Difference between revisions of "Angeles City News November 2015"

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==[[Pamintuan underscores ‘inclusive growth’]]==
{{:Pamintuan underscores ‘inclusive growth’}}
==[[AC cracks down on colorum, private trikes]]==
{{:AC cracks down on colorum, private trikes}}
==[[Ospital Ning Angeles aspires for tertiary hospital category]]==
{{:Ospital Ning Angeles aspires for tertiary hospital category}}
==[[(FEATURE) Creating a haven for children in Central Luzon]]==
{{:(FEATURE) Creating a haven for children in Central Luzon}}
==[[Septage management implemented in Clark]]==
{{:Septage management implemented in Clark}}
==[[Angeles City intensifies efforts to address violence against women, children]]==
{{:Angeles City intensifies efforts to address violence against women, children}}
==[[Women honored in 1st Aslag Angelena Awards]]==
{{:Women honored in 1st Aslag Angelena Awards}}
==[[PWD-friendly tourism industry in Central Luzon sought]]==
{{:PWD-friendly tourism industry in Central Luzon sought}}
==[[HAU movie wins in India filmfest]]==
{{:HAU movie wins in India filmfest}}
==[[Professional outsourcing firm in Clark to hire 5,000 workers]]==
{{:Professional outsourcing firm in Clark to hire 5,000 workers}}
==[[DTI intensifies watch on Christmas lights]]==
==[[DTI intensifies watch on Christmas lights]]==


Latest revision as of 12:33, 15 December 2015

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Dietary supplement is a product that contains vitamins, minerals, herbs or other botanicals, amino acids, enzymes, and/or other ingredients intended to supplement the diet. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has special labeling requirements for dietary supplements and treats them as foods, not drugs.

Manufacturers and distributors of dietary supplements and dietary ingredients are prohibited from marketing products that are adulterated or misbranded. That means that these firms are responsible for evaluating the safety and labeling of their products before marketing to ensure that they meet all the requirements of DSHEA and FDA regulations.

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Angeles City Catholic Church
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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.

Pamintuan underscores ‘inclusive growth’

By Reynaldo G. Navales

ANGELES CITY -- Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan has stressed the importance of “inclusive growth” in local governance.

The United Nations (UN) repeatedly told developing countries like the Philippines that government wealth should be distributed to the people, according to the mayor.

Pamintuan said the city government adheres to the UN policy and spends taxes and other government revenues in building a maintaining hospitals and schools.

“For me, one of the things the UN wants developing countries to have is inclusive growth. Wealth should be distributed to the grassroots. That is why they should not fault me if I use taxpayers money for the improvement of our hospitals, services and affordable college education,” Pamintuan said.

The Ospital Ning Angeles (ONA) or the Rafael Lazatin Memorial Medical Center is an example of the local government program in line with the inclusive growth, the mayor added.

“From the time that I put up ONA in 1993 up to this year, there are close to three million patients that have been treated there. Whatever they say about our hospitals, those three million were never wrong because our hospitals are really of big help,” Pamintuan said.

On the part of the private sector, inclusive growth may be implemented in terms of providing employment and just compensation to employees, the official added.

“In the private sector that [inclusive growth] is already different. Increase the number of your employees and their salaries if you are ‘over rich.’ If you are SM or Robinsons, increase your workers’ salaries because that is inclusive growth,” Pamintuan said.

The national government should also effect the putting up of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in order to realize the inclusive growth scheme, the mayor added.

“The government should spend on SMEs and their growth. Money is concentrated in the top level. It should be cascaded down because that is true inclusive growth,” Pamintuan said.

AC cracks down on colorum, private trikes

By Ashley Manabat

ANGELES CITY – Beginning next week, the city government will start cracking down on unmarked colorum and private tricycles plying the roads here.

This developed after complaints mounted against numerous unmarked tricycles (without plate and body numbers) plying the streets.

During a press conference here on Wednesday, Mayor Ed Pamintuan directed the city’s traffic czar Dan Concepcion to go after unmarked tricycles.

“In the meantime (while still applying for permits and licenses), don’t allow them to ply the streets,” Pamintuan said.

“We should prevent them from plying their routes because it is really illegal,” the mayor stressed.

Concepcion said he will immediately coordinate the mayor’s directive to the Traffic Board and the city’s traffic enforcers.

He said conduction stickers will be painted on the body of the vehicles to serve as temporary identification marks while the owners are still applying for permits from the city government or from the Land Transportation Office (LTO).

The mayor said tricycles without identifying marks will be apprehended even if they are privately owned. In case of road accidents, unmarked tricycles often run away and escape liabilities, he noted.

The mayor was prompted to order the apprehension of unmarked tricycles after a photo appeared in Punto! showing an unmarked overloaded tricycle plying Gueco Avenue, a major thoroughfare.

“I will bring a copy of this newspaper to the Traffic Board,” Pamintuan said.

The mayor said he observed that most of the unmarked tricycles plying the streets are not new and some are a decade old but they remain unregistered up to now.

“I call on the citizenry to cooperate and respect the law for the benefit of the general public,” Pamintuan said.

Ospital Ning Angeles aspires for tertiary hospital category

By Reynaldo G. Navales

ANGELES CITY --- The Ospital Ning Angeles (ONA) or the Rafael Lazatin Memorial Medical Center is now in the process of upgrading its facilities and equipment in order to earn a higher classification.

This was disclosed by ONA Director Antonio Dizon during a recent press conference initiated by Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan.

The hospital is acquiring new laboratories and equipment in order to realize the vision of upgrading the medical center’s classification.

“When the equipment and the trainors arrive we can already realize the mayor’s dream that the hospital becomes a tertiary hospital,” Dizon said.

The hospital is expected to finalize its application for tertiary hospital with the national government and Department of Health (DOH) early next year.

A tertiary hospital offers medical services and special equipment. It provides tertiary care, which is health care from specialists in a large hospital after referral from primary care and secondary care.

“A tertiary hospital has the same equipment and facilities found in bigger hospitals. At the same time it has complementary consultants and doctors who could look after patients,” Dizon said.

Pamintuan earlier announced the establishment of a Cardiac Care Unit at the hospital.

The construction of the cardiac care center, which is expected to be completed next month, will be funded Geromin Nepomuceno Foundation, according to the mayor.

He said that the hospital equipment will be donated by the World Medical Relief Incorporated, headed by George Samson, a native of Magalang town.

“The equipment came from the World Medical Relief Incorporated of Michigan USA and heart specialist, Dr. Rey Franco, my childhood friend will be the one in charge of the center,” Pamintuan said.

The cardiac care center will be the first public hospital cardiac unit in Central Luzon, according to the mayor.

Dizon said the Department of Health (DOH) is providing financial and technical assistance to the medical center.

Aside from this, several non government organizations are helping indigent patients in terms of medicines and other needs.

The medical center’s renal care unit is presently treating some 400 patients, according to Pamintuan.

(FEATURE) Creating a haven for children in Central Luzon

By Marie Joy L. Simpao (CLJD/MJLS- PIA 3)

They always say and it must really be the case that children should stay at home under the care of their parents or they must be in school to learn things properly. However, that is the ideal set-up.

Given the reality of our present society, instead of being at home or in school, you can see children wandering on the streets, begging for money or food. Others are selling sampaguitas.

Still, others are being victims of sex trade, and this is probably the most common form of abuse and violation against children’s safety.

Due to the people who want to take advantage of a child’s innocence, or should we say weakness, plus the rapid development in technology and social media, many children throughout the global community are facing a wide range of risks. The scenario in most tourist spots is the same. It is as if a place is a tourist spot, it is tantamount to being a hotspot for child sex and child exploitation. Angeles City in Pampanga is no exception.

Given this facts and following a series of launching in other key tourist destinations nationwide, the Department of Tourism (DOT) thought that it was appropriate to launch the ChildSafe Tourism program in Central Luzon, particularly targeting Angeles City.

Primarily, this program is a prevention program to fight commercial sex exploitation of children, by promoting respect for the rights of children and their protection.

SERIES OF MEETINGS

The DOT in Central Luzon called on its stakeholders and partners in protecting the welfare and safety of children and ensuring that their rights will not be abused or taken advantage of, for an initial meeting to pitch to them the idea of launching the program in the area. During the initial meeting, representatives from the DOT Main Office presented what the ChildSafe Tourism program is all about as well as the launchings that were previously held in other areas to give the body a glimpse of what they are about to embark on. Said idea to launch a similar event in Angeles City was welcomed by the body with enthusiasm. This eagerness led the team to assign among themselves various committees to ensure that no details in the event will be missed out.

From that initial meeting in August 2015, the team continued to hold a monthly meeting until the scheduled launch in November. From that day on, too, the committees never cease to coordinate with one another and update the body as to the developments of the preparations for the said event.

PREPARATION

Almost all of the agencies’ representatives have perfect attendances during the series of meetings and roundtable discussions for this event. That only shows how committed each one is in achieving the cause of the campaign in attaining a ChildSafe Central Luzon. Due to the series of meetings, it seems that everyone is very well acquainted with anyone else in the group. Of course, after having about three to four meetings, everyone is now also very familiar with what the campaign is all about.


But as if that is not enough, the body convened again a day before the actual launch for an orientation seminar. This aims to further deepen their understanding of the program, and of the commitment they are about to take as members of the ChildSafe Network. This also assessed how well they have prepared and how well they are ready for the next day’s big event.

D-DAY

With everything set in place, the D-Day started with a historic fun walk from the Walking Street, passing through the Bayanihan Park and ending at the SM City Clark where a program awaits. The walk was meant to be a symbolic one, showing that with force and unity of all the network members, we can put an end to child exploitation in the area. During the program at SM City Clark, aside from the messages centered on the thought that “everyone has his own share to ensure that children’s rights are protected at all times and in every instance”, what add more fun to the already festive atmosphere are the performances from various children’s groups. From singing to dancing, each group does not only showcase their talents but are also making a stand, letting everyone realize how vulnerable they are and that it’s a must to do our share and take part in the campaign which will save their future. One of the highlights of the event is the performance of “The Voice Kids” finalist Sassa Dagdag who served as the ambassadress of the ChildSafe Tourism program in the region. The activity ended with the presentation of the 7 Travel Tips, commitment signing and a press conference with the members of the media.

WAY FORWARD

Of course, the network members know that a one-day launch will not suffice. It is only the start of a continuing collaboration among them to champion the cause of child safety in the region. So to really show how willing they are to be working for this cause, the members signed a covenant affirming their support to the Child Safe Tourism Programme by asserting vehement opposition to the sexual exploitation of children in the tourism industry.

Among the things they pledge to uphold are the protection of children in the tourism industry and in the community; being vigilant in situations where children maybe at risk of exploitation; developing and adopting appropriate policy on child protection; training their personnel to respond appropriately when they observe suspicious behavior; raising awareness of the general public on issues affecting the lives and welfare of children; advocating for the active and meaningful participation of children on matters that affect them; and encouraging ethical and sustainable tourism practices that respect the rights of the children. And they can do these through implementing various programs in their respective institutions. CLJD/MJLS- PIA 3)

Septage management implemented in Clark

By Reynaldo G. Navales

CLARK FREEPORT -- The Clark Development Corporation (CDC) has required locators and residents here to install their respective septage management system.

CDC issued a memorandum circular that requires establishments and housing facilities here with existing septic tanks to maintain pre-treatment facilities through the services of accredited Septage Haulers of the Department of Health (DOH) and Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).

The state-owned corporation also requires locators and residences to connect their sewage (wastewaters) and septic tanks to the sewerage facility of Clark Water Corporation (CWC).

Locators, which are not covered by the CWC services, are allowed to operate and maintain their own septic tanks.

CDC’s recent memorandum states that the septage hauler must have its own Septage Treatment Facility to fully treat wastewater prior to disposal and must have valid permits and clearances from DENR and DOH such as Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC), Discharge Permit, Hazardous Waste Registration Certificate from the DENR and Environmental Sanitation Permit.

The Septage Hauler is also required to secure Special Exit Pass from the Environmental Permits Department of CDC for every transport of waste from Clark.

Septage refers to thickened and partially treated sewage that is removed from a septic tank.

The Philippine Clean Water Act of 2004 (Republic Act 9275) is aimed to protect all water bodies from land based pollution sources.

To avoid spillage and contamination of the environment, septic tanks must be regularly cleared every three to five years.

Angeles City intensifies efforts to address violence against women, children

(PNA), FPV/ZST/RKM/PS

ANGELES CITY, Pampanga, Nov. 25 (PNA) --The city government is intensifying efforts to protect the rights of women and children and to promote gender equality.

Through its Gender and Development Office (GAD), the city government conducted Monday a forum on violence against women and children as participated in by different local government units, barangay officials, and women and children's advocate groups.

City Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan said the forum is just one of the projects and programs that the local government is holding to help eliminate violence against women and children.

”The local government, especially through the GAD office, has been very staunch in the implementation of projects for the benefit of our women, and I am glad that the various women’s groups in the city have expressed their cooperation with our projects,” the mayor said.

During the forum, lawyer Jasmin Navarro-Regino, Central Luzon Regional Director of the Commission on Human Rights discussed on the different topics and issues regarding forms of gender-based violence, as well as the various laws protecting the rights of children, men, women and even the lesbians-gays-bisexuals and transgender (LGBT) community.

Meanwhile, Jovita Montes from the Gabriela Women’s Party also gave a talk regarding women’s rights, especially here in the city.

Among the projects and programs in addressing violence against women and children are various skills training courses, anti-violence desks, gender development programs, and seminars and trainings regarding anti-violence against women and children.

The forum is held annually as a part of city GAD’s violence against women campaign in partnership with the Philippine Commission on Women.

Women honored in 1st Aslag Angelena Awards

By Chris Navarro (Sun.Star Pampanga)

ANGELES CITY -- “They always let others shine. Now, it’s their time to shine.”

Thus said Vice Mayor Vicky Vega-Cabigting when she led the First Aslag Angelena Awards at the Lewis Grand Hotel here on Sunday.

Vega-Cabigting initiated the recognition of the five outstanding women from Angeles City who have shown “great passion for their chosen field and have truly excelled in it.”

The awardees and their respective fields were Josie Dizon Henson, arts and culture; Carmen Tayag McTavish, business and tourism; Herminia Narciso, education; Hannah Bauzon, journalism (posthumous); and former Angeles City Councilor Marietta “Tita” Suarez, public service (posthumous).

Vega-Cabigting said the awards aimed to recognize the talent and creativity of the Angeleñas and their willingness to share all of these to the people of the city.

“Not only did they stand out in their career, but they have raised the bar even higher by generously sharing their time and expertise to their fellow Angelenos,” she added.

Councilor Carmelo “Pogi” Lazatin, who graced the event, congratulated the vice mayor and the recipients of the awards.

“Indeed, there will be no progress without these women,” he said.

PWD-friendly tourism industry in Central Luzon sought

(CLJD/MJLS-PIA 3)

ANGELES CITY -- The National Council for Disability Affairs (NCDA) and Department of Tourism (DOT) pitched for a tourism industry in Central Luzon that caters to the needs of persons with disabilities (PWDs).

“The first step towards the realization of the Accessible Tourism for All goal is for everyone to know, understand, respect, and advocate PWD rights in the environment,” NCDA Acting Executive Director Carmen Zubiaga said during the one-day seminar on how to handle PWDs in the tourism industry.

“What we need is massive sensitization in dealing with PWDs. As stakeholders and duty bearers, we must understand that disability is human rights issue and at the same time a societal responsibility. With the fact that it is the environment that makes a person disabled, our role now is very critical to ensure that PWDs are not discriminated and that they are included in various developmental projects,” Zubiaga said.

She also cited that accessibility is the key to enjoyment of PWD rights and their full participation in the society.

“Accessibility of built environment and transportation contribute to barrier-free tourism. This is a way of capturing the forgotten market segment. In this way, not only will the PWDs benefit from this strategy but economic opportunities will also blossom,” Zubiaga said.

For his part, NCDA Information, Education and Communication Division Chief Rizalio Sanchez discussed the key mandates on disability as well as the incentives for establishments and institutions that will abide by the provisions required by pertinent laws.

“There are incentives for providing special needs and service for PWDs. When you hire PWDs in your establishment, you have 25% tax discount on salaries/wages for them and 50% tax incentive on repair for equipment and facilities intended for their use,” Sanchez said.

He also called for the continuous collaboration towards promoting an inclusive tourism for PWDs and challenged everyone to look at the grey areas so they can recommend policies and guidelines to improve their well-being.

DOT Regional Director Ronnie Tiotuico echoed the discussion the ideal architectural structures of hotels and facilities for PWDs.

Aside from the lectures, demonstrations on practical and appropriate ways of handling orthopedically handicapped, visually and hearing-impaired persons were shown.

These include basic courtesies, handling their special needs and such other concerns required by the customer-PWDs.

Participants include representatives from the hotel, transport, resort, and travel and tour industries; disabled people’s organization; government offices who oversee the implementation of the tourism industry; and members of the media.

HAU movie wins in India filmfest

(PR)

ANGELES CITY -- Ari: My Life With A King, the movie produced by Holy Angel University (HAU), bagged the top prize in the Debut Directors section of the first-ever All Lights India International Film Festival held November 17 to 20, 2015 in Kochi, India.

The film's director, Carlo Enciso Catu, won the Best Debut Director Award, which is the highest award in the festival’s section for international films by first-time directors. Catu, who only last week graduated from the HAU College of Hospitality and Tourism Management, beat six other directors from Spain, Malaysia, India, Afghanistan and Turkey.

The award came on the heels of the Best World Film Award that the HAU film received at the Harlem International Film Festival in New York City. The film also recently qualified as official selection in the Vancouver International Film Festival and the Chicago International Film Festival (both non-competitive festivals) and will compete in the Dhaka International Film Festival early next year.

Next month, it will compete in the Metro-Manila Film Festival (MMFF) as one of five finalists in the New Wave section.

Ari: My Life With A King is the story of a high school student who is tasked with locating one of his school’s outstanding alumni. He finds him living in a remote village where ash fall from Pinatubo’s 1991 eruption still blankets roads and farm lands and where a group of old poets try mightily to preserve Kapampangan literary traditions.

The film was produced as part of the cultural advocacy of the University’s Center for Kapampangan Studies.

The film stars real-life poets led by Francisco Guinto and Coco-Martin’s brother Ronwaldo Martin in his first starring role. The rest of the cast and crew are volunteers from the University’s faculty, employees, students and alumni, including Cecile Yumul (actress), Alex Castro (production designer), Robby Tantingco (screenwriter), Myra Lopez (line producer), Engr. Geromin Nepomuceno, Jr. and Jocelyn Aniceto (executive producers).

Ferdinand Lapuz, recent recipient of an HAU outstanding alumnus award, produced the film for HAU. Lapuz, who is the producer of award-winning films such as Bwakaw, Ekstra, Dementia and Baber’s Tales, also recently donated proceeds from some of his films to the University’s scholarship program.

Lapuz solicited help from his friends in the film industry to assist the neophytes in his alma mater’s maiden film offering, including award-winning cinematographer Carlo Mendoza, editor Carlo Francisco Manatad, and sound engineer Gilbert Obispo.

Professional outsourcing firm in Clark to hire 5,000 workers

(Sun.Star Pampanga)

CLARK FREEPORT -- A top official of an Australian-based professional outsourcing firm here disclosed their company's plan to 5,000 more workers in the next five years to beef up its current force of 200.

Aimee Engelmann, chief executive officer of Beepo, said the company plans to hire 1,000 personnel every year to help fill demand.

Investing close to AU$ 400,000 (approximately P13.2-million) in its operations in Clark, Beepo had also increased its personnel to 200 as of October this year from only 15 when the company started operations in April 2014.

"We have a long-term vision to grow and remain in the area (Clark)," said Engelmann during her interview at the CDC-sponsored Clark In Action radio program aired over UFM 105.5 and simulcast at the local cable channel in Angeles City.

"I could see an opportunity to combine the fantastic talents here in the Philippines and pair it up with Australian businesses," Engelmann added.

The top executive of Beepo also said their company and the state-run firm are working together to invite other Australian firms to invest in Clark.

"We've been working together to find those clients who wants to invest long-term in the Philippines, " Engelmann said.

DTI intensifies watch on Christmas lights

By Warren Serrano (DTI-3)

ANGELES CITY -- Beware of fake Christmas lights.

This is the warning of the Department of Trade and Industry Regional Office III (DTI-3) to Christmas shoppers this holiday season as many imported Christmas lights and electronic display materials are peddled in the streets without any assurance of their quality and safety.

With the advice of lawyer Ann Claire G. Cabochan, director of the DTI Bureau of Products Standards ( DTI-BPS) under Memorandum Circular 14-04, DTI-3 Regional Director Judith P. Angeles has instructed DTI personnel in the region to intensify the monitoring and surveillance of Christmas lights in the market, especially those that do not have proper labeling and markings such as the Philippine Standards (PS) mark for locally made products or the Import Commodity Clearance (ICC) mark for imported products.

The DTI’s Bureau of Products Standards randomly inspects imported commodities for quality and safety before they are allowed to be sold in the market. Electronic products like Christmas lights are considered mandatory products for certification. Republic Act 7394 mandates that uncertified products are prohibited from being sold or distributed in the market.

Angeles also advised buyers there is a list of 50 valid ICC certificates for imported Christmas lights issued by DTI BPS as of October 9, 2015. The list can be searched and downloaded in the DTI website at the following address: http://www.bps.dti.gov.ph/.

Pampanga leaders, BCDA commend CDC

By Reynaldo G. Navales

CLARK FREEPORT -- Top local officials in Pampanga, including the parent company of Clark Development Corporation (CDC), commended the management team of the state-owned firm after recently bagging a prestigious award.

Governor Lilia Pineda, First District Representative Joseller “Yeng” Guiao and Bases Conversion and Development Authority president Arnel Casanova congratulated CDC for winning the Executive Leadership Team category in the Asia CEO Awards.

The governor extended her commendation to CDC president and CEO Arthur P. Tugade after learning of the state-owned firm has received the recognition. She phoned Tugade after learning that CDC bested other big time public and private corporations in the country.

CDC bested nine other finalists that are considered as top private firms and government corporations with national scope in the Philippines. This is the first time that a government agency had won the category.

Past winners were SM Prime Holdings (2014), ADEC Innovations (2013), Ayala Land (2012), Magsaysay Maritime (2011) and BDO (2010).

A report stated that Guiao "is proud of the achievements of CDC because this shows Kapampangans’ hard work to make Clark Freeport among the premiere investment and tourism destination in Central Luzon."

The Asia CEO Awards, presented by PLDT Alpha Enterprise, was held November 11 at the Marriott Hotel in Manila. It is considered the largest event of its kind in Philippines and one of the largest in Asia.

The newspaper report continued: "Guiao was also told that there are more than 81,000 workers and 781 locators in Clark and with the opening of many companies under construction and with expansion programs, the 100,000 workers is expected to breach in 2016."

Casanova, also finalist in the Global Filipino Executive of the Year category of the Asia CEO Awards, congratulated CDC executives through a text message: “I am proud of our team in CDC. We have proven that public servants can be the best.”

Among the finalists in the Executive Leadership Team category were titans in the business world and government agencies with national scope. They include: Concepcion Industrial Corp, Hedcor, Inc., Integrated Micro Electronics, Inc., Magsaysay Maritime Corp, Megaworld Corp., PAGIBIG Fund, Philex Mining Corp., Pointwest Technologies Corp., and, Security Bank Corp.

Tugade who is also among the finalists in the Global Filipino Executive of the Year category, attributed the recognition to the support of all officers and employees of CDC.

“Talagang may Diyos, alam po Niya ang hirap, dusa at pasakit na aming dinaanan at pinagdaraanan sa government service. Recognitions like this are redeeming, vindicating and very inspiring. Ito po ay para sa bayan,” Tugade said.

He added: “this recognition was achieved through the support of our (CDC) Board of Directors and the contributions of employees of CDC. Isama na rin po ang mga stakeholders ng Clark na naniniwala po na kaya ng CDC na isulong ang Clark sa higit na pag-unlad.”

This year’s judges in the Asia CEO Awards were Dr. Bernie Villegas, economist (Philippines); Jun Palafox, urban planner (Philippines); Don Felbaum, from American Chamber of Commerce in the Philippine (USA); Eduard Eun-Gap Gang, president of Korean Chamber of Commerce in the Philippines (South Korea); John Casey, former president of Australia-New Zealand Chamber of Commerce (Australia); Oscar Sanez, VP for International, San Miguel Purefoods (Philippines); and, Richard Mills, former president of Canadian Chamber of Commerce in the Philippines and Chairman of the Asia CEO Awards (Canada).

SM Clark hosts 4th PyroFest competition

By Ian Ocampo Flora

CLARK FREEPORT-- Metro Clark's skyline was once again lighted with colorful fireworks as SM City Clark began hosting the three Saturday fireworks display in this year's 4th PyroFest Competition.

The much awaited event features competing delegates from different provinces in the country, exhibition from three countries, and performances by the Philippines’ top bands. The event started last November 14 and will continue on two more Saturdays on November 21 and 28.

This year's competition is between Bulacan, Laguna, Batangas, Cebu, Oroquieta, Bukidnon, Bacolod, General Santos and Tacloban.

These will be followed by international pyro musical presentations on each Saturday starting off with South Korea, Japan and China. This year's international presentation has been dubbed as Asian Mystique due to a line-up of three major Asian countries with strong fireworks traditions.

The event also features giant Asian icons like elephants and Buddhas complete with a Chinese street hawking experience to complete their Asian Mystique theme. The first Saturday night presented a K-pop feel as the Korean pyro exhibitor kicked-off the first night with the special performances of Dasuri Choi and local DJs.

SM City Clark Public Relations Manager Venus Manalang said the PyroFest has become anticipated event here that has attracted fireworks enthusiasts and tourists. She said that the event has become part of the official kick-off event for the Yuletide season.

Azzurro Hotel brings out the best these ber months

By Leslie Anne Mahusay

ANGELES CITY -- Azzurro hotel brings out the best and unique services which is perfect for relaxation and offers a lot of promos these BER months.

The hotel is located at 4895 Mon Tang Avenue, Balibago, Angeles City and caters to both leisure and business travelers with its brand new facilities like function rooms and bedrooms with excellent services.

Noli Reyes, general manager, said that Azzurro hotel is a three star hotel with five star hotel services.

He added that they want every guest to feel at home every time they visit the hotel.

"We want to impress our guests that when they come here, they have a home, they are at home. We also assure that all rooms are provided with amenities which you can see in the five-star hotels in Manila," Reyes said.

Azzurro hotel also has a coffee shop in the ground floor and a restaurant in the rooftop of the building which has a vivid view of Mt. Arayat--- one of Pampanga's pride---and is perfect for relaxation while you're eating the delecious meals they serve.

Aside from the coffee shop and restaurant, the hotel also has its own gym and sauna perfect for a healthy and sweaty experience.

Azzurro hotel also prepares for their big event this New Year's Eve which dubbed “Countdown on New Year's Eve” where a party with a live band happens in the rooftop of the hotel.

The hotel also offers 25 percent off on all their bedrooms from October 31 to December 31 only.

Call 09177792601/09253585868 or visit www.azzurrohotel.com for more inquiries.

Angeles City employees to receive bonuses this week

(PNA), CTB/ZST/RKM/PS

ANGELES CITY, Pampanga, Nov. 16 (PNA) --Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan has ordered the release of the second tranche of the 13th month pay and cash gift of employees of the city government.

Pamintuan instructed the City Treasurer’s Office to release the said bonuses this week, which totaled to Php16 million.

“Our improved revenue collection has afforded us the opportunity to award or compensate the good work rendered by our city workers,” Pamintuan said, adding that the bonuses will allow the employees to do their preparations for the holiday season early.

Benefiting from the bonuses are the 1,300 permanent, contractual, co-terminus and casual employees of the city government.

The 13th month pay comprises half of each employee’s gross monthly pay. The first half was released earlier this year.

This bonus follows the release of the Collective Negotiation Agreement incentive and Productivity Enhancement Incentive last week with each employee took home Php15,000, or a total of Php20 million for the entire plantilla workforce.

Lazatin urges congressional probe into 'laglag bala’ scheme

By Reynaldo G. Navales

ANGELES CITY -- Councilor Carmelo “Pogi” Lazatin, Jr. has filed a council resolution requesting the House of Representatives and the Senate to conduct investigation on the alleged "laglag bala" scam in all international airports in the country, including the Clark International Airport (CRK).

Lazatin said the numerous "laglag bala" incidents are tarnishing the reputation of Philippine airports.

“These will cause negative effects to Philippine tourism and the government needs to actively address this issue,” he said.

Lazatin said that it is more prudent if similar investigations in all international airports in the country will be conducted.

“It is essential to put an end to this alleged scam lalo na nabibiktima diumano ay mga kababayan nating OFWs,” Lazatin said.

Earlier, Lazatin filed two resolutions expressing support to the resolutions filed by Senator Ralph Recto in the Senate and Valenzuela City Representative Sherwin Gatchalian in the House of Representatives.

“With the investigations, the Senate and Lower House wish to put an end to the 'laglag bala' scam by uncovering who are involved in its operations and institutionalize proper legal measures to reinstate professionalism into the ranks of airport personnel and make sure similar incidents will not happen again,” Lazatin said.

CL top cop in all-out war vs. drugs

By Ashley Manabat

CLARK FREEPORT – Some 30 suspects involved in illegal drugs have been killed by the police in the region while another 150 persons have been arrested for peddling illegal drugs in just three months.

Chief Supt. Rudy Lacadin, Central Luzon police director, said the all-out campaign against illegal drugs was initiated upon assuming office on August 11.

Lacadin told members of the Pampanga Press Club during the “Talk Widus” media forum at the Widus Hotel and Casino here on Wednesday that he made the campaign his top priority after Gov. Lilia “Nanay Baby” Pineda enjoined him to go after drug pushers.

The police director said he has instructed his chiefs of police in the region to go after the top 10 drug suspects in their areas. “I told them you have to neutralize at least 50 percent of your drug personalities within two months,” Lacadin said.

“If they failed to do it, I will immediately look for their replacements who can do the job,” he added.

“They (policemen) can do that if they will work on it. They have complete support. They have all the funds, they have vehicles,” Lacadin said.

The CL police director said 10 police chiefs in the region have already been axed for being remiss in their jobs.

But Lacadin said he also rewards his policemen if they did a good job.

“Our mindset should be to go after the illegal drug criminals and hunt them down until they become extinct. Otherwise, they will not go away,” Lacadin said.

The CL top cop said drug pushers now have adapted to the times by running their own operations and the number of organized crimes and criminal syndicates have decreased.

“Sa isang barangay, kanya kanyang diskarte (In one village, they have different operations),” he said.

“But the real targets are the sources,” he added.

Lacadin said in the province of Pampanga alone, there are intelligence reports indicating that illegal drugs are being manufactured but these are still subject to verification.

However, since he assumed his post, the police have not yet monitored any drug manufacturing facility or laboratory in the region.

“Nagbibigay ako ng assurance sa mga sibilyan o sa mga pulis ko na nakakapagbigay ng magandang trabaho pagdating sa kampanya laban sa illegal drugs na kikilalanin ang kanilang magandang trabaho (I give my assurance to civilians and my own policemen that can turn in a good job in our campaign against illegal drugs that their accomplishments will be acknowledged),” he said.

Yuletide cheer starts at SM Supermalls

By Ian Ocampo Flora

IT HAS been a custom of various SM Supermalls in Pampanga and in the entire country to start the Yuletide season with the unveiling of Christmas centerpieces each year that are sure attractions for the young and the young at heart. Each centerpiece is a celebration of Christmas through novelty, fun and appeal to ones innocence.

This year, SM Supermalls in Pampanga started the unveiling with a blast. SM City Clark's Christmas Luxe theme was a sure fire hit. The night's unveiling at the mall's event center was oozing with utter elegance.

The event featured the amazing voice of Filipina classical singer Gerphil Geraldine Flores accompanied by the music of the the Manila Philharmonic Orchestra through conductor Maestro Rodel Colmenar.

Flores was an instant crown drawer. It could be remembered that she finished third in the first season of Asia's Got Talent (AGT), the first pan-regional edition of the global “Got Talent” format, a fact that very obvious with her stunning voice.

The SM Clark event was attended by Zenaida Alcantara, General Manager, Park Inn by Radisson Clark; Aaron Jeffrey Montenegro, Assistant Mall Manager, SM City Clark; Junias Eusebio, Regional Operations Manager, North Luzon North Luzon 4; Angeles City Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan; Vice Mayor Vicky Vega Cabigting; Dan Concepcion, head of Traffic Management; and Andrea Fancesca Madlangbayan, Assistant Mall Manager, SM City Clark.

Meanwhile, SM City Pampanga and SM City San Fernando Downtown welcomed the Yuletide season with its grand Christmas launch highlighting Cartoon Network that is expected to delight young mall goers and those who are young at heart.

The event at SM City Pampanga was led by the Angeles University Foundation Concert Chorus who performed Christmas medleys during the opening program at the Event Center. The opening was attended by dozens of mall goers, cartoon enthusiasts and officers of the mall. The event at SM City Downtown featured performances from the University of the Assumption Chorale.

Youngsters can now take pictures with their favorite Cartoon Network characters like the Powerpuff Girls, Johnny Bravo among others.

SM City Pampanga Public Relations Manager Rain Cervantes said that the event also aimed at paying tribute to the youngest customers of SM Supermalls which for them serve as inspiration.

The Cartoon Network Characters are also available for a Meet and Greet happening from November 8 to 14, 11:00 am, 3:00 pm, and 5:00 pm, plus all Saturdays of December at the Event Center.

CDC bags top plum in Asia CEO Awards

(CDC CommDep)

CLARK FREEPORT -- Clark Development Corporation won this year’s Executive Leadership Team category in the prestigious Asia CEO Awards, besting other top corporations both in the government service and private sector.

The Asia CEO Awards, held Wednesday in Manila, is presented by PLDT Alpha Enterprise. It is considered the largest event of its kind in the Philippines and one of the largest in Asia.

Among the finalists in the said category were titans in the business world and government agencies with national scope. They include Concepcion Industrial Corp., Hedcor, Inc., Integrated Micro Electronics, Inc., Magsaysay Maritime Corp, Megaworld Corp., PAG-IBIG Fund, Philex Mining Corp., Pointwest Technologies Corp., and Security Bank Corp.

CDC president and Chief Executive Officer Arthur Tugade, who is also among the finalists in the Global Filipino Executive of the Year category, attributed the recognition to the support of all officers and employees of CDC.

“Talagang may Diyos, alam po Niya ang hirap, dusa at pasakit na aming dinaanan at pinagdaraanan sa government service. Recognitions like these are redeeming, vindicating and very inspiring. Ito po ay para sa Bayan,” Tugade said.

He added: “this recognition was achieved through the support of our (CDC) Board of Directors and the contributions of employees of CDC. Isama na rin po ang mga stakeholders ng Clark na naniniwala po na kaya ng CDC na isulong ang Clark sa higit na pag-unlad.”

Pampanga Governor Lilia Pineda, who heard of CDC’s latest recognition over one national radio station, personally conveyed her congratulations to Tugade through a phone call.

For his part, Bases Conversion and Development Authority president and CEO Arnel Cassanova who was also finalist in the Global Filipino Executive of the Year category, congratulated CDC executives through a text message.

“I am proud of our team in CDC. We have proven that public servants can be the best,” Casanova said.

This year’s judges in the Asia CEO Awards were Dr. Bernie Villegas, economist (Philippines); Jun Palafox, urban planner (Philippines); Don Felbaum, from American Chamber of Commerce in the Philippine (USA); Eduard Eun-Gap Gang, president of Korean Chamber of Commerce in the Philippines (South Korea); John Casey, former president of Australia-New Zealand Chamber of Commerce (Australia); Oscar Sanez, VP for International, San Miguel Purefoods (Philippines); and, Richard Mills, former president of Canadian Chamber of Commerce in the Philippines and Chairman of the Asia CEO Awards (Canada).

CDC’s leadership was cited for instituted reforms in business processes, resource and fiscal management, investment and job generation, investor relations, corporate social responsibility projects and many other aspects.

Among the noted accomplishments of CDC were the following:

Economic Indicators:

Committed Investments -- Total committed investments rose from $184.44 million in 2012 to $277.15 million in 2014.

As of first semester of 2015 committed investments amounted to $237.13 million.

Investors/Locators -- The number of foreign and local investors rose from 606 in 2012 to 796 as of August 2015.

Exports -- Total value of annual exports by Clark manufacturing firms rose from $3.619 billion in 2012 to $4.675 billion in 2014.

Employment -- The number of employed persons in the Clark Freeport Zone’s various locators rose from 71,073 in 2012 to 75,538 in 2014.

As of first semester of 2015, the total actual employment is 80,977.

Financial Management: Revenues.-- CDC’s gross revenues rose from P281 Million in 1996 to P1.39 Billion in 2014, netting a profit of P554 Million. Remittance to National Treasury.-- CDC has remitted a total of P1.35 billion to the National Government since 2012.

Kuwaiti firm breaks ground for Clark AeroPark campus

By Reynaldo G. Navales

CLARK FREEPORT -- Kuwaiti firm KGL Investment Company (KGLI) broke ground on Wednesday for the first phase of the multi-million dollar AeroPark Campus in the 177-hectare Global Gateway Logistics City (GGLC) here.

KGLI Asia CEO Mark Williams said the first phase of the AeroPark Campus will involve the construction of five office buildings located across The Medical City Clark, which was also built by KGLI.

Officials of KGLI, Clark Development Corporation and Clark International Airport Corporation, Pampanga Governor Lilia Pineda, Angeles City Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan and business leaders as well as representatives of global investment companies attended the groundbreaking ceremony.

Williams said the groundbreaking for the AeroPark Campus represents an exciting new phase in the development of GGLC, a well-designed and master-planned office and logistics districts strategically located next to Clark International Airport.

“With the addition of new high-quality office space located in a well-designed master planned precinct within the Clark Freeport Zone and directly adjacent to the Clark International Airport, we foresee the Clark Freeport Zone emerging as a new office and logistics hub for the Philippines,” Williams said.

Williams said five Grade A office buildings will be constructed under the initial phase. The buildings will follow the highest standards and are expected to meet the Leadership in Energy and Environment Design (LEED) rating system of the United States.

He said the five office towers with a gross floor area of 142,000 square meters are expected to be completed in 24 months. The company also plans to build a retail and gas plaza, a hotel and serviced apartment complex.

AeroPark Campus is a part of GGLC, a major real estate development that will entail the investment of over $3 billion in new facilities, providing direct employment to more than 3,000 construction and trade workers at the peak of construction.

Once completed, the GGLC project will generate employment opportunities to over 300,000 workers within $600 million in annual payroll for entry-level employees alone.

KGLI plans to transform GGLC into a state-of-the-art commercial and logistics aerotropolis built to the highest environment standards. KGLI through local unit Global Gateway Development Corporation (GGDC), has a lease on the property for a period of 50 years, with an option to renew for 25 years.

Williams said the first phase of the project will be bankrolled by Hongkong based Asian private equity firms ADM Capital and BPE Asia Real Estate, which recently committed an initial $150 million investment to finance the construction of Grade A office buildings and surroundings infrastructure in GGLC.

ADM Capital is a fund manager with headquarters in Hong Kong while BPE Asia Real Estate is an affiliate of Baring Private Equity Asia, which also has an office in Hong Kong.

The $150 million project represents one of the largest investments by foreign investors in the Philippines’ real estate sector and is expected to transform Clark Freeport Zone into a new office and logistics hub.

KGLI said construction of the first phase of AeroPark Campus will start this month, with pre-leasing arrangement already underway.

Large locators such as Texas Instruments, Convergys, Samsung and iQor have already established a presence in Clark while other multinational corporations and business process outsourcing companies are looking at expanding in the area.

The Philippines has emerged as one of the fastest growing real estate markets in Asia, powered by the expansion of the BPO sector. The Philippines is considered the contact center capital of the world and is the second largest BPO destination globally next to India.

Clark Freeport, located 80 kilometers north of Metro Manila, is well positioned to thrive as a BPO and logistics hub, given the large population of skilled workers in Central Luzon and its proximity to the Philippines’ capital.


20 parking slots reserved at Clark for APEC needs

By Ding Cervantes

CLARK FREEPORT - No less than 20 parking spaces for airplanes have been reserved at the Clark International Airport here for possible needs of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit to be attended by world leaders from Nov. 17 to 20 in Manila.

The Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) has made arrangements with the Clark International Airport Corp. (CIAC) for this, apart for accommodation of flights that would otherwise be disrupted because of the no-fly zone policy except for aircraft to be used in relation to APEC to be enforced at the Ninoy Aquino Internationa Airport (NAIA) during the summit.

CIAC spokesperson Rendy Isip said that despite suspension of commercial flights at NAIA, flights at the Clark airport would remain normal. “There will be no changes, no suspension of regular international and domestic flights at Clark,” he said.

Isip said eight airlines operating here will go on with their 124 flights per week at the Clark airport.

He said the airport here has enough aircraft parking spaces to take in even airplanes flying in APEC delegates.

“While we don’t have information on whether any of the aircraft to be used by the heads of states attending APEC will be parking at Clark, we have enough space for parking,” he added.

Philippine Airlines earlier announced that 115 domestic and 96 international flights will not be operating on Nov. 15 to 20, while Cebu Pacific Air announced the cancellation of at least 260 flights over the same period, 26 of them to and from international destinations.

This, after the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) issued an advisory about “periodic temporary runway closures” at the NAIA during the arrival and departure of heads of state.

The government stressed, however, that the cancellation of flights at the NAIA was “the call of airlines.”

Some 7,000 official delegates, including heads of state, from 21 countries will arrive in the country for the annual gathering, excluding journalists and tourists who are also expected to come.

Malacañang earlier announced that there will be no classes and work for government employees from November 17 to 20.

Work in the private sector will also be suspended from November 18 to 19, the dates of the actual conference.

DOT to launch Child Safe Tourism program on Nov. 15

(PNA), RMA/BNB/ANP

MANILA, Nov. 9 (PNA) -- Some 200 adults and children alike are expected to participate in a fun walk to show their commitment to promote the advocacy of protection and welfare of children in the tourism and travel industry.

The fun walk, slated on Sunday, is one of the highlights of the Child Safe Tourism Program under the Department of Tourism (DOT).

The walk will begin from the Bayanihan Park and Walking Street in Angeles City, Pampanga towards SM City Clark.

The program is a joint effort of the DOT, local government units (LGUs), and private sector groups which seeks to form the so-called Child-safe Tourism Network now posted on social media.

The same program has previously been launched in other tourist destinations including Boracay, Cebu, Bohol, and Puerto Princesa.

Expected to be tackled during the launch of the program is the symbolic presentation of the “7 Travel Tips” and signing of covenant on child safety.

Representatives from partner national government agencies, non-government institutions, academe, and stakeholders from the tourism and hotel sector are also expected to attend the event.

Pamintuan orders release of employees’ incentives

By Reynaldo G. Navales

ANGELES CITY -- Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan has ordered the release of incentives to all regular personnel under the Collective Negotiation Agreement (CNA).

The grant of this incentive was part of the 2014 to 2016 CAN forged between the city mayor and the Association of Government Employees for a New and Dynamic Angeles City (AGENDA), the city government employees’ union.

Employees are also set to receive their Productivity Enhancement Incentive (PEI) bonus of P1,800 each.

Pamintuan lauded the consistent efforts of the “performing government workers in the name of public service.”

The City Treasurer’s Office, headed by Juliet Quinsaat, has already earmarked the funds for the said bonuses charged to the savings of the city government.

The city government of Angeles is one of the few LGUs in the country that practices the collective negotiation agreement.

AGENDA president Eduardo Sanchez thanked the Pamintuan administration in last week's flag ceremony.

“This is an early Christmas gift for the hardworking employees of Angeles City local government. I hope this CAN will motivate our government employees more to better serve our Kabalens,” Sanchez said.

The city government, under the Pamintuan’s leadership, received several awards from the regional and national government offices.

2 Hong Kong-based firms to invest US$150-M in Clark Freeport

By Reynaldo G. Navales

CLARK FREEPORT -- Two major Asian private equity firms are investing US$150-million to construct five office towers inside this Freeport.

The project, which will be implemented by ADM Capital and BPE Asia Real Estate, is one of the largest investments by foreign investors in the Philippines' real estate sector.

In a joint statement, the two Hong Kong-based companies stated that they will infuse an initial US$150-million investment to finance the construction of "Grade A" office buildings and surrounding infrastructure within the 177-hectare Global Gateway Logistics City (GGLC).

ADM Capital is a fund manager with headquarters in Hong Kong while BPE Asia Real Estate is an affiliate of Baring Private Equity Asia, which also has an office in Hong Kong.

ADM Capital and BPE Asia are leading a consortium of investors providing the cornerstone capital for the construction of office buildings with gross floor area of 142,000 square meters that are expected to meet the need of multinational companies and business process outsourcing (BPO) companies in Central Luzon.

The project, located across The Medical City Clark Hospital, will be the first office buildings constructed on the GGLC site, which when completed, will provide 5.8 million square meters of office, logistics, industrial and supporting retail and hotel space.

KGL Investment Company (KGLI), a Kuwaiti company, is developing GGLC, a well-designed and master-planned office and logistics district strategically located next to Clark International Airport. KGLI started the development of the 177-hectare GGLC, with the construction of state-of-the-art The Medical City Clark, which was also co-funded by ADM Capital and BPE Asia.

KGLI said construction of the first phase of office buildings is expected to start in November 2015, with pre-leasing arrangement already underway. Large locators such as Texas Instruments, Convergys, Samsung and iQor have already established a presence in Clark while other multinational corporations and BPO companies are looking at expanding in the area.

The Philippines has emerged as one of the fastest growing real estate markets in Asia, powered by the expansion of the BPO and outsourcing sector. The Philippines is considered the contact center capital of the world and is the second largest BPO outsourcing destination globally, next to India.

Clark Freeport, located 80 kilometers north of Metro Manila, is well positioned to thrive as a BPO and logistics hub, given the large population of skilled workers in Central Luzon and its proximity to the Philippines' capital.

KGLI plans to transform GGLC into a state-of-the-art commercial and logistics aerotropolis built to the highest environmental standards. KGLI has a lease on the property for a period of 50 years, with an option to renew for 25 years.

ADM Capital CEO Christopher Botsford and BPE Asia Managing Director and head of real estate Mark Fogie said the investment is expected to provide high-quality office space in Clark in support of the area's economic development.

"We have been involved with KGLI on the GGLC site for some time, having funded The Medical City building and are pleased to continue working with KGLI in the construction of their office buildings within the park, bringing much needed high-quality office space to the Clark area," Botsford said.

Fogie said the strong demand for office space in Metro Manila has resulted in high occupancy and rising rental costs, leading existing tenants and new entrants to look at secondary markets such as Cebu and Clark.

"The Clark area is well-positioned to thrive, given good accessibility and rents that are approximately half that of Metro Manila. With our own development and construction expertise in-house, BPE Asia looks forward to working closely with KGLI to deliver this high-quality project," Fogie said.

KGLI Asia CEO Mark Williams said the investment by ADM and BPE Asia represents an exciting new phase of development of the GGLC site.

“We are looking forward to working with ADM and BPE Asia in what is an exciting new phase of development of the GGLC site. Office buildings in the greater Clark region generally are of inferior quality to buildings in Manila and with the addition of new high quality office space located in a well-designed master planned precinct within the Clark Freeport Zone and directly adjacent to the Clark International Airport, we foresee the Clark Freeport Zone emerging as a new office and logistics hub for the Philippines,” Williams said.

ADM Capital has over 17 years of unparalleled experience in private credit and special situation financing in Asia, and has developed a deep local knowledge, proprietary sourcing network and strong relationships with the world’s leading institutional investors. The firm has approximately US$1.2-billion in assets under management, across private credit and private equity, invested globally in over 15 countries via a 52 member team operating out of six offices in Hong Kong, Istanbul, Mumbai, London, Kiev and Almaty. In 2015, ADM Capital has invested in an array of sectors including agriculture, real estate, travel and tourism among others, across various countries in the Asia Pacific region including Australia, New Zealand, China, Thailand and Philippines.

Baring Asia is one of the largest and most established independent alternative investment managers in Asia and advises funds that manage more than US$9-billion in committed capital. The firm’s funds operate a pan-Asian investment program, across private equity and private real estate throughout the Asia-pacific region. The firm has been investing in Asia since its formation in 1997 and has over 120 employees located across seven offices in Hong Kong, Shanghai, Beijing, Mumbai, Singapore, Jakarta and Tokyo.

KGLI is an investment management firm specializing in private equity investments in emerging markets.

The company has assets under management in excess of US$500 million comprising investments in infrastructure, logistics, oil and gas, real estate and other diversified sectors, primarily in fast-growing regions in Asia and the Middle East.

Among the company’s products is The Port Fund (TPF), a private equity fund established in 2007 that is ranked in the top quartile of its universe of funds. KGLI is based in Kuwait and has regional headquarters in the Philippines.

CDC, WWF to look for safe roads during heavy rains

By Reynaldo G. Navales

CLARK FREEPORT -- The Clark Development Corporation (CDC), in partnership with World Widelife Fund (WWF), recently forged a pact for the conduct of transport access mapping study to identify safe roads and help motorists travel safely during heavy rains.

A Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) was signed between CDC and WWF Philippines’ Kabang Kalikasan ng Pilipinas Foundation Inc. (KKP) to develop a map for Angeles City and this Freeport showing a network of roads with good drainage systems and passable to vehicles.

CDC president Arthur Tugade and KKP president and chief executive officer Jose Angelito Palma signed the agreement.

KKP is a national organization of the renowned World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) network engaged in the conservation and preservation of the environment in selected areas of the Philippines.

With the support of the Yuchengo Group of Companies (YGC), the year-long study will determine the flood prone areas and primary causes of flooding.

Based on the MOA, KKP will deliver to CDC the draft on “Towards An All-Weather Urban Corridor” Map on April 2016, while the final map will be submitted in May 2016.

An all-weather urban corridor is a network of roads with good drainage systems installed and are passable to vehicles despite the presence of water, which is not significant enough to affect the flow of goods, services and people.

The initial phase of the project was conducted in Iloilo City from October 2013 to October 2014. KKP stated that it desires to replicate the same study here and in Angeles City.

The result of mapping study conducted in Iloilo City presented several corridor options, including practical recommendations in dealing with floods, such as shifting development to high ground, investing in better drainage systems and retrofitting existing roads to weather stronger storms.

Aside from infusing sustainability into the lives and businesses of Filipinos, KKP will also help communities adapt to climate change and switch to clean renewable sources of energy.

Founded in 1961, WWF is in over 500 countries on five continents. WWF’s involvement in the Philippines dates back to 1969 when it funded efforts to protect the Philippine eagle.

CDC sets seminar on social benefits

By Reynaldo G. Navales

CLARK FREEPORT -- The Clark Development Corporation (CDC) will hold a seminar today, Friday, on Social Welfare Benefits Updates at the Vegas Function Hall of Widus Hotel and Casino here.

Participating the event are the Social Security System (SSS), Philippine Health Insurance Inc. (Phil Health), Home Mutual Development Fund (HMDF or Pag-IBIG), Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and Bureau of Immigration (BI) which are vital in the operations of companies in Clark.

CDC Vice President for Business Development and Business Enhancement Group Evageline G. Tejada said locators, especially the new companies, were invited to attend the seminar on social welfare, labor standards/compliances and programs, immigration laws/rules and regulations on visas and permits.

Normita Cruz, branch head of SSS in Angeles City, will be talking about the social benefits of workers.

Cruz said companies who failed to remit contributions on time will be penalized 10 percent of the monthly contribution of the members per month.

BI was included to help companies with foreign employees on how to secure work visas and permits, while DOLE will explain the various rights of the workers under the Labor Laws of the Philippines.

PhilHealth for its part will provide updates on the health benefits of the members.

Lazatin: Pre-school crucial period on child’s education

By Reynaldo G. Navales

ANGELES CITY -- Councilor Carmelo “Pogi” Lazatin, Jr. has vowed to support day-care centers in the city saying that pre-school stage is a crucial period on a child’s education.

In line with his education program, Lazatin recently distributed 33 television sets in day care centers (DCC) in various barangays.

Lazatin said he hopes the children attending will have more access to visual learning materials that are crucial for their formative years.

“The pre-school stage is a crucial period in a child’s education,” Lazatin explained. “I just want to help in whatever I can to make sure that these kids receive a holistic one.”

Lazatin is set to distribute additional television sets to day care and health centers in the coming days.

Last month, Lazatin donated 31 garbage containers and 18 cans of paint to Barangay San Jose in support of the village’s “Search for the Cleanest and Greenest Street” project.

“Naniniwala po ako na isang magandang initiative ang pagkakaroon ng ‘Search for the Cleanest and Greenest Street’ dahil nahihikayat nito ang mga mamamayan na makiisa sa mga proyektong pang-kalikasan ng barangay,” said Lazatin.

Lazatin is a supporter of environment projects and policies and solid waste management being one of the main pillars of his “Four-Point Agenda.”

He is the main proponent of an ordinance regulating the use of plastic bags and polystyrene foam (styrofoam) in the city.

PhiSci Central Luzon conducts 6th PhiSciCLaban

By Princess Clea Arcellaz

ANGELES CITY -- The Philippine Science High School (PhiSci) Central Luzon campus recently held their annual regional quiz bee to showcase the academic skills of the youth in the region.

The sixth PhiSciCLaban is the general academic quiz contest for public and private elementary schools of Region III spearheaded by PhiSci.

The contest is composed of three segments: qualifying, semi-final and final round under the category of Science, Mathematics, Language and Literature, History, General Information and Trivia.

Around 60 schools all over the region participated in the said schools with one team per school consisting of one Grade VI and three Grade V students.

The overall champion in the academic contest was awarded to Special Education Center for the Gifted in Olongapo City, Zambales. The first runner-up is the City College of the Holy Spirit of Tarlac and and Kalalake Elementary School-Center of Excellence and Tarlac Montessori School are second and third runners-up respectively.

PhiSci also awarded the Individual High Scorers in the qualifying round.

Awardees are Michael John Gaspar, Alyssa Joyce Segundo, Roxanne Bangsil, John Audric Ayuban, Christen Noceda, Martin Rey Belino, Keith Railey Reyes, Josh Tomacruz and Tristan Hernandez.

Head Organizer Jed Aries Castro clarified that awardees in the said contest will not be automatically admitted in their institute.

"In order to be admitted in the institute, students must take and pass the national competitive exam administered by the national office so there'll be no bearing whether you win here or not," he said.

Castro added that the contest is for to the region only since the institute did not yet coordinate with other regions as well as in the national level.

Global business forum set in Clark Freeport

By Reynaldo G. Navales

CLARK FREEPORT -- The K-Mas Management Brunei Corporation has set an international business forum at the Mimosa Convention Center here on November 5 and 6.

The Clark Development Corporation (CDC) has welcomed the event dubbed "Leaders Forum on Organization Productivity Enhancement," to be participated by four world renowned business speakers.

KMAS Management, led by its executive chair and co-founder Dr. HJ Aziz Latip, has forged with CDC a contract on the establishment of its office and operations here.

KMAS was established in 2004 to assist in diversifying the local economy and to help in creating a competitive nation.

K-MAS’ 12-point objective include Re-Inventing Strategic Management, Business Feasibility Studies, Human Capacity Building, Financial Advisory, Organizational Progress and Progress Management, Business Process Re-Engineering, Project Management, Organizational Leadership, Youth Development Programs, IT and Soft Development, Media Production and Courses, and Branding Consultancy.

Confirmed to attend the forum are Italian Arthur Carmazzi of Global Top 10 Leadership Guru, who will discuss “Developing Leaders to Transform Organizations Through Directive Communication Psychology;” Singaporean Hardeep Matharu, Regional Director of Kris Finsoftware, Inc. will speak about “Operations Risk Management;” Jordanian Dr. Ali Qaseem who will discuss about Organization Progress Challenge not mere Change;” and Sinpagorea Stephen Lin, Asian Regional Managing Partner of the Haines Centre for Strategic Management, will speak about “Re-Inventing Strategic Management – Haines Concept.”

"We will strive to upgrade local management capabilities to international standards, and assist in promoting the local business capabilities and opportunities via education, advisory and development," Latip said in his message in their website.

CDC expressed gratitude to KMAS for choosing Clark as the firm’s new destination and for “bringing a new business dimension in Clark and its environs, Metro Manila, nearby Freeport zones in Central and North Luzon.

During the forum, KMAS is committed to provide practical and sustainable business solutions and outstanding management services.

TTKD 2015 breaks all records

ANGELES CITY - This city celebrated the 23rd anniversary of the Tigtigan Terakan Keng Dalan (TTKD) with records sale and attendance reaching an estimated total of 75,000 to 80,000 joining the festivities.

Tickets were sold out on the first day, 23 October 2015. An estimated 40,000 attended the merriment from 6:00 pm to 2:00 am the following day, and same number of crowd participated on Saturday, 24 October 2015.

TTKD is an annual event in this premier city in Central Luzon, Philippines. It is a major tourism event of Angeles in celebration of the never-say-die spirit and resilience of the people after the devastation that resulted with the catastrophic eruption of Mt. Pinatubo in 1991.

The event was conceptualized during the incumbency of Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan in the mid-1990s. Pamintuan, who was again reelected in 2010 and 2013, successfully revived the staging of the TTKD in 2010.

The TTKD is now considered as the biggest evening street party in the entire Philippines.

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