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Angeles City News May 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.

Protect Pinoy workers from illegal recruiters – Mamac

By Reynaldo G. Navales

ANGELES CITY -- The national and local government should protect Filipino workers from illegal recruiters and human trafficking.

This was the message of Balibago Chairman Rodelio “Tony” Mamac during a free immigration seminar conducted by the Canadian Licensed Immigration Consultant and the barangay council recently.

Close to 100 participants from this city, and nearby Mabalacat City and City of San Fernando attended the seminar which included free assessment for visa applicants for students, skilled workers, and professionals.

Many Filipinos are dreaming of going to Canada, America, Europe, Middle East and other countries to secure a better job, according to Mamac.

“Yung iba po nagsasanla pa ng bahay at nagbebenta ng kalabaw para laman makapunta sa ibang bansa yun pala e biktima na sila ng mga illegal recruiters at human traffickers,” the village chief said.

Mamac reminded individuals who applying for work overseas to coordinate with the local government units and other concerned offices like the Public Employment and Services Office (Peso) to know which private recruitment agencies are accredited by the government.

“Kaya po andito ang local na pamahalaan kagaya ng Balibago para makapag-provide ng assistance sa ating mga kababayan upang hindi naman sila maging biktima,” Mamac said.

Homegrown foundation uplifts lives of poor

By Ashley Manabat (Correspondent)

ANGELES CITY—A homegrown foundation in Pampanga, which aims to uplift the overall well-being of the less-fortunate members of the society through medical assistance and other works of charity, has come to fore.

The Datu, Angeles, David Memorial Foundation Inc. (DADMFI), a foundation composed of the Datu Angeles, David and Mallari families of Bacolor, Pampanga, together with its sister foundation based in the US, the Love for Life Foundation Inc., have accelerated their altruistic activities in the last quarter of their partnership with the Kapampangan Development Foundation.

DADMFI President Virgilio M. David said the foundation also aims to boost the legacy of their patriarch Dr. Jesus A. Datu by supporting the Jesus A. Datu Medical Center, a special hospital catering to eye operations, prosthetics manufacturing and a mother and child-care facility.

During the media forum “Batirulan qñg Café Juan” organized by the Capampangan in Media Inc., the Clark Development Corp. and the Holy Angel University here on Friday, DADMFI Secretary Christie B. Datu said the late Dr. Datu wanted to help the less fortunate in his own way.

Datu said the vision for DADMFI is “to be recognized and respected as an admirable nonprofit medical facility that is competently and compassionately able to provide medical services to indigenous and unfortunate populace.”

He said “its mission is to provide diagnostic and therapeutic medical services to indigenous patients to uplift their well-being, thereby improving their ability to serve their family, as well as their community.”

Meanwhile, David underscored the DADMFI values upon which the foundation serves its beneficiaries: compassion, dedication, fraternity and integrity, which he said can be summed up with the Filipino word “malasakit [protective concern].”

Korean firm earmarks P132-M for Clark electronics facility

By Reynaldo G. Navales

CLARK FREEPORT -- A Korean company, which is affiliated with top electronic brands, has opened its P132 million manufacturing facility here.

Sambon P&E Phils., Corp. (Sambon) inaugurated its plant for audio devices that is expected to generate employment for residents of Pampanga and neighboring provinces in Central Luzon.

During a ribbon cutting ceremony, Clark Development Corporation (CDC) head Arthur Tugade lauded the company for investing inside the Freeport.

Tugade said Sambon is infusing and has committed an initial of 600 jobs on its fifth year.

"Today we celebrate with 35 (employees on the start of Sambon operations). I hope next year, I will come again and then we will celebrate with 500 employees," Tugade said.

"If Sambon grows, Clark benefits, Pampanga benefits and the country benefits. On behalf of my staff, I congratulate you and wish you the best of everything in your business in Clark,” Tugade added.

Present during the launching were Joon Taek Jang, chairman of Sambon Precision and Electronics Co Ltd.; DongYun Kim, CEO of Sambon; and Pampanga First District Representative Joseller “Yeng” M. Guiao.

Sambon is an original equipment manufacturer of sounds and keypad devices. It is a Korean-based company established in 1988 with factory plants in China, Research and Development Facility in Korea and sales office in Japan.

Sambon is a wholly owned subsidiary of Sambon Precision and Electronics Co. Ltd.

The new factory in Clark is maker of earphones, headphone units, and cords.

Sambon executives visited Clark in April 11, 2013 and were offered sites for their manufacturing project.

On January 06, 2014, CDC and Sambon signed a 25-year Lease Agreement.

The firm is listed with Korean Securities Dealers Automated Quotations (KOSDAQ). Its business partners include JVC, Panasonic and LG Electronics.

DTI prepares CL MSMEs for int’l markets

By Jess Malabanan

ANGELES CITY – Central Luzon owners of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) are being trained by business experts to cope up with more complex markets in the face of the ASEAN integration.

“The complexity of the environment in which MSMEs 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,” said Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) regional director Judith Angeles in a statement.

She said that an entrepreneur now does not just need skills to produce products but also strategic orientation to compete with quality goods from abroad in the face of ASEAN integration and removal of tariff and non-tariff barriers in international trade.

Part of the strategy, Angeles said, is the sustained training and education among MSMEs through the DTI3 Roving Academy, adding that the mobile learning place offers new modules for different kinds of businesses.

For this year, SMERA is geared towards capacitating SMEs on how to prepare for bigger and more complex markets, free trade and the development of climate-smart industries in the context of climate change and global value chain, it was learned.

The modules include Business Continuity Planning, Financial Management, Compliance with Tax Regulations, Understanding Trademarks and Copyrights, ASEAN Economic Integration, Pro-Green Economic Development and Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point for food processors.

The programs were designed by DTI3 to complement the strengths and competitiveness of industry clusters and products in the different areas of Central Luzon, said Angeles.

She added that areas with significant fishery resources are provided orientation on export opportunities for sea products while places with coconut resources are trained on export opportunities for the growing coco market.

For 2015, the DTI3 is implementing 152 training sessions in 116 towns of Central Luzon. These trainings are expected to benefit 3,800 MSMEs in the region.

Bulacan and Pampanga have the most number of training sessions for the year with 36 and 31 respectively while Tarlac has 22, Nueva Ecija and Bataan have 20 each, Zambales has 14 and Aurora 9 sessions.

In previous years, the SMERA focused on the productivity aspect of SMEs by conducting training sessions on product improvement, packaging and labeling, basic entrepreneurship and hand skills development.

Lambat Sibat results to peaceful Angeles

By Reynaldo G. Navales

ANGELES CITY -- Angeles City is generally peaceful because of the effective implementation of a crime-prevention drive dubbed Lambat Sibat, according to police officials.

During a Peace and Order Council meeting chaired by Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan, police officials here disclosed that cases of robbery and theft went down because of their anti-crime campaign.

Senior Superintendent Eden Ugale said Lambat Sibat is an integrated crime prevention program which include police visibility, checkpoints, saturation drive, police community relation and others.

Pamintuan commended the city police for its effort to prevent crimes in the city.

"We would like to commend the Angeles City Police Office for staying vigilant with their efforts to improve peace and order in the city. Their work did not cause a mere dent in the current crime statistics. They were able to significantly decrease crime incidents making the city a lot safer than it was just a year ago," Pamintuan said.

The mayor said the effort of the local police has sent criminal elements the stern warning that the city government "means business and we are ready to prevent them from doing crimes or take them down if need be."

Ugale reported that the city is more peaceful during the first quarter of this year compared to last year.

The total crimes of 1,609 this year was reduced to 33.79 percent, according to Ugale. The city police recorded 2,430 incidents last year.

He added that majority of these crimes are car and motor theft.

"We attribute the reduced crime rate to our new standard operating procedure, which we dubbed as Lambat Sibat. This outlines and describes principles, procedures and guidelines on how to implement a crime control model that will effectively reduce crime and improve public safety and quality of life in a specific geographic area," said Ugale.

"Because of the effectiveness of the new city-wide operation, crime incidents are down to 16 a week, as compared to 48 a week last year," he added.

The city police recently established its Tourist Police Unit (TPU), a tracker team for criminals in the top wanted list, launch of the bike patrol program, coordination with homeowners and security providers and an increased number of patrol operations with the activation of an additional motorcycle team (equipped by the Filipino Chinese Chamber of Commerce).

Ugale said they also implemented a "one time, big time" deployment in Barangay Balibago, with 30 police personnel now assigned in the area.

Policemen are coordinating with barangay officials, businessmen, and other sectors to increase the awareness of the community on crime prevention.

Recently, the city police arrested four individuals believed to be coddling street children. This, according to Ugale, contributed significantly in the decrease of robbery and theft incidents in the entertainment district.

Ugale said they are regularly conduct meetings and dialogues with stakeholders, focusing on the welfare and involvement of street children in petty crimes.

Applications, renewal for licensing and registration of contractors in CL up by 73.08%

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

ANGELES CITY, May 26 (PIA) -- Applications and renewal for licensing and registration of contractors at the Construction Industry Authority of the Philippines (CIAP) window of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Regional Office rose by 73.08% in the first quarter of 2015 compared to the same period last year.

“A total of 89 applications for Philippine Contractors Accreditation Board (PCAB) license were processed by the CIAP window, this is a huge increase compared to 2014’s 52,” DTI Regional Director Judith Angeles said.

Pampanga has the most number of PCAB license applications during the period at 67 followed by Tarlac- 9, Nueva Ecija-7, Zambales-4, and Bulacan-4.

From this figure, 39 have already been approved and given their licenses as of first quarter of 2015.

“DTI opened the CIAP window in November 2013 so that contractors will have easier access to licensing and registration services and need not travel to Makati,” Angeles added.

The normal processing time is from 10 to 30 working days.

Local historian's art exhibit to open at Angeles Museum today

By Ian Ocampo Flora

ANGELES CITY -- Historian and artist Daniel Dizon will be opening a visual art exhibit on Tuesday dubbed "Bilungan Ning Kaselesayan" at the Museo Ning Angeles.

The exhibit will showcase Dizon's prominent works as well illustrations of historical and military themes. The exhibit will also showcase Dizon's illustration of prominent landmarks and historical buildings.

Dizon is a painter and illustrator specializing in military art. He graduated Cum Laude with a Fine Arts degree from the University of the Philippines. The son of a painter and art educator, Vicente Dizon, the desire to draw came early for Dizon.

His own interest in military art came from his childhood memories as an 11-year-old boy during the Japanese occupation of the country that began in 1942. Dan's experiences during this tumultuous time would be a recurring theme throughout his life. In 1990, he illustrated a 30-piece watercolor series of the Imperial Japanese Armed Forces in the Philippines based on his recollections as a child and through careful research.

Later he found employment as an artist-illustrator and library aide in a Pacific Southwest research station library of the Bureau of Forest Service, US Department of Agriculture in Albany, California.

Dizon and his wife also previously resided in the Island Of Guam where he was hired as an Art instructor at Santa Barbara School, a Catholic middle school for Children in the town of Dededo. It was during this time that he won top art competition prizes.

Dizon is a contemporary and classmate to prominent artists like BenCab, Romi Manaquil and Ofie Gelvezon.

Dizon'z exhibit will run until June 24 this year.

Metro Dental opens at SM City Clark

By Reynaldo G. Navales

ANGELES CITY -- The Equicom Group of Companies has formally inaugurated its 17th state-of-the-art dental facility at the SM City Clark on Saturday.

Metro Dental, the largest chain of dental clinics in the Philippines, offers digital X-ray, orthodontics, general and pediatric dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, dental implants, root canal therapy, wisdom tooth extraction, teeth whitening, and other services.

Frederic Peignon, president and chief executive officer of Metro Dental, said that they are committed to provide high-quality dental services with their world-class facilities.

“We take our 2015 seriously, we work very hard to make this year our year of excellence,” Peignon said.

Metro Dental’s greatest task is to make positive difference in the lives of patients through corporate approach that is tantamount in the local industry, according to Peignon.

“We will make sure that Metro Dental SM City Clark branch will be known for what we truly stand for,” he added.

Antonio Go, chairman of Equicom Group of Companies, said they plan to have a one-stop shop, from simple (tooth) cleaning to implant and other modern dental services.

“My personal commitment and the more than 100 dentists that we have is that you will be served to the best of our ability,” Go said.

After a short program, officials of Equicom showed Levy Laus, president and chief executive officer of the Laus Group of Companies, the clinic’s state-of-the-art equipment including an intraoral camera, digital panoramic and cephalometric and digital periapical X-ray machines, dental chairs, and others.

Other personalities who graced the event include Equicom Vice Chair Rene Buenaventura, Metro Dental Operations manager Grace Cabatu, SM City Clark public relations manager Venus Magsino Manalang and others.

Pamintuan to attend 2 major international conferences

(Sun.Star Pampanga)

ANGELES CITY -- Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan is set to leave the city to attend two major conferences in Brussels, Belgium and in New York, USA from June 1 to 10.

Pamintuan said that these are new opportunities to learn something from other cities all around the world.

"What we will learn from these conferences, we will apply in our very own city. We are also looking forward to meet other mayors and strengthen international ties for the benefit of Angeles," said the mayor.

First, Pamintuan will head to Brussels, Belgium to participate in the "Assises of Decentralised Cooperation for Development", slated June 1 to 2, 2015. The invitation was extended to the city mayor by the European Commission's Directorate General for International Cooperation and Development.

The forum, co-organized by the European Commission and the European Committee of the Regions, takes place after the May 2013 communications from the commission, titled "Empowering local Authorities in partner countries for enhanced governance and more effective development outcomes".

The "Assisses" represent a key moment to bring forth political dialogue between European institutions, the European Union and partner countries’ regional and local authorities engaged in development cooperation activities.

Pamintuan will then proceed to New York, USA to attend the 6th Annual World Cities Summit Mayors Forum (WCSMF) which will be held on June 8 to 10, 2015.

The Forum is organized by the Singapore government and is the flagship event of the biennial World Mayor’s Forum, an exclusive, by-invitation-only global platform for city leaders to discuss pressing urban challenges and share best practices.

City leaders will have opportunities to learn from other cities’ best practices especially on topical issues, such as housing and economic development, transportation and mobility, sustainability and resiliency, and education and competitiveness.

Being the second recipient of the Lee Kuan Yew World City Prize Laureate, New York will host the event, and is expected to draw in more than 150 cities worldwide. This year’s theme will focus on “Liveable and Sustainable Cities: Innovative Cities of Opportunity.”

Expected to address the participants are former US President Bill Clinton, NY City Mayor Bill de Blasio and UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon.

Pamintuan will also be the guest of honor and keynote speaker during the Philippine Independence Day Celebration and Parade in New York, which will be attended by members of various Fil-Am organizations in the US.

This is not the first time that Pamintuan was invited to attend and participate in international fora. In 2010, the mayor attended the Third Swedish-Dutch Conference on gender Equality held in The Hague, Netherlands. He was also invited to attend the 5th Annual World City Summit Mayors Forum in Singapore in 2013.

Also in Singapore, Pamintuan participated in a joint conference on “Building Resilience and Effective Governance of Emerging Cities in Asean, at the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy last 2014.

Pamintuan was also asked to be a member of the panel in the South-South City Leaders Forum by the Asian Development Bank in December last year.

Japanese firms invest P106-M in Clark Freeport

By Reynaldo G. Navales

CLARK FREEPORT -- Two Japanese suppliers of aircraft interiors and components have invested P106 million in this Freeport to expand their business operations.

Jamco Philippines, Inc. (JPI) and its supplier, Show Aircraft Industry Philippines, Inc. (SAIPI) have an actual investment of P96.16 million and P10 million respectively, the Clark Development Corporation said.

CDC president and chief executive officer Arthur Tugade lauded the stakeholders of JPI and SAIPI for putting up a supply chain inside the Freeport.

"As of today, airline, aircraft manufacturing and airline industry constitute only eight percent of the total business activities in Clark. With the opening of your business and with your supply chain providers being here with your plans, I am sure that you have laid the first stone to increase that business share in the aircraft industry and for that I matter I extend to you my sincerest appreciation and gratitude,” Tugade said.

JPI manufactures commercial aircraft interior components and sub-assembly parts for Jamco America and Jamco Corporation of Tokyo.

The new facility at Philexcel Business Park produces floor panels for Boeing planes, a new product line.

Jamco produces premium seat for airlines such as Singapore Airlines, All Nippon Airways.

It is sole supplier of the flight deck lining, consoles and closets, as well as the bullet-proof bulkhead and door for the B787 using the latest technology and engineering advancements.

"Today you have entrusted us with your business, I thank you for that. Today you have assured us that you will increase employment population in the next two years up to 300, and I thank you for that," Tugade said.

"You made a commitment that soon Clark will be known as a place where high quality, aircraft equipment supplies are manufactured in a concept of just in time delivery," he added.

The state-run firm approved the Sub-Lease Agreement and Certificate of Registration and Tax Exemption of JPI on August 28, 2014 for their expansion facility, which is 6,922 square meters located at 25B Philexcel Business Park, Inc., M.A. Roxas Highway here.

SAIPI registered as enterprise in Clark on August 2014 and serves as a supplier for JPI.

SAIPI manufactures and sells aircrafts/aircraft equipment, automobiles/other vehicles, transportation equipment, motors, electrical/industrial apparatus, loading equipment, machine tools, construction panels/building materials, welfare/medical equipment, meal supply/cooking equipment.

JPI is 60 percent American and 40 percent Japanese firm while SAIPI is 99-percent Japanese company.

Also present during the launching ceremony were Jamco Phils. Inc. president Keiji Ozawa; Supplier Management Asia Director, In-country executive Troy Kim; Jamco Corp. president Yoshihisa Suzuki; Showa Aircraft Industry Co. Ltd. Chairman Saburo Sakamaki; Showa Aircraft Industry Phils. Inc. president Hideki–Tanikawa.

Angeles council approves ordinance regulating use of plastic bags

By Reynaldo G. Navales

ANGELES CITY -- The Angeles City Council has approved an ordinance regulating the use and distribution of plastic bags and polystyrene foam in the city.

The ordinance, also known as "Plastic Bag and Styrofoam Ordinance of Angeles City" is expected to protect the rights of people under a balanced ecology by minimizing plastic waste.

Councilor Carmelo Lazatin, Jr., one of the main authors of the ordinance, said the city generates an average of 4,600 tons of plastics annually based on the data submitted by the City Environment and Natural Resources Office (Cenro).

"The city has been dealing with a pressing problem with solid waste management. Most of our solid waste material is made up plastics, a non-biodegradable material that poses a great risk to our environment. Laws and policies such as this can help the city address its problem with solid waste management," Lazatin said.

Under the ordinance, business establishments will be prohibited from using non-biodegradable plastic bags on secondary packaging for dry goods.

It also prohibits the use of styropor and ultrathin polystyrene plastic materials or sando bags as containers for food, produce and other products.

Selling of Styrofoam and ultrathin polystyrene plastic materials will also be prohibited, according to Lazatin.

The consolidated ordinance also provides a section for a plastic recovery system fee for the use of biodegradable plastics bags.

Under this provision, all stores will charge their customers a fixed amount of P2.00 per bio-degradable plastic bag regardless of its size.

The ordinance states all business establishments or individuals will be required to use paper bags, cloth bags (katsa), woven bags (bayong), non- plastic sacks or bags and sturdy reusable shopping bags.

Shopping malls, supermarkets, department stores, grocery stores, fast food chains, drug stores and wet and dry markets will pack goods in paper boxes or cartons, which will be provided for free.

The city government will give business establishments a six-month moratorium, Lazatin said.

For the first three months, the prohibition on the use of non-biodegradable plastic and styrofoam will be observed every Friday of the week.

For the fourth month up to sixth month, the prohibition on the use of non-biodegradable plastic and styropor will be observed every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday of every week.

After six months, the prohibition on the use of non-biodegradable plastic bags and styropor will be fully implemented.

CENRO will monitor the compliance of all stores to the ordinance.

Any proprietor or establishment who will violate any provision of the ordinance will meted with penalties.

A P1,500 fine is meted out for the first offense; P3,000 fine for the second offense and lastly a P5,000 fine and imprisonment of not more than six months upon the discretion of the court and in case of business establishment, revocation of their permits for third and final offense.

The ordinance also provides for the creation of a trust fund for all fines collected, which will solely be used for environmental and solid waste projects of the city.

Other authors of the ordinance are Councilors Bryan Matthew Nepomuceno, Maricel Morales, and Edgardo Pamintuan, Jr.


Angeles vice mayor wants community support for Brigada Eskwela

By Ian Ocampo Flora

ANGELES CITY -- Vice-Mayor Vicente Vega-Cabigting is calling on various sectors of the community here to support the Brigada Eskwela program that kicked-off a few days ago to further make public schools up and ready for the opening of classes this June.

Vega-Cabigting, who led the community clean-up programs in various schools here, said that the concept of Brigada Eskwela is centered on community volunteerism to improve and prepare the school for the opening of classes. The program, an annual school maintenance week of the Department of Education (DepEd), is held in all public elementary and secondary schools in preparation for the opening of classes.

Vega-Cabigting added that the program encourages partners, not just from the local government units but from the private sector as well, to help make public schools in the country more conducive for learning. Most parents who enrolled their children in public schools also volunteered to help in cleaning, repainting and repairs of the school buildings and chairs, according to Vega-Cabigting.

"The education of the young should always be a community effort. As the saying goes, it takes a whole village to educate a child. The clean-up drive is already an opportunity to teach community values and even the spirit of bayanihan," Vega-Cabigting said.

She added that interested people and institutions may go to any public school and donate items needed for the clean-up and maintenance program. Public schools are also welcoming volunteers willing to devote free work hours for the program.

Anchored on the theme "Tayo Para sa Kalinisan, Kahandaan, at Kaligtasan ng Ating Paaralan," Brigada Eskwela runs from May 18 to 23.

CIAC lauded for P7.2B budget terminal design

By Reynaldo G. Navales

CLARK FREEPORT -- An advocacy group has lauded the Clark International Airport Corporation (CIAC) for the completed design of the airport's proposed low-cost carrier passenger terminal.

The Pinoy Gumising Ka Movement (PGKM), which is advocating for the full development of Clark International Airport (CRK), said this development is "one step higher" towards the full utilization of Clark as the country's premier gateway.

PGKM head and businessman Ruperto Cruz said the airport design prepared by the ADP Ingenierie (ADPI), a wholly-owned Aeroports De Paris subsidiary, is "quite impressive".

However, Cruz said that the airport is long overdue and the people of Central and Northern Luzon are losing their patience.

"Masanting ya ampong maragul anggiang first floor ya mu. At least atin mika-masalese ta nang airport patye megawa ya. Ing kutang kapilan ya magawa," the businessman said.

CIAC President Emigdio Tanjuatco earlier said that the low-cost carrier terminal is expected to accommodate 10 to 15 million passenger annually.

The Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) appropriated an initial P1.2 billion for the Clark airport budget terminal.

Tanjuatco said the National Economic and Development Authority (Neda) Investment Coordination Committee (ICC) has approved the feasibility study of CRK's budget terminal.

The Neda Board is set to convene on April 31 where the project will be presented by the DOTC for President Benigno Aquino III's approval, said Tanjuatco.

After its approval, the project is expected to commence during the last quarter of 2015, Tanjuatco said.

At present, airlines including Dragonair, Asiana Airlines, Cebu Pacific, Seair, Qatar Airways, TIgerair, Jin Air, and Airasia Berhad operate in Clark.

CDC records $277-M investments

By Reynaldo G. Navales

CLARK FREEPORT -- The Clark Development Corporation (CDC) has recorded $277 million committed investments in some 301 projects of locators inside the Freeport.

This was learned from the CDC's Annual Report Management of 2014, where the biggest firm that contributed record high of investments was Capilion Corporate PTE Ltd., a Singapore -based company to develop a mixed-use facility for Business Processing inside this Freeport.

The investment for 2014 is higher by 123 percent compared to the 2013 committed investment of $124.95 million, the report stated.

The state-owned corporation disclosed that there are 26 direct leases with $188.67 committed investments. The other 275 are either renewed or sub-leases contracts that will pour about $88.48 million in their projects in Clark.

In 2013, there are only 17 direct leases with committed investments of $58 million and 275 subleases with $66.85 million investments, the annual reports stated.

The financial standing of CDC also showed strong performance in revenues, investments, and other economic indicators.

In the CDC reports, the cash position of the state-owned firm has been recorded to P2.277 billion at the end of 2014 posting gross revenues of P1.389 billion for the same period. These indicate a 15 percent increase from 2013 report of P1.213 billion.

The report also showed that CDC’s net income for 2014 is P554 million which is 67 percent higher compared P332 million of 2013.

The number of employees inside the Freeport is now recorded at 75,538 at present.

Convert idle lots into parking spaces – Pamintuan

By Reynaldo G. Navales

ANGELES CITY -- Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan is urging owners of idle properties in the city to consider converting and constructing “pay-parking” spaces.

The mayor said this will help in addressing traffic congestion particularly at the city proper where the heritage district is situated.

Pamintuan said that he asked two of his friends, including businessman Freddie So, to convert a lot near the Pamintuan Residences into a multi-level parking area to help in accommodating the vehicles of visitors and tourists coming in the area to join the celebration of Independence Day every year.

The city’s chief executive said one of his dreams is to Angeles City to be at par with big cities around the world where multi-level parking buildings are erected.

“Keng aliwang bansa mag park ka keng metung multi-level park kaybat maglakad ka pang metung a kilometro papunta keng pupuntalan mu mismu pero masanting kasi alang pollution,” Pamintuan said.

The city government, through the traffic enforcement division, said is strictly enforcing the traffic rules to discipline motorists and public utility drivers.

“Ing buri tamu mibaba ya ing collection tamu keng citation tickets uling ing burin g sabyan ditak na la mu reng lalabag keng batas trapiku,” the mayor said.

Private car owners are now obeying the parallel parking method the city traffic office implemented, according to Pamintuan.

This, despite the suspension of vehicle towing which was implemented by the city under a contract with a private towing services firm, the mayor added.

He also thanked the city police headed by Senior Superintendent Eden P. Ugale for assisting the traffic enforcement group.

Pamintuan to youth: ‘Improve yourselves through education’

By Reynaldo G. Navales

ANGELES CITY -- Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan urged Angeleño youths to look for ways on how to improve their conditions in life through quality education.

The mayor said the city government has improved the City College of Angeles (CCA) in order to give “poor but deserving students” opportunity to obtain a college degree.

Pamintuan said that 70 to 80 percent of high school students fail to secure college education because of poverty.

"Kawawa sila kasi sinasabi ko nga from 70 to 80 percent hindi nakakapag-aral. May kaibigan kang kasama mo sa high school, kung siya pinadala sa private school tapos ikaw nagtatago ka kasi hindi kaya ng magulang mo," the mayor said.

The city college has been upgraded with various information technology and science courses in order to compete with private universities, according to Pamintuan.

"Tayo lang ang may CISCO-approved information and science technology system courtesy of my friend Dennis Uy. So, ina-upgrade natin ang pag-aaral sa city college. Ayaw ko yung dahil mahirap ka, palagi mong sinasabi mahirap ka. Hindi, gumawa ka ng paraan, yung nakaraan mo ilagay mo sa tabi," Pamintuan said.

"Try to improve yourself. Try to improve your personality. Hindi yung palaging sinasabi mo galing ako sa mahirap, kawawa ako hindi ako marunong. Meron na ngayong chance ang mga mahihirap na mga estudyante na makapag aral ng mura," the mayor added.

Group lauds Korean airlines for additional flights in Clark

By Reynaldo G. Navales

ANGELES CITY -- The Pinoy Gumising Ka Movement (PGKM), an advocacy group, which calls for the full development of Clark International Airport (CRK), has lauded the Jin Air for mounting additional flights in Clark.

Businessman Ruperto Cruz, head of PGKM, stated that this is a welcome development. "Akakit na ne ning Jin Air ing potential na ning market keng rota (Jin Air sees the potential market of the route)."

Cruz said that the daily flights of Jin Air (Incheon-Clark-Incheon) will greatly help in marketing Clark airport, which is being pushed to be the country’s premier gateway.

"Makananu deng gamitan reng pasaherus ing Clark nung alang [available] flights (How will passengers use Clark if there are no available flights?)," Cruz said.

Jin Air, a South Korea budget carrier, has made its flights in Clark daily in a bid to improve the availability of flights between the two countries.

Earlier, the Clark International Airport Corporation (CIAC) lauded the airlines’ move saying it expected to boost passenger volume this year.

Lawyer Emigdio Tanjuatco III, CIAC president and chief executive officer, said that Jin Air’s daily flights send a clear signal of its trust and confidence to Clark International Airport.

“This is a welcome development and we thank Jin Air for their trust and confidence and their support to the development of Clark Airport,” Tanjuatco said.

He added that the additional flights would greatly contribute to Clark airport’s aim to reach the three million passenger mark within the next two years.

Tanjuatco expressed hopes that other airlines operating at Clark Airport will also increase their flights to attract more passengers in the Northern Philippines.

The airline, which is a subsidiary of South Korea’s flag carrier Korean Air, started its four times a week flights in Clark in 2011. Jin Air began operations in 2008 with routes to regional destinations in Korea. In October 2009, Jin Air began flights to Macau, Guam and Bangkok. Jin Air was formerly named Air Korea.

Clark Airport is host to other airlines such as Asiana Airlines, Qatar Airways, Dragonair, Cebu Pacific Air, CebGo (formerly Tiger Air Philippines), Seair, and Air Asia Berhad. Tanjuatco said that CIAC is currently in talks to other airlines for possible operations at the airport.

The CIAC head also disclosed that he also talked to airlines such as Emirates and Air Asia Philippines which suspended their flights in 2013.

He said that the Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC) had been fully supportive to the development of Clark Airport citing the recent initial approval of the National Economic Development Authority Investment Coordinating Council (Neda-ICC) of the first phase amounting to P1.2 Billion Passenger Terminal for Clark Airport.

The project is set to be discussed to the Neda Board Meeting this month and will be presented to President Aquino.

Angeles City senior citizens benefit from fitness program

(PNA), LAP/RCK/ZST/RKM/PS

ANGELES CITY, Pampanga, May 14 (PNA) -- The Office of Senior Citizen Affairs (OSCA) here on Thursday celebrated the 4th anniversary of one of its programs that brings health and wellness to grandparents in the city.

Over 200 senior citizens from different barangays gathered at the Marquee Mall Activity Center for OSCA’s “Lakas Sigla Para kay Lolo at Lola” mass aerobics event.

City Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan said that his administration will continuously support OSCA on strengthening ties and the programs designed for the elderly community.

“I believe that a healthy body springs out a healthy mind. And we value our well-being to better serve our community” the mayor said.

“I dearly value the elders. They are vital and important component of society. Thus, I want to take this fitness program to more barangays with as much as four groups per village,” he said.

The mayor said that plans on mobilizing this – such as providing transportation to shuttle senior citizens around the city, as well as searching for sponsors and partners, are in the works.

According to OSCA Officer-in-Charge Ismael Pamintuan, most of the elders have seen tremendous health benefits from the regular exercises such as normalization of blood pressure, improved muscles, joints and bones and relief from rheumatism and arthritis.

The Lakas Sigla Para sa Mga Lolo at Lola, aerobic sessions will be held regularly at Marquee Mall Park every Tuesdays and Thursdays at 8 a.m.

The sessions are open, not only to senior citizens, but also to people of all ages.

CDC to remit P400M to Nat’l Treasury

By Jess Malabanan

CLARK FREEPORT – Some P400-million cash dividends will be remitted to the national government by Clark Development Corporation in time for the Government Owned and Controlled Corporation (GOCC) Day observance.

The money would be turned over to the Bureau of Treasury in Malacañang this week.

This year’s cash dividend is the highest single-year remittance so far, bringing to P1.345 billion the total remitted dividends since 2006, CDC said in a statement.

Eva Tejada, CDC vice president for Business Development and Enhancement Group, said Clark has continued to improve on its financial standing. Its cash position has been recorded at an all-time high of P2.277 billion by the end of 2014.

The report also showed that CDC’s net income for 2014 is P554 million which is 67% higher compared to 2013’s P332 million.

Exports value by yearend of 2014 is at US $4.75 billion. The Freeport’s top exporters include Phoenix Semiconductor Philippines, Corp., Nanox Philippines, Inc., and Yokohama Tires Philippines, Inc., among others.

On investments, the 301 approved projects for 2014 would translate to combined committed investments of US$ 277.15 million.

The government-run corporation unaudited net income is P554 million, also the highest in the 22-year existence of the state-run corporation.

The remittance of dividends is in compliance with Republic Act 7656 (or the Dividend Law) which requires GOCCs to declare and remit at least 50% of their annual net income to the National Treasury.

It is remitted to the national coffers to fund various projects and programs of the government.

AC ready for Heritage Month observance

By Jess Malabanan

ANGELES CITY – It’s all systems go for the celebration of the Heritage Month here.

Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan said the event is anchored on the theme “Heritage… New Fruits, Ancient Roots.”

The mayor said the city’s commitment in this celebration is a staunch manifestation of its willingness to revive, preserve and treasure heritage treasures of Angeles.

“Our celebration of the Heritage Month reflects our origins and how our city was molded. Our history, traditions, culture and heritage – including the structures that we have – identify us as Angeleños and as Filipinos. Thus, there is a need to preserve all these, not only for our sake, but for the future generations,” the mayor said.

On May 14 to 20, Angeles University Foundation together with SM City Clark will hold “Reyna ning Flores de Mayo: Philippine Terno Exhibit and Presentation of Sagalas”.

The Angeles City Tourism Office in cooperation with Kuliat Foundation, Inc. (KFI) is set to hold a Kapampangan culinary workshop for the City College of Angeles at the Museo ning Angeles on May 20.

A grandiose “Santacruzan” will follow on May 22 dubbed as Sabat Santa Cruzan where most of the Angeleños have to witness the event at the Holy Rosary Parish Church, back-to-back with the Grand Parade and Coronation Night of the Reyna ning Flores de Mayo at SM Clark on May 23.

Barangay Salapungan, on the other hand, will celebrate the 2nd year of Pyestang Litsun ning Salapungan on May 23-24 wherein 32 barangays will participate in the said event.

On the 25th is the Paggunita sa Araw ng Watawat at the Angeles City Hall, while on the 26th, the Las Flores delas Angeles, Barangay Malabanias’ own version of the Mayflower festival, will be held at the said barangay heading to SM Clark. Sinukwan Kapampangan Performing Arts will be showcasing a special cultural show during the said event.

Historian and artist Daniel “Dan” Dizon will hold an exhibit of his artworks which will highlight local history. The month-long show will open on May 26 at the Museo ning Angeles at 1:00 p.m.

On May 28, there will be a lecture–forum dubbed as “Watawat ko, Iwawagayway ko” at the DepEd Gabaldon Building in Barangay Pulungbulo.

The City Library & Information Center is set to hold the culminating activity of Yaptas Tenakan, a search for local theatre artists. This event, to be held on May 28 and 29, is spearheaded by Uyat Artista. Their awards night would then ensue on June 2, 2015 at the Museo ning Angeles.

Finally, on May 30, is the coronation night of the Mutya ning Angeles 2015 at the Grand Palazzo Royale.

The month of May has been declared as the National Heritage Month through Presidential Proclamation No. 439 issued on August 11, 2003. This was passed “in recognition of the need to create among the people a consciousness, respect, and pride for the legacies of Filipino cultural history, and love for country.”

Anti-bullying ordinance filed in Angeles

(PR)

ANGELES CITY – Councilor Carmelo “Pogi” Lazatin recently filed an ordinance instituting measures to prevent bullying among students here.

Lazatin said despite the enactment of Republic Act No. 10627 or the “Anti-Bullying Act of 2013” requiring all elementary and secondary schools to adopt policies to prevent and address bullying in their institutions, many students are still bullied.

“Meron na po tayong national law tungkol dito at gusto natin na i-institutionalize dito sa ating siyudad para masiguro natin na talagang ini-implement ito ng mga paaralan dahil madami parin po tayong nababalitaan na may mga estudyante pa rin na nakaka-experience ng bullying sa mga eskwelahan,” Lazatin explained.

He added that “bullying not only inflicts physical and psychological harm, but also leaves an emotional scar to students, thereby adversely affecting their studies, social personality and their lives.”

Under the ordinance, not only the victim’s rights will be protected but also the rights of the offender.

The ordinance states that the school administrator, teachers and other personnel will have special parental authority and responsibility over students while under their supervision, instruction or custody. Authority and responsibility will apply to all activities of the school whether inside or outside its premises.

The ordinance also mandates the creation of an anti-bullying committee comprised of the principal as chairperson, and president of the Parents Teachers Association as vice chairperson. The members will include the school’s guidance counselor, president of student council, barangay captain or barangay kagawad chairman on the Committee on Education where the school is located and president of the faculty association.

The committee will be tasked to create or develop anti-bullying policies to address the existence of bullying in their respective institutions either by preventing, reporting, investigating or responding to bullying incidents of students inside and outside school premises.

Lazatin said schools may adopt the existing Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of RA 10627.

A penalty ranging from P1,000 to P5,000 will be imposed to any school administrator, teacher or personnel who will instigate, initiate or bring about acts of bullying between or among students.

The same penalty will also be imposed to any school administrator, teacher or personnel who willfully fail, obstruct, impede or frustrate to report any acts of bullying within their knowledge to proper school authority.


CDC shows good financial standing

By Hiyasmin Neri (Rappler.com)

CLARK FREEPORT -- State-owned Clark Development Corporation (CDC) has continued to improve on its business developments and financial standing, showing strong performance in revenues, investments, and other economic indicators.

This was reported by Evangeline Tejada, CDC vice-president for business development and enhancement group during Talk Widus, a monthly forum of the Pampanga Press Club (PPC) at Widus Hotel and Casino here.

During her presentation, it showed that CDC’s cash position has been recorded to be at all-time high with P2.277 billion at the end of 2014 while posting gross revenues of P1.389 billion for the same period, representing a 15 percent increase from year-ago level of P1.213 billion.

The report also showed that CDC’s net income for 2014 is P554 million which is 67 percent higher compared to 2013’s P332 million.

Employment opportunity here is also on the rise since CDC’s inception in 1993. As of December 2014, the actual employment was recorded at 75,538. These were posted by 750 registered enterprises, including some government agencies.

Exports value by yearend of 2014 is at $4.75 billion. The Freeport’s top exporters include Phoenix Semiconductor Philippines, Corp., Nanox Philippines, Inc., and Yokohama Tires Philippines, Inc., among others.

On investments, the 301 approved projects for 2014 would have a combined committed investments of $277.15 million.

A major contract signed was the Capilion Corporate PTE Ltd., a Singapore based company to develop a mixed-use facility for Business Processing Outsourcing, offices and tourism facilities. Its initial investment is P2 billion with programmed investment of up to P7 billion and target employment of 75,000 over a period of five to six years.

During the presentation, Tejada also cited Clark Freeport’s business development highlights for the first quarter of this year. They include the following:

Clark Freeport successfully hosted the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Senior Officials Meeting 1 (SOM1) on January 26 to February 7. SOM1 is vital in laying the groundwork for framework and policies among the 21 member countries.

Clark’s hosting of SOM1 has helped expedite the development, rehabilitation and construction of various projects in and out of the Freeport that include the Angeles/Clark Rotunda, Clark Command Center and Clark Museum.

CDC also sponsored the 19th Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta from February 12-15 here. The trickle-down effect in the economy was felt by the local businesses as an estimated 200,000 spectators locally and from around the world flocked to the said aerosports event.

There were also 62 contracts signed with US$146 million investments and 2, 827 employment commitment.

The P1.3 billion investment of Philippine Long Distance Telephone Company’s (PLDT) VITRO Clark facility is expected to boost the thriving business communities. The ePLDT data center will also cater the growing Information Technology hub not only in the Freeport but all throughout Central Luzon.

CDC remains firm in its responsibility to promote development and protect government property as it recovered 8.38 hectares of leased land.

Tejada was joined by CDC vice president for legal services Pearl Sagmit in the forum.

Gameplan in Pampanga: Flying to food heaven

By Hiyasmin Neri (Rappler.com)

Ton, Julian and Amanda’s Pampanga adventure will not be complete without seeing it from above!

MANILA, Philippines – The Gameplan hosts drove to the Angeles City Flying Club and flew an ultralight – a small two-seater fixed wing plane.

Ton, Julian and Amanda met with Gary Jerome, a long-time pilot and flight instructor in Angeles City, Pampanga.

“Ultralight is a little bit different, it’s wide open. The wind blowing in your face—kinda like riding in a motorcycle but you’re up in the air," Jerome says. "Everytime I fly is a challenge. I really enjoy that,”

He adds, “One of the reasons why I enjoy flying here in Pampanga is the colors—the greens, the yellows, the browns, and it changes throughout the years. The weather of course, is ideal."

To let them experience flying the ultralight firsthand, Gary took Julian and Ton up on an ultralight and flew over the fields of Pampanga. As Gary puts it, the experience is “kinda like sitting in a lawn chair, you look down between your legs, and the ground just starts to pull away from you."

After flying, the three went to Downtown Cafe in Angeles City for a hearty feast.

Ton, Julian and Amanda tried a little bit of everything in Pampanga— from the adrenaline rush of flying on an ultralight to eating the most exotic of dishes.

Green forum to highlight current energy situation

By Reynaldo G. Navales

ANGELES CITY -- A clean energy forum, which is scheduled Saturday at the Holy Rosary Parish Hall is expected to highlight the country's current energy situation.

Navitas Asia Pacific, in cooperation with its Direct Energy Partner, Web of Life, will conduct the forum, which starts at 9 a.m. at the church hall.

The event dubbed "Mayap a Aldo!" will shed light on the current energy situation in the country and how it is affecting everyone from the national level down to the barangays.

The Philippines today has one of the highest energy costs in Asia, with power and distribution costs continuing to increase due to the rising demand brought about by economic growth and lack of capacity from the national grid.

This has resulted to power outages in major cities in Mindanao and threatens Visayas and Luzon.

The forum is aimed at showing how the adoption and implementation of smart energy management using the latest and advanced renewable energy technologies made available by Navitas through Web of Life can deliver immediately noticeable and tangible results as well long-term financial and environmental benefits, leading to the advent of cleaner and greener communities with a sustainable future.

Lawyer James Ian Dela Vega, Navitas president and chief executive officer, together with the Web of Life, led by its Chairman, Dennis M. Dizon will share their common vision of people empowerment and the application of smart energy solutions for a brighter future.

One of the highlights of the event is a keynote speech from Most Rev. Pablo Virgilio S. David, Auxiliary Bishop of San Fernando and proponent of the Sagip Sapang Balen environmental advocacy which actively campaigns for more awareness on environmental issues.

Navitas Asia-Pacific is a fully integrated Energy Services Company (ESCO) engaged in providing smart and sustainable solutions through the use of cutting-edge technologies in the area of conventional and renewable sources of energy.

Navitas Asia-Pacific has more than 40 years of combined professional experience in the highly regulated power and energy industry, with a track record of quality service and workmanship in all aspects of electrical and mechanical engineering, power generation and system design, maintenance and support for residential, commercial and agricultural applications in Australia and the Philippines.

Angeles City commemorates Jose Abad Santos martyrdom, heroism

(PNA), FFC/ZST/RKM/PS

ANGELES CITY, Pampanga, May 7 (PNA)-- In a fitting tribute to his martyrdom and heroism, the local government here, headed by Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan, held on Thursday a wreath laying ceremony honoring the former chief justice Jose Abad Santos in his 73rd death anniversary.

The ceremony was held at the Museo ning Angeles in Barangay Sto. Cristo, this city.

Pamintuan said the wreath laying rite was done to make known to the public, especially the youth, the heroism of the Santos, who was a son of Pampanga.

“Jose Abad Santos was born in San Fernando. He was a son of Pampanga. One of the greatest Cabalens who ever lived and who ever laid his life for his country. Let us remember him not only today, not only every 7th of May.” he said during his speech.

“Let us put him in the brightest part of the altar of our memory, and let his memory inspire us to be unbowed and unbending as well against tyranny, against oppression, against foreign domination, against exploitation, against human rights violations, against corruption, against all that ails our society and country still!” the mayor added.

After his speech, the mayor, together with Regional Trial Court executive judge Omar T. Viola, Department of Education Division superintendent Dr. Nicolas Capulong, Angeles City Police Office Senior Superintendent Eden Ugale and other government officials and friends, proceeded with the wreath laying ceremony, which was accompanied with a gun salute by the local police.

Abad Santos was the fifth Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of the Philippines and served as acting President of the Philippines during World War II.

On April 11, 1942, he and his son José Jr. were captured by the Japanese and were taken to a concentration camp.

Abad SAntos refused when asked to cooperate with the Japanese.

Although he had nothing to do with military operations, they imputed to him the destruction of the bridges and other public works in Cebu.

Before he was executed, he told his son, "Do not cry, Pepito, show to these people that you are brave. It is an honor to die for one's country. Not everybody has that chance."

Enfinity Global builds 4 solar plants in PH

By RITCHIE A. HORARIO REPORTER

BELGIAN firm Enfinity Global, through its subsidiary Enfinity Philippines, is building four solar power projects in the country worth P8 billion, which should generate a combined 100 megawatts (MW) when completed.

Gino Van Neer, founder and chief executive officer of Enfinity, said the first four solar projects are in Clark, Angeles, Pampanga with capacity of 20 MW; in Concepcion, Tarlac with 40 MW; in Digos, Davao del Sur with 40 MW; and in Cavite with 3 MW.

He said all of the company’s solar projects have already started construction and are expected to be completed by the end of this year or by March 2016.

“The Philippines is considered as one of our core markets for the further development of our solar business in the world,” said Neer.

Enfinity Philippines president Dennis Ibarra said all projects have secured renewable service contracts from the Department of Energy (DOE).

When completed, Ibarra said the solar projects will deliver around 150 gigawatt-hours (GWh) of green electricity each year, enough to power 100,000 homes in the country. Ibarra also said the company has been developing solar projects in the country since 2010, with initial investments of over P223 million.

“Enfinity Philippines today has several solar projects under development in different stages of completion, with a total of about 250 MW,” said Ibarra.

Neer said they are rushing the construction of solar projects in order to meet the deadline for the Feed-in-Tariff (FIT) allocation for solar energy.

The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) has approved a solar FIT of P8.69 per kilowatt for an additional capacity of 450 MW.

Neer has expressed optimism on the ERC’s move, saying this shows the government’s commitment to solar energy and toward a sustainable environment.

He said this is only the beginning of a long-lasting solar industry in the country where solar electricity will eventually account for as much as 30 percent of the generation capacity.

“The Philippines will contribute a little less than one percent to the global solar market,” he said.

He cited market reports showing that over one gigawatt of solar energy will be put on line in the country every year in the next several years.

Founded in Belgium in 2005, Enfinity Global has 10 years of experience in installing solar power systems.

The company realized closed to 1GW of solar projects in different countries in Europe, North America and Asia Pacific.

Through its four business units—Enfinity Develop, Enfinity Invest, Enfinity Technics and Enfinity Power–the company installs, operates and manages solar energy power plants.

Probe urged on CDC, CIAC subsidy to Clark balloon festival

By Reynaldo G. Navales

CLARK FREEPORT -- A movement calling for the development of Clark has asked the Commission on Audit (COA) and Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) to conduct an investigation on the alleged irregular subsidy of Clark Development Corporation (CDC) and Clark International Airport Corporation (CIAC) amounting to an average of P3.5 million annually.

The Pinoy Gumising Ka Movement (PGKM), headed by businessman Ruperto Cruz, wrote two separate letters to the COA Chairman Michael Aguinaldo and BIR Commissioner Kim Henares, which revealed the alleged anomalies like the unliquidated public funds used in the Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Festival inside the Freeport.

"This is relative to the holding of the annual festival at the Clark Freeport organized by one Captain Joi Roa of the Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Foundation,” Cruz told both Aguinaldo and Henares in his letters.

For the past 15 years, the two government corporations at Clark have been subsidizing the balloon festival in millions of pesos, which since 2009 is pegged at P3.5 million per annum, Cruz stated.

This, he said, is on top of the money Roa’s PIHABF generate from corporate sponsorship, fate receipts, parking spaces and stall rentals of which both CDC and CIAC claim having no shares.

“What we perceive as highly anomalous is that the CDC and CIAC subsidy comes from public funds but is not subjected to liquidation and auditing processes. This, aside from possible violation of the law that forbids government subsidy to purely private commercial enterprises,” Cruz stated.

In his letter to Henares, the businessman disclosed that in 2009, a CDC unofficial and hidden report stated that 49,638 PIHABF tickets worth at least P100 were sold and 5,735 vehicles parked in the designated P50 for cars, P100 for buses parking areas during the four day event.

“Truly, immense cash crop there already reaped by Roa. And we did not event count the stall areas, going at an average of P17,000 each, and the even pricier corporate sponsorship,” Cruz said.

In the last edition of the PIHABF last February, Cruz claimed that the festival reportedly drew some 200,000 spectators. “At the price of P300 per ticket, that would already amount to a staggering P60 million. Rentals have reportedly been raised to an average of P25,000, as well as the parking fees to P100 and P200.”

DepEd Angeles to host conference on K to 12

By Ian Ocampo Flora

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO -- The Department of Education (DepEd) through the Division of Angeles City will hosting a multi-sectoral conference in a bid to rally further support for the K to 12 Basic Education Program on May 9 at the Gabaldon Hall of the Angeles Elementary School.

The event carries the theme "Tara Na! K to 12 Kasama Ka!" and aims to promote awareness and positive recall for the K to 12 program. The program includes a motorcade of division office personnel and dignitaries from the DepEd national office.

The activity is expected to be attended by stakeholders, parents and government officials and aims to bring broader awareness into the K to 12 program and the support systems placed for its implementation.

The program, according to the Official Gazette, "covers Kindergarten and 12 years of basic education." The additional years aims to provide enough time for "mastery of concepts and skills, develop lifelong learners, and prepare graduates for tertiary education, middle-level skills development, employment, and entrepreneurship."

The implementation of the program is pursuant to the Enhanced Basic Education Act of 2013 signed by President Benigno Aquino III on May 15, 2013.

The Department of Education (DepEd) began the implementation of universal Kindergarten in school year (SY) 2011-2012, new curriculum for grade one and grade seven was rolled out in SY 2012-2013, and new curriculum for grade two and grade eight was rolled out in SY 2013-2014. Grade 11 is set to be introduced next SY, 2016-2017, and grade 12 in SY 2017-2018. First batch of K to 12 graduates are expected to graduate on March 2018.

According to Rappler.com, prior to the its implementation, "the Philippines is the last country in Asia, and one of only three countries (Angola and Djibouti) worldwide, with a 10-year pre-university cycle."

Koreans open Xenia Hotel, cite Clark’s robust economy

By Joey Pavia

CLARK FREEPORT—Citing the booming economy at Clark, South Korean investors on Saturday opened their 200-room hotel here.

“Clark is new and upcoming tourism hub of the country,” said Xenia Hotel officials led by its chairman, Park Jin-yong, when asked by journalists why they had invested P200 million at the new hotel along CM Recto Highway.

“The million-dollar investment in Clark has been unanimously concluded by the Xenia Hotel Corp.board of directors as one of the most strategic management decisions that the group has ever made.

The investors strongly believe in it. And we believe in its potential contribution to the country’s regional economy,” said a statement of the group.

“Clark Freeport has been strongly recognized as one of the most strategic international gateway in the country, affecting positively both local and international business and tourism”

“Business in general and tourism in particular, have been registering a consistent robust growth rates year on year and we would like to leverage on this,” it added.

Xenia officials also cited the growing passengers at the Clark International Airport (CIA), which is about five minutes away from their hotel. There are at least 3.3 million passengers at the CIA from 2012 to 2014.

Daily flights to South Korea via CIA are available.

“But we don’t just target Korean tourists, but all visitors, including Filipinos,” said Yul Duguil, consultant of Xenia Hotel Corp. (XHC).

Tourism Regional Director Ronnie Tiotuico said there are “between 15,000 and 20,000” South Koreans in Pampanga, most of whom stay in Clark, Angeles City, Mabalacat City and Porac town. The XHC said its officials, managers and staff are prioritizing service and “the value of hospitality is the core of our business.”

“Xenia Hotel is your new home,” they said in the brochures of their hotel. It has at least 85 workers, most of whom are from the nearby communities.

Xenia can accommodate at least 700 guests for business meetings and conferences.

It has wine bars, coffee shop, restaurants, outdoor swimming pool, fitness gym, wellness spa and other necessary facilities.

Others who joined the ceremonial ribbon-cutting were Dangerous Drugs Board Undersecretary Edgar Galvante, Dr. Jocelyn Purla of the Armed Forces of the Philippines Medical Center, Donggwang Corp. Chairman Lee Shin-kun, Park Hye-won, Xenia Vice Chairman Kim Byung-cheol and Thelma Ocampo, manager for marketing and operations of the Clark Development Corp.

Pamintuan: Address impending Metro Clark water shortage

By Reynaldo G. Navales

CLARK FREEPORT -- Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan has stressed the need to address the looming water shortage in the Metro Clark area.

The mayor issued the statement during a meeting with officers and members of the Capampangan in Media Incorporated (CAMI) at the Bahay Balita inside the Freeport Friday.

Local government units, he said, must focus their efforts in protecting the environment to ensure enough supply of potable water.

"We must conserve water. My wife Miniang always reminds me to save water because there will come a time that our resources will be depleted," Pamintuan said.

He suggested that water districts should stop using deep wells and instead use and recycle surface water just like other countries are now doing. "Dapat may bulk water na tayo para hindi na tayo mag drill ng tubig na nagiging sanhi ng ground subsidence."

Changing climate, population shifts, strained infrastructure, and the evolving global economy pose challenges to every city’s success, according to Pamintuan.

The future of many cities will largely depend on how their leaders and citizens respond to these challenges by developing initiatives that conserve energy, reduce waste, increase the resiliency of the built environment and of the community, and promote economic sustainability, he said.

Earlier, Pamintuan, who will chair a water summit, noted of measures which will address the impending water crisis in the city. These include massive tree planting in and around the city through the Task Force One Million Trees, the cleaning of Abacan River and Sapang Balen Creek, and close coordination with the Angeles City Water District (ACWD) relative to the conservation of water resources.

"As city mayor, I will chair this water summit with the head of the water district, the city council chairman on environment Councilor Edu Pamintuan, and environmentalist Renato ‘Abong’ Tayag as my co-chairmen. All sectors will be asked to participate and contribute in coming up with a solution," Pamintuan said.

Also on the water summit team are ACWD president Engr. Rey Liwanag, Sibul Foundation and the Barangay Council of Sapang Bato, where the upland watershed of the city is located. The team will look into other measures like the creation of rain impounding facilities and a series of small dams.

The projected water crisis situation has already affected Iloilo City, which began water rationing last week. Tankers from the Metro Manila-based corporation Maynilad are being shipped to Iloilo City to ease the water shortage there. Metro Manila, with a population of 12 million, has the Balara impounding system, while Central Luzon, with a population of some 10 million, does not such a facility or system he said.

"According to studies, the entire country including Central Luzon, the Province of Pampanga and the City of Angeles will experience a major water shortage, a nationwide water crisis by the year 2025. But we will not wait for that. We will not allow that to happen. It is now time to develop our own. We already have a plan for this and in fact we have started massive tree planting in Sapangbato and Margot. Our ground water must be preserved," Pamintuan said.

"We have started our programs aimed at contributing to solving the looming water crisis as early as late 2010, during the beginning of my first term as city mayor, and we will continue to address real issues in the days, weeks and months to come," added Pamintuan.

Police officer falls in drug bust

By Franco Regala

CAMP OLIVAS, Pampanga – A police officer detailed at the Regional Anti-illegal Drug Special Operation Task Group (RAIDSOTG) here was arrested by police operatives in a drug bust Wednesday afternoon in Angeles City.

Police Inspector Roger Ocampo, 37, was nabbed during an entrapment operation along McArthur Hi-way in Barangay Balibago, according to Chief Supt. Ronald V. Santos, Police Regional Office 3 (PRO3) officer-in-charge.

Also apprehended was Sharmaine Matic, 25, of Blk 37, Lot 137, Madapdap Resettlement, Mabalacat, Pampanga. She was caught with Ocampo selling more or less five grams of shabu to a police poseur-buyer at about 5:15 p.m., Wednesday.

The police official said the two suspects had been placed under surveillance in San Fernando City prior to the launching of the entrapment operation against them.

Police said the arrest of Ocampo and Matic was carried out by joint elements of the Anti-Illegal Drugs Special Operation Task Group based in Camp Crame, Quezon City, led by Police Inspector Ervin Ballestero, the RAIDOTG3 in Camp Olivas led by Police Supt. Renato Arellano, and the Angeles City Anti-Illegal Drugs Special Operation Task Group and Angeles City Police led by Chief Inspector Arnel Santiago.

Police said they are hunting down a certain SPO1 Almario who apparently escaped during the buy-bust operation.

“The PRO3 leadership will not tolerate the involvement of a PNP member in this illegal activity. Criminal and administrative charges were already filed against police inspector Ocampo,’’ Santos said.

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