Angeles City News December 2015

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Official Seal of Angeles City
Interactive Google Satellite Map of Angeles City, Pampanga
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City Hall of 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.

Angeles city catholic church.jpg
Angeles City Catholic Church
Angeles city crucifixion of the faithfuls.jpg
Sacrifice of the faithfuls by crucifying themselves.

Wars of ancient history were about possessions, territory, power, control, family, betrayal, lover's quarrel, politics and sometimes religion.

But we are in the Modern era and supposedly more educated and enlightened .

Think about this. Don't just brush off these questions.

  • Why is RELIGION still involved in WARS? Isn't religion supposed to be about PEACE?
  • Ask yourself; What religion always campaign to have its religious laws be accepted as government laws, always involved in wars and consistently causing WARS, yet insists that it's a religion of peace?

WHY??

There are only two kinds of people who teach tolerance:
  1. The Bullies. They want you to tolerate them so they can continue to maliciously deprive you. Do not believe these bullies teaching tolerance, saying that it’s the path to prevent hatred and prejudice.
  2. The victims who are waiting for the right moment to retaliate. They can’t win yet, so they tolerate.

Hostage taker shot dead inside fast food restaurant

By Reynaldo G. Navales

ANGELES CITY -- A 39-year-old man who had taken a nine-year-old boy as hostage inside a nearby fast-food chain Tuesday night was shot dead by a police officer.

Chief Inspector Dederick Relativo, Police Station 4 chief, said the boy was saved when Senior Inspector Dante Cabungcal shot the suspect -- Carlos Dadia Rongcales, a native of Samar, Leyte -- on the right shoulder.

Cabungcal told Sun.Star Pampanga that his single shot was intended to disable Rongcales who was poking two forks on the boy’s neck.

Rongcales died before reaching the Ospital Ning Angeles Medical Center, Relativo said.

The boy’s mother said that his son was traumatized by the incident. The boy is now staying at their house in Barangay Dau, Mabalacat City.

Cabungcal and his men tried to convince Rongcales to surrender but the suspect who made no demands ignored them, according to Relativo.

“The suspect, instead of giving himself peacefully, hit the boy on the face using two forks,” Relativo said.

Cabungcal walked near the hostage-taker and the boy and shot the suspect before hauling the victim.

Rongcales body was taken to the Pangilinan funeral parlor for autopsy, according to Relativo.

Chief Superintendent Rudy Lacadin, Central Luzon police director, lauded Cabungcal for his bravery.

Pamintuan bares plans, projects for 2016

(PR)

ANGELES CITY -- The local chief executive of this city recently announced his plans and projects for 2016.

Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan has revealed more milestone projects to come, which includes a state-of-the-art command center and a public cemetery.

“While we have been able to fulfill the majority of our promises at the start of our terms (2010 and 2013), we acknowledge the fact that there are still a lot of things that we can and should do to serve our constituents,” he said.

Just last week, the local government was able to distribute 19 Foton Blizzard Multi-Purpose Vehicles, 15 of which went to barangays and 4 to the local police. Pamintuan said that they will continue with the second batch of vehicle donations to the remaining barangays and police this January 2016.

They were also able to extend assistance to the Barangay Peacekeeping Action Teams (BPATs) by providing them with equipment such as vests, whistles, flashlights, and even batons to help suppress criminal elements.

“A priority of this administration is to empower the barangays, especially with their peacekeeping capabilities, which would soon be bolstered by the establishment of a state-of-the-art command center with analytics.” he said.

The mayor further stressed how the local government would be integrating this command center with the installation of closed-circuit television (CCTV) monitors to identify the culprits of a crime, monitor real-time traffic, and create the proper response during emergencies or disasters.

Pamintuan also reiterated his plans of putting up a public cemetery for the benefit of the poor. He said that the cemetery would be the “Rolls Royce of cemeteries”, and they put in a lot of work and effort on the design and structure.

“Our citizens deserve a beautiful resting place for their dearly departed. Social strata shouldn’t define where they should be laid to rest.” he adds.

The aim of creating a beautiful public cemetery should be accompanied by beautiful environs, and Pamintuan said that they would continue the improvement of the city’s aesthetics with more parks, jog paths and “aeroscaping” – which is the term the mayor used for the removal of the ugly “spaghetti” electric wires that mar the Angeles’ skyline.

The mayor also said that he is looking forward to the first batch of graduates of the City College of Angeles (CCA).

“Through the CCA, we were able to produce 197 graduates who are set to become productive members of the community while manifesting the values of excellence and resiliency taught to them by the college.” the Angeles mayor said.

Pamintuan also lauded and expressed his appreciation to the employees of the local government while enjoining them to do more.

“As government officials and employees, we will not stop working on our vision to make Angeles City a haven for tourists and investors, which would redound to more benefits for our people in terms of employment and livelihood opportunities,” the mayor said.

Developer eyes Pampanga as housing hub

By Reynaldo G. Navales

ANGELES CITY -- A property developer here said that Pampanga is now ready to become a housing hub considering the influx of investors including the entry of major players in the real estate and property development industry.

Wilfredo “Willy” Tan, president and chief executive officer of Hausland Development Corporation (HDC), said that a lot of big developers have acquired properties in the province.

“Before, iilan lang kaming developers but now there are lots of big players that already acquired properties here in Pampanga and we are looking forward that by 2016 and 2017 marami pong new projects that will opened in the province not only from Hausland and Fiesta but from big developers in Manila,” Tan said.

The Pampanga Chamber of Commerce and Industry Incorporated (PamCham) advocates the decongestion of Metro Manila, according to Tan.

With this, property developers in Manila are now investing in the province, he added.

“At PamCham, we always advocate that we have to decongest Manila and I think by this time players in Manila are already looking forward on investing in Pampanga which is very very good news for us,” the developer said.

Tan added that the province is “already ripe” for further development citing the presence of big industries in Clark including the business process outsourcing or BPOs.

“Pwede maging housing hub [ang Pampanga] because we have our industrial site here in Clark and I will not be surprise kung mas marakal la pa reng BPO at industries a dating,” Tan said.

HDC wants to be part of the growth of Pampanga and the same time committed to provide affordable and quality residences housing units to the Kapampangans and migrants in Pampanga.

“We hope we can contribute by way of making available housings that are very affordable on a well-planned community,” Tan said.

Uncertified Christmas lights confiscated

(JTD)

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO -- As people scrambled for Yuletide decorations three days before Christmas, combined teams from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)Pampanga Office, Philippine National Police and Business Permits and Licensing offices of the City of San Fernando and Angeles City on Tuesday confiscated some P180,000 worth of uncertified Christmas lights.

The combined team of authorities enforced the Products Standards Law and the Consumer Act of the Philippines that led to the confiscation of the uncertified lights in the two cities.

Confiscated were around 1,800 sets of Christmas lights estimated at P180,000 from two stores in the City of San Fernando and Angeles City.

The stores were penalized by the DTI P17,500 each for selling mandatory consumer products that did not bear product standard certification.

The DTI said that under the Consumer Act, products like Christmas lights must meet product standards and must have product certification from the Bureau of Product Standards before they are sold in the market.

This certification includes the Philippine Standards (PS) mark for locally manufactured lights and Import Commodity Clearance or ICC sticker for imported Christmas lights.

DTI Pampanga Officer-in-Charge and Division Chief Nathaniel Samson told Sun.Star Pampanga that they have conducted surveillance operations in the past week before the enforcement and confiscation of the uncertified products.

Samson also reminded consumers to check if Christmas lights they are buying or have bought have proper labeling and have been tested.

The DTI had repeatedly cautioned buyers of risks posed by uncertified Christmas like fire and electrocution.

P’panga mall ‘shootout’ probed

By Bernard Galang

ANGELES City -- Police are digging deeper into the alleged shootout at the parking area of SM City Clark here last December 24, wherein a policeman was killed, to find out if it was a legitimate encounter and not a rubout.

PO1 Jomar Binuya Batul, 28, resident of Caloocan City and assigned at the Oriental Mindoro Provincial Police Office, died from two gunshot wounds in the head, one on the right shoulder, one on the left arm and one on the foot after allegedly shooting it out with a Clark Development Corporation (CDC) policeman and mall guards.

However, no gun was recovered from Batul.

Senior Supt. Sydney Villaflor, police director here, said several empty shells for cal. 9mm firearm were recovered at the crime scene but no gun was recovered from the Mindoro policeman.

Batul, who was in a hotel resort in Clark Freeport Zone with his family for the holiday, was accused of trying to grab the motorcycle of one Manny Caritativo at the Jollibee restaurant at Bertaphil Compound on MA Roxas Avenue corner Jose Abad Santos Street at 3 p.m. but failed after the latter resisted.

The policeman then got into the front passenger seat of a Jollibee service multi cab and ordered its driver, Michael Ojera, to bring him to Manila at gunpoint.

Fearing for his life, Ojera told the police that he followed Batul’s order but upon reaching the Clark main gate, he quickly got out of the vehicle and reported to a CDC policeman and security guards there that an armed man was inside the multi-cab van.

Batul also alighted and walked towards SM City Clark. CDC policeman Jake Machinal then boarded a mobile patrol car and followed Batul.

At the SM Clark parking space, Machinal sought help from security guards. He told the police that Batul fired at him and he fired back and took cover.

“Nakita ko ang mga guwardiya na nakasunod sa kanya na dumapa at pinaputukan din sila ng lalaki (Batul) at sila rin ay gumanti ng putok,” he said.

Machinal said after three minutes, the gunfires stopped. “Dahan-dahan akong lumapit sa mga sasakyan sa parking lot kung saan nakatago ang lalaki at nakita ko na nakahandusay na ito. Lumapit din ang mga guwardiya ng SM Clark,” he said.

SPO4 Romeo Amarillo, a police investigator, said that when he and the other city policemen arrived, Batul was already in handcuffs and being loaded to an ambulance.

He said there was no gun, supposedly used by Batul in the alleged shootout, turned over to the police.

Villaflor said further investigation into the case will try to establish if Ba-tul was really armed and find out if a gun was recovered from him.

The four empty shells recovered at the scene were for cal. 9mm pistol.

Clark pushed as alternative to decongest Metro Manila

(JTD)

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO -- The Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) is pushing Clark Freeport and Clark International as viable alternatives to decongest Metro Manila.

During the recently weekly Pandesal Forum at the Kamuning Bakery Cafe in Quezon City, BCDA president and Chief Executive Officer Arnel Paciano Casanova said plans to ease the traffic congestion in Metro Manila must be included in the programs of governance of presidential candidates which may include the transfer of other key industries and major public offices in other regions like Central Luzon which has the necessary infrastructure and socio-economic system.

The proposal to decongest Metro Manila, which was broached by the Pampanga Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. two years ago, should be included in the political discourse among candidates running for president in the May 2016 elections.

“The respective platforms for next year’s elections will surely point to improving the lives of Filipinos. But if we truly wish to achieve quality of life, let us work toward easing the congestion in Metro Manila,” Casanova said.

Last week when Liberal Party standard bearer Mar Roxas visited Pampanga, he discussed with local officials here the proposal to make Clark International Airport as the new international gateway of the Philippines to decongest Metro Manila and construct a railway for fast trains to ferry not only passengers but those working and living in the nearby provinces.

Roxas stressed that Clark airport should not be the “alternative” or “twin airport” to the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Naia), but the true “premier gateway” of the country.

He added that the expansion of NAIA is already not feasible or “doable” because it only has 440 hectares compared to Clark, which has 2,000 hectares.

Roxas also shunned the idea of constructing an airport in areas to be reclaimed in Sangley and a location in Bulacan province, which is very near Clark in Pampanga.

Casanova also presented the Clark Green City project as a viable alternative outside of Metro Manila to host vital public offices and key private sector institutions, including universities and colleges.

Clark Green City is a 9,450-hectare master planned property within the Clark Special Economic Zone, approximately half the size of Metro Manila, eyed to be the country’s first smart, green and disaster-resilient metropolis.

Pamintuan distributes vehicles to barangays, local police

(Sun.Star Pampanga)

ANGELES CITY – The local government here, through Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan, began the distribution of multi-purpose vehicles to this city’s barangay captains and local police in a short ceremony yesterday at the city hall.

A total of 19 vehicles were donated, 15 of which were given to the barangay captains, while four were donated to the Angeles City Police Office.

According to Pamintuan, the vehicles will aid the barangays in various ways, as they continue to serve their respective constituents.

The donated vehicles were given to barangays Agapito del Rosario, Capaya, Claro M. Recto, Lourdes Sur, Ninoy Aquino, Pulung Bulu, San Nicolas, Sta. Teresita, Sto. Rosario, Virgen Delos Remedios, Cuayan, Sapang Bato, Malabanas, Mining and Sta. Trinidad.

“These multi-purpose vehicles will enable our barangays to be more mobile and active in serving their communities. They can use these in medical emergencies, disasters and as a supplement to their day-to-day barangay activities.”

On the other hand, the police would able to use the vehicles for various utility functions and operations, among other things.

“This year, we observed a 46 per cent decrease in our crime rate. These vehicles will surely help to further reduce this.” the mayor expressed.

Since 2012, the local government has provided logistical support to the local police, having donated over 50 service utility/patrol vehicles and 30 motorcycle units.

The 19 vehicles will count as the first batch of donations from the local government. The second batch for the remaining 18 barangays and other police units will be given next year.

Price freeze in effect in ‘Nona’ hit areas in Central Luzon

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

ANGELES CITY, Dec.22 (PIA) -- Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) said a freeze in the prices of basic and prime goods is in effect in areas in Central Luzon, which were severely battered by tropical disturbance “Nona” earlier this month, following the declaration of State of National Calamity by President Aquino last December 18.

They are the provinces of Aurora, Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, and Pampanga.

“Under a state of calamity, an automatic price control is implemented as contained in Section 6 of Republic Act 7581 otherwise known as the Price Act as a preventive measure to avoid chaos that may result from overpricing of goods such as processed milk, canned goods, coffee, laundry soap, detergent, candles, bread, and salt during times of calamities,” DTI Regional Director Judith Angeles said.

Hence, the prices of such in the mentioned areas excluding agricultural products should remain at levels prior to the issuance of Proclamation No.1186.

“Upon declaration of state calamity, a price control can be implemented for the duration of 60 days unless lifted sooner by either the local sanggunian or by the President of the Republic of the Philippines,” Angeles added.

Also, local governments and provincial DTI offices can adjust prices to reflect additional operational costs or the costs of bringing the products in the market.

However, this still needs the approval of either the National Price Coordinating Council or the President.

The adjusted prices must be published in newspapers of national circulation.

Angeles warned businessmen of the penalty for profiteering in price freeze areas – up to PhP1 million in fines and/or imprisonment of one to five years.

If the case is hoarding, violators can face up to PhP2 million in fines and/or imprisonment of 5 to 15 years.

Fontana hosts unity investment business meeting

By Chris Navarro (Sun.Star Pampanga)

CLARK FREEPORT -- Fontana Hot Spring Leisure Parks successfully hosted the stakeholders meeting of Unity Investments Holdings Limited (UIHL) recently at the Convention Center Gallery 1 attended by some 350 international guests.

UIHL is an investment company incorporated in the Cayman Islands whose shares are listed at the stock exchange of Hong Kong Limited under Chapter 21 of the Listing Rules since 27 October 1999 and investing in securities constitutes its ordinary course of business.

Tommy Timzy, Chief Executive Officer of UIH said that the investment company and investors are partners in managing their wealth and for them to gain more wealth.

“For the past 20 years I've been working the financial industry to help several investors. My role is to motivate my crew by explaining the strategies so more people can understand,” Timzy added.

He explained that Peak Coin is a digital or virtual currency which is now valued at $ 2.1 dollars. "We strongly believe that it has potential and will further develop in the future," Timzy said.

Lawyer Arthur Tugade, president and chief executive officer of Clark development Corporation mentioned in his speech that Clark is an ideal place for everyone.

“Clark is 15 minutes away from Clark International Airport, few minutes from Manila. It is accessible. It has hotels, restaurants, hospitals, housing, entertainment places and more. Clark has no traffic.” Tugade stressed Clark is out of the earthquake zone.

Dr. Lam Ying Lok, Chairman of Jimei Group International and Chairman of Fontana, Manuel Sequiera, Chief Executive Officer of Fontana, and Vera Cheung, Assistant to the Chairman of Jimei Group International graced the business presentation. Unity Investment Holdings Limited is a possible company investor in Philippines and in Clark.

President Aquino to grace 80th AFP Day in Clark

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

CLARK AIR BASE, Pampanga, Dec.20 (PIA) -- President Benigno Aquino III will grace on Monday, December 21, the landmark 80th anniversary celebration of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) in Pampanga.

Its highlights include the high-speed opener pass of two FA-50, inspection of troops, and conferment of recognitions to AFP personnel and partners.

There will likewise be a pass-in-review of mounted and dismounted contingents composed of 117-person team from AFP Special Units, 11 wheeled armor vehicles, 53 tracked armor vehicles, 14 artillery vehicles, 5 engineer vehicles, 15 combat service support, 12 humanitarian and disaster response vehicles, 4 affiliate reservist vehicles, and 54 motor military vehicles (static display).

And lastly, there will be a fly-by of 40 newly-acquired aircrafts including 16 Stello Frati 260FH, 1 Construcciones Aeronauticas SA (CASA) C-295, 3 Bell 412 combat utility helicopters, 4 UH-D helicopters, 3 Sokol Rescue Helicopters, 5 Philippine Air Force Augusta Westland (AW) 109 attack helicopters, 3 Philippine Navy AW 109 helicopters, 2 C-130 Hercules, and 3 UH-1 helicopters.

About 800 guests are expected composed of Department of National Defense and AFP officials and staff, former Presidents of the Philippines, members of the cabinet and diplomatic corps, veterans, reservists, and retirees.

This year’s celebration carries the theme “At 80: Advancing, Transforming to protect the people and secure the state.”

PGKM backs CIAC execs over hotel row

By Ashley Manabat

ANGELES CITY – The Pinoy Gumising Ka Movement (PGKM) has thrown its full support behind the executives of the Clark International Airport Corp. (CIAC) for standing firm on their decision not to allow non-airport related industries into the 2,400-hectare Clark civil aviation complex where the Clark International Airport (CIA) is located.

PGKM Chair Ruperto Cruz said CIAC executives should not be cowed into submitting to the dictates of anybody including politicians in order to maintain the viability of the Clark airport as the next premier international gateway of the country that is free from the problems besetting the heavily-congested Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) in Manila.

“Only airport-related industries should be allowed in the Clark civil aviation complex,” Cruz averred.

In a statement released to the media over-the-weekend, former Angeles City mayor and Pampanga Rep. Carmelo “Tarzan” F. Lazatin lambasted CIAC President- CEO Emigdio “Dino” Tanjuatco III for his alleged apathy and favoritism which runs contrary to the “Tuwid na Daan (Straight Path)” of the national government.

Lazatin, now chairman of the Amalgamated Builders and Contractors Inc. which operates the Hotel Stotsenberg and Casablanca Casino in Clark, said “there is no clear process in leasing the idle property owned by the Clark International Airport Corporation contrary to what its CEO Emigdio Tanjuatco III claimed.”

Lazatin was reacting on Tanjuatco’s statement that there is no favoritism and that they have a process that is being implemented for leasing properties.

Lazatin said his company has signified its intention to join the bidding but more than one year had passed and not even the initial stages of the bidding process happened. “As far as we know, there is a time table for the bidding,” Lazatin noted.

“Nasaan na ang tuwid na daan (Where is the straight path)? I thought they are adhering to the tuwid na daan’ of the President? Korba-korba ang daan, hindi pa natin nakikita (The road is not only crooked but we can’t even see it),” Lazatin lamented.

Earlier, Lazatin assailed CIAC Marketing Officer Jesus Abelardo “Jay” Punzalan for allegedly “giving them the runaround” in connection with the planned leasing of three buildings under the control of the CIAC.

Lazatin said Punzalan had failed to allow them to operate “the idle buildings beside our hotel despite following the laws and the instructions and recommendations.

Lazatin said what is worse is that they are receiving reports that the CIAC is waiting for a favored foreign investor to lease the buildings. “As far as I know, we local investors deserve equal treatment but the CIAC is playing favorites to a reported generous foreign firm,” he added.

Lazatin in a letter to Tanjuatco said his firm is willing to invest a minimum of P100 million and provide employment for some 300 persons. He offered to lease the buildings and the area for the next 25 years with a minimum guaranteed lease of $1.60 per square meter.

“The escalation of the minimum guaranteed lease for the property shall be 10 percent compounded every five years thereafter,” Lazatin said.

Tanjuatco assures support for Clark airport development

By Reynaldo G. Navales

ANGELES CITY -- Clark International Airport Corporation (CIAC) head Emigdio “Dino” Tanjuatco III has assured that the state-owned corporation is working hard for the airport’s full development and operation.

Tanjuatco issued the statement during a Christmas party with Pampanga-based newsmen at Rib Eye Restaurant here on Monday.

Tanjuatco at the same time thanked the media for its contribution in bringing up to the national government issues regarding the development of Clark airport.

He said that marketing the airport is not enough. Support infrastructure like the railway is needed to link the airport to Metro Manila and Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), according to him.

“Airlines are asking what will be the gains if they fly in and out of Clark,” Tanjuatco said.

The current capacity of Clark airport’s existing terminal is four million passengers per year, according to Tanjuatco.

Clark airport is host to carriers like Qatar Airways, Asiana Airlines, Cebu Pacific Air, CebGo, Tiger Air Singapore, Dragonair, Jin Air, and Air Asia Berhad.

At the same time, Tanjuatco announced the appointment of businessman Jojo Flores as the new CIAC vice president for operations.

Flores replaced Reynaldo Catacutan who relinquished his post to run for mayor of Capas town in Tarlac province.

Japanese firm delivers Clark-made aircraft interior parts to Boeing

By Reynaldo G. Navales

CLARK FREEPORT -- A Japanese firm manufacturing aircraft interiors and components is set to deliver its products to industry giant Boeing one month after starting their operations inside this Freeport.

Hermie Flores, Planning Purchasing Materials and Logistics manager of Jamco Philippines, Inc. (JPI) said the firm officially started its production only last November and started shipping out floor panels for Boeing 777 on December 9.

"Our first shipment to Boeing marks a major milestone for Jamco," Flores said.

Next year, JPI is expected to ship out 3,000 pieces of floor panels every month.

“Going forward, we are planning to ship 350 panels every month for 777 galley. So if you are going to multiply that for the rate of Boeing, that would be 3,000 panels a month because they are producing 8.3 airplanes every month,” Flores added.

JPI manufactures commercial aircraft interior components and sub-assembly parts for Jamco America and Jamco Corp. of Tokyo, Japan. The company does panel assembly for Boeing’s 777 and 787 aircraft.

The Japanese firm has invested $2.385 million or about P105 million in its first venture to expand overseas business operations.

Clark Development Corporation’s Marketing Department reported that JPI and its supplier, Show Aircraft Industry Philippines, Inc. (SAIP) have an actual investment of more than $2 million and $227,272 respectively.

CDC president Arthur Tugade lauded the prompt delivery of aircraft products to Boeing following Japanese investors' assurance of producing high quality products and a commitment to follow international standards.

To date, JPI employs 283 workers inside the Freeport. It is a joint American and Japanese company with a 60-40 ratio, while Jamco’s supplier, SAIP is 99 percent Japanese-owned firm.

Classes in some Central Luzon areas suspended

(PNA), FFC/ZST/PS

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga, Dec. 16 (PNA) -- Classes in several areas in Central Luzon were suspended on Wednesday as typhoon "Nona" continues to bring more rains in the region.

Nueva Ecija Governor Aurelio Umali declared the suspension of classes in all levels as heavy rainfall with gusty winds continue to batter the province.

Bataan Governor Albert Garcia also announced the suspension of classes in all levels, both in public and private, in the province.

Localized suspension of classes, on the other hand, were declared in the provinces of Bulacan, Tarlac and Pampanga.

In Bulacan, classes were declared suspended in all levels, both in public and private in the municipalities of Paombong, Marilao, Sta. Maria, Bocaue and Pulilan.

Classes from pre-elementary to high school, both in public and private schools were suspended in Meycauayan City and San Miguel town.

Classes from pre-elementary to elementary, both in public and private schools, on the other hand, were suspended in Malolos City and the municipalities of Hagonoy, Calumpit, Guinguinto, Baliwag and Balagtas.

In Pampanga, Mayor Marino “Boking Moralas declared the suspension of classes, from pre-elementary to high school in all public and private schools in Mabalacat City.

Angeles City mayor Edgardo Pamintuan also declared the suspension of classes, pre-school and elementary levels in both public and private schools.

Mayor Edwin Santiago also declared the suspension of classes from pre-elementary to high school in the City of San Fernando, Pampanga.

Pre-elementary to high school levels, both in public and private were also suspended in Mexico, Pampanga.

In Tarlac, classes in all levels were suspended in the towns of Concepcion and Capas and in Tarlac City

Pre-elementary to high school levels were also suspended in Victoria, Talrac.

Meanwhile, afternoon classes from pre-elementary to high school were suspended in Olongapo City.

Outstanding Kapampangan cites importance of health services

By Ian Ocampo Flora

CLARK FREEPORT -- Sr. Eloisa L. David, O.S.B., a native of Porac, Pampanga, shortly after she received the Most Outstanding Kapampangan Award (MOKA) in the field of social service at the Holiday Inn Clark on December 11, highlighted the importance of health and social services in nation building.

“The services on health touch the lives of people,” David said.

David, who celebrated her 73rd birthday one day before the highlight of the founding anniversary of the province, issued the statements after she was asked on why she and Governor Lilia Pineda are both passionate in delivering health services to the people.

“The projects of the governor on health are admirable. They are really needed by the people. We must really help, especially the sick and poor ones,” said David, sister of the late Porac Mayor Roy David.

A registered nurse and doctor, David is the aunt of former Second District Board Member and Porac councilor bet Fritzie David-Dizon and Porac Vice-Mayor Dexter David.

“I am happy for Fritzie and Dexter. They are in public service just like their parents,” said David. The late former Acting Pampanga Governor Edna De Ausen David was the wife of the former mayor.

“I do my mission differently compared to them. But we serve the same people,” she added.

David organzied the The Kapansanan ng Kawarayan at Kakurian Foundation, Inc. (KaKak) Foundation. Inc. It operates in Leyte, Samar, Cebu, Pampanga, Bukidnon and Antique.

Last October, Mayor Condralito De La Cruz, Vice Mayor David and David-Dizon led the opening of the Mother Bles Birthing Clinic at the Porac Model Community, a resettlement area for Mt. Pinatubo victims in Barangay Pio. The birthing clinic is under the supervision Kakak whose chief operating officer is David.

David-Dizon said the establishment of the birthing station “is most welcome in a thickly populated area such as the one in Pio where there are many young people and teenagers.”

She cited data of the United Nations Population Fund-Philippines (UNFPA). It said pregnancy among girls under the age of 20 increased by 65 percent over a 10-year period, from 2000-2010, despite a reverse trend in teen marriages, which is on the decline, according to the National Statistics Office (NSO).

In 2010, live births by teenage mothers registered with the NSO were 207,898, compared with 126,025 in 2000. On the other hand, teenage marriages registered with the agency shows a slow but steady decline from 14.8 per cent in 2000 to 13 percent in 2010.

The Department of Health said there is a high risk of maternal deaths among young mothers.

“We hail both the governor and my aunt, Sister David for focusing on health and pregnancy problems,” said David-Dizon. Vice Mayor David said their aunt recently sent four Aetas to Leyte. They will study midwifery.

“Their expenses, including transportation and scholarships, were shouldered by Sister David,” said the vice mayor.

“Once they are done studying, the four Aetas will help in running the birthing stations of Kakak in the Porac Aeta villages, including Barangay Kamias,” he added.

Lazatin: CIAC lacks clear lease process

(Sun.Star Pampanga)

ANGELES CITY -- Former Angeles City mayor and congressman Carmelo “Tarzan” Lazatin has reiterated that there is no clear process in the leasing of an idle property owned by the Clark International Airport Corporation (CIAC).

Lazatin, chairman of the Amalgamated Builders and Contractors Inc., which operates the Stotsenberg Hotel and Casablanca Casino in Clark, was reacting to the statement of CIAC head Emigdio “Dino” Tanjuatco there is no favoritism in CIAC.

Lazatin said they are willing to join the bidding process for the property situated near the hotel.

“Anong klaseng process ba ang sinusunod nila? We have signified our intent to join the bidding but over one year had passed and not even the initial stages of the biddings happened. As far as we know may time table ang bidding,” Lazatin said.

“Nasaan na ang tuwid na daan? I thought they are adhering to the tuwid na daan ng ating Pangulo? Liku-liko ang daan, hindi pa natin nakikita,” he added.

Lazatin earlier claimed that CIAC is favoring a foreign investor. But Tanjuatco was quick to dismiss the claims saying CIAC is following a process in approving lease contracts.

“If there is no favoritism and they are not favoring other foreign investor, how come it has been almost a year and yet we haven’t received any response on the status of our intent to rent the idle buildings beside our hotel despite following the laws and the instructions and recommendations from CIAC,” Lazatin said.

The former mayor also questioned Tanjuatco’s statement that "they only consider what is for the best interests of CIAC.”

“We understand there is a process, but what is it and why can’t they point us in the right direction on what we are supposed to do?” Lazatin said.

“Sa lahat naman ng bagay mayroon talagang proseso. Willing naman tayo sundin ang proseso nila kaya lang hindi natin alam kung ano iyon dahil wala naman silang sinasabi sa atin,” Lazatin added.

In November 2014, Lazatin wrote to Tanjuatco manifesting their firm’s intention to rent or lease the property with the three buildings along the Gil Puyat Avenue.

He told Tanjuatco in a separate letter that their firm will invest a minimum of P100 million and provide employment for some 300 persons.

In August 2015, Lazatin wrote to Tanjuatco wrote another letter offering to rent the area for the next 25 years with a minimum guaranteed lease of $1.60 per square meter.

“The escalation of the minimum guaranteed lease for the property shall be 10 percent compound every five years thereafter,” Lazatin added.

Road construction suspended

By Ashley Manabat

ANGELES CITY – Despite the conclusion of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Leaders’ Summit last month, the improvement of the Clark-Friendship Circumferential Road (CFCR) here has remained unfinished to the consternation of motorists and the general public.

The CFCR, which is about seven kilometers of road from the Friendship Gate of the Clark Freeport Zone (CFZ) here which bisects the Korean Town in Barangay Anunas up to Paning’s in Barangay Telabastagan, City of San Fernando, is a project of the (DPWH) for the APEC conference.

But in a text message yesterday, DPWH Central Luzon Director Antonio Molano Jr. said the project has been suspended due to the right-of-way (ROW) issue.

Molano, however, remained tightlipped when asked to name those who refused to yield to the ROW issue which has hampered the project.

The Pinoy Gumising Ka Movement (PGKM) said the DPWH and its contractor for the project should explain the delay in the completion of the project which up to now is unfinished.

PGKM Chair Ruperto Cruz said some of the trees lining the road were already cut a long time ago to give way to the road-widening and improvement but the construction stopped.

Cruz noted that portions of the road, especially in the area of Korean Town, have been left unfinished which has become a bane to pedestrians and motorists alike.

DPWH Secretary Rogelio Singson has earlier barred several contractors from participating in any new bidding until they finish on time their projects for the APEC.

Reports said Singson had instructed Molano to place the erring contractors on suspension to learn their lessons.

A similar APEC related project, the Pandan- Magalang Road, has also remained unfinished. According to Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan he is being blamed for the unfinished projects when it should be the fault of the DPWH and their contractors.

12 most outstanding Kapampangans recognized for exceptional feats

By Joel P. Mapiles(Pampanga PIO)

CLARK FREEPORT -- Twelve Kapampangans who excelled in their respective fields and gave honor to the province and its people were given recognition and conferred 2015 Most Outstanding Kapampangan Awards (MOKA) during ceremonies held at Holiday Inn here on Friday.

The MOKA is the main highlight of the weeklong 444th Founding Anniversary of Pampanga known as “Aldo Ning Kapampangan”, celebrated by Kapampangans led by the provincial government.

Governor Lilia Pineda said the numerous gains that the province had attained through the years were the result of the Kapampangans’ strong resolve to make excellence the core of their daily pursuits.

The governor said the 12 awardees for this year are very much qualified considering their tremendous accomplishments in their respective professions that gave honor to the province and its people.

“Their accomplishments will serve as inspiration to every Kapampangan to work and achieve more so they are worth to be recognized and emulated,” she said.

Leading the 2015 MOKA awardees are Judge Maria Angelica Paras-Quiambao in the field of Judicial Service and Ambassador Laura Quiambao-Del Rosario who excelled in the field of Government Service.

Judge Quiambao was an awardee of the Supreme Court’s Chief Justice Jose Abad Santos Judicial Excellence Awards in 2013 while Ambassador Del Rosario, was an awardee for government service was a diplomatic and consular officer in the Philippine Embassy in Vienna, Singapore, and Washington D.C. She was also appointed as the Philippine Ambassador to India and Nepal on a non-resident capacity from 2003 to 2007. She then served as Ambassador to Vietnam in 2007 to 2009.

Other awardees are Cesar Victor P. Reyes in the field of Arts; Michael L. Escaler, Business and Entrepreneurship; Eduardo T. Mutuc, Culture; Matrose P. Galarion, Ph.D., Education; PO3 Comet Dimla-Dumangeng, Law Enforcement; Ruperto S. Nicdao Jr., Mass Media; Juliette Gomez-Romualdez, Parenthood; Virgilio Malang, Science and Technology; Sr. Eloisa L. David, Social Service and Jayson C. William, Sports.

Awardee Cesar Victor “Cid” Pangilinan Reyes is an eminent art critic, painter and scholar. He was named twice as the Philippines’ Art Critic of the Year. He is also a well-known figure in the Philippine advertising industry with many local and international awards to his credit.

Dr. Virgilio “Billy” Malang, the “Prodigious Innoventor” was also recognized for his award winning-inventions that contributed well for the development of science and technology in the Philippines. Among his inventions are Psidium Guajava effervescing Gynecological Insert (gold), Patient Side-Turning Hospital Bed-silver, external vaginal cleanser (bronze) light refracting ear-pick (bronze) and broom’s way of hanging.

Sister David, 72 year old awardee for Social Service is the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the KAKAK Foundation-Mother Bles Birthing Clinic who gave her life in helping disadvantaged communities and families.

Galarion, awardee for Education is the Regional Education Program Supervisor of Planning, Policy and Research Division of the Department of Education Region III.

In the Field of Sports, Castro earned the title PBA’s Most Improved Player in 2010-2011, PBA Best Player of the Conference for three seasons and PBA All Star for 2013-2015.

For culture, Eduardo Mutuc is the only Kapampangan recipient of the Gawad Manlilikha ng Bayan Awards or National Living Treasure Award of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), one of the most prestigious awards given to traditional artists in the Philippines, similar to the National Artist Award.

MOK awardee Escaler made a big name in business and entrepreneurship throughout the country. He has been at the helm of multinational companies holding key positions, a living testament to his unquestionable prowess in the field.

Juliette Gomez-Romualdez, awardee for Parenthood is a recipient of the National Mother’s Day and Father’s Day Foundation Inc.’s Ulirang Ina Awards for Socio-Civic and Religion.

Nicdao, awardee in the field of Mass Media is the president and member of the Board of Directors of Manila Broadcasting Company (MBC).

In the field of Law Enforcement, Dimla-Dumangeng was also conferred as the lone lady to win in the 2014 Country’s Outstanding Policemen in Service, a joint venture of the Metro Bank Foundation and PNP in Outstanding uniformed and non-uniformed men and women of the PNP. She was the first Kapampangan lady PNCO to win the prestigious national search.

CIAC hit for ‘runaround’ on buildings lease plan

By Reynaldo G. Navales

ANGELES CITY -- Owners of a premier casino-hotel at the Clark Freeport assailed the Clark International Airport Corporation (CIAC) for its alleged runaround in connection with the leasing of three buildings inside the aviation complex.

Former Angeles City Mayor and Congressman Carmelo “Tarzan” Lazatin, chairman of the Amalgamated Builders and Contractors Inc. which operates the Stotsenberg Hotel and Casablanca Casino in Clark, said CIAC Marketing Officer Jesus Abelardo Punzalan did not allow the corporation to operate idle buildings beside the hotel.

According to Lazatin, they followed proper procedures regarding their request to lease the property.

“Worse, we are receiving reports that the CIAC is waiting for a favored foreign investor to lease the buildings,” Lazatin added. “As far as I know, we local investors deserve equal treatment but the CIAC is playing favorites to a reported generous foreign firm.”

In November 2014, Lazatin said he wrote CIAC head Emigdio Tanjuatco III about their firm’s intention to rent or lease the property with the three buildings along Gil Puyat Avenue.

“Rest assured that we are willing to comply with all the requirements that your good office deem necessary for this endeavor,” said Lazatin in the letter.

He told Tanjuatco in a separate letter that their firm will invest a minimum of P100 million and provide employment for some 300 persons.

Lazatin said Punzalan had earlier told him the CIAC will put the area for bidding. He added that after one year, not even the initial stages of the bidding happened.

In August 2015, Lazatin wrote to Tanjuatco making a new offer for the buildings. He offered to lease the area for the next 25 years with a minimum guaranteed lease of $1.60 per square meter.

“The escalation of the minimum guaranteed lease for the property shall be 10 percent compound every five years thereafter,” the letter of Lazatin added.

In December 2014, Lazatin offered to lease the area and give CIAC a percentage share of “five percent from the casino gross revenues from the own casino operations (slots and tables) of the lessee, plus those arising from transactions entered into by the lessee and/or assignee with any third party chip-washing, junket operator, or casino-related gaming operator.”

“Progress is delayed at Clark due to the incompetence of the CIAC heads. We offered all options allowed by law. What’s more insulting is that we followed all their requests but came up empty handed after many months of waiting,” said Lazatin.

Tanjuatco dismissed Lazatin’s accusation, saying “there is no favoritism in CIAC."

"We only consider what is for the best interests of CIAC," Tanjuatco said, adding there is a process which the state-owned corporation follows in approving lease contracts.

Pampanga is 444 years old on Dec. 11

By Ashley Manabat (Correspondent)

ON Friday (December 11) Pampanga celebrates its 444th birthday since she was reorganized as a province by the Spaniards on December 11, 1571.

Since that time, Pampanga has evolved into a modern province hosting the country’s next premier international gateway—the Clark International Airport (CIA). With the full development of the CIA and with its strategic location in the Southeast Asian region, Pampanga is now on the world map as a most suitable place for trade and commerce.

Already, the Clark Freeport Zone (CFZ) on its northwestern section has been a magnet of foreign investors currently employing more than 100,000.

Home of presidents

PAMPANGA is known as the home of presidents.

Beginning with the country’s ninth president, Diosdado Pangan Macapagal, the province was a fountain of human resources. A native of Lubao, Macapagal’s legacy of land reform saw the start of the emancipation of farmers from the bondage of the soil.

The poor boy from Lubao was followed by Corazon Cojuangco-Aquino, the first elected woman president in the Philippines and Asia. She was catapulted to the presidency by the People Power Revolution in 1986. She hailed from Paniqui, Tarlac, which in ancient times was part of the Capampangan region.

In 1998 the first female vice president was elected in Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, daughter of President Macapagal. Three years later she assumed the presidency from ousted President Joseph Estrada and was elected president in 2003 as the country’s 14th president.

In 2010 incumbent President Benigno Simeon C. Aquino III was elected as the 15th president of the Philippines under the Liberal Party. He was the son of President Cory Aquino and martyred national hero Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr., who hailed from Concepcion, Tarlac, also a part of the Capampangan region during the Spanish Era.

Rising from the ashes

PAMPANGA was on its way to becoming a modern province when Mount Pinatubo erupted in June 1991, and buried communities and villages, causing major devastation to the province.

Then-Gov. Bren Z. Guiao rallied the Capampangans with his famous quote: “Eko magmalun, mibangun ya ing Pampanga [Don’t worry; Pampanga will rise again].”

At present, Pampanga is fast developing as an alternative modern metropolis from the heavily congested Metro Manila, some 80 kilometers to the south.

With the presence of the CFZ, Pampanga is now a beehive of economic activities contributing substantially to the GDP.

The province’s wide-open spaces (total land mass of 206,247 hectares) is suitable for further development, especially with its relatively flat terrain.

Its lone distinct mountain, the majestic Mount Arayat, has become a symbol of the province.

‘Nanay Baby’

Under Gov. Lilia “Nanay Baby” G. Pineda, Pampanga has made leaps and bounds with its sand-quarrying revenue, totaling more than P1.5 billion so far with a target of P2 billion total collections next year.

Sand, ejected by Mount Pinatubo during its violent eruptions, has helped the province abundantly.

Pineda has sponsored various programs to make life more comfortable for its constituents.

Notable Capampangans

ASIDE from four Capampangan-nurtured presidents, the province also nurtured some notable successes: tycoon Manuel V. Pangilinan; Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor Amando M. Tetangco Jr.; real-estate developer and former Sen. Manny B. Villar Jr.; Ruperto Cruz, a noted furniture maker, owner of the Grand Palazzo Royale, as well as the Royal Garden Golf and Country Club and chair of the advocacy group Pinoy Gumising Ka Movement; Liberato P. Laus, chairman and CEO of the Laus Group of Companies; Prudencio Garcia, president of Mekeni Foods Corp.; Lolita O. Hizon, owner of Pampanga’s Best; and popular businessman, sportsman and kingmaker Rodolfo Q. Pineda, Pampanga’s First Gentleman.

Capampangan cuisine

“LUTUING Kapampangan” includes sisig, morcon, menudo, caldereta, estofado, embotido, asado, lengua, lechon, chicharon, afritada, bringhi (paella), taba ng talangka (crab meat), bulanglang or pork soup made from guava juice, tocino or pindang and the native longganisa. Its exotic foods include betuteng tugak or stuffed frog, adobong camaru or sautéed mole crickets, calderetang barag or spicy monitor lizard stew, kubang asu or spicy dog stew and tidtad or blood stew.

Tourist attractions

PREDOMINANTLY Roman Catholics, Pampanga has some of the most beautiful churches in the Philippines, including the Saint James the Apostle Parish Church in Betis, Holy Rosary Parish in Angeles City, San Agustin Church in Lubao and the Santa Monica Parish Church in Minalin.

During Christmas, Pampanga becomes the core of a thriving industry centered on handcrafted lighted lanterns called parols that display a kaleidoscope of lights and colors.

The Ligligan Parul or Giant Lantern Festival, which draws thousands of spectators, is held in an annual competition of the best giant lantern from among the participating barangays in the City of San Fernando.

The name La Pampanga was given by the Spaniards, who found the early natives living near the riverbanks. The town of Bacolor in the province served as the capital of the archipelago for two years, from 1762 to 1764, during the British invasion of Manila.

The word pampang, from which the province’s name originates, means riverbank. Its creation in 1571 makes it the first Spanish province in the Philippines.

CLTV 36, CIAC launch ‘iChoose Clark’

By Reynaldo G. Navales

CLARK FREEPORT -- The Clark International Airport Corporation (CIAC) and Central Luzon Television 36 (CLTV 36) launched on Wednesday the “iChoose Clark” television program which is part of the promotional campaign for Clark International Airport (CRK).

In line with the project, a memorandum of agreement (MOA) was signed by CIAC president and Chief Executive Officer Emigdio “Dino” Tanjuatco III and Laus Group of Companies Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Levy Laus.

The program is aimed at promoting the flights and other developments at the Clark airport which is being geared as the country’s next premier gateway.

The agreement signing coincided with the inauguration of CLTV 36 Clark Tower.

Tanjuatco said the launching of the program is an opportunity for CIAC to promote the airport as well as to make an awareness campaign in Central and Northern Luzon about the availability of local and international flights in Clark.

“This program will also benefit the people of the North Philippines and to be aware of availability of flights As well as developments taking place at Clark Airport,” Tanjuatco added.

For his part, Laus said that the project launching signals an opportunity for Clark airport to grow and become an instrument in decongesting Metro Manila.

“It is high time to fully utilize Clark Airport that will make an economic spillover for the rest of Central and Northern Luzon,” Laus said.

Tanjuatco said CIAC conducted a market study which showed that there were six million travelers in the country in 2014.

Out of the six million, Clark Airport only got about 800,000 passengers and the rest used the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) in Manila.

He said the reasons why Clark airport got only 10 percent of the total number of travelers -- few international flights and that people in the North Philippines are not aware that there is an international airport in the province of Pampanga.

“Clark has only a few flights with only eight airlines operating at the airport, and that is why people in the North Philippines still go to NAIA to take their flights.”

“A lot of people that were surveyed did not know that Clark has international flights such as Doha, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Singapore, Incheon in South Korea, Macau and they did not even know that Clark is an international airport,” he added.

Tanjuatco said “iChooseClark” will greatly help in the promotion and awareness campaign and the new television tower will cover other provinces in Northern Luzon which is part of Clark airport’s catchment area.

CLTV 36 widens reach with new Clark Tower

(JTD/Sun.Star Pampanga)

CLARK FREEPORT -- The Laus Group-run CLTV 36 has widened its reach and its programs can now be seen to as far as La Union in the north and Metro Manila, Rizal and parts of Cavite in the south, after switching on Wednesday its new 10,000 watts transmitter and 68.50 meters high Clark Tower in this Freeport.

The broadcast equipment for the Clark Tower was provided by Italy-based DB Elettronica Telecommunications S.p.A, a world leader in design and new technologies in the radio and TV industry.

Laus Group of Companies Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Levy P. Laus said that the Clark Tower ushers in a new chapter for CLTV 36 which was established in 2007 after Congress and former President Fidel V. Ramos then granted the station a nationwide broadcast franchise.

“Maybe now CLTV 36 should be renamed MCL TV 36 or Metro Central Luzon TV 36 as widening our reach means pushing boundaries and creating opportunities not only for viewers in Central Luzon but for people farther north to as far as Cavite in the south. It also augurs well with our advocacy to decongest Metro Manila and create a Metro Central Luzon that will bring in more development opportunities in the countryside,” he said.

Branding CLTV 36 as a gift from Mount Pinatubo, whose 25th eruption anniversary will be commemorated June 15 next year, Laus said that the station--after DwRW 95.1 FM and Sun.Star Pampanga were established earlier--was born as a commitment to corporate social responsibility of the Laus Group which focuses on automotive dealership as its core business.

“Our decision to venture into media starting with RW FM was born from that eruption of Mt. Pinatubo and calls for rehabilitation and to rise from lahar. We wanted people in Pampanga to get the information they need. It is part of our corporate social responsibility and commitment to uplift lives of communities and countryside development as a whole. That is why I call CLTV 36 a gift from Mt. Pinatubo because it was after all the devastation that we saw the need to keep people informed all the time. I thank all stakeholders for continuously being with us all through these times,” he said.

With the Clark Tower, CLTV 36, the Best Provincial TV Station in the Philippines, three-time Golden Dove awardee and the only independent television company and free TV station in the region, now boosts its mission to provide hyperlocal news, current affairs and entertainment content.

Some of the CLTV 36’s programs include Arangkada Balita, Balitang Central Luzon, Alerto Central Luzon, Daily Chikahan, HB, Opinyong Legal, Metro Business, So to Speak, Plataporma, Spot Report, OK si Dok, Magsilbi Tamu, i-Vote, The Noel Jusay-Laxamana Show, Trip, Treat at Gimmick, Tadhana, Ka-Jam, What’s Cooking?, The Teacher is In, Men of Light, InstaChika, His Life TV, and Music Zone.

Clark locator wins inaugural CSR excellence award

(PNA), FPV/ZST/RKM/PS

CLARK FREEPORT, Pampanga (PNA) -- One of the biggest locator here has been recognized by the country’s largest and most reputable human resource association for developing an innovative approach to providing livelihood and community service in Clark contiguous areas.

Luenthai Philippine’s “iServe.iGive Back” program has won the 2015 CSR Excellence Award by the People Management Association of the Philippines HRM Foundation (PMAP).

Besting other entries in this nation-wide search under the Livelihood Category, the program was rated high on innovation, sustainability, replication, scalability and social and business impact.

In a statement received by the Communications Department of Clark Development Corporation (CDC-CommDep), Luenthai executive vice president Frank Sauceda thanked PMAP for the confidence entrusted to Luenthai through the award.

“This recognition further strengthens our belief that a caring spirit for the employees and the community is a manifestation of good corporate citizenship, ” he said.

“The award further boosts the company’s desire to continue on with the journey in effecting positive changes not just by providing skills training and livelihood but also in improving the well-being of many orphaned, neglected and underprivileged members of the society through various community outreach programs,” Sauceda added.

He expressed gratitude to the program partners namely, Tuloy Foundation Inc. headed by Fr. Rocky Evangelista; CDC, through Lawyer Arthur P. Tugade; and other local government unit (LGU) and non-governmental organization (NGO) partners.

CDC officials led by Tugade conveyed congratulations and commendations to the company, emphasizing the importance of corporate social responsibility (CSR) programs of Clark locators in community development and nation building.

To date, the “iServe.iGive Back” program has generated over Php880,000 employee donation benefiting 11 charitable institutions in Pampanga, with seven well established schools spread across Angeles City, Mabalacat, Porac, Clark and Bataan with over 1,500 graduates, more than half of which are hired by Luenthai and others gainfully employed in other factories in the province.

Luenthai has also hired over 20 dressmaking graduates from Tuloy sa Don Bosco in Alabang through the preferential hiring program.

4 Angeles structures declared important cultural properties

(Sun.Star Pampanga)

ANGELES CITY -- The ancestral houses of Angel Pantaleon de Miranda and Jose Narciso, Camalig of Juan Nepomuceno, Deposito of Jose Pedro Henson and the Holy Rosary Parish Church have been declared as important cultural properties by the National Museum of the Philippines.

This was done through Museum Declaration 9-2015 and Republic Act 4846 or the “Cultural Properties Preservation and Protection Act.”

Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan said this is a strong manifestation of the efforts of the community and the local government in safeguarding the heritage treasures of the city.

“This definitely gives Angelenos a newfound appreciation for our heritage structures, as we continue to reap awards and recognitions for our heritage conservation efforts,” he said.

In the past few months, Angeles has also been the choice venue for many national events celebrating culture and tradition, such as the Dayaw Indigenous People’s Festival, the National Commission for Culture and the Arts’ Yugyugan Para sa Kultura ng Bayan, and most recently, the Sayaw Pinoy National Dance Congress and Competitions.

"With these developments in the heritage and culture front, Angeles City is slowly, but surely shedding off its 'sin city' identity, in favor of a city that appreciates and preserves its tangible and intangible historical assets," said Pamintuan.

Last October, Angeles City was awarded as the grand winner in the Association of Tourism Officers of the Philippines and Department of Tourism’s Pearl Awards for Community Based Responsible Tourism under the Heritage Conservation Category.

BCDA, French firm forge pact for Clark Green City

(Sun.Star Pampanga)

CLARK FREEPORT -- The Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) has forged a memorandum of understanding (MPU) with Vivapolis, an urban development organization in France, for the Clark Green City project.

President Benigno Aquino III witnessed the MOU signing held on Tuesday at the Hotel Scribe in Paris.

The signing of the MOU between the BCDA and Vivapolis will ensure technical cooperation in the development of Clark Green City, the country’s first smart, green and disaster resilient metropolis.

The signatories of the MOU were BCDA president and Chief Executive Officer Arnel Paciano D. Cassanova and Vivapolis representative Michèle Pappalardo.

Vivapolis represents French stakeholders--both public and private entities--seeking to promote a shared vision for sustainable urban development at an international level and to promote the French know-how in the field of sustainable cities.

“The MOU will pave the way to establish a strategic partnership between BCDA and Vivapolis that encompasses a whole range of activities designed to optimize the development of Clark Green City,” Casanova said.

He added that the MOU will include “the development of human resources through improvement in the level of skills, knowledge, and technical know-how.”

Under the MOU, BCDA and Vivapolis will establish a Technical Cooperation Committee that will explore potential collaborative opportunities in relation to sustainable urbanization, and the development of an ecosystem that will mobilize and devise synergies to create innovation and providing business opportunities for Clark Green City.

Casanova said both parties agree to pursue cooperation, promote green sustainability, inclusive growth, innovation, disaster resiliency, enterprise development and develop synergies toward common goal, and build on both BCDA’s and Vivapolis’ respective comparative strengths and advantages.

Among the areas of cooperation include sustainable city planning; eco-governance; building, infrastructure and utilities; clean technology, products, and solutions; sustainable resource management (soil, water, energy, materials, air, and others); training and education to strengthen the parties’ individual and organizational capacity; expert and senior advisory assistance from European experts; sharing of implementation policy and regulatory know-how regarding green, sustainable and smart urban development; and lastly, provide assistance for the implementation of joint studies on cooperative matters in the areas of mutual interest.

The BCDA and Vivapolis also agreed to jointly search and find financing solutions for any of the projects.

The MOU will be effective for a period of one year and may be renewed for another period of one year upon mutual agreement by both parties.

The entire Clark Green City is a 9,450-hectare master planned property within the Clark Special Economic Zone in the province of Tarlac.

At full development, Clark Green City will have some 1.12 million residents, 800,000 workers and contribute a gross output of approximately P1.57 trillion per year to the national economy or roughly four percent share in the county’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

Clark Green City is strategically situated between highly urbanizing cities of San Fernando, Angeles and Olongapo in Central Luzon as well as the cities of San Carlos, Dagupan and Urdaneta in Northern Luzon.

It is also located near the Clark International Airport and the Subic Seaport.

Casanova said the connectivity of the area to major cities in Central Luzon through the North Luzon Expressway, Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway, Tarlac Pangasinan La Union Expressway and the soon to be built Central Luzon Expressway will allow people’s convergence.

Farmers, fisherfolk honored in DA Gawad Saka

By Ian Ocampo Flora

CLARK FREEPORT -- Twelve farmers and three groups were awarded during the recently concluded Regional Gawad Saka awarding ceremony at the Fontana Convention Center here in recognition of their exemplary performance in the field of agriculture and fishery.

The awardees were Jocelyn Reyes of Barangay Poblacion, Gapan, Nueva Ecija as Outstanding Organic Agriculture Farmer; City Agriculture and Fishery Council (CAFC) Munoz, Nueva Ecija of Science City of Muñoz, Nueva Ecija as Outstanding CAFC; Villabar Producers Cooperative of Barangay Llanera, Nueva Ecija as Outstanding Barangay Food Terminal (BFT); Talabutab Multi-Purpose Cooperative of Talabutad Norte, General Natividad, Nueva Ecija as Outstanding Small Farmers Organization; Dr. Ricardo Orge of Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) Science City of Muñoz, Nueva Ecija as Outstanding Agricultural Scientist; Reynaldo Diaz of Orani, Bataan as Outstanding Rice Farmer; Alex Diaz of Orani, Bataan as Outstanding Small Animal Raiser.

Michael Enriquez of Orion, Bataan as Outstanding Young Farmer; Celestino Mananguit of San Ildefonso, Bulacan as Outstanding Large Animal Raiser; Melchor Diego of San Ildefonso, Bulacan as Outstanding High Value Crops Farmer; Loida Rivera as Outstanding Sugarcane Farmer; Dr. Lilian Garcia of Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Region III as Outstanding Agricultural Researcher; Nestor Delos Santos of San Manuel, Tarlac as Outstanding Corn Farmer; Christopher Cangco of Concepcion, Tarlac as Outstanding Fisherfolk in Fish Culture; and Nora Abordo of San Luiz, Aurora as Outstanding Coconut Farmer.

Individual winners received P30,000 cash while group winners received P50,000.

The awarding of National Gawad Saka winners will be on December 9 at the Philippine International Convention Center in Pasay City.

Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala will attend the ceremony.

EdPam leads media tour of AC parks

By Ashley Manabat

ANGELES CITY – To showcase the beauty of the city and underscore his administration’s efforts in turning neglected government lots into beautiful parks, Mayor Ed Pamintuan toured the media around the city’s newly-developed parks on Tuesday.

Pamintuan’s chief of staff, Alexander Cauguiran, has embarked on an effort in turning the old Philippine National Railway tracks crossing the city into beautiful parks.

Starting at Plaza Angel in front of the unobstructed view of the Holy Rosary Parish Church, Pamintuan said Laoag City and even Manila are now bent on ridding their areas of unsightly “spaghetti wires” after noting the city’s beatification efforts.

In Barangay Pulungbulu, Pamintuan led the media into a newly-developed park in what was once a neglected railway tracks.

Called “Friends of Ed,” the Pulungbulu park is now used for gatherings of up to 150 persons for special occasions or simply to meet and greet people.

Tony Torres, who helped established the park, said the use of the park is free and open to everybody.

Next in the itinerary is the Barangay Sto. Cristo park which was decorated with recycled materials from plastic water bottles, straws and even compact discs.

Sto. Cristo Barangay Captain Lourdes Manansala said the opposite side of the train tracks will also be developed into a jogging path to allow her constituents a place to exercise.

Next stop was train tracks in Barangay Malabanias, commonly known as check point, where members of the Islamic community are located selling their wares. Maka Santos, city entertainment officer, said the area will be developed “for the benefit of our Muslim brothers.”

Sitio Saudi in Barangay Malabanias was also showcased before the last stop at the old PNR station in the heart of the city.

Worthy to note was the well-lighted park now has basketball courts, volley ball courts and a playground for children.

The sides on the other side of the tracks were planted with green vegetables. To cap the night, a sumptuous dinner of the famous Kapampangan dish “sisig” was served at the nearby Aling Lucing’s which is frequented by celebrities and even world renowned food connoisseur Anthony Bourdain from the popular show “No Reservations” aired on the CNN network.

Joining the tour were broadcast and print journalists from various local media outlets as well as the mayor’s wife, Mrs. Herminia Pamintuan and traffic czar Dan “Al Pacino” Concepcion.

Greater Clark Concierge launched

By Ashley Manabat

CLARK FREEPORT – With the growing number of guests and tourists coming to the Metro Clark area especially with the impending full development of the Clark International Airport (CIA), a tangible reference material for investors and stakeholders that can also serve as a travel guide book, has been launched.

THE Greater Clark Visitors Bureau (GCVB), a private sector- led group operating here, has introduced the “Greater Clark Concierge,” a 200-page 9x12 handbook with full-color glossy pages featuring eight sections - accommodations, attractions, access, activities, amenities, awareness, advocacies and alliances.

Gilda Padua, GCVB president, said the tourism handbook was conceptualized because of the need for a tangible and comprehensive reference material for the “Greater Clark” that is both complete and up to date. Padua said Greater Clark is the area within this freeport and Angeles City including its immediate environs like Mabalacat City, Porac, Magalang, and the City of San Fernando.

Despite the trend in modern technology, Padua explained that studies have shown that sensory experience is still important in any field of life. “We retain knowledge and experiences better through physical interaction,” she said.

“Thumbing through the pages, writing notes and highlighting passages are all central features that we are still finding ways to replace in the digital world,” she explained.

Padua said previous attempts to create such a handbook have been difficult “due to the lack of symmetry of information.”

The Board of Trustees of the GCVB is composed of Chair Carmen McTavish, owner of Angeles International Travel Corp.; President Padua, owner of Ties That Travel; Secretary Alegria “Joy” Cruz, curator of the Museo Ning Angeles; Treasurer Anna Kristine R. Tinio of Oasis Hotel; and members Prisca “Picay” Castor of the Metro Angeles Travel and Mitch Otsuru of the Hotel and Restaurant Association of Pampanga.

The Greater Clark Concierge Handbook is sold at P500.

Villanueva: Tesda tech-voc adopts to industrial trends

By Reynaldo G. Navales

CLARK FREEPORT -- The technical and vocational education and training (TVET) has adopted to industrial trends.

This was disclosed by former Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (Tesda) Director General Joel Villanueva during a forum at Hotel Stotsenberg here yesterday.

Villanueva, a senatorial bet of Liberal Party, said that Tesda educational programs fits to the skill demands of industries.

“Ang kagandahan ng tech-voc at lalo na ng Tesda much more flexible ang ahensiya than other departments like for instance ang Ched (Commission on Higher Education) hindi ganun kadaling baguhin ang curriculum,” he said.

With the Asean integration, Villanueva said that curriculums should be at par to the regional employment demands.

“Ito yung magandang usapin at issues na dapat pag-usapan. Katatapos lang ng Apec (Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation) summit at yung Papua New Guinea, Australia, at Canada, if I am not mistaken, they signed a memorandum of agreement with the Philippines at malaking bagay ito para doon sa mga mutual recognition arrangements na tinatawag para again yung pangarap natin na ihulma yung at i-harmonize yung curriculums natin at all levels from DepEd to Tesda to Ched at maging yung standards napaka importanti niyan para yung graduates natin ng welder dito, welder din ang aaplayan niya [sa ibang bansa],” Villanueva said.

If elected senator, Villanueva disclosed that he will also push for the harmonization of curriculum of all educational levels. “Not just the tech-voc sector para yung engineer na gumraduate dito sa atin sa Pilipinas, engineer pa rin ang aaplayan niya sa Estados Unidos,” Villanueva said.

Villanueva has also underscored the relevance of the Central Luzon Regional TVET forum.

“Ito ay napakaimportante para sa Tech-Voc sector sa larangan ng edukasyon at pagte-training ng sa ganon ay makapagbigay tayo ng hanapbuhay na magli-lead sa magandang kinabukasan ng ating mga kababayan,” he said.

The regional TVET forum was organized by the Central Luzon Federation of Technical Vocational Institutions (TVI-Central Luzon) in cooperation with Tesda Region III and local government units in the region.

More than 1,000 delegates from the private and public schools, which offer technical and vocational courses, attended the forum.

The topics discussed during the forum included Tesda Initiatives and Updates Towards Development of Globally Competitive Skilled Workers, Mutual Recognition on Tourism; a Step Towards Asean Integration, Skills Demand Perspective for Tec Voc Skills in the Country and Abroad, and Ladderized Education System: Implementing Rules and Regulations.

Resource speakers include Tesda Planning Office director Marissa G. Legaspi, Tourism Investment and Promotions Group Director Maria Rica C. Bueno, Department of Labor and Employment Bureau of Local Employment Director Dominigue R. Tutay, and CHED Region 3 Director Caridad O. Abuan.

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