Difference between revisions of "Bataan News"

From Philippines
Jump to navigation Jump to search
→ → Go back HOME to Zamboanga: the Portal to the Philippines.
 
(56 intermediate revisions by the same user not shown)
Line 10: Line 10:
<tr><td align="center"></td></tr>
<tr><td align="center"></td></tr>
</table></div>
</table></div>
==PPP Projects Eyed in Blanga==
==Balanga being transformed into high tech-city==
*Source: http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/350208/cleanest-town-san-rafael
*Source: http://pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?menu=2&webregion=R03&article=1951336534568
*By: Mar T. Supnad
*By: PIA
*''February 03, 2012''
*''Thursday, May 10, 2012''


BALANGA CITY, Bataan — After successfully opening the four-story Galeria Victoria as the city’s landmark public-private partnership (PPP) project under the Aquino administration, Mayor Joet S. Garcia is now looking forward to inviting more investors to engage in PPP projects in the city. With Robinsons Group as its biggest tenant, Garcia said there are more than 100 business establishments that have registered to put up shop inside the Galeria, a PPP project, built by the New San Jose Builders owned by Gerry Acuzar, a Balanga native. Garcia said construction of the building cost P250 million but the City of Balanga spent nothing under the PPP scheme.  
CITY OF BALANGA, Bataan- This relatively undeveloped city is being transformed into the vision of being a world-class university town by 2020. In this light, the city government of Balanga has lined up various technological projects in remodeling the Bataan capital into a “high tech-city.”


==3 Vying For Bataan PD==
Balanga City Mayor Jose Enrique Garcia III announced the construction of a city library and a city information technology lab parallel to improving the education sector with the university town project.
*Source: http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/349557/jalajala-to-have-museum-library
*By: Mar T. Supnad
*''January 28, 2012''


CAMP TOLENTINO, Bataan — Three alumni of Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Class 1985 are vying to be the replacement of Senior Superintendent Arnold Gunnacao as director of the Bataan Police Provincial Office (PPO), officials in Camp Crame revealed Saturday. The Senior Officers Placement and Promotion Board identified the three as Senior Superintendents Peter Guibong, Valfre Tabian and Ricardo Zapata. Governor Enrique “Tet” Garcia said he already interviewed each of the candidates but kept mum on who his personal choice is.  
The said project allots 18.51 hectares or 23 percent of the central district’s 80.42 hectares for the establishment of schools, churches, city hall, and other public buildings.


==Community appeals for electric power==
Garcia said that studies were made designing Balanga after internationally renowned technological institutions like the Silicon Valley in California that has gained prominence worldwide with its investments on computer innovations.
*Source: http://mb.com.ph/articles/349439/cabanatuan-62-years-city
*By: Mar T. Supnad
*''January 27, 2012''


DINALUPIHAN, Bataan — Members of the Roosevelt Environmental Livelihood Employment Skills Association (RELESA) and the Good Samaritan Neighborhood Association appealed Friday to the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO) to issue them clearance to their community for the installation of electricity in their area.
“Silicon Valley (adopted) the fine mixture of ingenuity, innovation, and resourcefulness, (thus) people there were able to transform this once barren, secluded area into a high-tech investment and economic hub,” he said.


In their letter of appeal to PENRO Amado Villanueva, RELESA President Diosdado P. Arreza, Jr., said they have long been in the area and remain living in the dark.  
In Balanga, free wireless frequency internet connections are available in barangay halls, public elementary schools, and business establishments.


==Bataan sighting==
The city government is also establishing information technology corners and e-Centers in Balanga’s 25 barangays under the Barangay Online program, which will serve as venue for technical assistance and online library.
*Source: http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/349358/bataan-sighting
*By: Mar T. Supnad
*''January 26, 2012''


MORONG, Bataan, Philippines — The Bataan Police Provincial Office (PPO) confirmed Thursday that it is verifying reports that retired General Jovito Palparan had been sighted twice in this province.
According to Roneth Santos of the city government, about 42 units of closed-circuit television cameras were installed around the city monitored by the Philippine National Police and the Public Safety Office for public security.


Senior Superintendent Arnold D. Gunnacao, Bataan PPO director, said three teams of fully-armed policemen were deployed Thursday morning and have started combing the mountainous areas of this town, in nearby Bagac, and Abucay where Palparan was reportedly sighted.
Santos said that a subsidized computer loan program for city public school teachers was also launched which gave a P5,000 subsidy to teachers who want to own a laptop computer and the remaining balance was loaned to them with zero interest.


Gunnacao said Palparan was sighted first in the towns of Morong and Bagac last January 10. Then on January 23, Palparan was seen in Abucay town, he said.
Garcia also pioneered the use of a 3 x 4-meter giant LED TV monitor in center of the Plaza Mayor De Balanga used in celebrations.


Palparan, who used to be the commander of the Army’s 24th Infantry Battalion in the 1980s and has since established close relationships with a number of people here, is being sought by authorities over the disappearance of University of the Philippines students.
“We therefore urge each and every Balangueño to continue believing and commit themselves as our partners in pursuit of vision to make Balanga one of the finest cities in the world,” added Garcia.


==Balanga mayor encourages more stakeholders from the private sectors to invest==
==Free CCP workshop to dig ‘gold minds’==
*Source: http://pia.gov.ph/?m=7&r=r03&id=73450
*Source: http://pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?menu=2&webregion=R03&article=1951336464310
*By: Mar T. Supnad
*By: Jose Mari Garcia
*''January 21, 2012''
*''Wednesday, May 09, 2012''


BALANGA CITY, Bataan- "A thriving local economy through investments will be the key to our success,” said Mayor Jose Enrique Garcia III during his recent State of the City Address (SOCA), as he invited businessmen to invest in the city.
CITY OF BALANGA, Bataan- About 200 kids from various public and private schools in this city gathered for a four-day arts workshop facilitated by trainers from the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) to discover “gold minds” among gifted students.


One of the ways to achieve this desire is by updating the Comprehensive Land and Water Use Plan (CLWUP) to suit the needs of our environment, which we are currently undertaking now, said Garcia.
The fourth string of the free, annual workshop dubbed “Batang Sining” was held in Balanga Elementary School from April 30 to May 3 and hailed esteemed art aficionados like Palanca hall of famer Dr. Luis Gatmaitan; Herminio Beltran, chief of the inter-textual division of CCP; Rey Escasenas, storyteller from Alitaptap group; and Jasmine Tresvalles, CCP culture and arts officer.


“Through the revision of this plan by the Planning and Development Office, investors will now be given a list of businesses that they could profit in the city,” he said.
Balanga City mayor Jose Enrique Garcia III said that the use of arts as a catalyst for social change and a force for values transformation among students will mobilize cultural awakening and discover gold minds in line with the city’s vision of a world-class university town status by 2020.


The land area of the city reached almost 11,000 hectares, 54 percent of this is fully developed and productive, while the remaining 46 percent is seeing the potential that entrepreneurs would come pouring in to invest.
“The Batang Sining Creative Expression Workshop for elementary students is part of the city government’s quest to help bring the arts to the masses, particularly to students, and to bring out their imagination, innovative spirit and artistic abilities,” said Garcia.


“And to further develop this city and encourage more businessmen, the City government has passed the idle land tax ordinance that aims to encourage property owners to invest or partner with us to increase the production of agriculture, industrial, mixed used commercial or residential, etc,” Garcia explained.
The participants from grades three to five took part in the activities for day one of the workshop that included group plays like the boat is sinking, connect the body parts and group cheer; creative introductions; storytelling; and writing about what is their idea of a perfect world.


In a related development, the city received two national awards that include the Seal of Good Housekeeping, an award given by the Department of Interior of Local Government (DILG); and Hall of Fame awardee of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) as Most Business Friendly Local Government Unit (LGU) for the third time.
Day two presented sharing of folk stories, art of mime, storytelling hour, appreciating poetry, drawing images in poems and choral reading. Puppet-making and puppetry were staged on day three of the workshop, while dramatization, group presentations and graduation were held on day four.


Garcia said that “these awards shows dedication, hardwork, and good camaraderie of the LGU to entrepreneurs that we assist and provide us with their products and services, as well as giving job opportunities to Balangueños.
“In our time today, the children have their different arts. Their music, for the old-school people, is deafening. This program aims to produce caliber artists like Lea Salonga and Jessica Sanchez,” said City Schools Division of Balanga Supt. Dr. Ronaldo Pozon.


==JRI, APO hold medical mission==
He added that the Batang Sining workshop was in line with the new Child Protection Program of the Department of Education that eyes to steer the students away from abuses like vices at home and in school.  
*Source: http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/348713/sto-ni-o-image-visits-antipolo
*By: Mar T. Supnad
*''January 20, 2012''


ORION, Bataan — Indigent folk will be provided free medical and dental services free on Sunday in this town through an outreach project sponsored by the Jose Rizal Institute Alumni Association Class of 1979 and the Alpha Phi Omega (APO) Samat Alumni Association.
==Ordering back the tides==
*Source: http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/189605/ordering-back-the-tides
*By: Juan Mercado
*''Tuesday, May 08, 2012''


Dr. Junn Teopengco, APO-Samat president, spearheads the medical services for the poor and said that their project is “being supported by Vice President Jejomar Binay.” Councilor Madell Bathan said the same group conducted a similar project in Samal.
Trees fail to flower,” Aetas huddled at the Bataan mountaintop meeting told Fr. Shay Cullen. “Bees are disappearing. Storms  blow away our nipa huts as never before.”


==Migratory birds flock to Balanga==
With Preda Foundation coworkers, the priest toiled up the two-hour steep trail on horseback. Preda buys Aeta wild mangoes at double what lowland hawkers offer and markets them abroad.
*Source: http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/348601/dole-supports-ecijas-red-broom
*By: Mar T. Supnad
*''January 19, 2012''


BALANGA CITY, Bataan — The peculiar but welcome visit of various species of migratory birds in this city continues to attract tourists and entertain investors doing business here.
Half a world away, Oeschger Centre for Climate Change Research scientists documented what Aetas learned from seat-of-their-pants.


Coincidentally, Balangeños celebrated recently the 2nd Ibong Dayo Festival at Wetland and Nature Park in Tortugas in a bid to create awareness on efforts initiated by Mayor Joet S. Garcia and Vice Mayor Noel Valdecanas to protect migratory birds.
University of Bern experiments span two decades, four continents and 1,634 plant species. “Spring flowering and leafing advances 5 to 6 days per year for every degree Celsius of warming,” they report in the journal Nature.


“We are blessed with the natural gifts from God and we must protect them as caretakers,” Garcia said.  
Bern tests “underestimated how much plants change,” reports British Broadcasting Corp. science reporter Matt McGrath. He adds that research leader Elizabeth Wolkovich and This Rutishauser fret over additional water needed by a plant community that  sprouts a week  earlier.


==Improved peace and order cited==
Contrary to myth, Filipinos have modest freshwater endowment: 6,332 cubic meters yearly. In contrast, Malaysians tap into 26,105 cm. Saudi Arabians have only  118 cm. They bartered more oil for water last year when Riyadh ’s last aquifers ran dry.
*Source: http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/348366/afp-augment-zambales-security
*By: Mar T. Supnad
*''January 17, 2012''


CAMP TOLENTINO, Bataan — The Bataan Police Provincial Office (PPO) reported Tuesday the steady improvement of peace and order in this province over the last two years and the continued neutralization of organized crime groups.
Here, “we  have a water aristocracy set on its head.” A squatter’s shack in Cebu City pays 13 times for water than a gated Maria Luisa enclave home, notes the United Nations World Water Development Report.


Senior Superintendent Arnold D. Gunnacao, Bataan PPO director, said there had been a significant drop in the number of holdup, hijacking and robbery incidents.
In the Philippines, 54 out of every 100 lived in cities by 2007. By 2020, the number of urban Filipinos will be double rural counterparts. Many cities are saddled with below-par water facilities even as births and migration interlock.


Gunnacao assured the public and investors that the PPO will continue to exert efforts to get rid of all organized crime groups for a flourishing economy and peaceful way of life.  
A “youth bulge” characterizes this migrant torrent, San Carlos University’s Soccoro Gultiano and Peter Xenos of East-West Center point out. Hormones of these young migrants are on overdrive. They will tarry in the reproductive age bracket longer.


==New Pilar town hall opened==
A sharper slowdown in birthrates won’t materialize anytime soon, not even if the Reproductive Health bill gets into law books. But demand for just about everything else will spiral. And there is no substitute for water.
*Source: http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/348288/pampanga-poet-honored-hau
*By: Mar T. Supnad
*''January 16, 2012''


PILAR, Bataan — Pilarians have all the reason to be proud with the opening of their new municipal hall which now stands as the biggest in the province. “I am proud to be called a ‘Pilarian’ because of our fast-growing economic development such as the establishment of our new municipal hall, the flaming sword, the zip line and the putting up of the Bataan Government center which is now making money,” said Mayor Charlie Pizarro. A total of P37 million will be spent for the complete renovation of the Municipal Hall and the historic flaming sword, a symbol of Pilar’s heroism.
Politically charged issues, like a chief justice’s blacked out dollar accounts, smudge concerns including shifting rain bands. A bachelor President’s date will send commentators into  a tizzy. But glossing over emerging threats can be lethal.


==Balanga Program==
“We’re seeing changes happening… in ways  we didn’t expect to see for hundreds of years,” 27 scientists led by Oxford University’s  Alex Rodgers caution in their recent  “State of the Oceans” report to UN.
*Source: http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/348149/quezon-road
*By: Mar T. Supnad
*''January 15, 2012''


BALANGA CITY, Philippines — As the City’s Barangay week, a flagship program, enters its 5th successful year, Mayor Joet S. Garcia and the City council are bent on further boosting the said program in their bid to serve more the public.
As polluted seas warm, we enter  “a phase of extinction of marine species unprecedented in human history,” they wrote. Over-fishing, pollution and climate change interlock “in ways not previously recognized.”


At the same time, Mayor Garcia also lauded the Barangay Captains here for their full support in launching the program which is actually the brainchild of the mayor to bring the government closer to the people in the barangay level.  
“Accelerated” changes include melting of the Greenland and Antarctic ice sheets. Sea levels are rising and methane trapped in the sea bed, is seeping out.


==Sunrise industries to generate more opportunities to Balangueños==
Here “expect  sea waters to rise by at least 20 cm in the next 40 years,” writes Dr. Wendy Clavano in  a current  series for Environmental Science for Social Change, a Jesuit research organization.
*Source: http://www.pia.gov.ph/?m=1&t=1&id=72547
*By: Joelyn G. Baluyut
*''January 14, 2012''


BALANGA CITY, Bataan- The investments of “sunrise industries” in this city would create additional income and job opportunities to Balangueños which will further contribute to the economic growth here.
The severest threat stretches “along the Paci?c seaboard: from Samar all the way down to eastern Mindanao.” Include the Zamboangas and island provinces of Romblon and Marinduque in the Sibuyan, says Clavano, a PhD  from Cornell University .


Sunrise industries are new or relatively new and growing fast. These are expected to make a big dent in the lives of people here.
She suggests the creation of a “vulnerability index.” This could undergird mitigation programs for what initial data pinpoint as “high risk areas. That sweeps in the Lingayen Gulf (La Union and Pangasinan), Lamon Bay (Quezon and Camarines Norte), Camotes Sea (western Leyte, northern Bohol, and northeastern Cebu).


Through the efforts of the Public Employment Services Office (PESO) and the Software Ventures International (SVI), a business process outsourcing (BPO) company, 150 persons have started their data encoding training. They will eventually be hired by a client of SVI.
Add to that list Guimaras Strait (along northwestern Negros Occidental and Guimaras), central Sulu Sea (Cuyo Archipelago), Iligan Bay (in particular Misamis Occidental), Zamboanga del Norte and Bislig Bay (Surigao del Sur).


This initial start of BPO industry in Balanga has the possibility to reach 1,000 to 2,000 for the coming year depending on the availability of qualified workers, Garcia explained.
`Only 4 percent of coral reefs here in remain in pristine condition. Other countries with equally threatened reefs are Haiti, Grenada, Comoros, Vanuatu, Tanzania, Kiribati, Fiji and Indonesia.


SVI is one of the premier global companies in the field of information technology (IT) consulting and business solutions development. It is a company that provides software services and business services capitalizing in a team of more than 2,000 highly skilled employees. It is also a pioneer in the Philippine IT offshore outsourcing industry.
Edges of the “Tropical Belt —outer boundaries of the subtropical dry zones—have drifted towards the poles, notes Nature Geoscience. Temperature and rainfall changes alter yields, including politically-volatile crops like corn and rice.


BPO, on the other hand, is a subset of outsourcing that involves the contracting of the operations and responsibilities of specific business functions to a third-party service provider.
“In the Philippines, rice yields drop by 10 percent for every one degree centigrade increase in night-time temperature,” BBC’s environment correspondent Richard Black writes. As droughts dry reservoirs, yields have fallen by 10 percent to 20 percent over the last 25 years. More declines are ahead.


Real estate like Camella Homes that had poured almost P700 million investment also added to generate employment here, said Garcia.
Three billion people live in the tropics and subtropics. They’ll nearly double by the end of the century. The National Statistical Board asserts there are 93 million plus of us today. No sir, it’s 99.9 million, counter some United States and international bodies.


Also, the city government had talked with Ayala Land, Megaworld, Sta. Lucia, and Robinsons Land which are big names in the real-estate industry to have their own mixed used community development here.
The “most extreme summers of the last century could become routine towards the end of this century,” predicts the University of Seattle. What would be summer 2100 in the Philippines be like?


==Tagalog News: Bataan, Bulacan, nanguna sa Civil Service exam==
Filipino policy makers must move beyond politics-as-usual. Overdrawing on aquifers in Metro Cebu and Manila is causing severe  land subsidence. Clavano urges that priority be given to adaptation and mitigation approaches for sea rising levels. Like King Canute, politicians cannot order back the tides.
*Source: http://pia.gov.ph/?m=7&r=r03&id=72158
*By: Vinson F. Concepcion
*''January 12, 2012''


Hindi biro ang kumuha ng civil service eligibility exam, sa katunayan, marami ang bumabagsak dito at makailang umuulit hanggang sa pumasa. Kung kayat isang karangalan ang pumasa dito; mas kahanga-hanga kung manguna ka.
“Nor can we move crops north or south since many are photosensitive,” notes Dr. Geoff Hawtin at International Centre for Tropical Agriculture. “Tipping points could come quickly.”


Dalawang lalake mula sa Bataan at Bulacan ang nanguna sa Career Service Examinations sa Rehiyon III ng Civil Service Commission (CSC) na igagawad ang mga sertipiko sa mga pumasa ngayong 1:00 p.m. sa SM City Pampanga Event Center.
==Red tide notice remains in effect in Bataan==
*Source: http://www.pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?menu=2&webregion=R03&article=561336288823
*By: PIA
*''Monday, May 07, 2012''
Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) reiterates its caution to the public to avoid gathering and eating shellfish from the Bataan coastal waters as red tide toxin that causes paralytic shellfish poisoning remains present in these areas.


Si Ezekiel Roel Rodriguez ng Balanga, Bataan ay nakakuha ng gradong 87.43 porsiyento, una sa 754 na pumasa mula sa 5,637 kumuha ng Professional Level ng pagsusulit.
Affected by the ban are the municipalities of Mariveles, Limay, Orion, Pilar, Abucay, Samal and Orani and the city of Balanga.


Namayani naman si Michael De Leon ng Sta. Maria, Bulacan na may gradong 87.26 porsiyento sa Sub-Professional Level kung saan 148 ang nakapasa mula sa 1,165 kumuha.
BFAR Central Luzon information officer Lanie Lamyong said “based on the latest shellfish bulletin issued last May 3, the current red tide toxin level in shellfish samples collected from the coastal waters of Bataan and Masinloc Bay are still significantly higher to the 60g STXg/100g tolerable limit.”


Sinabi ng CSC na 10,866 ang nakapasa mula sa 94,251 kumuha sa isinagawang pagsusulit noong Oktubre 16, 2011 sa buong bansa. Ito ay may katumbas na 11.53 porsiyentong passing rate.
Lamyong reiterated that fishes, squids, shrimps and crabs harvested from these areas are safe to eat as long as they are fresh and washed thoroughly and their internal organs such as gills and intestines are removed before cooking.


Kabilang sa 10 may pinakamataas na grado sa Gitnang Luzon para sa Professional Level sina Maria Ana C. De Jesus ng Dinalupihan, Bataan, 86.76%; Arnel C. Lalic ng Mexico, Pampanga, 86.68%; Florhen Grace C. Mallari ng Lungsod ng San Fernando, Pampanga, 86.51%; Kim Charmaine Q. Cortez ng Calulut, Lungsod ng San Fernando, 86.08%; Kimberly Anne P. Francisco ng Lubao, Pampanga, 86.02%; Clarence Y. Magtoto ng San Agustin, Lungsod ng San Fernando, 85.85%; Werlo M. Palomar ng Lupao, Nueva Ecija, 85.79%; Jeremiah P. Pascual ng Lungsod ng Malolos, Bulacan, 85.76%; at Joseph Conrad Q. Isidro ng San Rafael, Bulacan, 85.73%.
==Palace wishes Jessica Sanchez good luck in final AI stages==
 
*Source: http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/257316/news/nation/palace-wishes-jessica-sanchez-good-luck-in-final-ai-stages
Para sa Sub-Professional Level, kabilang sa sampung pinakamataas sina Jason A. Duero ng Dinalupihan, Bataan, 85.92%; Robin James G. Magsilang ng Sto. Domingo, Nueva Ecija, 85.32%; Francisco S. Roxas ng Norzagaray, Bulacan, 84.92%; Michaela P. Buenaventura ng San Miguel, Bulacan, 84.81%; Pamela F. Delos Reyes ng Cuyapo, Nueva Ecija, 84.68%; Eunice M. Sadsad ng Lubao, Pampanga, 84.68%; Angelique T. Salazar ng Sta. Maria, Bulacan, 84.54%; Cynthia E. Magat ng Orion, Bataan, 84.21%, Charles Dondon E. Centeno ng San Miguel, Bulacan, 84.05%; at Christine S. Austria ng Talavera, Nueva Ecija, 84.01%.
*By: LBG, GMA News
 
*''Sunday, May 06, 2012''
Ang mga pumasa sa pagsusulit sa mga testing center sa Nueva Ecija ay pagkakalooban ng sertipiko sa Enero 16 sa Mega Center Entertainment Plaza, lungsod ng Cabanatuan.
 
As it congratulated her for advancing the top four of “American Idol,” Malacañang on Sunday wished Filipino-Mexican singer Jessica Sanchez good luck in the next stages of the competition.
==Bataan opens Mt. Samat zipline==
*Source: http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/347699/bataan-opens-mt-samat-zipline
*By: MAR T. SUPNAD
*''January 11, 2012''
 
MT. SAMAT, PILAR, Bataan— The opening over the weekend of the Mt. Samat zipline which is touted to be the longest in Luzon, will not only attract environment and mountain lovers but will also protect the virgin forest of the historic Mt. Samat.
 
The setting up of the zipline was a pet project of Alice D. Pizarro, chairperson of the Pilar Tourism Council and wife of Mayor Charlie Pizarro, in an effort to not only protect the Mt. Samat forested area but also to attract tourists, both foreign and local.
 
Mayor Pizarro, noting its viability, environment and tourism potentials, asked the Sangguniang Bayan here to approve P1.6 million for the setting up of a zipline project which is 540 meters long and considered to be the longest in Luzon.
 
Mrs. Pizarro who was the first one to try the breathtaking zipline told newsmen that the area is 43 meters above sea level and overlooks Manila Bay, Pampanga and Bulacan.
 
Mayor Pizarro said Mt. Samat is known not only nationally but worldwide due to its rich in history being the hardest hit during World War II.
 
The Marcos administration constructed the concrete cross atop Mt. Samat where the government holds the annual celebration of “Araw ng Kagitingan” to rekindle the heroism of thousands of Filipino and American soldiers who died during the heavy fighting in and around the area.
 
“We are proud to be called Pilarians because of the rich history and the ongoing economic development that we are now reaping,” said Mayor Pizarro during the inauguration of the zipline.
 
After an ordinance declared Mt. Samat as “Bird sanctuary and Protected area,” Mayor Pizarro said Pilar town is fast becoming the center for commerce with the construction of various establishments, such as the Government Center, concrete roads, prevailing peace and order and tourism due to its strategic location.
 
Supporting Mayor Pizarro’s environment and tourism programs, Councilors Joel Tallorin and Joey Mariano said they have approved P1.6 million fund as requested by Mayor Pizarro for the zipline project, believing that this will not only protect the forested Mt. Samat area but will attract tourists and expose the once sleepy town before the world.
 
==PPP contributes to the economic growth of Balanga City==
*Source: http://pia.gov.ph/?m=7&r=r03&id=71956
*By: Joelyn G. Baluyut
*''January 10, 2012''
 
BALANGA CITY, Bataan- Through the solid partnership of the city government and the private sector, economic growth in this city is obtained.
 
This was asserted by Mayor Jose Enrique Garcia III as he stressed that “the total investments (in the city) for the year 2011 reached P5.95 billion including the upcoming and new establishments here, compared to the P4.78 billion last 2010.”
 
“These economic activities not only uplift the economy in this city but it also give Bataeños opportunities to produce more income and jobs”, Garcia added.
 
Malls
 
Moreover, the city will earn P108 million from the newly established Galeria Victoria mall from its lease payment for 25 years, and another P50 million for the construction of a commercial center called Plaza de San Jose which will also serve as a link or bridge to Galeria Victoria, Center Plaza Mall and the new Public Library.
 
These malls will generate jobs to more than 700 people, which could double once the said establishments are already fully operational.
 
Market


Because of the newly-redesigned frontage section of the market here, the structure of the place gives additional lease for the business people.
Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said Filipinos will continue to support Sanchez in her quest to top the reality television search for the next singing superstar.


According to the city’s Economic Enterprise Office, the financial standing of the market was also revitalized, earning for the city P18.2 million in rental income in 2011, as compared to the P15.5 million posted in 2010.
“Congratulations, and we continue to wish her good luck for the final stages of the competition,” Valte said in a text message read on government-run dzRB radio.


And in order to make the market more business-friendly, new programs for the vendors will be carried out like the zero interest business loan and supply linkage with wholesalers from Manila which will help the business people in the market earn more.
Last week, Sanchez survived another elimination round on American Idol, while 18-year-old country singer Skylar Laine was booted out.


Park
In the Philippines, Filipinos continued to show support, especially those from her mom's hometown in Bataan province.


The Wetland Natural Park in Barangay Tortugas continuously attracts more tourists as it opened last 2010 where the city first celebrated the First Ibong Dayo (Migratory birds) festival.
Sanchez's Filipina mother Editha is a daughter of Eddie Bugay, a retired US Navy man who hails from Samal but is based in Orani town in Bataan.


The said park has a huge center building that showcases many of the different bird species with their pictures. It also includes a two separate view deck infront wherein people can stay while anticipating or watching the birds from the sea.
==Balanga City uses passbook to save enviroment==
*Source: http://www.pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?menu=2&webregion=R03&article=1951336115976
*By: Jose Mari Garcia
*''Saturday, May 05, 2012''


Aside from these treats, programs about knowledge, preservation and care for the environment is conducted to make visitors more aware of the importance of a healthy environment in preserving migratory birds.
CITY OF BALANGA, Bataan- In this city, passbooks are not only used to save money, but also to help save the environment.


Garcia said that the park is the first Wetland and Nature Park in the country, resting on more than four hectares of swamp land along the seaside village of Tortugas fronting the Manila Bay.
Under the Junk Shop ng Bayan Project of the city government, public schools in Balanga use customized passbooks to keep track of plastic garbage they each one has collected.


Tortugas is one of the three villages in the city designated by the Department of Tourism as bird-watching site.
The accumulated trash of schools will be picked by a truck and the points saved in their passbook may be used to claim rice rewards, said Annie Tuazon, consultant on solid waste management of the City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO).


The said tourist attraction will lure in more tourists in the province especially students and children where they could observe about 14,000 to more than 18,000 migratory birds of different species, as have been counted in the villages of Tortugas, Puerto Rivas Itaas and Sibacan only in a day.  
“If you have collected three kilos of dry and clean plastic, you will be rewarded with a kilo of rice. You could then accumulate the points to get more rice,” Tuazon said.


==Balanga sets record P6-B investment==
According to CENRO, Balanga City, the capital and economic center of Bataan, is producing 20 to 25 tons of varied garbage everyday, which is equivalent to 9,100 tons yearly.
*Source: http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/347551/balanga-sets-record-p6b-investment
*By: MAR T. SUPNAD
*''January 09, 2012''


BALANGA CITY, Bataan, Philippines — This newly-booming city in Central Luzon hit a record-breaking investment of P5.95 billion in the year 2011, Mayor Joet S. Garcia reported in his State of the City Address (SOCA) recently.
With the city’s population of about 90,000 which is projected to balloon in years, proper and sustainable solid waste management is critical as to not fill up the dumpsite in Brgy. Munting Batangas, said CENRO head Nelia Castor.


Garcia reported that the total amount of investment included the successful implementation of the national government’s program of Public-Private-Partnership (PPP) in which the city government was able to attract private investors such as the New San Jose Builders owned by Jerry Acuzar, a native of San Jose, Balanga City.
Therefore, CENRO has been piloting environmental projects including the Junk Shop ng Bayan, Gamit Pang-eskwela Mula sa Basura, Operation Linis Ilog and Linis Barangay, and the production of doy bags from tetra packs.


Through the initiative of Garcia, Acuzar entered into a business agreement with the local government to put up the Galeria Victoria, the biggest commercial establishment in the city that was opened only last Dec. 15, 2011.
Castor said the garbage truck circulates the city every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. The schools also may call their office whenever they have amassed plastics.


The successful establishment of the Galeria Victoria was constructed at no cost on the City through the PPP.
Meanwhile, small plastics like those from snack food will be brought to the Material Recovery Facility in Brgy. Munting Batangas where they will be macerated.


Garcia said the city will earn tens of millions of pesos from the rentals alone aside from the hundreds of employment it will generate once it is fully operational.
Tuazon said that since small plastics are strenuous to be sewn as doy bags, they will be put through a pulverizer funded by the Department of Science and Technology to be grinded and mixed into the production of paper tiles.  


Other big investments the past year were the renovation of the Center Plaza mall where the Jollibee, Greenwitch and other commercial establishments were set up; the New Balanga Public market, a McDonald’s store, and Wanam, among others.
==Balanga City bats for zero illiteracy rate==
*Source: http://pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?menu=2&webregion=R03&article=1951335927897
*By: Jose Mari Garcia
*''Friday, May 04, 2012''


“The healthy business competition and convenience has resulted to a more opportunity and jobs and that the newly-hired 700 number of employment will be double once all the commercial establishments in the city are fully operational,” said Garcia.
CITY OF BALANGA, Bataan- The education sector here is eyeing the gradual reduction of illiteracy rate among children and youth by allotting more land space and projects in Balanga for students.


The former place of Jollibee, Garcia said, was awarded in public bidding to the EBA construction owned by Engr. Eusebio Aquino, also a native of this city, through a build-lease-transfer scheme in which the city will earn an expected amount of P108 million from lease payment in 25 years.
Under the University Town project, Balanga City Mayor Jose Enrique Garcia III has allocated 18.51 hectares (ha) or 23 percent of the central district’s 80.42 ha for the establishment of schools, churches, city hall, and other public buildings.


The soon-to-be-constructed Plaza de San Jose, like the Galeria, will be put up through PPP and the city will spend nothing for its construction.
“The planning started in 2007 and based on a study we did, there are three components of a university town: provide access to quality education, complete facilities for the students, and provide conducive learning environment,” Garcia said.


Meanwhile, the Robinson posted record-breaking sales during its opening last December 15, 2011 exceeding 25 percent sales from its other branches, Garcia said.
In a statement made by the city government, education projects that include programs starting from day care centers to tertiary schooling are prioritized in light of achieving the vision of a “world-class university town by 2020.”


==Garduce conquers "Seven Summits"==
“Among Mayor Joet Garcia’s plans for the city is to lower the number of non-readers to the point of eliminating them totally,” said the city government.
*Source: http://www.philstar.com/SportsArticle.aspx?articleId=765427&publicationSubCategoryId=200
*By: Joey Villar
*''January 06, 2012''


Romi Garduce just became the first Filipino to climb the "Seven Summits," or the world's highest mountains spread through all seven continents.
“The city government prioritizes education in the project, thus, several programs relative to literacy were implemented. More studies and trainings were held to ensure that proper education will produce well-rounded citizens," it added.


A source from GMA 7, Garduce's main backer, yesterday confirmed the 41-year-old Balanga, Bataan University of the Philippines mountain climber reached the peak of the 16,067-foot Vinson Massif located in the cold, ice barren of Antartica.
Among the projects are Responsible Parents Training through Education for the Upbringing of Children (Educhild), Reactivation of the Council for the Protection of Children, Iskolar Balangueño Scholarship Program, TEACHNOLOGY Computerization Program, Provision of Assistance to Public Schools, and Centers for Excellence.


"He (Garduce) just reached the summit now," the same source told The STAR at mid-afternoon yesterday.
These undertakings of the Garcia administration had led to the award from the National Literacy Coordinating Council as 2nd Most Outstanding Local Government Unit last September 2011.


Accompained by fellow UP mountaineer Levi Nayahangan, Garduce's conquest of Vinson Massif, the sixth highest but not necessarily one of the easiest among the seven and definitely the coldest since the temperature there could dip to as low as -40 at any given time, thus completed his ascent of the Seven Summits.
Balanga has one state university, 10 colleges, seven secondary schools, 30 elementary schools, 27 day care centers, and 10 pre-schools.  


Garduce had conquered Mt. Kilimanjaro (South Africa in 2002), Mt. Aconcagua (South America in 2005), Mt. Everest (Asia in 2006), Mt. Elbrus (Europe on 2007), Denali Peak (North America in 2008), Mt. Kosciousko (Australia in 2008) and the Carstenz Pyramid (Oceana last July).
==Freeport Area of Bataan’s new brand gets nod of investors==
*Source: http://pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?menu=2&webregion=R03&article=1951335770588
*By: PIA
*''Tuesday, May 01, 2012''


And now Vinson Massif.
CITY OF BALANGA, Bataan- The Freeport Area of Bataan (FAB), the province’s top dollar economic hub, launched recently its new official brand which gained the approval of international investors.


An information technology expert on the side, Garduce's main backers are GMA-7 and Primer, his official outfitter, and R.O.X. in Bonifacio High Street.  
FAB administrator Deogracias Custodio said the new symbol of the multimillion economic zone in booming Mariveles town signifies different values essential to establishing businesses.


==Balanga gains==
“The new FAB brand is almost full circle to connote unity, expansion and growth,” said Custodio.
*Source: http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/346996/balanga-gains
*By: Mar T. Supnad
*''January 04, 2012''


BALANGA CITY, Bataan, Philippines - This new economic emerging component city in Central Luzon hit a record-breaking investment of P5.95 billion in 2011.
He explained the color red in the logo denotes passion and determination needed to cultivate a business while the blue stands for stability of growth.


In his State of the City Address (SOCA) before New Year, Mayor Joet S. Garcia reported the successful implementation of the national government’s program of Public-Private-Partnership (PPP) where the city government was able to attract private investors such as the New San Jose Builders owned by Jerry Acuzar, a native of San Jose, Balanga City.
Executives of foreign companies expressed satisfaction over the new brand which, according to Custodio, represents the Filipinos as globally competitive with world-class service.


Through the initiative of Mayor Garcia, Acuzar entered into a business agreement with the City of Balanga to put up the Galeria Victoria, the biggest commercial establishment in the city that was opened only last Dec. 15.
“It is sort of fresh and the design looks good to us,” said Dong-In Group general manager Park Ki Jung.


==Barangays help LGU in Balanga==
The corporate chiefs also pointed out that building business in the country has its share of advantages compared to other Asian countries.
*Source: http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/346886/barangays-help-lgu-balanga
*By: Mar T. Supnad
*''January 03, 2012''


BALANGA CITY, Bataan, Philippines — As the “Barangay Week” program in this city reaches its 5th year, Mayor Joet S. Garcia and the City Council are looking for ways to boost the participation of village leaders as partners of the city government in delivering better service to the public.
According to John Cartwright, general manager of C&L Philippines Footwear Manufacturing Corporation, FAB is very promising and full of potentials as it is very accessible from Manila and other neighboring cities via the new Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway.


A flagship project of Garcia, Barangay Week showcases the efforts of village leaders in implementing the vision, mission and goals of the city government.
“One thing more, the wages are up in China,” said Cartwright.


Garcia lauded barangay captains here for their full support in launching the program which the mayor initiated to bring the government closer to the people through the barangay.
Park added that the availability of qualified manpower and English-speaking workers are plus points for FAB.
 
It is a comprehensive scheme to create productive ideas on how to implement their visions, missions, and goals to certainly attain it on time, Garcia stressed.
 
==Limay gets 1st DILG award==
*Source: http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/346797/nfa-ships-rice-batanes
*By: Mar T. Supnad
*''January 02, 2012''
 
LIMAY, Bataan — For the first time, this industrial town won the Seal of Good Housekeeping award for being an outstanding local government unit in terms of transparency and good governance. Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jesse M. Robredo congratulated neophyte Mayor Ver Roque for bagging the national award, given to local government units (LGUs) with outstanding performance in terms of good governance in house-keeping, transparency and high level of competence in leadership. It is recognition for an LGU’s performance measuring up to President Aquino’s reform agenda that primarily tasked to address poverty, economic development, among others.
 
==AFAB raises aid for Mindanao==
*Source: http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/346630/afab-raises-aid-mindanao
*By: Mar T. Supnad
*''December 31, 2011''
 
MARIVELES, Bataan, Philippines — Cognizant of the hardships of the people of Cagayan de Oro and Iligan Cities in the aftermath of storm “Sendong,” the Authority of the Freeport Area of Bataan (AFAB) launched a donation drive to help relief efforts of the Philippine Red Cross. “Our sympathies go out to the victims of typhoon Sendong and their families. It is everyone’s duty to heed the calls for help from our affected countrymen. The AFAB initiated this donation drive in the Freeport Area of Bataan to fulfill that duty, to help those who survived and provide their immediate needs”, said AFAB Chairman Deogracias G. P. Custodio. Helping the AFAB’s drive were locators, employees and other stakeholders.
 
==Some kind of Christmas gift==
*Source: http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/346410/water-filter-device-cdo
*By: Mar T. Supnad
*''December 29, 2011''
 
HERMOSA, Bataan — Policemen hunting for illegal firecrackers being transported on Wednesday night stumbled over a Christmas present which later turned out to be a kilo of dried marijuana leaves in Barangay Tipo, here.
 
Senior Superintendent Arnold D. Gunnacao, Bataan Police Provincial Office (PPO) director, said it was found in the possession of one Mikael dela Cruz, 24, of Fabie Street, Sta. Mesa, Manila. She was caught by the team of Sr. Inspector Ronnie Fabia in possession of the marijuana leaves wrapped as a Christmas gift.
 
She will be charged with violating the Dangerous Drugs Law.
 
==SMC sells Bataan power plant==
*Source: http://business.inquirer.net/37403/smc-sells-bataan-power-plant
*By: Amy R. Remo
*''December 28, 2011''
 
SMC Global Power Holdings Corp., the power generation unit of conglomerate San Miguel Corp., has sold its 620-megawatt combined cycle power plant in Limay, Bataan, to the privately owned Millenium Holdings Inc.
 
A company document showed that SMC Global had approved the sale of its 100-percent stake in Panasia Energy Holdings Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of San Miguel, to Millenium Holdings, after which a share purchase agreement was later signed between the parties.
 
An industry source told reporters that Millenium Holdings has yet to take over the operations of the Limay diesel facility as both parties had yet to complete the necessary requirements concerning the sale. PanAsia Energy will still continue to operate the power plant pending the completion of the paperwork.
 
At present, the output of the Limay powert plant is traded at the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market under PanAsia.
 
In an earlier report to the Philippine Stock Exchange, San Miguel  said that the “completion of the sale is subject to certain conditions, including obtaining the relevant corporate and government approvals, such as the Board of Investments.”
 
San Miguel president Ramon S. Ang already confirmed in September the plan to divest itself of the Limay facility after only two years of operating the facility, primarily because the cost of diesel fuel for the power plant was too high.
 
The company acquired the Bataan plant in 2009, after it offered $13.5 million via a negotiated sale.
 
Sources noted that another reason for the divestment was that San Miguel, currently the biggest power generation company in the Philippines, is preparing for its other proposed power plant projects over the next several years.
 
With 3,148.48 megawatts in its power portfolio as of September 2011, San Miguel is barely 4 percent away from breaching the 25-percent national grid market cap. As such, San Miguel would need to divest either some of its assets or part of ownership in the facilities, if it wanted to pursue plans of building a 3,000-MW greenfield power portfolio over the next six years.
 
In February this year, Ang said that San Miguel was prepared to invest around $1 billion to expand and convert  the Limay power plant  into a liquefied natural gas-fired facility. Studies however indicated that it was best for the company to dispose of the  plant and  build a new facility.
 
Last year, at the height of the prolonged drought, the Limay power plant provided relief to Luzon customers as it had then operated as a must-run unit (MRU). An MRU is a power generation facility that is deemed necessary under certain operating conditions as this helps secure the country’s supply. The company, in turn, would receive additional compensation for being designated as an MRU.
 
Commissioned in 1993, the Limay power plant comprises two 310-MW modules, Blocks A and B, which consist of three 70-MW gas turbines and a 100-MW steam turbine, respectively. Located in Limay, Bataan in Central Luzon, or approximately 145 kilometers west of Manila, the plant is designed to meet the base-load demand of the Luzon grid.
 
==Red tide alert remains up in Bataan - BFAR==
*Source: http://pia.gov.ph/?m=7&r=r03&id=69752
*By: Carlo Lorenzo J. Datu
*''December 27, 2011''
 
BALANGA CITY, Bataan- The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) is still appealing to the public to refrain from gathering and eating shellfish from seven towns and one city along the coastal waters of Bataan as red tide toxin which causes paralytic shellfish poisoning remains present in the area.
 
Affected by the ban are the municipalities of Mariveles, Limay, Orion, Pilar, Abucay, Samal, and Orani and the city of Balanga.
 
BFAR Central Luzon information officer Lanie Lamyong said, “ based on the latest shellfish bulletin issued last December 19, the current red tide toxin level in shellfish samples collected from the coastal waters of Bataan is still significantly higher to the 60g STXg/100g tolerable limit.”
 
Lamyong reiterated that fishes harvested from the Bataan coastal waters are safe to eat as long as they are fresh and washed thoroughly and their internal organs such as gills and intestines are removed before cooking.
 
==Maker of computer and camera bags to locate to Bataan Freeport==
*Source: http://businessmirror.com.ph/home/regions/21155-maker-of-computer-and-camera-bags-to-locate-to-bataan-freeport
*By: Joey Pavia
*''December 26, 2011''
 
MARIVELES, Bataan­—An investor involved in making bags for computers and cameras has invested P86 million at the Freeport Area of Bataan (FAB) here.
 
The Authority of the Freeport Area of Bataan (Afab) recently announced that DeskTop Bags Philippines Inc.—a partner of the Luenthai International Group Ltd. (Luen Thai)—signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA), registration agreement and contract of lease with Afab to manufacture computer bags, trolleys, CD bags, camera bags and other accessories.
 
Afab Chairman and Administrator Deogracias G.P. Custodio said that DeskTop will generate around 600 job opportunities.
 
“At full capacity, DeskTop will employ around 2,000 workers,” he added.
 
DeskTop is the first business set to locate in the FAB under the existing partnership between the Afab and Luen Thai. Under the MOA with Luen Thai signed in August 2011, Luen Thai also plans to locate some of its production and manufacturing businesses, including a textile mill operation, at the FAB.
 
Custodio said there are clamors for Luen Thai to branch into other business ventures at the FAB, such as the establishment of a hotel and restaurant facility but it has maintained its focus on expanding its core businesses related to the production of high-quality items.
 
Second District Rep. Abet Garcia said he had worked for the creation of the law creating Afab in 2009 to push for progress not just in the FAB but in the entire province.
 
==Balanga upbeat on trade boost==
*Source: http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/345850/perpetual-help-shrine-bi
*By: MAR T. SUPNAD
*''December 23, 2011''
 
BALANGA CITY, Bataan — With the recent successful entry of a big-time businessman who put up the Galeria Victoria Mall, the biggest business establishment yet in this city through a public-private partnership (PPP), Mayor Joet S. Garcia expressed optimism that more big-time investors will come in.
 
Garcia told a crowd of more than 1,000 employees of the Capitol that the government-initiated PPP will attract more traders to invest in this city, especially now that it is very accessible to Clark, Subic and Metro Manila through the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway.
 
==Covered courts==
*Source: http://mb.com.ph/articles/343865/2-youngsters-run-capitol
*By: MAR T. SUPNAD
*''December 06, 2011''
 
ABUCAY, Bataan — Board Member Dexter Dominguez, popularly known as “Teri Onor” in the showbiz industry, continues to veer the youth away from drugs and other delinquent activities through initiatives to build more covered courts and school buildings in the province.
 
Among the covered courts that have been constructed through his efforts are the ones in Barangays Gabon and Capitangan in Abucay, and the soon-to-rise covered court at the Abucay North Elementary School in Barangay Mabatang.
 
==Doomed Pinoy lives in Bataan==
*Source: http://www.tempo.com.ph/2011/doomed-pinoy-lives-in-bataan/#.TtygUFZ8-Fo
*By: MAR T. SUPNAD
*''December 05, 2011''
 
ORION, Bataan – The Filipino sentenced to die in China on December 8 for drug trafficking is a native of this coastal and agricultural town.
 
And his bedridden mother still does not know his fate, the mayor here said.
 
“When the news broke out sometime in 2008, his mother suffered from a heart attack and has been bedridden since. She might die if we inform her that her son will be executed. So we are asking that the privacy of his family would be respected,” said Mayor Jose “Pepe” Santos.
 
Despite his constituent’s misery, Santos said he has to face the consequences of his action.
 
“The people of Orion are religious individuals and I do not want our town to be known as hometown of drug mules. We are silent and Godfearing. We do not want our town to be known worldwide due to drug trafficking,” he said.
 
The identity of the Filipino remains unknown to many because of the refusal of the Office of the Vice President and the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA).
 
But his identity has been the talk of the town and among employees of the municipal government who were once his colleagues.
 
One of his cousins said that his family is silent and lonely. “Siyempre, malungkot kami lahat na kamag-anak niya, pero hindi pa alam ng nanay ni kuya,” she said.
 
“Nakakahiya nga e, pero nandiyan na, di natin alam ang tunay na nangyari,” she added.
 
Meanwhile, Malacañang vowed yesterday to exhaust other diplomatic means to save the life of the Filipino after Beijing refused a planned mercy mission by Vice President Jejomar C. Binay.
 
Deputy presidential spokeswoman Abigail Valte said the government respects the decision of China to reject the visit of Binay but will still look for other ways to seek mercy for the Filipino.
 
“While we were informed that the Chinese side is unable to arrange the visit of Vice President Binay, we respect that decision,” Valte said over government radio.
 
“We are still exhausting some other means to have access for the Vice President to make his appeal in our behalf in the death sentence of the Filipino national,” she added.
 
==‘Jeepers’ to reenact Battle of Bataan==
*Source: http://www.sunstar.com.ph/pampanga/local-news/2011/12/02/jeepers-reenact-battle-bataan-193708
*By: Reynaldo G. Navales
*''December 02, 2011''
 
Vintage military jeep owners are set to reenact Saturday the Battle of Bataan at the historic Fort Stotsenberg parade grounds here.
 
The reenactment is the highlight of events during the first ever “Season’s Jeeping” sponsored by the MD Juan Enterprises, the Military Vehicle Collectors Club of the Philippines (MVCCP) and Mabalacat Tourism Office.
 
The whole-day event is expected to bring together some 150 jeep lovers from all over the country with some 50 of their vintage military vehicles that they have painstakingly restored through the years.
 
MVCCP is composed of jeep and military vehicle collectors, restorers, enthusiasts, retired military men, assemblers, traders and just plain hobbyists. It has chapters in Ilocos, Pampanga, Nueva Ecija, Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna, Batangas and Metro Manila.
 
A grand motorcade will start the event at 8 a.m., starting from the Bayanihan Park going to Clark Freeport with the vintage military vehicles driven and manned by MVCCP members in full, authentic military uniforms.
 
The vehicles will then be exhibited at the venue for the public to enjoy, said Lieutenant Guy Hilbero, executive officer of the 26th US Cavalry Philippine Scouts Memorial Regiment, Fort Stotsenburg.
Awards will be given to individuals and groups with the most authentic military uniforms and the best jeep or military vehicle entered in the exhibit competition.
 
There will also be a traditional swap meet where MVCCP members from different chapters can swap military vehicle and jeep parts and accessories.
The role players in the reenactment will use authentic military uniforms, firearms, military hardware and vehicles. This will be jointly staged by the Buhay na Kasaysayan and the Philippine Scouts Heritage Society Living History Company, Fort Stotsenburg & Fort Mc-Kinley Chapters.
A brief action at the Battle of the Pockets will be re-enacted, showing Japanese infiltration into the Allied lines and a “Banzai” charge into the USAFFE positions.
 
Actual World War 2 jeeps will be used to ferry the wounded soldiers off the battlefield and to carry fresh Allied troops into the assault positions, Hilbero added.
Simulated explosions and pyrotechnics will add to the atmosphere of the re-enactment. A voiceover will describe both the Battle of Bataan and its historical significance, as well as the action unfolding on the field before the audience.
The Allied forces composed of both the Philippine Scouts and the Philippine Army will be dressed in period-authentic World War 2 khaki uniforms with actual M 1928 and M 1936 field gear, as well as vintage M 1917 and replica “guinit” helmets.
 
Replica weapons such as M1 Garands and Springfield rifles will also be used. On the other hand, the Japanese forces will be similarly outfitted with authentic reproduction uniforms, field equipment and gear.
With this reenactment, Hilbero said the public can appreciate and understand the sacrifices made by the defenders of Bataan and their role in bringing about the eventual victory of the Allied forces in the Pacific.

Latest revision as of 15:43, 10 May 2012

A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z
Create Name's page

Regions | Philippine Provinces | Philippine Cities | Municipalities | Barangays | High School Reunions

Province of Bataan - 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.
Bataan st joseph.jpg
St. Joseph Church

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.

Balanga being transformed into high tech-city

CITY OF BALANGA, Bataan- This relatively undeveloped city is being transformed into the vision of being a world-class university town by 2020. In this light, the city government of Balanga has lined up various technological projects in remodeling the Bataan capital into a “high tech-city.”

Balanga City Mayor Jose Enrique Garcia III announced the construction of a city library and a city information technology lab parallel to improving the education sector with the university town project.

The said project allots 18.51 hectares or 23 percent of the central district’s 80.42 hectares for the establishment of schools, churches, city hall, and other public buildings.

Garcia said that studies were made designing Balanga after internationally renowned technological institutions like the Silicon Valley in California that has gained prominence worldwide with its investments on computer innovations.

“Silicon Valley (adopted) the fine mixture of ingenuity, innovation, and resourcefulness, (thus) people there were able to transform this once barren, secluded area into a high-tech investment and economic hub,” he said.

In Balanga, free wireless frequency internet connections are available in barangay halls, public elementary schools, and business establishments.

The city government is also establishing information technology corners and e-Centers in Balanga’s 25 barangays under the Barangay Online program, which will serve as venue for technical assistance and online library.

According to Roneth Santos of the city government, about 42 units of closed-circuit television cameras were installed around the city monitored by the Philippine National Police and the Public Safety Office for public security.

Santos said that a subsidized computer loan program for city public school teachers was also launched which gave a P5,000 subsidy to teachers who want to own a laptop computer and the remaining balance was loaned to them with zero interest.

Garcia also pioneered the use of a 3 x 4-meter giant LED TV monitor in center of the Plaza Mayor De Balanga used in celebrations.

“We therefore urge each and every Balangueño to continue believing and commit themselves as our partners in pursuit of vision to make Balanga one of the finest cities in the world,” added Garcia.

Free CCP workshop to dig ‘gold minds’

CITY OF BALANGA, Bataan- About 200 kids from various public and private schools in this city gathered for a four-day arts workshop facilitated by trainers from the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) to discover “gold minds” among gifted students.

The fourth string of the free, annual workshop dubbed “Batang Sining” was held in Balanga Elementary School from April 30 to May 3 and hailed esteemed art aficionados like Palanca hall of famer Dr. Luis Gatmaitan; Herminio Beltran, chief of the inter-textual division of CCP; Rey Escasenas, storyteller from Alitaptap group; and Jasmine Tresvalles, CCP culture and arts officer.

Balanga City mayor Jose Enrique Garcia III said that the use of arts as a catalyst for social change and a force for values transformation among students will mobilize cultural awakening and discover gold minds in line with the city’s vision of a world-class university town status by 2020.

“The Batang Sining Creative Expression Workshop for elementary students is part of the city government’s quest to help bring the arts to the masses, particularly to students, and to bring out their imagination, innovative spirit and artistic abilities,” said Garcia.

The participants from grades three to five took part in the activities for day one of the workshop that included group plays like the boat is sinking, connect the body parts and group cheer; creative introductions; storytelling; and writing about what is their idea of a perfect world.

Day two presented sharing of folk stories, art of mime, storytelling hour, appreciating poetry, drawing images in poems and choral reading. Puppet-making and puppetry were staged on day three of the workshop, while dramatization, group presentations and graduation were held on day four.

“In our time today, the children have their different arts. Their music, for the old-school people, is deafening. This program aims to produce caliber artists like Lea Salonga and Jessica Sanchez,” said City Schools Division of Balanga Supt. Dr. Ronaldo Pozon.

He added that the Batang Sining workshop was in line with the new Child Protection Program of the Department of Education that eyes to steer the students away from abuses like vices at home and in school.

Ordering back the tides

Trees fail to flower,” Aetas huddled at the Bataan mountaintop meeting told Fr. Shay Cullen. “Bees are disappearing. Storms blow away our nipa huts as never before.”

With Preda Foundation coworkers, the priest toiled up the two-hour steep trail on horseback. Preda buys Aeta wild mangoes at double what lowland hawkers offer and markets them abroad.

Half a world away, Oeschger Centre for Climate Change Research scientists documented what Aetas learned from seat-of-their-pants.

University of Bern experiments span two decades, four continents and 1,634 plant species. “Spring flowering and leafing advances 5 to 6 days per year for every degree Celsius of warming,” they report in the journal Nature.

Bern tests “underestimated how much plants change,” reports British Broadcasting Corp. science reporter Matt McGrath. He adds that research leader Elizabeth Wolkovich and This Rutishauser fret over additional water needed by a plant community that sprouts a week earlier.

Contrary to myth, Filipinos have modest freshwater endowment: 6,332 cubic meters yearly. In contrast, Malaysians tap into 26,105 cm. Saudi Arabians have only 118 cm. They bartered more oil for water last year when Riyadh ’s last aquifers ran dry.

Here, “we have a water aristocracy set on its head.” A squatter’s shack in Cebu City pays 13 times for water than a gated Maria Luisa enclave home, notes the United Nations World Water Development Report.

In the Philippines, 54 out of every 100 lived in cities by 2007. By 2020, the number of urban Filipinos will be double rural counterparts. Many cities are saddled with below-par water facilities even as births and migration interlock.

A “youth bulge” characterizes this migrant torrent, San Carlos University’s Soccoro Gultiano and Peter Xenos of East-West Center point out. Hormones of these young migrants are on overdrive. They will tarry in the reproductive age bracket longer.

A sharper slowdown in birthrates won’t materialize anytime soon, not even if the Reproductive Health bill gets into law books. But demand for just about everything else will spiral. And there is no substitute for water.

Politically charged issues, like a chief justice’s blacked out dollar accounts, smudge concerns including shifting rain bands. A bachelor President’s date will send commentators into a tizzy. But glossing over emerging threats can be lethal.

“We’re seeing changes happening… in ways we didn’t expect to see for hundreds of years,” 27 scientists led by Oxford University’s Alex Rodgers caution in their recent “State of the Oceans” report to UN.

As polluted seas warm, we enter “a phase of extinction of marine species unprecedented in human history,” they wrote. Over-fishing, pollution and climate change interlock “in ways not previously recognized.”

“Accelerated” changes include melting of the Greenland and Antarctic ice sheets. Sea levels are rising and methane trapped in the sea bed, is seeping out.

Here “expect sea waters to rise by at least 20 cm in the next 40 years,” writes Dr. Wendy Clavano in a current series for Environmental Science for Social Change, a Jesuit research organization.

The severest threat stretches “along the Paci?c seaboard: from Samar all the way down to eastern Mindanao.” Include the Zamboangas and island provinces of Romblon and Marinduque in the Sibuyan, says Clavano, a PhD from Cornell University .

She suggests the creation of a “vulnerability index.” This could undergird mitigation programs for what initial data pinpoint as “high risk areas. That sweeps in the Lingayen Gulf (La Union and Pangasinan), Lamon Bay (Quezon and Camarines Norte), Camotes Sea (western Leyte, northern Bohol, and northeastern Cebu).

Add to that list Guimaras Strait (along northwestern Negros Occidental and Guimaras), central Sulu Sea (Cuyo Archipelago), Iligan Bay (in particular Misamis Occidental), Zamboanga del Norte and Bislig Bay (Surigao del Sur).

`Only 4 percent of coral reefs here in remain in pristine condition. Other countries with equally threatened reefs are Haiti, Grenada, Comoros, Vanuatu, Tanzania, Kiribati, Fiji and Indonesia.

Edges of the “Tropical Belt —outer boundaries of the subtropical dry zones—have drifted towards the poles, notes Nature Geoscience. Temperature and rainfall changes alter yields, including politically-volatile crops like corn and rice.

“In the Philippines, rice yields drop by 10 percent for every one degree centigrade increase in night-time temperature,” BBC’s environment correspondent Richard Black writes. As droughts dry reservoirs, yields have fallen by 10 percent to 20 percent over the last 25 years. More declines are ahead.

Three billion people live in the tropics and subtropics. They’ll nearly double by the end of the century. The National Statistical Board asserts there are 93 million plus of us today. No sir, it’s 99.9 million, counter some United States and international bodies.

The “most extreme summers of the last century could become routine towards the end of this century,” predicts the University of Seattle. What would be summer 2100 in the Philippines be like?

Filipino policy makers must move beyond politics-as-usual. Overdrawing on aquifers in Metro Cebu and Manila is causing severe land subsidence. Clavano urges that priority be given to adaptation and mitigation approaches for sea rising levels. Like King Canute, politicians cannot order back the tides.

“Nor can we move crops north or south since many are photosensitive,” notes Dr. Geoff Hawtin at International Centre for Tropical Agriculture. “Tipping points could come quickly.”

Red tide notice remains in effect in Bataan

Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) reiterates its caution to the public to avoid gathering and eating shellfish from the Bataan coastal waters as red tide toxin that causes paralytic shellfish poisoning remains present in these areas.

Affected by the ban are the municipalities of Mariveles, Limay, Orion, Pilar, Abucay, Samal and Orani and the city of Balanga.

BFAR Central Luzon information officer Lanie Lamyong said “based on the latest shellfish bulletin issued last May 3, the current red tide toxin level in shellfish samples collected from the coastal waters of Bataan and Masinloc Bay are still significantly higher to the 60g STXg/100g tolerable limit.”

Lamyong reiterated that fishes, squids, shrimps and crabs harvested from these areas are safe to eat as long as they are fresh and washed thoroughly and their internal organs such as gills and intestines are removed before cooking.

Palace wishes Jessica Sanchez good luck in final AI stages

As it congratulated her for advancing the top four of “American Idol,” Malacañang on Sunday wished Filipino-Mexican singer Jessica Sanchez good luck in the next stages of the competition.

Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said Filipinos will continue to support Sanchez in her quest to top the reality television search for the next singing superstar.

“Congratulations, and we continue to wish her good luck for the final stages of the competition,” Valte said in a text message read on government-run dzRB radio.

Last week, Sanchez survived another elimination round on American Idol, while 18-year-old country singer Skylar Laine was booted out.

In the Philippines, Filipinos continued to show support, especially those from her mom's hometown in Bataan province.

Sanchez's Filipina mother Editha is a daughter of Eddie Bugay, a retired US Navy man who hails from Samal but is based in Orani town in Bataan.

Balanga City uses passbook to save enviroment

CITY OF BALANGA, Bataan- In this city, passbooks are not only used to save money, but also to help save the environment.

Under the Junk Shop ng Bayan Project of the city government, public schools in Balanga use customized passbooks to keep track of plastic garbage they each one has collected.

The accumulated trash of schools will be picked by a truck and the points saved in their passbook may be used to claim rice rewards, said Annie Tuazon, consultant on solid waste management of the City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO).

“If you have collected three kilos of dry and clean plastic, you will be rewarded with a kilo of rice. You could then accumulate the points to get more rice,” Tuazon said.

According to CENRO, Balanga City, the capital and economic center of Bataan, is producing 20 to 25 tons of varied garbage everyday, which is equivalent to 9,100 tons yearly.

With the city’s population of about 90,000 which is projected to balloon in years, proper and sustainable solid waste management is critical as to not fill up the dumpsite in Brgy. Munting Batangas, said CENRO head Nelia Castor.

Therefore, CENRO has been piloting environmental projects including the Junk Shop ng Bayan, Gamit Pang-eskwela Mula sa Basura, Operation Linis Ilog and Linis Barangay, and the production of doy bags from tetra packs.

Castor said the garbage truck circulates the city every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. The schools also may call their office whenever they have amassed plastics.

Meanwhile, small plastics like those from snack food will be brought to the Material Recovery Facility in Brgy. Munting Batangas where they will be macerated.

Tuazon said that since small plastics are strenuous to be sewn as doy bags, they will be put through a pulverizer funded by the Department of Science and Technology to be grinded and mixed into the production of paper tiles.

Balanga City bats for zero illiteracy rate

CITY OF BALANGA, Bataan- The education sector here is eyeing the gradual reduction of illiteracy rate among children and youth by allotting more land space and projects in Balanga for students.

Under the University Town project, Balanga City Mayor Jose Enrique Garcia III has allocated 18.51 hectares (ha) or 23 percent of the central district’s 80.42 ha for the establishment of schools, churches, city hall, and other public buildings.

“The planning started in 2007 and based on a study we did, there are three components of a university town: provide access to quality education, complete facilities for the students, and provide conducive learning environment,” Garcia said.

In a statement made by the city government, education projects that include programs starting from day care centers to tertiary schooling are prioritized in light of achieving the vision of a “world-class university town by 2020.”

“Among Mayor Joet Garcia’s plans for the city is to lower the number of non-readers to the point of eliminating them totally,” said the city government.

“The city government prioritizes education in the project, thus, several programs relative to literacy were implemented. More studies and trainings were held to ensure that proper education will produce well-rounded citizens," it added.

Among the projects are Responsible Parents Training through Education for the Upbringing of Children (Educhild), Reactivation of the Council for the Protection of Children, Iskolar Balangueño Scholarship Program, TEACHNOLOGY Computerization Program, Provision of Assistance to Public Schools, and Centers for Excellence.

These undertakings of the Garcia administration had led to the award from the National Literacy Coordinating Council as 2nd Most Outstanding Local Government Unit last September 2011.

Balanga has one state university, 10 colleges, seven secondary schools, 30 elementary schools, 27 day care centers, and 10 pre-schools.

Freeport Area of Bataan’s new brand gets nod of investors

CITY OF BALANGA, Bataan- The Freeport Area of Bataan (FAB), the province’s top dollar economic hub, launched recently its new official brand which gained the approval of international investors.

FAB administrator Deogracias Custodio said the new symbol of the multimillion economic zone in booming Mariveles town signifies different values essential to establishing businesses.

“The new FAB brand is almost full circle to connote unity, expansion and growth,” said Custodio.

He explained the color red in the logo denotes passion and determination needed to cultivate a business while the blue stands for stability of growth.

Executives of foreign companies expressed satisfaction over the new brand which, according to Custodio, represents the Filipinos as globally competitive with world-class service.

“It is sort of fresh and the design looks good to us,” said Dong-In Group general manager Park Ki Jung.

The corporate chiefs also pointed out that building business in the country has its share of advantages compared to other Asian countries.

According to John Cartwright, general manager of C&L Philippines Footwear Manufacturing Corporation, FAB is very promising and full of potentials as it is very accessible from Manila and other neighboring cities via the new Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway.

“One thing more, the wages are up in China,” said Cartwright.

Park added that the availability of qualified manpower and English-speaking workers are plus points for FAB.

Retrieved from "https://zamboanga.com/z/index.php?title=Bataan_News&oldid=342885"