that the City Council has approved a similar resolution in 2014.

However, instead of P5,000, Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan only approved a P1,000 increase across the board, according to Lazatin.

“Our day care workers play an integral part in the development of our children and it is only fitting that we show them our sincere gratitude.”

Lazatin revealed that at present, day care workers in Angeles City earn between P3,000 to P6,000 per month.

“This amount is hardly enough considering the amount of work they have to put in,” said Lazatin, adding “As a father of three, I can attest to the fact that dealing with very young children isn’t easy and requires a lot of patience.”

Councilor Alexander Indiongco, who initially made a motion to block the resolution, introduced an amendment to include Barangay Health Workers in the salary increase, Lazatin said.

“If the proponent would want, we will have an amendment that instead it was intended only for the Day Care Workers, let us include all the Barangay Health Workers,” Indiongco said.

Lazatin made no objection on the amendment saying it is appropriate to recognize the Barangay Health Workers’ efforts in the delivery of basic health services.

Central Luzon included in top tourist destinations

By Reynaldo G. Navales

MABALACAT CITY -- Central Luzon is one of the leading regions in the country in terms of domestic visitor arrivals with 3.1 million tourists last year.

Ronnie Tiotuico, Department of Tourism Central Luzon director, said this indicate an increase of 21 percent compared to 2013 with 2.7 million tourists.

He said the arrival figures are based on monthly survey reports submitted by accommodation establishments in the region.

Tiotuico said the figures represent foreign tourists or Filipino travellers that found themselves vacationing in the various provinces in the region, which are called domestic travellers.

He said Filipinos represent a large part on the number of tourist or a share of 72 percent of the total arrivals.

Arrivals of foreign nationality, on the other hand, represented a share of 1.54 percent, according to Tiotuico.

In 2014, Chinese tourists represented the biggest population among foreign visitors at 12.5 percent (390,431) of the total arrivals while Americans came in second at 3.08 percent (95,737); South Koreans took the third spot at 1.8 percent (55,692); and Singaporeans placed fourth at 1 percent (31,200).

Among the provinces and cities in the region, Subic Bay Freeport and Zambales occupied the first slot at 1.2 million arrivals while Clark/ Pampanga / Angeles City came in 2nd at .621 million; Bataan at .199 million, Bulacan, .109 million, and Aurora at .108 million.

Average occupancy rate for accommodation establishments in the region stood at 62 percent while the length of stay of travellers was recorded at 22 nights with over 1.2 available rooms during the year.

The total arrival at the Clark International Airport reached 384,221 in 2014 based on the Bureau of Immigration (BI) records of passengers from various destinations.

Of the total arrivals, 61 percent or 236,162 are Filipinos. South Koreans represented 14.7 percent or 56,591; and the Americans at .061 percent or 23,691.

Tiotuico attributed the “unprecedented” increase in visitor arrivals in the region in 2014 to the significant developments in Clark and Subic - two of the most favored destinations.

“Among the events that triggered movement of people include the conduct of M.I.C.E. convention in June of last year which propelled the region to higher ground as the convention capital in the North Philippines if not in the entire country,” Tiotuico said.

The tourism regional office is set to come up with an audio-visual production or documentary on the potential of the region, he added.

Also paving the way for the development of the region as a major destination is Aurora with its annual surfing event in February of every year, according to the official.

“The event never ceases to attract foreign and local aqua sports enthusiasts," he said.

The recent infrastructure improvement at the Clark airport terminal to a capacity of 4 million passenger per year also paved the way for the recognition of the airport as one of the most preferred gateways in the country, he said.

“The energized re-constitution of the Association of Tourism Officers of Central Luzon (ATOCEL) played a vital role in developing the region as a major destination with the recent hosting of a number of major festivals and events in most cities and municipalities – resulting from the conduct of seminars on festival planning and management,” Tiotuico said.

The participation of the region including its private stakeholders and major players to major tourism and travel expositions in Cebu and Davao including the Tara na sa Norte in Makati City contributed in a significant way to the increase in arrivals to the region, he added.

“The long-running expo introduced to the potential travellers in Manila the myriad of major destinations of the region,” Tiotuico said.

The event was initiated by the Manila North Tollways Corporation (MNTC) in cooperation with the chapter members of North Phils Convention and Visitors Bureau and the Association of Tourism Officers of Central Luzon.

Cops nabbed for extortion

(AC-CIO)

CAMP OLIVAS, Pampanga -- Two rookie policemen were arrested by combined operatives of the Angeles City Intelligence Branch and Tracker Team during an entrapment operation in Barangay Malabanias, Angeles City on Saturday.

Senior Superintendent Eden Ugale, Angeles City police director, identified the arrested cops as Police Officer (PO) 1 Hebren Sicat, 25, a resident of Barangay Salapungan, Angeles City; and PO1 Ryan Villanueva, 34, a resident of Barangay Camias, Magalang, Pampanga.

Sicat and Villanueva are presently assigned at Police Station 4 in Angeles City, Ugale said.

He said George Colvin, 73, an American tourist temporarily residing at St. Josefa Subdivision in Barangay Malabanias, Angeles City, complained to police authorities about the two policemen who were allegedly extorting from him a certain amount of money.

Ugale, however, did elaborate how much the policemen were extorting from the foreigner and their reason for the alleged extortion.

Upon receiving the complaint of Colvin, Ugale said he immediately formed a police team to conduct an entrapment operation against the two policemen.

The entrapment operation was conducted along Narciso Street, St. Josefa Subdivision in Barangay Malabanias, here, which resulted to the arrest of Sicat and Villanueva.

Ugale said that appropriate charges are being readied to be filed in court against the two policemen.

Pamintuan gets 3rd most outstanding mayor award from Superbrands

(AC-CIO)

ANGELES CITY -- Multi-awarded and World No. 8 City Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan has been chosen as one of the recipients of the 2015 Most Outstanding Mayors Award (MOMA) by the prestigious worldwide organization Superbrands Marketing International (SMI).

This is the third time that SMI has voted Pamintuan for the said award since 2012.

SMI is the only international award-giving body on Marketing/Branding in the Philippines. A Superbrand pays tribute to the strongest brands in the country. It is currently promoting more than 14,000 brands and is present in 88 countries worldwide. The MOMA (Most Outstanding Mayor Award) promotes the works of the mayors for their singular or collective efforts toward nation building.

"We are being recognized worldwide and by world-class organizations for our dedication to public service and our service to the people. I am humbled by this award which will not be possible without the full support of the officials and employees of the city government and the barangays, and without the active participation of the different sectors in our city through their non-government and civil society organizations, and the business groups," Pamintuan said.

According to SMI, "A mayor who has already achieved the brand as Good and for Outstanding already enjoys the Better among the Good. But with ‘Most Outstanding,’ the award is for successes achieved.”

Just last month, the City Government of Angeles was adjudged as one of the most child-friendly LGUs by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

Pamintuan also garnered the Seal of Good Financial Housekeeping (GFH) from the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG).

Aside from Pamintuan, other city mayors who will receive the 2015 Most Outstanding Mayor Award from SMI are Manila Mayor Joseph Ejercito Estrada, Quezon City Mayor Herbert Bautista, City of San Fernando Mayor Edwin Santiago, Lipa City Mayor Meynard Sabili, Ozamis City Mayor Reynaldo Parojinog, Sr. and Cauayan City Mayor Bernard Faustino Dy. Mayor Emmanuel Alejandrino of the Municipality of Arayat as well as the municipal mayors of Sta, Praxedes, Cagayan Province; Torrijos, Marinduque; Lucban, Quezon; Candelaria, Zambales, San Ildefonso, Bulacan; Calatagan, Batangas; Pagbilao, Quezon; and, Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte.

Vega-Cabigting sets programs for Women’s Month celebration

(Press Release)

ANGELES CITY--This city’s Vice Mayor Vicky Vega Cabigting has set a series of activities in line with the celebration of the Women’s Month this March aimed at promoting the welfare and well-being of women across all sectors.

Vega-Cabigting said that the events are in line with the 2015 National Women’s Month Celebration with the local theme “Angeleña, Desisyon Mo ay Mahalaga sa Kinabukasan ng Bawat Isa, Ikaw Na!”. Vega-Cabigting said that the events aim to pay tribute to all women leaders who passionately led and continue to advance women’s advocacies.

“We have lined up activities that promote the well rounded development of women. We have diversified this year’s events to cater to diverse needs of our women in the city,” Vega-Cabigting said urging Angeleno women to participate in the events.

The Vice Mayor has lined up activities like Sayaw, Galaw Kababaihan sa Daan that features Zumba and Street dancing events and Sine Kababaihan Short Film that brings college students in an an open competition for this year’s best creative films.

Vega-Cabigting will also be relaunching her Kabuhayan Patrol (Barangay Edition) in a bid to bring livelihood assistance for women in the barangays.

Women and mothers will also be able to participate in environmental activities as Cabigting calls on mothers and all women in communities here to actively participate in protecting ‘Mother Earth’ through environmental advocacies in a program dubbed as Mothers for Mother Nature (MOM Na!).

“We will also be hosting seminars for women in various sectors and groups like the Philippine National Police Girl Scouts and those employed in the education sector of the city. All these to help them be aware of their rights and, their responsibilities in forging a strong community,” Vega-Cabigting said.

Vega-Cabigting has been known for her pro-women programs. She has been active in empowerment programs like Sulong Kaalaman, Women H.E.A.L., Read-a-long, Kariton para sa Edukasyon, Sulong= Kalusugan/Caravan and Mobile Clinic, Gabay sa Paghimlay and Kabuhayan Patrol among others.

The vice mayor said that celebration of Women’s Month here is pursuant to Presidential Proclamation Nos. 224 and 227, both series of 1998, and Republic Act No. 6949 s. 1990, hat declared the month of March as National Women’s Month.

This year’s celebration also aims to pay tribute to all women leaders who passionately led and continue to advance women’s advocacies. Their key roles and accomplishments in leadership, power and decision-making will be highlighted in order to influence and break the conservative mindset and belief that politics and leadership are not for women, according to Vega-Cabigting.

Vega-Cabigting is one clear proof that women can make it into the real of local public service having served as No. 1 city councilor (two terms) and soon to complete her full term as vice mayor.

Pamintuan bares program for Angeles youth

By Reynaldo G. Navales

ANGELES CITY -- Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan bared in a forum recently a package of programs for the youth and students of this city, including an expanded scholarship program, free wi-fi connection in all education centers and the opening of more courses at the City College of Angeles (CCA), even as he challenged the youth to also invite Senator Lito Lapid in a similar event to hear about his plans for the youth.

Pamintuan was responding to a question posed by one of the more than 600 youth and student leaders who attended the forum held at the Shanghai Restaurant, asking him to differentiate his plans for the youth with that of Lapid's, who early on announced his plan to run for mayor of the city.

"Although he is from Porac, you should ask him yourselves what his programs are for the youth of Angeles City. Why don’t you invite him in a forum like this?" Pamintuan said.

Pamintuan also announced his plan to reduce to zero the number of out-of-school youth in Angeles City within three to four years.

"By providing free wi-fi to all university and college belts within the city, we shall be opening the universe of information to our students and even provide them access to social media," he said.

"Information is now worth more than gold," he added.

He said students of the CCA would soon have free transportation to and from the college in Barangay Pampang.

Pamintuan also called on the youth and students to involve themselves more actively in activities that promote the welfare of young people, including preservation of the environment and in eradicating illegal drug abuse.

He reminded them that Andres Bonifacio, Emilio Jacinto and Gregorio del Pilar were 29, 24 and 19 years old, respectively, when they led the revolution against the Spaniards and Americans.

DTI posts 11% increase in new Central Luzon businesses

By Ian Ocampo Flora

ANGELES CITY -- The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) noted Tuesday an 11 percent increase in new business name registrations in Central Luzon last year, higher than the 32,620 new registrants for 2013, with the province of Bulacan having the most number of business name registrations at 8,343 in 2013 and 9,092 for 2014.

DTI OIC regional director Judith Angeles said that an important factor for the increase in the number of new business registration is the simplification of the procedures and faster transaction time.

It was reported that DTI continuously monitored transaction time in its business name registration centers all over the region.

Angeles said that one of DTI's major targets is to have business name processing in less than 15 minutes. DTI-Central Luzon's 2014 accomplishment report showed that the average processing time for business name registration in the region is less than six minutes, which is faster than the 2013 average of seven minutes.

Business name registration centers like the DTI provincial office in Tarlac and the IDD in Angeles City have the fastest average transaction time in the region, where a completed business name application can be processed in a little over three minutes.

Another continuing innovation of the agency in enabling business, Angeles added, is streamlining the business registration process and integrating them with the requirements of partner government agencies under the Philippine Business Registration (PBR) system.

The PBR is a single business registration system, which integrates the business registration processes of five agencies including DTI, Home Mutual Development Fund (HMDF or Pag-Ibig), Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), Social Security System (SSS) and Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth).

Under the PBR, a business registrant will only go to one venue to lodge his business registration application for the five agencies.

DTI Central Luzon reported that last year, 12,633 registrants or 36 percent of all the new business name registration in the region were processed through the PBR.

Angeles school tops Tesda provincial video tilt

By Reynaldo G. Navales

ANGELES CITY -- The St. Peter's College of Angeles City took home the top prizes of the 2015 Tatak Tesda (Technical Education and Schools Development Authority) provincial video making contest, claiming the honor of representing Pampanga at the regional level.

Alumnus Jerry Manaloto, who now works as an assistant cook in a restaurant, placed first in the individual category and got P5,000 and a plaque.

His entry was likewise chosen as Best in Video that gave him an additional P3,000 and a plaque.

Moreover, St. Peter's was named as grand winner in the school category, which narrated the story of alumna Eufemia Sapa who is now a housekeeping attendant, and got P100,000 worth of Training for Work Scholarship Program (TWSP) vouchers and a plaque.

It was also hailed as Best in Story in that category that earned the institution extra P50,000 worth of TWSP vouchers and plaque.

"The contest, now on its second year, seeks to promote technical vocational education and training to Filipinos especially among the youth as a viable option to attain better opportunities in life," Tesda Provincial Director Belinda Labutong said.

"It is designed to boost our efforts to remove the stigma or the second-rate status assigned to tech-voc courses in the country. Through these two to three minute flicks, it is our hope that more Filipinos will be encouraged to take this path," Labutong added.

Tatak Tesda Year 2 has two categories: individual where a contestant shares his/her own story on how tech-voc changed his/her life and school where a participating tech-voc school tells the story of an alumnus/alumna.

A panel consisting of representatives from Technical Vocational Institutions, Philippine Information Agency, and the media selected winners.

Entries were judged based on story content and quality of execution.

Other recipients of special awards were Achievers1 alumna and spa owner Belinda Muldong- Best in Story and People’s Choice for individual category and International School of Advanced Career and Technology- Best in Video and People’s Choice for school category.

More green parks to rise in Angeles City

By Ian Ocampo Flora

ANGELES CITY -- Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan promised to build more green parks and beatification projects in Angeles City.

In a meeting with the press last week, he said it is part of his advocacy to make the city eco-friendly and promote a livable environment.

In line with this, the mayor decided to put up the third park after the construction of the Plaza Angel in Barangay Santo Rosario. Aside from this, the City Government also converted the Estacion de Angeles of the Philippine National Railways (PNR) to a community garden, children's playground and a peoples' park.

The local government is set to extend the parks including portions of other barangays covered by the old PNR track.

The third park will be constructed inside a property (120 meters long and 80 meters wide) along a portion of the PNR track at the Checkpoint area in Barangay Balibago.

Pamintuan said the local government is "locating blighted areas or unused lots and transforming them to parks or plazas that people can visit."

"We want to see a city that people can relax with its parks and other amenities that promote art, beauty and nature," Pamintuan added.

Following the same formula that led to the success of the rehabilitation of the old PNR station, Pamintuan directed his chief of staff, Alex Cauguiran to spearhead the rehabilitation of the Checkpoint People's Park.

The area will be beautified with the installation of benches, park lights and pavements, the mayor said.

Ornamental plants will also be planted and food carts and souvenir kiosks will be placed to encourage people to stay, rest and enjoy, Pamintuan said.

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