Angeles City News March 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.

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.

Kuliat Foundation scrambling to raise P14-M for Angeles museum

By Ian Ocampo Flora

ANGELES CITY -- The Kuliat Foundation has set the ball rolling to gather donations of at least P14-million for maintenance, repairs and other operational costs of its Museo Ning Angeles.

The Kuliat Foundation Inc. (KFI) is a non-stock non-profit organization committed to working for the preservation of Angeles City's history, culture and traditions. It is also the official administrator of the Museo ning Angeles. Built in 1922, the Museo Ning Angeles is the original town hall of then town of Angeles.

The National Museum of the Philippines (NMP) declared the Museo ning Angeles as an "Important Cultural Property of the Philippines."

But despite of this, like other museums operated by non-government groups, the Museo ning Angeles relies mostly on donations. Kuliat Foundation Director Joy Cruz said that the Angeles City government pays for some staff and supports the museum in many aspects. The museum even receives some proceeds from the yearly Tigtigan Terakan event.

Cruz said that the museum alone needs some P50,000 to keep operations going. This April 25, Kuliat Foundation is hosting a benefit fashion show at the Holy Angel University to raise funds for this year’s restoration project of the Museo Ning Angeles.

The fashion show dubbed "Pidayit" will showcase the works of renowned Angeles-based fashion designer Phillip Torres.

"Pidayit" is a gala event that showcases the conjoining of culture and chic, a synthesis of homespun art and modern styles. This show will feature Kapampangan beauty titlists and internationally renowned models and will highlight works of Torres.

Pampanga most peaceful province in Central Luzon – NEDA says

(PNA), FFC/ZST/JM/PS

BACOLOR, Pampanga, March 19 (PNA) -- The Police Regional Office-3 (PRO-3) said that based on the assessment of the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA), Pampanga is the most peaceful province in Central Luzon.

This report was made during the 1st Quarterly Full Council Meeting of the Regional Peace and Order Council (RPOC) presided by Nueva Ecija Governor Aurelio Umali, chairperson of RPOC together with Zambales Governor Hermogenes Ebdane, Pampanga Governor Lilia Pineda, PRO 3 officer-in-charge Police Supt. Ronald Santos and Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Regional Director Florida Dijan held on Thursday at Promenade King's Royale, this town.

It can also be noted that the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) declared that Pampanga is now insurgency free and ready for further development.

The PRO-3 reported that on the comparative average monthly crime rate (AMCR) per province and city showed that Pampanga recorded the lowest AMCR with 42.12, followed by Zambales with 72.49, Nueva Ecija with 72.78, Tarlac with 72.86, Bulacan with 78.24, Bataan with 82.69, Aurora with 115.85, Olongapo City with 134.25 and Angeles City with 276.79.

Based on report of the PRO 3, the average monthly crime rate in the region is pegged at 76.49 incidents, which is lower compared to 77.7 incidents in year 2013.

In 2014, PRO-3 recorded a total crime volume of 100,033 crime incidents in the region as compared to 98,478 for the same period last 2013, reflecting a significant increase of 1,555 incidents or 1.57 percent.

Reports have it that the significant increase in crime volume could be attributed to the system of gathering crime statistics, which include crimes reported to the barangays and other law enforcement agencies.

Bulacan recorded the highest crime volume with 29,051 or 29.04 percent followed by Nueva Ecija with 18,070 or 18.06 percent, Tarlac with 11,763 or 11.75 percent, Angeles City 11,469 or 11.146 percent, Pampanga 10,771 or 10.76 percent, Bataan with 7218 or 7.21 percent, Zambales with 4,919 or 4.91 percent, Olongapo with 3,812 or 3.81 percent and Aurora with 2,960 or 2.95 percent crime incidents.

Out of the 100,033-crime volume during the period, index crime recorded 45,698, which is higher by 2,611 or 6 percent compared to the tally of 43,087 of the year 2013.Reports also have it that non-index crime reflected a record of 54,335 incidents, which is lower by 1,056 or 1.9 percent of the tally in 2013, which is 55,391.

The index crime distribution for the period 2014 showed that physical injuries is the most prevalent incident with a total of 24,340 followed by theft with 12,088, robbery with 4,451, carnapping with 1,921, rape with 1,112, homicide with 871, murder with 810 and cattle rustling with 105 recorded incidents.

It can be noted that all index crime in 2014 has significantly increased compared to 2013.

Meanwhile, others who attended the RPOC meeting were Olongapo City Mayor Rolen Paulino, Mayor Maria Angela S. Garcia, LMP president in Bataan, Mayor Oscar Tetangco Jr, LMP president in Pampanga and regional directors and representatives of the member line agencies of the government.

Angeles lines up activities for Lent

By Reynaldo G. Navales

ANGELES CITY -- The City Government here through the Angeles City Tourism Office (ACTO) has lined-up activities in observation of the Lenten season done in partnership with socio-civic, performing arts and the religious sector.

Kicking off this year’s Lenten observance is Sinukwan Kapampangan’s “Panata at Panalangin: A Spiritual Journey through Culture and the Arts” which features a mixed-media art exhibit and dance performances depicting the religious practices of the Kapampangan region.

On its fourth year, the presentation will be staged on March 30 to April 4 at MarQuee Park under the artistic direction of Peter de Vera.

A holy week recollection with a theme “Thinking of the Poor, Feeling for the Poor and Caring for the Poor” will be spearheaded by the Holy Rosary Parish Church (HRPC) on March 30 to April 1.

The recollection-cum-sharing will feature key speakers including Fr. Rocky Evangelista of Tuloy Foundation, Peter de Vera of Bale-Balayan Museum for the Poor, and veteran journalist Kara David with her advocacy ”Project Malasakit”.

On April 1, the HRPC will do “Dalan ning Krus” (Stations of the Cross) at 4:00 p.m. The same day in the afternoon, Barangay Tabun’s annual community-wide fellowship through “Apunan ning Pamisanmetung” will take place at 7:00 pm. This event is a symbolic get together headed by the barangay's local officials, which aims to unite Tabun’s community and the people who come from different religious sects and backgrounds.

The Mass of the Lord’s Supper and the Bisita Iglesia: Veneration of the Blessed Sacrament are set to happen on April 2 at the Holy Rosary Parish Church.

Jesus’ sacrifices and martyrdom will again be remembered as Lourdes Northwest Barangay Council and Jason Pabalan’s Uyat Artista stage a two-part theatrical re-enactment of the Last Supper and the Crucifixion of Christ with “Siete Palabras” (The Seven Last Words) on April 2 and 3.

Angeleños are set to pay homage to the Holy Cross where Jesus was crucified through the solemn Veneration of the Cross and the Good Friday Procession on April 3 at the Holy Rosary Parish Church.

Culminating the city’s weeklong Lenten observance is HRPC’s Easter Vigil, Easter Procession and the traditional “Salubong” which celebrates the celebration of Christ’s resurrection and His symbolic reunion with the Blessed Virgin Mary.

The pre-dawn procession is slated to happen on April 4 from 8:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.

Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan stressed the need to keep these religious observances amidst the city’s growth and modernization.

"This is yet another opportunity for our citizens to preserve and promote our intangible heritage and that is by safeguarding our traditions and religious practices," said Pamintuan.

"Let us reflect and keep the real essence of this season deep in our hearts," the mayor added.

DTI-Central Luzon resolves more consumer complaints in 2014

(PR)

ANGELES CITY – "Caveat emptor" or "let buyers beware".

This is an old law, which reminds consumers or buyers of their responsibility to be watchful in buying products.

For consumers in Central Luzon, the figures showing the number of consumer complainants received by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Central Luzon reflects the need to be reminded of this old law.

It was disclosed that the DTI regional and provincial offices were able to resolve 487 or 91 percent of the 538 cases brought to their offices in 2014 through mediation and arbitration.

Topping the list of consumer complaints are buyers of cellphones with 124 or 23 percent of the complaints received. This is followed by tablets/iPad with 75 complaints. Household appliances are also among the common complaints with 63, motorcycle with 16, vehicles with 15 and laptops with five complaints.

The number of complaints resolved increased from 427 in 2013 to 487 in 2014 or a 14 percent improvement in the number of cases resolved for the year.

DTI officials' commitment to the public is the resolution of consumer complaints through mediation within seven working days and through arbitration within 20 working days.

Among the resolved cases, the DTI Regional Office in Angeles City ranked first in the mediation and resolution of 128 cases, Bulacan had 70, Nueva Ecija had 69 cases while the DTI Pampanga Office had 59 cases.

The province of Aurora only had five consumer complaints, all of which were resolved through mediation.

The Consumer Protection Division (CPD) of DTI-Central Luzon reminded cellphone dealers, retailers and manufacturers to follow the provisions of Republic Act (RA) 7394 or the Consumer Act of the Philippines, which provide that implied warranty for consumer items like cellphones and tablets have a minimum period of 60 days to one year.

Officials of DTI also reminded the buying public to be vigilant in examining the warranty certificates, which should meet the "minimum standards for warranties" under RA 7394.

The certificate should clearly stipulate the duration of the warranty, and its terms and conditions to ensure that the consumer is protected by inherent defects of the product.

Vice mayor supports wage hike for day care workers

By Reynaldo G. Navales

ANGELES CITY -- Vice Mayor Vicky Vega-Cabigting has expressed support to a resolution filed by a neophyte city councilor calling for an increase in the salaries of day care workers here.

The resolution, which was authored by Councilor Carmelo "Pogi" Lazatin Jr., was approved on first reading during the City Council's regular session last February 3 with an amendment to include the barangay health workers.

Cabigting said there is no harm in trying to re-file it after Councilor Alexander Indiongco rejected the resolution because an earlier version has been filed and acted upon by Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan.

Indiongco said there is no need to re-file the resolution because Pamintuan had already approved a P1,000 salary increase to day care workers instead of P5,000.

"In good-faith po nag–action po ang ating City Mayor kung hihingi na naman tayo at the start of the year parang hindi necessary po," Indiongco said.

Lazatin meanwhile explained that the "essence with re-filing the resolution is to increase an additional couple of thousands to the salaries of day care workers since they are the front liners in providing basic social services."

Cabigting explained that there is a P735-million allocation for non-office budget and if the council members would look closely, there are overlapping projects.

"Ang binibida naman po ng ating local government ngayon ay maraming pera. If the city government wants to be lean and mean, and if ang makikinabang naman po dito ay mga front liners, then there is no harm if they take a portion out of the budget of this overlapping projects," Cabigting said.

Cabigting added that her office has a P2-million budget for special programs and P900,000 for women health projects but apparently, the project proposals are still pending for review.

"I believe these projects will not be approved and the budget allocated for these will not be given to me. So why not use it instead to fund the salary increase of our day care workers and barangay health workers, who are our front liners in the delivery of basic social services?" Cabigting said.

She added that she would rather see that the budget intended for her projects be given to the day care workers and barangay health workers than to not know at all where the City Government spends it.

"Sa akin po mas maganda po na sa mga day care workers and barangay health workers mapunta itong pondo na ito kaysa naman po sa hindi natin alam kung saan napupunta ang pera ng bayan," Cabigting said.

The resolution was unanimously approved by the city council, including Indiongco, who afterwards added that "no committee hearing is needed" for the resolution and made a motion to include barangay health workers.

Science-tech farm to be developed in Clark

By Edd K. Usman

The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) has struck a deal with a theme park in Clark Field, Pampanga to put up a science and technology model farm (STMF).

The Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (PCAARRD), an agency under the DOST, said the STMF will showcase the “fusion of science and technology and corporate responsibility in a tech transfer modality imbued with a heart for the common good and benefit.”

PCAARRD signed the agreement with Zoocobia Fun Zoo and Paradise Ranch in Clark, Angeles City.

The STMF will be established in an adjoining property of the Zoocobia theme park, said PCAARRD, stressing the STMF for mango is a manifestation of its “resolve and continuing effort in terms of improving its technology transfer initiatives.”

Zoocobia will open its mango plantation and PCAARRD will supply the full package of technology and mentoring to make “mango picking an adventure and enjoyable experience,” the DOST Council said.

Zoocobia will also “provide the land, trees, farm inputs, and workers for the project,” the agency said.

The proposed theme park comes complete with educational experience involving various animals, including “large birds, bearcat, monkey, pot bellied pig, toy poodle, and some more animals seen in various settings for a truly exciting and interactional experience.”

Arts Month 2015 closes with colors

(Manila Times)

The National Arts Month was celebrated for the whole month of February and was ended with a blast of colorful and cultural performances from various groups showcasing their prowess in the arts scene.

The concluding program for the month-long festival was held on February 28 at the Rizal Park Open Air Auditorium with performances led by the ethnic dance of the University of the Philippines Kontra Gapi’s ethnic dances.

Traditional and contemporary dances were also staged by various dance groups like the Unibersidad de Manila’s Sinag Lahi Dance and The Nuno Dance Troupe of Angono. They filled the stage with colorful folk dances, from Pandanggo sa Ilaw, Pandanggo sa Baso, Tinikling and jotas, to the folk dances of Cordillera.

J-crisis contrasted the traditional tone of the night when they delivered a heart-stopping performance of high-flying acrobatic hip-hop routines.

Ani ng Dangal honorees from the Halili-Cruz Dance Company came in their grand ballet routine and contemporary dance performance.

Awardee Liza Diño was accompanied by her partner Aiza Seguerra in a flamenco performance to the tune of “Makita Kang Muli.” Joanna Ampil sang one of her original singles from her latest album, as well as her rendition of the song “Memories,| a musical piece from the internationally acclaimed production, Cats.

Besides dance and musical performances, theatrical pieces were delivered by the Sining Banwa performers from Ligao National High School, Ligao, Albay and members of Artistic Inc. from the Southern Tagalog region. Sining Banwa rendered a dramatic performance commemorating the heroes of the famous Bikolano epic, Ibalon, while Artistic Inc. showcased a musical excerpt from their National Arts Month staging of “Sining Tsinelasan sa Liliw” which centred on the life of Apolinario Mabini.

Also, the Art Circle, a student organization from the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila, conducted the “SELF-E: Engage, Encourage, Express, Explore th rough Arts.”

The closing ritual was Sinukwan Kapampangan’s “Graci Angeles” performance in thanksgiving to the angels from which Angeles City was named.

As summer-time approaches, the NCCA returns the summer heat with various programs. The month is ushered in by performances from the Jilin Art Troupe for the commemoration of the 40th Philippines-China Democratic Relations. International delegates from various countries united in bringing cultural performances together in the 13th International Festival for Language and Culture.

For schedules on upcoming activities, contact Rene Napeñas, head of NCCA Public Affairs and Information Office at 527-2192 local 208, or e-mail ncca.paio@gmail.com. Visit www.ncca.gov.ph.

DOT pushes C. Luzon as ‘convention capital’

By Astrud Aguinaldo (Contributor)

CLARK FREEPORT -- The Department of Tourism (DoT) Region III is positioning Clark and Subic as the preferred destinations for Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibition (MICE) events.

Ronnie Tiotuico, regional director ofthe DOT-3, said his department is planning to compile all MICE-related activities and facilities in Central Luzon and produce an audio-visual documentary.

The DOT-3 will soon announce the bidding at www.philjobs.com, he added.

“My next project is to put up a bid, for suppliers on AVPs, as to who will cover and produce the project which is the documentary,”n Tiotuico said during the media forum “Balitaan” organized by the Capampangan in Media, Inc. in cooperation with the Clark Development Corp. (CDC) and the Social Security System at the Bale Balita here last Friday.

DOT-3 will then distribute the DVD copies of Central Luzon MICE documentary to major associations and organization, he said.

Tiotuico also said several non-government organizations such as Lions, Kiwanis, Jaycees, Rotary, and Soroptimist will be given copies. According to him, the members of these international NGOs go around the country for regional and national conventions and with their international counterparts they can also invite them to hold their conventions or conferences here in Central Luzon.

Tiotuico reported that DOT-3 extended technical assistance and support in the planning and management of the Kiwanis Asia Pacific Convention 2015 held at the Fontana Leisure Parks and Resort here last week with this year’s theme: “Toward another century of growth and service.”

Aside from convention centers, the DOT regional director underscored that both Clark and Subic have “world-class” accommodation and support facilities like hotels, restaurants and recreational facilities and tour packages that tourists can avail themselves of.

He said convention centers like Fontana, Holiday Inn, and Widus Hotel and Casino in Clark and the Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center in Subic are the biggest in Central Luzon which can accommodate 5,000 people.

Tiotuico also noted that several hotel renovations in this freeport further stimulated vibrant international events here such as the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation-Senior Officials’ Meeting 1 and the 19th Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta in Clark.

“I was inspired by the recently held APEC meetings here. Ang ganda ng support ng mga hotels dito sa Clark.

Nag-renovate sila because of APEC, kaya we’re now ready (… The support of the hotels here is praiseworthy.

They renovated because of APEC that is why we are now ready),” he said. “Central Luzon is ripe to become the convention capital, if not in the Philippines but at least in the Luzon area,” he added.

In June 2014, a fourday conference of the Philippine Meetings, Incentives, Conventions and Exhibitions/Events or MICE was held here.

Some 600 participants representing airlines, hotels, resorts, convention centers, destination management companies, incentive planners, event organizers/planners, professional congress/ exhibitor organizers, MICE venues, local government units and the media attended the event.

Pampanga culture goes global

By Liezel Cayanan (Pampanga PIO)

CLARK FREEPORT -- Pampanga has once again proven its rich culture as foreign delegates witnessed the celebration of the Arts Month festival of the province.

The festival, which was organized by the Arts, Culture and Tourism Office of Pampanga (ACTOP), showcased the rich culture of the Kapampangan to the 900 delegation of the Kiwanis International-Asia Pacific.

“This activity was very timely as we recently celebrated our National Arts month. It served not only as a display of the local culture and talents but we also want to show through this activity how we, Kapampangans welcome visitors in our province,” said Arwin Lingat, Provincial Tourism officer.

The program started with the display of the City of San Fernando’s famous "Parul Sampernandu" or giant lanterns, which sparkled much to the delight of the foreign delegates.

It was followed by the presentations and artistic performances of Kapampangan artists who took center stage as they showcase their talents.

The famous Caragan dance which depicts the Aeta ancestry of the City of Mabalacat was also performed by the Power Mabalacat City Center for the Arts.

Angeles City’s Sinukwan Kapampangan also performed folk, rural and ethnic dances of Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao.

Meanwhile, guests expressed their delight as they were able to have a glimpse at the rich culture of the Filipinos especially the Kapampangans.

CDC launches first ever academic excellence award

(PNA), FPV/ZST/RKM/PS

CLARK FREEPORT, Pampanga, March 11 (PNA) --The Clark Development Corporation (CDC) has launched the first ever academic excellence award for outstanding graduating students in March this year.

The highest ranking and well-rounded students nominated by their respective schools will receive cash prize, custom made medal/trophy with CDC symbol of academic excellence award and a certificate.

Overall, 49 participants will receive a cash prize wherein Php10,000 each for 18 college students and Php5, 000 each for 31 technical-vocational students.

A special endorsement for those who are 18 years old and above will be extended by CDC to its partner Clark locator for apprenticeship and/or possible employment.

The event is open to graduating students who belong to the top 1% of their class for each academic school year.

Depending on the budget, the project targets the top 1 up to the top 3 scholars.

Likewise, the recipients should be graduates of public or private schools situated in the following five neighboring areas of the Clark Freeport/Special Economic Zones, namely Angeles City, Mabalacat City, Porac in Pampanga and Bamban and Capas in Tarlac.

The awards will be given to vocational and college students who meet the following criteria: class rank 10%, general weighted average of 1.75 or its equivalent grade 20%, extracurricular and other leadership skills 20%, other awards received 10%, good character, positive attitude (courtesy, team player, etc.) and moral values 20%, recommendation of direct teacher/professor and classmates or peers 10%, economic status (indigent, middle income, etc.) 10% for a total of 100%.

The academic excellence award falls within the memorandum of cooperation signed by the CDC along with Commission on Higher Education (CHED), Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) and Department of Education (DepEd).

An independent search and awarding committee, which shall be formed by the CDC External Affairs Department (EAD), will be in charge of the program.

The awarding will take place by the last week of March.

The courses aligned with priority industries inside the Clark Freeport Zones consist of industrial, tourism, hotel, restaurants and other service enterprises, call center, business process outsourcing (BPOs), business enterprises, hospital and aviation and agro-industry.

The award equally aims for a sustainable growth that would meet its target of generating and filling-up 100,000 jobs in this Freeport.


New business name registration in CL rises by 11%

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

ANGELES CITY, March 10 (PIA) -- New business name registrations in Central Luzon totaled to 35,643 in 2014, which is 11% higher compared to the 32,620 in 2013.

“Among the factors in the rise is the simplification of the procedures and faster transaction time,” Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) OIC-Regional Director Judith Angeles said.

Bulacan has the most business name registrations for the second year in the row at 9,092.

One of DTI’s major targets is to have business name processing in less than 15 minutes.

Its 2014 accomplishment report showed that the average processing time for business name registration in the region is less than six minutes, which is faster than the 2013 average of seven minutes.

DTI provincial office in Tarlac and the Industry Development Division in Angeles City have the fastest average transaction time for the region, where a completed business name application can be processed in a little over three minutes.

“Another continuing innovation of our agency in enabling business is streamlining the business registration process and integrating them with the requirements of partner government agencies under the Philippine Business Registration (PBR) system,” Angeles added.

PBR integrates the business registration processes of DTI, Home Mutual Development Fund or Pag-ibig, Bureau of Internal Revenue, Social Security System, and Philippine Health Insurance Corporation.

Under it, a business registrant will only go to one venue to lodge his business registration application for the five agencies.

12,633 registrants or 36% of all the new business name registration in the region last year were processed through the PBR.

Angeles council okays salary increase of day care workers, BHWs

By Reynaldo G. Navales

ANGELES CITY – Members of the Angeles City Council unanimously approved a resolution calling for a P5,000 increase in the salaries of day care workers in the city.

Councilor Carmelo “Pogi” Lazatin said the resolution he authored was approved during the city council’s regular session last February 3 with an amendment to include the Barangay Health Workers in the city.

"The essence with refilling the resolution is if we could increase another couple of thousands to the salaries of Day Care Workers," Lazatin said.

It can be recalled that the City Council has approved a similar resolution in 2014.

However, instead of P5,000, Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan only approved a P1,000 increase across the board, according to Lazatin.

“Our day care workers play an integral part in the development of our children and it is only fitting that we show them our sincere gratitude.”

Lazatin revealed that at present, day care workers in Angeles City earn between P3,000 to P6,000 per month.

“This amount is hardly enough considering the amount of work they have to put in,” said Lazatin, adding “As a father of three, I can attest to the fact that dealing with very young children isn’t easy and requires a lot of patience.”

Councilor Alexander Indiongco, who initially made a motion to block the resolution, introduced an amendment to include Barangay Health Workers in the salary increase, Lazatin said.

“If the proponent would want, we will have an amendment that instead it was intended only for the Day Care Workers, let us include all the Barangay Health Workers,” Indiongco said.

Lazatin made no objection on the amendment saying it is appropriate to recognize the Barangay Health Workers’ efforts in the delivery of basic health services.

Central Luzon included in top tourist destinations

By Reynaldo G. Navales

MABALACAT CITY -- Central Luzon is one of the leading regions in the country in terms of domestic visitor arrivals with 3.1 million tourists last year.

Ronnie Tiotuico, Department of Tourism Central Luzon director, said this indicate an increase of 21 percent compared to 2013 with 2.7 million tourists.

He said the arrival figures are based on monthly survey reports submitted by accommodation establishments in the region.

Tiotuico said the figures represent foreign tourists or Filipino travellers that found themselves vacationing in the various provinces in the region, which are called domestic travellers.

He said Filipinos represent a large part on the number of tourist or a share of 72 percent of the total arrivals.

Arrivals of foreign nationality, on the other hand, represented a share of 1.54 percent, according to Tiotuico.

In 2014, Chinese tourists represented the biggest population among foreign visitors at 12.5 percent (390,431) of the total arrivals while Americans came in second at 3.08 percent (95,737); South Koreans took the third spot at 1.8 percent (55,692); and Singaporeans placed fourth at 1 percent (31,200).

Among the provinces and cities in the region, Subic Bay Freeport and Zambales occupied the first slot at 1.2 million arrivals while Clark/ Pampanga / Angeles City came in 2nd at .621 million; Bataan at .199 million, Bulacan, .109 million, and Aurora at .108 million.

Average occupancy rate for accommodation establishments in the region stood at 62 percent while the length of stay of travellers was recorded at 22 nights with over 1.2 available rooms during the year.

The total arrival at the Clark International Airport reached 384,221 in 2014 based on the Bureau of Immigration (BI) records of passengers from various destinations.

Of the total arrivals, 61 percent or 236,162 are Filipinos. South Koreans represented 14.7 percent or 56,591; and the Americans at .061 percent or 23,691.

Tiotuico attributed the “unprecedented” increase in visitor arrivals in the region in 2014 to the significant developments in Clark and Subic - two of the most favored destinations.

“Among the events that triggered movement of people include the conduct of M.I.C.E. convention in June of last year which propelled the region to higher ground as the convention capital in the North Philippines if not in the entire country,” Tiotuico said.

The tourism regional office is set to come up with an audio-visual production or documentary on the potential of the region, he added.

Also paving the way for the development of the region as a major destination is Aurora with its annual surfing event in February of every year, according to the official.

“The event never ceases to attract foreign and local aqua sports enthusiasts," he said.

The recent infrastructure improvement at the Clark airport terminal to a capacity of 4 million passenger per year also paved the way for the recognition of the airport as one of the most preferred gateways in the country, he said.

“The energized re-constitution of the Association of Tourism Officers of Central Luzon (ATOCEL) played a vital role in developing the region as a major destination with the recent hosting of a number of major festivals and events in most cities and municipalities – resulting from the conduct of seminars on festival planning and management,” Tiotuico said.

The participation of the region including its private stakeholders and major players to major tourism and travel expositions in Cebu and Davao including the Tara na sa Norte in Makati City contributed in a significant way to the increase in arrivals to the region, he added.

“The long-running expo introduced to the potential travellers in Manila the myriad of major destinations of the region,” Tiotuico said.

The event was initiated by the Manila North Tollways Corporation (MNTC) in cooperation with the chapter members of North Phils Convention and Visitors Bureau and the Association of Tourism Officers of Central Luzon.

Cops nabbed for extortion

(AC-CIO)

CAMP OLIVAS, Pampanga -- Two rookie policemen were arrested by combined operatives of the Angeles City Intelligence Branch and Tracker Team during an entrapment operation in Barangay Malabanias, Angeles City on Saturday.

Senior Superintendent Eden Ugale, Angeles City police director, identified the arrested cops as Police Officer (PO) 1 Hebren Sicat, 25, a resident of Barangay Salapungan, Angeles City; and PO1 Ryan Villanueva, 34, a resident of Barangay Camias, Magalang, Pampanga.

Sicat and Villanueva are presently assigned at Police Station 4 in Angeles City, Ugale said.

He said George Colvin, 73, an American tourist temporarily residing at St. Josefa Subdivision in Barangay Malabanias, Angeles City, complained to police authorities about the two policemen who were allegedly extorting from him a certain amount of money.

Ugale, however, did elaborate how much the policemen were extorting from the foreigner and their reason for the alleged extortion.

Upon receiving the complaint of Colvin, Ugale said he immediately formed a police team to conduct an entrapment operation against the two policemen.

The entrapment operation was conducted along Narciso Street, St. Josefa Subdivision in Barangay Malabanias, here, which resulted to the arrest of Sicat and Villanueva.

Ugale said that appropriate charges are being readied to be filed in court against the two policemen.

Pamintuan gets 3rd most outstanding mayor award from Superbrands

(AC-CIO)

ANGELES CITY -- Multi-awarded and World No. 8 City Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan has been chosen as one of the recipients of the 2015 Most Outstanding Mayors Award (MOMA) by the prestigious worldwide organization Superbrands Marketing International (SMI).

This is the third time that SMI has voted Pamintuan for the said award since 2012.

SMI is the only international award-giving body on Marketing/Branding in the Philippines. A Superbrand pays tribute to the strongest brands in the country. It is currently promoting more than 14,000 brands and is present in 88 countries worldwide. The MOMA (Most Outstanding Mayor Award) promotes the works of the mayors for their singular or collective efforts toward nation building.

"We are being recognized worldwide and by world-class organizations for our dedication to public service and our service to the people. I am humbled by this award which will not be possible without the full support of the officials and employees of the city government and the barangays, and without the active participation of the different sectors in our city through their non-government and civil society organizations, and the business groups," Pamintuan said.

According to SMI, "A mayor who has already achieved the brand as Good and for Outstanding already enjoys the Better among the Good. But with ‘Most Outstanding,’ the award is for successes achieved.”

Just last month, the City Government of Angeles was adjudged as one of the most child-friendly LGUs by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

Pamintuan also garnered the Seal of Good Financial Housekeeping (GFH) from the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG).

Aside from Pamintuan, other city mayors who will receive the 2015 Most Outstanding Mayor Award from SMI are Manila Mayor Joseph Ejercito Estrada, Quezon City Mayor Herbert Bautista, City of San Fernando Mayor Edwin Santiago, Lipa City Mayor Meynard Sabili, Ozamis City Mayor Reynaldo Parojinog, Sr. and Cauayan City Mayor Bernard Faustino Dy. Mayor Emmanuel Alejandrino of the Municipality of Arayat as well as the municipal mayors of Sta, Praxedes, Cagayan Province; Torrijos, Marinduque; Lucban, Quezon; Candelaria, Zambales, San Ildefonso, Bulacan; Calatagan, Batangas; Pagbilao, Quezon; and, Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte.

Vega-Cabigting sets programs for Women’s Month celebration

(Press Release)

ANGELES CITY--This city’s Vice Mayor Vicky Vega Cabigting has set a series of activities in line with the celebration of the Women’s Month this March aimed at promoting the welfare and well-being of women across all sectors.

Vega-Cabigting said that the events are in line with the 2015 National Women’s Month Celebration with the local theme “Angeleña, Desisyon Mo ay Mahalaga sa Kinabukasan ng Bawat Isa, Ikaw Na!”. Vega-Cabigting said that the events aim to pay tribute to all women leaders who passionately led and continue to advance women’s advocacies.

“We have lined up activities that promote the well rounded development of women. We have diversified this year’s events to cater to diverse needs of our women in the city,” Vega-Cabigting said urging Angeleno women to participate in the events.

The Vice Mayor has lined up activities like Sayaw, Galaw Kababaihan sa Daan that features Zumba and Street dancing events and Sine Kababaihan Short Film that brings college students in an an open competition for this year’s best creative films.

Vega-Cabigting will also be relaunching her Kabuhayan Patrol (Barangay Edition) in a bid to bring livelihood assistance for women in the barangays.

Women and mothers will also be able to participate in environmental activities as Cabigting calls on mothers and all women in communities here to actively participate in protecting ‘Mother Earth’ through environmental advocacies in a program dubbed as Mothers for Mother Nature (MOM Na!).

“We will also be hosting seminars for women in various sectors and groups like the Philippine National Police Girl Scouts and those employed in the education sector of the city. All these to help them be aware of their rights and, their responsibilities in forging a strong community,” Vega-Cabigting said.

Vega-Cabigting has been known for her pro-women programs. She has been active in empowerment programs like Sulong Kaalaman, Women H.E.A.L., Read-a-long, Kariton para sa Edukasyon, Sulong= Kalusugan/Caravan and Mobile Clinic, Gabay sa Paghimlay and Kabuhayan Patrol among others.

The vice mayor said that celebration of Women’s Month here is pursuant to Presidential Proclamation Nos. 224 and 227, both series of 1998, and Republic Act No. 6949 s. 1990, hat declared the month of March as National Women’s Month.

This year’s celebration also aims to pay tribute to all women leaders who passionately led and continue to advance women’s advocacies. Their key roles and accomplishments in leadership, power and decision-making will be highlighted in order to influence and break the conservative mindset and belief that politics and leadership are not for women, according to Vega-Cabigting.

Vega-Cabigting is one clear proof that women can make it into the real of local public service having served as No. 1 city councilor (two terms) and soon to complete her full term as vice mayor.

Pamintuan bares program for Angeles youth

By Reynaldo G. Navales

ANGELES CITY -- Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan bared in a forum recently a package of programs for the youth and students of this city, including an expanded scholarship program, free wi-fi connection in all education centers and the opening of more courses at the City College of Angeles (CCA), even as he challenged the youth to also invite Senator Lito Lapid in a similar event to hear about his plans for the youth.

Pamintuan was responding to a question posed by one of the more than 600 youth and student leaders who attended the forum held at the Shanghai Restaurant, asking him to differentiate his plans for the youth with that of Lapid's, who early on announced his plan to run for mayor of the city.

"Although he is from Porac, you should ask him yourselves what his programs are for the youth of Angeles City. Why don’t you invite him in a forum like this?" Pamintuan said.

Pamintuan also announced his plan to reduce to zero the number of out-of-school youth in Angeles City within three to four years.

"By providing free wi-fi to all university and college belts within the city, we shall be opening the universe of information to our students and even provide them access to social media," he said.

"Information is now worth more than gold," he added.

He said students of the CCA would soon have free transportation to and from the college in Barangay Pampang.

Pamintuan also called on the youth and students to involve themselves more actively in activities that promote the welfare of young people, including preservation of the environment and in eradicating illegal drug abuse.

He reminded them that Andres Bonifacio, Emilio Jacinto and Gregorio del Pilar were 29, 24 and 19 years old, respectively, when they led the revolution against the Spaniards and Americans.

DTI posts 11% increase in new Central Luzon businesses

By Ian Ocampo Flora

ANGELES CITY -- The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) noted Tuesday an 11 percent increase in new business name registrations in Central Luzon last year, higher than the 32,620 new registrants for 2013, with the province of Bulacan having the most number of business name registrations at 8,343 in 2013 and 9,092 for 2014.

DTI OIC regional director Judith Angeles said that an important factor for the increase in the number of new business registration is the simplification of the procedures and faster transaction time.

It was reported that DTI continuously monitored transaction time in its business name registration centers all over the region.

Angeles said that one of DTI's major targets is to have business name processing in less than 15 minutes. DTI-Central Luzon's 2014 accomplishment report showed that the average processing time for business name registration in the region is less than six minutes, which is faster than the 2013 average of seven minutes.

Business name registration centers like the DTI provincial office in Tarlac and the IDD in Angeles City have the fastest average transaction time in the region, where a completed business name application can be processed in a little over three minutes.

Another continuing innovation of the agency in enabling business, Angeles added, is streamlining the business registration process and integrating them with the requirements of partner government agencies under the Philippine Business Registration (PBR) system.

The PBR is a single business registration system, which integrates the business registration processes of five agencies including DTI, Home Mutual Development Fund (HMDF or Pag-Ibig), Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), Social Security System (SSS) and Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth).

Under the PBR, a business registrant will only go to one venue to lodge his business registration application for the five agencies.

DTI Central Luzon reported that last year, 12,633 registrants or 36 percent of all the new business name registration in the region were processed through the PBR.

Angeles school tops Tesda provincial video tilt

By Reynaldo G. Navales

ANGELES CITY -- The St. Peter's College of Angeles City took home the top prizes of the 2015 Tatak Tesda (Technical Education and Schools Development Authority) provincial video making contest, claiming the honor of representing Pampanga at the regional level.

Alumnus Jerry Manaloto, who now works as an assistant cook in a restaurant, placed first in the individual category and got P5,000 and a plaque.

His entry was likewise chosen as Best in Video that gave him an additional P3,000 and a plaque.

Moreover, St. Peter's was named as grand winner in the school category, which narrated the story of alumna Eufemia Sapa who is now a housekeeping attendant, and got P100,000 worth of Training for Work Scholarship Program (TWSP) vouchers and a plaque.

It was also hailed as Best in Story in that category that earned the institution extra P50,000 worth of TWSP vouchers and plaque.

"The contest, now on its second year, seeks to promote technical vocational education and training to Filipinos especially among the youth as a viable option to attain better opportunities in life," Tesda Provincial Director Belinda Labutong said.

"It is designed to boost our efforts to remove the stigma or the second-rate status assigned to tech-voc courses in the country. Through these two to three minute flicks, it is our hope that more Filipinos will be encouraged to take this path," Labutong added.

Tatak Tesda Year 2 has two categories: individual where a contestant shares his/her own story on how tech-voc changed his/her life and school where a participating tech-voc school tells the story of an alumnus/alumna.

A panel consisting of representatives from Technical Vocational Institutions, Philippine Information Agency, and the media selected winners.

Entries were judged based on story content and quality of execution.

Other recipients of special awards were Achievers1 alumna and spa owner Belinda Muldong- Best in Story and People’s Choice for individual category and International School of Advanced Career and Technology- Best in Video and People’s Choice for school category.

More green parks to rise in Angeles City

By Ian Ocampo Flora

ANGELES CITY -- Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan promised to build more green parks and beatification projects in Angeles City.

In a meeting with the press last week, he said it is part of his advocacy to make the city eco-friendly and promote a livable environment.

In line with this, the mayor decided to put up the third park after the construction of the Plaza Angel in Barangay Santo Rosario. Aside from this, the City Government also converted the Estacion de Angeles of the Philippine National Railways (PNR) to a community garden, children's playground and a peoples' park.

The local government is set to extend the parks including portions of other barangays covered by the old PNR track.

The third park will be constructed inside a property (120 meters long and 80 meters wide) along a portion of the PNR track at the Checkpoint area in Barangay Balibago.

Pamintuan said the local government is "locating blighted areas or unused lots and transforming them to parks or plazas that people can visit."

"We want to see a city that people can relax with its parks and other amenities that promote art, beauty and nature," Pamintuan added.

Following the same formula that led to the success of the rehabilitation of the old PNR station, Pamintuan directed his chief of staff, Alex Cauguiran to spearhead the rehabilitation of the Checkpoint People's Park.

The area will be beautified with the installation of benches, park lights and pavements, the mayor said.

Ornamental plants will also be planted and food carts and souvenir kiosks will be placed to encourage people to stay, rest and enjoy, Pamintuan said.

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