Angeles City News September 2015

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Official Seal of Angeles City
Interactive Google Satellite Map of Angeles City, Pampanga
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Angeles City Map Locator
Angeles City Hall Building, Mc Arthur Hwy, Brgy. Maragul, Angeles City, Pampanga.jpg
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.

Japanese anime features Angeles City street

By Ian Ocampo Flora

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO -- The 13-episode anime Charlotte has accorded a few minutes of fame to Fields Avenue (now The Walking Street) as scenes from the iconic district were shown in the last episode of the anime.

Charlotte’s episode 13 showed main protagonist Yuu as he journeys to the Philippines, particularly in Angeles City.

The anime showed Fields Avenue’s bar establishments. The anime also showed slum scenes and Kapampangan characters.

Blogger Candy Chan has branded the depiction as “deadly accurate.” Although quite detailed the anime version of Walking Street still looks a lot cleaner than in real life, Chan added.

“Japanese anime are known to take real-life locations but most often than not, the events happen in Japan, so when we see the Philippines get featured in an anime, and does it in a way that is ultra-realistic, we flip,” Chan said in her September 29 post.

Chan said that it is not the first time that the Philippines was featured in a Japanese anime.

Chan said Manila and Siquijor have appeared in the Marvel Anime Blade, the City of Makati has appeared in Jormungand, Subic Naval Base has appeared in Eureka Seven AO, and Alimango Island has appeared in Fate/Zero.

The recent episode of Charlotte featuring Angeles City has been circulating among local anime fans.

BCDA awards Php45.9-M Clark Green City road project

(PNA), FPV/KMC-PR

MANILA, Sept. 29 (PNA) -- The state-owned Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) said it has awarded the contract to improve and rehabilitate some 19.4-kilometers of existing roads leading to and within Clark Green City to the winning bidder, 4B Construction Corporation.

4B Construction Corporation’s bid of Php45.9 million was declared the lowest calculated and responsive bid. The approved budget for the contract was Php78.3 million. The winning bid gives Php32.4 million savings to government.

“We look forward to having a long standing partnership with 4B Construction Corp. as we build the roads to and within Clark Green City. The sooner we achieve this, the faster we can proceed in developing the country’s first smart, green and disaster-resilient metropolis,” BCDA President and CEO Arnel Paciano D. Casanova said.

Eight other firms tendered their respective bids namely: D.K. Jocson Construction, Haidee Construction, IPM Construction Corporation, Leadway Construction, New Kanlaon Construction, Subiccon Corporation, Tokwing Construction, and WERR Corporation.

Casanova pointed out that once completed, the road improvement project will provide a greater level of accessibility to the Clark Green City site and allow heavy construction equipment to go to the Clark Green City site even during the rainy season.

“The improved roads will allow all types of vehicles, including heavy equipment to effortlessly reach the area all year round. The road network will lay the foundation for building the new metropolis,” he said.

Earlier, Casanova said that the roads will play a vital role in the development of the area, not to mention increase its land value and economic potential and attractiveness to interested investors and proponents.

The improved roads will service the development of Clark Green City’s Phase 1 which covers 288 hectares as well as the future site of University of the Philippines (UP) Campus and other institutional areas BCDA has forged with other government agencies.

UP has expressed its plans to break ground in the first quarter of 2016 for its 70-hectare Clark Green City Campus.

Just a couple of weeks ago, sole bidder Filinvest Land, Inc. one of the country’s leading real estate developers, tendered a valid bid of Php160,000,000.00 or approximately USD3,600,000.00 for the contract to become BCDA’s joint venture partner in the development of 288 hectares of Clark Green City. The contract is expected to be awarded next month.

The entire Clark Green City is a 9,450-hectare master planned property within the Clark Special Economic Zone in the province of Tarlac, Philippines and is envisioned to be the first smart, disaster-resilient and green city in the Philippines.

At full development, Clark Green City will have some 1.12 million residents, 800,000 workers and contribute a gross output of approximately P1.57 trillion per year to the national economy or roughly four percent share in the county’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

Located at the Clark Special Economic Zone, Clark Green City is positioned strategically between highly urbanizing cities of San Fernando, Angeles and Olongapo in Central Luzon as well as the cities of San Carlos, Dagupan and Urdaneta in Northern Luzon. It is also near the Clark International Airport and the Subic Seaport.

The strategic location and its connectivity to major cities in Central Luzon through the country’s expressways like NLEX, SCTEX, TPLEX and soon the CLEX will allow the convergence from north, east, south, and west, and serve a catchment population of some 12 million people.

Pampanga foundation presents first Phl ecclesiastical exhibit

(Punto! Central)

ANGELES CITY, PAMPANGA— The Foundation for Lingap Kapampangan, Inc. (FLKI), formerly known as the Save Pampanga Movement, is set to launch the country’s first ecclesiastical exhibit, “Obra Sagrada,” to provide support and raise awareness for Filipino religious artisans. The event will take place on Oct. 10 and 11, 2015 at the Event Centre of SM City Clark, with support from the Archdiocese Commission on Church Heritage and the Shopping Center Management Corporation (SCMC), which operates SM Supermalls.

Obra Sagrada will showcase the work of more than 20 artists from Pampanga, Bulacan, Bukidon, and Metro Manila, with many representing families who have continued the trade for generations. The selection of products ranges from vestments to sculptures, altars, retablos, church furniture and fixtures, religious home decor, and restoration, gold leafing and metal smithing work.

One of the exhibiting artisans is Betis-based, Wilfredo “Willy” Layug, who created the “Our Lady of Palo” statue for the Papal Visit earlier this year. A recipient of the Presidential Medal of Merit Award for Ecclesiastical Arts, he will present his signature retablos and images finished in the traditional Spanish “estofado” technique for painting.

Among the other noted artists are Santiago Banal; Gener Bautista; Alejandro Carpio; Luisito Cayanan; Renato Cayanan; Rodico de Dios; Rolando Flores, Dom Martin Gomez, OSB; Reggie Honrada; Thomas Joven; Edwin Layug; Nicholas Lugue; Edgar Nucum; Alberto Pangilinan; Lito Ramirez; Francis Sibug; and Anita Sunga. The participating artist groups are Artikles in Wood, Chez les Saints, Kraut Art, and Renaissance Wood Masters.

During the exhibit, there will also be a line-up of informative talks. On Saturday, Bp. Pablo S. David, D.D. will speak about “Understanding Iconography,” followed by Fr. Genaro Diwa’s “Worship and Christian Iconography.” On the last day, UST Museum’s Dr. Anna H. Bautista, and architect and planner, Edgardo A. Castro will focus on “Appreciating Heritage.” In addition, Obra Sagrada will be a dedicated stop for a special Pampanga Church Tour set for that weekend.

FLKI hopes to make Obra Sagrada an annual event that will involve more craftsmen from all over the country. By creating recognition and continued patronage for local religious artisans both here and abroad, the foundation aims to establish the Philippines as the premier destination for finely crafted and traditionally made religious items in the Asia-Pacific region.

DPWH exec orders full-blast construction of Pandan Road

By Reynaldo G. Navales

ANGELES CITY --- Public Works Secretary Rogelio Singson has assured city officials here that the construction of the Angeles-Magalang Road in Barangay Pandan will go full-blast starting Monday.

This was learned from Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan who disclosed that Singson personally inspected on Friday the ongoing road-widening project, whose completion was delayed for almost one year now.

"Secretary Babes (Singson) went personally to Pandan at 11:00 a.m. He instructed the installation of the box culverts. By Monday, full blast nala kanu," Pamintuan said.

Local officials aired their plan to file charges against officials of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), including Singson, and the contractor of the Pandan Road, which became a virtual river after a thunderstorm few days ago.

Pamintuan informed Singson the other day about the problem after several residents in Barangay Pandan and motorists aired their complaints against the ongoing road construction supposedly completed last year.

The mayor thanked Singson for personally visiting the site.

The DPWH Secretary and City Engineer Donato Dizon agreed that the City Government will assist the contractor in the demolition of at least five properties, according to Pamintuan.

He added that the local government had agreed to shoulder the right of way (ROW) compensation for the affected properties.

"I hope that this will speed up the completion of the project," he said.

The mayor earlier said he told Singson through a text message that "this will be my last message pareng babes on the project and it is really hurting me and your department."

Pamintuan claimed the road—Magalang-Angeles Road—is now called Pandan River by some people.

"See the onrushing rainwater yesterday because up to now the drainage are not yet linked," he said.

The mayor said that the netizens are "feasting" on him knowing that he is the one implementing the road-widening project.

"They are saying pinababayaan ko sila. Enough said. Hope a miracle can happen this year Secretary Babes, pare," Pamintuan said.

DPWH Central Luzon director Antonio Molano Jr. replied to Singson that the construction of the drainage along the road is still ongoing and this is causing the problem, the mayor said.

Aside from this, Molano also cited the presence of residential houses along the road right of way (ROW), which causes the delay in the construction.

"We will coordinate po sa city para po mapabilis ang pag-clear sa right of way," the mayor quoted the regional director as saying.

Apparently being misled, Pamintuan said Singson urged him to assist [the DPWH regional office] on the clearing of the ROW to speed up the project.

The mayor belied Molano's statement saying that no residents are objecting the clearing of the right of way and there is no ongoing construction of drainage.

"Right of way, pumayag na ang mga tao and we will even fund it. Nakapirma na silang lahat, old reason na hindi totoo. We are fed up Secretary. I know that you trust yourself as I know you must," Pamintuan told Singson.

"But this project which caused us sufferings for a couple of years now is just too much. Meron din hangganan, lalo na ang pagsisinungaling. Ang city pa ang sinasabing hindi tumutulong," the mayor added in his message to the DPWH Secretary.

Bring preventive health care to people – Binay

By Reynaldo G. Navales

ANGELES CITY --- Vice-President Jejomar Binay has stressed the need for government to ensure that all Filipinos, even those in far-flung areas, get vaccinations, have access to vitamins, medicine and potable drinking water, and are educated on proper nutrition and sanitation.

"This must be done immediately. Let us go to them and bring to them preventive measures, instead of waiting for an epidemic to hit an area. Let us not be reactive but pro-active. Let us not wait for our Filipino brothers and sisters to end up as statistics as victims of malaria, pneumonia, tuberculosis, hepatitis, among others," Binay said.

Binay noted most illnesses are preventable through vaccination, education on health issues, and proper hygiene, among others. He also said the Department of Health and its regional or local offices must act faster so that health services are delivered on time.

"This is why we need a comprehensive health program for the people which includes nationwide vaccination, sanitation and proper nutrition programs. In line with this, health care services should reach our brothers and sisters in far-flung areas as fast as it reaches Filipinos in urban centers. I believe it can be done. And it must be done," Binay said.

The national government must tap all local government units in the fast implementation of the programs to ensure the well-being of every Filipino, particularly children and senior citizens.

He also wants health workers nationwide to be well cared for.

Binay said, "Kasing halaga nito ang pagbibigay kalinga at suporta sa ating mga health workers sa lahat ng antas. Pundasyon ng serbisyong panlipunan ang masiglang ekonomiya."

Binay lamented the finding of the Commission on Audit in its 2013 recently-released report on the Department of Health that the DOH failed to procure, deliver, distribute, use or complete on time P4.63 billion worth of equipment, infra-projects, and medicines. This, COA said, "prolonged and/or defeated the attainment of efficient, low cost but quality health care services to patients, and hospital income that may be derived therefrom, not to mention the lapse of the warranty period/expiry date, exposure to wear and tear or uncontrolled temperature that would diminish their value or potency; cost overruns and wastage of fund."

"Billions of pesos were wasted. I urge the DOH to comply with proper procedures and fast track delivery of medicines needed," Binay said.

He also emphasized the need to speed up the purchase of equipment and construction of infrastructure projects so these can immediately be used to address the health concerns of the people.

Binay noted COA has said "it is imperative for the head of the agency to institute measures to safeguard the assets and promote efficiency, effectiveness and economy in achieving the agency mandate."

COA also noted "The attainment of efficient, low cost but quality health care services to patients as well as the generation of income that may be used to augment the meager resources of the health facilities, not to mention the lapse of warranty period/expiry dates and deterioration, cost overruns and wastage of funds, were prolonged and/or defeated the purpose due to the protracted procurement, delivery/completion, distribution and utilization of equipment, infrastructure projects, and drugs/medicines."

The P4,634,058,266.71 budget was allotted for equipment (P626,050,087.49); facilities (P4,003,565,873.62); and drugs and medicines (P4,442,305.60).

"It is time to review the DOH health programs and re-align the budget towards preventing diseases," Binay said.

COA recommended that DOH "direct and ensure that the concerned DOH officials, in consultation with the intended beneficiaries, fast track the procurement, delivery/ completion, distribution/turn-over and utilization of the equipment, infra-projects, and drugs/medicines; and henceforth institute measures to prevent the delays by taking into consideration the causes for said delays."

Angeles all set for Fiestang Kuliat 2015

(AC-CIO with reports from Veronica Apostol and Paolo Vinuya)

ANGELES CITY -- Inspired by the growing recognition and accolades it receives from all over the country and from all over the world, Angeles City is set to launch Fiestang Kuliat 2015 (FK2015), the longest fiesta celebration in the country on September 29, Wednesday, 6:30 p.m. at this city's heritage zone, Plaza Angel.

With its theme “Bayung Aske, Bayung Lawe,” (New Image, New Vision), FK2015 is focused on redefining the image of Angeles City, once considered as the Sin City of the Philippines.

It is now gaining recognition as one of the crowning jewels of heritage preservation and cultural renaissance, not only in the region, but the whole country as well.

FK2015 Executive Committee Chairman, Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan, gave his full authority and support to the Angeles City Tourism Office, headed by Dr. Richard Daenos to come up with a wide array of festivities that will feature the City's culture, tradition, religious devotion and zest for life and adventure.

“In 2015, we turned a new leaf for the spiritual, historical, traditional and cultural aspects of our city. This year’s Fiestang Kuliat is a celebration of how we have triumphed in making our citizens appreciate the rich and vivid history of our place,” Pamintuan said.

The religious activities are centered on the devotions to Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary of La Naval, whose feast falls every second Sunday of October; and Apu Mamacalulu, on the last Friday of October.

A few years back, the Holy Rosary Parish re-established the celebration of the Feast of the Holy Guardian Angels which is celebrated on the first week.

Thus, Angeles City is known for its month-long fiesta celebration, with various socio-civic, academic, cultural, and sports events happening at any-given day of the whole month of October.

On October 3, the Fifth Pulayan - Tagalan King Dalan will start at SM City Clark. This fun-run activity is a fundraising campaign that would support projects of the Angeles City Police Office (ACPO).

Meanwhile, Ginoong Angeles 2015 will kick start their pageant on October 3 with a tree planting activity at Barangay Sapang Bato and a heritage tour at Sto. Rosario. The candidates then will have their Pre-Judging on October 10 at Century Hotel, followed by their Pre-Pageant on October 24 at SM City Clark’s Event Center. The pageantry and will culminate at their Coronation Night on the 28th at Grand Palazzo Royale.

Cultural events are also expected this year such as the GraciAngeles by Sinukwan Kapampangan Performing Arts, which is the newest festival in the city to honor the Los Angeles de los Custodios; Kundiman ning Angeles by the Kundiman ning Angeles Foundation; Komisyon ng Wikang Filipino Heritage Tour by the National Commission ofr Culture and the Arts (NCCA) and the Mamialung Tamu that will showcase Kapampangan versions of traditional Filipino games.

The NCCA has also chosen Angeles City to stage Dayaw: The Indigenous Peoples Festival from the 15th to the 17th.

A fiesta is no fiesta without the presence of rich and sumptuous food. Added to this year’s fiesta celebration is “Big Bite! Northern Food Festival Featuring Sisig” which will take place on October 16 to 18 at the Marquee Mall parking grounds.

The Nepo Center, one of the newest destinations for food in the city, will also hold its own food fair on October 1 to 4.

Meanwhile, the Kuliat Foundation Inc., will delight visitors with its famed fiesta spread dubbed “Pamangan Fiestang Kapampangan” at the Museo ning Angeles on October 10.

The city is also set to hold the annual Tigtigan Terakan keng Dalan at MacArthur Highway Balibago on October 23-24.

Local universities, colleges and bands will also go head-to-head with the Inter-University Music Festival on the 30th, an event akin to last year’s wildly successful 7107 International Music Festival.

This year’s FK2015 also sees the return of some events such as the the Calesin Tilbury Race on the 12th at Jake Gonzales Boulevard and the Angeles 4x4 Off Road Challenge, October 17 at the Nepo Center.

Pampanga foundation presents ‘Obra Sagrada’

(PR)

ANGELES CITY -- The Foundation for Lingap Kapampangan, Inc. (FLKI), formerly known as the Save Pampanga Movement, is set to launch the country’s first ecclesiastical exhibit, “Obra Sagrada,” to provide support and raise awareness for Filipino religious artisans.

The event will take place on October 10 and 11, 2015 at the Event Centre of SM City Clark, with support from the Archdiocese Commission on Church Heritage and the Shopping Center Management Corporation (SCMC), which operates SM Supermalls.

Obra Sagrada will showcase the work of more than 20 artists from Pampanga, Bulacan, Bukidon, and Metro Manila, with many representing families who have continued the trade for generations.

The selection of products ranges from vestments to sculptures, altars, retablos, church furniture and fixtures, religious home decor, and restoration, gold leafing and metal smithing work.

One of the exhibiting artisans is Betis-based, Wilfredo “Willy” Layug, who created the “Our Lady of Palo” statue for the Papal Visit earlier this year.

A recipient of the Presidential Medal of Merit Award for Ecclesiastical Arts, he will present his signature retablos and images finished in the traditional Spanish “estofado” technique for painting.

Among the other noted artists are Santiago Banal; Gener Bautista; Alejandro Carpio; Luisito Cayanan; Renato Cayanan; Rodico de Dios; Rolando Flores, Dom Martin Gomez, OSB; Reggie Honrada; Thomas Joven; Edwin Layug; Nicholas Lugue; Edgar Nucum; Alberto Pangilinan; Lito Ramirez; Francis Sibug; and Anita Sunga. The participating artist groups are Artikles in Wood,Chez les Saints, Kraut Art, and Renaissance Wood Masters.

During the exhibit, there will also be a line-up of informative talks. On Saturday, Bishop Pablo S. David, D.D. will speak about “Understanding Iconography,” followed by Fr. Genaro Diwa’s “Worship and Christian Iconography.” On the last day, UST Museum’s Dr. Anna H. Bautista, and architect and planner, Edgardo A. Castro will focus on “Appreciating Heritage.”

In addition, Obra Sagrada will be a dedicated stop for a special Pampanga Church Tour set for that weekend.

FLKI hopes to make Obra Sagrada an annual event that will involve more craftsmen from all over the country.

By creating recognition and continued patronage for local religious artisans both here and abroad, the foundation aims to establish the Philippines as the premier destination for finely crafted and traditionally made religious items in the Asia-Pacific region.

Use of rain harvesters urged during El Niño

By Reynaldo G. Navales

ANGELES CITY -- An environmentalist has urged people to use rain harvesters in order to ensure sufficient supply of water during the El Niño phenomenon cycle which may cause drought in the country.

Former Councilor Louie Reyes, head of the Green Youth Brigade, said that big volumes of water supply will be saved if people recycle and use rain water for other purposes.

In the El Niño Advisory Number 7 dated September 3, 2015, Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) Acting Administrator Vicente B. Manalo said that a mature and strong El Niño is now present in the tropical Pacific Ocean, according to Reyes.

He added that consensus of climate model shows that it will likely to strengthen further before the end of the year and may last until the first half of 2016.

This 2015-16, El Niño event will potentially be among the four strongest events since 1950 (1972 to 1973, 1982 to 1983, 1997 to 1998), Reyes disclosed.

Presidential Adviser on Climate Change Elisea Gozun, former Environment and Natural Resources secretary, has proposed to the national government that it conduct a water audit on residential or household level.

Reyes said that while we have Energy Savers being labeled on electrical appliances, the same principle must apply to water saving technologies. “This is what we call water audit.”

Last June 2015, the Green Building Code was launched and it stipulates the rain harvester advocacy in residences, commercials and other properties.

“With the El Niño phenomenon, this is the time we must move,” Reyes said.

“Here in Angeles City, we have launched the Aluntiang Model Home for Green Architecture. Rain Harvester is integrated,” he added.

The Aluntiang Model Home has features integrated in the Green Building Code, Reyes said.

“We can utilize rain water and not waste it after it rains. We can water our garden plants with rain water. Imagine the savings we will get from Rain Harvester. The catch basin that collects rain water is covered so that no mosquitoes will breed there,” Reyes said.

Central Luzon to showcase best products in trade fair

(Sun.Star Pampanga)

SMALL businesses from the region will have a chance to showcase the best products during the Likha ng Central Luzon Trade Fair 2015 to be held at the Old Glorietta Activity Center, Ayala Center, Makati City from September 23 to October 1, 2015.

More than 110 Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) will be participating from the seven provinces of the region, promoting their provincial branding namely:

Aurora - “Siempre Aurora” Bataan - “Galing Bataan” Bulacan - “Tatak Bulakenyo” Nueva Ecija - “Taas Noo Novo Ecijano” Pampanga - “Vida Pampanga” Tarlac - “Natural Tarlac” Zambales - “Zambales' Finest”

Products that will be exhibited in LCL 2015 include:

1. Processed Food 2. Furniture and Home Furnishings 3. Ceramics 4. Jewelry 5. Fashion Accessories 6. Bags 7. Footwear 8. Gifts and Holiday Decors 9. Other novelty products

Likha ng Central Luzon Trade Fair is the major regional trade promotion activity jointly organized by the Department of Trade and Industry Region III (DTI-3) and Philexport- R3 with the full support of the Regional Development Council – Region 3 and the Central Luzon Growth Corridor Foundation Inc.

Now on its 17th year, the trade fair and serves as the culminating activity of industry and trade related programs for entrepreneurs in Region 3.

Likha ng Central Luzon Trade Fair has proven to be an effective venue to promote the products of the region to institutional buyers and exporters based in Metro Manila.

It has become one of the much awaited trade events in Manila because of the distinctive and quality products offered.

Likha ng Central Luzon will also feature products manufactured as a result of the Shared Service Facility (SSF) projects of DTI-Region 3.

These include marine products, wearables like clothes, jewelries and accessories, footwear, processed meat, and food items such as condiments, organic fruits and vegetables.

Other products using indigenous raw materials and environment-friendly technologies will also be on display.

Putting back Clark main gate to former site may bankrupt AC

By Ashley Manabat

ANGELES CITY – The Pinoy Gumising Ka Movement (PGKM) warned on Monday that the city government may go bankrupt if the Clark Development Corp. (CDC) pushes through with the construction of the main gate of the Clark Freeport back to its original site in front of SM City Clark.

The PGKM said the CDC is pulling back the main gate of the freeport to its original site allegedly in order to accommodate the Capilion Corp. Pte. Ltd. project located diametrically opposite SM.

PGKM Chair Ruperto Cruz made the warning in the light of the CDC statement that the Capilion project is classified as a Clark locator enjoyingthe full benefits of tax free importation and other tax privileges.

Cruz noted that SM is considered outside of the freeport by virtue of the provisions of RA 9400, an amendment to RA 7227 otherwise known as the Bases Conversion Development Act, and does not enjoy taxfree importation and other tax privileges enjoyed by Clark locators.

“What if SM will now demand the same taxfree privileges as that of its front door neighbor which is Capilion?” asked Cruz.

“In this scenario, if SM is allowed the same tax-free privileges as that of Capilion, the city government will lose a huge chunk of its revenues and will go bankrupt,” Cruz reasoned.

He observed that in 2005, the city government revenues amounted to only P600 million.

But with SM coming in starting 2006, the city has breached the P1 billion mark and now has P1.3 billion revenues.

“It does not take a rocket scientist to figure out the difference,” Cruz said.

The CDC said “Capilion is the first locator to pay advance lease equivalent to 60 months minimum guaranteed lease (MGL or fixed rent) which exceeded the CDC-Board approved leasing standard on advanced lease payment which is six months.”

The CDC also said “the construction of a new main gate structure at the Clark freeport is set for implementation to make the freeport more distinct, vibrant and attractive to tourists and residents.”

Alveen Tabag, CDC vice president for engineering services, said “the new main gate structure is scheduled for construction after completion of engineering designs and compliance to requirements on infrastructure projects.”

The government has allotted P10 million for the project.

The CDC official also clarified that “the existing gate near the Clark cemetery is called a control gate and is intended for access control and security purposes. It is not a replacement of the main gate.”

The CDC said “the old main gate became dilapidated and was torn down few months ago to give way to a new structure. The Main Gate serves as a basis in the establishment of boundary of Clark Freeport Zone under Republic Act 9400.”

Businessman thankful of LBP award, bullish of the next 10 years

By Ian Ocampo Flora

ANGELES CITY -- Fiesta Communities Inc. president Wilfredo Tan is thankful of the Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP)’s recognition as his home-grown socialized housing company received the Gawad Kaagapay 2015 Award for Large Corporation (Non-Agri Based) and expressed optimism on the vibrant economic prospects for the company in the next ten years.

The award was presented during at the Fortune Hongkong Seafood Restaurant in Balibago over the weekend and entailed a P100,000 cash award.

Tan said that that he is optimistic of possible projects as the company has set eyes on future development projects.

This, despite of the growing number of large land developers around Metro Clark and surrounding areas. He added that the challenge of limited land to develop and the challenge of big land developers will not stop the company from pushing forward.

"We can assure our clientele of more developments in the next ten years," Tan said, adding that the company will always be socially relevant and that it will continue to help local communities and organizations with its corporate social responsibility projects.

Fiesta Communities was born from the desire to realize hopes, uplift lives and empower communities through safe and decent homes – a vision shared by Land Bank of the Philippines, the largest formal credit institution serving the rural areas and small countryside businesses, helping them grow.

The company's cash prize that came with the award was matched by Fiesta, for the benefit of Tuloy Foundation, Inc., a non-government, non-profit organization founded in 1993 by Fr. Rocky Evangelista, striving to provide care, services, education, and life-skills training to the disadvantaged youth, housed at Bahay Bata Center in Angeles City.

Multi-billion peso hotel industry in Clark still growing

(CDC Communications Department)

CLARK FREEPORT -- The multi-billion peso hotel industry here, operating on world-class standards, continues to grow with bigger infusion and better facilities, transforming the once symbol of American might into one of the best tourist destinations in the country today.

The investments poured to develop key tourism projects make this Freeport a preferred travel destination not only by local tourists but also foreign nationals.

This helps pump prime the economy in and around this former US military facility.

Among the resorts frequently visited by local and foreign tourists in Clark is Fontana Hot Springs and Leisure Parks because of its wide array of amenities such as golf courses, hot spring, water theme park, tennis and basketball courts and choice restaurants, health and spa facilities.

More than P2 billion have been spent in the improvements and renovations at Fontana. For the expansion of its convention center alone, the management of Fontana has spent P500 million just to upgrade the 1,500-seater hall just in time for the conduct of the First Senior Officials Meeting of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (SOM1 Apec) last January.

Unknown to many people, Widus Hotel and Casino is not only an exclusive hotel for Korean tourists, but also open to local and other foreigners who want to enjoy the luxury of ala-five-star hotel service at very affordable rates.

Widus is designed along the lines of a tropical resort which comprises three towers over looking the palm tree-lined swimming pool and landscaped garden blending harmoniously with the natural environment.

Its management just spent P2 billion just for the expansion project of the hotel and casino that was completed in 2013. It will be shelling out P200 million more for another expansion program set this in 2016.

Meanwhile, Oxford Hotel has also become one of the most patronized hotels in Clark after it was renovated for the SOM1 Apec meeting last January.

The new Oxford management is also bent on further improving the design and concept of the hotel to give maximum comfort, privacy and relaxation while checked-in at the hotel.

All the function rooms of the hotel are equipped with the latest and state-of-the-art audiovisual equipment ideal for meetings, seminars and social events.

It has recently opened a new restaurant -- the Amare -- which is now frequented by people with discriminating tastes for culinary delights.

Oxford has spent an initial P200 million as its contribution to Clark when the Freeport needed to offer more rooms and facilities for SOM1 Apec delegates.

Pioneer hotel Holiday Inn Clark, now an institution here, is one of the best hotels not only in Pampanga but throughout Central and North Luzon.

Located inside the Mimosa Leisure Estate (Mimosa), Holiday Inn opened in Clark when the former US air base is yet to get over the stigma on the effects of Mt. Pinatubo eruption and the pull out of the American troops in the early 1990s.

Mimosa is now up for privatization where the minimum bid for the estate is pegged at P800 million while investments that should be committed is set at P5 billion.

Another booming hotel in Clark is Xenia hotel, another Korean owned firm and a subsidiary of Donggwang Clark Corporation.

The Korean firm has invested about $200 million for the 200-room hotel located at the commercial district of the Freeport.

The management of the Greek-inspired Xenia Hotel is taking advantage of the consistent robust growth in Clark annually in terms of business and tourism.

Other notable hotels include the Green Canyon Resort (GCR) at the adjoining Clark Special Economic Zone (formerly Clark Sub Zone).

Green Canyon Resort (GCR) is another ideal spot to discover serenity and nature’s beauty which convince guests to leave the noise of metropolitan traffic and degeneration of the environment.

GCR has 51 rooms, all of which exude an atmosphere of total peace and harmony. The hotel’s massage, garden, pool, children’s playground, outdoor pool are ideal places to relax and unwind after a busy day.

There’s also Hotel Stotsenberg near the Clark International Airport. It also one of the most frequented hotels here.

There are also other Korean-owned hotels such as the Lohas Hotel and Asiana Greenville which cater to foreign and local tourists.

With all the improvements, Clark Development Corporation leadership was able to get recognition from various groups and individuals from prestigious award giving bodies.

CDC president Arthur Tugade recently received an award from the SKAL International-Makati during the 25th SKAL International Tourism Personality Awards held at the Grand Ballroom of New World Makati Hotel in Makati.

Tugade was first recognized by the same organization in 2013 but respectfully declined to receive the award as he has just then started to serve as president and chief executive officer of CDC.

He humbly explained that he would rather receive the award on the basis of real and actual performance and not on the basis of a mere appointment to a position.

He told then the officers of SKAL that he would be implementing a revised tourism program for Clark that would make the Freeport one of the country’s top tourist destinations.

Since then Clark has hosted series of tourism events, conventions and global business gatherings that include the successful hosting of the MICECON 4D in 2014 and the 1st Senior Officials Meeting of Asia Pacific and Economic Cooperation (SOM1 APEC) in Clark in January this year.

MICECON is a gathering of major players in the tourism industry in the Philippines while SOM1 APEC served as preparatory activity for APEC Leaders Summit this November.

CDC also renovated top tourist attractions that include the Clark Museum including the construction of 4D Theater and re-development of Parade Ground that now includes a rubberized jogging path.

In accepting the award, Tugade acknowledged the contributions of CDC officers and employees, attributing the success of Clark’s tourism programs to their efforts.

CDC management, its officials, employees and programs continue to get recognition for the past several months.

Among the recipients of the 25th SKAL International Tourism are Hans Sy for Integrated Tourism Enterprise, Dr. Mina Gabor for Sustainable Community-based Rural Tourism Development, Dr. George Yang for International Fast Food Chain, among others.

Clark Green City to serve as back-up government center for Metro Manila

(PR)

CLARK FREEPORT -- The Clark Green City (CGC) is perfectly suited to become a back-up government center for Metro Manila should a devastating earthquake happen, according to Arnel Paciano Casanova, president and CEO of the Bases Conversion and Development Authority.

“Earthquakes are impossible to predict but this proactive approach to have a back-up government center will ensure the continued operations and delivery of vital services following the Big One,” Casanova said.

Identified as a disaster-resilient area, the 9,450-hectare Clark Green City is almost a hundred kilometers away from the West Valley Fault Line and is surrounded by the typhoon-mitigating Zambales and Sierra Madre mountain ranges.

"Solutions to flooding and the paralyzing traffic are clearly manageable. But government must be prepared when, God forbid, the Big One strikes," Casanova added.

The BCDA has earlier offered free lots inside the Green City for government agencies to use in establishing back-up offices to ensure uninterrupted delivery of services even in the event of a major calamity.

Apart from a government district, CGC will also have residential, institutional and industrial areas plus a central business district.

Earlier news reports said Renato Solidum, Jr., Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) director, warned that a possible 7.2 earthquake looms if the West Valley Fault along the eastern side of Metro Manila cracks.

The West Valley Fault crosses the eastern side of Quezon City, western side of Marikina, western part of Pasig, eastern part of Makati, parts of Taguig, and Muntinlupa.

In its initial planning stages, the BCDA chief said greater attention was made to the disaster-resiliency feature of the Green City where geohazard and flood maps were used to determine that vital buildings and infrastructures are to be situated in the least-vulnerable areas.

“When the Big One strikes, delivery of government services and operations of businesses suffer the longest because you will have to face issues of health or personnel shortage, supply chain problems, public order, and a host of other challenges,” Casanova added.

Flooding in urban centers also results to a chain of disruptive events, foremost of which is traffic gridlock, Casanova said, noting that BCDA looks forward to a flood-free CGC with the giant cistern used in Bonifacio Global City in Taguig, one of BCDA’s flagship projects, which will be replicated in the Green City.

Beneath the BGC’s Burgos Circle is a five-story structure where floodwater is impounded and later released into Manila Bay.

“The Green City will be a showcase to the world as a model for uninterrupted commerce, trade and services in spite of our country being a calamity-prone area in the region,” Casanova said.

On July 16, 1990, a 7.8-magnitude earthquake hit the northern part of Luzon, leaving 2,412 people dead and around US$369.6 million worth of damage to property.

The strongest recorded earthquake to hit the Philippines was on September 20, 1897 which registered a magnitude of 8.6 on the Richter scale.

Close to the Clark international airport and the Subic seaport, Clark Green City is located inside the Clark Special Economic Zone where a projected 1.1 million residents and some 800,000 workers will eventually reside.

Last week, property developer giant Filinvest Land Inc. tendered its bid to become BCDA’s joint venture partner in the first phase development of CGC’s 288 hectares.

Also last month, the BCDA formalized its multiple joint venture partnerships with the Japanese government in the fields of energy, transportation, tollways, and industrial zones to help transform CGC into a major economic center of the ASEAN economic bloc.

AUF community promotes anti-FASD advocacy

By William I. Rider (AUF intern)

ANGELES CITY -- Angeles University Foundation (AUF), in cooperation with the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS), CAS-Communication Department, and Samahan ng mga Mag-aaral ng Komunikasyon (SAMASKOM) batch 2015-2016, showed their support for the Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) awareness campaign last September 9.

SAMASKOM president Danicca Verallo said that the main objective of this advocacy is to promote awareness against alcohol intake especially to women who are pregnant.

“To raise awareness because women nowadays are not aware that all the intake if ever they are pregnant or not or get pregnant someday, they are not aware that the baby also takes in alcohol, and especially alcohol which has a lot of bad effects to babies, mental disorders, and their physical appearance,” she added.

Verallo also noted that this was a big opportunity for them to advocate anti-FASD because this advocacy wasn’t known yet and people are not aware of this advocacy.

“We have advocacies about environment and poverty already, but this is a very big project coming from our [CAS] dean,” she said.

According to the flyer that was distributed in the event, FASD, also known as Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS), is the term used “to the problems a baby may have if the mother drinks during pregnancy.”

“Alcohol can cause delayed growth, birth defects, and brain damage. A person with FASD faces lifelong challenges,” the flyer stated.

AUF-CAS Dean Dr. Olga Angelinetta Tulabut said the Anti-FASD Day coincides with the nine months of pregnancy.

“Just this year, this month (September) was declared as the FASD Month,” Tulabut added.

Meanwhile, CAS-Communication Department Chair and SAMASKOM adviser Cristina Reyes revealed their strategy in promoting FASD awareness campaign through social media.

“First, we came up with a group [which] we distributed the tasks, we used group experts in web designing in Twitter and in Facebook, so we eventually came up with two accounts for FASD, and then we also used the traditional media, the radio station to announce our campaign and awareness and of course to disseminate our social media accounts,” she said.

Reyes also said that teamwork was also their strategy because she was surrounded by supportive students of AUF willing to extend their time beyond what is expected.

The AUF community was in solidarity by posting their pictures supporting anti-FASD using the hashtags #TYTD2015, #FASDAY, and #AUFPH, that resulted to a quick international recognition of AUF’s campaign.

Reyes was “very-very happy” when she learned the news that the campaign was acknowledged internationally even though it is a simple advocacy.

“We did not really expect that we will be recognized as long as we support the campaign and we believe in our own little ways we can help people and raise awareness about FASD,” she said.

Tulabut encouraged other colleagues, students, and the community to continue sharing the page until September 30 as a part of the FASD Month.

Angeles to put up P50-M command center

By Ian Ocampo Flora

ANGELES CITY -- The city government here announced the establishment of an interconnected P50-million command center to monitor the city’s traffic, support peace and order, and coordinate emergency response actions.

“Through the command center, we will install closed circuit television (CCTV) cameras in our barangays equipped with intelligent video analytics software. This will allow us to monitor crimes as they happen, while being able to pinpoint details to aid us in identifying the criminals such as plate numbers, the suspect’s face even behind tinted windows, and so on,” said Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan.

The move, according to Pamintuan, is in response to the growing population of the city which has also attracted tourists in recent years.

Pamintuan said the establishment of a command center is necessary to make overall monitoring possible.

The command center will also allow the city to connect with establishments that already have CCTV cameras installed, giving the local government and the police a wider coverage in crime surveillance.

The command center will be located at the current Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP) at the city hall.

The SP will move to the new legislative building also at the city hall.

Free public Wi-Fi in Angeles City launched

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

ANGELES CITY, Pampanga, Sept. 14 (PNA) --A free public Wi-Fi service is now set in several key areas in the city.

The service, dubbed Angeles City ConnectED, was formally launched on Monday by Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan and Converge ICT Solutions CEO Dennis Anthony Uy at the Angeles City Hall.

“Accelerating a city’s communication capabilities is key to boosting its economy - and with our free Wi-Fi service, we will be able to attract more investors and businesses in the city,” Pamintuan said.

“In addition, students, families of OFWs, visitors, tourists and the ordinary folks could enjoy free internet services to check and communicate with their loved ones; do research; check-out interesting tourist destinations and events, and stay connected wherever they are.” the mayor said.

An initial 13 hotspots were installed by Converge ICT Solutions.

Those are located within a 300-meter radius of the following: Jenra Mall and Heritage Area/Museo ning Angeles in Sto. Rosario; Comclark Office, El Potro, Didis Pizza, Casino Filipino and Newstreet along Mon Tang Ave. in Balibago; and at the taxpayer’s lounge, lobby and mayor’s office at the City Hall.

Other sites being considered for future installation of hotspots include schools, specifically near Holy Angel University and Angeles University Foundation, which will allow students and other members of the academe to connect.

During the launch, Pamintuan and Uy both promised to install a hotspot at the Department of Education District Office in Pulungbulu as well.

“This project comes in with no cost to the city government,” said the city mayor, adding that the establishment of hotspots is actually part of Converge’s corporate social responsibility.

“Wi-Fi is a necessity in our world today -- and since I am from Angeles City, we decided to do this here first. A world class mayor needs world class wi-fi service in his city,” Uy said.

For the initial offering, Converge has already invested around Php10 million for the hardware, bandwidth and support infrastructure.

Uy also explained that each hotspot has a 300-meter coverage, with a shared bandwidth of 100 megabytes per second (mbps) and able to accommodate 450 simultaneous users.

To avail of the free Wi-Fi service, all users have to do is to connect their device (laptop, tablet or smartphone) to the network named “Agyu Tamu Wi-Fi”.

Once connected, a registration window will appear where the user can register by logging in their mobile number, email or Facebook account to get started.

Uy also said that the data from the registration would be used to determine which hotspots are the busiest, so that they could improve the coverage in that particular area.

Additionally, during this initial period, there is currently no data download limit per user. This limit will be determined after the trial period.

The launch of the Angeles City ConnectED Free Public Wi-Fi project prompted the mayor to share his plans on making Angeles a smarter city and safer with the establishment of a Php50 million state-of-the-art Command Center at the City Hall.

“Through the command center, we will install closed circuit television (CCTV) cameras in our barangays equipped with intelligent video analytics software. This will allow us to monitor crimes as they happen, while being able to pinpoint details to aid us in identifying the criminals such as plate numbers, the suspect’s face even behind tinted windows, and so on.” Pamintuan said.

Additionally, the command center will allow the city to connect with establishments that already have CCTV cameras installed, giving the local government and the police a wider coverage in crime surveillance.

The command center will be located at the current Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP) at the city hall.

The SP will move to the new legislative building also at the city hall.

CDC continues to get recognition

(Sun.Star Pampanga)

CLARK FREEPORT -- The leadership at this Freeport's main managing company continues to get recognition from various groups and individuals in the area and even in Metro Manila.

CDC president Arthur Tugade recently received an award from the SKAL International-Makati during the 25th SKAL International Tourism Personality Awards held at the Grand Ballroom of New World Makati Hotel in Makati City.

The event also coincided with the 34th SKAL International Founding Anniversary. SKAL, which is a Scandinavian acronym that stands for Sundher (Health), Karlek (Love). Alder (Longlife) Lycka (Happiness).

SKAL International-Makati is headed by its President Robert Lim Joseph, Jr. SKAL is a professional organization of tourism leaders around the world, promoting global tourism and friendship.

Among the recipients of the 25th SKAL International Tourism are Hans T. Sy for Integrated Tourism Enterprise, Dr. Mina T. Gabor for Sustainable Community-based Rural Tourism Development, Dr. George T. Yang for International Fast Food Chain, among others.

The first Club was founded in 1932 in Paris by travel managers, following an educational tour of Scandinavia. The idea of international goodwill and friendship grew and in 1934, the “Association Internationale des Skal Clubs” was formed with Florimond Volckaert as its first President, who is considered the “Father of SKAL.”

Tugade was first recognized by the same organization in 2013 but respectfully declined to receive the award as he has just then started to serve as president and chief executive officer of CDC.

He humbly explained that he would rather receive the award on the basis of real and actual performance and not on the basis of a mere appointment to a position.

He told then the officers of SKAL that he would be implementing a revised tourism program for Clark that would make the Freeport one of the country’s top tourist destinations.

Since then Clark has hosted series of tourism events, conventions and global business gatherings that include the successful hosting of the MICECON 4D in 2014 and the 1st Senior Officials Meeting of Asia Pacific and Economic Cooperation (SOM1 APEC) in Clark in January this year.

MICECON is a gathering of major players in the tourism industry in the Philippines while SOM1 APEC served as preparatory activity for APEC Leaders Summit this November.

CDC also renovated top tourist attractions that include the Clark Museum including the construction of 4D Theater and redevelopment of Parade Ground that now includes a rubberized jogging path.

In accepting the award few days ago, Tugade acknowledged the contributions of CDC officers and employees, attributing the success of Clark’s tourism programs to their efforts.

CDC management, its officials, employees and programs continue to get recognition for the past several months.

Given the said performance and continuing program of activities in Clark, he is privileged and honored to accept the SKAL award.

Recently, Philippine Economic Zone Authority Dir. General Lilia De Lima cited Tugade during the groundbreaking of the product distribution center project of Texas Instrument in Clark for being “Facilitator of Development.”

De Lima said "I've been in this job for more than 20 years as PEZA director general and I've seen presidents of CDC come and go, but the current one is the best (referring to Tugade)," she said.

On September 8, CDC was recognized by the 1st Air Division of the Philippine Air Force on its 44th anniversary activities.

M/Gen. Raul Del Rosario, division commander of the 1st Air Division handed Ricardo C. Banayat, CDC VP for Security Services, a plaque of appreciation for the invaluable support rendered by CDC to 1st Air Division by providing medicines during the conduct of medical and dental mission at Barangay Sapang Bato. Banayat represented Tugade during the awarding ceremony.

The Philippine State College of Aeronautics (PHILSCA) also cited Tugade during the Inauguration of the PHILSCA Basa Palmaya Campus (Mini-Hangar) in Floridablanca, Pampanga.

Tugade was also cited for being an “Entrepreneurial Advocate” which featured the CDC president in one of the country’s best-selling book series for his contributions in business and entrepreneurship.

In a Philippine Star column titled Go Negosyo by Joey A. Concepcion, Tugade’s business success story was featured on the 10th anniversary edition of Go Negosyo: 50 Inspiring Entrepreneurial Stories launched on July 28.

CDC’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programs and projects were also recently cited when the company was adjudged in March this year as Best Social Enterprise in the International Golden Globe Awards in Malaysia.

The awarding ceremony was part of a three-day World Marketing Summit (WMS) organized in conjunction with Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) Asia and World CSR Day.

Businessman apprehensive on Capilion project

By Reynaldo G. Navales

ANGELES CITY -- A businessman here has expressed apprehensions about the location of the P7-billion Clark Green Frontier mixed use facility being developed by Singapore-based Capilion Corporation PTE Limited.

Rene Romero, president of the Romac Group of Companies, issued the statement in support of the call of local officials and businessmen for the relocation of the planned commercial complex at the main entrance of Clark Freeport.

There are other areas in Clark suitable for big commercial facilities like the Clark Green Frontier, according to Romero.

"Ali ya istu ing lugar na. Dakal ya pweding puntalan a lugar keng Clark. Anyway nung masanting talaga ining sasabyan ng Capilion mixed development a ini, anggiang keta yang dulu na ning Clark puntalan de (It’s location is not right. Anyway, this Capilion mixed development is really good, even if it is located in the edge of Clark, people will come to them)," Romero said.

The facility will block the entrance of the Clark International Airport (CRK), according to Romero.

With the approval of the new P15-billion Clark International Airport (CRK) project, Romero said that Clark gateways should be free from any structures that will aggravate traffic congestion in the area.

“Pilan ta yang banwang pakipate ing Clark, ngeni ing CDC (Clark Development Corporation) paburen neng midinan blockade ing entrada. Pwedi naman Global Gateway Logistics City (GGLC) o keng aliwang lugar (We’ve fought for Clark for many years and now CDC is putting a blockade to the entrance of Clark. It can be located anyway at GGLC or any other place in the Freeport),” Romero said.

Barangay Balibago, which leads to the main gate of Clark, is already filled with commercial establishments. “Sapak ne ing Balibago, sapak ne ing Clark (Balibago and Clark are filled up),” Romero said.

The businessman also disclosed that he agrees with the issues raised by the Pinoy Gumising Ka Movement (PGKM) headed by businessman Ruperto Cruz and Angeles City Councilor Max Sangil.

Aside from traffic, the PGKM and some city officials lamented about the harmful effect of the project to the local businesses.

Romero clarified that he is not against the project which is expected to employ 18,000 workers.

Once completed, the CGF is seen to contribute a minimum of two percent to three percent to the economy of Angeles City, according to Romero.

“Very welcome ya [ing Capilion project]. Keng sasabyan ming ayni ri Councilor Max ampo i Perto (Cruz), sana e ya mako [ing Capilion keng Clark. Sayang ya,” he said.

Romero also disclosed that the alignment of the railway from Metro Manila to Clark will be affected by the Capilion project.

If the project pushes trough in its current location, a new alignment will be prepared for the railway system leading to Clark airport.

Published in the Sun.Star Pampanga newspaper on September 13, 2015.

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Angeles City receives 18,000 books from NGO

(PNA), LAP/ZST/RKM/PS

ANGELES CITY, Pampanga, Sept. 11 (PNA) -– A non-government organization (NGO) has donated some 18,000 books to the district’s Department of Education (DepEd) and to the City of College of Angeles.

Suzette Recto, vice president of 1-Aasenso Pinoy Inc., an NGO affiliated with global non-profit brand Children International, turned over the books to the City Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan, CCA president Averell Laquindanum and DepEd District Superintendent Leilani Cunanan in a ceremony held on Friday.

“The books would truly go a long, long way in educating the Angeleno youth. This is an issue today with our youth who would spend time on their tablets and smartphones, rather than read books,” Pamintuan said.

The city mayor said that every time he goes into dialogue with students, his advice for them is to “travel with their fingertips and read, read, read”.

The DepEd, on the other hand, said the donation of various learning materials can be used by the public elementary and secondary schools as reference and supplemental instructional materials.

The books cover a wide variety of subjects ranging from literature, reading and writing, science, history and economics. There are books for tertiary level students as well, which were already handed to the CCA.

Recto said the book donation is part of Children International’s global literacy program, and they plan to donate more books and other supplies and services to the Angelenos in the future.

“We have several projects in different cities, but Angeles is really special to me because of the reception that the local government and the mayor extends to us,” she said.

“Our organization hopes to continue this partnership with Mayor Pamintuan, as we will soon donate wheelchairs for persons-with-disabilities, shoes and medical supplies for the Ospital ning Angeles,” Recto added.

During the turnover of books, Recto was accompanied by 1-Aasenso Pinoy president Luz Calamayan.


'Tuloy Bahay Bata' opens in Angeles City

(PNA), LAP/ZST/RKM/PS

ANGELES CITY, Pampanga, Sept. 10 (PNA) -- Tuloy Bahay Bata, an institution that aims to uplift the welfare of street children in this city, is now open.

City Mayor Ed Pamintuan, together with Tuloy Foundation Inc., founder Fr. Marciano “Rocky” Evangelista, SDB, led the formal launching Wednesday of the institution located in Barangay Cuayan, this city.

“We truly appreciate the efforts of Fr. Rocky on mentoring the children and transforming their lives. With their expertise and experience, we believe that they could educate these children and make them productive members of society in the future,” Pamintuan said as he expressed his all out support to the program.

A usufruct agreement was signed by Pamintuan and Tuloy Foundation on June 25, 2015 for the exclusive use of the idle Bahay Bata facility, which was then managed by the Rotary Club of Clark Centennial.

The Timog Silangan Development Corporation owned the property but donated the facility to the local government on November 16, 2010.

Tuloy Bahay Bata is designed to help marginalized and abandoned children to regain self worth and dignity, giving them a chance for a better life; acquire Christian values and habits for a decent, humane and Christian life and; develop the skills and training for self reliance and integration into society.

The city mayor gave Fr. Rocky the go signal to operate the center, telling him “If you were able to do it in Alabang, you can also do it here in Angeles - and we will definitely be here to support you.”

The local government shall exempt the Bahay Bata from any and all local taxes, imposts, fees and assessments such as real property taxes, business and/or mayor’s permit fees.

On the other hand, the foundation received pledges that sum up to Php5 million from private groups such as Consuelo Foundation Inc., Luenthai, Don Bosco Pampanga Alumni Association, Laus Group of Companies and anonymous individuals in the region.

Pamintuan also expressed his personal pledge to support the facility, not in his capacity as city mayor, but as a citizen of Angeles.

“Rest assured, in my own way, from my own pocket, I will give you what you need. On behalf of the city government, thank you to everything you are doing.” the mayor said.

According to statistics from the Department of Social Welfare and Development, there is an estimated total of 1,500 street children in Angeles City in the year 2010.

BCDA, Filinvest tie-up for Clark Green City

By Reynaldo G. Navales

CLARK FREEPORT -- State-owned Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) said giant property developer Filinvest Land, Incorporated has tendered its bid to become the agency’s partner in the development of the 288-hectare Clark Green City.

With this, the development of the country’s first smart, green and disaster-resilient metropolis successfully took off, the BCDA said in a press statement on Tuesday.

Filinvest is the lone proponent that submitted a valid bid for the development premium in the amount of P160-million payable upon signing of the contract.

Aside from Filinvest, Ayala Land, Incorporated and Megaworld Corporation secured the bid documents for the selection of BCDA’s joint venture partner.

Under the Terms of Reference (TOR), the minimum acceptable bid was set at P160-million or approximately $3.6 million.

“We are excited to move forward with our new joint-venture partner and start building what will be known as the country’s first ever smart, green and disaster-resilient metropolis that is expected to significantly improve the lives of our countrymen,” BCDA president and chief executive officer Arnel Casanova said.

Filinvest, as BCDA’s partner, will play a significant role in accelerating the development of Clark Green City, according to Casanova.

“We are happy to have Filinvest to be a partner because this will bring the strengths of BCDA as the developer of the Bonifacio Global City, and Filinvest as the developer of the 244-hectare Filinvest City in Alabang and recently, the newest Cebu business district--a P5-billion business process outsourcing (BPO) complex called Filinvest Cyberzone Cebu,” Casanova said.

He added that Clark Green City is seen to become the “center of economic development in the country.”

The partnership of BCDA with the winning bidder will be in the form of a Joint Venture Corporation (JVC) to be owned 45 percent by BCDA and 55 percent by Filinvest.

The term of the Joint Venture Agreement (JVA) is 50 years and renewable for another 50 years.

The JVC shall have the full development and usufructuary rights over the 288-hectare property.

Casanova said the usufructuary rights would be converted to full land ownership if and when the law so allows in the future, subject to mutual agreement of the two parties.

The BCDA, together with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), is now building the main access roads leading to Clark Green City.

BCDA has also teamed up with Pag-Ibig Fund to build some 2,000 affordable mixed income housing units for future employees of the green city.

The housing project will make Clark Green City inclusive and affordable for the minimum wage earners and even cater to the 85,000 workers in the Clark Freeport.

Last August, the BCDA and the University of the Philippines signed an agreement for the establishment of a campus inside a 70-hectare area.

Groundbreaking is set during the first quarter of 2016.

Last month, the Government of Japan (GOJ) through the Japan Overseas Infrastructure Investment Corporation for Transport and Urban Development (JOIN) forged a cooperation agreement with the BCDA to help the Aquino Administration develop and build Clark Green City as a major economic center in the ASEAN bloc.

According to Casanova, the involvement of the JOIN will lead to multiple joint venture partnerships that will serve as a vehicle for the formation of Japanese consortium and investments in the field of power, transportation, tollways, industrial zones and economic centers

“The Government of Japan will help transform Clark Green City into a major economic center of the ASEAN economic bloc,” he said.

The entire Clark Green City is a 9,450-hectare master planned property within the Clark Special Economic Zone in the province of Tarlac, Philippines.

Clark Green City is expected to have some 1.12 million residents, 800,000 workers and contribute a gross output of approximately P1.57-trillion per year to the national economy or roughly four percent share in the county’s gross domestic product.

The smart city is strategically located at the Clark Special Economic Zone between the highly urbanizing cities of San Fernando, Angeles and Olongapo in Central Luzon as well as the cities of San Carlos, Dagupan and Urdaneta in Northern Luzon.

It is situated near the Clark International Airport and the Subic Seaport.

The strategic location and its connectivity to major cities in Central Luzon through the country’s expressways like the North Luzon Expressway, Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway, Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union Expressway will allow the convergence from all points which serve a catchment population of some 12 million people.

Filinvest Land, Incorporated is one of the leading real estate developers in the Philippines.

It is also a pioneer in the development of very large master-planned township developments which provide a convenient mix of commercial, industrial and residential uses.

The firm has over 100 projects located in 39 cities and municipalities nationwide.

Angeles crime rate down 46%

(AC-CIO/with reports from Sharmaine Gacutara and Raica Zia Pasion)

ANGELES CITY -- Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan lauded the efforts of this city’s Peace and Order Council for consistently working on the reduction of criminality in the city.

At the council's assembly at the City Hall last Tuesday, Angeles City Police Office Director Senior Superintendent Eden Ugale said that the city recorded a 46 percent decrease in the comparative crime statistics of the total index and non-index crimes.

That is a 3,941 total crime volume (TVC) for the period of January to August 2014 down to 2,130 crimes in January to August 2015.

He added that the said significant decline in the city's criminality rate is part of the enforcement, intensification, and mobilization of police personnel and surveillance programs.

"We were able to improve our committee relations activities by encouraging residents to take part in our anti-criminality advocacies," said Ugale.

The council also released statistics on some of the mostly reported criminal activity in the city.

Reports show that robbery in the city is down by 46.20 percent with 329 cases in 2014 to just 177 in 2015.

Also, a significant decrease of 48 percent and 25 percent were recorded for the crimes of theft and physical injuries respectively.

Further, a total of 542 suspects for various crimes were apprehended by the ACPO. About 161 of these were caught due to drug trafficking.

Physical injury has the most number of offenses committed for the index crimes with 36.46 percent, followed by theft with 33.92 percent, robbery with 15.51 percent, carnapping with 8.41 percent and rape with 3.68 percent.

Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan urged the council to encourage more civilians to join the city in this crusade of alleviating forms of crimes in the city.

"Let us continue what we have started. Our programs against criminality are taking effect and I salute everyone who is with us in making Angeles a safe and liveable city for everyone," Pamintuan said.

"I warn these criminal elements, Angeleños are now more vigilant. Soon we will be having our very own command center which is a great help to further reduce crime in the city. We will make Angeles a ‘garrison’ against criminality and drug abuse," he added.

SWS: Angeles businesses want more anti-corruption laws

By Warren Serrano (DTI-3)

CLARK FREEPORT -- The Social Weather Station (SWS) presented to stakeholders on Monday the results of the Annual Enterprises Survey on Corruption for 2014.

The forum held at Xenia Hotel in Clark Freeport Zone is part of the roadshow of the National Competitive Council (NCC) to raise awareness of the participants coming from businesses, local government units, academe, media, national government agencies and business associations in Central Luzon on the perception and experience of enterprises in their transactions with government.

SWS president Dr. Mahar Mangahas noted that for Metro Angeles, at least 101 respondents coming from key officials of small, medium and large businesses were asked to respond to questions about their perceptions and experiences in transacting with different government institutions.

Unlike other respondents from most regions, which rated an increase in the sincerity of agencies in anti-corruption efforts from 2012-2014, many Metro Angeles enterprises believe that corruption is still a factor in some government agencies and city or municipal governments.

Despite the perception, Metro Angeles businessmen had one of the lowest percentage in the country of allotted fund (10 percent of contract) for potential bribe. They also had the highest percentage (43 percent) of respondents saying that they reported a case of corruption.

Danilo Pamintuan, Chairman of the Metro Angeles Chamber of Commerce and Industries saw the results as an opportunity for stakeholders to be aware of corruption and become pro-active in addressing it. He also noted that local enterprises also posted the highest percentage (95 percent) of wanting to pass the Freedom of Information act and other anti-corruption laws.

The Department of Trade and Industry Regional Office III (DTI-3) coordinated the event together with the NCC secretariat.

Aquino, Neda lauded for approving Clark airport expansion project

By Reynaldo G. Navales

ANGELES CITY -- Local businessmen and officials lauded President Benigno Aquino III and the National Economic and Development Authority (Neda) Board for approving the P15-billion expansion project of the Clark International Airport.

Aquino approved five new projects in transportation and energy amounting to P131.4 billion during a Neda board meeting Friday in Malacañang.

The project is expected to accommodate up to 15 million passengers yearly and will cost the government P15.354 billion, including the installation of equipment, machinery and facilities.

Businessman Ruperto Cruz, head of the Pinoy Gumising Ka Movement (PGKM) which is calling for the full development of Clark, thanked the president and the Neda for backing the project.

Cruz also hailed Clark International Airport Corporation (CIAC) president Emigdio “Dino” Tanjuatco for his effort in pushing for the realization of the low cost carrier terminal.

“Pasalamatan ta ya I PNoy pero most especially i Tanjuatco kasi iya ing ikit tamung meg-lobby ken," Cruz said.

According to Cruz, the CIAC chief has proven to the Kapampangan people that he is not one of the officials who are part of the “grand plan” to sabotage the development of Clark airport.

Cruz even urged CIAC and the national government to immediately implement the project, which he described as “long overdue.”

“Aquino’s term will end on June 30, 2016, kapilan ne man kaya mag-start ing project,” Cruz said.

The PGKM people of Pampanga are fighting for the operation of Clark airport as the country’s main gateway for more than 20 years, the businessman said.

Pampanga First District Representative Joseller “Yeng” Guiao expressed gratitude to Aquino and the Neda Board for approving the project.

“We thank PNoy and the NEDA Board for their support and foresight in advancing the development and economic progress in our region (Central Luzon) with the approval of the construction of the new terminal that will total P13 billion when completed,” Guiao said.

“It is a testament to the effort of the community to contribute to the long term success of Pampanga, Central Luzon and the rest of Northern Luzon. One team tayo,” Guiao added.

Angeles City Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan, for his part, described this development as a “milestone, a legacy left for the people of Luzon, preparing Clark for that elusive international airport and building the future now.

The Neda Board also approved the Naga airport development project worth P3.533 billion.

“The airfield will be reoriented to enable dual-approach landing and takeoff and new airside and landside facilities will be established to meet the growing tourism demand,” said Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr., adding that the project will be funded through the General Appropriations Act.

Angeles students join International Coastal Clean-up drive

(Sun.Star Pampanga)

ANGELES CITY -- Hundreds of students from different secondary and college schools in this city participated in a clean-up drive along the Balibago creek recently.

The project is in line with the International Coastal Clean-Up adopted by the Philippine government through the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).

Carlo Fernandez, Rotary International District 3790 Assistant District Rotaract Representative, said that the students who volunteered in cleaning the Balibago creek came from different schools in the city.

The students' group include the Rotaract Club of Kuliat, Rotaract and Interact clubs of Jocson College Incorporated; Rotaract Club of University of the Philippines (UP) Diliman Extension Program in Pampanga (DEPP) Clark; Rotaract Club of Jose C. Feliciano College Foundation; Interact Club, Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts of Systems Plus College Foundation; and Interact Club of Rafael L. Lazatin Memorial High School.

The students expressed gratitude to the Rotary International District 3790, Rotary Club of Angeles Kuliat, Department of Tourism, and officials including Balibago Chairman Tony Mamac, Father Sonny Pahed, RC Angeles Kuliat President Susan Simpao Czudai and others who supported the project.

The International Coastal Clean-Up Day is celebrated annually on the third Saturday of September. This year, it was set on September 19.

Kapampangan to assume as Gumaca bishop on September 8

By Ian Ocampo Flora

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO -- Kapampangan Bishop Victor Ocampo will take canonical possession of the Diocese of Gumaca on September 8, to coincide with the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, at the San Diego Cathedral in Gumaca, Quezon.

This came after Bishop Ocampo, a former parish priest, was consecrated as bishop in solemn rites led by Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle at the Cathedral Shrine of Saint Joseph in Balanga.

Ocampo was born in Angeles City, Pampanga in 1952. He was ordained a priest of the Diocese of Balanga in 1977.

Ocampo had earlier called for prayers for his new post as he prepares to lead the Diocese of Gumaca in Quezon province.

"St. Paul said that to be a bishop is good but not everybody is capable of becoming one. So this is a grace given to me so I have to accept it," Ocampo said.

He had served in various pastoral and diocesan roles, most recently as chancellor of the Diocese of Balanga (since 2008); pastor of St. Dominic de Guzman Parish in Abucay, Balanga (since 1986); director of the Biblical Apostolate (since 1986); director of the Commission on the Family and Life (since 2008); and member of the College of Consultors (since 2013).

Ocampo's recent installation marked many firsts in the Diocese of Balanga. Ocampo's ordination in Balanga as a bishop was a first since 1739, the first in Bataan since 1754 and the first in the Diocese of Balanga since 1975.

Preparations are now underway at the San Diego Cathedral in Gumaca for the new bishop's installation.

CBCP said Gumaca "is one of the country's growing dioceses with almost a million Catholic population and about 130 priests and religious."

The Diocese of Gumaca was created on April 9, 1984 and currently has 22 parishes with San Diego de Alcala as its titular patron.

Angeles City ready for K-to-12 program

By Gail P. Cunanan

ANGELES CITY -- The Department of Education’s (DepEd) K-to-12 program is set to take effect next year.

This term’s fourth year high school students will not go straight to college but will instead have to enroll in the 10th, 11th and 12th year levels “in preparation” for enrollment in college.

Culinary arts, liberal arts, languages, internet technology and other specialized courses to be offered to the college preparatory students were identified under these major categories: technology, vocational and livelihood.

These were discussed by Leilani Cunanan, officer-in-charge (OIC) of the DepEd’s Office of the Schools Division Supervisor in Angeles City, Pampanga during last Friday’s edition of the weekly media forum conducted by the Capampangan in Media, Inc. (CAMI), Clark Development Corporation (CDC) and Holy Angel University (HAU).

Cunanan said DepEd has allocated funds for public school students, at P20,000 each per year, are required to move to the college preparatory levels.

She stressed that the department has laid down concrete plans to ensure that majority of the students will be accommodated next year.

“Public schools in Angeles City have committed and prepared to absorb at least 7,794 of the students moving up to the higher 10th and 11th levels beginning 2016. These include Angeles City National High School, Angeles City National Trade School, Angeles City Science High School, Bonifacio Romero High School, Rafael L. Lazatin Memorial High School and Sapang Bato High School,” Cunanan said.

HAU and other private schools in Angeles City promised to admit students that could not be accommodated by the public schools and grant them scholarship benefits to make up for any shortfall in the P20,000 per student tuition fees bankrolled by the DepEd.

The K-to-12 program is designed to help the Philippines catch-up with other countries that subscribe to a 12-year basic educational system.

CDC, Sutherland give free call center training

(Sun.Star Pampanga)

CLARK FREEPORT -- Bridging the gap between potential employers and talent pool, the state-owned firm partnered with a business process outsourcing (BPO) locator here in training prospective workers.

Clark Development Corporation, in partnership with Sutherland Global Services, Inc. (SGSI) launched the first Language and Call Center Fundamentals Training at Clark Polytechnic Compound on Tuesday.

Noel Manankil, CDC vice president for administration and finance, said that the project is in line with CDC's target of 100,000 jobs in Clark by 2016.

Manankil said the training would provide Sutherland call center agents that are suited to comply with the requirements of the said locator.

“Initially, we start in CDC premises, then once we are able to train the trainers then we expand outside. We are looking at partnering with City College of Angeles, Mabalacat City College and Tarlac State University, Porac and Pampanga provincial government among others,” Manankil said.

“CDC will shoulder the cost of training, the venue (one of the classrooms in Clark Polytechnic) and other equipment necessary for the training,” Manankil added.

Some 35 trainees from Clark contiguous areas will be the first batch of the 20-day training program.

Aside from BPO training module, CDC plans to create various programs for hospitality industry, caddies for golf courses and other priority industries in the Freeport.

Brian Vera, SGSI director for recruitment, disclosed that their site in Clark has 4,500 employees at present.

Vera said further that SGSI share the same goals with CDC in generating skilled workers. For their company in Clark, they need to fill in an additional 2,000 jobs by December this year.

“We have 500 clients that we’re supporting and we’re growing. In fact, Sutherland Clark specifically and Tarlac are both the biggest sites that we are currently supporting for Sutherland,” Vera said.

Greg Bravo, SGSI training manager, said the curriculum is designed to build the language foundation among the trainees adding that it also covers Sutherland’s screening process.

P135-M zoo to rise in Clark

(Sun.Star Pampanga)

CLARK FREEPORT -- The Clark Development Corporation (CDC) has forged a contract with a firm for the construction of a P135-million zoo inside this freeport.

The agreement, signed by CDC President Arthur P. Tugade and Global Zoo and Theme Park Alliance Inc. (GZTPAI) President Romeo Siccion, would pave the way for the establishment of a zoo in Clark.

According to CDC's Marketing Department, the project would also include provision of haven for wildlife animals, establishment of a theme park, rides, adventure facilities, and other recreational and commercial activities.

The total lease land is 20 hectares which will employ about 140 workers in the next five years.

Tugade added that soft opening of the project will be next year or within the next 12 months upon the issuance of occupancy permit by the CDC, along with other permits that must be sought by GZTPAI from other government and regulatory bodies involved in zoo operations.

Siccion has private collection of tigers since 2007, including some imported species of birds, reptiles and other small animals which are in a mini zoo he established in the City of San Fernando, Pampanga.

Siccion said he decided to invest here because of the sound business climate in the Freeport, as well as the fast-growing tourism industry here and in the rest of the country.

He told Tugade that his vision is to create a place where love for animals could be advocated and shared to others and to educate Filipinos, particularly tourists, about wildlife conservation.

Siccion is currently president of Zoo World Inc., a member of the Philippine Zoos Association (PhilZoos) and Southeast Asian Zoos and Aquariums (SEAZA).

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