Angeles City News February 2016

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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.

CDC approves Guiao's request for high-end basketball courts

By Gail Pintor Cunanan (Contributor)

CLARK FREEPORT -- The Clark Development Corporation (CDC) will improve the three open basketball courts at the Bayanihan Park by installing roofs and substantial lights.

This stemmed from the concern expressed by Congressman Joseller "Yeng" Guiao of the First District of Pampanga recently.

According to Guiao, many are playing in the open basketball courts even when it is raining and even under the searing heat of the sun.

He added that young sports enthusiasts should be given utmost concern by providing them with quality sports facilities.

In a letter, CDC Vice President for Engineering Alveen Tabag informed SM City Clark Assistant Mall Manager Aaron Jeffrey Montenegro that the CDC Board of Directors approved the project and that construction will proceed once it has been awarded.

The improvement of the basketball courts at the Bayanihan Park project consists of provision of roofs, roof structural framing, lighting and new basketball goals.

Guiao is also a professional basketball coach and is currently coaching the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA). He won four PBA titles for Swift in the early 90s and is also a former Philippine Basketball League commissioner from 1997-2000.

CDC has been implementing off-zone projects in line with its parallel development policies and local government units coordination program.

Forestry execs to gather at Clark

By Ding Cervantes

CLARK FREEPORT - Some 1,000 forestry and natural resources officials from 30 countries will gather here from Feb. 22 to 26 to attend the Asia-Pacific Forestry Week.

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the Asia-Pacific Forestry Commission (APFC) said in a statement that the week-long gathering would be the “largest and most important forestry event in Asia-Pacific this year set to guide region’s strategies and actions for sustainable forestry to 2020.”

“More than 1,000 government forestry and natural resources officials, representatives of international and non-government organizations and forest industries from over 30 countries will gather at Asia-Pacific Forestry Week 2016 in Clark Freeport Zone,” the statement said.

Sponsored by FAO and APFC, in partnership with the Philippines Department of Environment and Natural Resources, the event will focus on “growing our future through effective integration of forestry with the other facets of sustainable development.”

The Forestry Week events will run in conjunction with the 26th session of the APFC, which convenes regional forestry leaders every two years to review progress, discuss common issues and set new agendas for forestry in the region, the statement also said.

It added that “more than 70 workshops, seminars and partner events will take place during Forestry Week, which will serve as a springboard for inclusive dialogue on future trade and markets for forest products, forests and climate change, forests and people, new institutions and governance, and green investment.”

Among the speakers at the event are FAO Assistant Director-General for Forestry René Castro Salazar; Philippines Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Secretary Ramon Jesus Paje; John Innes, dean of the Forestry Department at the University of British Columbia (UBC) and head of the UBC Sustainable Forest Management Laboratory.

The speakers also include Tony La Viña, dean of the Ateneo School of Government and lead negotiator for the Philippines in the climate change negotiations since 1997; Neil Byron, noted environmental economist and policy analyst and adjunct professor at the Australian National University; and May Anne Then, president of the International Forestry Students Association.

CNN Hero Award Winner Budi Soehardi will make a special appearance to highlight how one person can truly “grow our future” in positive directions through committed actions, the organizers added.

Prepare for traffic jams, group urges Angeles, Clark officials

By Reynaldo G. Navales

ANGELES CITY -- An advocacy group has urged Clark and city officials to prepare measures to mitigate traffic congestion particularly during the holding of big events like the recent hot air balloon festival.

The PGKM, a cause-oriented group calling for the full development and utilization of Clark International Airport (CRK), assailed the poor traffic planning during big events.

PGKM head Ruperto Cruz, owner of the Royal Garden Golf and Country Club, said the influx of commercial complex at the main entrance of Clark Freeport will even aggravate the traffic condition in Angeles City.

Cruz cited in particular the P7-billion Clark Green Frontier project of the Capilion Corporation Limited, which he said should be transferred in other locations inside the Freeport.

“We already experienced traffic jams during the religious activities in Clark, fireworks events at SM City Clark, and many more. It seems that the local leaders and the Clark officials ignore the inconvenience and sufferings of people,” said the PGKM head.

The PGKM and other local officials and businessmen have been opposing the location of the Clark Green City mixed use facility.

Cruz said it will affect CRK’s development and operations of the as it will cause monstrous traffic jams in major streets leading to the airport.

Aside from this, the commercial facility once operational will directly compete with local businesses, according to Cruz.

Clark Green City gets backing of Tarlac community

(PR)

THE Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) has gained the support of the Tarlac community—particularly farmers, residents and local government officials—for the development of the agency’s flagship project, the Clark Green City.

With the backing of the local community, development is now in full swing at the Clark Green City site. “Road works are ongoing to improve and rehabilitate some 19.4 kilometers of existing roads leading to and within the Clark Green City,” said BCDA president and CEO Arnel Paciano Casanova.

“The farmers support and allow the construction of road networks in Clark Green City to fast-track development in the province and the region. They are aware that the Clark Green City will benefit the local community in terms of economic opportunities, job generation, and access to education,” Casanova stated.

The chief executive earlier said that the roads will play a vital role in the development of the area and help increase its land value and economic potential as well as its attractiveness to interested investors.

The improved roads will service the development of Clark Green City’s Phase 1, which covers 288 hectares and the future site of the 70-hectare University of the Philippines campus and other institutional areas. The contract to develop the 288-hectare parcel has recently been signed with Filinvest Land, Inc. as BCDA’s joint venture partner.

Clark Green City, a 9,450-hectare area within the government-owned Clark Special Economic Zone in Tarlac province, is envisioned to be a modern, sustainable community, which promotes inclusive growth among all stakeholders.

Casanova said that his agency has been in talks with local government officials and project-affected communities, including residents, farmers and indigenous people organizations, to ensure that their concerns are being addressed.

“BCDA has been consulting with the farmers and residents since project inception in 2012 to ensure that they are involved in the development process. Transparency and cooperation are key factors to the success of this project. The development of Clark Green City will only happen if we work closely together,” Casanova said.

After a series of consultations and dialogues with the project stakeholders, BCDA and the local government, business sector and project-affected people including residents, farmer-groups and indigenous people, have come into common terms of embracing and supporting a shared vision of creating a green, disaster-resilient and smart metropolis in the heart of Central Luzon.

Casanova stated, “We are confident that with the support of the local government officials and the residents, farmers and indigenous people, we will be able to create the city of the future here in Central Luzon and provide opportunities for economic growth for the country and the people of Region III.”

“We have carefully looked into their issues and concerns and have incorporated their input in the development plan for Clark Green City,” he said.

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).

It will be recalled that the Clark Green City project was given the green light by President Benigno S. Aquino in May 2014.

In June of the same year, the Philippine Congress, through the House Committee on Bases Conversion, approved House Resolution 944 “Expressing the Sense and Sentiment of the House of Representative in Support of the ‘Clark Green City’ Master Plan Development Plan Prepared by the Bases Conversion and Development Authority.”

The said resolution directed the BCDA to coordinate with other government agencies as well as different local government units for the formulation of appropriate strategies, plans and timetable to attain the targets set forth in the Plan. This gave rise to the creation of the Technical Working Group for the Issues and Concerns of the Clark Green City-Project Affected People chaired by the governor of Tarlac and composed of representatives from BCDA, Tarlac LGUs, House of Representatives, National Housing Authority, National Commission on Indigenous People, and stakeholders, specifically, associations of farmers and indigenous people.

New heart care facility in Angeles City inaugurated

(PNA), FFC/ZST/RKM/PS

ANGELES CITY, Pampanga, Feb. 16 (PNA) -- The new intensive cardiac care unit (ICCU) at the Ospital ning Angeles here was formally opened on Tuesday.

City Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan led the inauguration and blessing of the ICCU, the first publicly owned and operated cardiac unit in Central Luzon.

Pamintuan said the ICCU is another milestone achievement of the city government which was accomplished through public-private partnership for development.

The mayor collaborated with his long time friend, Dr. Rey Albert Franco, a cardiologist from the United States; and Engineer Geromin T. Nepomuceno Jr. of the Angeles Electric Corporation, who funded the said facility through his foundation.

“We believe that this is a major breakthrough in public service -- as such, we know that this facility will cater to countless Angelenos who suffer from heart ailments.” Pamintuan said.

Franco, on the other hand, said that this new development is timely and beneficial, as most people nowadays die primarily of heart failure.

“People are dying primarily not because of kidney problems, but because of heart failure. As a way of giving back to the Angeleños, I offered the mayor my services cheap -- and by cheap, I meant free,” said Franco, who will serve as consultant and act as head of the cardiology department.

The new cardiac unit has state-of-the-art equipment and three electronic beds.

“Gerry (Nepomuceno), together with his foundation, has always been very supportive of the city’s endeavors. He has helped accomplish various projects for Angeles, including the removal of spaghetti wires in various areas and, recently, the donation of a fire truck to the local government,” the mayor said.

Meanwhile, Nepomuceno said that, as private individuals, this is their own way of giving support to the local officials and help to the Angeleños.

Witnessing the inauguration were ONA director Dr. Antonio Dizon, hospital staff, members of the city council, and other local government and barangay officials.

CDC locators to offer 8,000 job vacancies

By Ma. Reina Len Luna (Pampanga PIO)

CLARK FREEPORT -- The locators of Clark Development Corporation (CDC) will hold a job fair that will offer 8,000 job vacancies to job seekers, Rommel Narciso, CDC vice president for external affairs department, announced Monday.

With this, the CDC executive asked the support of Governor Lilia Pineda through the Provincial Employment Service Office (Peso) for the information dissemination effort up to the barangay level.

The job applicants will be hired on the spot during the jobs fair to be held on February 25, 2016 at Robinsons Place Events Center, Balibago Angeles City, starting from 8:30 a.m. up to 6:00 p.m.

More than 100 companies that offer employment and opportunities for all jobseekers will join the "Hired on the Spot Clark Job Fair 2016".

Narciso said that registration and skills training are free of charge with assured employment upon passing.

The job fair also offers free employment consultation from the Department of Labor and Employment (Dole) and pre-employment assistance from Social Security System (SSS), PhilHealth, Pag-Ibig and Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), Narciso added.

In addition, an on-site photo booth is available for photo ID and professional linked profile picture for job applicants.

The job fair is open to all professionals, graduates, vocational graduates, undergraduates and high school graduates.

Raffle prizes will be given away to lucky job applicants.

For more information applicants may contact Krissy, Ludy or Randy at jobs@clark.com.ph at telephone numbers (045)-499-2265 or visit the Facebook page- Jobs at Clark Freeport Zone.

Angeles mayor to open first Cardiac Center in Central Luzon

By Reynaldo G. Navales

ANGELES CITY -- Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan said that his Valentine’s Day gift to his constituents is the establishment of a heart center at the Ospital Ning Angeles (ONA), a first in Central Luzon.

“My gift to my people this month of the heart is the first intensive cardiac care unit which will opened at 10 am on February 16, 2016,” Pamintuan said.

The facility will be managed by Dr. Rey Franco, a native of Angeles City, who has been practicing medicine in Michigan, United States of America, said Pamintuan.

“It will be handled by a native son of Angeles City, the famous heart specialist Rey Franco who is a very close friend of mine. We are indeed grateful to our very own doctor,” he said.

The medical center is in the process of upgrading its facilities and laboratories and acquiring equipment to earn higher classification.

The hospital has applied for a tertiary hospital category with the Department of Health (DOH) and is expected to earn the new classification early this year.

The construction of the cardiac care unit was funded by the Geromin Nepomuceno Foundation, Pamintuan earlier said.

“The equipment came from the World Medical Relief Incorporated of Michigan USA,” the mayor added.

The ONA Heart Care Center is the first public hospital cardiac care unit of its kind in Central Luzon, said Pamintuan.

NNC CL scales up rice fortification advocacy

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

CLARK FREEPORT ZONE, Feb.11 (PIA) -- In a bid to strengthen the marketing and consumption of iron-fortified rice in Central Luzon, the National Nutrition Council (NNC) recently convened partner agencies and other stakeholders for a seminar-workshop on Rice Fortification for Social Safety Net Programs.

This is in accordance with the RA 8972, also known as the “Philippine Food Fortification Act of 2000”, which mandates the fortification of rice with vitamin A and iron, cooking oil and refined sugar with vitamin A, and milled rice with iron; and also promotes voluntary fortification of processed food to address the micronutrient malnutrition problem in the country.

During the forum, NNC Central Luzon Regional Program Coordinator Ana Maria Rosaldo stressed the need for convergence and collaborative ideas and action in order to successfully carry out the said advocacy.

“Through this forum, I encourage everyone here to jumpstart and seal our commitment to the development and improvement of the health of the people in Central Luzon. May we be generous enough to share our resources, efforts and ideas in crafting an action plan that would lead to the full and effective implementation of our advocacy,” Rosaldo said.

She also said that the activity is an opportunity to intensify the advocacy on I-Rice by establishing the linkage between potentials users and suppliers of iron-fortified rice in the region.

Meanwhile, UNICEF consultant Hector Maglalang presented the results of the study entitled “Philippine Rice Consumption for Social Safety Net Programs”. The study aims to determine rice consumption of social safety net programs and the ability of the Philippines to fortify its rice for these programs and use the data and its analysis to advocate for the use of iron-fortified rice for these programs.

Aside from the study, Maglalang also discussed on the information of sources and costs of fortified rice as well as model LGU experience in support of the law.

Towards the end of the activity, NNC facilitated a brief workshop to determine possible social marketing activities to scale up rice fortification in the region particularly for the local government units, non-government organizations, private sectors, media and other regional partners.

Hot Air Balloon festival pilots give joy to Malabanias students

By Ian Ocampo Flora

ANGELES CITY -- Pilots and international delegates of this year's 20th International Hot Air Balloon Festival took a few hours off from this year's activities as they visited Malabanias Integrated School in this city yesterday sharing school supplies and books in an event of intercultural exchange.

Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Foundation Inc. (PIHABF) president Captain Joy Roa said that the event was aimed at giving the pilots a chance to experience Filipino hospitality and culture while sharing their information about their own countries.

The pilots were treated with local dance performances along with a Filipino lunch that was shared with guests and teachers. The pilots and organizers also joined in one dance presentation highlighting the Hot Air Balloon Festival.

The pilots also distributed school supplies. The supplies came from the festival organizers and its supporters. The pilots also distributed books to the school. The books form part of the cultural materials that the school will add to their library collection.

"We would like the students to learn from the different cultures where these pilots come from," Roa said. He added that the event also aimed to arouse the interest on the local aviation industry.

He said that they would like to inspire students of the said school to possibly consider a career in aviation in the future or at least take career courses on support industries of the aviation sector.

The event is part of the 20th edition of the Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Festival happening at the Philippine Air Force ADAC Hangar inside Clark Freeport from February 11 to 14.

The Hot Air Balloon festival is made possible through Clark Development Corporation (CDC), in partnership with the Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta (PIHABF), Department of Tourism, Philippine Air Force and other military units.

Proceeds from the ticket sales, which are sold at P350 each, will be donated to the PIHABF Foundation Scholarship Fund to help deserving but underprivileged students pursue an aviation career in partnership with Air Link International Aviation School and the Philippine Air Transport and Training Services.

Tickets are available at the fiesta’s official website, at SM Ticketnet outlets, or at the event gates.

20th Phl International Hot Air Balloon Festival to take flight tomorrow in Clark

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

CLARK FREEPORT ZONE, Feb.10 (PIA) -- Ready for a weekend of everything that flies matched with jam-packed on-the-ground fun activities?

Head on to the Philippine Air Force ADAC Hangar inside Clark Freeport and join thousands of tourists and balloon enthusiasts from February 11 to 14 for the 20th edition of the Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Festival.

“For four days, various flying spectacles will be showcased including hot air ballooning, aerobatic exhibitions, skydiving, motorized paragliding exhibition, aviation formation, search and rescue flight demonstrations, balloon bursting, and microlight and ultralight flying,” Clark Development Corporation (CDC) said in a press statement.

Clark International Airport Corporation will also wow tourists with car drifting exhibitions wherein airplanes try to drop flour bombs overhead, as well as firefighting and safety demonstrations.

A Fiesta Fly Market will also be set up selling big selection of food and refreshments, a wide variety of merchandise and local goods and balloon fiesta souvenirs.

Capping the four-day event are fireworks display, balloon nightglow, crew and awards night party on the last night.

CDC said this year’s fiesta will be highlighted by over 20 traditional and special-shaped hot air balloons from Europe, United States, Asia, and the Philippines which will take flight twice a day.

The Hot Air Balloon festival is CDC’s flagship tourism project, in partnership with the Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta (PIHABFFI), Department of Tourism, Philippine Air Force and other military units.

Proceeds from the ticket sales, which are sold at Php350 each, will be donated to the PIHABF Foundation Scholarship Fund to help deserving but underprivileged students pursue an aviation career in partnership with Air Link International Aviation School and the Philippine Air Transport and Training Services.

Tickets are available at the fiesta’s official website, at SM Ticketnet outlets, or at the event gates.

For more information and updates on the 20th PIHABF, you may visit any of the following sites: www.visitclark.com, www.clark.com.ph, www.philballoonfest.net; or its official Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/pihabf.

Health official: Cleanliness prevention against dengue

By Reynaldo G. Navales

ANGELES CITY -- A city health official yesterday said that cleanliness is still the best way to prevent dengue fever, which killed many people in the Philippines and other countries.

Dr. Lenario Santos, Angeles City health officer, stated this during an orientation for dengue vaccine implementation in public schools conducted at Park Inn by Radizzons Clark organized by the Department of Health (DOH) yesterday.

Santos said cleanliness should go along with other preventive measures to prevent the spread of the dreaded disease.

The city health officer disclosed that cities in Pampanga including Mabalacat, San Fernando and Angeles and other parts of Central Luzon are affected by dengue.

The health department has recorded 55,079 suspected dengue cases from January 1 to August 2015.

This is 9.15 percent higher than the 50,462 cases recorded during the same period in 2014.

Most of the cases come from Calabarzon (15.2 percent), Central Luzon (13 percent), National Capital Region (11.1 percent), Northern Mindanao (8.7 percent), and Cagayan Valley (7.5 percent).

Dengue is a disease common in tropical countries like the Philppines. The disease, which is transmitted through mosquito bites, is fatal and mainly affects children.

The national government has indulged in dengue vaccines, which are also being tested in four other Asian countries.

Divide air traffic between NAIA, Clark airport

By Reynaldo G. Navales

CLARK FREEPORT -- The Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) should divide air traffic between the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) and the Clark International Airport (CRK).

Alex Cauguiran, former executive vice president of the Clark International Airport Corporation (CIAC), said the CAB is a government agency mandated to regulate the economic aspect of air transportation.

CAB has supervision, jurisdiction, and control over carriers -- including their property, equipment, franchise and facilities -- engaged in air commerce in the country, he added.

The CAB is also a member of the Philippine Air Panel which is responsible for coordinating and setting up of bilateral and multilateral Air Negotiation and Consultation Talks.

Section 3 of Executive Order 29 states that CAB may grant any foreign carriers increases in frequency and capacities in the country’s airports other than NAIA, according to Cauguiran.

All grants of frequencies shall be subject to the approval of the President and shall operate as a waiver by the Philippines of the restriction on frequencies, he added.

During air talks, CAB shall readily declare as “closed” certain time slots already exceeding the 40 aircraft movements per hour a the NAIA, Cauguiran said.

“The CAB may instead offer the excess flights to other airports outside Metro Manila,” he said.

At certain hours, NAIA services 46 to 48 aircraft movements per hour, Cauguiran said.

Fight against dengue in Pampanga intensified

By Aida Baybayan Bungue (Pamp PIO)

City of San Fernando – Dr. Antonio “Jay” Rivera, officer –in-charge of the Provincial Health Office (PHO) assured the intensification of the fight against dengue in Pampanga as the provincial government under Governor Lilia Pineda formulated more effective “Dengue Prevention and Control Program” for this year.

“There is really a need for us to cooperate and be always on the go and alert in combating the dengue virus carried by mosquitoes. Dengue is deadly. We must be serious and more focused,” said Dr. Rivera.

The PHO executive urged all Cabalens to practice cleanliness, orderliness inside and outside of their houses as mosquitoes carrying the dengue virus hibernate in watery and dirty places. “

We need also to implement curative measures and services to prevent the people, especially the children to be victims of the said deadly virus,” the PHO said.

As this developed, the PHO announced that from January to June, the provincial government will effect the immediate purchase of mist blower, personal protection equipment (PPE) and thermometers which are necessary in the fight against dengue.

The Department of Health (DOH) through the PHO and municipal health offices will also provide two-day training of barangay task force on basic integrated vector management (IVM) and actual dengue vector surveillance (DVS) –per municipality starting this month until May. DVS will be conducted simultaneously in the whole province and this will be monitored closely in public elementary school to assure the safety of pupils prone to dengue virus.


The health department will also carry out the installation of long lasting insecticide treated curtains (LLITC) in Guagua, Lubao and San Luis, Angeles City, Mabalacat City, this city and in other municipalities with provincial program implementation review (PIR).

The DOH and PHO tapped the direct support of the rural health units and district hospitals as lead implementers of dengue prevention and control program.

PHO official said “BRIGADA ESKWELA” plays an important role in the dengue prevention and control program that would start on May before the school year begins. “Through Brigada Eskwela, the parents of the students help in cleaning and fixing the classroom and the school premises,” PHO said.

Last year, the PHO recorded a total of 9,829 dengue cases from January to December 31 . This is 78% higher than the same period in 2014.

It was also learned that Angeles City has the highest number of dengue cases with one dead followed by the City of San Fernando.

Dual airport system to solve congestion at NAIA – official

By Reynaldo G. Navales

ANGELES CITY -- A former official of the Clark International Airport Corporation (CIAC) said that the “dual airport system” will solve congestion at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA).

Alex Cauguiran, former CIAC executive vice president, said that the concept of a “dual airport system” should be the immediate response to the issue of heavy congestion at the NAIA.

Under the scheme, NAIA will be the airport of the South servicing southern Luzon --Region 5 (Bicol Region), Region IV-A or Calabarzon (Calamba, Laguna, Batangas Rizal, Quezon), and Southern National Capital Region (NCR) -- with a total catchment population of 27,219,325, according to Cauguiran.

Clark International Airport (CRK), on the other hand, will become the airport of the North servicing Northern Luzon - Region 1 (Ilocos Region); Region 2 (Cagayan Valley Region); Region 3 (Central Luzon); Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR), and Northern NCR --- with a total catchment population of 22,399,003, he said.

Dual or multi-airport systems are already in place in Tokyo Japan (Narita and Haneda), Chicago Illinois (Midway, O’Hare and Rockford, and London (Gatwick, London, Luton, and Stansted), Cauguiran added.

The Partido Abe Kapampanga, a local political party headed by Cauguiran, recently presented to Senators Grace Poe and Chiz Escudero a four-point agenda for the development of Clark airport and decongestion of Metro Manila and NAIA.

The agenda includes legislating the NAIA-CRK Dual Airport System as a priority national policy and direct the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC), Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB), and Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) to establish and implement an Air Traffic Distribution Policy for Manila and Clark; legislating the non-imposition (or moratorium on the collection) of travel tax in all airports of the Philippines except NAIA; legislating exemption of Filipino airlines flying domestic routes (at all Philippine airports except NAIA) from payment of excise tax and value added tax on their aviation fuel; and directing the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA), Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), Department of Health (DOH), and other government agencies to ensure that pre-employment procedures and services required of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) are available near Clark airport (preferably under a One-Stop Government Center).

With this, Poe and Escudero filed at the Senate a resolution expressing support to the development of Clark International Airport under the four-pronged approach.

Appropriate committees of the Upper House are also urged “to look into the matter with the end view of enacting legislative measures to address the same.”

During her last visit in Angeles City, Poe vowed to work on the development of CRK including the construction of a railway system which will connect Subic and Clark to Metro Manila.

Angeles to celebrate National Arts Month 2016

(Sun.Star Pampanga)

ANGELES CITY -- February is not just the season of hearts. It is also the season for the Arts.

This city is set to formally launch its month long celebration of the National Arts Month on February 5 at the Plaza Angel in Sto. Rosario. The launch will be spearheaded by the local government, through the Angeles City Tourism Office (ACTO), together with several organizations in Angeles.

With the theme “Public Art: Art for All”, this year’s celebration brings Kapampangan artists and Angeleños together to pay tribute to the rich cultural arts in Angeles. This will be done through various activities including exhibits, competitions, performances, workshops and talks.

According to Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan, the many events lined up for the month signify the city’s penchant for the local arts and culture, not to mention the people’s support for its local artists.

“The various and varied events are tangible manifestations of how Angeles has an abundance of artistic talent working on our local heritage and traditional treasures.” expressed the mayor.

Meanwhile, Dr. Richard Daenos of ACTO said that the preservation of culture and arts in Angeles is one way to promote tourism in the city.

“We treasure the things that are valuable to us. It is our culture, arts and traditions that inspire us to take good care of our city. ” Daenos said.

Sneak-peek

Teatro Angeleño, a group of young theater artists, will be imparting their talents in performing arts through acting and directing workshop starting february 1 to 19 at the Angeles City Library and Information Center. Aside from the workshop, Teatro Angeleño will also be staging a theater play titled “Synethesia: A 4/sk Twinbill Season Ender Production” on February 20 to 27 at the Arts and Garden Museum.

Another organizer, Sinukwan Kapampangan, will also be facilitating various workshops such as dance workshop (ballet, folk, jazz and contemporary) on February 1-29 at the Sinukwan Kapampangan Studio concurrently with Bale-balayan Ethnic Instrument Workshop on February 7, 14 and 21 at the Bale-balayan Museum for the Poor.

Art to Heart Concert Series will be held on February 12 to 14 at the Plaza Angel featuring Bale-balayan Kids, Comparsa Classica Rondalla and CCA Marching Band/ Dance Troupe who will all showcase their talents in music.

Likewise, the Teachers and Choreographers Dance Alliance (TACDA) will be carrying out their own Dance Concert on February 20 at the same venue. Groups of dancers and choreographers, on the other hand, will go head to head at the Angeles City Folk Dance Competition on February 26 at Marquee Mall.

Meanwhile young and promising artists, the Perreras Brothers, will be exhibiting their prize-winning paintings in line with the On-the-Spot Painting Competition on February 27 to 29 at the Nepo Mall Atrium.

Also, a month long fashion exhibit titled “Tribute to the Masters” will honor the artworks of Filipino artists, featuring the designs of Noel Calma , Philip Torres , Jhune Angeles, Rich Sabinian and Frederick Policarpio on February 8 until March 8. The designers’ masterpieces are namely inspired by Ben Cabrera’s “Sabel”, Fernando Amorsolo’s “Planting Rice”, Felix R. Hidalgo’s “Navigating the Underworld”, Araceli Dans “Melody in Blue” and Antonio Dumlao’s “Sarimanok”.

Finally, the local government will be holding the prestigious “Pupul ning Banua” Awards Night on February 26 at the Museo ning Angeles and will be awarding Angeleño artists who gained various national and international recognitions, awards and citations last year.

Every year, the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) heads the celebration for the National Arts Month. It has been held every February since the signing of Presidential Proclamation 683 in 1991.

For more information, contact 0977-377-1585 or visit ACTO’s Facebook page at fb.com/AngelesCityTourismOffice.

SoKor locator to infuse P50M inside Clark Freeport

(Sun.Star Pampanga)

CLARK FREEPORT -- A South Korean furniture manufacturer expanded its operations infusing an estimated P50 million within a year to a 9,314 square meters project here.

Clark Development Corporation (CDC) President and CEO lawyer Arthur Tugade and Punta Design Inc. (PDI) President and CEO Byung Mo Lee recently signed the Lease Agreement at the boardroom of the office of the president.

PDI is a registered sub-lessee locator in Clark Freeport Zone since 2014.

The company is engaged in the business of manufacturing and design of furniture and other related accessories.

Punta is an Italian word that means "best of the best" and "top of the world."

The target operations of the expansion project will be in September 2016 and expected to employ about 100 workers.

The company also envisions to revolutionize the industry of rattan by using new style machine tools and system for small scale furniture factory.

Lee said his aim is to accomplish his dreams and build a firm in Clark manufacturing furniture using rattan as its primary material.

"Furniture is an art and the person who has dreams would move forward, but the person who is already satisfied with his situation will stop," Lee said.

Punta Design Philippines is an overseas affiliated company of Punta Design USA.

Also present during LA signing are: CDC director Francisco Villanueva Jr.; Noel Manankil, VP for Admin and Finance; Evangeline Tejada, VP Business Development and Business Enhancement Group; Ricardo Banayat VP, Security Services; Alveen Tabag, VP Engineering; Su Jin Kim, VP PDI and other CDC and PDI officials.

Group bares agenda for Clark airport dev’t

By Reynaldo G. Navales

ANGELES CITY -- A local political party here has presented a four-point agenda for the development of Clark International Airport (CRK) and decongestion of Metro Manila and Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA).

In a position paper, the Partido Abe Kapampangan, a duly recognized local political party in this highly urbanized city, urged national leaders, presidential candidates, vice-presidentiables, and senator wannabes to consider the implementation of the group’s proposals.

Alex Cauguiran, president of the Partido Abe Kapampangan and chief of staff of Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan, said the first point is the legislation of the Manila-Clark Dual Airport System as priority national policy.

The national leadership, including the President, should direct the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC), the Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) and the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) to establish and implement an Air Traffic Distribution Policy for NAIA and Clark airport.

The second agenda is the legislation of a moratorium in the collection of travel tax in all airports in the country except NAIA, Caguiran said.

The third measure is to legislate exemption of Philippine carriers flying domestic routes in all airports except Manila from payment of excise and value added taxes on their aviation fuel.

The group also urged the national leadership to direct the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA), Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), Department of Health (DOH) and other government agencies to ensure that pre-employment procedures and services required of Overseas Filipino Workers are available near Clark airport, preferably under a One-Stop Government Center.

“We believe that NAIA is in a situation worse than EDSA [Efipanio Delos Santos Avenue]. Delays in flights due to congestion of air traffic resulting to untold opportunity losses, is already regular occurrence. There is no option at hand other than opening a new international airport which would take decades and tens of billions of pesos to complete,” Cauguiran said.

Clark airport is waiting to be utilized, he said.

The interest of the Partido Abe Kapampangan on the issue lies on the expected boost the airport can bring to the local and national economy, which may result in more jobs and business opportunities for the Filipinos, he added.

Cauguiran stressed that the local political party will support [national leaders and candidates] who see the wisdom of their position regarding the development and utilization of Clark airport.

At certain hours, NAIA services 46 to 48 aircraft movements per hour. It posted a traffic volume of 32,865,000 passengers in 2013 and 34,015,169 in 2014.

Clark airport on the other hand recorded 1,200,592 passengers and only 877,757 in 2014, Cauguiran said.

CRK’s runway capacity may easily be increased with the installation of additional aircraft stands and parking bays, he added.

Aside from these, Clark airport also has enough area where another runway that allow simultaneous take-off and landing of aircraft, Caugurian said.

Executive Orders 28 and 29, signed by President Aquino in 2011, encourage more liberal access to secondary international airports like Clark, Iloilo, and Mactan-Cebu, he added.

Poe, Escudero want Clark airport's full utilization

By Reynaldo G. Navales

ANGELES CITY -- Senators Grace Poe and Chiz Escudero yesterday stressed the need for the full utilization of Clark International Airport (CRK) in order to boost employment and tourism in Central and Northern Luzon.

During a press conference at Fortune Seafood and Restaurant here, Poe said Governor Lilia Pineda echoed some of the local issues in Pampanga including the full development of Clark airport.

There are about five million overseas Filipino workers in the area that may benefit if Clark airport will have more international flights, according to the presidential candidate.

She added that the utilization of Clark airport will also help in addressing air and land traffic congestion at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA).

The runways in Clark are suited for international flights and there is still enough space inside the aviation complex which may be used for additional landing paths, Poe said.

The national government should prioritize tourism by strengthening and developing international airports like Clark.

She also said that a railway system is needed to connect Subic, Clark and other cities in Central Luzon with Metro Manila.

If given a chance to serve as the country’s president, Poe vowed to issue a national policy or presidential pronouncement for the full development and utilization of Clark airport.

“Kaya nga sinasabi ko, sa aking panunungkulan sa Malacanang ang mga kuarto roon ay hindi para sa meetings lamang. Kailangan may isang kuarto dun para sa infrastructure development kasi po ang mga programang katulad nito sa Clark, ang pagkakaroon ng railway system na konektado sa Metro Manila ay priority sapagkat anim na taon lang ang administrasyon ng isang pangulo na gusto ko within the first year ay maumpisahan na ang implementasyon,” Poe said.

For his part, Escudero said [government] permits and approval for Clark airport operation will be wasted if it is not used as international airport.

He said the international airport in Metro Manila should eventually be transferred but the system should be gradual.

In the meantime, Clark airport should be used as alternate international gateway of the country, according to Escudero.

With the help of local officials, Escudero vowed to file a resolution in the Senate which will no longer allow additional flights at NAIA to prevent airport accidents.

Air traffic congestion at the NAIA is described by many people as a disaster waiting to happen because of congestion.

The senator also disclosed that their slate will use Clark airport as their hub during the campaign period.

“Gagamitin naming bilang hub ang Clark sa paglipad papunta sa ibat ibang parte ng bansa dahil dito walang traffic at mas mabilis kaming makakauwi sa Quezon City kaysa mag-landing kami sa NAIA na sobrang traffic at sobra parin ang traffic mula Pasay pabalik ng Quezon City. Kami po siguro ang magiging unang ehemplo na ng paglipad at paglipad at paggamit ng Clark ngayong darating na halalan at saka sa Clark wala pang Laglag Bala scheme,” Escudero said.

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