Angeles City News December 2013

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

Dietary supplement is a product that contains vitamins, minerals, herbs or other botanicals, amino acids, enzymes, and/or other ingredients intended to supplement the diet. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has special labeling requirements for dietary supplements and treats them as foods, not drugs.

Manufacturers and distributors of dietary supplements and dietary ingredients are prohibited from marketing products that are adulterated or misbranded. That means that these firms are responsible for evaluating the safety and labeling of their products before marketing to ensure that they meet all the requirements of DSHEA and FDA regulations.

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

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

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

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

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

WHY??

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

Cleanest, brightest barangays in Angeles City named

By Philippines News Agency


ANGELES CITY,Pampanga, Dec. 29 (PNA) - Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan has lauded the efforts of the participants in the the search for the "cleanest and brightest barangay" Christmas decoration competition here. During the awarding ceremonies held at the Marquee Mall Activity Center on Wednesday, Barangay San Nicolas bagged the 1st place for the cleanest and brightest barangay by using recyclable materials in their Christmas decorations. Barangays Virgen Delos Remedios and Pampang placed second and third, respectively, while Barangays Cutcut, Mining and Pulungbulo received special citations for designing concepts with distinction. All the other participating barangays received cash prizes …

Orchids found only at Nayong Pilipino

By Biodiversity


THERE are now four varieties of orchids that can be found only at the Philippines’s sole cultural park Nayong Pilipino in Clark Freeport in Pampanga.

These are the Phalaenopsis Nayong Pilipino I and II, and Dendrobium III and IV—all developed by the Nayong Pilipino Foundation (NPF) through years of diligent cross-pollination and propagation.

“The orchidarium alone is a showcase of the world’s orchid varieties bred, grown and propagated by the NPF to engulf visitors with all the glory and magnificence of a blooming floral environment,” NPF Executive Director Apolonio B. Anota Jr. said.

Nonetheless, there are also the popular cattleya and vanda varieties.

The emergence of the Nayong Pilipino orchid varieties has practically turned the orchidarium into a centerpiece of the park’s sprawling 6 hectares of landscaped greenery, dotted by picnic grounds and a wide array of world-renowned Philippine scenery and historical landmarks—from north to south of the archipelago and from the precolonial past to the Liberation era.

The orchidarium also adds a nature-inspired dimension to the current Christmas atmosphere in Nayong Pilipino, which offers a Yuletide experience at its finest and fullest.

From the orchidarium, large golden tilapia-breeding ponds and nature-inspired picnic groves to the park décor, Christmas lights, historical structures, souvenir shops, exhibits, festivals and famous cultural repertoire, Nayong Pilipino captures the spirit of Christmas in its totality for a multisensory and memorable experience.

To match the splendor of the orchids is the equally colorful musical extravaganza of the Nayong Pilipino Dance Troupe and Rondalla, which perform the Pastores Suite, a set of Filipino dances with a Christmas theme. There are special shows on December 25 and January 1, at 11 a.m.

Vibrant tribal dance performances that go with melodious Philippine music also make the Nayong Pilipino Performing Arts one of the country’s most lively. The performers are virtually envoys of education as they wear actual ethnic costumes and perform authentic Filipino dances.

The performances are held every Wednesday to Sunday, at 9 a.m., 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.

Annual cultural festivities include the Santacruzan, featuring a parade of Philippine beauty queens and the Flores de Mayo, showcasing male and female models and the fashion creations of famous Filipino designers.

Nayong Pilipino also hosts souvenir shops offering Christmas gifts and hard-to-find items that include indigenous weaves, wood carvings and paintings.

On the other hand, the brilliant Christmas décors highlight the Belen, or Nativity Scene, made with indigenous materials to showcase the cultural diversity of the local Christiandom.

Ironically, the relaxing and meditative atmosphere at the park and its scenic environment also make it the perfect venue for Christmas parties and other social functions.

Another attraction is the tranvia, which takes the guests on a ride back to history. The tranvia once dominated the Manila streets for mass transport. Only a few of these remain, and Nayong Pilipino has one for both ride and exhibit.

The park also has a fleet of jeepneys in their original designs.

The historical tour brings visitors to the exhibits of Kalinga weaves and musical instruments, Ifugao wood carvings and day-to-day implements all the way to the famous works of national hero Dr. Jose Rizal, among many others.

The visitors also find themselves bonding with nature by feeding the golden tilapia, of which Nayong Pilipino is one of the largest breeders.

After all the amazing sights and sounds come the scent and taste of one of the country’s most-touted culinary delights, the Capampangan cuisine, in the park’s food hub.

The Nayong Pilipino is at the Centennial Road, Clark Freeport Zone, Pampanga. The park is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Ticket rates are P100 for adults and P50 for children.

Green warriors hold rally for Manila Bay cleanup

By Reynaldo G. Navales


CLARK FREEPORT -- Members of the Advocacy for the Development of Central Luzon (ADCL) and other pro-environment organizations in Pampanga aired their call for the cleanup of Manila Bay.

ADCL President Sonny Dobles said the rally is in line with the Supreme Court (SC) order (a writ of continuing Mandamus), dated December 18, 2008, that directs 14 government agencies "to clean up, rehabilitate and preserve Manila Bay in their different capacities" and restore and maintain its waters, making it fit for swimming, skin-diving, and other forms of contact recreation.

The High Court designated the Department of Environment and Natural Resources as the primary government agency responsible for the order's enforcement and implementation.

Dobles considered the order as a long battle won by Manila Bay and its supporters-complainants lawyer Jaime Agustin Oposa and other concerned residents of Manila Bay.

The SC also ordered the Department of Interior and Local Government to direct all local government units in Metro Manila, Rizal, Laguna, Cavite, Bulacan, Pampanga and Bataan to inspect establishments and private homes along the river systems that eventually discharge water into Manila Bay.

Dobles said Governor Lilia Pineda had noticed the lack of commitment from local government units under her province, but added that through her initiative, the Manila Bay Day was celebrated in the Province of Pampanga five years later as a wakeup call.

On December 18, eleven of these agencies and the Provincial Government of Pampanga convened at the SM City Ampitheater for a short program that was capped by a declaration of commitment to clean up Manila Bay.

Non-government organizations and other private companies from Central Luzon also showed their support. The ADCL and Metro Clark Waste Management Corporation joined the celebration.

At 6 a.m., members of the ADCL and Metro Clark Waste Management Corporation also walked from the Sta. Monica Church in Mexico Pampanga to SM Pampanga Ampitheater. The Environment Management Bureau (EMB)-Central Luzon headed the walk.

“Rivers surrounding Pampanga, Bataan and other parts of Central Luzon ultimately go to Manila Bay,” said Dobles. “The ADCL is thankful to Governor Baby Pineda for mobilizing the people of Pampanga to celebrate Manila Bay Day.”

"We are very happy because we have long campaigned for LGUs to clean up their act because it is their obligation to implement Republic Act (RA) 9003, to manage their solid waste. Pollution is the biggest problem in Manila Bay. About 1,800 tons of waste from surrounding provinces is washed ashore Roxas Boulevard by heavy rains,” Dobles said.

About 150 members of ADCL from Tarlac and Pampanga woke up in the wee hours to join the walk with their streamer that says: "Ang kaligtasan ng karagatan ay kaligtasan ng sangkatauhan" (Saving the ocean is saving humanity).

Dobles said that with ADCL, the issue on illegal garbage disposal has yet to end.

"We will continue monitoring, and like we did before, we will also continue to file cases to the Ombudsman against those who continue to violate RA 9003. The EMB will become our regular partner in the advocacy against the destruction of the environment especially against illegal dumping of garbage,” he added.






Pampanga parol maker creates giant kaleidoscopes of color

By RUSTON BANAL


"When we were kids, my brothers and I would play with our toy trucks and attach our own parol drawings on cardboard, simulating the position the way the real arrangements of actual giant lantern festival entries were supposed to be during competitions. We simulated a mini-competition in our home and let our Tatang judge who among the siblings had the best design," said San Fernando parol maker Arvin Quiwa about how he became interested in the art and craft of making the traditional Pinoy Christmas lantern.

Arvin's award-winning work has made his hometown, Barangay Sta. Lucia, a Hall of Famer at the giant lantern festival held in Pampanga every December.

Although the parol-making craft runs in the family—he is a descendant of Francisco Estanislao, who created the first parol more than 100 years ago—Arvin never actually thought that it would become his lifetime pursuit as well. He has a Commerce degree from Assumption, a world away from the actual job he has now: conceptualizing and designing lanterns. Arvin's degree initially landed him in sales.

Unknown to many, lantern-making in San Fernando is not confined merely to Christmas decorations. The Quiwa family also creates designs for other important celebrations such as Valentine's Day and Flores de Mayo, and has supplied lanterns to the city government of Olongapo since the 1990s.

Making the designs

Lantern-making design is not as easy as it may seem to be. The ability to strategically conceptualize the lighting variations, with specific movement, of more than 10,000 bulbs with unique interplay at every change of phase is quite a feat. According to Arvin, there are only three people who can do this, as it requires years of experience and exposure to the craft. The hardest part is the synchronization of the rotor so that every piece of the lantern is intentional and has specific function.

"Any mistake in the arrangement will be clearly visible because it runs in patterns," he said.

In the early days, Arvin rendered his designs freehand. "I don't know how I make the designs. But the moment I sit at my table, my brain starts to see the flickering of lights and the circular movements of kaleidoscopic colors. My mind is into transcendence,” he said.

Arvin believes that future parol designs will become more dynamic with the advent of high technology and gadgetry.

"I am now using Google Sketch Up, a 3D software to make the workflow in creating my designs efficient,” he said. “Every year, I always think of a better design that will surpass the previous one. As you can see, it is not that easy. Like what I always say to my clients who sometimes haggle for the price of my lanterns which they think are cheap and easy to create: You can always buy materials to create a lantern. But you can not just simply create one. It's unique because it's art.” — BM, GMA News






TPLEX Tarlac-La Union travel only two hours

By Mark Anthony Manuel


CLARK FREEPORT, Pampanga – Following the opening of the 88.85-kilometer Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union Expressway (TPLEX) on Monday, the conglomerate San Miguel Corporation (SMC) announced Tuesday that once all portions of the new expressway is completed, travel time from Tarlac to La Union would be cut to only an hour from the present three and a half hours.

All portions are expected to be completed in 2015.

SMDC also expects to complete the 27-kilometer stretch route of the new expressway from Paniqui, Tarlac to Carmen, Pangasinan to cut the travel time by one and half hours.

SMDC, through its subsidiary and TPLEX concessionaire – Private Infrastructure Development Corporation, Inc. (PIDC), is the private partner of the government in the billion-peso project.

“From end-to-end, TPLEX will traverse 17 towns and two cities in the provinces of Tarlac, Pangasinan, La Union and Nueva Ecija,” it said.

TPLEX connects the Northern and Central provinces of Luzon to Metro Manila via the North Luzon and Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressways.

The expressway has four lanes to ensure road safety and in anticipation of future traffic growth.

PIDC said the new project, including the construction of the 950-meter Agno viaduct, is expected to be completed in April, 2014.

Upon completion, the two-hour travel time from Tarlac to Carmen, Pangasinan will be cut to only 30 minutes.

PIDC also added that the remaining 25.83-kilometer part from Urdaneta, Pangasinan to Rosario, La Union will be completed by 2015.

President Benigno S. Aquino IIIw who led the opening of the TPLEX on Monday, expressed confidence that the the new expressway will not only boost tourism in Northern Luzon but would also stimulate further economic activity in this part of the archipelago.

“(With TPLEX), areas like Hundred Islands suddenly become that much more accessible. Baguio and the surrounding areas in Cordillera suddenly seems like but a short trip away,” the President said.

“Projects like these opened up more and more possibilities for our countrymen to engage in gainful productive and progressive livelihood. Government can do all of these at some point in time, but that some point in time might take 10 generations to accomplish something like this,” Aquino said.

The President said the opening of the TPLEX is a great Christmas gift for the travelers and commuters in Tarlac and various parts of Central and Northern Luzon.

“Together with private partnership, who believe in the same vision that we have, then we will achieve the dreams sooner rather than later, and to that, really, it is truly a splendid Christmas gift,” he said.







Visayas disaster depletes NFA rice stocks – DA

By Franco G. Regala


Clark Freeport, Pampanga –The massive relief operations in the typhoon-affected areas in the Visayas region, particularly in Tacloban, Leyte, have resulted in the depletion of the rice supply of the National Food Authority (NFA), according to an official of the Department of Agriculture (DA).

Agriculture Undersecretary Dante S. Delima disclosed over the weekend that the series of relief efforts following the onslaught of super-typhoon “Yolanda” contributed to the reduction in NFA rice stocks in various warehouses in the country.

“The NFA buffer stock was depleted due to artificial need for rice brought about by series of typhoons and the latest was Yolanda. We saw massive relief efforts from Bohol to Leyte,” said Delima.

He explained that NFA should have a buffer stock of rice enough to last for about 15 days, but the NFA stock was depleted to eight days and had to be replenished swiftly.

But he noted that the latest importation of 500,000 metric tons of rice “would refill the vacuum brought by massive relief efforts.”

The agency is expected to attain the 19 million metric tons target for its rice sufficiency program to ensure enough rice stock next year and in the coming years.

Rice issues have been thoroughly discussed recently in a workshop attended by regional offices and field unit heads, including the National Irrigation Administration (NIA), Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), and the Mindanao Rural Development Program.

Other matters discussed were corn programs, farm-to market road and the high-value crops development program.

Rice from Vietnam

Meanwhile, some 35,000 metric tons of imported rice from Vietnam will soon be received by NFA in the Ilocos region through a government-to-government import agreement. This is part of the 500,000 metric tons of additional imported rice sought by the NFA.

According to NFA Director Carlito G. Co, the imported rice is meant as the government’s “pre-cautionary stocks” until the agency starts procuring palay anew from the farmers during the summer cropping season next year.

The first batch of imported rice will arrive at the Port of San Fernando this month while the remaining batches will be delivered to the region until March 2014.

Co said the rice import will help shore up the existing inventory in the region even as it continues to buy palay from the farmers. Rice importation is also expected to reduce the farm gate price of palay, which Co said was still very high.

“The infusion of the imported rice will hopefully cushion the buying price of palay by traders which is still way too high compared to the government price of P17 per kilogram,” he said.

He added that with the coming of the imported rice, prices in the market would also loosen up.

Vietnam has won the contract to supply rice to the Philippines with a tender of $462.25 per metric tons, beating Thailand’s offer of $475.

PhilRice Commended

The DA commended the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) for their success in the implementation and commemoration of the National Year of Rice (NYR2013) in the Philippines, a top-rank official from the Agriculture Department said yesterday.

Bernadette Romulo-Puyat, undersecretary for special concerns, said PhilRice, the head research agency of the country in rice production, was able to reach 51.5 million Filipinos with their various programs and projects in 2013.

Romulo-Puyat said NYR2013 has been “successful in raising awareness not only on the department’s initiatives to increase rice productivity and farmers` income but in uniting all sectors for rice self-sufficiency and export of premium rice.”

She added that the campaign had built a strong foundation for the agriculture industry, ensuring continuous productivity.

However, Romulo-Puyat admitted that the department`s confidence is dampened by climate change, which she said is also agriculture`s biggest threat. (With reports from Liezle Basa Inigo and Mark Anthony N. Manuel)

Angeles into water bonsai dev’t

By Franco G. Regala


Angeles City, Pampanga — The inventor of an indoor water-based plant launched an exhibit here at the Angeles City Hall to promote his groundbreaking invention that aims to promote a greener and healthier environment at minimal cost.

Edwin Dela Torre, inventor of the water-bonsai technology, presented his idea to the Angeles City SPED (Special Education) Center during their celebration of the National Disability Prevention and Rehabilitation Week.

He was recently given an opportunity by the local government to hold an exhibit here, which was met with a very favorable response by officials and city hall employees.

In an interview recently, Dela Torre shared his experiences throughout the development and promotion of the water-bonsai.

Dela Torre said that he is really hopeful that a local government would pick up the development and production of the technology as it would be a very effective response to the issues brought about by climate change.

During the exhibit, Angeles City Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan referred Dela Torre’s work to the city’s agriculture office and Task-Force One-Million Trees program, so that it can get the support it needs.

“Right now, with over hundreds of thousands of trees planted, the task force is currently facing the challenge of not having enough ground to plant on. However, with Dela Torre’s invention, we could continue planting Angeles City and make it one of the greenest places in the country, if not the world,” Pamintuan said.





CDC puts up ‘Aeta-preneur’ program

By Franco G. Regala


Clark Freeport , Pampanga — In the spirit of Christmas and as part of its goal to augment the economic needs of Indigenous People (IP) and persons with disabilities (PWDs), the Clark Development Corporation (CDC) has launched a livelihood program to help them earn decent living.

CDC President Arthur P. Tugade said Saturday the “Aeta-preneur” project, formed in partnership with the Technical Education Skills and Development Authority (TESDA), provides a variety of livelihood programs, including wellness massage, electrical and plumbing, negosyo karts, desilting and hallow blocks making.

He said the training for wellness massage, electrical and plumbing is part of the project dubbed “Kabuhayan para sa may Kapansanan at Katutubo” or KKK.

“Christmas is a time for giving. And what better way to give back to our Aeta brothers and sisters than to teach them new skills and new methods to earn a decent living,” said Tugade.

“Instead of just peddling native wares and products or re-selling golf balls to golfers and tourists, they can now do more,’’ he added.

Also, the CDC is preparing to construct a wellness coffee and snack bar. A KKK committee was likewise formed to look for potential concessioners to employ Aetas or PWDs for sustained income, according to Tugade.

Tugade said the desilting project will initially involve some 50 Aeta members of the Mabalacat Aeta Tribal Association (MATA). The small hollow block making business, on the other hand will only be used to build small structures like concrete fences.







Tigerair sees enormous potential of Clark Freeport Zone

By Donnabelle Gatdula


MANILA, Philippines - Low-cost carrier Tiger Airways Philippines, formerly SEAir Inc., is setting its sight on Clark Freeport Zone as its new strategic path to tap a growing number of travelers in Northern Luzon.

“We see a great potential for business growth in Northern Luzon and we believe Clark will play a big role in establishing Tigerair Philippines’ presence in that area,” said Tigerair Philippines president and CEO Linda Oliva Ramos. “We would like to see Tigerair’s name being synonymous to Clark.”

The Singaporean-led airline firm is currently flying to several international and local routes from the Clark International Airport located inside the freeport.

Specifically, Tigerair Philippines flies domestic via Clark or Terminal 4 to Manila-Cebu, Manila-Bacolod, Manila-Iloilo, Manila-Kalibo, Manila-Puerto Princesa, and Manila-Tacloban.

Its international flights include Clark–Hong Kong, Clark–Bangkok, Clark–Singapore, Clark–Kalibo, Kalibo–Singapore, and Manila-Phuket.

“I think, we are still not good at promoting Clark as a destination, but Clark is enormous. There’s a lot of potential in Clark,” Ramos said.

MANILA, Philippines - Low-cost carrier Tiger Airways Philippines, formerly SEAir Inc., is setting its sight on Clark Freeport Zone as its new strategic path to tap a growing number of travelers in Northern Luzon.

“We see a great potential for business growth in Northern Luzon and we believe Clark will play a big role in establishing Tigerair Philippines’ presence in that area,” said Tigerair Philippines president and CEO Linda Oliva Ramos. “We would like to see Tigerair’s name being synonymous to Clark.”

The Singaporean-led airline firm is currently flying to several international and local routes from the Clark International Airport located inside the freeport.

Specifically, Tigerair Philippines flies domestic via Clark or Terminal 4 to Manila-Cebu, Manila-Bacolod, Manila-Iloilo, Manila-Kalibo, Manila-Puerto Princesa, and Manila-Tacloban.

Its international flights include Clark–Hong Kong, Clark–Bangkok, Clark–Singapore, Clark–Kalibo, Kalibo–Singapore, and Manila-Phuket.

“I think, we are still not good at promoting Clark as a destination, but Clark is enormous. There’s a lot of potential in Clark,” Ramos said.

Full Development Of Clark Urged

By philippinesnewsheadlines.com


CLARK FREEPORT, Pampanga — The Clark International Airport Corporation (CIAC) is calling for the full development of Clark International Airport as an aviation nerve center in Asia in light of the economic growth in the continent. “With the world’s economic center of gravity rapidly moving eastward, there is increasing urgency to develop Clark International Airport into an aviation hub,” CIAC said in a statement.

Investment and business opportunities

By clarkphilippines.com/


With near-zero crime rate, low pollution levels, absence of traffic congestion and a favorable tax structure, Clark Freeport is well known among foreign investors as the destination of choice. Now that the Clark International Airport (DMIA) has flung into full operations with dozens of flights linking Clark to all major cities in Asia and some beyond, Clark Philippines has come of age.

Find out more about investment opportunities, business and projects for sale, land for long-term leasing and subleasing as well as other property and real estate deals on the market today.

SM City Clark raises P800,000 for ‘Yolanda’ victims

By Ashley Manabat / Correspondent


CLARK FREEPORT—SM City Clark raised P800,000 in its Tree of Life, Tree of Light fund-raising program for the victims of Supertyphoon Yolanda (international code name Haiyan) in Monday’s ceremony at the mall’s north-east wing acacia promenade here.

SM City Clark Mall Manager Ana Datu said the project intends to raise P1.5 million from donors in the Metro Clark area who would donate P1,000 for every Capiz-made Christmas ball which will be hung on an assigned acacia tree for their city or municipality.

Five acacia trees, one each for the municipalities of Porac and Magalang and the cities of Angeles and Mabalacat and another for the Clark Development Corp. (CDC) and SM City Clark, can accommodate 300 Christmas balls or P300,000 for each tree, for a combined total of P1.5 million for the five acacia trees.

Datu said the proceeds of the project would be used to build homes for the victims of Yolanda. SM’s Henry Sy earlier donated P100 million for the rebuilding of the houses destroyed by the super typhoon.

Angeles City Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan, Vice Mayor Vicky Vega-Cabigting, City Councilor Edu Pamintuan and a boy from the city began the ceremony by placing the Capiz-made Christmas ball on a pedestal which turned on the lights on the assigned acacia tree for Angeles City.

The representatives from Magalang were led by Vice Mayor Norman Lacson and Clark International Airport Corp. President and CEO Victor Jose “Chichos” Luciano, a prominent resident of the town.

Mabalacat City was represented by Vice Mayor Christian Halili, Councilor Benny Jocson and Jhune Magbalot who placed the Capiz ball on the pedestal to light the tree for the city. 

Porac town was represented by Vice Mayor Dexter David and Councilor Mark Anthony E. Valencia, while SM and CDC were represented by CDC Vice President for Finance Noel Mananquil and SM Regional Operations Manager Rheybie C. Nipas.

The tree-lighting ceremony was followed by a solemn candle-lighting ceremony, while representatives from the City College of Angeles sang “We Are The World” which capped the event.

Others who supported the event were Pruds S. Garcia of Mekeni Foods Corp., Rep. Yeng Guiao (First District, Pampanga), Lito Mercado of PLDT Clark, Asian College of Aeronautics, AA Dodge Pest Control, Pest Away, Paravisble, VDC Contractor Inc., MSV Sounds and Lights, Chrisney Sounds and Lights, Job Clean Manpower and General Services, Aresun Manpower Services, John Bailey, and the Clark Investors and Locators Association.






Philippines, US forge pact for cemetery maintenance’

By Reynaldo G. Navales


CLARK FREEPORT -- The Philippine Government and the United States of America are set to sign today (December 16) a memorandum of understanding (MOU) that will give the American Battle Monuments Commission (ABMC) permission to maintain, restore, and operate the Clark Veterans Cemetery (CVC) located inside this former military facility.

The signing of the MOU, which will be held at the Department of Foreign Affairs office in Pasay City, will allow the ABMC to begin “caring for and maintaining” the cemetery, said Dennis Wright, president and chief executive officer of Peregrine Development International Incorporated, one of the entities currently supporting the CVC maintenance.

“Recall the law required a bi-lateral agreement be in place before ABMC could take over. This is the final official step required to get the cemetery transferred from the volunteers of VFW Post 2485 to ABMC,” Wright told Guy Hilbero, Mabalacat City Tourism officer and executive officer of the 26th US Cavalry and Philippine Scouts Memorial Regiment based here.

Hilbero welcomed the development, saying all of the organizations working for the restoration of the veteran’s cemetery will be glad about the news.

“All is well that ends well. The souls of all veterans, including the Philippine Scouts, buried at the cemetery will finally rest in peace with dignity,” Hilbero said.






Smuggling ‘rife in Clark freeport zone’

By Rose De La Cruz/Manila Times


Some firms at the Clark Freeport Zone (CFZ) are being used in the smuggling of raw materials or finished products for export, with most of them usually ending up in the local market.

Voluminous reports obtained by Manila Times showed that the Clark Development Corp’s (CDC) anti-smuggling task force has been apprehending some movers and confiscating items about to be smuggled out of the ecozone.

The most recent apprehensions by the Task Force on Revenue and Tax Monitoring led to the confiscation last November 9 of an undetermined number of cut gloves and five rolls of anti-static fabric, 19 boxes of sticky mats and three boxes of cotton M-3 wiper.

On June 17, the task force seized a truckload of computer servers and accessories after the driver presented only a gate pass from Rapat of Philexcel Business Park and not a permit to bring the items out of the zone.

Arnel Maguillo, chief of the anti-smuggling task force, reported at least 50 cases of interceptions and confiscations of goods about to be smuggled out of the zone between December 2004 and June this year.

The 50th entry of the group’s accomplishment report said: “Secured all evidences regarding shipment of luxury cars (brand-new 2-door Gallardo Lamborghini worth $167,850 or P7.4mn) coming from Dubai via Subic and arrived at Clark Customs Clearance Area last Dec 22, 2004. Submitted official report to the office of the president, task force chairman.”

The list of items that are being smuggled through Clark is long. It includes DVDs from Malaysia; laptop computers declared as computer parts, untaxed imported furniture, cell phone parts (supposed to be shipped to Singapore); untaxed assorted cloth, rolls of textiles, wines, cigarettes and other duty-free items; crystal processing, grinding stones; assorted imitation watches; medicines; Tommy Hilfiger assorted colours of women’s jackets; scrap materials; wooden and steel chairs; diesel oil; medical equipment; halogen bulbs for cars; headphone sets among others.

Vehicles moving goods from the Freeport Zone must have a Bring Out Permit (BOP) from the CDC or they face a 50,000 pesos fine, the arrest of the driver and confiscation of the cargo.

After paying the penalty, the vehicles are allowed to exit.

Under Republic Act 8748, which amended the Special Economic Zone Act of 1995, investors or locators in ecozones like CFZ cannot bring, much less sell, their products outside the ecozone.

Yet movers who were apprehended by the CDC’s Public Safety Department were found to be sourcing their items from the locators themselves.






Kanye West to headline 1st Clark International Music Festival

By sunstar.com.ph


CLARK FREEPORT -- Grammy-award winning hip hop artist Kanye West is set to headline the 1st Clark International Music Festival that is slated from February 21-23, 2014 at the Global Gateway Logistics Corporation (GGLC) grounds inside the Freeport.

“I am excited about this one which 7107 Group is organizing in partnership with us and GGLC,” Clark Development Corporation President Arthur Tugade said in the press statement.

Around 70,000 music patrons are expected to attend the event, which is meant to boost tourism, create partnerships in South East Asia and promote local musicians among others.

“This is similar to California’s Coachella, Florida’s Ultra Music, Chicago’s Lollapalooza, Las Vegas’ Electric Daisy Carnival and Belgium’s Tomorrowland which all annually attract mammoth crowds,” Tugade added.

Other artists expected to perform are Arcade Fire, Kings of Leon, and Empire of the Sun as well as a number of international DJs. (PR)

Tigerair launches Clark-Davao flights

By Reynaldo G. Navales


CLARK FREEPORT -- The Tigerair Philippines has launched its Clark-Davao flight eyeing Clark International Airport as its operation hub in the region.

Tigerair president and chief executive officer Olive Ramos said their new three-times-a-week flights will start on December 17.

"Tigerair will maximize their presence in Clark and as a hub for its flights because of its ideal location. Unlike the Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Metro Manila, it is not as busy and congested," Ramos said during a press conference at Holiday Inn Resorts Clark.

Ramos also revealed that Tigerair will also embarked on plans to further expand their Clark operations by conducting international flights to Incheon in South Korea and Tokyo, Japan by early 2014.

"Clark International Airport is a vital location for our operations especially in our flights in the Asia Pacific Region, and we intend to expand our presence in the area," she stressed.

At present, Tigerair flies to Hong Kong, Singapore and Bangkok with domestic flights to Kalibo via Clark Airport.

"With these flight, travellers from the Northern and Central Luzon no longer need to drive all the way to the NAIA to take their flights to these destinations," she added.

Ramos stressed "that they will be focusing in Clark because of its potentials as a gateway to the North and Clark is a tax-free zone, making operations out of its airport less costly for carriers. Lower operations costs mean more affordable rates for travellers."

"Operating in Clark offers many incentives, such the fuel is tax free, and fuel is 60 to 70 percent of the cost of operating carriers, That’s why it is cheaper to fly out of Clark," Ramos added.

Victor Jose Luciano, Clark International Airport Corporation (CIAC) President and Chief Executive Officer, welcomed the carrier's additional domestic flights.

He said this would boost passenger volume at Clark Airport.

Luciano revealed that the French firm Airport Du Paris and the Philippine Governments are set to sign a memorandum of agreement for the design of a budget terminal for Clark.

He said that the funds for the project will be provided by the Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC) amounting to P7.2 billion.

The Budget Terminal capacity is about 15 million passengers annually, according to Luciano.

Tigerair's other flights include Manila-Cebu, Manila-Davao, Manila-Tacloban, Manila-Bacolod, Manila-Iloilo, Manila-Kalibo, and Manila-Puerto Princesa.

It also has international flights from Manila to Phuket.







Kanye West to headline 1st Clark International Music Festival

By CARLO LORENZO J. DATU


CLARK FREEPORT, December 12 (PIA) -- Grammy-award winning hip hop artist Kanye West is set to headline the 1st Clark International Music Festival that is slated from February 21-23, 2014 at the Global Gateway Logistics Corporation (GGLC) grounds inside the freeport.

“I am excited about this one which 7107 Group is organizing in partnership with us and GGLC,” Clark Development Corporation President Arthur Tugade said in the press statement.

Around 70,000 music patrons are expected to attend the event, which is meant to boost tourism, create partnerships in South East Asia and promote local musicians among others.

“This is similar to California’s Coachella, Florida’s Ultra Music, Chicago’s Lollapalooza, Las Vegas’ Electric Daisy Carnival and Belgium’s Tomorrowland which all annually attract mammoth crowds,” Tugade added.

Other artists expected to perform are Arcade Fire, Kings of Leon, and Empire of the Sun as well as a number of international DJs. (CLJD-PIA 3)

Clark Freeport, Foton sign $20M lease agreement

By pia.gov.ph


CLARK FREEPORT, Pampanga, Dec 11 (PIA) –- The Clark Development Corporation (CDC) signed a $20-million lease agreement with Foton Motors Phils., Inc. for the establishment of an assembly facility inside the Clark Freeport, CDC president Felipe Antonio B. Remollo announced. Remollo said he has signed the agreement with Foton Motors Phils., Inc. president Rommel L. Sytin, whose company will construct an automotive and truck assembly facility geared for exports generally to the Asian region and for domestic sales, “as maybe necessitated by market forces.” The CDC president added that the agreement grants Foton a renewable lease term of 25 years in a 50,000-square meter area along Lot 2 of Panday Pira Avenue here. With a $20-million investment for the next three years, Remollo said Foton will generate employment for at least 120 workers during its initial stage. “In the Asian region, Foton was acknowledged as the leading Asian distributor, owing to its aggressive service-driven sales and brand marketing promotions through its network of 14 dealers and 63 accredited service centers nationwide,” Remollo said. In October this year, the CDC and Foton signed a term sheet with United Asia Automotive Group Inc. (UAAGI), which paved the way for Foton’s lease agreement signing with the state-owned corporation. Foton, through the UUAGI, takes pride in becoming the first Filipino company to compete in the vehicle manufacturing industry by offering its products in the ASEAN market. Foton-manufactured vehicles distributed in the country include the Blizzard Turbo 4x2 and 4x4 pickup, view ambulance van, and the view 15-seater van, and the MPX vans with captain’s seats. The truck models in the local market are the Hurricane cab and chassis, drop-side and aluminum van, Tornado Series 3.5L, 2.5 and 2, the Cyclone, Wind, and Mini Coach. (WLB/CDC)

CDC signs integrity pledge

By sunstar.com.ph


CLARK FREEPORT -- In observance of National Anti-Corruption Year, top management officials and employees of the Clark Development Corporation (CDC) signed on December 9 an integrity pledge against corruption in government.

CDC President Arthur Tugade said this is the first time in the history of the CDC that the entire management and its employees vowed to fight corruption and restore the integrity of the state-owned corporation.

Tugade said that he was first asked to sign the CDC integrity pledge more than 11 months ago.

"I deliberately postponed the signing of the pledge; but after more than 11 months I have already earned the ascendancy to urge fellow CDC employees in saying 'Let's go for the integrity pledge. Let's go and make a vow on no corruption'," Tugade said.

"We are now ready to shout to the whole world, not only within the Freeport zone that we can live by the no corruption law. We can all take pride in saying that Mr. President Benigno 'Noynoy' Aquino, sa CDC po, daang matuwid kami!" Tugade announced during Monday’s flag raising ceremony held in front of the CDC Parade Grounds here.

Tugade noted that one of his significant achievements at the CDC was not about bringing in big ticket investments but rather, he strived to change the core values and culture within the corporation. Among the major points in Tugade's advocacy include the "no accepting of gifts" policy.

"After more than 11 months at the CDC, I saw a change in the CDC culture and a strong support in this advocacy of culture change," Tugade said.

He added: "Before I had doubts in my mind some 10 months ago, today I say to you in all pride, coupled with honest humility [that] I am proud to be a CDC employee."

"'Service above all' and 'no to corruption' should be the etched in every heart and mind of each CDC employee as he or she signs the integrity pledge. Only then that the entire CDC can truly say that we are all government employees," Tugade noted.

Integrity Initiative Executive Director Peter Perfecto lauded Tugade for his CDC culture change advocacy, which he said is similar to the call of members of the integrity initiative.

"We need culture change. From a culture of corruption to a culture of integrity," Perfecto said in a speech during the flag raising rites.

Perfecto lamented that Pinoys "have been so exposed to corruption that many of them had already accepted it as part of Filipino culture."

"It has been a common practice already for the ordinary Filipino to bribe people in government when doing simple tasks such as renewing or applying for a driver’s license… Now we’re trying to rebuild a culture of integrity," he stressed.

Perfecto believes that the culture of integrity is inherent in every Filipino but was lost through the years. "So it’s just a matter now of rebuilding that culture," he noted.

He also stressed that the culture of integrity is not dependent on who is the current president, "but rather that culture depends on each Filipino citizen."

"We cannot depend on just the president. In any change, it has to be culture change," Perfecto said.

Perfecto also expressed dismay at alarming reports of corruption, citing alleged cases of reselling and diversion of relief goods intended for survivors of super typhoon Yolanda in the Eastern Visayas.

"It's sad to note that even during disasters people still commit such deplorable acts. It is said that disasters bring out the best in the worst but still for others they think that it is still okay to steal relief goods," he said.

He emphasized that "we need to change that way of thinking. And we can change that attitude by infecting each other and supporting each other with the culture of integrity."

Perfecto also noted that the integrity initiative is not only applicable to the government but also in the private sector. He expressed disappointment over the practice of some people in the private sector who bribe government employees.

"…sila pa ang nauuna," he said, referring to erring private sector companies.

Perfecto also cited the CDC for pushing for the integrity initiative and described the attachment of a signed copy of the Panunumpa ng Kawani ng Gobyerno to each 201 file of all CDC employees as "best practice."

He assured CDC employees that he will discuss the integrity initiative conducted by the CDC in Project Shine, Coalition Against Corruption, and other similar organizations. (PR)






Business and investment in Clark

By clarkphilippines.com


One of the major factors that attracted investors – both local and foreign – to bring their businesses to Clark Philippines is the fact that Clark boasts the best record in crime rates, the lowest in the country. Investors and business stakeholders often comment that law and order is something that is indigenous to the investment destination. This is not something that businesses have the power and capability to change on its own.

Other factors that have attracted investors to Clark include the existence of Clark International Airport and proximity to Subic which provides the option of sea freight as well as water sports and ocean-based recreation.

Find out more here for matters relating to investing and doing business in Clark, Pampanga, Philippines.

Give credit where credit is due

By Max Sangil


SOME years ago, I wrote my pieces coming out of this paper with the above title: FOR THE RECORD. I was a member of the Angeles City Council then. That was 1995 till 1998. Time flew so swiftly. I was out of politics after my defeat in a mayoralty race that was won by former mayor and Congressman Carmelo "Tarzan" Lazatin.

I went back to public service when I got appointed director of Clark Development Corporation and Clark International Corporation by President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo in January 2001. And all these years, I never ceased to be part of mainstream media. I kept writing and co-hosting public service programs on radio and television.

Now, happy to be back again in the op-ed page of this paper!

--oo0oo--

Mark the calendar. December 8 this year, Angeles City which was founded in 1829 will celebrate its 184th Foundation Day. From a small clearing and originally known as Culiat, it became an independent town through the efforts of its founder Angel Pantaleon De Miranda and wife Rosalia De Jesus.

--oo0oo--

There is a need to rename streets in Angeles City. I am drafting a resolution that I intend to file in the city council to rename some streets like Sto. Entierro to Pantaleon De Miranda and Sto. Rosario to Rosalia De Jesus.

I will propose that Rizal Extension Street which starts from boundary of Barangay San Nicolas going to Barangay Sto. Rosario and leads up to the boundaries of Angeles City and Porac be renamed Juanita L. Nepomuceno street. This is to honor Mrs. Nepomuceno, the principal sponsor in the passage of Republic Act 3700, or the "Charter of the City of Angeles."

--oo0oo--

There will be researches that will be made before the passage of my sponsored resolution. I intend to invite historians, academicians and whoever is interested in this issue of renaming the Angeles streets. As part of the resolution, we will task every barangay and private subdivision for the upkeep of the street signs. By the way, there are several streets in the city, and in many subdivisions, without any streets signs. And no wonder you have to ask a trike driver in the neighborhood if you are looking for someone.

--oo0oo--

Give credit where credit is due. The city should have long time honored Juanita L. Nepomuceno by way of naming a major road or a public building in her name. Nepomuceno was a bar topnotcher. She was an outstanding member of the House of Representatives in the early '60s. She also served as assemblywoman and governor of Pampanga. She was called the "mother" of agrarian reform, because she principally authored the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Act.

--oo0oo--

Another figure deserving honor is the late Mayor Rafael Del Rosario. He was the last town mayor and the first Angeles City mayor. He can be credited to the many reforms he instituted in local governance during his time. It was under his watch when the first comprehensive land use plan for the city was implemented. And this was through the help of the late Emmanuel "Manoling" Yap, an economist and head of the Congressional Planning Office of the House of Reprsentatives during the the time of Speaker Jose B. Laurel Jr.

--oo0oo--

There are more Angeleños who deserve to be remembered. The fingers and toes are not enough to count those who should be honored. An effort should be made. And now, and not tomorrow.






Duty Free Shopping in Clark Freeport Zone in Angeles City – Philippines

By (The Philippine Star)


Clark Freeport Zone, located in Angeles City, Pampanga is one of the more popular among the Freeport zones in the country. Formerly known as the Clark Special Zone, it occupies 28,000 hectares of land formerly occupied by the United States Air Force in a time when the Americans established a strong military presence in the country. Clark Air Base was the biggest air force installation of the Americans outside of their country. Today, Clark is being groomed as a center of operations in the Asian region of various medium-sized and large companies. The Clark Development Corporation was established in order to manage and operate the 2,200 hectares allotted for the Clark Freeport Zone. Since the establishment of the Clark Development Corporation (CDC), the Freeport Zone has experienced a major investment deluge as close to 389 international and local investors have moved their shops and brought in around US$24.33 billion worth of investment. In 2006 alone, companies operating inside the zone have generated US$1 billion worth of exports. It has likewise generated jobs for the residents of neighboring provinces like Bulacan and Tarlac. Duty free shopping in Clark Freeport Zone can be quite an experience as there are eleven shops to choose from. Aside from that, there is a wide range of bars and restaurants that operate within the Freeport Zone. With the signing of Executive Order 619 by President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo on April 16, 2007, duty free shopping in Clark Freeport Zone will become more viable. The signing of EO 619 will pave the way for legitimate businesses that will relocate to special economic zones to receive tax and duty incentives. The granting of these duties is similar with those that have been provided by Republic Act 7916. According to CDC Marketing Manager Raffy Galvez, firms that will move their business to the Clark Freeport Zone would be entitled to receive generous tax breaks from the government. Instead of receiving 32%, the corporate income tax of these companies would be reduced to 5%. Likewise, import of capital equipment and raw materials will be exempted from duties. As soon as President GMA signs Senate Bill 2260, Clark Freeport Zone will change its name to Clark Freeport Philippines. For people who will be coming from Metro Manila and other provinces, duty free shopping in Clark Freeport Zone is very convenient. By car, one should take the North Luzon Expressway from Manila and make their way to the Dau exit. From there, they should take a left turn going to Angeles City and then right towards Clark. From Manila, the total time of the trip is 1 hour and 30 minutes. For commuters who want to experience duty free shopping in Clark Freeport Zone as well, there is a bus service terminal at Building A of SM Megamall that plies the Manila to Clark route. The buses leave at 7:00 am and 12:00 pm, respectively. Duty free shopping in Clark Freeport Zone is likewise accessible through air. The state-of-the-art Diosdado Macapagal International Airport (DMIA) serves as the main entry point of domestic as well as other airline companies. Passengers arriving from Hong Kong can avail of the various perks and benefits as soon as they arrive at the airport. In the end, duty free shopping in Clark Freeport Zone can be an exciting experience for shopping enthusiasts.





Donations for typhoon survivors continue

By (The Philippine Star

MANILA, Philippines - Nearly one month after Super Typhoon Yolanda, generous donations and support for typhoon victims have still not ceased. Japanese firm SMK Electronics (Phils.) Corp. donated 9.8 tons of relief goods, which arrived on three big trucks at the hangar of the Philippine Air Force’s 600th Air Base Wing in Clark Freeport, Pampanga yesterday. The relief goods, comprised of 4,000 food packs, water, medicine and candles, were airlifted by a C-130 from Villamor Air Base. SMK is one of the leading exporters in Clark and has been increasing its export volume by 25 percent since its operations started. It recently bared plans to expand operations and employ additional 1,200 workers in the next three years. Meanwhile, the Clark Development Corp. (CDC) canceled its Christmas party and donated the budget for it to Yolanda survivors, CDC president Arthur Tugade said. Sources said the allocation for the CDC Christmas party was P1 million. Earlier, CDC vice president for operations Franco Alejo Madlangbayan also turned over 12 checks worth P1.2 million to the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) for the agency’s relief operation in Eastern Visayas. The National Food Authority (NFA), for its part, issued 713,307 bags of rice to agencies conducting relief operations for victims of calamities across the country. Most of the rice stocks, or 597,707 bags, were given to Yolanda victims and were coursed through the DSWD, National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, Philippine Red Cross, local government units, the World Food Program, and private charitable institutions. Other rice stocks were given to the victims of other typhoons that hit the country, the strong earthquake that struck Bohol and Cebu, the recent standoff in Zamboanga City, and the standoff in Malaysia. The NFA management set up a special assistance account to receive cash donations for NFA employees affected by Yolanda and the strong earthquake. As of Nov. 29, P1,035,685.25 had been remitted to the special account. The NFA management also cancelled the food agency’s Christmas party to donate the budget to affected NFA employees. Cash-for-work In a related development, the DSWD said it is now identifying families in Eastern Visayas that will receive cash-for-work (CFW) assistance from the government after the agency transitions from relief packs distribution to livelihood assistance by January 2014. “We are now identifying those families who will be given CFW. With the cash that they will receive in exchange for rendering community work, they will be able to buy their own food and other necessities,” Social Welfare Secretary Corazon Soliman said. The CFW program will be implemented for a maximum of 15 days. The DSWD is also still studying possible livelihood activities that have shorter gestation period and will be more sustainable to be included under the CFW program. – Ding Cervantes, Evelyn Macairan, Rainier Allan Ronda

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