Difference between revisions of "Angeles City News"

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==Angeles to allow people to participate in governance==
==[[CCP, Bench & SM Clark bring Ternocon 2019 Exhibit in Pampanga]]==
*Source: http://www.pia.gov.ph/?m=1&t=1&id=54732
*Saturday, September 17, 2011
:by Joelyn G. Baluyut


{{:CCP, Bench & SM Clark bring Ternocon 2019 Exhibit in Pampanga}}


==[[Angeleña child wonder to compete in SM Little Stars 2019]]==


ANGELES CITY, Pampanga, Sept 17 (PIA) –- Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan recently signed the City Ordinance No. 295 otherwise known as the “Empowerment Ordinance of Angeles City.”
{{:Angeleña child wonder to compete in SM Little Stars 2019}}
The ordinance will institute reforms in the city government structure wherein people can directly participate in local governance. And would initiate a system of partnership in local governance between the city government and its constituents.
“The enactment of the Local Government Code of 1991 placed more powers in the hands of the local government units (LGUs), thus, our objective here is to bring about reforms and to make service delivery more responsive to the needs of the Angelenos,” Pamintuan said.
The city government is now open to a partnership with the duly accredited Angeles based people’s organizations (POs) and non-government organizations (NGOs) in the conception, implementation, and evaluation of all government activities and functions.
According to presiding officer of the city council, vice mayor Vicky Vega-Cabigting, the passage of the ordinance will provide better opportunities for NGOs and POs to submit their concerns directly to the mayor, as well as the local legislators.
This ordinance will also set forth the creation of a People’s Council which will institutionalize people’s participation in the governance affairs of the city, Cabigting said.
Also, it will widen the areas for people’s participation and bestowed powers upon the People’s Council to send representatives to all government committee, councils, boards, and task forces and from there, participate in the deliberation, conceptualization, and implementation and evaluation of government projects and activities.
The legislative measure further mandates that the People’s Council may also propose legislation and participate and vote at the committee level of the local legislative council.
She added that all accredited NGOs and POs may enter into joint ventures and other cooperative undertakings with the city government and engage in the delivery of certain basic services, capability-building and livelihood projects.
Meanwhile, to further promote transparency in local governance, the city government will set up and maintain information boards and suggestion boxes in every barangay, schools, city hall compound, city library, public markets, and other public places accessible to the people.
In the process, the daily grind in the city hall is opened up to the public.
“The result is what we call transparency in governance. The people get to know how we do it, how we can do it, and how much we have,” Pamintuan said.
The mayor said that the transparency is just a by-product of the participation of the People’s Council in city affairs.
“It’s not transparency for the sake of transparency. What becomes more important is how the process engages the people to participate in governing the city, which results to better outcomes,” the mayor concluded. (WLB/JGB PIA3/Angeles CIO)


==[[Work on P150-million Angeles diversion EPZA road begins]]==


{{:Work on P150-million Angeles diversion EPZA road begins}}


==[[Converge ICT to help in ONA development]]==


{{:Converge ICT to help in ONA development}}


==[[Mayor: No more plastic in Angeles City]]==


==CDC to build P2.4-B dual transmission line==
{{:Mayor: No more plastic in Angeles City}}
*Source: http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=727537&publicationSubCategoryId=66
*September 16, 2011 12:00 AM
:by Ric Sapnu


==[[Angeles City intensifies drive vs. dengue]]==


{{:Angeles City intensifies drive vs. dengue}}


CLARK FREEPORT ZONE, Philippines  – Clark Development Corp. (CDC) is set to construct the P2.4-billion Phase III-B project of the Mexico-Clark dual transmission line which is expected to enhance the power generation inside the Clark Freeport.
==[[Mayor: No dengue 'outbreak' in Angeles City]]==


The entire ecozone is currently enjoying a steady and reliable power supply following the completion of the transmission projects: Phase I-A and IB 69-kilovolt (KV) line and load-end sub station for Texas Instrument; Phase II the Clark-Concepcion dual 230 KV Grid sub-station; and the Phase III-A or the New Clark grid sub-station and load-end sub-station for Phoenix Semiconductor of the Philippines Corp. (PSPC).
{{:Mayor: No dengue 'outbreak' in Angeles City}}


In a report, CDC assistant vice president for security and technical services Teresito Tuitoyco said the construction of the Phase III-B transmission grid is expected to commence in December this year and will be operational within the next 12 months.
==[[SM City Clark hosts Ternocon 2018]]==


The Phase III project has a total cost of P3 billion, including the new Clark Grid Sub-Station (Phase 3-A) which amounted close to P600 million and completed during the first quarter of 2011.
{{:SM City Clark hosts Ternocon 2018}}


The Phase III-A project is part of the power requirement of the new semiconductor plant.
==[[Tarlac City Mayor Angeles shares a piece of advice to motivate you this week]]==


The Mexico-Clark transmission grid project will address the increasing power demand in Clark and ensure the quality and competitiveness of electric power inside the zone.
{{:Tarlac City Mayor Angeles shares a piece of advice to motivate you this week}}


There are now more than 600 firms inside Clark since the inception of CDC in 1993.
==[[Sangil to Converge: 'Poor internet service, not politics']]==


Tuitoyco said with the completion of this project, the dual 230KV lines will be upgraded to supply more reliable power and the old dual 69KV lines which have already served its economic life can be retired and sold to the local electric distribution utilities. The other transmission line is being used by both Pampanga Electric Co. 1 and 2.
{{:Sangil to Converge: 'Poor internet service, not politics'}}


With this, Clark can become another important assembly and test destination for electronics and other manufacturing firms.
==[[Zii Milktea and Café in Clark: ‘A Smile with every Ziip’]]==


The government spent more than P770 million for the project, Tuitoyco said.
{{:Zii Milktea and Café in Clark: ‘A Smile with every Ziip’}}


Phase II is the Clark-Concepcion grid sub-station, which cost more than P573 million, and was completed in September 2009. 
==[[Converge scraps new billing cycle]]==


With the completion of Phase III, the transmission loop from Concepcion-Clark-Mexico will be completed and the energy requirement of the entire Clark Freeport zone will be stable and competitive, Tuitoyco said.
{{:Converge scraps new billing cycle}}


The power interruption and fluctuation will be minimized substantially once the transmission grid is completed next year, the CDC official added.
==[[Councilor: People need fast, affordable internet]]==


The CDC is also currently facilitating meetings with appropriate agencies on the discounted power rate issues on two semiconductor firms inside the zone.
{{:Councilor: People need fast, affordable internet}}


==‘Ligligan Krisotan’ taps schools in Angeles City==
==[[Lazatin, SM Foundation hold medical mission]]==
*Source: http://www.sunstar.com.ph/pampanga/local-news/2011/09/15/ligligan-krisotan-taps-schools-angeles-city-179381
*Shursday, September 15, 2011
:by Published in the Sun.Star Pampanga newspaper


{{:Lazatin, SM Foundation hold medical mission}}


==[[Clark employees, runners support colleague’s run for a cause]]==


ANGELES CITY -- The Parnasong Kapampangan (PK), together with the JDN Center for Kapampangan Studies of Holy Angel University (HAU) and Angeles City Tourism Office, are teaming up for the city-based crissotan contest to all high school students in the city.
{{:Clark employees, runners support colleague’s run for a cause}}


The half-day event is open to students from public and private schools in Angeles City, to be held at the Museo ning Angeles on October 4.
==[[CDC eyes more programs for less-privileged]]==


Have something to report? Tell us in text, photos or videos.
{{:CDC eyes more programs for less-privileged}}


Thirteen schools are expected to participate, from which cash prizes and certificates will be given.
==[[DTI opens Consumer Corner in Nepo Mall]]==


The contest is entitled “Krisotan Keti Kulia ding Bayung Sili ning Amanung Sisuan” which is said to promote the vernacular language, Kapampangan.
{{:DTI opens Consumer Corner in Nepo Mall}}


The crissotan piece is entitled “Nung Mate Ya Ing Amanung Kapampangan, Kenu Ya Dapat Ing Parsala, King Gubyerno o Karing Memalen?” written by the reigning head of Parnaso or the Ari ning Parnaso, Renato B. Alzadon.
==[[Central Luzon police ready for SEA Games]]==


Meanwhile, Amado Gigante, poet laureate of Angeles City and the administrator of the PK, said it is hoped that this activity “will be the start of partnership between the local government and the Angeles-based poets’ group in the promotion of the Amanung Sisuan.”
{{:Central Luzon police ready for SEA Games}}


The “Ligligan Krisotan” is part of the Fiestang Kuliat celebration.
==[[Macapagal Museum opens at AUF]]==


Also included on the program are the representatives of HAU Center for Kapampangan Studies, the Tourism Office of Angeles City, the schools, and local poets and polosadors.
{{:Macapagal Museum opens at AUF}}


For interested schools, please contact the HAU Center for Kapampangan Studies at 888-8691 loc 1312 or call/text the PK administrator at 09193361498.
==[[Clark: Where investments and community care thrive]]==


==Subic Aetas to get share of land profits==
{{:Clark: Where investments and community care thrive}}
*Source: http://www.philstar.com/nation/article.aspx?publicationSubCategoryId=67&articleId=726838
*September 14, 2011 12:00 AM
:by Ding Cervantes


==[[DTI offices in CL conduct surprise inspection of hardwares]]==


{{:DTI offices in CL conduct surprise inspection of hardwares}}


CLARK FREEPORT, Pampanga, Philippines - – The Aeta Ambala tribe in Subic will finally get its share from the proceeds of the 4,280 hectares of ancestral lands in Subic Bay Freeport.
==[[Local artist launches 'typographic' exhibit]]==


The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority, National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) and the Aeta’s Pastolan Tribal Council (PTC) signed last Monday the Joint Management Agreement (JMA), which entitles the Aetas, now living in Pastolan Village in Subic, five percent of the earnings of business establishments within their domain.
{{:Local artist launches 'typographic' exhibit}}


The Aeta lands cover the Kalayaan and Binictican housing areas and the Apaliin, Pamulaklakin and El Kabayo tourism areas in Subic. Though the Aeta tribe holds a certificate of ancestral domain title of the area, it has not benefited from the proceeds of investments there.
==[[Lanterns show more cohesion in nipping Kuyas; Risers triumph]]==


Also under the agreement, SBMA will provide each of the 300 Aeta families who are officially registered with the NCIP, a quarterly payment of P5,000 and another P200,000 during the Christmas season.
{{:Lanterns show more cohesion in nipping Kuyas; Risers triumph}}


Under the JMA, the agencies represented by the signatories “shall respect the rights of the Aetas in their pursuit of economic, cultural and social development based on the IPRA (Indigenous Peoples Rights Act) and programs implemented by the government.”
==[[MPBL: Pampanga, Bataan bounce back]]==


The JMA also provides for the “systematic management and development of the ancestral lands as indicated in the Ancestral Domain Sustainable Development and Protection Plan, while ensuring the promotion of the Aetas human rights.”
{{:MPBL: Pampanga, Bataan bounce back}}


SBMA administrator Armand Arreza, PTC chieftain Conrado Frenilla and NCIP chairperson Zenaida Brigida Hamada-Pawid signed the JMA.
==[[BBI Foundation helps set-up, modernize AC college e-library]]==


The signing ceremony was witnessed by SBMA chairman Roberto Garcia, Bataan Rep. Herminia Roman, Hermosa, Bataan Mayor Danny Malana and members of the Bethesda Spring of Hope Healing Ministry led by Maribi Garcia.
{{:BBI Foundation helps set-up, modernize AC college e-library}}


==150 MSMEs to join 13th Likha ng Central Luzon==
==[[D’ Heights Casino now open in Clark]]==
*Source: http://pia.gov.ph/?m=1&t=1&id=53771
* Tuesday, September 13, 2011
:by Carlo Lorenzo J. Datu


{{:D’ Heights Casino now open in Clark}}


ANGELES CITY, Pampanga, September 13 (PIA) --
==[[The GRANDEST Bridal Fair to happen in Central Luzon!]]==
DTI regional information officer Wilfred Carbonell disclosed that approximately 150 Micro, Small, and Medium Entrepreneurs (MSMEs) coming from the provinces of Aurora, Bataan, Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, Pampanga, Tarlac, and Zambales are expected to join the 2011 edition of the LCL which will be held in the Mega Trade hall of SM Megamall in Mandaluyong city.
Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) secretary Gregory Domingo will be the guest of honor in the opening of the 13th Likha ng Central Luzon (LCL) trade fair on October 19.
The five-day fair will be guided by the theme “Where Creativity meets Nature.”
It shall feature regionally-produced processed foods, home furnishings, ceramics, holiday decors, jewelries, fashion accessories, footwear, bags, and specialized garments like barong and gowns and will likewise showcase products made by Central Luzon residents from bamboo.
The trade fair is jointly organized by DTI 3 and Philexport 3 with the full support of the Regional Development Council 3 and Central Luzon Growth Corridor Foundation Inc.
Last year’s LCL generated a total sales of P42.399 million. (WLB/CLJD-PIA 3)


==American tourist, Pinoy driver face murder raps==
{{:The GRANDEST Bridal Fair to happen in Central Luzon!}}
*Source: http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php/news/provincial/13123-american-tourist-pinoy-driver-face-murder-raps
* Sunday, September 11, 2011
:by Bernard Galang


==[[PDEA to join Pogi in clearing AC of drugs]]==


ANGELES CITY -- An American tourist and his Filipino driver were charged the other day for the murder of a retired British policeman and his Filipina live-in partner inside their house in a subdivision in Bgy. Amsic here before dawn on Sept. 2.
{{:PDEA to join Pogi in clearing AC of drugs}}


Inspector Dickson Tolentino of the Police Station 4 filed the charges against Timothy “Tim” Kaufman and Jesus “John” Santos, both of legal age, before the Office of the City Prosecutor.
==[[CDC confers Excellence Award to UP student]]==


The suspects, whose last known address was Maharajah Hotel along Don Juico Avenue in Anonas Village, could no longer be located.
{{:CDC confers Excellence Award to UP student}}


Kaufman and Santos were identified by security guards of Josefaville 2 Subdivision through photos obtained by the police from social networking site Facebook as the occupants of a white Toyota Innova with license plate RJX-264 that entered the subdivision and parked in front of the residence of former British policeman David Balmer, 54, and Elma de Guia, 26, around 3:30 a.m. on Sept. 2.
==[[Heritage: Mission accomplished]]==


Chief Inspector Luisito Tan said the close circuit television camera installed at the subdivision’s gate showed that the vehicle almost bumped the gate as it was hastily driven out of the subdivision after several minutes.
{{:Heritage: Mission accomplished}}


Investigators learned from the Land Transportation Office that the vehicle was owned by one Arceli Garcia, 36, of Sapangbato Village. When questioned by the police, Garcia said her vehicle had been rented by Kaufman from the first week of August until Sept. 4.
==[[Clark Int’l Airport handles 2 million passengers in 6 months]]==


“He (Kaufman) called my cellphone (on Sept. 4) and asked me to just get my vehicle at the Maharajah Hotel. When I went there, I saw that my vehicle was parked in front of the hotel,” Garcia said in her sworn statement.
{{:Clark Int’l Airport handles 2 million passengers in 6 months}}


Garcia said she has known Kaufman for three years because she used to work as his house cleaner when he was still renting a residential unit at Rikko Homes II in Clark Freeport Zone. She said Kaufman rents her vehicle whenever he is in the country.
==[[CDC urged to be a benchmark of LGUs on environment undertakings]]==


The security logbook of Josefaville 2 Subdivision and the CCTV footage showed that the same vehicle entered the subdivision at 1:10 a.m. on Sept. 2 and left after 30 minutes.
{{:CDC urged to be a benchmark of LGUs on environment undertakings}}


==First Filipino to complete European ultra-marathon lauded==
==[[Angeles City requires establishments to install bidets in restrooms]]==
*Source: hthttp://pia.gov.ph/?m=7&r=r03&id=53494
*Saturday, September 10, 2011
:by (PNA) LAP/LAM/zst/MMDR/ps


{{:Angeles City requires establishments to install bidets in restrooms}}


==[[CDC holds tree planting activity on Arbor Day]]==


CLARK FREEPORT ZONE, Pampanga, September 10 (PIA) -- For being the first Filipino to finish the gruelling foot race dubbed "the race of all the superlatives," Jonnifer Lacanlale, lawyer of Clark Development Corporation (CDC), is being feted by the CDC for an outstanding feat.
{{:CDC holds tree planting activity on Arbor Day}}
The Ultra-Trail de Mont-Blanc (UTMB) is a mountain ultramarathon that takes place yearly in the Alps, across France, Italy, and Switzerland. The distance is approximately 166 kilometers, with a total elevation gain of around 9,400 meters. According to some, it is believed to be the most difficult foot race in Europe.
.
The ultramarathon is usually completed in seven to nine days by hikers. The marathon this year started August 31, Friday, where some 2,300 runners joined the event.
Since its first year in 2002, the race has to make a complete tour of the Mont Blanc Massif, passing through three countries: France, Switzerland, and Italy.
The race, which is anchored on the principle of semi-self-sufficiency, orignated from Chamonix.
While the best trailers complete the loop in slightly more than 20 hours, most runners took 30 to 45 hours to reach the finish line.


==Angeles City mayor orders implementation of austerity measures==
==[[DOTr to launch PUV caravan in Clark Freeport on July 4]]==
*Source: http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=371444
*Thursday, September 8, 2011, 5:20 pm
:by (PNA) LAP/LAM/zst/MMDR/ps


{{:DOTr to launch PUV caravan in Clark Freeport on July 4}}


==[[Clark to host 2nd National Halal Congress]]==


{{:Clark to host 2nd National Halal Congress}}


ANGELES CITY, Pampanga, Sept. 8 (PNA) - Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan said the city government may adopt austerity measures next year due to likely reduction of the city’s share from the Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA).
==[[3 AUF students in Top 10 of 2019 nurse licensure exams]]==


Interior and Local Government Secretary Jesse Robredo has urged mayors nationwide to use “judiciously” their IRA shares next year as these would be lowered by 4.8 percent percent because of the anticipated shortfall in revenue collection.
{{:3 AUF students in Top 10 of 2019 nurse licensure exams}}


Because of this, Pamintuan estimated that some P60 million would be shaved from his city’s annual IRA.
==[[21 wanted persons arrested in Central Luzon]]==


"Sixty million pesos is too big an amount to lose, that is why we should be judicious in our spending next year without us sacrificing some of the vital programs and projects for our people," he said.
{{:21 wanted persons arrested in Central Luzon}}


However, the city government will make do with whatever money it has so delivery of social services would not be jeopardized, he said.
==[[NEDA assures spread of economic growth through infra projects]]==


To cover up the impending reduction on the city's IRA share, he said, they will focus on improving their other revenue generating programs.
{{:NEDA assures spread of economic growth through infra projects}}


The mayor said belt-tightening is another option that could be undertaken, adding that this may call for a little sacrifice on the part of the officials and employees.
==[[SM City Clark joins Nationwide Simultaneous Earthquake Drill]]==


To strictly implement austerity measures, he said the city government will undertake the following measures: suspension of all travels outside of Angeles City except for official meetings and businesses, official missions authorized by the City Mayor and scholarship/trainings that are grant-funded or undertaken at no cost to the local government. Only travels that will give maximum benefits for the city government are allowed.
{{:SM City Clark joins Nationwide Simultaneous Earthquake Drill}}


Limit the purchase of computers, printers and other office equipment; reduction of at least thirty percent in the cost of office supplies; and limiting the grant of honoraria and other forms of allowance to chairs and members of local boards and councils subject to the provisions of the issuances creating such councils and to availability of funds and existing accounting and auditing rules and procedures.
==[[Freedom, Food & Fun]]==


Pamintuan also reminded all city employees to save electricity by turning off the lights and computer during lunch break.
{{:Freedom, Food & Fun}}


He also urged the shutting off of air-conditioning units and the use of government service vehicles only to official and relevant trips to save taxpayer’s money.
==[[Angeles residents conduct coastal cleanup in Bataan]]==


==DILG cites Angeles for good governance==
{{:Angeles residents conduct coastal cleanup in Bataan}}
*Source: http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php/news/provincial/12817-dilg-cites-angeles-for-good-governance
*Wednesday, September 07, 2011
:by Rudy J. Abular


==[[DTI-Pampanga opens new Consumer Corner kiosk]]==


{{:DTI-Pampanga opens new Consumer Corner kiosk}}


ANGELES City, Pampanga -- The Department of the Interior and Local Government has cited Angeles City as one of the top performing local government units last year.
==[[ADB extends $2.75-billion financing for Malolos-Clark Railway]]==


Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan said the DILG based its category on good governance.
{{:ADB extends $2.75-billion financing for Malolos-Clark Railway}}


Pamintuan said Angeles placed 4th among highly urbanized and independent component cities category, scoring 4.7410 in the DILG’s Local Governance Performance Management System (LGPMS).
==[[Clark Industrial Estate seen to fuel regional growth]]==


“We are proud that our efforts towards good governance have been recognized. Transparency and accountability in the city government will always be on top of our agenda,” Pamintuan said.
{{:Clark Industrial Estate seen to fuel regional growth}}


The mayor said his administration is committed in elevating and maintaining the highest standards of public service delivery.
==[[Lions Clubs Serve 1,600 Angeleños in Joint Project]]==


“Although 2010 was the year Angeles City was acknowledged, we took over a bankrupt city and was able to turn it around due to good fiscal management and effective tax collection program,” Pamintuan said.
{{:Lions Clubs Serve 1,600 Angeleños in Joint Project}}


When he took the mayoralty last year, Pamintuan immediately implemented programs that would wipe out the budget deficit which hounded the city government in 2008 and 2009.
==[[Construction of vital road development starts in Angeles City]]==


This year, the city government implemented stringent fiscal management and streamlining measure in order to meet its goals to sustain the delivery of basic social services and other priority programs.
{{:Construction of vital road development starts in Angeles City}}


The other top performing cities are Valenzuela (4.9150), San Juan (4.8875), Puerto Princesa (4.8640), Davao (4.7380), Naga (4.6940), Zamboanga (4.6865), Iligan (4.6710), Cebu (4.6633), and Taguig (4.6415).
==[[SM City Clark joins Brigada Eskwela]]==


==This awardee is a bomb buster==
{{:SM City Clark joins Brigada Eskwela}}
*Source: http://www.pia.gov.ph/?m=7&r=r03&id=52687
*Tuesday, September 06, 2011
:by Rebecca Grace S. David


==[[Kapampangan 1st literacy app for school kids launched]]==


{{:Kapampangan 1st literacy app for school kids launched}}


PAMPANGA, September 6 (PIA) -- What does it take to be a Presidential or Lingkod Bayan Awardee?
==[[Young Angeleño inventors win big at international science fair]]==
TSgt Jesus Fabian is an awardee of the of the 2011 Search for Outstanding Public Officials and Employees, the annual Honor Awards Program of the Civil Service Commission.
He is the education supervisor of the Research & Development, Training, Flight, and Explosive Ordinance Disposal Unit of the 770 Special Operations Combat Support Group based in Clark Air Base, Angeles City.
He conceptualized the production of one Bomb Trailer and 10 Disruptor kits under the Self-Reliance Defense Posture, Research, and Development Program.
These equipment, now used by the Philippine Air Force, saved the government some P3,830, 216. I These innovations make the job of the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) staff safer and more efficient.
He conducts courses on Bomb Awareness , Bomb Threat Management, and Ammunition Management for other Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) units, government agencies, local government units, and NGOs.
In 2008, TSgt Fabian was awarded as one of the Ten Outstanding Philippine Soldiers (TOPS) by the Metrobank and the Rotary Club of Makati. The following year, he received the Outstanding Achievement Medal during the celebration of the 74th AFP Anniversary.
Weapons of mass destruction and terror are silenced by this man who risks his life to ensure the safety of others. (RGSD PIA3)


==DILG cites Angeles City for good governance campaign==
{{:Young Angeleño inventors win big at international science fair}}
*Source: http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=370649
*Monday, September 05, 2011
:BY (PNA) LAP/zst/MMDR/ps


==[[ADB: Malolos-Clark Railway plan to cut Manila-Clark travel time to 1 hour]]==


{{:ADB: Malolos-Clark Railway plan to cut Manila-Clark travel time to 1 hour}}


ANGELES CITY, Pampanga, Sept. 5 (PNA) - The Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) has cited Angeles City as one of the top performing local government units (LGUs) for 2010 based on the areas of good governance.
==[[DOLE 3 holds orientation on Wages and benefits for Workers of Clark Pampanga]]==


This was announced by City Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan on Monday as he said that the city was placed 4th among the top performing cities in the highly urbanized and independent component cities category scoring 4.7410 in the DILG’s Local Governance Performance Management System (LGPMS).
{{:DOLE 3 holds orientation on Wages and benefits for Workers of Clark Pampanga}}


“We are proud that our efforts towards good governance have been recognized. Transparency and accountability in the city government will always be on top of our agenda.” Pamintuan said.
==[[Kabalikat sa Kabuhayan’ yields 56 farmer graduates in Angeles City]]==


The mayor also said that his administration is committed to elevating and maintaining the highest standards of public service delivery.
{{:Kabalikat sa Kabuhayan’ yields 56 farmer graduates in Angeles City}}


“Although 2010 was the year Angeles City was acknowledged, we took over a bankrupt city and was able to turn it around due to good fiscal management and effective tax collection program,” he added.
==[[Angeles City mayor-elect forms transition team]]==


When Pamintuan took the mayoralty last year, he immediately implemented programs that would wipe out the budget deficit which hounded the city government in 2008 and 2009.
{{:Angeles City mayor-elect forms transition team}}


This year, the city government implemented stringent fiscal management and streamlining measure in order to meet its goals to sustain the delivery of basic social services and other priority programs.
==[[CDC Brigada Eskwela 2019]]==


LGPMS is a web-based, self-assessment tool that measures LGU performance in key governance areas and provides information on the status of LGUs in terms of local governance and development.
{{:CDC Brigada Eskwela 2019}}


The rest of the top performing cities in the same category are: Valenzuela (4.9150); San Juan (4.8875); Puerto Princesa (4.8640); Davao (4.7380); Naga (4.6940); Zamboanga (4.6865); Iligan (4.6710); Cebu (4.6633); and Taguig (4.6415).
==[[Pampanga wins top spot in Gawad Kalasag award]]==


According to the DILG, these cities were recognized for initiating and implementing programs designed to improve the lives of their constituents, environment protection, financial accountability and commitment to transparency.
{{:Pampanga wins top spot in Gawad Kalasag award}}


The top performing LGUs got an average overall performance index ranging from 4.6415 to 4.9370, with one as the lowest and five as the highest.
==[[BDO volunteers extend helping hand in earthquake-hit Pampanga]]==


==Cases vs 16 Taiwanese, Chinese, Fil-Chi dismissed==
{{:BDO volunteers extend helping hand in earthquake-hit Pampanga}}
*Source: http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php/news/provincial/12546-cases-vs-16-taiwanese-chinese-fil-chi-dismissed
*Saturday, September 03, 2011
:BY Bernard Galang


==[[Clark: A realization of a dream]]==


ANGELES City -- The City Prosecutor’s Office here has dismissed the serious illegal detention, human trafficking and violation of the Access Devices Regulation Act charges filed on Aug. 18 against nine Taiwanese, five Chinese, and two Filipino-Chinese “for insufficiency of evidence.”
{{:Clark: A realization of a dream}}


On Wednesday, SPO4 Felizardo Laygo, SPO2 Restituto Santos and SPO1 Wendy Millan filed a motion for reconsideration, praying that the City Prosecutor’s Office reverse the recent inquest resolution issued by Assistant City Prosecutor Mark Oliver Sison.
==[[Bureau of Immigration nabs four Korean fugitives]]==


City police director Senior Supt. Rodolfo Recomono Jr. identified the respondents as Taiwanese citizens Chen Chun Wei, Tsai Yi Cheng, Lin Chen Cheng, Lai Hung Lin, Wu Hung Lin, Liu Cheng Hsiang, Lee Hung Wei, Chai Tsu Wei and Huang Chiao Yun; Chinese citizens Cen Huiying, Luo Xiaomei, Pei Cui, Huang Jinxiu and Jiang Yanyu; and Filipino-Chinese James Lim Chan and John Lim Chan.
{{:Bureau of Immigration nabs four Korean fugitives}}


John Lim Chan, who had told the police that he was a renter of the house being occupied by the respondents when they were arrested on Aug. 18, arrived at Police Station 6 a few hours after the arrest of the other respondents but was able to leave unnoticed.
==[[DTI, DOST-PSHS continue partnership in Fablab project]]==


In his inquest resolution dated Aug. 24, Sison said the “elements of human trafficking in person (RA 9208) and RA 8484 (Access Devices Regulation Act of 1998) are wanting.”
{{:DTI, DOST-PSHS continue partnership in Fablab project}}


Sison said the general elements of acts, means and purpose of human trafficking “are not all present considering that the exploitative purpose cannot be determined per statement of the private complainants.”
==[[20 more lanes to boost capacity of SCTEX toll plazas]]==


“There was no indication that profit is being unduly derived from them by the respondents on account of their toils,” he said.
{{:20 more lanes to boost capacity of SCTEX toll plazas}}


“No mention was made as to the specific acts on how (Access Devices Regulation Act) is being violated,” Sison said.
==[[Angeles City Archived News]]==
 
The older news reports are kept [[Angeles City Archived News|here]]
He said the evidence presented only showed that “the complainants were merely victims of grave coercion as they were not allowed to get out from their house, for one reason or another but not for the purpose of exploitation as envisioned by R.A. 9208.”
 
Sison ordered the release of the 14 Taiwanese and Chinese from detention but recommended the filing of grave coercion against James Lim Chan in court.
 
In their motion for reconsideration, the police officers said the “counter-affidavits of the arrested respondents are self-serving and in conflict with human reason and should not be given any weight as the same is incredible.”
 
They also said that respondent John Lim Chan, who was neither arrested nor detained, did not submit a single affidavit and that his name is not included in the dismissal order of Sison and that the case filed against the former should be elevated to the proper court.
 
The policemen said the dismissal of the charges against the respondents is premature because “there was no result yet of the forensic examination on the recovered laptop computers and cellular phones and no translation made on their written Chinese characters.”
 
The raid was made after Feng Jen Li, 20, a Taiwanese, was able to escape from the house at 715 Sarmiento St., Plaridel 1 Subd., Bgy. Malabanias here, and sought the help of residents and village officials who brought him to Police Station 6.
 
==Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo won’t give up House post==
Source: http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/51667/gloria-macapagal-arroyo-won%E2%80%99t-give-up-house-post
*Friday, September 2nd, 2011
:BY Tonette Orejas
 
 
Angeles City—Ailing former President Macapagal Arroyo will not give up her post as representative of the second district of Pampanga, according to a close ally here.
Arroyo remains confined at the St. Luke’s Medical Center in Quezon City where she underwent a third set of spinal surgeries.
“I don’t think [the former president] will abdicate her post,” said Angeles City Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan, former vice president of the erstwhile administration party, Lakas Kampi-CMD.
Pamintuan also said he did not expect that Pampanga Gov. Lilia Pineda would fill in Arroyo’s shoes in 2013.  Pineda, a long-time friend of Arroyo, has led medical missions in the second district’s towns.
The post was held twice by Arroyo’s eldest son, Ang Galing Pinoy party-list Rep. Juan Miguel Arroyo.
Arroyo could continue dispatching her duties in the second district towns of Guagua, Lubao, Sasmuan, Sta. Rita, Floridablanca and Porac since her health appeared to be improving even as she prepared for another surgery, Pamintuan said.
Arroyo last visited the district on July 25 when she skipped the State of the Nation Address of President Aquino in Congress. Later the same day, she went to the St. Luke’s Medical Center and was subsequently confined after complaining of pains in the neck.
Pamintuan said Arroyo was “affected and sad” by the departure of her allies, including Pampanga Rep. Aurelio Gonzales, who joined the Nationalist People’s Coalition last month.
Gonzales said he left Lakas “in the interest of his constituents.”
Pamintuan said Pineda expressed chagrin about Gonzales’ decision to leave Lakas after she learned that Gonzales had received P700–million worth of projects for the third district.
“[Gonzales] left GMA despite the many help she gave to the [third] district,” Pamintuan said.
 
==NHA reminds ex-squatters relocation isn’t free==
Source: http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/51501/nha-reminds-ex-squatters-relocation-isn%E2%80%99t-free
*Thursday, September 1st, 2011
:Tonette Orejas, Inquirer Central Luzon
 
 
ANGELES CITY—The National Housing Authority (NHA) has issued notices demanding amortization payments to more than 28,000 families, who were relocated to 16 resettlement sites called North Ville in Pampanga and Bulacan to give way to the NorthRail project.
Wilfredo Lauc, who received a unit in North Ville 15 here, said the notice of payment he received showed he owed the NHA at least P1,621 in the last eight months, or P200 a month.
The notice was signed by an official of the Soliven Tagayuna, Gangan, Panopio & De Pano law firm, which claims to be a collection agency of the NHA.
The NHA imposed also a penalty of P21 for delayed payment, the billing attached to the notice showed.
The notice said that failure to pay for three consecutive months would cause the cancelation of loan agreements and housing construction loans or conditional-to-sell amendatory contracts.
Lauc said he did not know he would pay for the house and lot.
“[NHA] just moved us to [North Ville 15 in Barangay Cutud]. I was not informed that I must pay for the unit,” Lauc told the Inquirer.
Even if he had been informed, Lauc said he could not pay since his earnings as a janitor were not enough.
Felicisimo Lazarte Jr., manager of the NHA Northern-Central Luzon office, said the notices were issued because only 10 percent of settlers have been paying their respective housing amortization.
“The collection rate is low since we began collecting last April,” Lazarte said when reached by phone. Settlers can own the house and lot after completing payments in 30 years, he said.
To improve the capacity of settlers to pay, Lazarte said the NHA has introduced livelihood projects and skills training in the resettlements.
The NHA set aside P1.68 billion from out the agency’s P3.5-billion budget in 2009 to cover the cost of building houses, school buildings and community facilities, buying relocation sites and providing food allowances to settlers on NorthRail’s Section 2 (Malolos to Mabalacat in Pampanga), according to then NHA General Manager Federico Laxa.
The resumption or cancelation of the NorthRail project would depend on the outcome of a renegotiation with the Chinese government by the economic team of President Aquino, who is on state visit to China this week.
 
==Angeles City cites top teacher==
*Source: http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/332704/bataan-investors
*Wednesday,August 31, 2011
:Franco G. Regala
 
 
ANGELES CITY — The local government here is set to recognize the achievement of a public elementary school teacher in this city who topped this year’s awardees of the 2011 Metrobank Foundation Search for Outstanding Teachers. Marcela Jingco, an English teacher at the Angeles Elementary School in barangay Pulungbulo was awarded recently in Malacañang by President Benigno Aquino III.
 
The 2011 Metrobank Foundation Search for Outstanding Teachers has awarded eight (8) public school teachers from elementary and secondary levels, and two (2) professors from University of the Philippines-Manila and University of Santo Tomas.
 
==All barangays in Angeles City have VAW desks==
*Source: http://www.pia.gov.ph/?m=1&t=1&id=51566
*Tuesday, August 30, 2011
:by Rebecca Grace S. David
 
 
ANGELES CITY, Pampanga, August 30 (PIA) -- In this city, rape, domestic violence, illegal trafficking, and other violence against women and children has become totally unacceptable.
All the 33 barangays of the city have their VAW (violence against women) desks. This is in compliance with RA 9710 or the Magna Carta for Women and Joint memorandum Circular No.2010-02 which mandated all local government units to establish VAW desk in all barangays.
Vice-mayor Vicky Vega-Kabigting, in coordination with the City Gender and Development (GAD) office, and the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) initiated the establishment of the VAWs.
Recently, the Philippine Judicial Academy, the educational arm of the Supreme Court gave the barangay council members and the barangay chieftains lectures on the Barangay Protection order under the Anti- Violence Against Women and their Children Act (RA 9262) and the Juvenile Justice Act (RA 9344). This is to equip them with the knowledge of the basic procedures in the implementation of the laws. Lecturer was lawyer Elisa Flores, Muntinlupa Assistant City Prosecutor. (RGSD PIA3)
 
 
 
 
 
 
==Environmental group celebrates 10th anniversary==
*Source: http://www.pia.gov.ph/?m=1&t=1&id=51341
*Sunday, August 28, 2011
:by Joelyn G. Baluyut
 
 
CLARK FREEPORT, Pampanga, August 28 (PIA) -- The Environmental Practitioners Association, Inc. (EPA), an environment group formed by the Clark Development Corporation (CDC), recently celebrated its 10th founding anniversary by ensuring “sustainable development through the implementation of best environmental practices,” in this Freeport and its adjacent communities.
EPA highlighted its anniversary by assuring investors and locators, as well as local government units (LGUs) of towns and cities near the Freeport of its commitment to protecting and preserving the environment.
CDC Environmental Management Department manager Juan Miguel Fuentes said the EPA will also be electing a new set of officers for 2011-2012.
Fuentes said that the new set of EPA officers is composed of third-termer president Arni Valdes of Dolomatrix Philippines, Inc.; vice president Leslie Baun of International Wiring Systems Philippines Corporation (IWSPC); treasurer Carmela Capule of CRL Environmental Corporation; secretary Alex Laguisma of Metro Clark Waste Management Corp. (MCWM); board of trustees Ric Lulu of Yokohama Tire Philippines Inc.(YTPI); Cesar Cortez, Aviat Networks; and Alex Borja of Bulacan-based Lloyd Laboratories.
The election of officers was witnessed by Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) regional director Ricardo Calderon and Environmental Management Bureau regional director Lormelyn Claudio.
“Congratulations to the members and officers of the EPA, who is the DENR’s partner in ensuring sustainable development through the implementation of best environmental practices,” Calderon said.
Meanwhile, Claudio said that EPA has also partnered with the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) in educating the public on environmental programs like recycling, solid waste management, and the hazardous waste management like the collection and treatment of busted fluorescent lamps.
“Clark has been ahead of LGUs in the implementation of RA 9003 or the closure of dumpsites and the conversion to sanitary landfill facilities,” added Claudio, who challenged the EPA to bring environmental awareness not only in the work place but also in their homes and communities.
Fuentes said the EPA’s founding members is composed of representatives from the CDC, including those from the following Clark Freeport companies: Clark Water Corporation (CWC), YTPI, Nanox, and Smart Shirts.
He added that the EPA has 65 member-companies from Clark, Subic, Angeles City, Metro Manila, and the provinces Bataan, Tarlac, Bulacan, and Pampanga.
“About half of our members are from the manufacturing sector,” revealed Fuentes, who added that the EPA also holds a cross membership with the Metro Angeles Chamber of Commerce, Inc. (MACCII).
EPA, Philippines, is a non-stock non-profit organization with more than 50 active members on its list, which include numerous business institutions in the Subic Free Port and Special Economic Zone and supports the project implementation by sharing experiences of previous ECOPROFIT implementation in Clark and Subic (difficulties, strength and weaknesses) and is involved through their ECOPROFIT consultants too. (WLB/JGB PIA3)
 
==190 blood bags collected for dengue victims in Central Luzon==
*Source:http://www.pia.gov.ph/?m=1&t=1&id=51229
*Saturday, August 27, 2011
:by Joelyn G. Baluyut
 
 
 
CAMP OLIVAS, Pampanga, August 27 (PIA) -- A total of 190 blood bags was collected during the blood-letting program held at Police Regional Office 3 (PRO3), this city.
Philippine National Red Cross (PNRC) Pampanga-Angeles Chapter administrator Augusto B. Ocampo said the activity was timely because of the alarming increase of dengue cases in the region and dengue victims needed to replace the lost blood right away.
The blood collected will be brought to PNRC blood bank in Angeles City.
Ocampo said donors underwent a series of medical examinations such as physical test, checking of medical history background and blood typing, among others, before finally being administered blood extraction.
This is to ensure that the donor is not a carrier of infections like the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), Malaria or Hepatitis A and B, AIDS, and Syphilis.
Donors during the blood-letting event all came from the ranks of the Philippine National Police.
Prior to the said program, a similar blood donation activity was held at the town of Magalang where the PNRC has collected 96 blood bags from PNP trainees. (WLB/JGB PIA3)
 
==Councilor launches livelihood program==
*Source:http://www.sunstar.com.ph/pampanga/local-news/2011/08/26/councilor-launches-livelihood-program-175560
*Friday, August 26, 2011
:Reynaldo G. Navales
 
 
 
ANGELES CITY -– “Teach them how to fish, and they will be alright in days to come.”
 
This is the statement that Councilor Jericho Aguas as he announced the distribution of “Negosyo Carts” to poor but deserving residents, which Representative Carmelo Lazatin supported.
 
Aguas expressed gratitude to Lazatin for supporting his livelihood assistance to their constituents.
 
Aguas showed to Lazatin a sample of his “Negosyo Cart,” which can be used by food vendors. The cart has a poster of the two officials.
 
“I am very happy Congressman Tarzan easily said yes to a worthy cause project,” said Aguas.
 
Lazatin said he will support all the projects of the so-called “PAMI-Tastic 4” in the council, wherein Aguas and Councilors Maricel Morales, Edu Pamintuan and Alex Indiongco are part of the group.
 
Lazatin said Aguas should provide the intended beneficiaries to ensure the maximum use of the carts.
 
The councilor said he also asked the assistance of Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan on the project.
 
“I hope the mayor will also help me and I am confident he will because it’s teaching people the importance of working,” said Aguas.
 
Salapungan town chief Erna Bagang lauded the project for indigent villagers.
 
"Marami po sa ating mga ka- barrio ang nagtitinda sa AUF (Angeles Univesity Foundation) kaya talagang makatulong ito,” said Bagang.
 
==Pantawid Pamilya beneficiaries in Angeles City receive conditional cash grants for June and July==
*Source:http://pinoyanswer.com/pantawid-pamilya-beneficiaries-in-angeles-city-receive-conditional-cash-grants-for-june-and-july/
*Thursday, August 25, 2011
:by: Carlo Lorenzo J. Datu
 
 
 
ANGELES CITY, Pampanga August 26 – A total of 655 Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (Pantawid Pamilya) household beneficiaries from 14 barangays in Angeles City recently received their conditional cash grants for the months of June and July from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).
Pantawid Pamilya regional information officer Jasper Nicolas disclosed that the recipients came from barangays Capaya, Cutcut, Cutud, Cuayan, Balibago, Pandan, Pulung cacutud, Sapangbato, Lourdes Northwest, Sto. Rosario, Pampang, Sta. Teresita, Salapungan and Sta. Trinidad.
In a statement, Angeles city mayor Edgardo Pamintuan thanked DSWD for considering his locality as one of the areas covered by Pantawid Pamilya in the region.
He appealed to the beneficiaries to use the money wisely and become compliant with the program’s set of conditions to ensure the success of its implementation.
Derived from the Conditional Cash Transfer system of Latin American and African countries, Pantawid Pamilya is the strategy used by the government in order to raise the standard of living of poor Filipinos.
Financial assistance is given to a maximum of three children per household who are 0-14 years of age.
A household with three qualified children receives a subsidy of P1,400 per month during school months (June-March) and P500 per month during non-school months (April-May).
This, as long as the beneficiaries comply with the program’s conditions which include the regular visit of the children in the health center to avail immunization and maintenance of a class attendance rate of at least 85% per month for those who are enrolled in day care centers or schools.
 
==No medical malpractice on baby’s death - doctors==
*Source:http://www.sunstar.com.ph/pampanga/local-news/2011/08/24/no-medical-malpractice-baby-s-death-doctors-175109
*Wednesday, August 24, 2011
:By Reynaldo G. Navales
 
 
 
ANGELES CITY -- Officials of the Rafael Lazatin Memorial Medical Center clarified that there was no medical malpractice on the latest incident at the hospital, where a baby was decapitated.
 
Dr. Efren Natino, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology head, said the baby was already dead when the duty physician decided to decapitate it to save the life of the 17-year-old mother.
 
Natino said the lower body parts of the baby were already delivered before it died, saying the mother’s pelvic bone is narrow.
 
Aside from this, the mother’s cervix contracted and the baby’s head was stuck inside, said Dr. Zarah Vida Diaz, a duty consultant at the said hospital.
 
Diaz said she informed the patient’s mother and husband before they decapitated the baby.
 
“After the decapitation, I was able to scoop the head of the baby,” she said.
 
The uterus of the patient had been open for several hours and this will cause massive bleeding and will endanger her life, said Diaz.
 
She said they tried to save the lives of both the mother and baby by conducting a caesarian birth but the process failed.
 
Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan directed the hospital officials to conduct an investigation regarding the incident.
 
==All barangays in Angeles City have VAW desks==
*Source:http://pinoyanswer.com/all-barangays-in-angeles-city-have-vaw-desks/
*Tuesday, August 23, 2011
:by Rebecca Grace S. David
 
 
 
ANGELES CITY, Pampanga, August 23 (PIA) — In this city, rape, domestic violence, illegal trafficking and other violence against women and children has become totally unacceptable.
All the  33  barangays  of  the city have their  VAW  (violence against women) desks. This is in compliance with RA  9710 or the  Magna Carta  for Women and  Joint memorandum Circular No.2010-02  which mandated  all local government units to establish VAW desk in all barangays.
Vice-mayor Vicky Vega-Kabigting, in coordination with the City Gender and Development (GAD)  office, and the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) initiated the establishment of the VAWs.
Recently,  the Philippine Judicial  Academy, the educational arm of the Supreme Court gave the barangay council members and the barangay chieftains lectures on the Barangay Protection order under the Anti- Violence  Against  Women and their Children Act (RA 9262) and the Juvenile Justice  Act  (RA  9344). This is to equip them with the knowledge of the basic procedures in the implementation of the laws.
Lecturer was lawyer Elisa Flores, Muntinlupa Assistant City Prosecutor.
 
==Clark environment group turns 10==
*Source:http://www.sunstar.com.ph/pampanga/local-news/2011/08/22/clark-environment-group-turns-10-174634
*Monday, August 22, 2011
:by Published in the Sun.Star Pampanga newspaper
 
 
CLARK FREEPORT – An environment group formed by the Clark Development Corporation (CDC) recently celebrated its 10th founding anniversary.
 
Clark ensures sustainable development through the implementation of best environmental practices inside the Freeport and adjacent communities.
 
The Environmental Practitioners Association Inc. (EPA) highlighted its 10th anniversary by assuring investors and locators, as well as local government units of towns and cities near the Clark Freeport of its commitment, to protecting and preserving the environment.
 
CDC Environmental Management Department Manager Juan Miguel B. Fuentes said the EPA also celebrated the event with the election of its new set of officers for 2011-2012.
 
Fuentes said the new set of EPA officers is composed of third-termer president Arni N. Valdes of Dolomatrix Philippines, Inc.; Vice President Leslie Baun of IWSPC; Treasurer Carmela Capule, CRL Environmental Corporation; Secretary Alex Laguisma, MCWM; and board of trustees Ric Lulu, YTPI; Cesar Cortez, Aviat Networks; and Alex Borja of Bulacan-based Lloyd Laboratories.
 
The election of officers was witnessed by Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Regional Director Ricardo Calderon and Environmental Management Bureau Regional Director Lormelyn E. Claudio, Fuentes added.
 
“Congratulations to the members and officers of the EPA, who is the DENR’s partner in ensuring sustainable development through the implementation of best environmental practices,” Calderon said.
 
Claudio, meanwhile, said the EPA has also partnered with the EMB in educating the public on environmental programs like recycling, solid waste management, and the hazardous waste management like the collection and treatment of busted fluorescent lamps.
 
“Clark has been ahead of LGUs in the implementation of RA 9003 or the closure of dumpsites and the conversion to sanitary landfill facilities,” said Claudio, who challenged the EPA to bring environmental awareness not only in the work place but also in their homes and communities.
 
Fuentes said the EPA’s founding members is composed of representatives from the CDC, including those from the following Clark Freeport companies: Clark Water Corporation, Yokohama Tire Philippines, Inc., Nanox, and Smart Shirts.
 
He added that the EPA has 65 member-companies from Clark, Subic, Angeles City, Metro Manila, and the provinces Bataan, Tarlac, Bulacan, and Pampanga.
 
“About half of our members are from the manufacturing sector,” revealed Fuentes, who added that the EPA also holds a cross membership with the Metro Angeles Chamber of Commerce, Inc. (Reynaldo G. Navales)
 
 
 
 
==Renal unit offers affordable dialysis treatment==
*Source:http://www.pia.gov.ph/?m=1&t=1&id=50121
*Sunday, August 21, 2011
:by PIA Press Release
 
 
 
ANGELES CITY, August 21 (PIA) -- Not only indigent patients diagnosed with end stage renal disease (ESRD) but also those employed here are heaving a sigh of relief upon learning that the Angeles City Renal Care Unit at the Rafael Lazatin Memorial Medical Center (RLMMC) opened its doors for dialysis treatment.
Conchita Manalo, 51, and resident of Cutcut Angeles City, is a dialysis patient and because of her current state, her husband, Jaime, works extra hard to pay for her twice-a-week dialysis sessions. This has gone on for over year now, and the couple shells out almost P6,000 a week – an amount which is now virtually a part of their expenses.
“Isang taon na siyang nadadialysis. Pero malaking tulong talaga ang dialysis center dito dahil wala na kaming binabayaran na P500 para sa mga doctor’s fees,” says the relieved husband, who is doing whatever it takes to save his wife's life.
Andres Santos from Lourdes Northwest has continuously been undergoing dialysis treatment for three years now. At the tender age of 27, he should be having the time of his life and look forward to a fulfilling future. Instead, he receives his treatment to bring color back to his life. He says that being a simple turo-turo vendor with meager earnings is not enough for the thousands spent monthly.
“Nagtatrabaho lang po ako at ang nanay ko nagtitinda ng ulam sa sidewalk, kaya, malaking bagay po ang discount na ibinibigay ng dialysis center dito, lalo na po sa amin na talagang wala sa buhay,” says Santos.
When asked about what he feels about the treatment, he says “Nanghihina kami. Yung lakas namin, nawawala. Kinabukasan pa lang kami nakakabawi.” Santos is still hoping to get his life back and steer it in a direction unhindered by any disease.
Michael Gantan, a person-with-disability (PWD) who also is a city government employee, is just starting to feel the early pains of renal failure. Now, he spends almost P10,000 a week on epharin, hemoglobin, and other medical needs just to improve his state.
All three are now benefiting from the dialysis treatment at the newly constructed Renal Care Unit(RCU).
The unit is looked at as a blessing to Angeleños, especially those in the marginalized sector, who now can get the same treatment at half the cost in Angeles City.
Angeles City has finally laid down its mark in the health care industry with 15 dialysis units and plans to install more in the coming years. It is the vision of Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan to upgrade the level of medical services being offered in the city.
“Through the RCU we now have the capability of providing dialysis treatment to the growing number of renal patients, many of whom are poor and indigent who cannot afford the very high cost of dialysis in private treatment centers,” Pamintuan said.
Today, the RCU services nine patients a day. Thirteen dialysis units are being used while the remaining two are being kept as emergency units.
The RLMMC social workers, headed by Marilyn C. Abengaña, are responsible for checking the level of need of applicants.
As of July, the RCU had over 60 applicants from all over the city, and 40 of these have all been approved and are waiting to receive dialysis treatment in the coming weeks. (WLB/Angeles CIO)
 
==Angeles launches citywide anti-dengue campaign==
*Source:http://www.pia.gov.ph/?m=1&t=1&id=49973
*Saturday, August 20, 2011
:by Joelyn G. Baluyut
 
 
 
ANGELES CITY, Pampanga, August 20 (PIA) -- The City Health Office (CHO) here, in coordination with officials of the 33 barangays of the locale, launched a citywide anti-dengue campaign, Thursday, August 18.
“This is a massive clean-up drive which is aimed at bringing down, if not eradicate the incidence of dengue in the entire city,” said Dr. Lenario Santos, CHO chief.
The clean-up drive seeks to destroy the breeding places of mosquito-carrying dengue because “the best way to fight dengue is by destroying the breeding places,” citing “fumigation only kills the adult mosquitoes but not the larva or egg,” Santos added.
Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan issued a public circular encouraging all school principals and administrators, owners or managers of private businesses and barangay chairmen to form and mobilize anti-dengue fever teams to lead in the clean-up drive of their respective campuses, areas, and districts.
Pamintuan has also urged barangay officials to organize a Barangay Dengue Control Team (BDCT) in their respective villages to contain the spread of this viral disease.
As of date, according to CHO, there are 465 reported dengue cases in this city. Of these number, 101 are confirmed cases.
Francisco Valdez, chief of the environmental health services of CHO, advised the public to maintain and ensure the cleanliness of their surroundings by removing collected waters in old tires, empty cans, gutters, bottles, bottle caps and other containers.
The dengue mosquito breeds in clean stagnant water collected in the mentioned containers.
Valdez also urged parents to protect their children against dengue disease by ensuring that they are protected against mosquito bites.
The CHO has started its information and education campaign in the barangays to avert possible increase of dengue cases, it was learned.
The citywide anti-dengue drive is also aimed to prevent the number of dengue cases from reaching an outbreak level.
Dengue fever is a viral disease transmitted by mosquitoes. It is an acute illness of sudden onset that usually follows a benign course with headache, fever, exhaustion, severe joint and muscle pain, swollen glands and rash. (WLB/JGB PIA3)
 
==Chinese Internet fraud syndicate busted in Angeles City==
*Source:http://208.184.76.173/nation/article.aspx?publicationsubcategoryid=67&articleid=718211
*Friday, August 19, 2011
:by  Ding Cervantes
 
 
 
ANGELES CITY, Philippines  – Fifteen Chinese nationals, including five women from Taiwan, were arrested here Wednesday in a raid on a house being used by a syndicate allegedly engaged in Internet fraud and extortion preying on rich folk both in Taiwan and mainland China.
 
The raid was conducted by joint police operatives from Metro Manila and this city on a house in Barangay Malabanias, a tourism district here.
 
A police source, who asked not to be named, said some of the suspects, including one who seemed to speak Ilocano, sought to contact by phone a governor in the north and a police official based at Camp Crame. He could not say though whether they succeeded.
 
The group’s leader, identified as James Chan Lim, was found to possess a permit to carry firearms issued by Camp Crame, although no firearm was found during the raid, the source said. The names of the other suspects were not immediately available.
 
The raid yielded several computers, telephone units and other sophisticated electronic gadgets, which the group supposedly used to pilfer personal information from known rich Chinese in Taiwan and mainland China for purposes of extortion and blackmail. Bank fund transfers were reportedly resorted to for financial deals.
 
Only a week ago, the National Bureau of Investigation also raided another house in San Fernando, Pampanga, some 15 kilometers south of this city, and also arrested Chinese nationals engaged in similar operations.
 
Taiwanese officials had asked for police help after a certain Ten Jen Li, 20, sought help through his Facebook account, revealing the operations of the group, which recruited him as a telephone operator, police said.
 
Li said the group paid for his plane fare to the Philippines. When he arrived last Aug. 6, he said he was also compelled to engage in the illegal operations.
 
Last Wednesday morning, Ten was able to escape from the house and sought the help of a barangay tanod who, in turn, alerted the police. The raid was conducted six hours later.
 
Ten identified the 14 other Chinese syndicate members who are now held at the city police headquarters. Police said charges of human trafficking will be filed against them.
 
==150 MSMEs to join this year’s Likha ng Central Luzon==
*Source:http://www.pia.gov.ph/?m=1&t=1&id=49490
*Thursday, August 18, 2011
:by Carlo Lorenzo J. Datu
 
ANGELES CITY, Pampanga, August 18 (PIA) -- Approximately 150 Micro, Small and Medium Entrepreneurs (MSMEs) coming from the provinces of Aurora, Bataan, Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, Pampanga, Tarlac, and Zambales will be joining the upcoming 13th Likha ng Central Luzon (LCL) trade fair. Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) regional information officer Wilfred Carbonell disclosed that the October 19-23 bazaar will be held in the Mega Trade hall of SM Megamall in Mandaluyong city. The five-day fair will feature regionally-produced processed foods, home furnishings, ceramics, holiday decors, jewelries, fashion accessories, footwear, bags, and specialized garments like barong and gowns. It will likewise showcase products made by Central Luzon residents from bamboo. The trade fair is jointly organized by DTI 3 and Philexport 3 with the full support of the Regional Development Council 3 and Central Luzon Growth Corridor Foundation Inc. Last year’s LCL generated a total sales of P42.399 million. (WLB/CLJD-PIA 3)
 
==Anti-dengue drive set in Angeles City==
*Source:http://www.sunstar.com.ph/pampanga/local-news/2011/08/17/anti-dengue-drive-set-angeles-city-173478
*Wednesday, August 17, 2011
:By Reynaldo G. Navales
 
 
AANGELES CITY -- The City Health Office (CHO), in coordination with barangay officials, is set to launch on Thursday a citywide anti-dengue campaign.
Dr. Lenario Santos, city health officer, said there will be massive clean-up drive, which is aimed to bring down the number of dengue cases in the city.
Santos said the clean-up drive is necessary to destroy breeding places of mosquitoes carrying the virus and other deadly diseases.
"The best way to fight dengue is by destroying the breeding places. Fumigation only kills the adult mosquitoes but not the larva or egg," Santos said.
Mayor Edgrado Pamintuan has issued a circular encouraging school principals and administrators, owners or managers of private businesses and barangay chairmen to form and mobilize anti-dengue team to lead in clean-up drives.
Pamintuan also urged barangay officials to organize a Barangay Dengue Control Team (BDCT) in their respective villages to contain the spread of the viral disease.
The CHO said there are 465 reported dengue cases in this city and of these figure, 101 are confirmed.
Francisco Valdez, CHO environmental health services chief, advised the public to maintain and ensure the cleanliness in the surroundings and remove collected waters in old tires, empty cans, gutters, bottles, bottle caps and other containers.
Dengue-carrying mosquitoes breed in clean stagnant water collected in containers and other catch objects like tires.
Valdez also urged parents to protect their children against mosquito bites.
The CHO, he said, has started its information campaign in the barangays to prevent the spread of dengue.
Dengue fever is a viral disease transmitted by mosquitoes. It is an acute illness of sudden onset that usually follows a benign course with, headache, fever, exhaustion, severe joint and muscle pain, swollen glands and rash.
 
==Angeles City renal unit starts dialysis treatment==
*Source:http://www.sunstar.com.ph/pampanga/local-news/2011/08/16/angeles-city-renal-unit-starts-dialysis-treatment-173272
*Tuesday, August 16, 2011
:By Reynaldo G. Navales
 
ANGELES CITY -- The Angeles City Renal Care Unit (ACRCU) has started offering dialysis treatment for indigent patients suffering end stage renal disease (ESRD).
The dialysis center, which is situated at the Rafael Lazatin Memorial Medical Center (RLMMC) formerly Ospital Ning Angeles (Ona), is offering affordable renal treatment for as low as P1,300 per session.
Conchita Manalo, 51, a resident of Cutcut Angeles City, spends P6,000 for her twice-a-week dialysis sessions.
Andres Santos, 27, a vendor, of Lourdes Northwest has also availed of the treatment at the ACRCU.
Michael Gantan, a person-with-disability (PWD) who is a City Government employee, just started receiving the early pangs of having renal failure. Now, he spends almost P10,000 a week on epharin, hemoglobin and other medical needs.
Angeles City has 15 dialysis units and plans to acquire more in the coming years.
Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan said the City Government is upgrading the level of medical services being offered in the city.
"Through the RCU, we now have the capability of providing dialysis treatment to the growing number of renal patients, many of whom are poor and indigents who cannot afford the very high cost of dialysis in private treatment centers," Pamintuan said.
The RCU accommodates around nine patients a day. Some 13 dialysis units are being used while the remaining two are being kept as emergency units.
Social workers headed by Marilyn C. Abengaña are responsible for checking economic condition of patients availing of the services at the ACRCU.
As of July, the RCU has over 60 applicants from all over the city. Some 40 of these have all been approved by social workers and are waiting to receive dialysis treatment in the coming week.
 
==Clark advisory council honors Cory, five other “Pinatubo heroes==
*Source:http://www.pia.gov.ph/?m=1&t=1&id=48895
*Monday, August 15, 2011
:by Carlo Lorenzo J. Datu
 
 
CLARK FREEPORT, Pampanga, August 15 (PIA) -- The Metro Clark Advisory Council (MCAC) recently conferred citations to the late former President Corazon Aquino and five other individuals for their significant contributions in rebuilding the province of Pampanga from the aftermath of the 1991 Mount Pinatubo eruption. Clark Development Corporation (CDC) president and MCAC chair Felipe Antonio Remollo said the council extolled Aquino “for her decisiveness in initiating the immediate reconstruction and rehabilitation of the provinces of Pampanga and Tarlac after much loss of life and property during the 1991 Pinatubo eruption and for laying the groundwork of policies, plans and programs to ease the social and economic impact of the reversion to the national government of all US military facilities in the country.” Remollo added that MCAC likewise recognized “Aquino’s initiative to convene the Joint Legislative-Executive Bases Council that paved the way for the enactment of Republic Act 7227 or the Bases Conversion Act, and thereafter the creation of the Clark Special Economic Zone which is known today as the Clark Freeport Zone.” Meanwhile, other Pinatubo heroes commended were former House Speaker Jose De Venecia Jr., Jose “Ping” De Jesus, erstwhile Pampanga governor Bren Z. Guiao, Pampanga 1st district representative Carmelo “Tarzan” Lazatin, and ex-Pampanga 1st district engineering office chief Rafael “Pye” Yabut. De Venecia was honored “for expediting proposed bills and house resolutions to implement the speedy rehabilitation of lahar-ravaged communities, for facilitating the approval and immediate release of funds for the government engineering program in Region 3, and for his able leadership and active participation in the Joint Legislative-Executive Bases Council.” De Jesus, who served as secretary of the Department of Public Works and Highways during the Cory administration, was lauded “for his achievement in implementing engineering programs to ensure the effective and immediate delivery of basic and social services during and after the Pinatubo eruption and for his dynamic efforts to provide the necessary manpower and equipment for the massive cleanup, repair and rehabilitation of areas affected by the calamity.” The MCAC praised Guiao “for rallying the Pampangos to overcome the Pinatubo catastrophe through his battle cry Ecayu magmalun, mibangun ya ing Pampanga! (Don’t be sad, Pampanga will recover!)” while Lazatin was commended “for initiating programs that ensured the effective and immediate delivery of basic and social services to those directly affected by the calamity and for his foresight to provide low-cost housing to his constituents at the Export Processing Zone Authority (Epza) resettlement center that became a benchmark for future resettlement centers.” Yabut, on the other hand, was recognized “for undertaking remarkable engineering reconstruction of public infrastructure in his area of responsibility and for his sustained efforts in providing the necessary manpower and equipment for the cleanup, repair and rehabilitation of areas affected by ashfall and lahar.” Regarded as the second largest volcanic eruption of the 20th century, Mount Pinatubo’s climactic explosion happened on June 15, 1991. Its ash falls reached as far as the Indian Ocean. Timely forecasts of the eruption by scientists from the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology and US Geological Survey enabled people living near the volcano to evacuate to safer distances, thus saving at least 5,000 lives. (WLB/CLJD- PIA 3)
 
==De Jesus: Review Northrail design”==
*Source:http://www.philstar.com/nation/article.aspx?publicationSubCategoryId=67&articleId=716410
*Sunday, August 14, 2011
:By Ding Cervantes
 
CLARK FREEPORT, Pampanga, Philippines – Former transportation and communications secretary Jose de Jesus said the stalled North Luzon Railways (Northrail) project should be “reviewed and renegotiated” not only in terms of cost, but also in terms of design.
In an interview with The STAR the other day, De Jesus, who resigned as secretary of the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) last June 30, cited information from engineers that the design of the Northrail project is not appropriate to the terrain of areas it covers from Metro Manila to this freeport.
“The technical people who evaluated it said they (Chinese contractors from Sinomach firm) brought the wrong design using Chinese standards which are not suitable for what we need in terms of terrain,” De Jesus said.
Hundreds of millions of pesos, from funds secured from a loan from the China Export-Import Bank, have already been spent for Phase 1 of the project from Caloocan City to Malolos, Bulacan.
At least 800 huge concrete piles have already been driven into the ground along this stretch where problems have been encountered in grounds that turned out to be too soft.
Phase 1 of the project was initially estimated to cost $403 million, but this was jacked up to $602 million in the last years of the Arroyo administration.
De Jesus noted that while the cost of Phase 1 went up, “the scope of the project went down.”
Phase 2 is supposed to be from Malolos to the Diosdado Macapagal International Airport (DMIA) at the Clark Freeport where thousands of informal settlers along railway tracks have already been resettled.
The entire project from Caloocan to Clark was initially estimated to cost $1 billion to be covered by a loan from China under an executive agreement signed by former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in 2004, although the project was started only in 2008.
“The report I got from our engineers is that the design (of the Northrail project) was not suitable,” De Jesus said.
He said the increase in the cost of Phase 1 “should trigger some questions and we were asking these questions (before I resigned from DOTC).”
Without the railway project, De Jesus said the Clark Freeport “will not reach its full potential” and its “assets will not be fully utilized.”
De Jesus was referring particularly to the DMIA, which former President Fidel Ramos designated in an executive order as the “future site of the country’s premier international airport.”
He said the Northrail remained a priority of the Aquino administration but that “it left so many problems behind.”
“We cannot just cover them as if nothing happened,” he added.
Without the railway linking Clark to Metro Manila, it would be harder to convince airlines to establish regular flights at the DMIA, De Jesus said, noting the congestion at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Manila.
Earlier, the Freedom from Debt Coalition (FDC) had asked current Transportation and Communications Secretary Manuel Roxas II to junk the government’s contract with the Chinese contractor Sinomach on the Northrail amid allegations of overpricing.
Delays in the construction of the railway were initially attributed to these allegations, prompting the DOTC to review the project.
A reliable source from the DOTC, who asked not to be named, said the government did not freeze the project. “It was the Chinese contractor which backed out when the government started to question the increase in the cost of the project,” he said. – With Ric Sapnu
 
==City gov’t re-launches “Citizen’s Charter”==
*Source:http://www.pia.gov.ph/?m=1&t=1&id=48505
*Friday, August 12, 2011
:By PIA Press Release
 
 
 
ANGELES CITY, Pampanga, August 12 (PIA) -- Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan exhorted city employees here to aim high in eliminating “red-tape” in government services. Pamintuan issued this statement during the city government’s re-launching of the Citizen’s Charter held Thursday at the Sanggunian Session Hall. “We need to sustain our efforts at promoting speedier and more efficient service to our people. We need to imbibe among all employees of city hall a culture of prompt, efficient and transparent service,” Pamintuan said. He said that the initiative of Republic Act 9485 also known as the anti-red tape act is an important factor in lessening and eventual removal of graft and corruption in local governance. Pamintuan reminded city government workers to always wear a smile on their faces whenever they transact business with people availing their services. The mayor added that he looks forward to making the city hall “a model and benchmark of efficiency and client-friendly service.” For her part, Vice Mayor Vicky Vega Cabigting said the Citizen’s Charter is the cornerstone of every governance. Vega-Cabigting mentioned the eight characteristics of good governance: consensus oriented, participatory, rule of law, effective and efficient, accountable, transparent, responsive, and equitable and inclusive. “We are glad that we already have taken the first step in realizing these characteristics as this administration is serious in the implementation of the guidelines stipulated in the charter,” the vice mayor explained. Pamintuan instructed the City Human Resources and Management Office (CHRMO) to craft a program that would institutionalize the adherence on the anti-red tape act especially those working at the frontline service offices. “Let us develop a sanction-and-reward system that will discourage those who are sloppy in their jobs, and reward those who do good in the disposition of their responsibilities,” Pamintuan added. The Citizens’ Charter is an official document that communicates information on the services of government agencies. In it are step-by-step procedures for availing a particular service to further expedite processes and make it easier for clients to comply with needed requirements and payments if necessary. In its compliance with the anti-red tape act, the CHRMO has fully reviewed and revised the Citizens’ Charter to improve the functions of the several offices of the Angeles City government, especially its frontline services. Frontline services are the process or transactions between clients and government offices or agencies involving applications for any privileges, right, permit, reward, license, concession, or for any modification, renewal or extension of the enumerated applications or requests which are acted upon in the ordinary course of business of the agency or office concerned. The identified frontline services in the city are City Assessor’s Office (CAO), Business Permit and Licensing Division/Business One Stop Shop (BPLD/BOSS), City Health Office (CHO), City Planning and Development Office (CPDO), City Social Welfare and Development Office CSWDO), City Engineer’s Office (CEO), Local Civil Registrar, Ospital ning Angeles (ONA), Public Employment and Services Office (PESO), City Treasurer’s Office (CTO) and City Veterinary Office (CVO). Among those present during the charter re-launching are: Councilor Joseph Alfie Bonifacio, City Administrator Dennis Albert Pamintuan, City Director Myrvi Apostol Favia of the Department of Interior and Local Government, office and department heads, city hall workers, barangay officials and representatives of both private and non-government organizations.
 
=='''Mayor heightens dengue measures in Angeles'''==
*Sourcehttp:http://www.sunstar.com.ph/pampanga/local-news/2011/08/11/mayor-heightens-dengue-measures-angeles-172210
*Thursday, August 11, 2011
:By Reynaldo G. Navales
 
 
 
ANGELES CITY -- Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan is currently pushing for an intensified anti-dengue campaign in response to the rising outbreak of dengue cases in the country.
"We already sent out a public circular which states that the City Government encourages all school principals and administrators, owners or managers of private businesses and barangay captains to form and mobilize an Anti-Dengue/H-Fever Team that shall lead in the clean-up drive of their respective campuses, areas and districts," Pamintuan said.
The mayor said the team should be able to assist their respective personnel and staff in seeking and destroying breeding places of dengue-causing mosquitoes such as old tires, coconut husks, roof gutters, discarded bottles, flower vases and other containers that can hold stagnant water.
"After the clean-up, the City Health Office (CHO) Sanitation Division may be called to fumigate school premises, business establishments and areas to reinforce the prevention of further breeding of mosquitoes," Pamintuan added.
For its part, the Dengue Prevention and Control Program of the CHO will continuously fumigate areas for this cause.
The CHO reported that as of June 2011, more than 321 liters of fumigating chemicals, 9,630 liters of diesel and 1,926 of gasoline for fogging have been utilized and an estimated 58,000 households have all been fumigated, some of these even twice.
However, in an interview with Dr. Lenario Santos, City Health Officer, he said that mere fumigation of areas will not suffice.
"Even if we fumigate households over and over again, if the members of the households themselves do not practice sanitary measures, problems will arise, especially dengue. That is why we call upon the cooperation of the Angeleños to start cleaning their homes in order to prevent the rise of dengue cases in the city," Santos explained.
"If possible, the public should maintain cleanliness in their surroundings and follow the CHO's advice on getting rid of dengue carrying mosquitoes," Tayag said.
Santos said that as of Wednesday, there are 88 confirmed dengue cases out of the 412 reported in this city.
Dengue fever is an acute illness caused by a bite of a striped Aedes aegypti mosquito. In the Philippines, dengue usually occurs during the rainy season, or from June to September.
The Department of Health (DOH) earlier devised a strategy to educate the public on home treatment of mild dengue cases in an effort to decongest hospitals.
The DOH said patients should be taken to the emergency room if they exhibit dengue warning signs such as abdominal pain or persistent vomiting, red spots or patches on the skin, signs of bleeding, black stools, drowsiness or decreased consciousness, difficulty in breathing, and pale or cold clammy skin.
 
=='''SC offers 'Justice on Wheels' in Angeles City'''==
*Sourcehttp://positivenewsmedia.ca/am2/publish/Cities_And_Towns_23/SC_offers_Justice_on_Wheels_in_Angeles_City.shtml
*Wednesday, August 10, 2011
:By Positive News Media
 
 
ANGELES CITY, Pampanga, Aug. 10 (PNA) - The Supreme Court (SC) has launched its Enhanced Justice on Wheels (EJOW) project in this city to resolve pending cases of inmates here.
The EJOW program is part of the Department of Justice’s effort to render a speedy and swift justice to all, especially to the members of the marginalized sector.
Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan and Vice Mayor Vicky Vega-Cabigting welcomed Court Administrator Jose Midas Marquez and deputy court administrators Raul Villanueva and Nimfa Vilches, who represented the Supreme Court during the launching.
Pamintuan thanked the Supreme Court for conducting the "Justice on Wheels" program in Angeles City.
"This is a good program that the SC is bringing nearer the justice system to the people," Pamintuan said.
Marquez, who is also the spokesman of the SC, said the project of the High Tribunal was a sort of empowerment to the people to have access to justice.
Marquez said the "Justice on Wheels" program had been making the rounds in provinces and cities throughout the country for two years now. We saw that there are some pending cases in the courts. That's why the SC is helping to resolve the cases immediately," he said.
He also said that the program helped free more than 5,000 inmates.
The mobile court is custom-built to efficiently serve its functions. It is divided into two main sections: the front section serves as the courtroom, while the rear section serves as the mediation room.
It is fully air-conditioned and equipped with amenities for the judge, the court personnel, the litigants and their lawyers.
It is also provided with a presiding judge, a clerk of court, a prosecutor, a public attorney, a court stenographer, a docket clerk, a process server, a driver, and a security guard.
The first beneficiary of the EJOW in the city is Mon Dela Cruz, who has been imprisoned for eight years and was acquitted through promulgation.
A dialogue between barangay officials and city court officials was also conducted . Topics discussed included Barangay Protection Order (BPO), Juvenile Justice Act (Republic Act 9344), land ownership and environmental protection and preservation.
Speakers were Muntinlupa City Prosecutor Elisa Sarmiento Flores and retired Justice Oswaldo Agcoali, Professor II at the Philippine Justice Academy (PHILJA).
Over 5,800 inmates have been released under the EJOW, and close to 7,000 cases successfully mediated in less than three years.
A medical-dental and legal aid activity to inmates was also conducted at the Angeles City District Jail.(PNA)
 
=='''63 inmates freed'''==
*Source:http://www.sunstar.com.ph/pampanga/local-news/2011/08/09/63-inmates-freed-171824
*Tuesday, August 9, 2011
:By Charlene Cayabyab
 
 
 
CITY OF SAN FERNANDO -- About 63 inmates at the Angeles City District Jail were ordered released by their respective courts last week.
The Enhanced Justice on Wheels (EJW) Program has hastened up the hearing of cases of the said 63 inmates.
The mobile justice project of the Supreme Court, which was recently launched in the city, hearings and mediations were conducted by the five Municipal Trial Courts and seven Regional Trial Courts (RTC) in makeshift courts around the Hall of Justice.
The announcement of the release of the inmates, who have stayed in jail for the last three years, was also made at the same justice hall.
The justice on wheels program facilitated the resolution of their cases through mediation, where both the complainant and the accused appeared before the local court to settle their respective disputes.
The EJW also included the conduct of a medical and dental clinic at the District Jail given by the Angeles City Health Office where 163 inmates were served.
The Pampanga Chapter of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines and the Angeles City Lawyers League also provided free legal assistance.
RTC Executive Judge Omar Viola said another component of the program is the seminar by the Philippine Judicial Academy on Anti-Violence Against Women and Children Act, the Juvenile Justice Welfare Act, environmental laws, and updates in property registration for village officials.
It is expected that these measures will unclog the courts since most disputes will now be settled in the Katarungang Pambarangay instead of being elevated to the RTCs.
 
=='''Barangay officials apprised of new laws'''==
*Source:http://www.pia.gov.ph/?m=1&t=1&id=47621
*Monday , August 8, 2011
:by PIA Press Release
 
 
ANGELES CITY, Pampanga, August 8 (PIA) -- Some 183 barangay captains and kagawads from Angeles City, Porac, Magalang, and Mabalacat are now better informed of the new laws covering the cases they frequently handle in the Katarungang Pambarangay. The Philippine Judicial Academy, the education arm of the Supreme, conducted the seminar in coordination with the regional trial courts. Muntinlupa assistant City Prosecutor Elisa Flores lectured on the Barangay Protection Order under RA 9262 or the Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children Act and Diversion under RA 9344 or the Juvenile Justice Act. The topic, "Land Ownership: Conflicts and Remedies and Environmental Protection and Preservation" was discussed by retired Court of Appeals Justice Oswaldo Agcaoili. The seminar was conducted for the barangay officials to better equip them with information to facilitate the resolution of cases brought before them in the Katarungang Pambarangay.
 
==Philippine Government’s Peek At Future Plans For Angeles City==
*Source:http://blogspot-blogs.info/theblog/?p=1122
*Sunday, August 7, 2011
:by theblog
 
 
 
Angelenos will see a great deal of development programs in the coming years. With several plans in the pipeline, Angeles City is bent on becoming one of the most renowned cities in the Philippines.
Said plans encompass areas of education, health, infrastructure, economy, environment, tourism, and good governance, among others, that would unquestionably spur broad-based growth for the city, boost the morale of residents, and encourage participatory governance.
Among the plans and upcoming programs of the city government of Angeles for its constituents are the following :
Education.
By year 2012, the City College of Angeles will start to operate, offering courses to youth that shall assure immediate employment after graduation. Before this year ends, the construction of structures and buildings for the city college will be ready for inspection by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED).
Health care.
The city hospital will undergo a facelift of its building facilities and an enhancement of its equipment. After the setting up of the Renal Care Unit, the city government will be tackling the modernization of the facilities of the Ospital ng Angeles (ONA) and a new hospital building will be put up to increase the hospital’s bed capacity.
For the coming year, the city government will be issuing Philhealth Cards to 15,000 indigent beneficiaries.
Roads.
To further ease traffic, Green Lanes will be created for exclusive use of tricycles and motorbikes on main thoroughfares.
Infrastructures.
The Regional Development Council (RDC) has already sanctioned the construction of a service road parallel to North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) from San Simon to Mabalacat, and the East Circumferential Road from Santo Domingo, Pulongbulu, Mining, Tabun, Pandan and Ninoy Aquino. In addition, there are various infrastructure projects worth P61 million that shall be bidded out this year.
At present, the construction of two barangay halls in Santo Domingo and Salapungan are on the process. A barangay hall will be constructed next for barangay Mining.
Meanwhile, the bidding has been set for the creation of social hygiene and legislative building in the city.A budget of P13 million will also be allotted for the construction of additional classrooms and repair of public schools in different barangays, in line with the program of First District Congressman Tarzan Lazatins Kabahagi Ako sa Handog Silid Aralan Tungo sa Kaunlaran.. Economic enterprises. Pampang Market, San Nicolas Market, slaughterhouse, and the soon to rise building of City College of Angeles will be of economic enterprises. There will be a creation of Economic Enterprises Team to be led by an Economic Enterprise Manager. Tourism. The city will be putting up the Angeles City Tourism Road Map to make the city’s tourism industry prominent in the whole country. Environment. The planting of trees in all places possible will be doubled. As of now, there are 25,000 bamboo planting materials ready to be planted along the Abacan River to lessen soil erosion.
 
==Work for new municipal building of Sogod expected to start this year==
*Source:http://www.pia.gov.ph/?m=1&t=1&id=46622
*Saturday, August 6, 2011
:by Bong Pedalino
 
 
MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, August 2 (PIA) -- It’s all systems go for the construction of a new town hall for Sogod, 65 kilometers from this city, which will be financed by a loan either from the Landbank (LB) or from the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP). This was learned from Martin “Toots” Lagmay, the town’s administrative officer, in a phone interview with Philippine Information Agency (PIA) this morning. Lagmay said the new municipal building will need P 26 million plus another P 3 million for repairs, the money to be sourced from the LB or DBP, whichever of the two would be able to release the funds sooner as all the needed papers were already processed. The Sangguniang Bayan (SB) had given Mayor Tan the authority to enter into a mortgage agreement with either of the two banks, while the local government unit (LGU) itself had secured a borrowing clearance from the Bureau of Local Government Finance (BLGF), an agency under the Department of Finance (DoF), Lagmay informed. Façade of the current municipal building showed signs of deterioration as it was built sixty-five years ago, hence the motive for the collective decision to build a new one and waive major repairs to save on costs, he added. He said the new structure will serve as the legacy of Mayor Sheffered Tan, who is now on his last term as Chief Executive of the booming municipality in the central part of the province. Amortization for the upcoming loan will be taken from a portion of the Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA), Lagmay said, most probably for a 15-year period. As soon as the funds will be available, which is expected to happen before the next rainy days, the project will be subjected to the usual procedures of the bidding process, Lagmay further said.
 
==Celebrate Halloween, Christmas and New Years at the Best Resorts in Pampanga==
*Source:http://philippines.sheryna.ph/40504
*Category: Services » Other Services
*Date: August 5, 2011-www.Sheryna.ph
*Local Area: Clark Pampanga
 
 
 
Manila residents travel to Clark Philippines to celebrate Halloween, Christmas and New Years at the best resorts in Pampanga Families with small children prefer outdoor hotel in Manila, clean and safe place in Pampanga Clark to bring kids to relax and unwind. Outdoor space is an important criterion affecting the selection of a suitable hotel in Clark Pampanga for family bonding or to relax and unwind with friends. Best hotel in Clark Pampanga offers good outdoor facilities, large picnic grounds, lake and beach and other outdoor amenities making it possible for guests of this frequently visited hotel in Clark to relax and unwind with no stress.
Subic is a popular destination for visitors from Manila bringing family out of town for a short getaway to the north. Subic is well known for its diving sites, the sea and water sports that come with the territory. However one thing that resorts and hotels in Subic are not famous for is dining options. For years, visitors to Subic have complained about the quality of the restaurants and dining establishments but it is only until recently that travelers to Subic discovered the best restaurant to wine and dine, even for visitors with families and children.
 
The 3000-square-meter wading pond called the Family Cove is frequently used for company outings, family picnics, team building and other corporate and personal functions and events that involve some water activities and sports. Water volleyball and other games and water sports are highly popular in this facility. At the side, there is a snack bar that can serve food and beverages during a function and event at this venue.
The best getaway destination vacation spot near Manila is Clark, Pampanga which is also convenient, safe and accessible. Clearwater Beach Resort in Clark Pampanga is the most popular choice of resorts with good outdoor facilities for tourists and local residents for a vacation spot to unwind and relax. http://www.ClearwaterPhilippines.com
 
Clearwater Resort and Country Club Creekside Road near Centennial Expo, Clark Freeport, Pampanga Philippines 2023 (632) 633-1566 (045)599-5949 0917-520-4403 0922-870-5177 Joanne or Jeremy
 
Clearwater Resort Clark Pampanga Manila Sales Office 3003C East Tower, Phil Stock Exchange Center, Exchange Rd Ortigas Metro Manila, Philippines 1605 (632) 637-5019 0917-520-4393 Rea, Kristine or Chay
Reservation@ClearwaterPhilippines.com
 
==Pampanga residents fear possible collapse of dikes==
*Source:http://www.philstar.com/nation/article.aspx?publicationSubCategoryId=200&articleId=712217
*By:www.philstar.com
*''Date: August 01, 2011-www.philstar.com''
 
PAMPANGA, Philippines - Residents along the major river systems and tributaries in the province expressed fear that the earth dikes may collapse as they were heavily damaged by continuous heavy rains.
In San Simon town, two barangays were disconnected due to the scouring of the Pampang river's earth dike connecting Sta. Cruz and San Miguel villages. Thousands of residents were affected.
The residents along the Arnedo dike in Barangay San Pedro in San Simon town said the continuous scouring of the dike might put them in danger, especially during rainy season.
Officials from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) said people living near the Arnedo dike should abandoned the area because it is now deteriorating and it cannot withstand the strong current of Pampanga River.
Relocation and resettlement of the people living along Arnedo dike from Arayat, Candaba, San Luis, San Simon and Apalit towns to other safer places is highly recommended, DPWH said.
In San Luis town, various damages of the Arnedo dike were seen in Sta. Catalina and San Sebastian portions.
In Candaba town, the bailey bridge along Gulap-Sto. Rosario village beside the Pampanga River collapsed which resulted to the isolation of the people in Barangay Sto. Rosario.
In Sta. Ana town, the continuous heavy rains has threatened anew the Sta. Ana- Magalang provincial road along the portions of Barangays San Roque and San Agustin as the Matubig creek traversing these villages connecting Abacan River overflowed.
Based on the report, the Provincial Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) said several dikes protecting thousands of residents in different villages in Pampanga remained under threat due to unabated strong current of water since typhoons Falcon and Juaning hit the province.

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Angeles City - Archived News

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.
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Angeles City

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.

CCP, Bench & SM Clark bring Ternocon 2019 Exhibit in Pampanga

(INQUIRER.net BrandRoom)

The Cultural Center of the Philippines, Bench and SM Clark will bring the Ternocon 2018 Exhibit in Angeles City, Pampanga from August 2-9, 2019 at the Event Center 3 of the SM Clark.

Ternocon 2018 was a terno-making convention and contest for regional designers initiated by the CCP thru its Cultural Exchange Department and Bench (Suyen Corporation). The project aimed to encourage the use of the terno as formal dress, to inspire a new generation of Filipino designers to make ternos that are grounded in the history of the Philippine National Dress, and to motivate regional designers to create works that are at par with the construction techniques of senior fashion designers.

From May 8-10, 2018 a mentoring and preparatory workshop was conducted at the CCP. The Project’s Artistic Director Gino Gonzales together with Ternocon Chief Mentor Inno Sotto, regional mentors JC Buendia (Luzon), Cary Santiago (Visayas), and Len Cabili (Mindanao) shared their respective philosophies and design processes with 30 participants. Twenty-eight designers were finally chosen and asked to create one cocktail version of a balintawak and one formal evening terno each as entries to the competition. The contest proper was held at the CCP main theater stage last Nov. 11, 2018, which included cultural performances that celebrated the diversity of Philippine culture. Gold, silver, and bronze medals were awarded for each category. The program also showcased terno collections by the three Ternocon mentors and an exhibit by the Ternocon Chief Mentor.

Curated by Gino Gonzales, the exhibit features almost sixty selections from over ninety ternos shown at the CCP last November 11, 2018. The 5 ternos for dolls designed and made by Cholo Ayuyao of Angeles City were loaned from a private collection especially for this leg of the tour.

The exhibit tour began in SM Mall of Asia last June 12-19, 2019. The Pampanga run is made possible with support from the SM City Clark, Steven Tan, Slim’s Fashion and Arts School, Central College of Angeles / CCA Sayaw Angeleño Dance Troupe, Mabalacat City Tourism Office, Angeles City Tourism Office, Anak Bale-balayan / Sinukwan Kapampangan, Jeng B. Cortez Catering, Steakstreet, Roberto’s Coffee and Tea, Park Inn by Radisson Clark, Natalya Lagdameo, Zarah Juan, CCP Production Design & Technical Services Division and the CCP Cultural Content Department. The organizers would also like to acknowledge Ternocon mentors Inno Sotto, Cary Santiago, JC Buendia, and Len Cabili.

The exhibit tour in other regions is currently being organized for September to November 2019. For more information, contact the CCP Cultural Exchange Department at tel. no. 832-1125 locals 1708-1709 and email address ccp.ced2014@gmail.com

Angeleña child wonder to compete in SM Little Stars 2019

(Press release)

ANGELES CITY – Qarah Branda Markaye Perez of Barangay Malabanias here is set to represent this highly-urbanized city and the Province of Pampanga in a day of talent spectacle dubbed SM Little Stars 2019 slated on August 18, 2019 at SMX Convention Center, SM Mall of Asia in Manila.

Qarah will try to outshine 30 finalists from all over the Philippines and bring back the province’s winning streak in the said competition of wit, charm, and talents.

The 5-year old child wonder emerged as the winner of the preliminary competitions (under the Dance Category) at SM City Clark where she joined and bested 138 auditionees and 23 regional finalists with her captivating dance moves.

According to her mother, Katrina Rachelle Perez, Qarah’s potential in dancing has been seen at a very young age. During Qarah’s spare time, she tries to mimic dance choreographies of famous hip-hop and all-female groups.

Her parents, who are both ballroom experts, has been in full support of her endeavors to reach her ultimate dreams.

Meanwhile, the City Government of Angeles has expressed its full backing to Qarah’s bid in the said nationwide talent search. During a courtesy call, Angeles City Mayor Carmelo “Pogi” Lazatin Jr. pledged assistance to her as he expressed his confidence that the young wonder will make it to the final cut and emerge as victor in the said competition.

The Barangay Malabanias Council headed by Captain Reynaldo Gueco also pledged financial support to Qarah.

“To our fellow Kapampangans, we are very much elated to the support that you have been extending to Qarah. Seeing all your messages makes her a champion already,” said Qarah’s mother.

If Qarah makes it to the cut, she will join the roster of SM Little Stars Grand Winners from Pampanga like Chunsa Jung (2014) and Marcu Cabais (2016).

To vote her for the SM Little Stars 2019 People’s Choice, log on towww.smlittlestars.com.ph and click on QARAH. The competition allows 10 votes per day. Voting ends on August 15 at 11:59pm (Philippine Standard Time).

The winner of SM Little Stars will take home two brand new cars, P100,000 worth of cash and SM gift certificates, trip for two to China, college scholarships, and a management contract with Regal Films.

Work on P150-million Angeles diversion EPZA road begins

By Jess Malabanan

Angeles City — Local and other government officials on Monday led the groundbreaking of the P150-million “EPZA” diversion road, touted as the ultimate solution to decongest the busy Magalang-Angeles City stretch especially during peak hours.

The project will link this city to commercial areas and towns in northeastern Pampanga. It is a kilometer-long structure that will traverse Barangays Pulung Maragul and Pulung Cacutud, with a concrete bridge crossing the North Luzon Expressway also to be built.

First District Rep. Carmelo “Jonjon” Lazatin submitted the project plan and design three years ago, but the funding was released only this year. The much-needed by-pass road will be completed October next year, he said.

A total of 41 houses situated along Pulung Cacutud will soon be demolished to give way to the construction works. Affected residences will have to claim their compensation from the contractors, the lawmaker said.

Affected residents will be top priority for the housing program of the city government, said Mayor Carmelo “Pogi” Lazatin.

Converge ICT to help in ONA development

(PR)

ANGELES CITY -- Converge ICT Solutions Inc. president and CEO Dennis Uy said proceeds from the sale of some 400-kilometer copper scrap taken down by the firm will be donated to the further development of Ospital ning Angeles (ONA).

Uy announced this after meeting with Angeles City Mayor Carmelo Lazatin Jr. on Wednesday afternoon, August 7, at the city hall. Uy said he will support the development of ONA facilities as part of its corporate social responsibility.

Converge ICT is currently taking down the old internet and cable wires made of copper as the firm shifted to the delivery of pure end-to-end fiber optic technology in Angeles City.

Converge will spend around $1.4 billion in the development of its fiber optic backbones in northern and southern Luzon. Some $350 million dollars alone will be spent in Angeles City where Converge ICT originally started.

The delivery of good health services at ONA and the rural health centers is one of the top priorities of Mayor Lazatin.

Mayor: No more plastic in Angeles City

By REYNALDO G. NAVALES

ANGELES City Mayor Carmelo Lazatin Jr. has ordered the reduction in the use of plastic products and bags in the city to help save the environment.

Lazatin urged his constituents to beat plastic pollution by supporting and participating in the "Refill Revolution" program of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources–Environmental Management Bureau (DENR-EMB), which was delegated to the City Environment and Natural Resources Office (Cenro).

He said the program promotes an environment-friendly city.

He said families are also encouraged to reduce the usage of plastics at home.

The program includes refilling, where people who bring their own plastic bottles and containers may avail themselves of household liquid products and detergents, condiments, and toiletries with prices lower than the existing retail amounts.

Lazatin said raising awareness to lessen plastic production, consumption and packaging will lead to a healthier environment.

“Do not compromise and sacrifice the future of next generation. Let them enjoy a cleaner environment, where pollution will not take place. This is our responsibility for nature,” he added.

DENR-EMB Central Luzon Director Lormelyn Claudio said the EMB initiated an advocacy to inform the people about economical ways to reuse bottles and reduce the amount of plastic packaging that each household produces.

Councilor Alfie Bonifacio, chairman of the City Council committee on environment, said the program will foster unity and cooperation among the people in terms of protecting the environment.

“We need more activities like this that bring together people, businesses, and institutions to work as one for the environment,” he said.

Archimedez Lazatin, officer-in-charge of the City Information Office, thanked the DENR-EMB, private sector, barangay council and individuals who participated in the event.

He also mentioned the first ever “Septage and Hazardous Waste Management” campaign of the city.

“Let us show our concern for the environment by considering our everyday consumption,” he said.

Angeles City intensifies drive vs. dengue

By Marna Dagumboy Del Rosario (PNA)

ANGELES CITY, Pampanga —– The city government here continues its massive cleanup and fumigation in the various barangays despite the decline in the number of dengue cases.

Mayor Carmelo Lazatin Jr. said he ordered the City Health Office to monitor the city's 33 barangays and to form two teams to fast-track the fogging operations in each village.

The city government has also conducted search and destroy surveillance and trainings for the 4 o'clock habit, and lectures to Parents and Teachers Associations (PTA) to raise awareness and seek early consultation and self-protection measures.

Reina Manuel, executive assistant IV, reiterated the importance of the measures to prevent the occurrence of dengue.

“This is the 'shared responsibility' of the community to emulate a cleaner and healthier environment,” she said.

City health officer Alan Cunanan, meanwhile, said with efforts from the grassroots level to the city government, Angeles City is no longer first when it comes to the number of dengue cases.

He also disclosed the revival of the Dengue Brigade campaign in each barangay.

Cunanan said the Ospital Ning Angeles (ONA) is also ready for patients with dengue or other diseases.

Records from the City Health Office showed that the city has recorded 114 cases and zero death from January to August 3 this year, which is 85 percent lesser compared to the 211 cases with two deaths during the same period in 2018.

In 2017, there were 835 dengue cases and two deaths; 1,094 cases, six deaths in 2016; and 1,523 cases, one death in 2015.

Mayor: No dengue 'outbreak' in Angeles City

(SunStar Pampanga)

ANGELES CITY -- There is no dengue outbreak in Angeles City - and Mayor Carmelo Lazatin Jr. wants to keep it that way.

Lazatin has ordered Executive Asst. IV Reina Manuel in coordination with the City Health Office to intensively monitor the city's 33 barangays here, and to form two teams to fast track the daily fogging operations in each village.

Upon the instruction of Mayor Lazatin, the city purchased fumigation solutions and new fogging machines.

Apart from this, the City Government already conducted search and destroy surveillance, trainings for the 4 o'clock habit, and lectures to Parents and Teachers Associations (PTA) to raise awareness and seek early consultation and self-protection measures.

Moreover, Manuel also reiterated the importance of this move to prevent the occurrence of dengue.

For her, this is the "shared responsibility" of the community to emulate a cleaner and healthier environment.

According to her, since July 9, the City has already conducted daily fumigation in some barangays.

Meanwhile, Alan Cunanan, City Health Officer, shared that with concentrated efforts from the grassroots level to the City Government, Angeles City is no longer first when it comes to the number of dengue cases.

Records from the City Health Office show that the city has recorded just 114 cases and 0 deaths as of August 3, which is 85% lower compared to the 211 cases, 2 deaths in 2018; 835 cases, 2 deaths in 2017; 1,094 cases, 6 deaths in 2016; and 1,523 cases, 1 death in 2015.

Cunanan also mentioned the revival of the Dengue Brigade 'Stop the Bite' in each barangay.

He then said that the Ospital Ning Angeles is also ready for patients with dengue or other diseases.

The Angeles City Government will issue a memorandum for barangay chiefs and Department of Education to conduct regular clean-up drive in their respective areas.

SM City Clark hosts Ternocon 2018

By CHARLENE A. CAYABYAB

PREMIER shopping mall SM City Clark (SMCK) hosted Terno Contest 2018 exhibit, a terno-making contest and convention for regional designers.

The TernoCon 2018 exhibit is an initiative of the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) through its Cultural Exchange Department, in partnership with Bench (Suyen Corporation).

The first leg of the exhibit was launched at the SM Mall of Asia on June 11. The second leg at SMCK's Event Center was opened on August 2 and will run until August 9.

CCP chairperson Margie Moran-Floirendo said 60 out of 100 pieces of terno will be on display at SMCK.

Moran-Floreindo said the contest aims to encourage the use of the terno as a formal dress, to inspire a new generation of Filipino designers to make ternos that are grounded in the history of the Philippine national dress, and to motivate regional designers to create works that are at par with the construction techniques of the masters.

"There is a long history about the terno. It is not just fashion, there is a discipline in creating the garment," Moran-Floirendo said, adding that, "We need to pass on those stories. And the exhibit being housed by SM Supermalls, it made the story-telling easier and accessible."

Spearheaded by Project Director Gino Gonzales, the exhibit for TernoCon at SMCK is divided into three sections; the use of black, white, or gray; the use of jewel colors; and incorporation of indigenous weaves or textiles.

During the launching, Kashieca endorser and Kapamilya Actress Bea Alonzo, Kapuso star Lovi Poe and Bench owner Ben Chan led the ribbon cutting ceremony of the exhibit.

Tarlac City Mayor Angeles shares a piece of advice to motivate you this week

(Politiko Central Luzon)

Tarlac City Mayor Cristy Angeles knows what we all need every Monday: a little ounce of motivation.

For her #MotivationMonday this week, the mayor reminded everyone that it is important to apologize, especially if one is in the wrong. It is a sign of humility to be able to say “sorry.”

She then related it to her position as a public servant that she must embody a God-fearing attitude, and a sympathetic and loving heart for others.

Sangil to Converge: 'Poor internet service, not politics'

By REYNALDO G. NAVALES

ANGELES CITY -- Councilor Jesus "Jay" Sangil has clarified that he is not politicking when he called for an inquiry regarding the real state of internet service being provided by Converge ICT Solutions in the city.

"Politics?! The usual scape goat ng mga nako-corner sa mga public issues," Sangil said.

He said several hundreds of subscribers in the city and nearby towns are complaining about poor internet service.

Sangil, a former journalist, claimed that even mediamen and Clark Freeport locators are complaining about the services of Converge. (Maski ding aliwa abe tamu king profession and even several clark locators magreklamu la. Even Clark Development Corporation (CDC) wifi, you could hardly access).

"Where is politics here? We chose to side with our complaining people which is our obligation and responsibility as a public official," the official said.

Sangil bared that he is a longtime friend of businessman Dennis Uy, who is the owner of Converge ICT Solutions, but he cannot just ignore the complaints of the people.

"I for one is politicking if I chose to side with the owner who is a longtime friend (Dennis Uy) and ignore the people's uproar! That is politicking," the councilor said.

Sangil also claimed that Converge is not being singled out. "And besides he is not being singled out, can you please read my speech.

"In our upcoming inquiry, we are inviting all telcos in Angeles City to help our constituents in terms of providing better and fast internet services," he added.

Zii Milktea and Café in Clark: ‘A Smile with every Ziip’

By Astrud Aguinaldo, SunStar Pampanga

TREAT your taste buds to an exciting line-up of tea-infused creamy delight and its famous “add-on”, chewy tapioca pearls that will put a “smile with every Ziip”.

A newly opened milk tea and café in Berthaphil III, Clark Center called Zii is a term of endearment among her circle of friends, according to owner Chie Lozano.

Zii offers six milk tea series and several other coffee series, juices and smoothies. The crowd-pleasing choices are cheese Oreo milk tea, Zii chocolate supreme, Zii cheesecake, among others.

For those who are craving for a refreshing fruity drink, try their lychee or passion fruit tea.

Zii boasts of a complementing combination of handpicked tealeaves and mouth-watering add-ons such as chia seeds, popping bobba, coconut jelly, grass jelly and Zii’s special cream cheese. Chie said she frequently travels to Taiwan to study the essential elements of a milk tea drink.

Chie is the president and CEO of Giada Luan Corp. She is also the owner of G Cafe here and Sweet Maria’s in nearby Angeles City and Sindalan in the City of San Fernando.

An Instagrammable purple and beige ceiling accent and Zen-inspired interiors also make it a favorite meet-up spot for friends and workmates.

For now, Zii Milk Tea and Café will be serving its signature drinks at Office 6A and B, Berthaphil III Clark Center, Jose Abad Santos Ave. But get notified because soon you’ll find outlets in San Agustin, City of San Fernando and Commonwealth in Quezon City.

The café is open Sunday to Monday from 8 am to 10 pm. Zii also offers deliveries within Clark and nearby locations, just call 0925 759 4161.

Converge scraps new billing cycle

By Reynaldo G. Navales

ANGELES CITY -- Internet provider Converge ICT Solutions Incorporated has scrapped the changes it implemented to the billing cycle of its subscribers.

This, after thousands of its clients aired complaints about an increase in their monthly bills, which led to a city council inquiry.

“Good news to all Converge subscribers! Converge ICT Solutions Incorporated said it will no longer change its billing cycle to avoid confusion among its subscribers,” a press statement issued by Converge said.

Earlier, Converge ICT planned to change its billing cycle from every end of the month to every 10th of the month.

Businessman Dennis Uy, president and chief executive officer of Converge ICT Solutions Incorporated, said those who have already paid the nine-day adjustment fee will be accorded a credit. The adjustment fee covering nine days which is around P300 will be deducted in their next billing statement.

Subscribers who have not yet paid the adjustment no longer have to pay for it.

Thousands of Converge subscribers have lauded Uy’s action to avoid confusion.

From a cable TV connection to providing docsis-powered internet, Converge has gradually upgraded to pure fiber optic network to guarantee fast internet service and clear television signals.

“One thing that we are definitely proud of is having our roots planted deeply right in the heart of Pampanga,” the ICT firm stated.

Converge clarified that it did not increase its rates.

“Given all these, we have not increased rates on any of our Internet plans and packages. We implemented a change in the billing cycle last April where the new cycle starts on the 10thof the month instead of the first of the month,” it said.

“We did not bill 9 days (April 1-9) for the April billing. We have since billed the unbilled 9 days as a catch up in the July bill. This is a one-time addition to our subscribers,” the firm added.

Uy said Converge, which is now one of the major Internet providers in Luzon area, will improve its system to better services to subscribers.

Councilor: People need fast, affordable internet

By Reynaldo G. Navales

ANGELES City Councilor Jesus Sangil said the people need fast and affordable internet connection to keep pace with information and communication technology.

Sangil underscored the need for efficient broadband services, as he proposed to the city council a resolution to look into the true state of internet connections being offered by telecom companies.

He urged his fellow councilors to pass, in aid of legislation, a resolution “urging the Committee/s on public utilities and public works and engineering to immediately conduct the appropriate public hearings to look into the true state of the broadband services industry in the city.”

The official said they are planning to invite the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) and the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), as well as competent representatives from Converge ICT Solutions Inc. and other similar private companies in this industry, to provide expert and technical advice and recommendation on how to ensure the presence of affordable broadband services at globally-competitive speeds in Angeles City for the benefit of our people and the city’s economy.

Sangil earlier called for an investigation regarding the complaints of numerous subscribers of Converge.

“Nasaksihan po natin kung paano nag-trending ang kumpanyang Converge ICT Solutions, Inc. ng dahil sa reklamo ng mga subscribers nito sa kawalan, kabagalan at kamahalan ng internet services,” Sangil said.

Converge owner Dennis Uy replied by saying that he never increased its rates.

He said bills for this month increase because the firm added the nine days which were not included in the April billing statement.

Uy said Converge’s rates are lower compared to other internet providers in the city and other parts of the country.

On the issue of poor services and slow internet connection, the telecom firm owner said there are no perfect firms in the industry.

Uy expressed apprehension that he is being singled out by the city officials because of politics. He said the city council should also investigate other giant telecom companies in the city with poor services.

“Why am I being singled out here? This is purely politics,” Uy said.

He added that his firm’s more than 60,000 subscribers all over the country will transfer to other telecom firms if their service is bad.

“We already have subscribers in Manila, Baguio, Pangasinan, and other places.

“Remember, I started with cable connections. But because of technology, we and upgraded our systems and connections to fiber optic gradually to improve our services and provide our clients fast internet connections and clear television signals,” Uy said.

The businessman said he is planning to meet with Mayor Carmelo Lazatin over the weekend to shed light about the issues.

Lazatin, SM Foundation hold medical mission

By Charlene Cayabyab

ANGELES CITY -- Pampanga 1st District Rep. Carmelo “Jon-jon” Lazatin, in partnership with SM Foundation, held a medical mission on Thursday, August 1.

The medical mission at SM City Clark (SMCK) has benefitted about 852 local residents from Angeles City and Mabalacat City. Beneficiaries were able to avail of services such as medical and dental check-ups, and laboratory tests. They also received medicines like supplements and vitamins.

Venus Manalang, public relations manager of SMCK, said other partners to the medical mission include the Rafael Lazatin Memorial Medical Center (formerly Ospital Ning Angeles), Angeles University Foundation and Dentista Dental Clinic. She added that volunteer doctors and nurses were sent by Representative Lazatin and his brother, Angeles City Mayor Carmelo “Pogi” Lazatin, Jr.

Manalang said the medical mission is a yearly event of the SM Foundation, the charitable arm of SM Supermalls.

SM Foundation was established in 1983 by Henry Sy Sr. and Felicidad Sy. The foundation is the heart of the SM Group of Companies focused on social inclusion by nurturing and caring for the under-served communities where SM is present.

Anchored on its founding principle of “People Helping People,” SM Foundation conducts charity projects under four areas of advocacy - education through scholarship programs and donations of schoolhouses; health-oriented projects like medical missions, mobile clinics and hospital activity centers; religious community projects and mall-based outreach programs.

Clark employees, runners support colleague’s run for a cause

(PR)

OVER 300 runners from various organizations including employees of Clark Development Corporation (CDC) recently converged in a running event in the Clark Freeport to contribute to a worthwhile cause and raise funds for an employee who is undergoing treatment.

The CDC–External Affairs Department headed by assistant vice president Rommel Narciso, with its Corporate Social Responsibility and Placement Division arm and other CDC staff, initiated the activity and partnered with Clark Water, Smart Telecommunications and Smoke Events Center Management to organize the running event titled “5k Run for Dhel.”

The said event was created to raise funds for Adelina Acla, a CDC employee who was diagnosed with Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor (GIST).

Exhausting all her ways for financial support, “Dhel” - as she is fondly called by her colleagues - has been in and out of the hospital for 12 years due to GIST and cysts that cause her internal bleeding. Due to her situation, she was required to have a blood transfusion every two weeks which costs around P80,000 per session, with the aid of other procedures and equipment.

Through the effort of various partners and organizations including representatives from Pampanga Infinite Runners and Joggers Unlimited, they were able to raise a total of P85,000 collected donations for Dhel during the event.

Meanwhile, Rudy Abular, a member of the Angeles City-based Joggers Unlimited and member of the Pampanga Press Club, said the activity is an event with a meaningful goal.

“Mas gusto naming sinasalihan ang mga run for a cause gaya nito, kasi nakikita namin na may magandang layunin ito na talagang makatulong at may pinupuntahan ang binayad namin,”he said.

Accordingly, with the support of her family, friends, and colleagues, Dhel still remains steadfast despite her situation.

“I am here knocking in your heart to assist me in my journey, I still want to be with my family, I still want to laugh with my friends and colleagues and most especially I still want to live for myself,” she said.

For those who wish to extend their help for Dhel, donations may be sent through bank deposit at BDO Account: Alfonso B. Acla (001311101169) or contact 09195813661 for further inquiries.

CDC eyes more programs for less-privileged

(PR)

ONE main focus of Clark Development Corporation this year is to increase its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programs and reach out to more less-privileged residents in the Metro Clark areas.

At the core of these CSR programs are projects on health care, education, and livelihood. Partnerships and special projects geared towards the promotion of inclusive development for its nearby communities are also given new impetus.

With 1,038 locator firms that have actual investments of P154.6 billion, a multibillion-peso income, and the value of exports pegged at $4.7 billion, the significance of these achievements will not amount to anything if communities near the Freeport are neglected.

In a report by CDC External Affairs Division (EAD) assistant vice president Rommel Narciso and CSR and Placement Division (CSRPD) to CDC president and chief executive officer Noel F. Manankil, four health-related projects, seven educational programs, nine livelihood initiatives, one partnership activity, and 10 special projects were already implemented from January to May 2019.

Health-related projects include assistance to selected indigent communities and persons with disabilities (PWDs) from nearby Angeles City and Mabalacat City, medical and dental missions, distribution of hygiene kits, feeding programs and health education activities. In addition, more than 1,200 indigent and indigenous patients benefited from the medical and dental mission conducted by CDC last year.

Educational assistance

Twenty-one students were recognized as CDC Academic Excellence Awardees and were given cash incentives and allowances for the incoming school year.

CDC, locators, and partner agencies were also in the forefront of the annual Brigada Eswela program of Department of Education (DepEd) that supported 48 schools from nearby communities here through construction materials and assistance in the maintenance and beautification of school facilities.

CDC and its partners also donated health and hygiene materials, first-aid kits, and school supplies.

Clark locators donated cash assistance to selected schools, while the state-owned firm allotted a total of P375, 000 for the Brigada Eskwela program.

CDC partners who supported the said program are SMK Electronics Philippines Inc., Filinvest Cyberzone Mimosa, Pishon Clark Philippines, CET Cosmo Construction Inc., Joii Philippines Inc., AIW International Development Corporation, Nuesmart Inc., APAC Medical Equipment, Clark Premiere Industrial Park, Inc., La Rose Noire Foundation Inc., Alliance Mansols Inc., Task Us, HBF International Corporation, Coex Incorporated, AGX Express Philippines, ITM Force Manpower Corporation, Intertech Marketing Sales and Services Inc., Oak Leather Clark Inc., Prudence Development and Management Corp., People Support Labor Services Cooperative., Fontana Golf Club Inc., Starboard Manpower Services Inc., Evertrust Business Solutions, and Aviation Security Group and Philippine National Police in this Freeport.

Livelihood projects

Meanwhile, more than 1,300 individuals have already benefitted from the various livelihood projects of CDC that include the bi-annual jobs fair, local recruitment activities, agricultural livelihood and livelihood assistance among others.

A total of 20 Kabuhayan Mobile Karts were also distributed to residents of Angeles City to help them start their own small businesses.

Trainings

CDC also partnered with two locator companies in the Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) industry, namely Sutherland Global Services Inc., and IQOR Philippines to conduct trainings for individuals from nearby communities for language and call center proficiency and BPO readiness.

This project is intended to match the skills of talent pool to their potential employers and the growing number of BPOs inside the Freeport. As of May 2019, a total of 50 individuals were already employed under the same companies after having completed the said trainings.

O&G Leather, another locator, also hired 17 trainees after completing the Skills Training and Employment Program for the Underprivileged Persons (STEP -UP) initiated by CDC. Aderans Philippines Inc. is also a partner locator of CDC that conducts wig making training for individuals from nearby areas.

Special Projects

CDCís Special Projects have benefited 1,222 individuals from three barangays of Porac, Pampanga for victims of the recent 6.1 magnitude earthquake. An annual outreach program was also conducted in partnership with Solaire Resort and Casino benefitting 170 Aeta students from Haduan Negrito Elementary School.

CDC also provided sponsorships to nine schools near this Freeport namely; Brightwoods School, Sta. Ines Elementary School, three Day Care Centers from Mabalacat City; Lourdes Day Care Center, Sta. Maria Homesite Day Care Center,Aguso Day Care Center, and Buensuceso Elementary School in Arayat, Pampanga.

In a recent interview, Manankil said that CDC is now leaning towards a more strategic and developmental approach in terms of crafting their projects. "We are willing to explore and encourage more strategic and developmental CSR projects," he said.

DTI opens Consumer Corner in Nepo Mall

(PIA-3, Press release)

ANGELES CITY — The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) opened its Consumer Corner at the AEC Bayad Center in Nepo Mall recently.

“This aims to strengthen and promote consumer welfare and protection. We targeted malls as they are usually frequented by large volumes of people particularly during weekends and holidays,” DTI Pampanga Provincial Director Elenita R. Ordonio said.

“People can have access and will be more knowledgeable of consumer-related information, education and communication (IEC) materials provided in the Consumer Corner,” Ordonio added.

Available IEC materials include Consumer Rights and Responsibilities, Labelling Requirements, Philippine Standards and Import Commodity Clearance marks, Credit Card Surge, Online Securitips, and E-Presyo.

Also, Bagwis Program, Consumer Complaints, Suggested Retail Price, Price Tag, and Warranty.

DTI will soon open similar kiosks in other malls in Pampanga.

Central Luzon police ready for SEA Games

By NOEL G. TULABUT

CLARK FREEPORT -- The region’s police command sees a safe and secure conduct of the country’s hosting of Southeast Asian Games (SEAG) in Central Luzon, with about 8,000 cops being deployed in the sporting meet this November.

In an interview, Police Brigadier General Joel Napoleon Coronel, regional director of the Philippine National Police said that groundworks have been laid to ensure the safety of delegations from member countries attending the biennial meet.

“We are working closely with the BCDA and the organizing committee and the LGU of Capas. Our planning includes AFP and intelligence agencies, including the NBI in order to provide a comprehensive security,” Coronel said.

Coronel on Thursday, July 11, paid a courtesy call on Capas Mayor Reynaldo Catacutan to discuss preparations for the event.

He said that there are 52 games venues in the region including Clark, Subic and Bataan. Their concentration is in Capas where most of the athletics and aquatics games will be held.

He estimates that some 100,000 attendees comprising of athletes, officials, spectators and guests will be coming to the New Clark City (NCC) in Capas.

The 30th SEAG will be held in various locations in Central Luzon, with the NCC serving as main venue with its 20,000-seater stadium and Finaa standard Aquatic Center. Both are undergoing final stages of completion and would serve as main attractions in the regional sporting meet.

Aside from NCC, other locations include the Philippine Arena in Bulacan for the opening ceremonies.

Coronel said that more than the security of delegations from participating countries, he is more concerned on traffic.

“We have not monitored any threat whether imminent or actual. And I hope it stays that way. Traffic is a principal concern more than security because of yet unfinished road construction which we were told will be finished on September 1,” he said.

For his part, Catacutan said: “Capas is very much ready in hosting the SEA Games considering that all roads leading to the sports city of the Philippines will be turned over by October 15, including the stadium and aquatics center,” Catacutan said in an interview.

Macapagal Museum opens at AUF

(PR)

ANGELES CITY -- The Angeles University Foundation (AUF) formally opened the Macapagal Museum recently in its new location.

The Museum, now located at the ground floor of the Lourdes Building (University Library), proudly features a rich exhibition of memorabilia of two past Philippine presidents — Her Excellency Gloria Macapagal Arroyo and her father Diosdado Macapagal.

The former President and House Speaker led the ceremonial ribbon-cutting along with Archbishop Emeritus Most. Rev. Paciano Aniceto, AUF University president Dr. Joseph Angeles, and close kin Erlyn De Leon, Angelita Cortez, and Alex Macapagal.

Also gracing the affair were Pampanga political personalities Angeles City mayor Carmelo Lazatin Jr., and Pampanga 1st District Rep. Carmelo “Jon” Lazatin III.

The Museum aims to promote and imbibe, more particularly among the youth, the notable contributions of the two leaders who hail from Pampanga in nation-building.

For inquiries and visitation schedule, call (045) 625-2888.

Clark: Where investments and community care thrive

(BusinessMirror)

CLARK FREEPORT — Part of the main focus of Clark Development Corp. (CDC) this year is to increase the Corporate social responsibility (CSR) programs in order to reach out to less-fortunate residents in the Metro Clark areas.

With the influx of investments here, CDC also steps up its CSR projects, targeting mostly programs on health, education and livelihood. Partnerships and special projects geared toward the promotion of inclusive development for its nearby communities are also given new impetus.

In Clark, there are now 1,038 locator-firms with actual investments of P154.6 billion. The value of exports is pegged at $4.7 billion.

Thus, the increase of social amelioration projects can only be achieved by implementing programs and projects crafted to promote inclusive growth. People in adjoining communities themselves will feel that they are part of the growth that this free port is gaining.

According to a report by the CDC External Affairs Division (EAD) to CDC President-CEO Noel F. Manankil, four health-related projects, seven educational programs, nine livelihood initiatives, one partnership activity and 10 special projects were already implemented as of January to May 2019.

CDC-EAD reported that under their health-related projects, the state-firm extended assistance to selected indigent communities and persons with disabilities (PWDs) from nearby Angeles City and Mabalacat City. Other health initiatives being conducted by CDC are medical and dental missions, distribution of hygiene kits, feeding programs and health education activities. More than 1,200 indigent and indigenous patients benefited from the medical and dental mission conducted by CDC last year.

Educational assistance

Valuing the importance of education, 21 students who excel in academe were recently recognized as CDC Academic Excellence Awardees and were given cash incentives and allowance for the incoming school year.

Some assistance was also extended to several schools in the provinces of Tarlac and Pampanga in terms of materials and improvement of facilities. The schools are Aranguren Integrated School, San Vicente Elementary School and Mabalacat City College. Pertaining to the students, Manankil said the various developments in this free port will help bring about more opportunities for them in the future.

“I think with what is happening in Clark right now, there are a lot of opportunities for students and for those who graduate,” he said.

Moreover, since Brigada Eskwela was launched by the Department of Education (DepEd), the CDC with some locators and partner agencies supported 48 schools from Lubao, Porac, Angeles City, Mabalacat City, San Fernando—all in the province of Pampanga—and several schools in nearby Tarlac province. Various construction materials were distributed to selected schools to help maintain and beautify school facilities and premises prior to the opening of the school year.

Aside from the construction materials, CDC and its partners also donated ventilation materials, health and hygiene materials, first aid kits as well as school supplies among others. Clark locators also gave cash aid to selected schools. The state-owned firm allotted a total of P375,000 for the Brigada Eskwela program.

Livelihood projects

Meanwhile, more than 1,300 individuals have benefitted from livelihood-related projects of CDC.

These include the biannual jobs fair, local recruitment activity, agricultural livelihood and livelihood assistance, among others.

A total of 20 Kabuhayan Mobile Karts were also distributed Angeles City residents to help them start small businesses.

Training

CDC also partnered with its two locator companies in the Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) industry, namely Sutherland Global Services Inc., and IQOR Philippines, to conduct trainings for individuals from nearby communities for language and call center proficiency and BPO readiness.

This project is intended to match the skills of the talent pool with their potential employers and the growing number of BPOs inside the Freeport.

As of May 2019, 50 individuals were employed under the same companies after having completed training.

Also in May, 17 trainees were hired at O&G Leather after completing the Skills Training and Employment Program for the Underprivileged Persons (STEP-UP) initiated by CDC and its locator partners.

The STEP–UP Program is a major CSR program of CDC where it partners with its locators to conduct 30-day training for individuals in wig-making and sewing, among others. Trainees also get allowances and guaranteed employment from the firm that supported the CDC’s STEP-UP.

Special projects

For special projects, the state-run firm posted 1,222 beneficiaries, including 973 families from three barangays of Porac, Pampanga where CDC extended assistance to the victims of the recent 6.1 magnitude earthquake. An annual outreach program was also conducted in partnership with Solaire Resort and Casino, benefitting 170 Aeta students from Haduan Negrito Elementary School.

For social development, CDC also provided sponsorships to schools near this Freeport: Brightwoods School, Sta. Ines Elementary School, three Day Care Centers from Mabalacat City and Buensuceso Elementary School in Arayat, Pampanga.

In a recent CSR activity, Manankil said that while CDC has been active in bringing in further CSR-related programs, they are now leaning toward a more strategic and developmental approach in terms of crafting their projects. “We are willing to explore and encourage more strategic and developmental CSR projects,” he said.

DTI offices in CL conduct surprise inspection of hardwares

(Press release)

Seven teams from the seven provincial and regional offices of the Department of Trade and Industry conducted random surprise monitoring and enforcement of Product Standards laws in major cities and municipalities in Central Luzon on July 5, 2019. The surprise inspection was done simultaneously throughout the country through a directive from DTI Secretary Ramon M. Lopez, who also personally visited and inspected hardware stores and warehouses in Metro Manila.

For Central Luzon, a total of 33 hardware stores and warehouses were randomly inspected. Of the 33 establishments, seven (7) are in Aurora, three (3) in Bataan, six (6) in Bulacan, three (3) in Nueva Ecija, four (4) each in Pampanga and Tarlac and six (6) establishments were inspected in Zambales. The monitoring and enforcement teams checked the correctness and sufficiency of markings of construction materials such as steel bars and pipes, which are considered as mandatory products under the Standards Law of RA 4109. The teams also randomly weighed the steel bars to check if they are within the allowable standard weight for each size of steel bars. The bars were also checked through caliper measurement if their thickness is correct based on the markings of the bars.

Based on the report of the Consumer Protection Division of DTI-3, almost all of the establishments complied with Philippines Standards. Only one (1) of the 33 inspected establishments in the region was given a Notice of Violation for selling steel bars that are insufficient in weight based on the standard weight of the particular type of steel bar.

DTI-3 Judith P. Angeles continued to remind hardware store owners to check the compliance of the products they are selling to Philippine National Standards. She stressed the need to check if products have Philippine Standards (PS) mark or if the manufacturers have the appropriate PS license for local products and Import Commodity Clearance (ICC) mark. She also asked consumers to bring their consumer concerns through the Consumer Hotline 1-384 or visit and send a message to DTI’s Facebook platform using the handle DTI Philippines.

Local artist launches 'typographic' exhibit

By NOEL G. TULABUT

CLARK FREEPORT -- A young local graphic artist was launched at SM Clark recently, as the mall featured his works, which include collaborations with known brands in apparel, retail, and print industry.

The works of Gian Wong Wong, 22, from San Fernando, Pampanga, will be displayed in an exhibit dubbed as “Vibrant Typographic Designs and Artworks” at the ground level of SM Clark from July 7 to July 31, 2019.

Wong has been tapped by various brands and products such as Uniqlo, Levi’s, Zig Philippines and Hallmark Philippines, Southern Living Magazine, and Canva, among others. He has also conducted art exhibits in various schools and universities.

Wong specializes in graphic illustrations, lettering or typography with bold colors and playful geometry. Among the awards he received are National Digital Arts Awards 2015 (3rd Place Print Category) and Adobe Design Achievement Awards 2016 (Semi-finalist).

Spot.ph, a one stop urban lifestyle guide on the net, has featured Wong as among the “Top 10 Graphic Artists You Should Follow on Instagram.”

Lanterns show more cohesion in nipping Kuyas; Risers triumph

By Cedelf P. Tupas (Reporter, Philippine Daily Inquirer)

ANGELES CITY—Still working on their cohesion and chemistry, Pampanga and Bataan squeezed just enough from their star-studded lineups to arrest their losing slides in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League Lakan Season last Saturday night at Angeles University Foundation Gym here.

The Giant Lanterns turned to ex-PBA players Mark Cruz and Reil Cervantes to turn back North division rivals the Bulacan Kuyas, 69-63, in their first home game of the season, after the Risers pummeled the Mindoro Tamaraws, 98-88.

“I don’t know the details why we lost our last two games, but one thing I’ve noticed in our third game, we didn’t play with good chemistry in our last two games,” said Pampanga tactician Bong Ramos, whose Lanterns improved to 2-2.

“We were able to address that as we played much better on both ends of the court.”

Resurrecting his career with the Manila Stars last season before moving to Pampanga, Cervantes extended the lead to four points with a triple with 19 seconds remaining, settling the outcome of a nip-and-tuck game that saw both teams battle to 12 lead changes and eight deadlocks.

Cruz, who played for Phoenix in the PBA two seasons ago, did most of the damage midway in the fourth period, racking up five straight points and finishing with 14 points that went with 10 assists.

The Risers’ lineup also boast of former Ateneo stars Anton Asistio and Vince Tolentino and former De La Salle center Santi Santillan, raising expectations at the start of the season.

MPBL: Pampanga, Bataan bounce back

By Cedelf P. Tupas (Reporter, Philippine Daily Inquirer)

ANGELES CITY – North division squads Pampanga and Bataan ended their losing slides with contrasting victories Saturday night in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League Lakan Season at AUF Gym here.

Mark Cruz and Reil Cervantes finished with 14 points each as the Giant Lanterns overcame the Bulacan Kuyas, 69-63, in their first home game of the season, while the Risers coasted to a wire-to-wire 97-87 win over expansion team Mindoro Tamaraws.

Cruz, the former Letran standout, reeled off five straight points in a crucial fourth quarter run, before Cervantes knocked down a triple with 15 seconds remaining to seal the win for the Lanterns, who ended a two-game losing streak.

Toto Villarias found his range from beyond the arc, hitting five triples to help keep the Tamaraws at bay in the second half. He finished with 19 points that went with five rebounds and four assists for the Risers.

The victories pushed Pampanga and Bataan’s records to 2-2, while Bulacan fell to 3-2. Mindoro absorbed its second loss in three games.

BBI Foundation helps set-up, modernize AC college e-library

By Ashley Manabat

ANGELES CITY – Seven high powered computers, two printers as well as tables and chairs were given to the City College of Angeles (CCA) on Friday in a boost to modernize the establishment of its e-library for the use of its students.

The CCA is the beneficiary of the Bridges of Benevolence Initiative (BBI) Foundation, Inc., the corporate social responsibility (CSR) arm of the BB International Leisure and Resort Development Corp. which owns Midori Hotel and Casino as well as Aqua Planet located in the nearby Clark Freeport Zone.

Mayor Carmelo “Pogi” Lazatin, Jr. signed a memorandum of agreement with the BBI Foundation led by its chair, Dr. Irineo “Bong” Alvaro, Jr. and Atty. Sheryl Santos-Centino, for the setting up of the e-library with a scope of supplying, delivering, installing, testing and commissioning of the donated equipment.

The MOA signing was held at the Mayor’s Office at the City Hall.

D’ Heights Casino now open in Clark

By Ashley Manabat

CLARK FREEPORT – The sixth casino in this freeport is now open after it was formally inaugurated on Wednesday.

Dong Huang Clark Corp. chair Lee Shin Kun, owner of the premier resort and casino, led the soft opening of D’ Heights Casino, nestled in the middle of the 309-hectare D’ Heights Resort and Casino which include the soon-toopen five star, 310-room Hilton Hotel and the Hyatt Regency.

Albert Pascual, D’ Heights Resort and Casino business development manager, said the property will also include an indoor water theme park, a man-made lake, villas, condominium towers, the Singapore International School, a 36-hole golf course, restaurants, duty-free shops as well as commercial establishments.

Pascual also said Monterey’s Lake – composed of five towers, 15-storey, condominium units – are all sold out.

The Monterey’s Switch, composed of seven tower condominium units, are now rising on the property, he added.

Pascual said D’ Heights Casino has an initial 50 gaming tables and 576 slot machines. He added that 100 gaming tables will be available during grand opening in October.

The GRANDEST Bridal Fair to happen in Central Luzon!

(Press release)

THE GRANDEST Bridal Fair in Region 3 takes place on July 12-14, 2019 at the Event Centre of SM City Clark. The three-day event will gather the BEST and MOST RESPECTED names in the Wedding Industry, with 103 featured exhibitors, all from Central Luzon.

Now on it’s 11th year, WEDDING DESTINATION: PAMPANGA – The GRANDEST Bridal Fair to happen in Central Luzon, aims to promote Pampanga as an excellent wedding destination north of Metro Manila. The event is organized by Events and Concepts by Voltaire Zalamea, one of the most sought-after wedding and event planner in the region and a Trustee of the prestigious Philippine Association of Wedding Planners (PAWP).

Soon-to-wed couples will be entitled to big discounts and fabulous free items and services if they will book during the 3-day event.

This event is supported by Weddings@ Work (W@W)- the pioneering Filipino wedding portal & online community, Wedding Essentials Magazine– the bridal book for every Filipina Bride, NLEX and SCTEX, Punto! Central Luzon, The Hauslands, BeauteDerm, Public Figure by Paolo Feliciano, and the Angeles City Tourism Office.

PDEA to join Pogi in clearing AC of drugs

By Ashley Manabat

ANGELES CITY – The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) will extend its resources to ensure all 33 barangays here will be free from illegal drugs.

This was the statement of Mayor Carmelo “Pogi” Lazatin Jr. as he announced the full cooperation of the PDEA in clearing 31 out of our 33 barangays here which are drug-affected.

“Angeles City is lucky enough that one of its daughters and my father’s most trusted personnel was appointed Chief of Staff and Acting Deputy Director General for Administration of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency, the lead agency in President Duterte‘s war against illegal drugs,” said Lazatin.

“Director IC Calaguas, my good friend and confidant, has promised that she will extend the resources of PDEA to ensure that all 33 Barangays of Angeles City will be drug-cleared,” he added.

Calaguas will also assist in the setting up of the Balay Silangan Reformation Center, a community-based reformation center for drug pushers, Lazatin said.

“We will reform drug offenders and reintegrate them back as productive members of our society,” he explained.

Three PDEA agents are now currently training personnel in establishing the Sagip Batang Solvent Reformation Center in Angeles City, which will be the first center outside Metro Manila, said Lazatin.

“Through this center, we can now rid and clean our streets of children sniffing solvents or rugby boys and, at the same time, we can reform them and save their lives and future,” he pointed out.

The PDEA will now have a satellite office in the city hall compound and will provide operational support to crack down on illegal drugs, he said, as he warned drug pushers that they no place in Angeles City.

“Not under my watch,” he declared, as he reaffirmed his support to President Duterte’s war against illegal drugs.

Meanwhile, a mandatory drug test will also be conducted on all city hall employees and those who test positive will be dismissed and given proper intervention.

“By addressing the problem of illegal drugs, we are actually addressing our problems on peace and order since 70 percent of crimes are drug-related,” said Lazatin. “I ask each and every responsible citizen to join me in our crusade to make Angeles City drug-cleared through our collective and continued vigilance.”

CDC confers Excellence Award to UP student

(SunStar Pampanga)

CLARK FREEPORT -- The state-firm Clark Development Corporation (CDC) recently conferred CDC Academic Excellence Award to a University of the Philippines (UP) student in this Freeport.

During the Recognition Rites of the UP Diliman Extension Programs in Pampanga and Olongapo, Zarah Monique Lorenzo, who is a BA Applied Psychology student, was awarded the CDC Excellence Award. The said award is granted by CDC to students who showed exemplary performance in the academe.

The state-owned firm lauded Lorenzo for demonstrating outstanding achievements in academics and for putting her heart and effort as a leader in extracurricular activities.

CDC Vice President for Administration and Finance Mariza Mandocdoc presented a medal, certificate of recognition and cash gift to Lorenzo during the said ceremony.

CDC Academic Excellence Award is one of the major and relevant projects of the state-owned firm that aims to encourage students to strive better in the academe.

Recently, CDC also bestowed the same award to college and senior high school students from various schools near this Freeport including Holy Angel University, Angeles University Foundation, St. Peter’s College of Technology, and AMA Computer College among others.

Heritage: Mission accomplished

(PR)

THE only five-term city mayor of Angeles, the outgoing president of the League of Cities of the Philippines, lawyer Edgardo Pamintuan recently visited the famous heritage district to make a final inspection of this tourism landmark as local chief executive of this highly urbanized city.

The creation of the popular Plaza Angel started when Mayor Pamintuan got rid of those ghastly cables, also called inedible “spaghetti wires” dangling along the facade of structures, obstructing the architectural view of the front. What seemed to be an impossible task was made at no cost. This prompted other institutions and local government units to start asking the mayor how he did it.

In celebration of Independence Day last 2012, the National Museum of the Philippines declared the “old municipio” - now called the Museo Ning Angeles - as an important cultural property.

When his plan of installing some cobblestone pavers along Sto. Entierro Street became public, there were mixed reactions initially. But when the project was finished together with the colorful dancing fountain, Plaza Angel became one of the most photographed and tagged locations in Angeles City. The landmark has been referred to as the “Vigan of Pampanga.”

Pamintuan’s determination to preserve the city’s rich culture, tradition and arts has earned numerous recognitions locally, and even the whole country, as evidenced by the consecutive awards given by the Department of Tourism.

EdPam did not stop despite the accolades. The Museo Ning Angeles which houses the first culinary museum in the country is undergoing renovation, a move that got the nod of the National Historical Commission.

The City Library is currently being recreated to add another floor in order to house an amphitheater on the top floor for theater plays, cultural presentations and other meetings. It was during Pamintuan’s term when the city library had the Kapampangan Cultural Heritage Center in order to strengthen his advocacy to promote and restore Kapampangan culture.

In addition to the building improvements, an elevator will also be placed for more convenient access, especially for senior citizens and persons with disability. The facade will also be changed to conform to the neighboring structures. The project is expected to be completed within the year.

Pamintuan brought Angeles back to the map of the world. More kabalen abroad have been booking flights to go back to the city to experience firsthand the unique ambiance of the heritage district.

EdPam’s term as the mayor was a phenomenon. The Angeleños will never forget him for his tangible works and even for the non-tangible deeds for the city and his constituents.

For more than 30 years, the 2012 Top 8 World Mayor will finally enter a private life. Pamintuan finishes his term knowing that what he promised has been delivered.

Clark Int’l Airport handles 2 million passengers in 6 months

By Freddie Velez

ANGELES CITY, Pampanga — More than two million passengers traveled via Clark International Airport (International Code: CRK) from January 1 to June 30, the airport’s highest number in passenger traffic in just six months.

The government-run airport tallied a total of 2,104,226 passengers during the first six months for both international and domestic flights.

“CIAC is able to sustain the surge in passenger numbers largely because of the marketability of Clark airport and the civil aviation complex and because President Duterte willed it, the national government pushed for it and (Transportation) Secretary Art Tugade guided us through,” Jaime Melo, president of the Clark International Airport Corp. (CIAC), said.

The figure is a 63-percent increase from the same period last year, and so far the highest in the mid-year number of travelers in the airport’s 24-year history.

The highest count in one month was recorded last May with 395,847 passengers.

During this period, Clark tallied 913,724 international travelers and 1,190,502 domestic passengers, further boosting economic activities in the greater Clark area.

For its excellent flight punctuality performance and competency in providing exceptional air services, Clark airport looks forward to receive another impressive two-star award by the Official Aviation Guide (OAG), an air travel intelligence company based in United Kingdom, after garnering 75.3 percent On-Time Performance (OTP) rating from June 2018 to May 2019.

CRK was awarded a two-star OTP rating in 2018 owing to the full cooperation of all airlines servicing in Clark, Melo said.

The passenger capacity of the existing terminal is at 4.2 million passengers with a monthly average of 345,000 travelers. CIAC targets to breach the four million passenger mark by the year’s end.

Some 11,500 passengers fly via Clark daily and served by a total of 673 weekly flights, with 202 international and 471 domestic flights.

CDC urged to be a benchmark of LGUs on environment undertakings

(Press release)

CLARK FREEPORT— Officials of the regional office of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) wants Clark Development Corporation (CDC) to be a benchmark on environmental practices as they urged the state-owned firm to help other Local Government Units and partners in adapting its environment undertakings.

During the 21st Recyclables Collection Event and Proper Disposal of Hazardous Wastes spearheaded by CDC-Environmental Permits Division (EPD), DENR Region III Director Lormelyn Claudio challenged CDC-EPD and its partners to help other LGUs in planning their own recyclables collection event.

Claudio said that “there is an urgent need to create awareness among LGUs on how to address household wastes with their respective localities.”

DENR Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO) Pampanga Laudemir Salac also lauded the said activity and recognized the joint effort of CDC–EPD, Environmental Practitioners Association (EPA), and DENR in making the event possible.

Accordingly, CDC Assistant Vice President for Business Enhancement Department Atty. Noelle Mina Meneses highlighted the benefits of conducting the recyclables event in this Freeport. Meneses said that the event will help in environmental sustainability.

Meanwhile, DENR-registered recyclers and treaters participated in the event and raised P714,998 total sales from the various types of wastes materials collected. These include busted bulbs or lamps, electronic wastes, used lead acid batteries, used oil and other recyclables among others.

A total of 68 locators also participated in the event where SFA Semicon Philippines, Yokohama Tire Philippines and Troycor Lighting Corporation are the biggest donors of batteries to the “Bantay Baterya Program” of ABS-CBN Bantay Kalikasan, which is also one of the event’s partners.

CDC also properly disposed its generated hazardous wastes during the event such as busted lamps, lead acid batteries, and other electronic wastes. The state-owned firm also disposed its non-hazardous recyclables materials.

CDC-EPD Manager Engr. Rogelio Magat said that the recyclables event that started in 2010 has evolved through the years, keeping its aim to promote recycling and materials recovery as viable options to reduce the volume of residual and hazardous wastes.

Angeles City requires establishments to install bidets in restrooms

By Andrea Aro

An ordinance requiring business establishments in Angeles, Pampanga to equip restrooms with bidets has been approved.

Angeles City Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan signed the amended Ordinance No. 326, the Sanitation Code of Angeles, on June 26.

The mandatory installation of bidets was stated under in Chapter 1, Section 4, No. 74 – Public Restroom/Toilet, and Chapter IV, Sections 52, 70.4, and 97 of the amended ordinance.

Outgoing councilor Edgardo Pamintuan Jr. filed the revision in the ordinance which was approved on third and final reading last June 25.

CDC holds tree planting activity on Arbor Day

(PR)

A TOTAL of 418 forest trees and flowering trees were recently planted along Creekside Road in this Freeport in a tree planting activity spearheaded by Clark Development Corporation (CDC).

According to CDC- Environmental Permits Division (EPD) manager Rogelio Magat, there were five species of forest and flowering trees that were planted during the activity. These are Ilang-Ilang, Agoho, Molave, Narra and Banaba.

CDC employees participated in the said activity and led the planting of the said trees.

With the theme “Plant a tree for a better world,” the activity also coincides with celebration of the National Arbor Day and Philippine Environmental Month.

The observance of the National Arbor Day was institutionalized under the Proclamation No. 396 that declared June 25 as Philippine Arbor Day and enjoined “active participation of all government agencies, including government-owned and controlled corporations, private sector, schools, civil society groups and the citizenry in tree planting.”

For its part, CDC has continuously initiated efforts in its pledge of preserving the environment. This is through various programs that are geared towards environmental sustainability in this Freeport.

DOTr to launch PUV caravan in Clark Freeport on July 4

By REYNALDO G. NAVALES

CLARK FREEPORT -- The Department of Transportation (DOTr) is launching a nationwide caravan inside the Freeport in consonance with its Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program.

The DOTr and the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) led the National Steering Committee Meeting for the upcoming nationwide series of PUV caravans.

Discussed in the meeting held June 25 at the LTFRB Central Office in Quezon City were the plans and preparations of the involved agencies and car manufacturers in connection with the launching of the program dubbed Modern PUV Caravan.

With the theme "Arangkada ng Pagbabago Tungo sa Kaunlaran," around 30 caravans will be held nationwide from July 4, 2019 to January 27, 2020.

The project is in line with the Duterte administration's biggest transformational initiative -- the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP).

The Modern PUV Caravan is a joint undertaking of the DOTr, LTFRB, Land Transportation Office, and Office of Transportation Cooperatives, in cooperation with the Development Bank of the Philippines, Landbank of the Philippines, and various sub-industries in the automotive industry.

Clark to host 2nd National Halal Congress

By PRINCESS CLEA ARCELLAZ

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO -- The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), as chair of the Philippine Halal Export Development and Promotion Board, and in cooperation with line agencies, is set to hold the 2nd Philippine National Halal Conference on July 2 to 3, 2019 at the Quest Plus Conference Center, Clark Freeport.

The two-day activity is themed “Leveraging on Unified Opportunities for All-inclusive Growth in the Philippine Halal Export Development and Promotion.”

About 400 global and local stakeholders in the Halal industry are expected to attend the event to share best practices and strategies to promote and develop the Halal market worldwide.

The event will also include discussions on innovations in the Halal Industry, Research and Development programs on Halal Services, including tourism and Islamic Finance. Business to Business (B2B) meetings will also be held and Halal certified products will be exhibited.

The event is expected to be graced by DTI Secretary Ramon Lopez and Undersecretary Abdulgani Macatoman, who will discuss the positioning of the Philippines as a respectable player in the global Halal market.

Officials from the Department of Agriculture will discuss Halal production and Complementation while DOST officials will discuss science and technology programs intended to support the Halal industry.

Officials from the Department of Tourism will also discuss Muslim-friendly services as an approach to Halal tourism. A resource speaker from the University of the Philippines was also invited to brief participants on the basic principles of Halal.

An official of the Islamic and Food Nutrition Council of America will also give an overview of the Global Halal Industry, including trends and opportunities for local stakeholders while the harmonization of International Halal standards will be discussed by an officer of the Standard and Metrology Institute for Islamic Countries. Breakout sessions will also be held to further discuss the growing demand for Halal related services.

3 AUF students in Top 10 of 2019 nurse licensure exams

(SunStar Pampanga)

ANGELES CITY -- Angeles University Foundation student Jeremiah Paula Caceres led the country’s latest batch of registered nurses, topping the exams with a score of 87.40 percent.

Two other Angeleneans also secured spots in the Top 10, with Marijioe Angeles notching the 7th spot, and Angelica Audrey Rosary Coronel securing the 10th spot, paving the way for Angeles University Foundation to be named fourth top-performing school in the June 2019 nurse licensure exams.

The University posted a 100 percent passing rate for its first-time takers and an overall passing rate of 97.72 percent. The national passing rate rose to 52.20 percent from last year’s 43.82 percent.

AUF has had a 100 percent passing rate in the nurse licensure exams in five consecutive years.

21 wanted persons arrested in Central Luzon

By Ric Sapnu

CAMP OLIVAS -- At least 21 wanted persons were arrested in separate manhunt operations in Central Luzon, police said Saturday, June 22.

In Nueva Ecija, the five wanted persons arrested were identified as Cerelina Tecson of San Jose City, May Busuego of Cabanatuan City, Elmer Martin of Talavera, Eduardo dela Cruz of Zaragoza, and Armanda Sario of Science City of Muñoz.

Apprehended in Bulacan were Jackerie Perete of Pandi, Maricris Macasero-Bernardo of San Ildefonso, and Jason Escolano of Sta. Maria.

Arrested in Pampanga were Rolando Reyes of Mabalacat City, Jeff Ocampo of Lubao, and Edmond Roxas of San Luis.

Benny Constantino Jr. of Subic, Adrian Manglicmot of Palauig, and Jasmin Pico of Cabangan, all in Zambales, were arrested.

Also arrested wanted persons were Arman Taborlupa and Marilou Macapagal, both residents of Tarlac City; Reyna Torres and Jojo Pitallo, both of Angeles City; Renier Torres of Balanga City, Bataan; Andy Glodove of Limay, Bataan; and Dondi Bade of Olongapo City.

Police Brigadier General Joel Napoleon Coronel, Police Regional Office (PRO)-Central Luzon director, said all wanted persons were arrested by virtue of Warrants of Arrest for different crimes and law violations which include attempted homicide, rape, qualified theft, serious physical injuries, grave oral defamation, falsification of public document, estafa, carnapping, violation of Republic Act (RA) 9165, RA 10536, and RA 8042.

PRO-Central Luzon said it will continue its manhunt operations against wanted persons as the police aims to account for all criminals and put them in jail, said Coronel.

NEDA assures spread of economic growth through infra projects

By Ashley Manabat

CLARK FREEPORT – The spread of inclusive growth and development across the country was guaranteed by the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) upon the completion of the infrastructure projects under the Build-Build-Build program.

NEDA Secretary Ernesto M. Pernia said the projects target to bring development not only in Metro Manila but also in other regions.

“We target to deliver the projects, mostly located in Mindanao, as soon as possible,” Pernia said at the conclusion of the 8th High Level Meeting of the Philippines-Japan Joint Committee on Infrastructure Development and Economic Cooperation held in this freeport.

“Data on the Gross Domestic Regional Product (GDRP) shows that Mindanao has been neglected. We hope that these projects will raise the level of GDRPs of Mindanao regions,” he stressed.

He also said the accomplishment of the projects under the masterplan will narrow down the disparity in the level of development of the regions.

“The idea of having infrastructure projects in the region is to diminish the inequality and to make the regions connected with each other,” he said.

He added that such projects will connect the lagging regions with the leading ones and mainstream economy.

In line with this, the Philippines signed on Tuesday evening a loan agreement with the government of Japan for a $202.04 million or Y21.9 billion loan for the road network development project in conflict affected areas in Mindanao.

SM City Clark joins Nationwide Simultaneous Earthquake Drill

(Press release)

Following the appalling experience from the magnitude 6.1 earthquake on April 22 that jolted parts of Luzon particularly Pampanga which damaged buildings and causing casualties, SM City Clark with its Agency personnel, tenants, BPO, Park Inn, SM employees and mall customers, participated in the ongoing quarterly campaign of nationwide Earthquake Drill.

The mall aims to amplify preparation for earthquakes which may strike without warning and probable unfavorable situation during the rainy season. The evacuation drill will increase the chances of better recovery and implementation of contingencies in the event of disasters. The event also focus on evaluating the disaster response skills of the team.

The people who stood as support groups were the Angeles City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (ACDRRMO) Head Rosvie Henson and Bureau of Fire Angeles Chief Sonny A. Cario, SFO2 Mike Santos, FO1 Armando De Leon, and FO1 Sedfrey M. Tutaan. The importance of disaster preparedness and resiliency is key across SM’s operations, from its management down to the employees and mall frontliners.

Freedom, Food & Fun

By Bernard L. Supetran

ONCE the capital of the First Philippine Republic, Angeles City teems with the unique blend of libertarian ideals, culinary tradition and a whole lot of fun. Just an hour north of the metropolis, this urban center at the heart of Pampanga hosted the pompous first anniversary celebration of Philippine Independence in 1899 presided by then-President Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo.

Held at the stately Pamintuan Mansion, which served as his temporary headquarters, Aguinaldo viewed some 2,000 Republican troops led by his most trusted general, Gregorio del Pilar, as they paraded around the town.

Over a century later, Angeles would be heralded as Pampanga’s “heritage city” because of the Spanish-era homes that have withstood the ravages of time. With the Pamintuan house, now the Museum of Philippine Social History, at its core, Santo Rosario’s heritage district takes you back in time to its genteel days as you walk along its hallowed streets.

Long associated with the nocturnal red-light lifestyle as a remnant of Clark Air Base’s heydays, the city government and community stakeholders—led by the Hotel and Restaurant Association in Pampanga—have been reimaging Angeles to be a center for cultural and culinary tourism.

Among the must-see historic landmarks in the area are Holy Rosary Church, Bale Matua or Founders’ Residence, the grain storehouse-turned-restaurant Camalig, the Bale Herencia ancestral house and Museo Ning Angeles, all of which have an intriguing story to tell.

The more interesting part of the city’s heritage is its food, being part of the country’s recognized “culinary capital” because of its flair for good cuisine for generations. Much have been said about its vibrant food scenario that Angeles has become more than just the vaunted sizzling sisig, which lured the late famed celebrity chef Anthony Bourdain.

Because of its being a retirement place for former American Air Force servicemen and other expats, it has become a melting pot of foreign cuisines. And if you put in the Capampangan’s penchant for cooking and eating, you will find just about all sorts of major food here—from fusion, to American, Australian, Italian, Chinese, Mediterranean, Indian, Japanese, Thai, and Korean, and everything in between.

Due to the influx of Koreans in recent years, it has become the dominant Asian cuisine that punctuated almost every corner of the city, especially in the Anunas district, which has earned the moniker Korean Town.

But the one that seems to have tickled the Pinoy’s taste buds is Yami Bulgogi Korean BBQ Restaurant at SM City Clark because of its relaxed family-oriented ambiance and reasonably priced dishes. Riding on the local’s penchant for individual and group combo meals, it offers grilled and shabu-shabu, and unlimited side dishes, samgyupsal and rice, and occasional promos, thus edging the older and more orthodox Korean dining outlets.

Small children who are yet to get acquainted with Korean taste can settle with fried chicken, pasta and sandwiches, and play at the Yami Kiddie Corner.

Owned by a Filipina-Japanese entrepreneur married to a Korean, it prides itself of serving authentic dishes that originated from the cities of Incheon of Seoul.

On the local front, 25 Seeds and Café Fleur of noted Chef Sau del Rosario are the hands-down choices for their rendition of Capampangan classics set dramatically at the restored Dycaico Ancestral House.

And when you’re about to hit the sack, explore the unconventional accommodation of Kandi Towers and Villas, which are beyond the typical hotels that we know. Developed by Kandi Realty, it boasts of seven elegant residential apartment complexes at the Malabanias area, four of which are high-rise towers laden with modern amenities.

With 321 well-appointed and fully-furnished residential apartments, the spacious units are ideal for long-staying foreign guests and those with an eye for flashy interior designs. It is also tops for balikbayan families who want a relaxing and luxurious staycation away from the madding crowd, but near enough to the usual mountain, beach and adventure spots.

Located adjacent the Clark Freeport, the white-washed towers are equipped with recreational facilities such as swimming pools, fitness gyms, billiards area and roofdeck bars, which are carefully laid out as entertainment areas. Its elegant lobby lounges adorned by freestanding sculptures also double up as a cocktail bar and restaurant serving international gourmet dishes.

With coffee shops, resto-bars, convenience stores and laundry shops as concessionaires, the 11-story towers are like self-contained executive villages, which have all of your immediate needs.

Meanwhile, its villas are world-class one-off design with opulent features that are too overwhelming to enumerate.

And if you cross over to just on the other side of the fence, the options for recreation can easily double.

For a dash of outdoor-based fun, you can bask in two exciting natural getaways situated at the city’s fringes—Green Canyon Leisure Farms, an Instagrammable resort known for its advocacy on eco-consciousness, environmental sustainability and healthy living, and the sought-after Puning Hot Spring and Sand Spa that takes you to a rough ride aboard a 4×4 jeep en route to a rejuvenating lahar and spring treatment.

With a checkered history, living side by side with a vibrant food scene, Angeles is undoubtedly the consummate destination for freedom, food and fun.

Angeles residents conduct coastal cleanup in Bataan

By REYNALDO G. NAVALES

HUNDREDS of government employees, volunteers, students, and leaders from Barangay Balibago, Angeles City conducted over the weekend coastal cleanup in Sitio Looc in Barangay Banawang, Bagac, Bataan province.

Balibago Chairman Tony Mamac said the three-day activity on June 13 to 15 is part of their Independence Day celebration and yearly team building.

Mamac said they coordinated with the local government unit (LGU) of Bagac and his brother Raul Mamac, who is the current provincial environment officer of Bataan.

"Instead of the traditional celebration of the Independence Day, we decided to conduct a bay cleanup in the said village to contribute to the global effort of environmental protection in our own little way," the Balibago chairman said.

A few months ago, the national government initiated the Manila Bay cleanup directing all LGUs in Metro Manila and some parts of Central Luzon to participate in the campaign, according to the village leader.

"Ang pagsasagawa nito ay pakikibahagi ng Barangay Balibago sa panawagan ng ating pamahalaan na makiisa sa paglilinis ng mga dalampasigan na nakadugtong sa Manila Bay," Mamac said.

Mamac thanked his fellow public servants in Barangay Balibago and the students who supported the project.

"Laging tandaan, kung ang mga barangay ay kikilos, ang bayan ay aayos," he said.

DTI-Pampanga opens new Consumer Corner kiosk

By PRINCESS CLEA ARCELLAZ

TO PROVIDE a more convenient service to stakeholders, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) launched recently a Consumer Center kiosk at MarQuee Mall in Angeles City.

DTI-Pampanga Director Elenita Ordonio said the opening of the facility aims to further strengthen and promote consumer welfare in Pampanga and in Central Luzon.

"We targeted malls as they are usually frequented by large volumes of people particularly during weekends and holidays," Ordonio said.

She said with the opening of the said Consumer Corner, consumers are given access and will be more knowledgeable of consumer-related information, education and communication (IEC) materials.

Available IEC materials include Consumer Rights and Responsibilities, Labeling Requirements, Philippine Standards and Import Commodity Clearance marks, Credit Card Surge, Online Securitips, and E-Presyo.

Moreover, Bagwis Program, Consumer Complaints, Suggested Retail Price, Price Tag, and Warranty.

Meanwhile, Ordonio said the DTI is also set to open similar kiosks in other malls in Pampanga soon.

ADB extends $2.75-billion financing for Malolos-Clark Railway

By Bernie Cahiles-Magkilat

The government’s North-South Com­muter Railway (NSCR) project, totaling 147 kilometers from New Clark City in Tarlac to Calamba in Laguna province, received a major boost with the approval of a $2.75-billion financing from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) for the construction of the Malolos-Clark railway segment of the big-ticket project.

The 53.1-kilometer passenger railway project stretching from Malolos to the Clark ecozone down to Clark International Airport in Pampanga, and which includes a 1.9-kilometer extension connecting Solis and Blumentritt in Manila, will cut travel time from Metro Manila to Clark Airport in less than one hour by rail compared to the two-three hour travel by bus or car.

According to the Department of Trans­portation (DOTr), the Malolos-Clark railway – which represents ADB’s single largest in­frastructure financing ever – can serve up to 342,000 passengers daily traveling from Manila to Clark and will ease the chronic congestion on existing national and local roads in Metro Manila that are along the railway’s route.

The project will support the construction of two sections, totaling 53.1 kilometers (km), of the North-South Commuter Railway (NSCR), a 163 km suburban railway network connecting the regional center of Clark in Central Luzon with Metro Manila and Calamba, Laguna.

The Malolos-Clark Railway Project com­prises: (i) Malolos-Clark section (51.2 km) from Malolos to Clark and Clark International Airport, and (ii) Blumentritt extension (1.9 km) connecting Solis and Blumentritt stations in Metro Manila District I (City of Manila).

Both sections are part of the NSCR and extensions of the Tutuban-Solis-Malolos sec­tion financed by the Japan International Coop­eration Agency. The NSCR will be completed during 2022-2025 as an integrated 163 km dedicated suburban passenger railway system comprising four sections: (i) Tutuban-Solis-Malolos, (ii) Malolos-Clark-Clark International Airport, (iii) Solis-Blumentritt-Calamba, and (iv) Clark-New Clark City.

Expected for completion by 2025, the entire NSCR project can accommodate up to one mil­lion passengers daily once fully operational.

Co-financing the Malolos-Clark Railway Project (MCRP) with up to $2 billion for the rolling stock and the railway systems is the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).

Transportation Undersecretary Timothy Batan said the entire NSCR line aimed to serve 700,000 passengers daily once fully operational.

“The North-South Commuter Railway System, or the combined and interoperable PNR Clark and PNR Calamba Projects, dem­onstrates the scale of what the DOTr, under the strong leadership of Secretary Tugade, is working triple, if not quadruple, time to deliver. It is indeed a most ambitious project that will usher in the Philippines’ ‘Golden Age of Infrastructure,’ and that will deliver our president’s promise of a more comfortable life to every Filipino,” Batan said.

In a study, JICA reported that as early as 2014, losses to the Philippine economy from road congestion in Metro Manila is estimated at $53.6 million per day.

The DOTr said the MCRP is one of the government’s numerous efforts to promote inclusive growth and improve transport and logistics services to underserved areas in the country.

The MCRP will provide a high standard suburban commuter rail from Malolos to Clark with the line commencing at the city of Malolos, passing through the town of Calumpit in the province of Bulacan; the towns of Apalit, Minalin, and Santo Tomas, and cities of San Fernando and Angeles and Mabalacat until the alignment reaches the Clark International Airport complex, all in Pampanga.

Aside from Pampanga, other areas in Central Luzon that will hugely benefit from the rail project include and Bulacan and cities in Metro Manila particularly Valenzuela, Ca­loocan and Manila due to enhanced connectiv­ity resulting in lower transportation expenses, more productivity and lesser cost for products and goods. All these will lead to more invest­ments which can accelerate economic growth and expansion while creating more jobs.

Among the industries that are expected to benefit from the construction of the MCRP include the real estate sector, with Central Luzon becoming more attractive to developers as property prices are expected to appreci­ate as a result. The tourism industry is also expected to receive a boost, with an upsurge in tourist arrivals recorded at 4.1 million in Central Luzon last year.

The government has embarked on an ambitious “Build, Build, Build” infrastructure program composed of 75 flagship projects with a total required investment of $180 billion. This is also aimed at raising public spending on infrastructure from less than two percent a decade ago to seven percent of gross domestic product (GDP) by 2022.

The ADB noted that the “Build, Build, Build” program is aligned with the government’s National Spatial Strategy which seeks to “address wide income dis­parities across the country by connecting regions to markets and attracting more investments, generating jobs and spur­ring improved regional economic growth in a country that is already one of South­east Asia’s fastest growing economies. The strategy aims to decongest Manila and cut poverty by ensuring the benefits of growth reach the marginalized.”

Clark Industrial Estate seen to fuel regional growth

By Freddie Velez

ANGELES, Pampanga – The Clark International Airport Corp. (CIAC) is confident the reclassification of the Clark Industrial Estate into a global hub of commerce and industry will hasten regional development especially in the greater Clark area, and Central and Northern Luzon.

Last June 4 President Duterte signed Executive Order No. 81 reclassifying the 290-hectare estate as an international center of commerce, industry, leisure, and recreation.

“This is definitely a marching order in the right direction and will surely be a boon to regional development especially in the greater Clark area, and Central and Northern Luzon,” Jaime Melo, CIAC president, said.

The previous EO No. 716 limited CIAC to “only engage in aviation, aviation-related services and aviation-related logistic activities (at Clark IE5).”

The entire 290 ha of the industrial estate has been reclassified as an international center for commerce, aviation logistics, industry, leisure, and recreation.

“With the new EO, CIAC shall now focus its efforts in aggressively expanding aviation-relation logistics businesses and other industrial and commercial ventures inside Clark, towards making Clark a globally competitive industrial and commercial hub in the Asia-Pacific Region. This development will also further boost economic activities in time for the completion of Clark’s new passenger terminal building next year,” Melo said.

EO 81 states the Clark Special Economic Zone and the Clark Freeport Zone, including the Industrial Estate 5 (IE5), has attracted international attention and interest as the Asia-Pacific Region’s emerging premiere hub for aviation and international logistics, as well as an international center for commerce, industry, leisure, and recreation.

Lions Clubs Serve 1,600 Angeleños in Joint Project

(Press release)

Continuing its annual celebration of Philippines-Australia Friendship Month every May, the Blacktown Ponds Lions Club Inc. of New South Wales, Australia and the Angeles City Clark Balibago Lions Club rendered the 2nd Philippines—Australia Joint Lions Mission in Barangay Cutud, Angeles City last May 22.

The full-service mission helped 1,600 indigents benefitting from various stations catering to urgent community needs. Services provided were Medical (doctor check-ups), Dental (tooth extractions), Optical (reading glass distribution), mass Circumcision, Diabetes blood sugar testing, and a Pharmacy (prescription and maintenance medicine dispensing). School supplies, clothes, and blankets were likewise distributed on—site; hearty snacks were also given out during the activity.

“We are proud to add another chapter in international cooperation between our clubs for a common goal — to serve our underprivileged and less-fortunate,” said Sol Flores Jr., President of co—lead Angeles City Clark Balibago LC.

Lions club members from Australia and the Philippines convened in the Northville 15 Integrated School to tender the service activity, joined by officials of Barangay Cutud headed by its Captain Joen June Ferraris and Principal Ariel Perez.

“We are overjoyed by the fruit of our continuing partnership here in Angeles City, as so many needy from the resettlement are benefitting,” said Rissa McInnes, incoming President of the co—lead Blacktown Ponds LC.

Volunteers for the project came from various government partners, foremost the Department of Health, City Government of Angeles, and the Sangguniang Barangay of Cutud, while ten Philippine Lions clubs from across the country also joined in the efforts. The affair was likewise made more fruitful with the help of partner organizations such as SOUL Group, Inc., Soroptimist International of Angeles City, and the Angeles City Medical Society.

The PHL-AUS Joint Lions Mission is a club-to-club initiative of the Blacktown Ponds Lions Club, Inc. and the Angeles City Clark Balibago Lions Club to jointly render high-impact community projects annually. It is a concerted effort to ensure serving remains efficient and coordinated. We Serve. For more information, visit the club page at http://fb.me/accblc

Construction of vital road development starts in Angeles City

By Froilan Magtoto (PNA)

ANGELES CITY -- The construction of the Abacan Highway (NLEX-SCTEX Connecting Road) that is seen to ease traffic situation in this city will commence soon.

City Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan, together with some local officials, led the groundbreaking ceremony on Wednesday for the formal start of the construction of the vital road development here.

The PHP236-million NLEX-SCTEX Connecting Road will be constructed along the Abacan Riverbank to be funded by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Convergence Program under the 2019 Roads Leveraging Linkages of Industry and Trade (ROLL-IT) program

Pamintuan said the road development will be divided into three stages that include the construction of the connecting road from the Angeles-Magalang Bridge to the Abacan Loop and Balibago Area.

“The project is eyed to decongest the traffic situation at the Pandan-Pulung Maragul-Magalang Area as it will connect the East (Pulung Maragul) and West (Anunas-Friendship) portions of the city via Abacan Riverbank,” he said.

He said the highway will also feature promenades of modern design, biking and jogging lanes.

“Aside from identifying our river’s history, we are also recognizing its potential as a viable road network that will connect the east and west portions of the city,” he added.

SM City Clark joins Brigada Eskwela

(SMCK)

THE EMPLOYEES of SM City Clark volunteered their time off to advocate the Brigada Eskwela of DepEd to help a Public School in Angeles City. Together, the mall admin volunteers together with the agency personnel assisted the Alberto G. Pabalan Elementary School in refurbishing tarnished chairs & tables and repainting classroom walls. The team also donated dustpans, paints, trash cans made from scraps and empty cans.

The Mall Admin Team were welcomed by the hardworking & energetic Principal and Brigada Eskwela Coordinator of the aforementioned school, Mrs. Amy Sicat-Mendoza and Ms. Annabelle Dayrit.

Just like the previous years, SM employees and agencies participated and engaged in the school maintenance efforts to ensure the preparedness of public school facilities prior to the opening of classes. This activity is an annual volunteerism project of SM through the HR Department under the SM Cares program. Aside from SM City Clark, SM City Pampanga, SM San Fernando Downtown and SM City Telabastagan also joined this noble activity.

This program is a manifestation of SM’s commitment to nurture among their employees the spirit of volunteerism through community service.

Kapampangan 1st literacy app for school kids launched

By Froilan Magtoto (PNA)

ANGELES CITY -- The first-ever Kapampangan literacy mobile application was launched here on Monday in a bid to promote mother tongue-based learning to school children.

The launching of the mobile application named “Singsing” held at the city hall was spearheaded by the city government in partnership with Smart Communications as well as local culture and arts advocates.

The mobile application was created to serve as an interactive learning tool for pre-school children, as it features words, letters and numbers, all in Kapampangan.

The software was developed by the students of the City College of Angeles (CCA) and OrangeFix Media, while the content was provided by Sinupan Singsing: Center for Kapampangan Cultural Heritage.

Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan said the project will help safeguard the city’s advocacy of promoting Kapampangan as the official language of the city alongside other official languages.

The application will also further the cause of Ordinance No. 424 of promoting the use of Kapampangan language, especially to young Angeleños and the generations to come.

Pamintuan attributed the project as another milestone for Angeleños whose love and unwavering dedication to promote Pampanga’s rich arts and culture have resulted in the shedding of its “Sin City” image.

“We have come to the age where heritage, culture, and the arts are of most importance to our people. We are now reaping all what we have sowed during the earlier years of my term and now, there is indeed a renaissance of culture and arts in our city,” he said.

“While we are enjoying the advantages of urbanization, we have been keen in protecting the soul of our city - its cultural heritage legacies,” the mayor said.

Culture and Heritage officer Joy Cruz said the application manifests the collaborative and unified efforts of the public and private sectors towards attaining this goal of the city.

"An app intended to teach pre-school children to speak, read, and count in Kapampangan," Cruz said.

Stephanie Orlino, senior manager and head of Education Programs of Smart Communication, said the app is part of their nationwide endeavor of promoting digital learning through the use of the Amanung Sisuan or the “mother-tongue”.

The ‘Singsing’ app can now be downloaded for android handsets via Google Play for free.

Smart Communications disclosed that additional features will be infused to the app in the future updates of the mobile application.

Young Angeleño inventors win big at international science fair

(SunStar Pampanga)

ANGELES CITY – AFTER delivering a vigorous performance at the international competition, the students of the Angeles City Science High School (ACSHS) earned an honorable mention from the Acoustical Society of America (ASA) for their research titled "Hibla."

The award was conferred to the students during the 2019 Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) held in Phoenix, Arizona last May 12-17.

The Philippine delegation, comprised of E'van Relle Matic Tongol, Neil David Cortez Cayanan and Shaira Castro Gozun, earned the fourth highest accolade, besting more than 1,840 research projects from over 84 participating countries from all across the globe.

Their entry “Hibla” focuses on the discovery of an alternative sound absorption material using natural fibers such as bamboo, abaca and water hyacinth.

During Mondays’ flag raising ceremony and courtesy call, Angeles City Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan expressed his elation and pride to the members of the Philippine delegation and said that “Angeleños are truly world-class.”

"Your ingenuity and creative minds have brought another accolade for our beloved city. We at the local government are also celebrating your triumph as you successfully raised our flag in the international arena, and brought home another pride for the Filipinos to treasure," said Pamintuan.

The students comprising the delegation were also the winners in the 2019 National Science and Technology Fair (NSTF) held last February. They subsequently qualified to compete in the international science fair and have undergone comprehensive preparations and trainings.

Lolita Bautista, research adviser of the delegation, said some private individuals and companies in the United States of America have expressed their interest on the project dubbed as “a multi-trillion-dollar industry.”

However, the students stood firm on their belief that Filipinos should benefit first from their invention as they declined the offer.

In behalf of his teammates, E'van Relle Tongol attributed and shared their accomplishment to their parents, mentors, advisers and to the God Almighty for endowing them the knowledge, wisdom, and the will to participate and represent the country in the ISEF.

They also thanked Pamintuan for extending support to the contingents, which they said boosted their morale to bring home the pride for the Angeleños and for the Filipinos in general.

In a press statement after the awarding ceremony last May 16-17, in Arizona, ISEF officials acknowledged and recognized the innovative work of each and every finalist in the competition, saying “their works will help to advance key research areas and provide solutions to global challenges that are critical today. The work they are doing has the potential to make a better tomorrow for all of us.”

Meanwhile, negotiations between the ACSHS and the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) are ongoing for the patent of the "intellectual property."

Pamintuan vowed his support to the students as he personally lobbies their inquiry to DOST to expedite the patenting process.

Also present during the courtesy call are Department of Education Angeles City Superintendent Leilani Cunanan, ACSHS Junior High School Principal Cazarina David, and Gemma Estrabillo, EPS1 in Science.

ADB: Malolos-Clark Railway plan to cut Manila-Clark travel time to 1 hour

By Ben O. de Vera (Reporter, Inquirer Business)

MANILA, Philippines — Travel time between Blumentritt in Manila and Clark International Airport in Pampanga would be slashed to less than one hour when the 53.1-kilometer Malolos-Clark Railway Project starts operation in 2022, thanks in part to a $2.75-billion loan to be extended by the Asian Development Bank (ADB).

The board of the Manila-based multilateral lender on Thursday approved its biggest loan for the Philippines to date to construct the Malolos-Clark Railway, which will be co-financed by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (Jica).

The ADB loan will cover civil works such as bridges, stations and viaducts for the elevated railway alignment as well as the tunnel going to the underground station for Clark International Airport, ADB principal transport specialist for Southeast Asia Markus C. Roesner told a press conference.

Meanwhile, Jica’s counterpart financing worth $2 billion will be used to buy trains as well as put up electrical and mechanical systems, he added.

Roesner said bidding was already ongoing for six contracts covering elevated alignment, depot, and stations.

The Malolos-Clark Railway will have seven stations: Blumentritt, Calumpit, Apalit, San Fernando, Angeles, Clark, and Clark International Airport – all of which will be partially operational starting 2022 using a limited number of trains in order to cater to 350,000 commuters per day, Department of Transportation (DOTr) Assistant Secretary Goddes Hope O. Libiran said.

By the time it is ready for full operations, the rail system will serve one million passengers a day, Libiran added.

This railway project has two components, the main of which was the 51.2-kilometer section connecting Malolos City to Clark across six stations.

Malolos, in turn, will be connected to Tutuban in Manila by the ongoing Jica-financed rail system, which will also be connected to the Blumentritt Station of the Light Rail Transit-1 (LRT-1) by the second section of the Malolos-Clark Railway project.

Under the second phase will be the construction of 1.9-kilometer Solis-Blumentritt extension, where the elevated interchange station for LRT-1 will also be built.

“The rail stations will include multimodal facilities, allowing commuters to easily transfer from public buses and jeepneys to the trains. The underground station at the Clark International Airport will provide a short connection to upcoming and future airport terminals,” ADB said in a statement.

“The project will be built on an elevated alignment, helping reduce the impact on communities, avoid disruption of activities, and mitigate flood risks along the route. It will use innovative construction methods such as pre-fabricated viaduct segments, which limits the need for land acquisition and accelerates construction. High-quality construction methods will be used to achieve the maximum rail speed of up to 160 kilometer per hour,” it added.

According to Roesner, the train will cut travel time between Manila and Clark to just less than one hour from two to three hours by car or bus at present.

“Our co-financing partnership with Jica allows both our institutions to combine our expertise and knowledge in building a world-class railway in the Philippines,” Roesner said.

As a whole, ADB said this project “will help ease the current chronic road congestion in Metro Manila, reduce air pollution, cut the costs of transport and logistics, spur economic growth in central Luzon, and encourage a population shift from the capital to growth centers in the north, such as Clark in Pampanga.”

“The ADB’s partnership with the Philippines has always been strong, and it has become stronger in the last three years. The government’s ‘Build, Build, Build’ program is clearly steering the much-needed acceleration in infrastructure spending, from less than 2 percent of gross domestic product (GDP) a decade ago to 6.3 percent now, well on track to achieve the 7 percent target by 2022,” ADB president Takehiko Nakao said.

“One of the key flagship projects of the ‘Build, Build, Build” program is the Malolos-Clark railway. It will be the ADB’s single largest infrastructure project financing ever, and from a development perspective, we are pleased this investment is taking place in the ADB’s host country. The project, combined with other investments in light rail transit, metro rail transit, and subway systems, will bring back the culture of rail transport in Metro Manila,” Nakao added.

The “Build, Build, Build” pipeline included a total of 75 projects aimed at ushering in “the golden age of infrastructure.”

DOLE 3 holds orientation on Wages and benefits for Workers of Clark Pampanga

(DOLE RO3, Press release)

Clarkfield, Pampanga – The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Region 3 through its Clark Satellite Office holds regular learning sessions on General Labor Standards (GLS) to workers of Clarkfield, Pampanga.

DOLE Clark conducted an orientation on wages and minimum benefits to employees of La Roise Noire Philippines Inc., a state- of- the- art manufacturing company situated at Clark Freeport Zone, with over 1,700 workers in a spacious 150,000 square foot area to be able to cater the demands of the market from over 40 countries.

Through the GLS orientation, companies keep their employees up-to-date of the recent developments in labor laws and likewise guarantees professional growth through the acquisition of knowledge, skills and attitude in line with the changes in the business system which corollary improve their productivity and efficiency as employees.

DOLE Clark Officer-in-Charge Jose Roberto Navata is constantly in coordination with the companies in the Freeport Zone through the Clark Development Council to be able to cascade the programs of the Department as well as to spread and communicate latest issuances on labor laws.

In a statement, DOLE Regional Director Ma. Zenaida Angara-Campita, stressed the Department’s goal in bringing awareness on labor laws and regulations. She furthered that DOLE incessantly adheres to its mandate of developing the human resources in Region 3 as it intends to reach out to the wage earners through familiarization on their rights and obligations to ensure that a more stable and harmonious working relationship is achieved with their respective employees.

Kabalikat sa Kabuhayan’ yields 56 farmer graduates in Angeles City

(Press release)

56 FARMERS including 4P’s from different Barangays in Angeles City and Mabalacat City completed the 12-week Training Program of SM Foundation’s Kabalikat sa Kabuhayan, which was administered by Harbest Agribusiness, SM Foundation’s project partner. A harvest festival preceded the graduation rites at Barangay Cutud, Villa Remedios in Angeles City. After the harvest, the farmers had an hour tour around SM Hypermarket to observe the operations and product presentation of fruits and vegetables in case they decided to be one SM’s suppliers.

Kabalikat sa Kabuhayan is a 12- step program that teaches farmers seed culture and propagation, irrigation and fertilizer application, effective backyard planting and smallscale farming techniques for fruits and vegetables with the cultivation of high yielding vegetables.

Present during the graduation ceremony were Eme Velasquez, Store Manager Hypermarket Clark, Ferdie Canlas, PSPO DSWD Region 3, Jham Pelagio, representative Dept. of Agriculture HVCDP Region 3, Eric Dagdag, Angeles City Agriculturist, and the first lady of Angeles City Mrs. Herminia Pamintuan.

Angeles City mayor-elect forms transition team

By REYNALDO G. NAVALES

ANGELES CITY -- Mayor-elect Carmelo Lazatin Jr. said he had formed a transition team to ensure a smooth transfer of power in the local government unit's leadership and administration.

Lazatin bared this during a media forum Tuesday, May 21, dubbed News @Hues hosted by the Pampanga Press Club and the Park Inn by Radisson Clark.

Lazatin said the team will be composed of former councilor Willie Rivera, businessman Frankie Villanueva, Malabanias Chairman Reynaldo Gueco, Dan Nacu, Dr. Froilan Canlas, Kercee Lazatin and others.

The incoming mayor said he is still waiting for the formal invitation of incumbent Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan.

"Hindi pa po naguumpisa yung usapan, hinihintay pa po namin ang imbitasyon na mangagaling po sa ating alkalde (We have not yet started the talk. We are still waiting for incumbent Mayor Pamintuan's invitation)," Lazatin said.

He said his first order of business is to check the operations and services of the Ospital Ning Angeles.

He said his team received numerous complaints from the people of Angeles City during the campaign period.

"Aayusin po muna natin ang ating ospital para makita po natin kung gaano kasama. Iyan po ang unang unang reklamo ng ating mga kababayan dito sa Lungsod ng Angeles (We will check our hospital to see how bad the problem is. That's the first complaint we got from the people of Angeles)," Lazatin said.

Rural health units in the city will be activated, he added.

"Almost all of the six RHUs in the city are not operational and they have no medicines. So we will prioritize the rehabilitation of these health centers," Lazatin said.

CDC Brigada Eskwela 2019

(SunStar Pampanga)

CLARK Development Corporation (CDC) president and CEO Noel F. Manankil, with CDC Vice President for Administration and Finance Mariza Mandocdoc, CDC Assistant Vice President for Administration Zoraida Camello, CDC Assistant Vice President for External Affairs Department Rommel Narciso and CDC Corporate Services Division Manager Anna Gayle Barin led the CDC's Brigada Eskwela 2019 project where a total of 48 schools from various communities in Tarlac, Pampanga, Angeles City and Mabalacat City benefitted.

Meanwhile, members of the Aviation Security Unit (AVSEU) of Philippine National Police-Central Luzon, led by Colonel Diosdado Fabian, and AVSEU-Central Luzon Advisory Council also extended support in the activity.

Pampanga wins top spot in Gawad Kalasag award

By PRINCESS CLEA ARCELLAZ

THE province of Pampanga and two of its cities were declared winners of the 21st Regional Gawad Kalasag by the Central Luzon Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC-3).

Office of Civil Defense (OCD) Regional Director and RDRRMC 3 Chairperson Marlou L. Salazar announced that Pampanga finished first place in the Local DRRMC category provincial level, while Angeles City bagged the top prize in the Highly-Urbanized City, and the City of San Fernando for Component City level.

Also proclaimed winners were Aurora for first to third class municipality level and Barangay Pagas in Cabanatuan City, Nueva Ecija for Barangay-Urban level.

Meanwhile, Sindalan National Child Development Center from City of San Fernando was also named winner in School Category Early Learning Center level along with Alas Asin Elementary School from Mariveles, Bataan in the Public Elementary level, Camp Tinio National High School from Cabanatuan City in the Public Secondary level, and Tarlac Agricultural University for Higher Education Institution level.

Hospital category winners, meanwhile, include Dr. Paulino J. Garcia Memorial Research and Medical Center from Cabanatuan City for National level, Mariveles Mental Hospital from Bataan for Specialty Level, and James L. Gordon Memorial Hospital from Olongapo City for Local Government Unit level.

Salazar said the annual search aims to recognize outstanding performances of Local DRRM Councils/Committees, institutions, organizations, and individuals who have shown acts of heroism before, during, or after a disaster or emergency.

BDO volunteers extend helping hand in earthquake-hit Pampanga

(SunStar Pampanga)

IN KEEPING with the spirit of bayanihan, officers and staff of BDO branches in Pampanga mounted relief operations for hundreds of families affected by a strong earthquake that struck the province and other neighboring areas.

Volunteers from the BDO Angeles Nepo Mart branch, BDO San Fernando-MacArthur Highway branch and BDO Waltermart-Pampanga branch visited the municipalities of Floridablanca and Porac to distribute more than 1,900 relief packs containing food and water to the affected residents.

The relief operations were organized by BDO Foundation, the corporate social responsibility arm of BDO Unibank, in line with its disaster response advocacy. Supported by employees from more than 1,100 BDO branches nationwide, the foundation conducts relief operations nationwide for people affected by natural or man-made disasters.

One of the strongest to hit Luzon in recent years, the 6.1-magnitude earthquake damaged buildings, infrastructure, churches and homes. It caused power outages and injured scores of people in Pampanga. Porac, one of the hardest hit by the quake, was placed under a state of calamity by the local government unit.

Clark: A realization of a dream

By Amy R. Remo (Reporter)

It has become more of a showcase of what the Philippines can now offer to the global investment community.

Clark, which spans across the provinces of Tarlac and Pampanga, has been thrust into the spotlight in recent years, as the government pulls out all stops to rebrand, improve and further enhance this 33,000-ha expanse.

“In the next few years, Clark will transform completely because of the gamechanging projects under the Build, Build, Build program,” Bases Conversion and Development Authority president Vivencio B. Dizon was quoted as saying in the state agency’s publication.

“It is the dream of every Filipino to live and work in a city that provides the quality of life that we only see now abroad, that unfortunately we do not yet see in the Philippines. And this is what we want the Clark brand to be—a brand that gives the Filipinos, whether you’re rich or poor, young (or) old, the access to live the quality of life that we all deserve,” Dizon said.

There are many reasons why these investors are taking greater interest in Clark.

This area, for one, boasts of proximity to major thoroughfares such as North Luzon Expressway and Subic-Clark Tarlac Expressway, and international gateways, and has more than enough land available for further development. Provinces in Central Luzon also offer access to a highly skilled talent pool, making it easier for locators to fill in the jobs needed in their offices and facilities.

Add to that the proposed transport links including the Manila-Clark Highspeed Rail and Clark-Subic Cargo Rail, which will significantly reduce travel time between Clark and cities in Metro Manila.

Currently, Clark is divided into four districts namely the Clark Freeport Zone, Clark Global City, Clark International Airport, and New Clark City.

Clark Freeport Zone

The 26,000-ha Clark Freeport Zone is the main zone located within the cities of Angeles and Mabalacat. It is home not only to shops and restaurants, but also to logistics, tourism, agro-industrial and manufacturing companies.

BCDA subsidiary Clark Development Corp. reported last week that the export revenue of the Clark Freeport Zone reached $6.14 billion last year. This came from its 1,038 locator firms.

Clark Global City

Spanning across 177 ha inside the Clark Freeport Zone, Clark Global City is envisioned to become a mixed-use central business district. Owned and being developed by Global Gateway Development Corp., Clark Global City aims to host top-grade office buildings, upscale retail outlets, academic centers, sports centers, an urban park, an iconic tower, integrated resort and casino, and modern support services.

Leechiu Property Consultants earlier cited Clark Global City as the “most in-demand development outside Metro Manila.” Hence, it comes as no surprise that many companies, including property developers have started to flock to this thriving side of Central Luzon.

Case in point is DataLand Inc., which is looking to build an office building, dormitel, and hotel within a 2.3-ha property within Clark Global City.

“We believe that a partnership with GGDC is a strategic move and we look forward to building developments that help create a progressive environment in one of the largest office markets in the Philippines,” DataLand president Andrea T. Ulep said in a statement issued earlier this year.

DataLand is one of the family-owned companies comprising the DDTKI Group, which also includes DDT Konstract Inc., Whiteport Inc., Dataj Aquafarm Inc., Agriwaras Ventures Inc., and Andres P. Tamayo Sr. Foundation Inc. Its portfolio of residential condominiums include The Silk Residences in Manila and The Olive Place in Mandaluyong. It also has The Ivy Wall Hotel in Palawan.

Clark International Airport

This 2,367-ha Civil Aviation Complex, also located inside the freeport, covers an area of 2,367 ha with a 3,200-meter long runway. It hosts more than 600 flights a week, with Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific, Emirates, Qatar Airways, Asiana Airlines, Cathay Dragon, Jin Air, Jeju Air, T Way, and Tiger Air as among the airlines operating here.

New Clark City

All eyes are now on the 9,450-ha New Clark City, which is designed to become the archetype of a future-proof metropolis. Comprised of different districts, the New Clark City is targeted and designed to be smart, green, disaster- resilient, sustainable, multifaceted and integrated. And upon its completion, it is expected to contribute a gross output of approximately P1.57 trillion per year to the national economy.

The creation of this modern metropolis was meant to decongest Metro Manila; to serve as back up plan for the government in case of disasters or natural calamities; and to further ease doing business here, and therefore help improve the country’s competitiveness as an investment destination.

Among the first structures that will soon rise here would be the 40-ha Phase 1A of the National Government Administrative Center, being developed by the MTD Philippines Inc.

Indeed, Clark, this early, is proving to live up to its tagline, “Clark: It works. Like a dream.” And hopefully, soon enough, we will realize and reap the benefits of this ambitious dream.

Bureau of Immigration nabs four Korean fugitives

By Jun Ramirez

Agents of the Bureau of Immigration (BI) have arrested four South Korean fugitives wanted by authorities for various crimes.

Immigration Spokesperson Dana Krizia Sandoval said the four Koreans were apprehended in separate operations conducted last Tuesday and Wednesday by operatives from the bureau’s fugitive search unit (FSU) in Pampanga, Makati, and Cavite.

They are now at the BI detention facility in Camp Bagong Diwa, Taguig City pending deportation proceedings.

Arrested Wednesday in Angeles City was 43-year-old Eum Ki Tae, who is wanted in his country for fraud for allegedly swindling a compatriot of more than 43 million won.

His passport has been revoked by the Korean government last year, making him an undocumented alien.

Arrested the same day at his condominium unit in Makati City was 33-year-old Lee Sangmin who is wanted by the Philippine National Police’s anti-kidnapping group for his alleged involvement in the abduction of a fellow Korean, Han Jongwook.

Last Tuesday, FSU operatives arrested in Tanza, Cavite 58-year-old Kim Yoonyoung who has an outstanding arrest warrant for alleged illegal entry of residence.

He is also an undocumented alien as the Korean embassy cancelled his passport in 2014.

During the operations the FSU agents also discovered the presence of another Korean named Yoon Juong Yul, 60, who turned out to be another fugitive wanted for fraud for allegedly swindling 270,000,000 Won from a compatriot.

Ms. Sandoval said all except for Lee will be immediately deported to face their crimes in Korea.

She clarified that Lee will have to face his case in the Philippines, before being deported.

DTI, DOST-PSHS continue partnership in Fablab project

(Press release)

The Department of Trade and Industry Regional Office III (DTI-3) and the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and its service institute, the Philippine Science High School – Central Luzon Campus (PSHS-CLC) continue their partnership through the upgrading of the latter’s Fabrication Laboratory equipment.

In the recent launching of the PSHS-CLC Fablab on April 29, 2019, DTI-3 recommitted its support by providing PSHS-CLC with an upgrade of its Fablab equipment worth Php 2.1 Million. This will complement the other equipment already procured by PSHS-CLC as well as the previous equipment provided by DTI-3 to PSHS-CLC in 2017.

Theresa Ann O. Diaz, PSHS-CLC Campus Director, expressed her gratitude to DTI-3 for providing additional equipment to their Innovation Center. She noted that through the Fablab equipment, students research and learn about product designs and labeling, as well as about creating product prototypes. DOST-3 Regional Director Julius Cesar V. Sicat added in his message that with the full complement of Fablab equipment and its operationalization, the Fablab can be very useful and productive to different users especially businesses. He hoped that micro, small and medium entrepreneurs (MSMEs) can visit the Fablab and make use of the equipment. DTI-3 Regional Director Judith P.

Angeles reiterated the call for MSMEs to maximize full use of the Fablab equipment to make creative products. She noted that the MSMEs who attended the launching should start thinking on how to avail of the services of the modern Fablab equipment. She said that the first Fablab equipment they provided to PSHS-CLC in 2017 included a Laser Cutting Machine and a Bench Milling Machine.

The Fablab project is funded under the Shared Service Facility (SSF) program of DTI which aims to improve the competitiveness of MSMEs by providing them with machinery, equipment, tools, systems, skills and knowledge under a shared system. At present, DTI Region 3 has established a total of 240 SSFs throughout Central Luzon, partnering with cooperators such as cooperatives, LGUs and schools like PSHS to help increase the productivity of entrepreneurs.

20 more lanes to boost capacity of SCTEX toll plazas

(SunStar Pampanga)

IN ITS commitment to further improve customer processing time at the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX), the NLEX Corporation will construct 20 additional lanes in strategically located SCTEX toll plazas.

The toll plaza capacity expansion project, which is expected to start in July and to be completed by November this year, covers Clark North, Clark South, San Miguel, Bamban, and Tarlac toll plazas.

One new toll lane each will be built in Clark North entry/exit and Clark South B exit. Two new toll lanes each will be added at Clark South A exit and Tarlac entry/exit to serve the growing number of motorists traveling in these areas.

The NLEX Corporation will also bolster the service capacity of San Miguel (Luisita) and convert it to a full interchange. This means that San Miguel will be more accessible to motorists, as those coming to and from San Miguel will now have complete entry and exit points from both northbound and southbound directions.

Meanwhile, two lanes each will be constructed at San Miguel northbound entry and southbound exit and another toll lane will be added to the northbound exit.

The soon-to-open Bamban Interchange will likewise have three entry and three exit lanes. The new interchange will become the direct connection to New Clark City, the main venue for this year’s Southeast Asian Games.

Luigi Bautista, president and general manager of NLEX Corporation, said “the additional toll lanes will help improve SCTEX's connectivity in its areas, particularly in Clark, which is being positioned as Asia's next aerotropolis and investment center.”

The new lanes aim to enable speedy toll transactions even during peak hours and holidays when traffic volume on the expressway rises sharply.

In the previous years, the NLEX Corporation, together with the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA), implemented several enhancement projects along SCTEX's 94-kilometer stretch. These projects include the NLEX-SCTEX electronic toll collection integration, the expansion of Tipo Toll Plaza and the Mabiga Interchange. NLEX also completed the pavement rehabilitation of the entire expressway.

CCTV System, LED lights, emergency call boxes, crash cushions, and reflective delineator plates were also installed at the expressway to enhance the safety of motorists. A new traffic control room was built in Dolores, Mabalacat City to track real-time traffic at SCTEX.

Angeles City Archived News

The older news reports are kept here

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