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Angeles City News June 2015

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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.

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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.

Angeles City trims trees along highways, main thoroughfares

(PNA), LAP/ZST/RKM/PS

ANGELES CITY, Pampanga, June 30 (PNA) -- The Angeles City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (ACDRRMO) has initiated the trimming and pruning operations on overhanging branches of trees planted alongside McArthur Highway and other main thoroughfares in the city.

City Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan said the move is aimed at preventing accidents from happening, especially during strong typhoons and other weather disturbances.

Pamintuan said that, in recent years, fallen branches or uprooted trees along McArthur Highway in the City of San Fernando caused major accidents that led to loss of lives and properties.

“We have started this trimming/pruning activity this early so that we could attend to other emergencies during the rainy seasons," the mayor said.

Pamintuan said that although there were a number of trees uprooted in Angeles City in the recent years, there were no reported casualties or injuries.

Meanwhile, ACDRRMO head Francis G. Pangilinan said that "despite the occurrence of several typhoons last year, Angeles was spared from major damages to properties because we were better prepared."

“This year, we are once again aiming for zero-casualties, as we increase our readiness against possible accidents this rainy season," Pangilinan said.

To date, a total of 80 acacia trees, located along McArthur Highway in Barangay Sto. Domingo and Barangay Ninoy Aquino and along Arayat Avenue in Barangay Pampang were trimmed.

Before the tree trimming project, the local government has acquired the necessary permits from authorized agencies such as the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO) and DENR.

Police eye ex-husband, his girlfriend in slay of bank teller in Angeles City

By Rose-An Jessica Dioquino / BM (GMA News)

The estranged husband of Tania Camille Dee, the Angeles City bank teller who was found dead a week after she disappeared, is a suspect in her killing along with his current girlfriend, authorities said.

In an interview with QRT on Monday, Pampanga Criminal Investigation and Detection Team Chief Inspector Ferdinand Aguilar said that evidence, particularly CCTV footage from the Japanese restaurant where they met on June 20, could link Dee's ex-husband, Fidel Sheldon Arcenas, to the crime.

"Isa lang po ito sa circumstancial evidence na maaaring mag-link po na itong si Fidel ay maaaring may link po sa pagkawala ni Tania," Aguilar said.

Arcenas and Dee had been separated for six years, a report on QRT said. They got married in 2007 and stayed together for two years. They had two children.

Dee's remains were found in the backyard of a house in Barangay Balibago on Sunday morning, a week after she went missing.

According to a QRT report, Dee was shot in the back of the head, with the bullet going through her face. Investigation showed she was killed last Wednesday or Thursday.

Aguilar added that the mother of Arcenas' girlfriend Angela came to the police herself last Saturday, saying her daughter's "unusual" behavior made her suspect that something may have happened in the vacant house.

Angela's mother said she lent the house to her daughter and Arcenas in April, and she only got the key back recently.

"'Yun po ang naging lead namin para pumunta dito sa bahay na 'to at with her authority, pinayagan niya po kaming mag-search dito at natagpuan po namin 'yung bangkay ni Tania dito," Aguilar said.

With this development, the police are also looking into Angela's possible involvement in the crime.

"Yes, hindi po namin siya maiiwasang ituring na hindi siya walang kinalaman dito, dahil silang dalawa po ni Fidel ay may mga nagsasabi base sa imbestigasyon po namin ay magkasama sila," he said.

He added that while Angela was not seen in the restaurant's CCTV footage, the ongoing investigation points to the possibility she was in the car at the time.

Aguilar said that Arcenas has not sent any feelers to surface or surrender, but that he asked the two to appear before authorities while the investigation is ongoing.

"Habang tumatakbo 'yung investigation, pumunta na sila sa opisina at magbigay na sila ng kanilang panig nang sa gayon ay malinis na 'yung kanilang pangalan," Aguilar said.

Body of missing bank teller found in shallow grave in Angeles

By Jun Malig (Inquirer Central Luzon)

ANGELES CITY — A week after 33-year-old Tania Camille Dee, a bank teller in Binondo, Manila, went missing, her body was found in a shallow grave in the backyard of a house in Barangay Balibago here before dawn Sunday.

Photos of Dee, a mother of two, have been circulating in social media since June 21, a day after she went to this city to meet with former husband, Fidel Sheldon Arcenas. She never returned home.

At 9 p.m. on Saturday, Regina Dychioco told the Pampanga Criminal Investigation and Detection Team (CIDT) that her daughter, Angela, had informed her that Dee could already be dead.

Angela, the girlfriend of Arcenas, reportedly told her mother that Dee could be buried in the backyard of the house Dychioco had been renting on Lilian Street, Sta. Maria Subdivision.

Dychioco told police that her daughter and Arcenas borrowed the keys to the house a few weeks ago. The mother said Arcenas returned the keys to her on June 26.

On Saturday night, after getting Dychioco’s permission, CIDT personnel, Scene of Crime Operatives (Soco) and the Angeles City crime laboratory office went to the house to conduct a search.

At 1 a.m. on Sunday, they exhumed the body of a woman, buried in a grave about a meter deep, at the back of the house. The woman was wearing denim pants and a striped shirt. Her head was wrapped in a towel and a plastic garbage bag.

Dee’s relatives, who went to this city on Sunday, identified the body.

They told the police that Dee had agreed to meet Arcenas here on June 20 after the latter told her that he would give her a car.

After the exhumation, CIDT personnel went to the house of Arcenas at Carmenville Subdivision in Barangay Cutcut here to invite him for questioning. They were told that he was not home.

AC poor now exempt from civil registration fees

By Ashley Manabat

ANGELES CITY – An ordinance that exempts poor Angeleños from paying fees charged by the City Civil Registrar’s Office was spearheaded by Councilor Bryan Matthew C. Nepomuceno.

During their June 9 regular session, the members of the city council unanimously approved an ordinance introduced by Nepomuceno exempting indigent residents of the city from paying the said fees.

Nepomuceno, a lawyer by profession, regularly gives free legal and notarial services to his poor constituents.

According to Nepomuceno, a large number of indigents who seek his advice and assistance have concerns regarding documents recorded with the local Civil Registrar such as their birth certificates, marriage contracts and the death certificates of their relatives.

Nepomuceno said in most cases, the solution to their problems merely requires them to request from the registrar or make amendments to their documents with the Civil Registry.

However, they cannot afford the fees being charged by the city registrar, he said.

It is for this reason, Nepomuceno said, that he drafted and introduced the said ordinance.

The ordinance (PO 807-11-14) exempts indigent residents of the city from paying the fees usually charged by the Civil Registrar.

Under the ordinance, those who wish to avail of the exemptions need only to present a certificate of indigency issued by the barangay captain of the area where they reside and a certificate of indigency issued by the City Social Welfare and Development Office.

Nepomuceno said the ordinance will benefit a lot of poor residents of Angeles and help establish their true identity and civil status.

Councilors Jerico Aguas, Edu Pamintuan, and Alex Indionco, as well as Carmelo “Pogi” Lazatin, Jr. co-sponsored the piece of legislation.

Marcos shares BBL impact to Pampanga aldermen

By Reynaldo G. Navales

CLARK FREEPORT -- Senator Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. said Friday that the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) is not an exclusive concern of the people of Mindanao but a measure that will affect the whole country once approved into law.

Marcos issued the statement during the mid-year assembly of the Pampanga Councilors' League (PCL) at the Oxford Hotel here where he was invited to educate the Kapampangan councilors on the BBL.

"I felt the need to bring the discussion on BBL to non-Mindanaoans. I appreciate the efforts of the Kapampangan councilors to invite me to speak on the matter during their assembly," Marcos said.

The Pampanga councilors requested the senator to enlighten them on the BBL's impact on the Filipino people.

As the lead senator working on the BBL, Marcos can share his insights on the BBL's impact to the majority of Filipinos, including Kapampangans, according to Michael Tapang, head of the Pampanga Councilors League.

Marcos granted the PCL's request, saying it is his duty to keep the public informed about the BBL.

"As chairman of the Senate Committee on Local Government, it is my mandate to explain to the people matters of great importance," he said.

DOLE orients Angeles City-based Korean firms on Phl Labor Laws, Work Culture

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

ANGELES CITY, June 25 (PIA) -- Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) oriented 14 management representatives of Korean firms that operate inside Angeles Industrial Park Inc. (AIPI) on Philippine Labor Laws and Work Culture.

“We are holding our continuous labor education seminar with our foreign managers and workers as part our locators’ commitment at AIPI to sustain the culture compliance with labor laws as well as improve their working relationship with their Filipino counterparts,” DOLE Pampanga Provincial Head Arlene Tolentino said.

Attendees were from Kodec Precision Inc. and Dae Young Manufacturing Inc.

“Since the AIPI is now a labor laws compliant zone, we are assured of their locators’ and subcontractors’ commitment in supporting our new Labor Law Compliance System for the betterment of labor-management relationships at their workplace, thus, would boost good business and employment opportunities within the industrial park,” Tolentino added.

Topics that were discussed include overview of the Labor-Management Education on Employment Relations, Nature of Employment Relationships, and insights on Department Order 18-A otherwise known as the Rules on Contracting and Subcontracting.

There was also a lecture on the Strengths of the Filipino Character based from the Filipino Values and Moral Development published by the Economic Development Foundation namely pakikipagkapwa tao, strong family ties, humor, and flexibility.

Opposing to strengths, weaknesses of Filipinos such as extreme professionalism, family centeredness, lack of discipline, passivity, lack of initiative, and colonial mentality were also discussed.

The orientation ended with a workshop on the computation of payment of wages, overtime pay, 13th month pay, and other holiday pay premiums.

“After the Koreans, the Chinese locators of AIPI are next,” Tolentino shared.

DOST to test hybrid road train in Clark

(Sun.Star Pampanga)

CLARK FREEPORT -- The Department of Science and Technology's (DOST) Hybrid Electric Road Train will conduct a performance testing of five-coach centrally powered hybrid electric road train for local application on Thursday (June 25) at the Parade Ground inside this Freeport.

The demo of the hybrid coach is to test roadworthiness of a Filipino-made transportation project which is part of the DOST's commitment to support the productivity and global competitiveness of the metals, engineering and allied industries.

The performance test is being conducted before rolling out the Filipino-made project in Metro Manila's major highways.

Designed by Filipino engineers and made with locally available parts, the 40-meter long train-like bus is an alternative means of transportation and one of DOST's answer to the mass transportation dilemma in metro roads.

This demonstration of the hybrid electric road train phase 2 is most suitable in Clark because of the exceptional road network we have here in this Freeport.

Clark Development Corporation President Arthur Tugade said that the government-run firm is grateful for choosing Parade Ground inside Freeport Zone for the Demo Ride and the launching of the very first Filipino-made hybrid Electric road train.

The CDC is in full support of the DOST endeavor and its research work in trying to solve the land transportation dilemma of the Philippines, especially the horrific traffic problems in Greater Manila.

This Filipino-made hybrid Electric road train could be a solution to the growing traffic problem in major cities in the country.

According to the DOST report, the road train is composed of five interconnected fully air-conditioned coaches, four of which can accommodate 60 passengers each for a total of 240 commuters per ride. The last one is the power coach.

Science and Technology Secretary Mario Montejo estimates that the road train can serve 650,000 commuters when fully implemented.

"This will happen after its testing phase, which will take two to three years," he said earlier.

Launched on August 22 last year, the road train can run with a maximum speed of 50kph. It is mainly powered by hybrid diesel fuel and electric-powered battery. Moreover, the train is designed to be energy-efficient, which means it does not need electricity and suspended cables to operate, the DOST report said.

This newest Filipino innovation also produces less smoke emission compared with existing mass transport vehicles, making it an eco-friendly mode of transport.

"CDC is a major contributor to many of (DOST) achievements in testing phase on the hybrid road train project," Assistant Secretary Robert Dizon, officer in charge of the Metals Industry Research and Development Center (MIRDC) of DOST, said.

"With your unfailing support (referring to CDC), the timely accomplishment of planned targets were realized," Dizon said.

Dizon said the event in Clark will serve as the hybrid road train’s soft launching as well as a prelude for the upcoming 2015 National Science and Technology Week (NTSW) to be held on July this year.

US Embassy screens ‘Seeing Blue’ in Angeles University

(The Manila Times)

As part of its #1Earth environmental campaign and in support of the US State Department’s efforts to promote ocean conservation, the US Embassy in Manila brought Seeing Blue: an Oceans Month Movie Series at the Angeles University Foundation’s St. Cecilia Auditorium on June 19.

In partnership with National Geographic Channel Philippines, the Seeing Blue film series features the documentary “Alien Deep: Ocean’s Fury” by US underwater explorer Dr. Robert Ballard. In the film, Dr. Ballard searches for answers as to why the ocean seems to be getting bigger, angrier and more deadly.

Embassy Public Affairs Counselor Tina Malone encouraged the youth in the audience to join the Embassy’s Seeing Blue campaign, to make their own pledge for what they can do in their own way to save the ocean, and to urge others to do the same. Seeing Blue pledges can be shared on social media using the hashtags #iseeblue and #1earth.

Through this series of film screenings, the embassy hopes to help youth become more aware of the importance of caring for marine life and our coastal environments.

The US Embassy in Manila’s #1Earth advocacy series aims to mobilize local communities to mitigate the impact of natural disasters and increase resilience to global climate change.

On June 8, Ocean’s Day, Seeing Blue was launched at the Exploreum at SM Mall of Asia in Manila. Following the Pampanga leg, the last screening takes place at SM City Batangas, on June 26.

Village chief welcomes Capillion project in Clark

By Reynaldo G. Navales

ANGELES CITY -- A barangay chairman here has described the controversial P7 billion Capilion project in Clark Freeport as a "welcome development" for his village and the whole of Angeles City.

Rey Nacu Gueco, chairman of Barangay Malabanias, said he fully supports the Singapore-based Capilion Corporation Pte. Limited, which has committed to lease and develop a three-hectare lot at the main entrance of the Freeport.

Malabanias will directly benefit from the mixed-used facility that could be used for business process outsourcing (BPO), residential, commercial, and retail enterprises, according to Gueco.

The village chief even assailed some groups and local leaders opposed to the project.

Contrary to claims that Capilion will harm local businesses, Gueco pointed out that the project will even spur growth in the locality.

He cited the case of SM City Clark, which attracted small and medium enterprises. Businesses started sprouting in the area when SM Supermalls established its mall in Clark, the barangay leader stressed.

Gueco disclosed that he already issued the Singaporean firm a barangay clearance for the construction of a five-storey building.

Aside from employment for the people of Angeles City, the village will also benefit from the project in terms of tax, according to Gueco.

Clark Development Corporation (CDC) head Arthur Tugade earlier said that the Capilion, which the biggest contract signed by his administration, is expected to generate about 75,000 in seven years.

Some local officials and businessmen aired their strong objection against the project because of its location saying it will directly compete with local businesses.

This contradicts the essence of Republic Act 7227 or the Bases Conversion and Development Act of 1992, which guarantees the protection of local businesses, they said.

The city council has approved a resolution expressing its vehement opposition to any construction of structure along the MA Roxas Avenue, which is running parallel to Don Juico Avenue along the south perimeter fence of Clark Freeport.

SP Resolution Number 7184 Series of 2015, sponsored by Councilor Max Sangil, stated that "it has been a matter of policy that no structures or edifices will be built in the said area which is significant as a buffer zone since the time of the Americans."

The business structure will disturb the beauty of the area and create monstrous traffic congestion, the resolution added.

'Parikoy' triumvirate eyed in Angeles City

By Reynaldo G. Navales

ANGELES CITY -- It sounds like the religious drama series but it is actually the purported political alignment being pushed by supporters of politicians here --- Parikoy or Pamintuan (incumbent mayor Edgardo Pamintuan, Rivera (Former Councilor Willie Rivera) and Kong Yeng (Representative Joseller “Yeng” Guiao).

Pamintuan and Guiao, who were under the same ticket in the May 2013 elections will both seek reelection while Rivera has already announced that he will be running for vice mayor under another city mayoral candidate Senator Lito Lapid.

But some supporters of former congressman Carmelo “Tarzan” Lazatin are quick to respond with with Pari ta or Pamintuan, Rivera and Tarzan.

On Sunday, a big gathering was held at the Barangay Malabanias covered court which was attended by thousands who came from various villages here.

The meeting was spearheaded by Lapid, Rivera, and Lazatin who will be celebrating his 81st birthday on June 28.

A close ally of Lazatin told Sun.Star Pampanga that he will fight Guiao in the congressional race in next year’s polls.


Angeles City mayor to seek info on Capilion project

By Reynaldo G. Navales

ANGELES CITY -- Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan said that he will ask the Clark Development Corporation (CDC) to convene the Metro Clark Advisory Council (MCAC) to shed light on several issues surrounding the controversial Capilion project at the main entrance of Clark Freeport.

Pamintuan admitted that he has limited knowledge about the P7-billion long-term lease and development of a three-hectare lot in the area forged between CDC and the Capilion Corporation Pte. Limited of Singapore.

According to the mayor, officials of CDC and the proponent of the project should present the project in order for the local executives to see if it will have an adverse impact on local businesses.

The facility, which will run along the MA Roxas Highway parallel to the Don Juico Avenue along the Clark south perimeter fence, is expected to accommodate business process outsourcing (BPO) firms, residential, commercial, and retail enterprises once completed.

Some businessmen and local officials have aired strong objection against the project saying it will hurt local traders.

The Sangguniang Panlungsod here recently expressed its vehement opposition to any construction of structures along the MA Roxas Avenue.

Resolution Number 7184 Series of 2015, sponsored by Councilor Max Sangil, stated that it has been a matter of policy that no structures or edifices will be built in the said area which is declared as a buffer zone by the CDC Board.

The business structure will disturb the beauty of the area and create traffic congestion, the resolution stated.

Businessman Ruperto Cruz, head of the Pinoy Gumising Ka Movement, earlier said that Capilion will directly compete with the local businesses including mall giant Sm City Clark.

Under Republic Act 7227 or the Bases Conversion and Development Act of 1992, Cruz said local traders should be protected and the CDC is mandated to institute measures to “level the playing field.”

Cruz said the Clark perimeter road leading to the Friendship Highway in the western portion of the city should no longer be used for commercial purposes.

He said the highway should be widened in anticipation of the full operation of the Clark International Airport (CRK).

Clark Freeport authority bill waits for approval in plenary

By Ashley Manabat

ANGELES CITY – House Bill 321 or the bill which will make Clark Freeport an authority is now waiting for approval in the plenary after passing the committee level at the House of Representatives.

1st District Rep. Roseller “Yeng” Guiao also said on Monday that similar bills for Davao, Laoag and Aklan are also waiting for approval in the plenary. Ruperto Cruz, chair of the Kapampangan advocacy group Pinoy Gumising Ka Movement (PGKM), said “imperial Manila is losing its hold on the provinces” which now seek independencefrom its impositions.

“Balamu fiefdom de ing pairal da. Balamu okay mung okay karela, but now papakit tamu at least malyari salansang karetang pipilit da (It’s like they’re imposing their own fiefdom. They think it’s always okay for them, but now we are showing that at least we can go against what they want),” said Cruz.

“The PGKM is the watchdog over developments in Clark,” he assured. Earlier, Guiao said Clark has already seen three presidents since President Aquino came to power in 2010 – Felipe Remollo, Eduardo Oban and Arthur Tugade – which create instability.

This underscores the need to convert Clark into an authority by an act of Congress, he said.

Guiao said the chief executives of Clark should have a fixed term of office that should be defined by law to immunize them from politicking so that they can set their own pace in the development of the freeport.

The Clark Development Corp. (CDC), the administrator of the Clark Freeport Zone is a government owned and controlled corporation (GOCC) created in April 1993 by Executive Order No. 80 by then President Ramos as the implementing arm of the Bases Conversion Development Authority (BCDA) to manage the Clark Special Economic Zone.

Guiao has also said Clark should have its own charter and corporate identity in order to negotiate with governments and big businesses. The problem right now, he said, is Clark needs to pass through the BCDA and the Office of the President just to plan its own course.

Guiao said Magdalo party-list Rep. Ashley Acedillo headed a team of lawyers that formulated House Bill 321 which he admitted is an improved version of the Cagayan Economic Zone Authority (CEZA) and Aurora Pacific Economic Zone and Freeport (APECO) laws.

Once converted into an authority, Clark would have its own charter that would insulate it from politics for the benefit of people not only in Central Luzon but even of the entire country, according to Guiao.

Plan to address job mismatch to be presented to Angeles

By Ian Ocampo Flora

ANGELES CITY -- The Philippine Business for Education (PBEd), in partnership with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Philippines, is set to present a plan to address job mismatch to the City Government of Angeles.

The PBEd and USAID Philippines have been implementing the Higher Education and Productivity Project (HEPP) with the main goal to address concerns over the mismatch between the quality of the Philippines’ higher education graduates and the needs of its industries through greater industry participation in curriculum design, quality assurance and accreditation. The HEPP is a one year project that aims to solve the skills gap and mismatch problem by initiating industry-academe partnerships at the national and regional level.

Specifically, it aims to achieve this by improving the availability of information on industry and higher education capability and sustained national policy dialogue between key stakeholders, and by creating manpower plans and concrete industry-academe partnerships at the local level.

The PBEd has crafted a Human Resource Development Plan for Pampanga through the technical assistance of the Metro Angeles Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (MACCII), with funding support from the USAID-Philippines.

"After gathering data through interviews, surveys and focus group discussions with the local stakeholders from higher education institution, technical-vocational schools, local government units, and businesses, we are now ready to present the findings and recommendation of this plan," MACCII said in a statement sent to Sun.Star Pampanga.

The output dubbed Human Resource Development Plan for Pampanga will be officially turned over to the city government on June 26, 2015 at the Widus Hotel and Casino inside Clark Freeport.

Garbage from LGUs produce biomass energy

By Jose Mari M. Garcia (CLJD/JMG-PIA 3)

CLARK FREEPORT ZONE, June 17 (PIA) -- Department of Energy (DOE) has tapped solid waste facilities to scale up the generation of biomass energy and help meet the country’s electricity demands, prompting local government units to take advantage of their looming garbage woes.

Technologies to convert wastes from municipal and city dump facilities into biomass energy are being developed to not only add up to the country’s power supply but also lessen the nuisance of piling garbage, said Ruby De Guzman, division chief of DOE’s Biomass Energy Management Division.

“DOE and the University of the Philippines-Los Baños (UPLB) are continuously developing, finding ways on how to utilize our biomass resources not only in agricultural residues but from emerging feedstock like municipal solid waste,” De Guzman said during the International Biomass Conference held June 16-17 in Widus Hotel.

This reflects the potential of provincial, city, municipal and barangay solid waste management facilities as a source of biomass energy to augment the country’s electricity supply which, according to DOE, is falling short this year and causes threat to the country's economic and social life.

De Guzman said the biomass industry has contributed 276 megawatts of power from 2011-2015, and they are looking forward to add 200 MW until 2020.

According to Dr. Rex Demafelis, chair of UPLB’s Interdisciplinary Biofuels Research Studies Center (IBRSC), there is a need to adapt technologies to capitalize the potential of biomass energy and catalyze various stakeholders into building concrete actions for the production of bio-based fuels and energy.

“We need to explore and develop feedstocks and industrially relevant technologies for biofuels production,” he said.

Demafelis said the International Biomass Conference provided a talking venue for prospective collaborators who can aid in technology transfer to magnify the use of biomass energy and openly discuss the increasing severity of garbage problem among LGUs having congested landfills or no landfill at all.

Themed Exploring the Market Potentials of Biomass for Bio-based Fuels and Energy, the two-day conference attended by about 200 foreign and local stakeholders also featured a visit at a biomass plant in San Jose City, Nueva Ecija that has been producing 12 MW of electricity.

Stockpiled with foreign and local experts on renewable energy, biomass engineering, agriculture, and solid waste management, the conference was co-organized by UPLB-IBRSC, Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Agricultural Research, DOE, and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.

US Embassy sets ocean month movie screening in Pampanga

(Sun.Star Pampanga)

ANGELES CITY — The United States Embassy in Manila has set movie screening to mark the importance of preserving the world's oceans.

The special screening of "Seeing Blue: A World Oceans Month Movie Series," will be held at the Angeles University Foundation's St. Cecilia Auditorium at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, June 19.

Jo Briones, information officer of the Department of Science and Technology-Project NOAH (Nationwide Operational Assessment of Hazards), is expected to grace the event as guest speaker.

The "Seeing Blue" screening series is a free and by-invitation-only event carried out by the US Embassy in partnership with National Geographic Channel Philippines.

The series features the National Geographic documentary "Alien Deep: Ocean's Fury" by Dr. Robert Ballard, a well-known ocean explorer.

Ballard found the Titanic, the Bismarck, the carrier Yorktown and new forms of ocean life.

In the film, Dr. Ballard searches for answers as to why the ocean seems to be getting bigger, angrier and more deadly.

As part of its #1Earth environmental campaign and in support of the US State Department's efforts to promote ocean conservation, US Embassy Manila's "Seeing Blue" series seeks to stress to youth the importance of taking care of marine life and coastal environments in the Philippines.

"Seeing Blue" was launched on World Oceans Day, June 8, at the Exploreum in SM Mall of Asia in Manila.

Following the screening in Pampanga, a third and final screening will be held in Batangas.

The US Embassy invited students from these coastal areas to view the film, and engage in a dialogue with expert speakers following the screening.

8 Koreans accused of gang rape of Pinay in Angeles City

By Rose-An Jessica Dioquino / KBK (GMA News)

A Filipina in Angeles City, Pampanga, was gang-raped by eight Korean nationals, one of whom she met through the Internet, police said Monday.

In a live interview with GMA News TV's QRT, SPO1 Marian Trinidad, the investigator on the case, said the Station 4 of Angeles City police got a call from the staff of a hospital at around 11 a.m. Monday reporting the incident.

Trinidad said the victim, who is confined in the hospital for treatment, is an unemployed single mother and a resident of Barangay Anunas.

The victim said the incident happened after she agreed to have a drink with one of the suspects, whom she met through a dating website.

"Nakipagkita nga po ako sa kanya... tapos uminom kami sa restaurant. Pagkatapos sa restaurant lumabas na kami," the victim said in a separate report on "24 Oras."

The "24 Oras" report said the Korean suspect brought the victim to a place where seven others were waiting for them.

"Pagdating namin doon may pitong Koreano na nag-iinuman. Ginalaw nila ako doon, silang lahat," the victim said.

Trinidad said the victim, who was blindfolded, claimed she was forced to drink soju, a Korean alcoholic drink. The victim said one of the suspects, identified only as Mr. Lee, took her to a hotel after the incident.

"Dinala siya ng isang suspect sa hotel after siyang inabuso ulit. Ang suspect ay nakainom so nakatulog, so doon siya nagkaroon ng chance na makatakas at magsumbong," Trinidad said.

Only one of the eight suspects have been identified from the CCTV footage of the hotel, the report said. They were still at large as of posting time.

Trinidad said they have coordinated with the Korean Association there, which vowed to cooperate in identifying the suspect.

She added, however, that they have not reached out to the Korean Embassy in Manila about the matter.

Investigation is still ongoing, she also said.

Pangilinan: Clark safe from storms, floods

(Sun.Star Pampanga)

CLARK FREEPORT -- Businessman Manuel V. Pangilinan cited Clark’s location in hosting a national center for disaster monitoring operations.

Pangilinan said Clark’s backdrop of hills and high elevation make itself safe from onslaughts of severe tropical storms and floods.

The area is also known for its well-paved and wide road network, including the access to the Subic seaport through the Subic Clark Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX).

“The NOC (in Clark) shall serve as pre-disaster warning center and post disaster rehab center. Basically the NOC will oversee (monitoring) potential threats,” Pangilinan told media.

Pangilinan also cited the advantages of Clark Freeport in hosting the NOC.

“Clark is readily accessible. It has an airport and not thickly populated. And I don’t think there’s an earthquake fault there,” Pangilinan said.

Pangilinan also thanked Clark authorities for the use of existing building that will house the NOC.

“The CDC, (Clark Development Corporation) through Art Tugade, its head, has kindly agreed to use certain property in Clark,” he added.

CDC officials had designated a building inside the Clark Polytechnic Compound that would be converted to become the NOC.

The government corporation would also serve as a partner agency in the private-sector led disaster mitigation and rehabilitation initiative. Already, CDC has assigned point persons who would help in the establishment of the NOC.

Pangilinan said the initiative of the private sector would establish “close linkage” with the government like the NDRRMC.

“The NOC is the nerve center. We need them (government). Like if we are to send Meralco trucks to Tacloban, we would need government for ships. If we are to send relief goods, we would need the air force,” he said.

“It is supposed to coordinate the private sector initiatives in this type of disaster warning and at same time coordinate with government,” he added.

Pangilinan said that disaster operations center will play a great role in coordinating efforts to mitigate impact of disasters and conduct organized rescue and rehabilitation efforts.

The NOC will be put up by Philippine Disaster Recovery Foundation where Pangilinan serves as one of the three co-chairmen.

The other co chairs include Jaime Augusto Zobel De Ayala of Ayala Corporation and Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle.

MMDA Chair Tolentino emphasizes unity, cooperation towards sustained freedom

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

ANGELES CITY, June 13 (PIA) -- Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chair Francis Tolentino emphasized Friday the importance of unity and cooperation towards sustained freedom amidst the present threats the country experiences.

In his speech during the 117th Independence Day celebration at the Pamintuan Mansion, Tolentino compared the Spanish colonization to the threat brought about by the dispute in the West Philippine Sea.

“In the same manner that our forefathers fought with the colonizers, we must likewise remain tough and strengthen our unity to defend our rights over our nation’s territories, because our claim over those lands is clearly stated in every first article of our (previous and current) constitutions,” he said.

He added that Filipinos must not only be ready to deal with threats from other countries and terrorists, but also from the threats of calamites particularly earthquakes and typhoons.

Relative to this, the MMDA exec challenged the present generation to not only show unity against these threats but more importantly continue the legacy of the nation’s heroes by advancing noble deeds namely education, economic development, good governance, and genuine love for the country.

“With the aid of science and modern technology, let us beef up preparations and boost our resiliency against disasters to avoid loss of lives and livelihood that directly affects the economy,” Tolentino furthered.

In closing, he reminded the public that the Independence Day celebration does not only focus on the sacrifices of heroes, but underscores the freedom in every Filipino’s hearts and the continuous efforts to elevate the standard of life for the sake of individuals and the whole nation.

Built in 1890, the mansion was Don Mariano Pamintuan’s wedding gift to his son Florentino.

General Antonio Luna moved his army’s headquarters in the mansion on March 1899 after the Americans occupied Malolos, Bulacan.

Three months later, then President Emilio Aguinaldo transferred the seat of his government there and led the first and only public Independence Day celebration under his administration.

Carrying the theme “Tagumpay sa Pagbabagong Nasimulan, Abot-Kamay na ng Bayan,” other major sites for this year’s celebration include Sta. Barbara, Iloilo; Bonifacio National Monument in Caloocan City; Pinaglabanan Memorial Shrine in San Juan City; Emilio Aguinaldo Shrine in Kawit, Cavite; Barasoain Church in Malolos City; Mausoleo De Los Veteranos De La Revolucion in Manila; and Rizal National Monument in Manila.

BPI launches diversified services in Angeles

By Reynaldo G. Navales (With JTD)

ANGELES CITY --- The Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) has launched its Lifestyle Madness Weekend, which unwraps more edition of its auto, housing, personal and other types of loans.

This month's version of the BPI Madness caravan in Pampanga runs from June 11 to 14 at the events center of MarQuee Mall here.

"We want to touch base with more people who don’t have access to banks, especially BPI. That is why with this very first Lifestyle Madness, we could serve those looking for products at zero interest which we could address on the spot. We have several providers here from vehicles to appliances to travel which they could avail of," said BPI Area Business District executive Adrian Galang.

Hourly and grand raffle draws, where gift certificates and premium home appliances are at stake, are open for all.

BPI focused on key urban cities in Luzon as the bank's clients, families, young professionals, and overseas Filipino workers get to explore and meet their financial goals through the long-running loan program.

During the event, the bank's representatives are on hand to explain how its products and services can help improve the lives of every Filipino.

According to Area Business Director Myra Liza Deang-Catindig of the Angeles-San Fernando Area, the Lifestyle Madness Weekend is the bank’s avenue to reach out to people in all brackets.

"As you know, BPI is the first bank in the country. By reaching out to more people, or bringing our services and products directly to them in such accessible and comfortable venues plus convenient time like this long weekend, they are able to understand ways on how we could satisfy their needs. We want to create a 'new behavior' so to speak, with Lifestyle Madness where transactions are processed right here with no hassles," she told Sun.Star Pampanga.

Aside from its deposit and investment products, BPI's auto loan, housing loan, Ka-Negosyo Loan, Personal Loans, and Philam Life Insurance highlighted the event.

BPI credit card holders can also avail of items at zero percent interest rate, pay up to 12 months installments, and get double the credit card limit ideal for big ticket purchases.

No gov’t work, classes in Angeles for Mt. Pinatubo Memorial Day

By Ian Ocampo Flora

ANGELES CITY -- The City Government of Angeles City has taken the cue from the Provincial Government of Pampanga and has issued Executive Order 14 suspending classes in all public and private schools in the city as well work in all government offices on June 15 in commemoration of the 24th year anniversary of the Mt. Pinatubo eruption.

Acting Mayor Vicenta Vega-Cabigting issued the order on Thursday.

Vega-Cabigting said that commemorating the event is the fitting tribute to the lessons learned from the devastation. She added that while Angeles City has fully recovered from the devastation brought by the calamity, the present generation of Angelenos should not forget one of the most trying times in the history of the city and the province.

"While it has been almost two and half decades since the eruption, it would be insensitive not to remember the tragedy that has reshaped Pampanga to a more resilient community that it is today. We remember the people who lost their lives and the people who sacrificed to help Angeles City and Pampanga recover from the disaster," Vega-Cabigting said.

Work in government offices and classes in all public and private schools for the rest of Pampanga are also suspended for June 15 after Pampanga Governor Lilia Pineda signed Executive Order 006-2015 on Monday.

The executive orders of Angeles City and the Provincial Government, however, do not cover the private sector, leaving to management the discretion to suspend work in respective establishments and offices.

There have been moves in the past to formally commemorate the eruption of Mt. Pinatubo as a holiday.

In 2011, then Pampanga Third District representative Aurelio Gonzalez, Jr. filed House Bill 3948, which seeks to make June 15 every year a non-working day in Pampanga, being Mt. Pinatubo Memorial Day.

Also, First District Representative Joseller Guiao filed a bill to declare June 15 of every year a special non-working holiday in the province, as well as in Angeles City.

The said bills are yet to be approved by the House of Representatives.

Caravan for genuine land reform reaches Congress

By Ding Cervantes

ANGELES CITY- Farmers from all over Central Luzon kicked off in this city last Monday their caravan that winds up today, June 10, at the House of Representatives to protest moves to revive the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP) and push for a “geniune land reform” that includes free land distribution.

Dubbed Sakbayan 2015, the caravan held stops in various areas before proceeding to Congress.

“Coming from the provinces of Central Luzon, the farmers converged in Plaza Miranda in downtown Angeles for the kick-off of Sakbayan.

The farmers’ caravan then went on to Hacienda Dolores, in Porac, Pampanga” said Joseph Canlas, chair of the Alyansang Magbubukid ng Gitnang Luson (AMGL).

Scores of farmers are set to be displaced by a high-end housing project in Hacienda Dolores. Canlas said that “after the protest rally at Hacienda Dolores, the caravan proceeded to the regional office of the Department of Agrarian Reform to condemn the bogus Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP).”

“The caravan also stopped at the Department of Agriculture regional office, Registry of Deeds, and Camp Olivas in San Fernando, Pampanga,” he also said.

Canlas stressed that “local mass struggles of farmers of Hacienda Luisita, directly owned by the landlord Cojuangco- Aquino clan, and Clark Green City will also be highlighted in the said caravan. Peasants from all the provinces of Central Luzon will represent their local struggles.”

“We do not expect the reactionary government, filled with landlords and compradors to implement genuine agrarian reform. The victory of this struggle for land reform lies at the strength of mass movements,” said Canlas.

He noted that “the people’s assertion of rights has brought victories, especially on areas where landlords are most oppressive. In Hacienda Luisita and Hacienda Dolores, peasants have stood for their rights and occupied the lands in spite of threats from the landlord’s hired men.”

After the regional protests, the caravan moved to the House of Representatives as the solons end the current session of the Congress, Canlas added.

Firm introduces technology for affordable, safe water

By Reynaldo G. Navales

CLARK FREEPORT -- Affordable and safe water for everyone.

This is what the Ian Cummins Enterprise (ICE) International Technology Incorporated is aiming to provide the Pampanga and the whole country after transferring its water treatment technology to Clark Freeport.

ICE sales manager Lloyd Nacu said they launched Signature Premium Water Philippines Incorporated to achieve the company’s goals of serving the community by providing potable water to business establishments and residences.

Ian Cummins, an Australian inventor, is the chairman of Starfish Enterprises Limited (SEL), a Hong Kong-based company claiming the world’s most advanced water purification technology.

Cummins is also the chairman of ICE, which is wholly owned subsidiary of SEL, which produces water manufacturing machines in a rented warehouse in Clark Freeport since 2009.

Nacu said Signature Premium Water offers safe drinking water for the community, establishments, and industries.

“Our purpose is for local market and we will touch Philippines. We will start in Pampanga and then eventually we go nationwide,” Nacu said.

The company has manufactured compact machines to cater and tap residential units and proliferate water refilling stations in every community nationwide, according to Nacu.

Nacu said that they can offer marked down prices lower than the prevailing water price of P25 to P35 per gallon.

“We have studied our local competitors as part of our marketing plan. So far we have the unique advantage with regards to the existing water purification like reverse osmosis,” Nacu said.

In reverse osmosis, which Nacu described as semi-permeable, about 50 percent of the water used in the purification goes to waste. “In our technology, there are no chemicals and filtration. Once the water passes through our product (machines) it undergoes “molecular destruction.”

“If you use our system, technically there is no waste water unlike reverse osmosis system where 50 percent of the input water is utilized as waste,” Nacu added.

He said that water produced by Signature has high oxygen and alkaline level. The firms’ unique system, which uses Advanced Oxidation Process, produces water that is free from contaminants like virus, bacteria, spores, hormones, metals, excess mineral salts, arsenic and other suspended solids.

Nacu is calling interested businessmen in Angeles City (65 planned outlets), City of San Fernando (57 planned outlets) and Mabalacat City (up to 43 outlets) to invest in Signature Premium Water.

“Start your own store now. Be our franchisee and get a chance to handle chain outlets in different areas,” he said.

Nacu said their potential partners may avail of their offer for only P20,000. “They can visit our office at Unit 11B Philexcel Business Park, Manuel A. Roxas Highway in Clark Freeport.”

Local traffic board in Angeles City proposes measures for improved traffic flow

By Rhea Katherine Mendoza [(PNA), CTB/ZST/RKM/PS]

ANGELES CITY, Pampanga, June 8 (PNA) --With the resumption of classes, the Angeles City Traffic Management Board (ACTMB) has proposed stricter measures to improve vehicular traffic in the city.

Councilor Amos Rivera, vice-chairman of the ACTMB, the board identified certain areas in the city that require new traffic schemes to make it safer and comfortable for commuters, public transport, private vehicles and pedestrians alike.

Among the areas identified is the city’s heritage district in Sto. Rosario, which is a “traffic-heavy zone”, as this is where several schools and universities are found.

One of the measures being implemented is the transfer of the pick and drop area for students of Sto. Rosario Elementary School along Miranda Street. School service vehicles are now required to pick or drop their passengers along Jesus Street.

In addition, the board also approved the identification of loading and unloading bays in various parts of the city proper.

Commuters are advised to use the loading and unloading zones when riding and alighting from public vehicles.

Violators, particularly jeepney drivers who load and unload passengers outside the loading and unloading bays, will face stiffer penalties, including but not limited to fines and cancellation of franchise.

”We are doing what we can to ease the traffic situation in the city; thus we appreciate the efforts of the ACTMB, as it has been very active in proposing and implementing the city’s traffic rules and regulations which will free the city streets from congestion,” Rivera said.

Meanwhile, Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan has issued directives to the ACTMB to continue studying and implementing policies that will improve vehicular traffic in major roads, intersections and roundabouts around the city.

“The implementation of experimental traffic re-routing plans, on-going road widening and rehabilitation, and the increased number of traffic enforcers are some of interventions that we have been doing,” the mayor said.

One of the major benefits of improving traffic in the city is the increase in business, law & order, discipline among commuters, public transport and private vehicle owners.

Reports from the Public Transport and Regulatory Office (PTRO) and the Angeles City Traffic Management and Enforcement Office (ACTMEU) show that almost 70% of the total amount of fines collected from traffic violations are from private vehicle owners.

“While we have done several steps to ensure that there will be less traffic problems, we also need the support of our local transport groups – and by support, I mean that they have to police their own ranks, obey traffic laws and exercise discipline” Pamintuan said.

Hence, the Public Transportation and Regulatory Office (PTRO), with the help of the City Information Office (CIO), will spearhead a workshop/seminar for public transport drivers.

The said seminar will cover basic traffic rules, driving manners and right conduct, re-orientation on traffic signs & symbols, awareness on fines and penalties, and compliance with designated parking and loading/unloading zones.

A pilot workshop will be set for the heads of Pangkalahatang Asusasyon ng mga Drivers sa Angeles City (PASADA) and Pandan-Angeles Drivers and Operators Association within the month.

The Angeles City Traffic Board meets every Wednesday at the City Hall and their meeting is open to the public.

It is made up of City Council members, local government officials, PNP Traffic Group, transport groups, and business sector & NGO representatives.

Koreans eye Clark Freeport as business, tourism center

(Sun.Star Pampanga)

CLARK FREEPORT -- A group of Korean nationals in Central Luzon has expressed positive views on Clark as an investment and tourism hub.

Kim Ki Young, president of the Korean Community Association Central Luzon, Inc. (KCACLI) said Clark is an area conducive for business and leisure.

According to Kim, Clark is a peaceful and quiet area which is the best place for people to rest and relax because it has nice golf courses, casinos and hotels.

“Clark has a nice environment which people can be satisfied when it comes to investing,” he added.

In the Metro Clark area alone, KCACLI secretary Chung Su Min said their membership is more than 20,000.

“We (KCACLI) are like the embassy for the Koreans around here (Angeles), we have programs related to safety, peace-keeping among the members and the community,” she said.

The Clark Development Corporation (CDC) Marketing Department reported that there are 96 Korean companies inside the Freeport.

The Korean firms in Clark include Widus Hotel and Casino, Somang Global Clark, Sambon P&E Philippines and others.

Phoenix Semiconductor Philippines Corporation, also a Korean company, is one of the top exporters in the Freeport along with Nanox Philippines Inc., and Yokohama Tires Philippines Inc.

Donggwang Clark Corporation is also a Korean company which is building Clark Sun Valley, a 304-hectare tourism complex with residence villas, water theme-park and various amenities. Its championship golf course is now operational.

Xenia Hotel, a sub-lessee of Donggwang Corporation, invested nearly $200 million here.

Xenia boasts 200 premium and well-appointed facilities rooms and is located at Claro M. Recto Highway.

Son Bong Sam, president of Xenia Hotel Corporation, said they want to take advantage of the consistent robust growth rates in Clark in terms of business and tourism.

Businessmen, local execs oppose P7-B Capilion Clark project

By Reynaldo G. Navales

ANGELES CITY -- Businessmen and local officials have aired their strong objection against the development of a three-hectare property along the main entrance of Clark Freeport by the Singapore-based Capilion Corporation Pte, Ltd.

The Singaporean firm, which vowed to invest P7-billion for the long-term lease and development of a mixed-use facility along the Clark perimeter road parallel to the Manuel A. Roxas Highway, has started clearing the area, which is thick with full-grown trees.

The facility will accommodate business process outsourcing (BPO), residential, commercial, and retail enterprises. The three-phase project is expected to be completed by the end of 2018.

Ruperto Cruz, owner of the Grand Palazzo Royale and Royale Garden Golf and Country Club, said that Capilion will "directly" compete with the local businesses including the mall giant SM City in Clark.

Cruz added that the Clark Development Corporation (CDC) violated several provisions of Republic Act 7227 or the Bases Conversion and Development Act of 1992.

Cruz, who heads the Pinoy Gumising Ka Movement (PGKM) advocacy group calling for the full development of Clark International Airport (CRK), questioned the location of the facility saying there are still many areas inside the Freeport main zone and the Clark Special Economic Zone (CSEZ) or subzone that needs to be developed.

Under RA 7227, local traders should be protected and CDC should institute measures to level the playing field.

"We are not against development if it is inside the Freeport but not in the area where it will directly competing with the businesses in the vicinity of the entertainment and commercial districts of Barangays Malabanias and Balibago," Cruz said.

Aside from these, Cruz said the Clark perimeter road leading to the Friendship Highway in the western portion of Angeles City should no longer be used for commercial purposes and should be widened in anticipation of the full operation of Clark airport.

The Angeles City Council recently expressed its vehement opposition to any construction of structure along the M.A. Roxas Avenue, which is running parallel to Don Juico Avenue along the south perimeter fence of Clark Freeport.

Noel Tulabut, CDC External Affairs Department assistant manager, said that the CDC required Capilion to submit a traffic study plan and an environmental impact study.

Tulabut stressed that sanction will be imposed by CDC if the firm violates any provisions under their contract.

CDC president and chief executive officer Arthur Tugade last year said that Capilion is the biggest contract forged under his administration.

The project will generate about 75,000 jobs in the next seven years, he said.

Teachers: Don't discriminate persons with disabilities

By Reynaldo G. Navales

ANGELES CITY -- Teachers of the Angeles Elementary School Special Education Center has appealed to employees of the SM City Clark that persons with disability (PWD) deserve to be treated correctly.

Sped teacher Editha Pena, who talked about the proper handling of physically- challenged individuals during a seminar conducted by the mall on Friday, said that PWDs need special attention especially when going to public places like malls.

Pena taught the mall's security guards and personnel on how to assist persons with special needs.

The Sped teachers at the same time lauded the SM Supermalls for being named as the country's most PWD-friendly business establishment.

Joel David, senior legislative staff of Angeles City, shared to the SM employees Ordinance Number 330 Series of 2013 otherwise known as the "ordinance prohibiting any acts of discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation, gender, disability, age, health status, religion, race, and nationality".

David represented Councilor Alex Indiongo, who is the chairman of the Sangguniang Panlungsod Committee on Social Services.

Ordinance Number 330, which is also known as the Anti-Discrimination Ordinance of Angeles City, guarantees the protection of PWD, according to David.

Aaron Montenegro, SM City Clark assistant mall manager, thanked the Sped teachers and the city government for supporting their yearly seminar.

Montenegro said this is one way of showing their commitment to serve the public in line with the SM Supermalls corporate social responsibility.

Venus Manalang, public relations manager of SM City Clark, lauded the hearing-impaired students who rendered the doxology during the workshop.

She also thanked teacher Alice Maglalang who acted as interpreter for the Sped students during orientation.

DTI 3 eyes 152 SME Roving Academy training sessions this 2015

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

ANGELES CITY, June 4 (PIA) -- Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) eyes a total of 152 training sessions in Central Luzon this year under the Small and Medium Enterprise Roving Academy (SMERA).

“In the past, our SMERA program has been focused on the productivity aspect of SMEs by holding sessions on product improvement, packaging and labeling, basic entrepreneurship, and hand skills development. This time, they are geared towards capacitating SMEs on how to prepare themselves for bigger and more complex markets, free trade, and the development of climate-smart industries in the context of climate change and the global value chain,” DTI Regional Director Judith Angeles said.

Among those to be offered this year include Business Continuity Planning, Financial Management, Compliance with Tax Regulations, Understanding Trademarks and Copyrights, Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Economic Integration, Pro Green Economic Development and Hazard Analysis, and Critical Control Point for food processors.

“These training programs were designed to complement the strengths and competitiveness of industry clusters and products in the different areas of Central Luzon. Provinces with significant fishery resources are provided orientation sessions on export opportunities for sea products while areas with significant coconut resources are trained on export opportunities for the growing Coco Coir market,” Angeles added.

Of the seven provinces in the region, Bulacan will have the most number of training sessions at 36 followed by Pampanga-31, Tarlac-22, Nueva Ecija-20, Bataan-20, Zambales-14, and Aurora-9.

Around 3,800 SMEs are expected to benefit from these.

“The complexity of the environment in which SMEs operate now require that their preparation in competing and surviving at the present level of competition should be responsive to the needs of the times. The entrepreneur now do not just need skills to produce products but also need strategic orientation to compete with quality products from abroad in the face of ASEAN integration and removal of tariff and non-tariff barriers in international trade,” Angeles furthered.

Angeles City exec invited to UN discussion with NYC senior officials

(PNA), RMA/ZST/RKM/PS

ANGELES CITY, Pampanga, June 3 (PNA)--City Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan will participate, once again, in an international dialogue with leaders, this time, with officials from the United Nations (UN) and the New York City government.

Pamintuan will attend an interactive panel discussion with the senior leadership of New York and UN after touring the UN Headquarters in New York City, New York.

The tour and panel discussion will be held on June 10, after the conclusion of the 6th World Cities Summit Mayor’s Forum (WCSMF).

Based on the invitation sent to Pamintuan, the event is a “unique opportunity to learn about the work the UN is doing to help cities create public spaces where women and girls prosper, and how New York City is partnering with the UN in this effort — including the City’s unprecedented Memorandum of Understanding with UN Women – directly from UN and City leadership.”

Attendees will also be given the opportunity to learn about UN's post-2015 development agenda and sustainable development goals, which are currently being negotiated by the organization's member states.

Paneling the interactive discussion are: Penny Abeywardena, Commissioner, New York City Mayor’s Office for International Affairs; Cristina Gallach, UN Under Secretary General for Communications and Public Information; Daniel Seymour, Deputy Director of Programmes, UN Women and Maya Wiley, Counsel to the Mayor, New York City Mayor’s Office.

Pamintuan is currently in Brussels, Belgium and is participating in the “Assises of Decentralised Cooperation for Development” by the European Commission’s Directorate General for International Cooperation and Development. It is a political dialogue between European institutions, the European Union and partner countries’ regional and local authorities engaged in development cooperation activities.

On June 8, Pamintuan will go to New York City, USA for the WCSMF, a flagship event of the biennial World Mayor’s Forum.

The forum is an exclusive, by-invitation-only global platform for city leaders to discuss pressing urban challenges and share best practices.

DOH to hold universal health care caravan in Central Luzon

(CLJD-PIA 3)

CLARK FREEPORT -- The Department of Health (DOH) shall hold a Universal Health Care (UHC) caravan in select parts of Central Luzon in an effort to reach target population and improve access to relevant health information, services, and commodities.

“The caravan shall include Buntis Parties, where essential pre-natal care services will be rendered to pregnant women and ensure accessibility of ultrasound services,” DOH Regional Local Health Support Division OIC Lailani Mangulabnan said during Thursday’s regional launch of High Impact Five (HIF).

“There shall also be a community forum on child injury prevention as well as Garantisadong Pambata which covers mass deworming and micronutrient and food supplementation,” Mangulabnan added.

Bloodletting activities will also be part of it in order to increase the supply and availability of blood in the service delivery network.

Figures from DOH show that as of 2014, there are 45 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births and six to nine infant deaths per 1,000 live births in Central Luzon.

The deaths of the mothers are due to preventable causes such as eclampsia and obstetric hemorrhage.

“In 2013, obstetric hemorrhage was the second leading cause of maternal mortality in the region. These deaths would have been prevented if there was accessible and adequate supply of safe blood,” Mangulabnan explained.

“As of 2014, there were only 56 percent of newborns screened in Central Luzon which is way beyond the 85 percent national target,” the DOH official disclosed.

Newborn Screening is a simple procedure of collecting blood sample by pricking the sole to find out if the baby has a medical condition that can result in mental retardation or even death if not treated.

Meanwhile, approximately 1,500 children under five years of age die due to under nutrition, vaccine preventable diseases, infections, and injuries.

“HIF is an approach that focuses on five critical UHC interventions with high impact on health, prioritizing the poor, and providing tangible outputs,” DOH Regional Director Leonita Gorgolon said.

It seeks to reduce maternal, infant, and under five mortality; reduce the burden of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS); and establish service delivery networks.

In Central Luzon, priority provinces are Aurora, Pampanga and Zambales.

These were identified as among those vulnerable to shocks and disasters where the marginally non-poor can easily slide to poverty and the poor can slide deeper to poverty.

2 more HIV-Aids treatment hubs in Central Luzon eyed

(CLJD-PIA 3)

CLARK FREEPORT -- The Department of Health (DOH) eyes within the year the establishment of two additional treatment hubs in Central Luzon for individuals with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (Aids).

“We want to expand because of the big population of Central Luzon. These proposed hubs are located in Nueva Ecija and Bataan,” DOH HIV Medical Coordinator Maria Eloisa Vidar said during Thursday’s regional launch of High Impact Five (HIF).

Existing treatment hubs are at the Jose B. Lingad Memorial Regional Hospital in the City of San Fernando and James L. Gordon Memorial Hospital in Olongapo City.

Moreover, two satellite treatment hubs are also being planned.

Relative to this, DOH encourages the Central Luzon populace to avail of the confidential HIV testing and counseling in over 91 testing centers throughout the region.

“The stigma of testing is there in the communities and in all settings and that is the reason why we need to put a little strategy on our regular advocacy and involve different sectors including community-based organizations. There is also a need to identify (and train) peer educators,” Vidar stressed.

Figures from DOH show that 1,977 individuals have been diagnosed with HIV in Central Luzon from 1984 to present with an average age of 28.

Of this number, 1,769 cases were classified as asymptomatic while the remainder or 208 led to Aids.

Males having sex with males, people in prostitution, and people who inject drugs constitute most of the cases.

“Before HIV-Aids is a death sentence but now it is eminently treatable,” Dr. Julian Bilous of UNICEF Philippines told reporters attending the HIF launch.

“HIF is an approach that focuses on five critical Universal Health Care interventions with high impact on health, prioritizing the poor, and providing tangible outputs,” DOH Regional Director Leonita Gorgolon said.

It seeks to reduce maternal, infant, and under five mortality; reduce the burden of HIV and AIDS; and establish service delivery networks.

In Central Luzon, priority provinces are Aurora, Pampanga and Zambales.

These were identified as among those vulnerable to shocks and disasters where the marginally non-poor can easily slide to poverty and the poor can slide deeper to poverty.

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