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Angeles City News June 2018

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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.

DTI-3 preps up for nat’l MSME summit in July

By Ashley Manabat

CLARK FREEPORT – The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Central Luzon office is now in the thick of preparations for its first ever hosting of the National Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) Summit here next month.

During the media forum “News@Hues” organized by the Pampanga Press Club in cooperation with Park Inn Hotel Clark by Radisson here on Tuesday, DTI regional information officer Warren Serrano said the National MSME Summit will be held at the ASEAN Convention Center here on July 10 and 11.

Serrano also said President Duterte will be the guest of honor during the summit as well as top businessmen in the country. This is in line with President Duterte’s priority of “inclusive business,” he said.

Serrano said the Central Luzon region has the highest number of MSMEs in the country which means that “the informal economy is moving on to the formal economy.

“And this is what we want to happen and that’s what we are modelling here in Central Luzon. We are helping the small enterprises in the countryside to go to the mainstream,” he added.

Serrano said among the menu of services for MSME includes the “mentoring program” which is called the “Kapatid Mentor Micro Enterprises.” He said under the program, DTI-3 is “getting 20 micro entrepreneurs per province” which translates to 140 for the whole region.

“We will be mentoring them to a 12-course mentoring program which is equivalent to a master’s degree,” Serrano said.

“Parang nag masters kana doon sa 12 module course na ito (As if you have already taken a masters in this 12-module course),” he said.

Serrano said the mentoring program has been in practice since 2015 “and we have very good results, so most of them have levelled up from micro enterprise to small enterprise.”

Serrano said “the mentors are really experts from the Philippine Center for Entrepreneurship.”

He said among the teacher-mentors are the owner of Tokyo Tempura Rowena Vallesteros and Sheryll Quintana, owner of Oryspa Spa Solutions, Inc.

Some of the mentors also come from the academe and the business sector, he said. “It’s like an intensive training,” he added.

Serrano said DTI-3 also has a “one-town, one-product (OTOP ) Next Generation Project which is essentially a mark exposure program for MSMEs.”

He said among the participating entrepreneurs are peanut butter and banana chips makers.

“But now we are levelling that up and the OTOP next gen project is expanding,” he noted.

Serrano said last year, DTI-3 had more than 700 entrepreneurs which means that every entrepreneur that was enrolled in the OTOP project got a good brand and design experts that were paid by DTI to help MSMEs with their branding, logo, packaging and design as well as all the services that made their products saleable.

“We will also help them with their trademark and registration with the Intellectual Property Office which is an attached agency of the DTI,” he said.

Serrano said this is important because it is a requirement for exporters.

“So you have a trademark ,brand name and business name so we will help our micro entrepreneurs to complete these requirements,” he said. Serrano said DTI-3 is also training MSMEs with good manufacturing practices by acquiring proper certifications “because more than 50 percent of those that we help for the OTOP next generation project are food processors.”

Serrano said when local products are brought to other countries or hotels here with international guests, they easily get qualified because they have certifications like “Halal” which refers to food certified and permissible under Islamic law.

There is also the hazard, analysis and critical control points (HACCP) certification for local products to be accepted as safe abroad, he said.

Serrano said another project that DTI-3 had last year for marketing exposure was twice attending the Tokyo International Trade Fair in Japan with 10 MSMEs.

He said among the MSMEs that went to Japan were furniture makers, but most of the saleable items in the trade fair were fashion jewelries.

“We sold about Y1 million for the two days fair,” he said. Serrano said also last year, DTI-3 had the biggest five-day trade fair for 2017 at the SM Mega Mall Trade Hall where around 110 exhibitors from the seven provinces joined.

It was dubbed “Likha Ning Central Luzon” which was able to raise P14 million, he said. Among them was the popular “Evelyns’ Homemade Nuts” which was able to generate a sales of P2 million, he said.

Widus Foundation adopts two public school libraries in Pampanga

(Press release)

AS IT celebrates its first year anniversary, Widus Foundation Inc. (WFI), Widus Hotel and Casino Clark’s corporate charity arm, turned over newly rehabilitated public school libraries to San Isidro Elementary School and Justino Sevilla High School on June 19, Tuesday, during the completion of its annual Adopt-a-Library campaign.

The WFI signature project which aims to rebrand, recalibrate, and restore learning spaces by fostering existent and non-existent libraries through rehabilitating, equipping and supplementing existing public school libraries partnered with the Department of Education (DepEd) to determine the most fitting beneficiaries for its signature project.

“Adopt-a-Library project is our simple yet profound way to help equip public schools with a functional and dynamic library setting where students can get decent amount of daily reading time and free access to computers. We believe that these school-maintained learning venues play a vital role in the intellectual and economic development of the people and also helps in developing an information-rich society,” WFI Manager Ronnel Golimlim said.

He further said that it is about time for libraries to take forefront of school rather than just being a usually outdated and neglected facility.

The turn-over ceremonies led by WFI Director Neki Liwanag, WFI Manager Ronnel Golimlim, Widus Human Resources Director Ana Cristi Galura, Widus Marketing Manager Sheryl Mamangun and DepEd Pampanga Superintendent Dr. Leornardo Zapanta.

Speaking before the guests, Liwanag also acknowledged the continued efforts of every Widus employee who volunteered to help make the project a success by cleaning the library facilities, painting walls with artworks, setting up desktop computers.

“We have a very challenging work as hoteliers and yet through this foundation we are given the opportunity to give back to community while relieving our stress and sharing our abilities to the best that we can,” Liwanag added.

For her part, Mamangun recalled the fond memories their dedicated team had during the campaign alongside requesting students to preserve their newly-awarded library.

“Your libraries are also essential information hubs which can be sustainably utilized to nourish and nurture our youth. Our only request to the school and most importantly to our students is that they keep their libraries neat and orderly so that the succeeding and incoming pupils could also enjoy it.” Mamangun added.

The newly upgraded libraries will cater to more than 5000 Junior and Senior High School in Justino Sevilla and about 200 elementary students in San Isidro Elementary School.

Angeles City commemorates 1991 Mt. Pinatubo eruption

(Politiko Central Luzon)

The city government of Angeles in Pampanga led by Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan has remembered the 1991 Mt. Pinatubo eruption and how its people rose from the tragedy.

Dubbed as the “Pamamangun,” the event was held Friday, June 15, at the Abacan Loop.

“We are gathered not to mourn over what we have lost, but to commemorate the heroism and resilience of our people and the individuals who helped us bounce back from the ashes,” said Pamintuan during the event.

Pamintuan was the acting mayor of the city when the disaster took place.

He said the commemorative program was also intended for the young generations of Angeleños to deepen their appreciation and understanding on the significance of the catastrophe to what the city has attained today.

Over 700 people died due to Mt. Pinatubo eruption. But most of those who perished were due to the diseases at the evacuation centers.

More than 1.2 million Filipinos were also affected by the calamity.

Reformation center for drug offenders opens in Angeles City

By Ric Sapnu (PNA)

ANGELES CITY — A new drug reformation center has been opened here as part of the continuing efforts of local authorities to strengthen the program on drug rehabilitation.

The Bahay Pagbabago, which is a joint project of the city government and the Angeles City Police Office (ACPO), aims to help drug surrenderers and drug dependents in the city to withdraw and recover from drug abuse.

The facility, located at the Camp Tomas J. Pepito in Sto. Domingo, is the city’s answer to the call of President Rodrigo Duterte to immediately address the country’s drug problem by tapping the barangays in accelerating the drive against drug abuse and trafficking through community participation.

The community-based program will be run by the Angeles City Anti-Drug Abuse Council (ACADAC) and the ACPO, with the support of various non-government and faith-based organizations.

Drug reformists will undergo a 30-day rehabilitation program, which includes the provision of proper guidance and counseling, education about drug addiction, health and wellness through physical activities, skills training, and various community service activities.

They will also be provided with a 15-day post-treatment service after the 30-day reformation cycle.

“We at the local government are doing our best to give people who fell into drug abuse a chance of changing their lives with our program,” Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan on Monday said, citing the facility as part of the city’s fight against illegal drugs.

“As we help our people heal and recover, we are also helping our city in obtaining peace and securing safety to the people,” he added.

Japanese exec cites Filipino workers skills in Clark

By Ashley Manabat

CLARK FREEPORT— An executive of a Japanese manufacturing company of interior components and sub-assembly parts for aircraft here cited the competencies of Filipino workers as one of their reasons for establishing a facility in this freeport.

JAMCO Philippines director Katsushige Hasumi said the skills and attitude of Filipino workers have met the expectation of their company. “JAMCO decided to establish a facility in the Philippines because the Philippines have people with above-average English language ability, higher academic achievement or educational level, higher industrious spirit and good work ethics,” Hasumi said referring to his companys employees.

Hasumi made the statement during the plenary conference of the Aeromart Summit here last week. He added that the “stability of the workforce” here and the ideal pyramids of population have also contributed to the efficiency of their production to achieve the goals of the company.

“JAMCO Philippines employees gained the confidence from Jamco Tokyo that they can do more than what is expected. They can produce product on quality, on time and at the proper cost,” he said.

“As a result, Jamco Philippines became one of the key suppliers to achieve our mission,” he added.

JAMCO Philippines established its facility here in 2011 starting the business with only 22 employees and expanding it after six years with a total of 317 current workers.

The Japanese company is a premier supplier of commercial aircraft interiors, seats, galleys and lavatories as well as interior components of Airbus and Boeing aircrafts.

Its operation in the country is an AS9100C multi-site certified company which supports the JAMCO group in the manufacturing of parts and assemblies for its US and Japan operations which are eventually fitted to Boeing planes.

Kapampangan historian holds lecture on importance of preserving heritage churches

By Gladys Mae Gonzales

ANGELES CITY — The importance of preserving heritage churches was underscored by a noted Kapampangan historian in a lecture held at the country’s first museum on social history here.

Lord Francis Musni, archivist and professor as well as curator at Don Honorio Ventura Technological State University in Bacolor, held a lecture at the Museum of Social History of the Philippine (MSHP) recently where he featured the importance of conserving churches in Pampanga.

“Lubao and Betis, the oldest settlements in Pampanga, were the first kumbentos and parishes in Tondo being the mother parish. Pampanga was to become a favorite province of Spain and a most coveted mission territory of the Augustinians,” Musni said.

Heritage religious structures in Pampanga include the San Agustin Church in Lubao, Santiago Apostol Church in Betis, Santa Lucia Church in Sasmuan, San Nicolas de Tolentino in Macabebe, La Purisima Church in Guagua, San Guillermo Aquitania Church in Bacolor and Nuestra Señora de la Asuncion or more popularly known as the Metropolitan Cathedral in City of San Fernando.

“Begin calling the churches by their original titles. We do not just call it Lubao Church, but San Agustin Church,” he stressed. Musni’s lecture entitled, “Pisamban da Ring Ibpa Mi (The churches of our fathers), Directions and Challenges in Kapampangan Church Heritage Preservation” is one of the highlights of the National Heritage Month celebration.

In line with the celebration, Department of Tourism acting regional director Carolina Uy led the opening of “Sanctuario: Pampanga’s Colonial Churches” at the MSHP also known as the Pamintuan Mansion. The exhibit is open to the public.

Huk Supremo to be interred in hometown

By Ashley Manabat

ANGELES CITY – The remains of “Huk Supremo” Luis M. Taruc will finally be interred in his hometown of San Luis.

Robby Tantingco, director of the Center for Kapampangan Studies at the Holy Angel University here, said Taruc’s remains will be exhumed at the Loyola Memorial Park in Manila on June 19 followed by his cremation.

Tantingco said Taruc will be interred in San Luis on the occasion of his 105th birthday on June 21.

“Dr. Romy Taruc expressed to us his father’s wish to be eventually buried in his land of birth and so, on the Huk Supremo’s 105th birth anniversary, his exhumed mortal remains will be permanently enshrined at the Freedom Park of his hometown San Luis,” Tantingco said.

“The exhumation at Loyola Memorial Park will occur on June 19, followed by cremation there,” he added.

Tantingco said the ash will be initially taken to the Luis Taruc Museum in San Luis for a twonight vigil.

“On the morning of June 21, his birth anniversary, we will reinter it at the shrine,” he said.

Tantingco said the proponent of all the activity is historian Francis Musni. Mayor Venancio S. Macapagal said the event will coincide with the celebration of their town fiesta, the feast of Saint Aloysius Gonzaga. Macapagal said Taruc’s ashes will be put on a carriage and brought to the San Luis Church.

Various activities are also lined up for the occasion, he added.

According to readily available information from the internet, Taruc is the leader of the Hukbong Bayan Laban sa Hapon (Hukbalahap), the Nation’s Army Against the Japanese Soldiers) or Hukbong Laban sa Hapon (Anti-Japanese Army), a Communist guerilla movement formed by the peasant farmers of Central Luzon. They were popularly known simply as “Huks”. They were originally formed to fight the Japanese, but extended their fight into a rebellion against the Philippine Government, known as the Hukbalahap Rebellion, in 1946. It was finally put down through a series of reforms and military victories by Filipino President Ramon Magsaysay.

“Taruc became aware of the unjust situation of tenant farmers and the poor in 1935 and decided to leave his haberdashery business to his wife so he could help, protect and serve the poor, maltreated and suffering peasants. Influenced by his idol socialist Pedro Abad Santos of San Fernando and inspired by earlier Katipunan revolutionaries such as Felipe Salvador, Taruc joined the “Aguman ding Maldang Tala-pagobra” (AMT, Union of Peasant Workers) and in 1938, the “Partido Socialista.” The latter merged with the Partido Komunista ng Pilipinas as part of the Common Front strategy, and Taruc assumed the role of Commander- in-Chief of the military wing created to fight the Japanese.”

After the war against Japan, the Hukbalahap continued their demands for agrarian reform. Taruc and seven colleagues were elected to the House of Representatives but the government of Manuel Roxas did not allow them to take their seats in Congress. The Taruc faction opposed the parity rights that the U.S. required from post-independence Philippines as a condition for rehabilitation funding. In the next five years, Taruc would give up on the parliamentary struggle and once more take up arms. At the height of its popularity, the Hukbalahap reached a fighting strength estimated at between 10,000 and 30,000.”

On March 29, 1950, Taruc’s men led by a certain Commander Alibasbas raided the villages of Sta. Ines and San Francisco in the town of Mabalacat in Pampanga.

Records from the Supreme Court, People of the Philippines versus Luis Tarucet al said: “On or about March 29, 1950, an armed band of about 200 HMBs under Commander Alibasbas, taking advantage of nighttime, and with evident premeditation and treachery, raided and attacked the barrios of Sta. Ines and San Francisco, Mabalacat, Pampanga, resulting in the killing of one civilian, Ana Pasamonte, the wounding of two civilians, Jose Manabat and Jose Hipolito, the capture and torture of Seditio Manabat, a civilian, and the burning of ten civilian houses, more or less.”

On May 4, 2005, Taruc died of a heart attack at the St. Luke’s Medical Center in Quezon City at the age of 91. Many political figures went to his wake to pay respect and give support to his family.

‘MusiKalayaan’ highlights pride for youth in Angeles

(SunStar Pamoanga)

ANGELES CITY -- The youth of this highly-urbanized city were served with a venue to express their creativity and advocacies as the local government here stages the 3rd MusiKalayaan Youth Arts Festival, on June 8 at Plaza Angel, this city.

The event dubbed as “KKK: Kule ning Katimauan Da Ring Kayanakan” is spearheaded by the Angeles City Tourism Office (ACTO) and the Culture and Arts Council of Angeles (CACA).

Tourism Officer John Montances said that the event is part of the week-long celebration of the Philippine Independence Day.

“This activity is dedicated to the youth for it allows them to showcase their diverse expressions of freedom. We hold this every year before the Independence Day celebration which is a more formal celebration,” said Montances.

Fun-filled activities such as art exhibits, on-the-spot mural painting, theatrical plays, poetry reading, and musical and dance performances from various young Angeleño performers filled the one-day youth arts gala.

For his part, Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan said that the activity also aims to educate the youth about the culture and arts of the city, and the role that the city has played in weaving the history of the country.

“This youth arts fest furthers our goal of inculcating to the youth the valuing of the city’s rich history and the ingenuity of its people. Our youth will inherit all the legacies of our beloved city so it is necessary to enjoin their participation in activities like this,” said Mayor Pamintuan.

Performers in the youth arts festival include the Angeles City National High School Dance Troupe, Anak Bale-balayan, Shane Lumanog, Robynn, On Stage School for the Arts, Aslag Teatro SPCiño, The Dance Conservatory, Teen Information Center, Angeles City Dance Athletes, Sunlag Ensemble, Vien Russel, Sinukwan Kapampangan Center for the Arts, Pot Sembrano and Dr. Flavor.

Pampanga-based developer to build a retail strip within The Infinity project

By Arra B. Francia

PAMPANGA-BASED developer AC Beautiful Island Realty Development Corp. (ACBI) recently launched it first project in the province, consisting of retail and commercial spaces targeted toward employees working in the area.

In a statement issued Tuesday, ACBI said it will be developing The Shoppes at The Infinity, a 15,600-square meter retail strip that will feature both local and global brands.

The project is located inside ACBI’s mixed-use development in Pampanga called The Infinity. The 40-hectare estate covers the boundaries of Angeles and Mabalacat and is envisioned to link Pampanga to the rest of Luzon.

“We envision The Shoppes to complement the trade and investment prowess of The Infinity. As business and leisure are industries that now work side by side, we want to make sure that we are offering a complete and one-stop-shop destination at par with central business districts here and abroad,” ACBI General Manager Byron John T. Siy was quoted as saying in a statement.

ACBI said construction for The Shoppes will start by the middle of this year, with the first phase to be fully operational by the second quarter of 2019. It has tapped style firm LG+V Architects to give the project a modern contemporary design.

“(ACBI) conceptualized the commerce district not only to open prospects for Pampanga but to serve as a commerce link of the region to the rest of Luzon. This can be owed to the strategic location of The Infinity at the gateway of Central Luzon and its direct connection to the North Luzon Expressway via the Angeles Exit,” the company said.

Aside from The Shoppes, ACBI has also announced the development of The Pacific Drive, a 290-meter four-lane lighted road inside The Infinity which is part of its road network. The Pacific Drive aims to be an alternative access point to and from Barangay Balibago to Magalang town and the North Luzon Expressway toll exit.

ACBI is the real estate arm of the JENRA Group of companies, which owns a chain of malls, supermarkets, and fastfood restaurants in Central Luzon. It also owns the Sacred Heart Medical Center in Pampanga.

The Pampanga-based company joins the roster of property developers seeking to take advantage of the province’s growth prospects in the coming years.

A study released by real estate consultancy Colliers International Philippines noted that firms should maximize Pampanga’s potential, as several infrastructure projects including the Clark Airport Expansion, Subic-Clark Cargo Railway, and Manila to Clark Passenger Railway are slated to improvement connectivity between Metro Manila and Pampanga.

“Colliers also encourages local players with sizeable landbank but with limited experience in building master-planned townships to partner with national players in developing large integrated communities. The enhancement of the country’s infrastructure backbone should unlock land values in urban areas outside of the country’s capital including Metro Clark,” according to Colliers.

Kapampangan appointed as Northrail director

By REYNALDO G. NAVALES

ANGELES CITY -- A former vice mayor in Mexico town, Pampanga province was recently appointed director of the North Luzon Railways Corporation (Northrail).

Albert Dela Cruz, a consultant of an Aeta group named Samahang Tribung Ayta, thanked President Duterte and Department of Transportation (DoTr) Secretary Arthur Tugade for appointing him as Northrail board member.

The Kapampangan people have waited for a long time for the project to be realized and it’s about time it should be completed under the Duterte Administration, according to Dela Cruz.

“Of course, magpasalamat tamu keng presidenti. One thing is dumalan ya kekatamu ing tren then number two maluat ta neng para-pareung paninap ita. So metung a maragul a bage na ating Kapampangan a atyu keng Northrail uling metung ya kareng flagship project na ning presidenti,” he said.

Because of that train, Pampanga will be having the status as the capital center not only of Central Luzon but also of Northern Luzon because the plan is to have the central station within the area of Clark, Dela Cruz added.

“So we have Clark New City to Tutuban and then Clark New City to Subic, then Clark to far North up to San Fernando La Union. So that is the mandate [of the Northrail]. In so far as the board is concern, we need to wait for other investors to come in specifically for the areas na ala pang meg siginify investment,” the new Northrail official said.

“We have now Tutuban to Clark and then Clark to Subic. So we are exploring the possibility to connect Clark with the rest of the Northern Luzon area,” he added.

Dela Cruz admiited that there are minimal issues related to the project but said that everything is smooth sailing with Tugade’s leadership.

He said the project, once completed, will really change the landscape of Pampanga especially with the [Clark] airport.

“I think in so far as comparing it to other past administration, there is a clear picture at the end of the tunnel under Duterte’s leadership,” Dela Crus added.

The railway system is very important to the development of Central Luzon in terms of fast and mass transport.

“All modern cities and highly industrialized countries they rely more on mass transportation. It will solve our problems on traffic congestion, infrastructure and at the same time global warming and others,” he said.

Duterte enjoins village heads to help in war vs. drugs

By Marna Dagumboy Del Rosario (PNA)

CLARK, Pampanga -- President Rodrigo R. Duterte has called on barangay officials to help in his fight against illegal drugs as he vowed to end the menace until the end of his term.

Duterte made the call after he administered the oath of office of 2,843 newly-elected punong barangays in Central Luzon at the ASEAN Convention Center here Tuesday.

In his speech during the Dialogue for Barangay Good Governance, he urged barangay officials not to engage in illegal drug activities, especially during his “watch”.

“Tatapusin ko ito sa panahon ko (I will end this during my term). Publicly, I will tell you, if you destroy my country, I will kill you,” he said.

Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Officer-in-Charge Eduardo Año also directed the new barangay leaders to arrest those who are involved in illegal drugs.

Año also warned the new village heads to stop corruption at their level.

For his part, DILG Assistant Secretary for Barangay Affairs Martin Diño urged newly elected punong barangays to create their respective Barangay Anti-Drug Abuse Councils (BADAC) in two months’ time, right after their oath-taking.

“If after two months you fail to create your respective BADACs, we will file a complaint against you,” Diño warned.

He also urged barangay officials to focus on cleaning the community, particularly sidewalks and waterways.

Data from the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency in Central Luzon showed that of the 3,102 barangays in the region, 2,837 are affected while 265 are unaffected by illegal drugs.

Of the 2,837 drug-affected villages, 2,498 were cleared as of January last year.

The President, in the same speech, vowed to fulfill his other campaign promises, namely to stop corruption in government and the resumption of peace talks with the enemies of the state, particularly the Communist Party of the Philippines- New People’s Army- National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF).

He reiterated his invitation to CPP founding chairperson Joma Sison to return home, with assurance of his safety and security.

However, Duterte said Sison should guarantee that his group would stop its extortion and taxation activities.

He also said that the CPP-NPA-NDF members should stay in a particular area and will not be allowed to carry firearms outside that area.

Prior to the oath-taking ceremony, the newly elected officials were given an orientation on the various campaigns of the DILG against Illegal drugs, criminality, violent extremism, and corruption. The fundamentals of federalism were also discussed.

Barangay leaders who joined the oath-taking rites came from Aurora (151 punong barangays); Bataan, 237; Bulacan, 569; Nueva Ecija, 849; Pampanga, 505; Tarlac, 511; Zambales, 230; Angeles City, 33; and Olongapo City, 17.

Some 92 percent or 2,843 out of the total 3,100 punong barangays in the region took their oath before the President.

History corrected: Church venue of 1st Independence Day Party

By Tonette Orejas (Philippine Daily Inquirer)

ANGELES CITY — For the first time since 1898, the Holy Rosary Church here has been included in Independence Day celebrations on June 12.

The National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) had installed markers stipulating that this old Augustinian church was where the first anniversary of the 1898 declaration of Philippine independence from Spain had been celebrated.

Previous accounts erroneously named the Pamintuan Mansion here, where Emilio Aguinaldo stayed, as the venue of the celebration.

For Independence Day rites on Tuesday, a unity parade will start at the Pamintuan Mansion and proceed to Holy Rosary Church.

Relevant

To honor the relevance of this part of the city’s heritage district, a city council resolution approved the installation of a flagpole at the Sapang Balen Bridge.

The 1899 activities at the church would be replicated, said John Montances, city tourism officer.

Mass to mark the first anniversary in 1899, a speech given by Aguinaldo and luncheon for soldiers were held at the church courtyard, according to reports in La Independencia, the newspaper of the Philippine Revolution.

Venancio Concepcion gave the same accounts, which justified the corrections that NHCP made in 2017 at the request of Francis Musni, archivist of the Holy Angel University’s Center for Kapampangan Studies.

The Pamintuan Mansion had served the headquarters of Antonio Luna.

Aguinaldo witnessed a military parade from the mansion on the eve of the anniversary celebration. He had planned to make Tarlac the seat of the Republic in June 1899. ADVERTISEMENT

Wrong venue

Independence Day rites had been held at the Pamintuan Mansion for 17 years but national leaders started gracing these events only in the last six years.

In 2012, Musni found accounts in the June 14 and 15, 1899 editions of La Independencia about the celebration in the church.

The June 14, 1899 story, titled “La Fiesta Nacional (National Holiday),” reported: “On Monday morning (of June 12, 1899), a solemn outdoor Mass was celebrated in the town of Angeles commemorating the anniversary of the proclamation of national independence.”

The paper said people cheered and “a lot of enthusiasm and cordiality reigned on that day among the participants.” The troops were served “an extraordinary feast.”

The next day, La Independencia featured a letter written by an editor that described the eve of June 12, 1899 as “a golden date that must not be forgotten.”

Old accounts

Marching bands from the Pampanga towns of Porac, Magalang, Sta. Rita and Angeles arrived on June 11, 1899, to greet Aguinaldo at his residence (the Pamintuan Mansion) and play the national anthem before marching on the main streets of Angeles, according to the editor’s account.

There was no mention of the unfurling of the flag, which was among the highlights of reenactment at the mansion.

Instead, the letter reported: “As they passed through the streets, the banner of the Motherland was warmly cheered by the immense crowd that overflowed the streets and by the marching bands that launched into the air the gallant melodies of our national march.

“Before being taken to the headquarters, the flag was taken to the palace of the President, and was once again greeted by the music and by a picket line of soldiers.”

Two bands, positioned in front of the Pamintuan Mansion, played the “most exquisite repertoire of selected pieces” until 10 p.m.

Both accounts suggested that the venue of the first anniversary celebration was larger than previously thought and was not confined to the mansion built by Mariano Pamintuan in the 1890s as a gift to his son, Florentino.

Cops nab Korean drug ring leader in Angeles City

By TONETTE OREJAS (Philippine Daily Inquirer)

ANGELES CITY — The police on Saturday (June 9) reported the discovery of a newly formed drug syndicate led by a South Korean man who was arrested in Angeles City on Friday (June 8).

Kim Sangsu, 24, was apprehended in a drug bust in his house in Barangay (village) Pampang together with a supposed cohort, Eclarina Danila, 27, said Chief Supt. Amador Corpus, Central Luzon police director.

Korean agents assisted the police, which reported seizing from Sangsu and Danila about four grams of shabu (crystal meth) packed in eight sachets and valued at P120,000.

Three mobile telephones and the marked money were also found among the suspects’ items.

Corpus said the Police Criminal Investigation and Detection Group, which led the sting operation, has yet to identity the gang that Sangsu purportedly heads.

Cases for violations of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act (Republic Act 9165) were filed against the suspects.

Sangsu’s arrest followed the seizure of a kilogram of shabu from a man in Angeles City last Thursday (June 7).

Police did not say if the two arrests were related.

Police release over 400 Pinoys nabbed for alleged online stock trading scam

By MARLLY ROME BONDOC (RSJ, GMA News)

Authorities have released over 400 Filipinos who were arrested in Clark Freeport Zone in Angeles City, Pampanga for their alleged involvement in a multi-million dollar online stock trading, Philippine National Police chief Director General Oscar Albayalde said Friday.

The 474 Filipinos were released "upon the recommendation of the inquest prosecutors of the Department of Justice to refer their case for further investigation."

The Filipinos were employees of International Brandings Development Marketing, Inc. (IBD), where the suspected "boiler room" is operating.

"The charge against them remains and they will be given a chance to file their counter affidavits," PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group director Chief Superintendent Marni Marcos Jr. said in a text message.

The Filipinos were released before midnight Thursday after they were brought to Camp Crame, Quezon City for inquest proceedings, said Marcos.

The PNP-ACG on June 6 conducted simultaneous operations in three buildings of the IBD which resulted to the arrest of 482 individuals who were involved in a fraudulent online trading.

However, the eight Israelis who were caught in the act of managing, operating and manning the operations of their fraudulent online activity will remain detained with no bail recommended.

"Lahat ng mga Filipinos, 'yung mga employees were all released for further investigation. That is based on the findings of the five prosecutors from DOJ kagabi. Lahat ng Israeli nationals are all detained with no bail recommended," Albayalde said.

Marcos said the suspects are supposedly operating as a call center defrauding victims for around two and a half years.

"Their modus operandi is like a stock trading scam, meaning they invite investors through online. So again after that they will get details of your bank accounts, credit cards," Marcos said.

The Filipino suspects were caught while in the "act of communicating and doing online transactions with foreign 'clients' from Europe, New Zealand, Australia, South Africa and Russia."

The suspects were able to reap $1 million USD each day from their foreign victims.

They will face charges for violation of Sections 4 (a)(5) and 5(a) of the Republic Act No. 10175 or the "Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012” and charges in relation to Article 315 (Syndicated Estafa) of the Revised Penal Code.

June 15 a non-working day in Angeles City

By REYNALDO G. NAVALES

ANGELES CITY -- Malacañang has declared June 15, 2018 a special non-working day in Angeles City in “remembrance of the ruinous volcanic eruption” of Mount Pinatubo 27 years ago.

This was gleaned in Presidential Proclamation Number 500 signed by Acting Executive Secretary Michael Ong dated May 24, 2018.

“By the authority of the president, Rodrigo Roa Duterte, do hereby declare Friday, June 15, 2018, a special (non-working) day in the City of Angeles,” Ong stated.

The same proclamation stated that the eruption of Mount Pinatubo on June 15, 1991, which is the second largest in the 20th century, caused massive destruction to the provinces of Zambales, Pampanga, Bataan, Tarlac, and Nueva Ecija.

“In view of rationalizing and integrating the government’s rehabilitation efforts in the aftermath of the eruption, then President Corazon C. Aquino created a task force on the rehabilitation of areas affected by the Mount Pinatubo eruption,” Ong stressed.

He added that the proclamation was issued to render appropriate tribute to those who perished, as well to those who survived, and to those who helped in the relocation, rehabilitation, and recovery of families affected by the disaster.

“It is but fitting and proper that the people of Angeles City be given full opportunity to celebrate and participate in the occasion with appropriate ceremonies,” Ong stated.

DTI launches first Aeromart summit in Clark

By Ashley Manabat

CLARK FREEPORT—The first “Aeromart Summit Clark” hosted by the Board of Investments (BOI) of the Department of Trade and Industry was launched here on Monday.

In her welcome remarks, DTI Assistant Secretary Rafaelita M. Aldaba said the Aeromart summit features the growing capabilities and potential of the Philippines in aerospace manufacturing, aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul and aviation training.

“We are pursuing the development of an integrated aerospace supply chain by further enhancing our capabilities in various segments of the industry and promoting the participation of our automotive, electronics and IT-BMP [information technology-business process management] industries in aerospace,” Aldaba said.

“We wish to replicate the successes of our companies that have diversified from other industries to aerospace and now they are our key partners in and stalwarts of the Philippine aerospace industry,” she added.

According to the DTI, the Philippines is projected to grow more than five times its current economic size to become the 24th biggest economy in the world by 2030.

“We are confident that the Philippine aerospace industry will play an important role in achieving this, especially with aerospace exports posting 42-percent growth from 2010 to 2016,” Aldaba said.

“From our end, we will continue to invest in the development of necessary infrastructures and in the development of our people to ensure inclusive and sustainable growth,” she said.

“Our government has also placed emphasis on the implementation of an Inclusive, Innovation, Industrial Strategy (I3S) which seeks to create globally competitive and innovative industries such as the aerospace industry, Aldaba said.

Two panel discussions were featured in opening day of the summit beginning with “Building a stronger Philippine aerospace industry” and “How to manage supply chain in Asia.”

Dr. Ceferino S. Rodolfo, DTI undersecretary and BOI managing head, also delivered a message as well as other speakers on the first day of the three-day summit.

Widus Foundation joins Brigada Eskwela 2018

(Manila Standard)

Widus Hotel and Casino Clark, through its corporate charity arm, Widus Foundation Inc. (WFI), geared up to give back by extending its support during the recent Brigada Eskwela Cleanup campaign in Pampanga.

Empowered by the company’s “Care Beyond Compare” philosophy, atleast 30 Widus employees volunteered in the annual back-to-school event by providing services to Justino Sevilla High School in Arayat last May 29, 2018 and, in San Isidro Elementary School in Magalang on May 30, 2018.

The group led by WFI manager, Ronnel Golimlim, came out to clean the library facilities, paint walls with artworks, set up desktop computers, refurbish leisure reading areas, and arrange books.

Golimlim believes that engaging the Widus Group employees in WFI activities creates a venue for our their workforce to give backthethe to commthe unity by cultivating volunteerism alongside efficiently carrying out and sustaining the company’s education-related projects which embodies its advocacy to help put a premium on education.

“Aside from our participation in Department of Education’s week-long cleanup and maintenance volunteer program, WFI will also rehabilitate these schools’ libraries as a continuation of what we have started with our signature “Adopt-a-Library” campaign,” Golimlim said.

He further added that the campaign will greatly benefit the more than 5000 Junior and Senior High School in Justino Sevilla and about 200 elementary students in San Isidro Elementary School upon its completion and turnover in June.

WFI’s Adopt-a-Library project which started in October 2017 aims to promote quality education by fostering existent and non-existent libraries in public schools through renovating, equipping and supplementing existing school libraries.

The newly established foundation who achieved the certification from Philippine Council for NGO Certification (PCNC) hopes to build more beautiful and functional libraries whereby students can have an easy access to conducive and colourful learning spaces which can promote their lifelong passion to reading, intellectual curiosity and independent learning.

PH to host 2019 Asia Sudoku Championship

(PR)

MANILA -- The Philippines will host the 2019 Asia Sudoku Championship (ASC) in January next year.

This was bared during the signing of a new memorandum of agreement on Wednesday for the holding of five math contests in the country by the Mathematics Trainers Guild-Philippines (MTG), represented by president Dr. Isidro Aguilar, Dr. Simon Chua and Myrna Agtarap, and sponsor SM Supermalls represented by Millie Dizon, SM senior vice president for marketing.

According to Aguilar, the 2019 Asia Sudoku Championship will be held on Jan. 25 and 26 next year at the SM City Clark in Angeles, Pampanga. The contest is sanctioned by the World Puzzle Federation, which organizes the World Sudoku Championship (WSC). This year, the ASC was held on Jeju Island, South Korea.

“We’re looking forward to the international contest. We were able to see one in Iloilo and we were amazed at how the parents and the children got together for it. This is something we look forward to this time in the country,” said Dizon.

Aguilar said this will be the first time that the country will host the Asia Sudoku Championship, which is expected to attract the best Sudoku players in the region.

Under the agreement, besides the ASC, selected SM Supermalls will also be the venue for the 13th Philippines Super Sudoku Challenge (PSSC), MTG-SM-Department of Education (DepEd) Family Math Quest, National Mathematical Olympiad for Senior High School, 2018 MTG-SM-SHARP-DepEd Math Trail and Problem Solving Competitions.

The 13th PSSC regional elimination rounds will be held on Sept. 29 at SM Supermalls in Cebu, Pampanga, Cagayan de Oro, Dasmarinas (Cavite), Iloilo, Lucena, Baliwag, Bacolod, Lipa (Batangas), Rosales (Pangasinan), Tarlac, Davao, Naga, Olongapo and Marikina. The PSSC national finals will be held on Nov. 24.

In addition, the Math Trail contest is on Oct. 14 and the Family Math Quest and National Mathematical Olympiad for Senior High School will be held on November 10.

“We are very happy and privileged to be partnering again with MTG. We’ve been partners for many years. We’ve seen how these children have grown and they really brought much honor to the country,” said Dizon.

Clark, Labor office conduct training on ‘Ergonomics’

(PR)

CLARK FREEPORT -- To optimize worker’s comfort, health and productivity here, the Health and Sanitation Division (HSD) of Clark Development Corporation (CDC), in partnership with the Department of Labor and Employment (Dole)-Occupational Safety and Health Center (OSHC), recently conducted a training on “Ergonomics in the Workplace.”

According to CDC-HSD manager Dr. Clemencita Dobles, the said activity aims to match the design of equipment or work stations with the capabilities, limitations and needs of a worker.

The principle of ergonomics suggests that the implementation of this program in a working environment will reduce the risk of developing diseases concerning muscles, nerves, blood vessels, ligaments and tendons that may affect the productivity of every employee. Some of the work-related diseases that may be prevented include carpal tunnel syndrome, muscles strains and low back injuries among others.

Dobles also said that the activity will help the workers in this Freeport to interact most efficiently and safely once the ergonomic program was integrated in the workplace.

During the event, Dr. Beatriz Villanueva shared some insights on how the participants can incorporate the concept of ergonomics in their respective businesses and workplace.

In the activity, they highlighted that the ergonomics program concentrates on what kind of work you do, tools and the over-all nature of the job. It is directed in making changes in the work place that will make an employee safe, comfortable and less prone to work-related injuries.

Some 55 participants from different companies here and outside the Freeport attended the said training. Twenty- two attendees from various locators here participated in the event, they include representatives from The Medical City–Clark, Foton Phils. Inc., Honda Cars Angeles–Clark, Luenthai, Sutherland, Midori Clark Hotel and Casino, Dornier Technology Inc., UPS International Inc., and Global Gateway Development Corporation among others.

Angeleño SK officials take oath

By REYNALDO G. NAVALES

NEWLY-ELECTED Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) or youth council officials and federation officers in Angeles City on Monday took their oath of office before Angeles City Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan at the legislative building here.

The young leaders were sworn into duty through a solemn ceremony organized by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the Angeles City Youth Development Office (ACYDO).

The mass oath-taking serves as the first after the eight-year hiatus of SK elections due to reconsiderations on the SK Law and mandate.

In his inspirational message, Pamintuan, also League of Cities of the Philippines (LCP) president, stressed the relevance of the SK in local governance as they remain to be a vital catalyst and role model to the youth and the rest of the city.

“The youth is the most prized sector in the society. They can influence what will become of society in the future, which is why it is important that they introduce programs that go beyond the simple; plans that are intentional and intelligent,” he said.

The city’s new set of SK Federation Officers include SK President Arnoah Prince Mandani of Barangay Capaya, Vice President Renzo Carlo Santiago of Cutcut, Secretary Aris Pamintuan of Malabanias, Treasurer Karlo Sicat of Sto Cristo, Auditor Jay Edward Pineda of Sta. Teresita, PRO Kyra Christine Licup of Lourdes Sur, and Sergeant-At-Arms Emmanuel Arceo of Cutud, Christian Caligagan of Cuayan, and Erwin Dimalanta of Salapungan.

DILG-Angeles City Director Martin Pores Moral expressed his optimism on the youth council’s comeback saying he is “confident that they will embody the ideals of a public servant who is “Mahusay, Matino at Maaasahan”, which is in line with this year’s nationwide campaign.

“The youth council is granted the role to survey and act on the needs of the young people. I think these newly elected officers will do their duty, but we should wait and see how they will prove that they are indeed the pag-asa ng bayan,” said Moral.

Meanwhile, SK Federation president Mandani assured that the youth leaders are ready for their mandate.

“To my fellow SK officials, let’s show our seniors that we are not here for nothing, that the Sangguniang Kabataan is valuable, so let us always be wise,” stated SK President Mandani.

Under the Sangguniang Kabataan Reform Act of 2015, the SK is expected to serve for a three-year term as the highest policy-making body to decide on matters affecting the youth in the barangay, with the duty to develop a Comprehensive Barangay Youth Development Plan.

Hungary opens Cebu, Angeles City consulates

(BusinessMirror)

THE honorary consulate general of Hungary in Angeles City, Pampanga, opened its doors on May 11 to provide a live and local connection between the said country and “one of the most dynamic parts of Luzon.”

It will be led by Consul General Ad Honorem Alfonso S. Yuchengco III, who has been representing Hungary for more than 20 years in the Philippines as consul general.

During the absence of a resident diplomatic mission, Yuchengco looked after the interests of Hungary and its citizens in Manila. Recognizing his dedication and achievements in his 20 years of service, Hungary decided to task the consul general with another important region after the reopening of its embassy.

Meanwhile, another honorary consulate of Hungary was inaugurated on May 16 to establish ties between the European country and the Visayan region. It also marked the appointment of Enrilen Joy Benedicto-Tan as the area’s new honorary consul. Advertisement

Well known in local circles, the Cebuana businesswoman holds several managerial and directorial positions in real estate, construction, furniture and agricultural firms. She actively participates in the bustling business and tourism activities of the island.

The daughter of Consul Ad Honorem of Belgium Enrique L. Benedicto and niece of Ambassador Francisco L. Benedicto, Benedicto-Tan carries a long and distinguished family tradition of diplomatic and consular service.

The embassy of Hungary in the Philippines reopened in March 2017, bridging a gap of more than two decades since it closed in 1995.

PHL’s reliable partner

HUNGARY is a country in Central Europe founded in the 11th century, defined by its long history, distinct language and unique culture of art, music and innovation. After a storied past of sporadic contacts, its embassy operated between 1991 and 1995 in Manila and reopened in 2017 after a 21-year hiatus.

Hungary’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Péter Szijjártó visited the Philippines in March 2017 to reopen the embassy. It highlighted the growing importance of the Philippines and its potential for Hungary as a reliable partner in trade and investment, research and education, cultural and people-to-people exchanges.

Szijjártó then signed several cooperation pacts, including an Agreement on Economic Cooperation establishing the Philippines-Hungary Joint Economic Commission.

Agriculture Secretary Emmanuel F. Piñol and Trade Secretary Ramon M. Lopez both have visited Hungary since the reopening of its embassy, which proves that the bilateral relations between both countries are in continuous expansion.

Ambassador Dr. József Bencze leads the Hungarian embassy in the Philippines. He previously served as envoy of Hungary to Skopje, Macedonia between 2011 and 2016, and was his country’s National Chief of Police between 2007 and 2010. He presented his credentials to President Duterte on December 6, 2016.

More hotels, industrial spaces needed in Clark — Colliers report

By Arra B. Francia (Reporter)

PROPERTY developers should take advantage of the government’s implementation of more infrastructure projects in Pampanga, as real estate consultancy services Colliers Philippines urged companies to build more hotels, convention halls, office towers, retail strips, and industrial spaces in preparation for the expected influx of residents and tourists in the area.

There are currently five infrastructure projects set to be completed in Clark, Pampanga in the next few years. This includes the Clark Airport Expansion, which is expected to bring capacity to 12 million annually by 2020, triple its current capacity.

Connecting Clark International Airport to Subic Port will be the Subic-Clark Cargo Railway, which seeks to maximize the underutilized Subic Port and effectively decongest Metro Manila. This railway is targeted to be completed by 2022.

The other projects are the 106-kilometer Manila to Clark Passenger Railway; the Skyway Stage 3 which will facilitate travel from San Fernando, Angeles City, and Clark through the North Luzon Expressway (NLEx); and the NLEx-South Luzon Expressway Connector Road.

“Colliers believes (these) should play a significant role in transforming Metro Clark into the country’s next major economic corridor. We see these infrastructure projects boosting office, residential, retail, hotel, and industrial demand in Metro Clark,” according to a report authored by Colliers Research Manager Joey Roi Bondoc.

To-date, dominant national players have already established their presence in Clark. The Filinvest group is building the New Clark City alongside the redevelopment of Mimosa Leisure Center. The Gotianun-led company is also poised to build a $200-million casino with an international partner in the future.

Businessman Dennis A. Uy’s Udenna Corp. will also be developing its own mixed-use estate in Pampanga called Clark Global City. The group earlier said it will pour in P6 billion to redevelop the area.

The SM Group of country’s richest man Henry Sy, Sr. has also been expanding its footprint in Clark, adding office buildings and a 154-room Park Inn Hotel to its mall there. The company will be building a convention center within its complex by 2019, in a bid to capture the growing market for meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE) in Clark.

Ayala Land, Inc. (ALI) and Megaworld Corp. are both developing their own townships in Pampanga, with the former’s 1,800-hectare Alviera in Porac and the latter’s Capital Town in San Fernando.

With more developers cashing in on Pampanga’s growth, Colliers noted that companies should differentiate their projects from others. This means being able to respond to the needs of both tenants and investors, beyond the usual office, residential, retail, and hotel projects.

“Developers should incorporate institutional uses such as education and health care. Other developers have been more aggressive in differentiating their communities by integrating entertainment and recreational facilities. Moving forward, developers need to be more innovative to be steps ahead of the competition,” the real estate consultancy said.

The company also encouraged the development of more industrial spaces and warehouses in Clark, as it sees the industrial hubs in the Cavite-Laguna-Batangas area spilling over to Clark. It highlighted the need for more standard factory buildings to support the growth of the country’s exports and imports.

More hotels and MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions) facilities should be built as well, as Clark International Airport’s expansion is set to attract more people into the area.

“We recommend that developers cash in on this opportunity by building more three to four-star hotels particularly as these facilities mainly cater to Japanese, Chinese, Korean, and Taiwanese tourists, who are the major visitors to the Philippines,” Colliers said.

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