Difference between revisions of "Angeles City News May 2016"

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==[[Clark Pipeline announces 4-day oil leak in Bataan clamped]]==
{{:Clark Pipeline announces 4-day oil leak in Bataan clamped}}
==[[Angeles City observes National Flag Day]]==
{{:Angeles City observes National Flag Day}}
==[[GI Joe didn’t erase Juan from this Pampanga city]]==
{{:GI Joe didn’t erase Juan from this Pampanga city}}
==[[Soldiers donate blood]]==
{{:Soldiers donate blood}}
==[[Japanese firm opens ¥2-B expansion project]]==
{{:Japanese firm opens ¥2-B expansion project}}
==[[PAF unit to celebrate 69th anniversary]]==
{{:PAF unit to celebrate 69th anniversary}}
==[[Quest Hotel set to open in Clark]]==
{{:Quest Hotel set to open in Clark}}
==[[Tugade gets support from Clark locator]]==
{{:Tugade gets support from Clark locator}}
==[[SoKor firm to invest $1-M on tourism project in Clark]]==
{{:SoKor firm to invest $1-M on tourism project in Clark}}
==[[Angeles City lauds Keepers of Heritage]]==
{{:Angeles City lauds Keepers of Heritage}}
==[[Trader: Bright future for Clark]]==
{{:Trader: Bright future for Clark}}
==[[CIAC renews support to LCD manufacturer]]==
{{:CIAC renews support to LCD manufacturer}}
==[[Angeles joins international candlelight memorial]]==
{{:Angeles joins international candlelight memorial}}
==[[Beepo bears gifts for local economy]]==
{{:Beepo bears gifts for local economy}}
==[[SSS Angeles Branch transfers to MarQuee Mall]]==
{{:SSS Angeles Branch transfers to MarQuee Mall}}
==[[Clark investors group to host 20th Golf Tournament]]==
{{:Clark investors group to host 20th Golf Tournament}}
==[[Bike tour, expo to promote Clark as bike-friendly community]]==
{{:Bike tour, expo to promote Clark as bike-friendly community}}
==[[Balibago residents asked to join crime prevention]]==
{{:Balibago residents asked to join crime prevention}}
==[[BCDA, DOST plan ‘Super Fab Lab’]]==
{{:BCDA, DOST plan ‘Super Fab Lab’}}
==[[Culinary career haven]]==
{{:Culinary career haven}}
==[[DOE sets ‘fuel efficiency labeling’ program]]==
{{:DOE sets ‘fuel efficiency labeling’ program}}
==[[Angeles City reelectionist mayor gets landslide victory]]==
==[[Angeles City reelectionist mayor gets landslide victory]]==


Latest revision as of 06:42, 17 June 2016

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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.

Clark Pipeline announces 4-day oil leak in Bataan clamped

(PNA), LAP/ZST/EBE/PS

DINALUPIHAN, Bataan, May 31 (PNA) -- The Clark Pipeline and Depot Company, Inc. (CPDCI) announced Monday that the four-day oil leak here was clamped as the municipal mayor said she will call for a joint meeting to study what is best to be done, it being the third incident in the town.

"Nai-clamp na leak at maayos na (It was already clamped, the leak was fixed),” CPDCI spokesman Darwin Chan said.

He said that the damage on the pipeline was not from wear and tear but from external factor, meaning, a third party although not intentionally caused.

He said the breakage might have happened during the construction of an access road in the area.

Chan said that although the pipes are already 50 years old, these are still good and will not break if not for external factors.

"Kumpleto tests na ginagawa at OK pa pipeline na tatagal pa ng 10 to 20 years (We hold regular checks on the pipeline and our tests show it will still last for 10 to 20 years),” he said.

The Americans constructed reportedly in 1966 the 94-kilometer long pipeline from its former naval base in Subic passing through Dinalupihan and some towns in Pampanga to Clark Airbase in Angeles City, Pampanga.

They operated it for their fuel requirements until they left the country in 1992.

Chan said they temporarily stopped operation when they learned of the oil leak discovered Friday by residents in the river below a bridge in Barangay Luakan in Dinalupihan.

"We are conducting pressure tests to make sure that there is no more leak,” he said. He said that what leaked was unleaded gasoline that emitted bad odor.

Senior Fire Officer 2 Ariel Fabia, operations officer of the Bureau of Fire Protection in Dinalupihan, confirmed that diesel started passing the pipeline at 2 a.m. Monday.

"Dilikado ang unleaded gasoline (unleaded gasoline is more flammable),” the fireman said.

Dinalupihan Mayor Maria Angela Garcia said Clark Pipeline immediately acted when informed of the oil leak and placed containment materials.

She said that aside from oil spill booms, sandbags and thick water lilies helped block the spread of oil in the river.

"We are hoping that the effect on the river and surroundings is only minimal because it was acted upon soon but we are still waiting for the results of laboratory tests on water samples,” she said.

Like Chan, the mayor said the probable cause of the oil leak was external factor. She said that this was due to lack of coordination.

Garcia said that there was lack of proper coordination between the Clark Pipeline and firms doing public works projects along the pipeline.

She said that this was the third oil leak in Dinalupihan. The first was in Barangay San Pablo, in San Ramon last February 4, and this time in Luakan.

"We will just finish this Luakan incident and I will call a joint meeting among involved national agencies, Clark Pipeline and municipal and provincial consultants to know what is best to be done so it will not happen again,” Garcia said.

She said that she has not yet received any complaint from farmers.

"Kung meron, agad nating aaksiyunan ito (If there are complaints, we will immediately attend to it),” the mayor added.

Angeles City observes National Flag Day

(PNA), BNB/ZST/MDDR/PS

ANGELES CITY, May 30 (PNA) -- City Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan led local officials and government employees here in paying homage to the Philippine Flag during the city’s observance of the National Flag Day held on Monday at the city hall grounds.

Spearheaded by the Angeles City Tourism Office (ACTO), the observance is a kick-off activity to the celebration of the 118th Anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence.

"In big or small ways, we should always give respect and importance to our flag for it represents our country and our identity as Filipinos," Dr. Richard Daenos, Angeles City tourism officer, said.

"This is also an opportunity for us to show how proud we are as citizens of this country. We encourage the Angeleños especially business establishments and the households to display the Philippine Flag from May 28 to June 12,” Daenos said.

Performers from the Sinukwan Kapampangan also offered a tribute to the Philippine Flag in form of a dance number which added solemnity to the event.

"We will be forever grateful to our forefathers who have fought for the country’s independence and sovereignity. We are now reaping what they sow. The only task left for us now is to sustain it and fight for it," Pamintuan said.

"The local government sees to it that the annual observance is being celebrated. It’s a meaningful way to express our solidarity and pride as Filipinos,” the mayor added.

The Philippine Flag was conceptualized by the first President of the Republic of the Philippines, General Emilio Aguinaldo, and was first unfurled during the proclamation of Independence in June 12, 1898 in Kawit Cavite, which was sewn by Marcela Agoncillo and her two daughters.

On May 24, 1994, President Fidel V. Ramos issued Executive Order no. 179 stretching the National Flag Day into an extended period fromMay 28 to June 12, which culminates in the celebration of Independence Day.

GI Joe didn’t erase Juan from this Pampanga city

By Tonette Orejas (Inquirer Northern Luzon)

TWENTY-FIVE years after the United States Air Force pulled out from Basetown Asia (Angeles City’s moniker for the former Clark Air Base), Angeles has shown it has retained its pre-American cultural heritage.

The National Museum of the Philippines (NMP) has declared not one but eight important cultural properties (ICPs) in Angeles City, proving there is more to this Pampanga community than its American heritage.

Conferred on May 4, the ICP status was granted to the Holy Rosary Parish and its adjacent Holy Family Academy, the house of city founder Angel Pantaleon de Miranda, the “camalig” (storage) of Juan Nepomuceno, the “deposito” (warehouse) of Pedro Jose Henson, and the houses of Ciriaco de Miranda, Mariano Lacson, Patricia Mercado Gomez Masnou and Rafael Yutuc Sr.

These properties are located in Barangay Sto. Rosario, Santo Cristo and San Jose, which are part of the city’s heritage district as established by an ordinance enacted in September 2015.

The new status of these historic Angeles sites “highlights their significance to the entire world that they are officially recognized as an intrinsic part of the patrimony of the Filipino people and are central to the legacy that the present generation should take special care to steward for the generations to come,” the NMP said.

“They are an acknowledgment of the best of what we have inherited, in order that we may care for it, enrich it further and pass it on in turn,” it said.

Determining the true heritage of Angeles was difficult, said John Montances, city deputy for tourism, when these historic properties were declared as ICPs in formal rites.

‘Identity crisis’

A village of the Pampanga capital of San Fernando, Angeles was first known as Kuliat where settlement began in 1796.

Montances said, “The people of Angeles are afflicted with a rare condition of the disease called ‘identity crisis.’ The American influence and proximity to Manila made the people of Angeles bewildered about their individuality. And being tagged as a ‘sin city’ has not helped remedy the situation but instead only increased their lack of pride of place even more.”

Grazing ground

The US first developed a grazing ground for cavalry horses after defeating the First Philippine Republic.

Fort Stotsenburg next evolved into an air force camp later named Clark Air Base before World War II, becoming home to the 13th Air Force in the Pacific region. Alongside the base, the flesh trade thrived, creating also an economy catering to the other needs of the base and servicemen.

Montances said it took five years to identify, preserve and promote the tangible and intangible heritage.

Establishing Angeles’ true story has been a collective work, involving the local government, the Barangay Council of Sto. Rosario, heritage and culture advocates like the Kuliat Foundation Inc. and the Pampanga Arts Guild, industry and trade organizations and the San Fernando Archdiocesan Council for Church Heritage.

Prof. Eric Zerrudo of the University of Santo Tomas Center for Conservation of Cultural Property and Environment in the Tropics supervised the cultural mapping.

Holy Rosary Church

The Holy Rosary Church, which was patterned after a central European Romanesque design, was built by residents. Finished in 1896, its belfry served as watch tower for the Filipino revolutionaries in 1898-1899. The church became a military hospital in 1899-1904, and a motor pool and horse stable of the Japanese army in the 1940s. The remains of the founder and his wife, Rosalia de Jesus, are buried at the sides of the altar.

The adjoining structure was a convent that Augustinian nuns turned into the Colegio de la Sagrada Familia. Unable to speak

English, they were replaced by German Benedictine nuns who renamed it Holy Family Academy in 1922.

Because the church and school are the center of the heritage district, the Angeles Electric Corp. removed the electric wires that dangled over the facade and the church soon became one of the most photographed structures in the city.

The house of Angel Pantaleon de Miranda, built in 1824, is considered the oldest house in the city. Its camalig has been reused as a restaurant since 1980.

The house of Don Ciriaco de Miranda, built in 1840, was owned by the founder’s son who became the first mayor of Angeles in 1829. The local precursor of Red Cross was convened in this house by Hilaria del Rosario Aguinaldo, wife of President Emilio Aguinaldo.

The Jose Pedro Henson warehouse, built in 1899, was where the clan stored religious floats and statues. The US Army used it as a prison in the 1940s, before it served as the town’s post office in the 1960s and a rehabilitation center in the 1980s. It is now a prayer room for Catholics.

Historic houses

Designed by architect Fernando Hizon Ocampo in the 1930s, the Mariano Lacson house was used as a garrison by the Japanese army and as a house by the Americans. It became a hospital, later a school.

The house of Patricia Mercado was built in 1860 at the instance of Augustinian priest Guillermo Gomez Masnou, then the parish priest of Angeles. He left the property to Mercado with whom he had six children. Jose Paras bought the house in 1986, preserving it and reusing portions for commercial purposes.

The house of Rafael Yutuc Sr., completed in 1923, is considered “beautiful.” It became the subject of a painting by Juan Luna.

Soldiers donate blood

By Reynaldo Navales

CLARK FREEPORT --- Hundreds of soldiers assigned at the Air Force City here participated in the bloodletting activity which is in line with the 69th founding anniversary celebration of the Philippine Air Force (PAF) on July 5.

Lieutenant Julimar Romero, public information officer of the PAF 600th Air Base Wing said that 83 out of the 140 prospective donors successfully donated about 37,350 cubic centimeters of blood.

Romero said they will donate the blood they collected to the Philippine National Red Cross.

Aside from the bloodletting, the PAF First Air Division has lined up other activities including a tree planting and orphanage and school outreach programs.

The outreach program for orphans will be held at the Send the Light orphanage in Mabalacat City on June3, 2016, Romero said.

The 600th Air Base Wing is also set to help in the preparation and repair of classrooms at the EPZA Resettlement Elementary School on June 8, 2016.

Romero said that they have set their tree-planting at the Paradise Ranch on June 15.

Brigadier General Werner M. Elpedes, 600th Air Base Wing commander, will lead the conduct of the activities.

Aside from the 600th ABW, the other six major PAF units in Clark Freeport which are also situated inside what is called Air Force City, include the First Air Division, the 410th Maintenance Wing, the 420th Supply Wing, the 710th Special Operations Wing, the Air Force Logistics Command, and the Air Force Reserve Command.

Other Air Force units in Clark will also simultaneously conduct similar activities in line with the anniversary celebration, according to Romero.

Japanese firm opens ¥2-B expansion project

By Reynaldo Navales

CLARK FREEPORT -- A Japanese manufacturer of Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) panels recently opened its ¥2-billion expansion project inside this Freeport.

The expansion project of Nanox Philippines Inc. (NPI) Site-2 is located at the Industrial Estate 5 area near the Global Gateway Logistics City (GGLC).

The expansion project is designed for seamless flow of assembly, production, and quality inspection. It targets an increase in production from three million to six million pieces of LCD panels and lightweight Chip On Glass (COG) modules.

Clark Development Corporation (CDC) Chairman and Officer-in-Charge of the Office of the President Eliseo B. Santiago cited NPI's economic contributions:

"Over the past 17 years Nanox Philippines has become the second biggest exporter in this Freeport. It has created close to 5,000 jobs and is now investing ¥2 Billion (more) in Clark," he said.

NPI is the second top exporter in this Freeport representing 22 percent of the total Clark export. For 2015, its exports were pegged at $961 million.

In July 22, 2015, the CDC, Clark International Airport Corporation (CIAC) and Nanox Philippines Inc., forged an agreement for the expansion.

The project is expected to generate close to additional 1,000 jobs in the few years. It currently employs about 5,000 workers.

Mitsuru Homma, chief executive officer of Japan Display Inc. (JDI), NPIís mother company cited the support of CDC and CIAC.

"The successful completion of the Nanox Philippine Factory Number 2 construction and the fact that I am able to present it to everyone today is the result of the wonderful support and cooperation from many people, including everyone gathered here today, for which I am very grateful," said Homma in his speech.

"In particular, I'd like to once again express my gratitude for all the support provided by Mr. Eliseo B. Santiago from the Clark Development Corporation, and Mr. Emigdio Tanjuatco III from the Clark International Airport Corporation, who are here today, and everyone from other associated organizations," he added.

For his part, NPI President and CEO Katsushige Nakai also expressed his gratitude to CDC and CIAC for their support to the endeavors of Nanox Philippines.

Nanox Philippines is a sublessee of Clark Premiere Industrial Park Incorporated (CPIP) since 1999 with a 25-year term.

PAF unit to celebrate 69th anniversary

By Reynaldo Navales

CLARK FREEPORT --- The 600th Air Base Wing (600th ABW) of the Philippine Air Force (PAF) has lined up several activities, including tree planting and bloodletting, in line with the Air Force’s 69th anniversary celebration on July 5.

Lieutenant Julimar Romero, public information officer of the 600th ABW, said they have also scheduled an orphanage and school outreach programs as part of the pre-anniversary celebration

The bloodletting will be conducted at the Officers’ Club in Clark Air Base on May 27, 2016 while the outreach program for orphans will be held at the Send the Light orphanage in Mabalacat City on June 3, 2016.

The PAF unit is also set to help in the preparation and repair of classrooms at the EPZA Resettlement Elementary School on June 8, 2016.

Romero said that they have set their tree-planting at the Paradise Ranch on June 15.

Major General Raul Del Rosario, PAF First Air Division Commander and Brigadier General Werner Elpedes, 600th air base wing commander, will lead the activities, according to Romero.

Aside from the 600th ABW, the other six major PAF units in Clark Freeport which are also situated inside what is called Air Force City, include the First Air Division, the 410th Maintenance Wing, the 420th Supply Wing, the 710th Special Operations Wing, the Air Force Logistics Command, and the Air Force Reserve Command.

Other Air Force units in Clark will also simultaneously conduct similar activities in line with the anniversary celebration, according to Romero. By Reynaldo Navales

CLARK FREEPORT --- The 600th Air Base Wing (600th ABW) of the Philippine Air Force (PAF) has lined up several activities, including tree planting and bloodletting, in line with the Air Force’s 69th anniversary celebration on July 5.

Lieutenant Julimar Romero, public information officer of the 600th ABW, said they have also scheduled an orphanage and school outreach programs as part of the pre-anniversary celebration

The bloodletting will be conducted at the Officers’ Club in Clark Air Base on May 27, 2016 while the outreach program for orphans will be held at the Send the Light orphanage in Mabalacat City on June 3, 2016.

The PAF unit is also set to help in the preparation and repair of classrooms at the EPZA Resettlement Elementary School on June 8, 2016.

Romero said that they have set their tree-planting at the Paradise Ranch on June 15.

Major General Raul Del Rosario, PAF First Air Division Commander and Brigadier General Werner Elpedes, 600th air base wing commander, will lead the activities, according to Romero.

Aside from the 600th ABW, the other six major PAF units in Clark Freeport which are also situated inside what is called Air Force City, include the First Air Division, the 410th Maintenance Wing, the 420th Supply Wing, the 710th Special Operations Wing, the Air Force Logistics Command, and the Air Force Reserve Command.

Other Air Force units in Clark will also simultaneously conduct similar activities in line with the anniversary celebration, according to Romero.

Quest Hotel set to open in Clark

By Reynaldo Navales

CLARK FREEPORT --- Chroma Hospitality, the hotel management company of Filinvest Development Corporation, is set to open in August this year its second Quest Hotel and Conference Center in Clark Freeport.

This is in relation to Filinvest Mimosa Incorporated’s right to lease, develop, operate and manage the former Mimosa Leisure Estate owned by Clark Development Corporation (CDC).

The plan is part of Filinvest Development Corp.’s aggressive plunge into the hospitality industry since it began in 2012 with the opening of Crimson Resort and Spa in Mactan and the Quest hotel in Cebu City

The Quest Hotel in Clark opens in August 2016 with 303 rooms, a ballroom, several function rooms and an all-day Cafe. The Quest Club lounge and Charley’s Tapas Bar will be added to the hotel. Guest rooms and other areas in the hotel will undergo immediate refurbishments to give it a brand-new Quest look and feel once it opens.

Chroma currently operates the Crimson brand in Mactan Cebu and Filinvest City Alabang and will open in Boracay in early 2017.

Quest hotels are also being planned for Tagaytay and Dumaguete. Filinvest hotels envision adding more hotels and resorts in the Philippines within the next five years.

In the next three years, even more launches will occur across Mactan and Tagaytay. The company expressed optimism that the plan of 5,000 rooms by 2020 is feasible.

Tugade gets support from Clark locator

By Reynaldo G. Navales

CLARK FREEPORT -- Former Clark Development Corporation (CDC) head Arthur Tugade is being supported by another businessman based in this Freeport.

Ireneo Alvaro, president of the BB International Development Corporation, said that Tugade's qualities and principles are appropriate in handling the big tasks at the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC).

Aside from this, Alvaro said that Tugade will be effective in clearing the DOTC of corrupt activities and personnel.

"He will make good there. DOTC is a big job and we need a big man like Atty. Art Tugade to match that need. We need somebody like him with great resolve. Also, I think he will be successful in weeding out shenanigans and recidivist in that department," Alvaro said.

Incoming president Rodrigo Duterte earlier said that he will appoint Tugade, who was his San Beda classmate, as DOTC head.

"Art Tugade will get the DOTC. He's good. He was our valedictorian," Duterte said.

A group of businessmen and local officials earlier urged Duterte to consider the appointment of Alvaro as the next CDC president.

Alvaro yesterday told Sun.Star Pampanga that he was informed that he is included in the list of potential personalities who will head the CDC.

He admitted that he is “not quite interested” to the position as of the moment because there is no offer yet from the incoming administration.

Alvaro said he will decide when the offer comes.

“I will cross it when it is there,” he said.

SoKor firm to invest $1-M on tourism project in Clark

(CDC CommDep)

CLARK FREEPORT -- Another tourist destination would soon be established inside this Freeport as another Korean business group is set to infuse $1 million for its tourism-related project here, the Clark Development Corporation (CDC) said.

CDC Chairman and concurrent president Eliseo Santiago has recently signed with Punta LWA Properties Corporation, led by its president Seejoo Kim, a new tourism project that will be highlighted by a construction of an iconic hotel design by next year.

Punta will develop the 4,443.23-square meter former site of Mimosa Mart area along C.M. Recto Highway corner M.A. Roxas to operate a hotel, boutique, and villas, with amenities such as restaurant, coffee shop, cocktail lounges, boutique and wellness center.

The Korean firm would develop and operate the facilities for 25 years.

They also committed to provide employment of 50 for their operations and about 50 for the construction of the building.

The firm, which is also into architectural design and construction, has implemented several projects which include designed and constructed of the Publicis HQ in Paris, France. Punta also handled project management of Mercure Hotel, Hado Group HQ, Hado 7 -- all in Hanoi, Vietnam. It also handled foreign architecture coordination project for Lotte Jeju Art Villas. YIBD project both in South Korea.

Angeles City lauds Keepers of Heritage

(PR)

ANGELES CITY -- The local government here, through the Angeles City Tourism Office (Acto), held its first Deng Talasinup king Singsing Awards Night, a tribute to the keepers of heritage to the artists who have contributed their work and passion to the Kapampangan culture.

“We are one in this endeavor because we believe that we will never fully appreciate and learn our identity without looking back to our past,” said Richard Daenos, Acto head.

He added that “Our past provides meaning and identity to the present and would inspire the future generations.”

The Singsing is a figure of speech pertaining to the intangible heritage of the city such as the traditional lantern making, folk dance, language and kulitan. The giving of recognition to the keepers of the heritage is a bold way to safeguard the practice, preservation and promotion of the nation’s rich intangible heritage.

"Deng Talasinup king Singsing is further proof that we are really living in another golden age for arts and culture, and that we achieved this golden age because of your efforts," said Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan.

The event aims also promotes the works and artistic value in appreciating the heritage and its beauty and relevance in life which the generation of today are unconsciously losing.

According to Peter De Vera, awardee for Kapampangan folk dances, “The most important aspect is to inspire the children and make them aware of the traditions for they are easily influenced by the foreign magnetism in the city,"

“This recognition is not for personal gain but the culture, especially kapampangan culture that as we know is the root of our identity which is the most significant in this award,” he added.

Michael Pangilinan, awardee for Kapampangan language and kulitan, said: “You are not a Kapampangan unless you speak Kapampangan, the language is a part of your identity. It’s funny if you call yourself a Kapampangan but do not know how to speak the language. Our inherited knowledge from our ancestors is encapsulated in the language from the stories, songs, writings and even our cooking is a part of language.”

The awardees of the "Deng Talasinup king Singsing" are experts and masters of the indigenous Kapampangan customs, beliefs, rituals, art forms and traditions of the community who maintains and nourish the age-old customs and traditions. It was inspired by the "Gawad sa Manlilikha ng Bayan (National Living Treasures Award) by the Commission for culture and the arts.

Trader: Bright future for Clark

By Reynaldo G. Navales

CLARK FREEPORT -- Businessman Rene Romero said he welcomes the impending appointment of Arthur Tugade, former president of the Clark Development Corporation (CDC), as the next secretary of the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC).

Romero said that he sees a bright future for Clark with Tugade’s leadership in the DOTC.

"Yes of course [we support] if it is true that Art Tugade will be the DOTC secretary. I think it’s a good plus for people advocating for the full development of Clark," he said.

For many years, Romero said that the development of Clark was neglected by past presidents including President Aquino. “He did not give presidential pronouncements to make Clark as the main gateway or maybe the twin airport of NAIA (Ninoy Aquino International Airport).”

As a former CDC head, Tugade knows the situation in Clark and that Clark International Airport (CRK) needs to be developed, he added.

“I believe that Art Tugade has the ear of Duterte. Being the former CDC president and CIAC director, I am sure atyu keng pusu ng Art Tugade na kailangan i-develop ya ing Clark. So, masanting ya kinabukasan ing Clark, ing [Central Luzon] region, ampo ing bansa ta mu in terms of ing DOTC’s responsibility for infrastructure development kang Art Tugade (I am sure that the development of Clark and the future of Central Luzon as well as our country is in the heart of Art Tugade),” Romero said.

The businessman also described Tugade as an action man and one of the best presidents CDC has ever had.

“I congratulate him for his new position and I hope that he will succeed,” Romero said.

Incoming president Rodrigo Duterte earlier said that he will appoint Tugade, who was his San Beda classmate, as DOTC head.

“Art Tugade will get the DOTC. He’s good. He was our valedictorian,” Duterte said.

Duterte also offered Senator Alan Cayetano to head either the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) or the Department of Justice (DOJ).

CIAC renews support to LCD manufacturer

By Reynaldo G. Navales

CLARK FREEPORT -- The Clark International Airport Corporation (CIAC) has renewed its support to Nanox Philippines Incorporated, a locator of Clark, which manufactures liquid crystal display (LCD) panels and other electronic products.

CIAC president Emigdio "Dino" Tanjuatco III reiterated the agency's commitment during the opening the firm’s additional site at the Civil Aviation Complex.

"This endeavor marks the continuity of a fruitful partnership between the public and the private sectors. I am very glad that we continue to work hand in hand to further improve the economy," Tanjuatco said in his speech.

In July 22, 2015 CIAC, Clark Development Corporation (CDC) and Nanox Philippines Inc., forged an agreement for the company’ expansion project which is expected to generate close to 1,000 jobs.

The firm's new area is located at the IE-5 area near the Global Gateway Logistics City (GGLC). The new building occupies 60,000 square meters of land.

Tanjuatco said: "The agreement between CIAC, CDC and Nanox Philippines is very historical in the sense that this was the first time that we forged such strong partnership with one of our most valued Clark Freeport Zone locators."

For his part, Nanox Philippines Inc., President and CEO Katsushige Nakai expressed gratitude to CIAC and CDC for their support.

Tanjuatco lauded Nanox and CDC for their “undying support and cooperation.

"We thank them especially former CDC president Arthur Tugade, as well as Chairman OIC Eliseo Santiago who willingly showed invaluable support to CIAC."

Tanjuatco said the 2,367 hectare Clark civil aviation complex, including GGLC which covers 167 hectares, will definitely attract more investors in the area.

He added that the national government has started supporting development at the Clark International Airport (CRK).

“CRK will continue to undertake all efforts with the end vision of becoming the next premier international gateway of the Philippines and the best services and logistics hub in the Asia-Pacific region,” he said.

Nanox Philippines was established in 1999 and remains as one of the top exporters of Clark Freeport.

The firm manufactures Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) panels as well as small, thin and lightweight Chip on Glass (COG) modules. It is under the umbrella of the Japan Display Incorporated.

Angeles joins international candlelight memorial

(AC-CIO)

ANGELES CITY -- In a simple yet solemn ceremony, the local government and private stakeholders here lit “candles of hope” to commemorate the International AIDS Candlelight Memorial, May 19 at the city hall.

Spearheaded by the Reproductive Health and Wellness Center (RHWC), the theme for this year’s observance is “Engage, Educate, Empower,” with the aim to remember the people who have died of acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS).

“The welfare of Angeleños is our top priority and I am ecstatic with events like this which clearly displays great value for the human health. We will continue our programs that extend assistance to people living with HIV,” Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan said.

According to RHWC, since 1984 to date, there have been 317 detected cases of human immuno virus (HIV) in Angeles city which mostly include men ranging from 15 to 34 years old.

On the other hand, RHWC head Dr. Verona Guevarra has emphasized the importance of such awareness campaign in making Angeleños be educated and informed on how to take good care of their body and protect themselves from acquiring the disease.

“This candlelight memorial opens our eyes on valuing our bodies and our relationship with our loved ones,” said Guevarra.

“People have died with AIDS and have been infected with HIV. It is our duty to find the best ways in preventing people from having the disease. This event is one of our movements to lessen, if not eliminate HIV/AIDS,” Guevarra added.

The reproductive health physician also emphasized the difference between HIV and AIDS. HIV is a virus that gradually attacks the immune system, which is the body’s natural defense against illness while AIDS is a syndrome caused by HIV and develops when the virus is very advanced.

The lighting of candles also symbolized hope in finding a cure for HIV/AIDS.

"As of now, there is no better solution to combat the spread of HIV/AIDS but proper education and information dissemination. The local government is committed to continue its assistive programs to address this social concern," said Pamintuan.

The local government has also included a universal syphilis screening for pregnant women with a theme “Ligtas Buntis, Ligtas Sanggol, Laban sa Syphilis Campaign.”

Beepo bears gifts for local economy

(PR)

CLARK-BASED offshoring firm Beepo has just capped off its second successful year in operation with a stylish roof-top party held at the Azzurro Hotel in Angeles.

Beepo’s second birthdayf estivities gave management and staff the opportunity to celebrate some of the impressive milestones achieved in their first two years of business.

Not only has Beepo managed to grow from a handful of staff to a thriving company of 220+ Filipino professionals, it has also contributed P133 million to the local economy since its inception.

Australian Entrepreneur and CEO Aimee Engelmann, with the help of her "locally grown" management team, has developed a state-of-the-art facility and skills-rich workforce that delivers premium BPO services to upward of 70 clients across Australia, New Zealand, the UK, Hong Kong and the United States.

Engelmann realized as soon as she visited the Philippines in 2013 that there was lots of potential for providing a premium offshoring service to Western countries. Not long after this first visit the idea of Beepo was born.

“I came to the Philippines looking for staff to help me with my previous business, and was blown away by just how much high-end talent there was in the country that wasn’t being accessed. I knew straight away I had to build a resourcing firm to nurture that talent, to export it to the world,” she said.

It’s clear that Engelmann’s belief in the country’s human capital has only grown stronger since that time. It is what drives Beepo’s progressive approach to such things as training and development, and workplace culture.

“To fill that niche, to provide that premium service to our customers, we recruit talented people whose hearts are in the job, who really have a sense of purpose. That’s why we work very hard on creating a fun, positive environment and maintaining a healthy work/life balance -- we want people who want to be their best selves,” she said.

This philosophy is nowhere more evident than in the development programs that Beepo continues to provide for its staff. In the first two years of operation, their Clark headquarters delivered close to P1 million worth of training through their Australian training consultants.

Aside from undertaking programs such as Leadership Training and Inbound Marketing Training, staff have also received training from their clients, with some heading overseas to learn about client businesses. In the last two years, Beepo’s Clark facility has had upward of 70 visits from clients to deliver training to their dedicated teams.

It’s no wonder then that Beepo is fast becoming the workplace of choice for talented professionals in the BPO industry. A quick survey of workers across the industry reveals that Beepo is perceived as an "elite" employer, and jobs with the company are highly desired.

That’s because it is far more than a call centre, with specialists such as accountants, bookkeepers, marketers and web developers working on a diverse range of projects.

Given the trailblazing success of Beepo’s first two years in operation, Engelmann suggested there will be plenty more opportunities for the country’s top talent to join their ranks.

“We’ve hired and trained the best English-speaking, tertiary-educated talent in the Philippines and as a result the company is really growing. We’re set to reach 700 employees in the next year, and are forecast to reach 5,000 strong in five years,” she said.

With such a bright future on the horizon, it looks like it won’t be long before there’s more milestones reached and more rooftop parties for Beepo staff to celebrate.

SSS Angeles Branch transfers to MarQuee Mall

(Press release)

The Social Security System (SSS) inaugurated its newly-relocated Angeles Branch during ceremonies at the third floor of the Ayala-owned MarQuee Mall along A. Gueco Avenue in Angeles City, Pampanga on May 6. Bigger than the branch’s previous location in Nepo Mart Complex, the new SSS Angeles 547-square meter office caters to 51,922 members and 3,662 employers from the 33 barangays in Angeles City, Clark Freeport Zone and the nearby towns of Mabalacat, Magalang and Porac in Pampanga and Bamban in Tarlac.

SSS and Marquee Mall officials who led the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the blessing and inauguration were (front row, from left) SSS Angeles Branch Head Normita M. Cruz, SSS Commissioner Michael Victor N. Alimurung, MarQuee General Manager Norie Ubalde-Raniel, SSS President and Chief Executive Officer Emilio de S. Quiros Jr. and SSS Public Affairs and Special Events Division Officer-in-Charge (OIC) Ma. Luisa P. Sebastian.

SSS officials at the second row were (from left) Luzon Central 2 Division OIC Corita Gaduang, Senior Vice President (SVP) for Administration Group May Catherine C. Ciriaco (partly hidden), Branch Evaluation Services Department Manager Gloria Y. Cuisia and SVP for Luzon Operations Group Josie G. Magana.

SSS also has two service offices in Angeles, namely Robinsons Place Angeles in Brgy. Balibago, Angeles City and the Clark Service Office at the Clark Development Corporation Office along C.P. Garcia St. in Clark, Pampanga.

Clark investors group to host 20th Golf Tournament

By Ian Ocampo Flora

CLARK FREEPORT -- The Clark Investors and Locators Association (Cila) will be holding its 20th Annual Golf Tournament on May 18 at the Mimosa Golf and Country Club.

In a statement sent to this paper, Danilo Abad, Cila Corporate Secretary and Tournament Committee Head said the activity aims to shell out funds for the benefit of the less privileged children in Clark Special Economic Zone (CSEZ) and neighboring communities.

"The fundraising initiative will also support the association's ongoing trainings in Balibago, Angeles City wherein 20 students undergo sewing courses every month," the statement added.

Thus, the tournament also serves as a venue to strengthen bonds between locators, investors, and other associates to further enhance business relationships towards an optimum future for Clark.

"We have been doing this regularly for many years. It's more fulfilling to enjoy the game while helping the community. With the support of our allies like the Laus Group of Companies which is one of our major sponsors, we believe it will be a success," he said.

Abad noted that around 120 participants from different companies inside Clark, members of Mimosa Golf Club, guests, and walk-ins are expected to join the tournament.

Registration fee is pegged at P1,000 for Mimosa members and P2,800 for non-members.

Tee time will start at 6 in the morning up to 12 noon. Awarding will be held at Mimosa Hilltop Restaurant at 5:00 pm.

"The association is encouraging member and golfers to participate in this annual sporting event and become part of the fundraising efforts of CILA."

Bike tour, expo to promote Clark as bike-friendly community

(PNA), SCS/ANP

MANILA, May 15 (PNA) -- Clark Freeport Zone in Pampanga is slowly positioning itself as a bicycle-friendly community and destination with the staging of two bicycle events — the Clark Bike Tour and Bike Expo on July 30 and 31, respectively.

Both events will be organized by the Department of Tourism (DOT) Region III in cooperation with Clark Development Corporation to promote travel and tourism using the most environmentally sustainable mode of transportation and leisure travel.

At the same time, it is also meant to create awareness on the value and importance of health and wellness as a lifestyle.

While the Clark Bike Tour will be held at the Clark Parade Ground in Angeles City, Pampanga, the Bike Expo will be held at SM City Clark.

The Clark Bike Tour will gather some 400 road bikers (divided into 100 teams at four members each) and participate in a day-long non-competitive bike-pedaling, peer-friendly tour of the various attractions around the free port zone.

Here, bikers take time to visit a number of tourist attractions or establishments, stop for snacks, drinks, take a ‘groufie’, post their photo on social media and end the day in a celebration of a successful journey.

While the teams are driving around Clark, some outdoor events take place at the parade ground to include on-bike tutorial for kids, lessons on bike safety and maintenance, including tutorial on how to fix a flat tire, among other subjects.

On the other hand, the Bike Expo is meant to enjoin bicycle companies, shops and associations to showcase their product line and services for the public to consider this mode of driving around the city.

An exhibition of bicycles of various genres may be held during the day (retro-bikes, old classic, modern, lightest and antique bikes).

Capping the day-long event is the distribution of certificates of participation, raffle draws, and prizes for such categories as most number of ‘likes’ on Facebook, best in uniform, friendliest teams, best family award, among other awards.

Balibago residents asked to join crime prevention

By Reynaldo G. Navales

ANGELES CITY -- Residents of an entertainment district here were asked to join the anti-crime organization set to be formed to address criminality and illegal drugs in the area.

Tony Mamac, chairman of Barangay Balibago, made the appeal to his constituents a few days after the national and local polls where he lost in the vice mayoralty race.

Mamac said the group will be called the Balibago Anti Crime Task Force.

"Crime prevention and solution is everybody's concern, therefore, it is a must for every Balibaguenos to join us in a voluntary basis in the formation of this organization," he said.

The main objective of the project is to achieve a crime free barangay, according to the village chief.

"Although we have already organized our Bantay Bayans, there is still a need to organize a counter intelligence volunteer as a complementary force and will form part in our Crime Prevention Program," Mamac said.

Volunteers must be high school graduates/college level, willing to undergo drug tests and seminars on crime prevention, must not be involved in any crimes nor convicted by any court, and can share his/her time in any crime prevention activities.

Mamac encouraged interested parties to call or text him at 0977-268-7684.

BCDA, DOST plan ‘Super Fab Lab’

By Kristyn Nika M. Lazo

State-led Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) and the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) recently signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) to create a large-scale facility that will serve as a fabrication laboratory within the Clark Green City.

In a statement Wednesday, the BCDA said its president and chief executive officer Arnel Paciano D. Casanova and DOST Secretary Mario Montejo, who is also the chairman of the Philippine Science High School (PSHS), signed a MOA last month to establish a large-scale Fabrication Laboratory or “Super Fab Lab” within Clark Green City.

The BCDA said PSHS would manage, operate and maintain the Super Fab Lab, which will house off-the shelf, industrial-grade fabrication and electronic tools, wrapped in open source software and programs written by researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology-Center for Bits and Atoms (MIT-CBA).

Casanova said the Clark Green City is poised to be a city of innovation with the University of the Philippines and the PSHS Fab Lab among the educational institutions that will locate in the city.

“Clark Green City is envisioned to have the best education and institutions where the future generation can immediately be empowered to see himself as a global citizen. A brain capital, in its truest sense,” Casanova said.

Clark Green City is a 30- to 40-year flagship project of the BCDA, with Phase 1 covering the first 20 years of development. The masterplan of the whole city includes access and inter-city roads, a railway system, a mixed-use residential and commercial block, business district, industrial estates, schools and centers, government offices, and other facilities that would make up a major city.

At full development, the city is estimated to accommodate some 1.12 million residents, 800,000 workers and contribute a gross output of approximately $34 billion a year to the national economy or roughly 4-percent share in the country’s gross domestic product (GDP).

It is envisioned to be the first smart, green, and disaster-resilient metropolis in the Philippines, and will adjoin the Clark Freeport Zone, Clark International Airport and some of the major access roads to Manila.

Aside from the Super Fab Lab, the BCDA has been working closely in partnership with the DOST, with the BCDA remitting a total of P263 million to the DOST in 2012.

Montejo said half of the P263 million funds from the BCDA were already used “in training 124 scientists and engineers for Individual Training” and 331 scientists and engineers for Group Training, which will bridge the competency gap in human resources for research and development.

The Individual Training grants span emerging technologies such as microsatellite development, big data, technology transfer, genomics, bioinformatics, epigenetics, climate change adaptation and disaster risk reduction, among others.

Group Training grants, on the other hand, were given to groups of scientists, researchers, engineers, laboratory technicians, and technical supervisors to address specific needs such as food safety, science and technology needs for the halal industry, Grade 11 and 12 curriculum development for PSHS, native chicken development and production, among others.

Since the start of BCDA’s Asset Disposition Program (ADP) in May 1993, the BCDA has generated some P423 million as a share for the DOST as of March 2016.

“We look forward to more BCDA-funded training programs leading to having the best pool of scientist resulting to more projects for national development,” Casanova said.

Pursuant Republic Act 7917 and Executive Order 309, the DOST is among the 14 government agency beneficiaries who are entitled to a share from the proceeds generated from BCDA’s ADP.

Culinary career haven

By Sol Vanzi

A school in Angeles City puts together a memorable midday meal

Pampangueños love to boast that their province is the “culinary capital of the Philippines” by virtue of the dozens of fiesta delicacies they prepare. Being a proud Caviteña, I always silently contested Pampanga’s claim to fame—until last week when I had the most beautiful, delicious, and well presented lunch I have ever had outside of Manila. Ironically, the meal did not include a single Pampangueño specialty but the dishes incorporated wild plants and herbs unique to the province.

Millionaire’s Meal

Our midday meal was really memorable. It was satisfying but not heavy, rich but not greasy. For starters, the Millionaire Salad had light foie gras paté on brown rice cracker and a mound of lettuce hearts and paper-thin pear slices covered with crisp duck confit and accented with a lobster tail, poached in butter. The soup was New Zealand mussels in bouillabaisse, followed by pumpkin tortellini and a seafood platter, roasted grouper and peppered scallops. The main course took our breath away. A thick plank of mahogany, five feet long, was covered completely with US prime rib entrecote. It was served with sidings of potato fondant, strips of roast beef fat, and baby vegetables.

Green and Lush

Recently, we were at the International School for Culinary Arts and Hotel Management (ISCAHM) campus, a redesigned, repurposed resort along MacArthur Highway in the new growth area of Angeles City. There, the intense summer heat is absorbed and neutralized by thick, edible plants—feathery dill, bushy Italian oregano, purple basil, curly mint, and disk-like leaves of cancer-curing takip kuhol.

At ISCAHM, away from malls, event places, and fastfood joints, 80 students from all parts of the country find it easier to concentrate and learn everything they can for their chosen careers.

Topnotch Veterans

Austrian Chef Norbert Gandler, ISCAHM cofounder, is proud of his brainchild, which now has campuses in Metro Manila, Cebu, and Angeles. It has produced graduates who later on worked in luxury cruise liners, hotels, and restaurants all over the world.

Chef Kenneth Cacho, on the other hand, leads the Angeles faculty. He has the distinction of serving nine years aboard the most famous floating palaces in the world, including Cunard Lines’ Queen Elizabeth 2 and Queen Mary. With both Gandler and Cacho on the national team, the Philippine entries to international culinary competitions are assured of trophies and medals. On its own, ISCAHM teams bested the competition at the 2015 Philippine Culinary Cup and the 2013 National Food Showdown.

K to12 Opportunity

Always thinking of the communities hosting his school campuses, Gandler saw in the school shift to the K to12 program an opportunity to reach out and open doors of opportunity for the less fortunate. Coordinating with government agencies, ISCAHM received approval to open its doors to Grades 11 and 12 students from public schools using vouchers to pay for their tuition.

Upon graduating, the K to 12 students would be qualified for employment at starting levels in restaurants. Later, they could enrol for more specialized courses, such as pastry and bread making. As of this writing, students from as far as Baguio were reported to be lining up to enrol at the only culinary school accommodating K to12 students.

DOE sets ‘fuel efficiency labeling’ program

By Myrna Velasco

The Department of Energy (DOE) intends to institutionalize “fuel efficiency labeling” program after completing the Euro-4 fuel economy run that it is undertaking in collaboration with oil industry leader Petron Corporation.

According to the department, a public consultation will be its follow-through activity before finalizing the propounded fuel rating labeling program.

During the fuel economy run, Petron will serve as the sole fuel partner utilizing its Euro-4 quality products from its upgraded refinery in Limay, Bataan.

According to the energy department, “the results of the economy run will be used by the DOE as a benchmark for fuel efficiency labeling” that it will soon require to car manufacturers and importers.DOE logo

Nevertheless, energy officials indicated that this policy may be enforced by next year yet, following series of public consultations.

Such labeling policy that will be extended to fuels for the transport sector will be aligned with the government-designed Philippine Energy Standards and Labeling Program.

Currently, ‘energy efficiency rating’ is implemented mainly for appliances on their electricity consumption – generally for air-conditioners, split type air-conditioning systems, refrigerators with 5 to 8 cubic feet storage capacity, three types of fluorescent lamp and electrical ballasts.

For the fuel economy run, about 80 vehicles have been nominated by 20 car manufacturers and importers have been invited as participants.

The event is slated May 27 at the Petron Clark station in Angeles City, Pampanga and will traverse Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union Expressway via Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway and then back to TPLEX northbound and to Petron Clark station as the final destination.

Those joining are Pilipinas Taj Group (Tata Motors), Isuzu Philippines Corporation, Nissan Philippines, Volvo Philippines, Toyota Motors Philippines Corporation, Suzuki Philippines, Ford Group Philippines, Hyundai Asia Resources, Inc., Honda Philippines, Inc, Mitsubishi Motors Philippines, Inc., and British United Automobiles, Inc., among others.

Petron general manager Lubin B. Nepomuceno said the event will be a good venue “to showcase our Euro 4 fuels which are produced in the Philippines and formulated for local driving conditions.”

Angeles City reelectionist mayor gets landslide victory

(PNA), LAP/ZST/MDDR/PS

ANGELES CITY, May 10 (PNA) -- Incumbent Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan is winning with a wide margin against his rival former Senator Lito Lapid.

Based on the Commission on Elections (Comelec) mirror server representing 99.62 percent of the election returns or 264 of the 265 election returns (142,389 of 175,432 registered voters) in this city as of press time, Pamintuan garnered 76,272 votes against Lapid’s 45,564. Vega only had more than 12,000 votes.

"I am overwhelmed by the love and support of the people of Angeles. This is a clear manifestation of the continuing trust that the Angelenos have placed upon our administration," he said.

Pamintuan made history again as he successfully defeated a national political figure in the person of Lapid.

On the other hand, Pamintuan’s vice mayoral candidate Bryan Matthew Nepomuceno won with a large margin against rivals Tony Mamac, Arvin Suller and Willie Rivera.

Pamintuan has vowed to continue his programs and projects for the city, including the state-of-the-art command center, public cemetery, creation of a boulevard, free education at City College of Angeles, pacemaker placement at Ospital Ning Angeles, expansion of the Dialysis Center of ONA, among others.

This will be Pamintuan’s 5th term as mayor of the city (he got elected twice in the '90s).

Also, seven of his 10 candidates for councilor got a seat at the city council namely Jericho Aguas, Edu Pamintuan, Alex Indiongco, Alfie Bonifacio, Dan Lacson, Amos Rivera and Jae Vincent Flores.

Meanwhile, the Pampanga Provincial Board of Canvassers ordered a recess from 12 noon to 5 p.m. Tuesday pending the canvassing of votes from its 19 towns and 2 cities following the malfunctioned vote counting machines in Barangay Calibutbut, Bacolor town.

Awaiting to be proclaimed are Governor-elect Lilia G. Pineda, Vice Governor-elect Dennis Pineda, Pampanga Representatives-elect Carmelo Lazatin II (1st district); Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo (2nd district); Aurelio Gonzales Jr. (3rd district); and Juan Pablo Bondoc (4th district).

Start of election day in Central Luzon orderly, peaceful

By Leslie Anne Mahusay

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO -- The Commission on Elections announced Monday that the start and opening of elections in Central Luzon was generally orderly and peaceful.

In a morning press briefing at Camp Olivas here, Comelec Assistant Regional Director Emmanuel Igancio said that around 6:30 a.m., 100 percent of polling centers in the region opened and started accepting voters.

Although some 27 vote-counting machines (VCMs) malfunctioned (38 as of press time) and caused delay in several towns and cities in Central Luzon provinces, these were immediately acted upon by the Comelec and Board of Election Inspectors.

Initially, six malfunctioned VCMs were reported in Pampanga, five in Tarlac, four each in Aurora and Angeles City, three each in Bulacan and Nueva Ecija and one each in Bataan and Zambales.

However, the Comelec assured that the incident will not affect the counting of ballots and said that there are enough VCMs on stand by.

Meanwhile, Regional Election Monitoring Action Center Chief PSupt. Donato Bait said that they have recorded 15 election-related incidents in the region since Monday.

These include violation of the liquor ban, an armed encounter in Nueva Ecija, a mauling incident in Tarlac and a grave threat in Bulacan.

Bait added there are also violations of the Omnibus Election Code in Bulacan, one physical injury, a direct assault and slander and strafing in Bataan, a shooting incident in Tarlac and two alleged vote buying in Bulacan and Angeles City.

The incidents, said Bait, are currently under investigation.

CL police sets 3-ring deployment for polls

By Ashley Manabat

CLARK FREEPORT – The Philippine National Police (PNP) Regional Office 3 led by Chief Supt. Rudy G. Lacadin has implemented a “Three-Ring Deployment” of its personnel for the national elections on May 9.

Supt. Nick Torre, chief of the PNP Regional Operations Division, explained that 8,765 policemen were deployed in the frontlines or the first ring called the police assistance desks (PADs). They are augmented by soldiers of the Philippine Army (PA) from the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), he added.

“But basically, we are on a 100 percent deployment for our more than 11,000 policemen in the region,” Torre said during the media forum “Talk Widus” organized by the Pampanga Press Club (PPC) at the Widus Hotel and Casino here on Wednesday.

The second ring is composed of 108 quick reaction teams (QRTs) deployed around the region “conducting checkpoints during their down time and ready to respond to any eventuality,” Torre said.

The QRTs are also augmented by soldiers from the PA, he added.

The third ring is composed of policemen designated to perform their regular duties like responding to traffic accidents, police dispatch and robberies as well as those providing security and guarding vital installations such as transmission lines and power lines, sub-stations and other vital installations, Torre said.

He disclosed that there were requests for areas to be declared as under the Comelec watchlist like one coming from former Rep. Ana York Bondoc in Pampanga’s 4th district and one for Sto. Tomas, Pampanga requested by a mayoral candidate.

But these are still being evaluated by the Comelec and PNP, he added.

Torre said the three ring deployment was implemented beginning Monday and would last till May 11 or two days after the elections.

He said the policemen were allotted P1,000 each for their nine-day deployment.

CDC remits P700-M to national coffers

(CDC CommDep)

CLARK FREEPORT — The Clark Development Corporation last week remitted a total of P700 million cash dividends to the national government, another record figure posted by the state-run firm.

Noel F. Manankil, CDC vice-president for Admin and Finance announced that CDC has remitted the amount to the Bureau of Treasury last April 28, 2016.

The cash dividend for 2016 is the highest single-year remittance so far by CDC. It surpassed the P400 million remittance covering year 2014 performance. From 2013 to 2015, the cash dividends remitted by CDC is P720 million, bringing the total amount to P1.42 billion in the last four years. From 1996-2012, the total remittances only amounted to P634 million.

The improved remittances are part of the strong gains of CDC in the last few years.

Financial performance of CDC recorded the highest in 2015 since the state-owned firm started managing the Freeport in 1993. For 2015 CDC posted the highest revenue of P1.55 billion recording a 12% increase from 2014.

Its cash position is also on the rise with P2.33 billion. It also recorded the highest net income of P697 million or 26 percent increase from 2014.

Cash dividends are required of Government Owned and Controlled Corporations like CDC. They are remitted to the national treasury to fund various projects and programs.

DA employees get GAD training

By Ian Ocampo Flora

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO -- The Gender and Development Program of the Department of Agriculture (DA) Central Luzon conducted a training on "Gender and Development (GAD) Guidelines and Gender Analysis Tools For Agriculture Programs, Projects and Activities".

The event was held at Lohas Hotel and Resort, Clark Freeport Zone, Angeles City Pampanga, last April 27 to 29.

The three-day training of GAD’s main objective is to educate more the participants in terms gender-sensitivity projects, and this training providing proper planning for GAD activities for the next years.

Gender and Development Technical Adviser of Bureau of Agricultural Research, Lorenzana A. Umali explained the significance of the said event.

"This training is important especially to us because it was written in the law of Magna Carta of Women that we are actually required by the law to undergo Gender and Development related trainings. This is not only written in Magna Carta of Women but also in the Land Mark Law of Women that emphasizes all agencies must conduct GAD trainings. These were signed by former President Cory Aquino," Umali said.

Umali added that RA No. 9710 or Magna Carta of Women states that all government agencies or government employees must undergo not only gender sensitivity trainings but technical trainings like training on harmonized development guidelines.

The participants of the event came from different DA Provincial Offices of Regions III. There were representatives from Nueva Ecija, Tarlac, Zambales and Pampanga.

Before the training concluded, all the participants of the event including the organizers the GAD Focal Point System had a report activity regarding gender and development checklist on designing and evaluating agricultural and agrarian reform projects.

In June there will be a training regarding GAD issues.

DOE taps Petron as fuel partner in 1st economy run of Euro 4 fuels

By Lenie Lectura

THE Department of Energy (DOE) has tapped Petron Corp. as its fuel partner in the first economy run in the country using cleaner and more efficient Euro 4 fuels.

The results of the economy run, to be held on May 27, will be used by the DOE as a benchmark for fuel-efficiency labeling. This will soon be required of all car manufacturers and importers.

“The event aims to provide vital information on the fuel-economy rating performance of vehicles that will guide drivers and operators in the operation and maintenance of vehicles,” Energy Secretary Zenaida Y. Monsada said.

To date, only air-conditioners, split-type air-conditioning systems, refrigerators with 5-cubic-foot to 8-cubic-foot storage capacity, three types of fluorescent lamp and electrical ballasts are required to have an energy-efficiency rating.

“Two things would be achieved here. One is to show how efficient our fuel is. The other is to ultimately be able to establish what are the fuel- economy efficiency of the vehicles that are going to participate in the fuel-economy run,” Petron General Manager Lubin Nepomuceno said.

Nearly 80 vehicles nominated by 20 car manufacturers and importers will participate in the event, which will begin at 12:01 a.m. on May 27 at the Petron Clark Station in Angeles City, Pampanga, to Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union Expressway (TPLEx) via Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEx) and then back to TPLEx northbound and to Petron Clark station as the final destination.

Participating car companies include Pilipinas Taj Autogroup Inc. (Tata Motors), Isuzu Philippines Corp., Nissan Philippines Inc., Volvo Philippines, Toyota Motors Philippines Corp., Suzuki Philippines Inc., Ford Group Philippines, Hyundai Asia Resources Inc., Honda Philippines Inc., Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corp. and British United Automobiles Inc. (Mini).

Car distributors, such as Eurobrands (Peugeot), Automobile Central Enterprise (Volkswagen), PGA Cars (Audi, Porsche), Motor Image Philippines (Subaru) and Columbian Autocar Corp. (KIA), will also participate in the country’s first Euro 4 economy run.

The benchmark for fuel-efficiency labeling would be out after the DOE concludes public consultations with concerned industry stakeholders, Monsada said.

Petron was the first to introduce a full lineup of locally produced Euro 4-standard fuels, a year ahead of the DOE’s 2016 mandate. Its four Euro 4 gasoline variants—Blaze 100 Euro 4 (RON 100) XCS (RON 95), Xtra Advance (RON 93), and Super Xtra (RON 91)—and two diesel variants—Turbo Diesel Euro 4 and Diesel Max Euro 4—are available nationwide.

Euro 4 is a globally accepted European emission standard for vehicles which require significantly low amount of sulfur (0.005 percent or 50 parts per million) and benzene (maximum of 1 percent by volume).

National Museum declares Angeles City’s eight heritage structures important

(PNA), LAP/ZST/RKM/PS

ANGELES CITY, May 4 (PNA) -- This city is now gaining recognition for its rich cultural heritage properties which are seen to boost the local tourism industry here.

This came as the National Museum declared eight important cultural properties here, namely the Church Complex of Sto. Rosario; Angel Pantaleon de Miranda House; Patricia Mercado - Gomes Masnou House; Camalig of Juan Nepomuceno; Deposito of Jose Pedro Henson; Ciriaco de Miranda House; Mariano Lacson House; and House of Rafael Yutuc Senior.

"These (heritage structures) are our identity, our pride," John Montances, Deputy of Angeles City Tourism Office (ACTO), said during the 2016 Declaration of Important Cultural Properties of the Philippines held Tuesday at the Holy Rosary Parish Church here.

Dubbed as “Pamana ning Dayi, Metung a Pamipasalamat”, the formal declaration of the eight Important Cultural Properties (ICPs) in this city aims to highlight the significance as an intrinsic part of the matrimony of the Angeleños to its history and culture.

Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan, for his part, expressed that such declaration is a fete to the people of Angeles City and an expression of gratitude to the efforts of the forefathers who gave Angeleños its identity with the artworks, properties, and heritage.

“These ICPs are a vital part of our history and identity for they reveal the city’s glorious past and at the same time, exudes beauty which gives a new rebranding face to the ‘Sin City’ image of Angeles,” Pamintuan said.

Last October, Angeles won the grand prize at the Department of Tourism Pearl Awards for Best Practices in Community-Based Tourism Heritage category.

Likewise, Angeles City played host to various national and local cultural activities and festivals which further the city’s claim as an emerging culture and arts destination in the region.

“The city’s heritage district now stands as the community’s pride for it gives hope to our people as it strives to get back up from the ashes after the Pinatubo eruption,” Pamintuan added.

According to Yen Mariano, researcher for cultural properties division of the National Museum, the declaration of cultural properties as ICP will be beneficial for the investment growth, boosting of economy, and providing jobs and businesses for the people.

Labor Day jobs fair at SM malls

(PR)

A whole day of great opportunity paved way to jobseekers at SM malls in Pampanga who recently hosted Labor Day Jobs Fair.

The Department of Labor and Employment Region 3, in partnership with SM Supermalls conducted Jobs Fair at SM malls in Pampanga, Clark and San Fernando Downtown. A good number of aspiring applicants from this year’s Jobs Fair in SM malls, to wit: SM City Pampanga with 56 participating companies has 850 registrants with 161 hired-on-the-spot; SM City Clark with 64 participating companies has 514 registrants with 103 hired-on-the spot; and SM City San Fernando Downtown with 19 participating companies with 351 registrants with 71 hired-on-the-spot.

Participated by different local and international companies, mall tenants together with the SM Group of Companies such as The SM Store, SM Supermarket, Watsons Personal Care, Ace Hardware and SM Supermalls. Remaining true to its mission and vision, SM Supermalls aims to contribute to the nation- building and development of Filipinos. The jobs fair is a part of corporate social responsibility that is simultaneously held in all 56 SM Malls nationwide.

In SM City Pampanga, through DOLE’s One-Stop-Shop Services, participants included the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration, Overseas Workers Welfare Administration, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Boards, Social Security System, PhilHealth, Pag-ibig Fund, Philippine Statistics Authority and National Bureau of Investigation. SM City Pampanga and SM City San Fernando Downtown’s SM Lifestyle Entertainment Inc., was duly recognized by DOLE and PESO with a Certificate of Compliance.

Attending the Jobs Fair in SM City Pampanga are DOLE Regional Director Atty. Anna Dione, ABS-CBN Correspondent Grace Rutao, Provincial PESO Manager Luningning Vergara, DOLE Provincial Chief LEO Alex Inza-Cruz.

While guests in SM City Clark are DOLE Region III Asst. Regional Director Geraldine Panlilio, Angeles City PESO Manager Adelaida Deocales and DOLE Pampanga Chief LEO Arlene Tolentino.

Gracing the event at SM City San Fernando Downtown are Hon. Vice Mayor Jimmy Lazatin, DOLE Supervising Labor Employment Officer Aurita Layug-Laxamana, DILG Director Engr. Jose Algy Canlas, PESO Manager Donny M. Sayre, PESO Manager (Sto. Tomas) Mia Marquez, PESO Manager (Minalin) Luisa Magat, PESO Manager (San Luis) Augustina Suarez.

Midori Clark introduces unique concepts in recreation, lifestyle

(JTD)

MIDORI Clark Hotel and Casino, the first 5-star luxury hotel and casino in Central Luzon has opened its doors on Wednesday, introducing new, unique concepts in recreation and lifestyle.

Timed with the birthday of BB International Leisure and Resort Development Corporation president, Irineo “Bong” Alvaro, the soft launch of the first phase of the 9,900 square-meter, 111 well-appointed rooms embellished with chic décor and high-end amenities, was attended by luminaries and personalities from the local and national scene.

“We are very excited about this soft launch as we introduce unique concepts like Aristrocat’s Behemoth machine in the casino, a first in Asia. Aristocrat is the Mercedes Benz of casinos and we have it here in Midori. It’s unique as they don’t’ have it Macau and Hong Kong. Only in Midor,” Alvaro said during an interview over DwRW 95.1 FM.

Alvaro added that Midori takes recreation and lifestyle to a higher level with its be eight spacious and cozy room types to choose from such as Superior (43.4 sqm), Deluxe (52.5 sqm), Grand Deluxe King (63.9 sqm), Junior Sui te (80.4 sqm), Premier Sui te (96.3 sqm), Midori Suite (123.7 sqm), Penthouse Suite (146.1 sqm), and the exquisitely designed Presidential Suite (366.7 sqm). The Presidential suite is provided with a separate living room, audio-visual room, bar, kitchen and dining room for personal refreshments, family gatherings or get-togethers with friends.

Alvaro shared that five world-class dining outlets will be available to satisfy sophisticated palates.

There is Toscana Dining for international cuisine, Baccus Lounge for fine dining with a view and live bands performing, Baci Bar by the pool, Café Midori for coffee or tea and Cigar Maduro for excellent wines and cigar collections.

There is also the Festa Hall - Midori Clark Hotel’s grand ballroom which can accommodate 400 guests, plus KTV Clubs, Mahjong Rooms, Fitness Center, Swimming Pool and a Spa Center to offer experiences of a different kind.

“So when you’re in Clark, do drop by Midori for that unique experience,” Alvaro said.

Midori Clark Hotel and Casino is located along C.M. Recto Avenue, Clark Freeport Zone, Pampanga, Philippines. For inquiries, please send email to reservations@midorihotel.com and for marketing concerns to marketing@midorihotel.com or contact them directly at (+63)-917-653-6666 or + 63 917 652 6666. You may also visit their website at www.midor ihotel.com to know more about the property.

Central Luzon workers to get pay hike on Labor Day

By Princess Clea Arcellaz

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO -- Workers in Central Luzon will have more reason to celebrate Labor Day as the Department of Labor and Employment (Dole)-Central Luzon announced additional take home pay anew.

An additional P7 increase on the minimum wage will be implemented on May 1, simultaneous with the 114th Philippine Labor Day celebration, to complete the P15 wage hike approved by the National Wages Productivity Commission under Wage Order RB III-19.

In the order, minimum wage earners will receive a P15 raise, which will be received in two tranches, first upon the order's implementation last year and the second, Sunday, May 1.

Dole Regional Director Ana Dione said that the pay hike will now set the minimum wage in the region to P364.

"The minimum wage in the region will now be above the poverty threshold of P248 for a family of five," Dione said.

The wage order will cover all minimum wage earners in the private sector in the region except those that are employed in personal service such as maids and drivers, she added.

Meanwhile, those who will not comply with the pay hike order will be subjected to penal provisions under Republic Act 6727 or the Minimum Wage Fixing Law.

"Complaints for non-compliance on the issued order must be directed to our regional office for investigation," Dione said.

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