Angeles City News April 2016

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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
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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.

LTO Angeles City continues efforts to improve services

(JTD)

ANGELES CITY -- The Land Transportation Office (LTO) in Angeles City continues to exert maximum efforts to improve its services and deliver utmost customer care and convenience.

This was disclosed by LTO Angeles City Chief Transportation Regulatory Officer Aida Santiago during the agency's "Big Clean-up and Sorting Day" on Saturday, where personnel came together once more to spruce up the district office’s interior and exterior premises.

"What we do in big clean up and sorting days is all for our customers and clients. We are one in saving the environment and preserving it by properly sorting and segregating old files that need to be discarded done through systematic inventory. Along with that, the office premises are spruced up, cleaned and our gardens kept green as our part in protecting the environment. More importantly, we strictly adhere to and implement the ARTA [Anti-Red Tape Act] so we regularly put up signages and workflow posters so our clients will not fall prey to fixers,” she said.

Conducted by LTO Angeles City in accordance with its ISO certifications, the big clean up and sorting day is continuously enhanced to cover most areas of customer care and service.

“We see to it that we provide comfort and convenience to our hundreds of daily clients applying for or renewing their licenses and vehicle registration,” Santiago shared.

“We want our clients to get that experience of excellent service when they transact with us. We want them to be comfortable while waiting for their documents and completing their transactions,” she added.

LTO Angeles City has an air-conditioned lounge, a breastfeeding area, and priority lanes for persons with disabilities, senior citizens and pregnant women.

Santiago said that the agency will continue to conduct and sustain its big clean up and sorting days for the benefit of its clients.

Comelec accredits 5 malls as voting precincts

By Princess Clea Arcellaz

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO -- Voters in the province will now enjoy the convenience of casting their ballots as the Commission on Elections (Comelec) accredited five shopping malls to serve as voting precincts.

Comelec-Pampanga Election Officer Elaiza Sabile-David disclosed the accredited malls as Waltermart and Robinsons Starmills in this city and SM City Clark, Robinsons Place Balibago and Marquee Mall in Angeles City.

The poll body cited the comfort and convenience that can be experienced by voters through mall voting, as well as the strict security already implemented at the said shopping malls.

However, teams from the Philippine National Police and Armed Forces of the Philippines will still be augmented to ensure the security of voters.

The Comelec also reminded the public that voting in the mall precincts is not an option as there will be assigned voters coming from the barangays within the mall area.

The poll body is yet to announce the participating barangays that will be allowed to vote in the said shopping malls.

Electronic group sets 124th assembly in Clark

By Reynaldo G. Navales

CLARK FREEPORT -- The Semiconductor and Electronics Industries in the Philippines Foundation, Incorporated (SEIPI) has set its 124th General Membership Meeting inside the Freeport, today, Friday.

The event dubbed “Pairs: Policies, Actions, Investments/Innovations, Reforms and Services for the Semiconductor and Electronics Industry,” will start at 10 a.m. at the Holiday Inn Clark.

Seipi is an organization of foreign and Filipino semiconductor and electronics companies in the Philippines, allied and support industry and the academe.

In 2015, our industry accounted for 49 percent share of the total Philippine exports, directly employed 351,387 operators and technicians and invested a total of P80.783 billion.

The group’s quarterly meeting is attended by around 150 chief executive officers, presidents, general managers, managing directors and senior executives of electronic companies with base of operations in the country.

The event is aimed to keep the companies abreast of the latest technology, trends and economic issues affecting the Philippine electronics industry.

Speakers during meeting will be coming from the government and will feature topics about ensuring investments protection and energy security.

Angeles City hosts dance rally for cultural heritage preservation, peace and unity

(PNA), LAP/ZST/MDDR/PS

ANGELES CITY, April 27 (PNA) -- The city’s heritage district will once again come to life as artists and dancers from all over Pampanga will take part on Friday in this year’s nationwide dance rally.

Dubbed as "Yugyugan Para sa Kultura ng Bayan 2", the purpose of the festivity is for cultural heritage preservation, peace and unity.

The event is spearheaded by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts- National Committee on Dance (NCCA-NCD), in line with the celebration of National Dance Week and International Day of Dance (IDD).

Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan said it is a privilege for the city to once again become a part of the National Dance Week through Yugyugan, stating that Angeles is proud of its cultural and traditional heritage.

“We consider hosting the Yugyugan in its second year as a privilege and a concrete manifestation of how we cherish and protect our cultural heritage and identity,” the mayor said.

Choreographers, school dance troupes and other artists’ organizations will express their passion for the art of dancing together as one.

Participating schools and organizations include Angeles City League of Dancers, Republic Central Colleges, Pampanga State Agricultural University, Body Shocks Dancers, City College of Angeles, System Plus College Foundation, Francisco G. Nepomuceno Memorial High School, Angeles City National Trade School, Sinukwan Kapampangan Training Center for the Arts, Holy Angel University Dance Theatre, Sto. Rosario Elementary School, Angeles City Dance Athletes, Claro M. Recto Information and Communication Technology High School, and the Angeles University Foundation-College of Education.

Aside from Angeles City, the dance rally will also simultaneously take place in the cities of Roxas and Cebu.

The annual celebration of the International Dance Day (IDD) was created under the auspices of UNESCO in Paris and held all over the world by the International Theater Institute (ITI) on April 29.

Its objective is to celebrate dance, to revel in the universality of this art form, to cross all political, cultural and ethnic barriers and bring people together with a common language, which is dance.

While in the Philippines, the Presidential Proclamation No. 154, which declares the fourth week of April every year as the National Dance Week, aims “to bring together dancers to demonstrate and realize the function of dance in the society and in the rest of the world.

Knights of Columbus sets ‘Know our Candidates’ forum

By Reynaldo G. Navales

ANGELES CITY -- The Knight of Columbus (KofC) Holy Sepulcher Council Number 04278-S13 organized a candidates’ forum dubbed “Know Our Candidates Forum 2016” at the Holy Angel University (HAU) yesterday.

The KofC conducted the forum in partnership with the Commission on Elections (Comelec), academe and student organizations, business sector, civil society, mass media, religious organizations, and others.

The holding of the forum was aimed at drawing the commitments of candidates to a clean, peaceful and honest elections.

Aside from this, mayoralty and congressional candidates had a chance to impart their respective platforms of government to the electorate.

“The electorate [will be] guided on whom to vote,” Sir Knights Vernon Ocampo and Joseph Peterson Lao said.

The candidates also took a vow for competent, transparent, and accountable public governance once elected.

During the forum, the candidates were given three minutes each to deliver their respective platforms of governments.

They were also asked about their programs on health, education, employment, peace and order, infrastructure development, investment promotions and transparency in government.

Businessman to prioritize hiring of CCA grads

(AC-CIO)

ANGELES CITY – "The 184 graduates at CCA have priority in the available jobs at Converge Group. That is my gift to you on this very special day."

Thus said Converge Chief Executive Officer and Angeleño businessman Dennis Uy during his commencement speech in the recent graduation rites at the City College of Angeles (CCA).

As they graduate this year, the students from CCA will be offered with several job opportunities in the immediate community: one of these being a choice applicant in Uy's companies.

"I will assure all of you that I will prioritize the graduating students of CCA who are interested in applying in any of my companies. This is my part in building a better society here in Angeles," the businessman said.

"One of my goals in business is to provide job opportunities to many. However, if, in any chance, they find another company, which can give a higher salary then, I will let them go. I never stop people from having better lives. This is why I'm here for, to push people to be better, to have better lives," he added.

The companies of Uy are hiring more employees, especially graduate students, in order to train individuals and prepare them for better opportunities.

Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan lauded Uy for his support and commitment to uplift the lives of the less fortunate, not only by extending them employment, but also by giving out scholarships.

Pamintuan also said that providing them employment opportunities right after they graduate is another dream fulfilled for both the local government and the administrators of the CCA.

"When we built the City College in 2012, we made the promise of creating courses which are market sensitive. These courses would then generate jobs that would immediately benefit the community, not to mention the graduates themselves, because they could get jobs as soon, or even before, they get their hands on a diploma," said Pamintuan.

"Uy is just one of the good guys whom we partnered with in this endeavor. We also have several locators in Clark and a handful of companies in the city waiting for our graduates," the mayor added.

Pamintuan also assured the CCA students that he, along with his partners and friends in the private and public sector, will support more scholars in the coming years.

The CCA is the only educational institution in the Philippines to have CISCO certification.

Clark perimeter road project ahead of schedule

By Reynaldo G. Navales

CLARK FREEPORT -- A six-kilometer vital road project worth P173-million, which is expected to ease traffic congestion in the cities of Angeles and Mabalacat, is nearing completion, an official of Clark Development Corporation (CDC) recently said.

Alveen Tabag, CDC vice-president for Engineering Services, said the construction of the Mabalacat Clark East Perimeter Road is ahead of schedule.

The CDC official announced this during the program “Clark in Focus” aired over CLTV 36. The project will be completed on June 2016, he said,

Once completed, the interconnecting route from Mabalacat gate to Balibago in Angeles City along the east perimeter fence of this Freeport would help ease traffic flow in the two cities and reduce the travel time of motorists.

The CDC is funding the project as part of the agency’s parallel development programs to spur progress in contiguous communities.

Package I of the project is being undertaken by the construction firm of BS Ponio and Company, Inc. It includes a 940-meter wide two lane road, shoulder, street lights and 60 meters two lane steel bridge.

Constructing the second package is the Haidee Construction and Development Corporation. The package include a 4,500-meter with two lane road, shoulder, street lights, 427.47 meters four lane road with sidewalk, street lights, and two traffic lights.

The total length of the project is 5,927.47 linear meters or about six kilometers.

Mabalacat City Mayor Marino Morales expressed gratitude to CDC officials for giving this project a priority.

“Once na magawa yun, there will be another access or alternative to and from Clark and then onto Subic, Manila and other areas. Lalong magiging progresibo ang northern part ng Mabalacat,” Morales said.

Kapampangans benefit anew from 17M-worth of BUB projects

(PR)

A TOTAL of P16.8 million worth of infrastructural and procurement projects were completed directly benefitting thousands of “cabalens,” all of which are funded by the Department of the Interior and Local Government under the Bottom-Up Budgeting Program of the national government.

Addressed on the completed projects were problems of the Kapampangan community on: safe and potable water supply, absence of life-saving and emergency rescue facilities and/or equipment during disaster and onslaught of calamities, absence or poor farm to market roads, among others.

According to DILG Pampanga Director Myrvi Apostol-Fabia, the Department ensures that the completion of these projects be put into top priority, properly turned over to recipient local government units (LGUs) and barangays, to help ease the burdens and difficulties the ordinary Filipino encounter in their daily lives.

“It humbly flatters and inspires us [DILG] to see that the projects we monitored from planning, to implementation, to turn over, were successfully completed and are now benefitting thousands of cabalens in the Province. On one of our scheduled visits, I, personally, got teary-eyed to hear the heartfelt gratitude of the local residents of a community for a seemingly simple but utmost demanded basic life necessities to them like the provision of water supply or construction of road, among others.

“The Department promises that this participatory budgeting process shall continue to bring hope to the Filipino people and address the issues of the basic community in various aspects and multiple dimensions of poverty to [if not totally eradicate] mitigate it and ultimately, gradually uplift their social status through these programs,” she elaborately said in a private interview.

The Bottom-Up Budgeting program advocates the formulation of plans on the utilization of national budget for the realization and implementation of projects the grassroots level themselves identified to address their basic daily living necessities.

A total of P7.7 million were translated into local farm-to-market access roads, P2.9 million into potable water supply projects, and P27.7 million into other infrastructural and procurement projects basically covering life-saving and rescue facilities and equipment, flood control projects, among others.

DTI head vows to continue promoting Central Luzon

By Reynaldo G. Navales

CLARK FREEPORT -- Trade Secretary Adrian Cristobal Jr. has assured local government units and businessmen in Central Luzon that the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) will continue to promote the region as investment area.

Cristobal made the assurance during a recent awarding here of outstanding local government units in terms of streamlining business processes.

"On the part of DTI, we just want to assure you of our continued support. Sa macro level, we will continue to promote Central Luzon, strategic location to maximize the benefits from market access we have in our free trade agreements," Cristobal said.

From 2011 to 2015, the Board of Investments approved a total P372 billion worth of in Region 3, according to the DTI head.

"Malaking pera po yan, That accounts for 19 to 20 percent of the total investments in the Philippines, pumunta sa Region 3. Kapag sinama natin ang National Capital Region (NCR) Number 3 [ang Central Luzon] -- NCR, Region 4 and then Region 3," Cristobal said.

In the next few years, Cristobal expressed hopes that Central Luzon will rank Number 2 in terms of investments.

"And we will support you there, ang DTI."

He also said that the agency will continue programs to support micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to improve the region’s competitiveness.

Cristobal also vowed to provide facilities and equipment to MSMEs in Central Luzon.

DTI has distributed P94 million worth of equipment for MSMEs in the region for the last two years, according to Cristobal.

Angeles celebrates Women with Disabilities Day

(Angeles City Government)

ANGELES CITY - The local government here, on Wednesday, held an activity in celebration of Women with Disability day at the Marquee Mall Activity Center.

Spearheaded by the Angeles City Persons with Disabilities Office, in partnership with the Gender and Development office, the activity underscored the role of women with disabilities in society. It is the final activity for the city’s celebration of Women’s Month.

During the program, the PWD office, headed by Philip “Mamang” Pelayo, lauded teachers of Angeles City Special Education Center, government officials and women who had a huge role in the empowerment of said sector.

Pelayo also praised the Kapampangan Development Foundation for helping indigent patients in the city to secure eye cataract operations, conduct medical missions, and provide reading glasses, among others.

According to City Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan, the PWDs and the people who work tirelessly to support them and fulfill their needs should recognized.

“We consider the people who have been recognized as unsung heroes in society. Because of our SPED teachers, the women leaders, employees and our very generous donors, everyone, including the PWDs, is assured of an equal opportunity and an equal chance at life.” he said.

Pursuant to Proclamation No. 744 series of 2004, every last Monday of March every year is declared as “Women with Disabilities Day.” This year, the celebration of the said occasion holds the theme, “Kapakanan at Karapatan ni Juanang Maykapansanan, Isama sa Plano ng Bayan” which aims to promote and advocate the full participation of women with disabilties and the integration of all their human endeavors in the government’s overall national development plan.

This year marks the 12th year of the Philippine observance of Women with Disabilities Day.

1st Lebanese resto opens inside SM City Clark

By Reynaldo Navales

CLARK FREEPORT -- Huma Island Resort & Spa opened its first Lebanese inspired restaurant inside SM City Clark with the new dinning destination offering authentic Lebanese cuisine and hospitality.

The company opened Al Fairuz, the first of several branches in Luzon, recently. Huma Island Resort & Spa is the operator of the famed Maldivian-inspired hideaway in Busuanga, Palawan of the same name.

Dr. Hamad Al Tuwalj and his wife Louisa Al Shaer decided to invest and open a Lebanese restaurant in the Philippines with the vision of having simple, fresh and natural dishes.

“We went around different locations and on my visit to Clark, Pampanga, I saw so many beautiful people living in the city. So I said, the first Al Fairuz restaurant belongs to Clark“ Dr. Hamad said.

Al Fairuz Restaurant features authentic Lebanese cuisine known as “cuisine of nature,” and is considered “one of the freshest and most delicious food on the planet.”

"An age-old tradition of warm hospitality is what Lebanese culture is best known for Lebanese families will never believe you don't have just a bit more room for something so delicious that's been prepared with much love," Hamad added, stressing that the restaurant features all these.

The restaurant's name is derived from one of the most widely admired and deeply respected living singers in the Arab world.

Fairuz is known for her very distinct vocal timbre and her song lyrics expressing romantic love and nostalgia for village life. She became symbolic to the country as most of her songs also offer nationalistic sentiment that followed Lebanon's independence.

Al Fairuz Restaurant is also opening branches at other SM Malls namely, SM Dasmarinas, SM Manila, SM BF Paranaque City, SM Cebu, and MOA Conrad Hotel Manila.

Al Fairuz Lebanese Cuisine is located at the Ground Floor of SM City Clark Freeport.

It is owned by Hume Island Resort & Spa and United International Hotels Group, a Kuwait based company.

Streamlining Award rites for LGUs held in Clark

(Sun.Star Pampanga)

CLARK FREEPORT -- Outstanding local government units in Central Luzon whose exemplary efforts and achievements in enhancing business environment in 2015 were recognized in ceremonies held today at Holiday Inn, Clark Freeport Zone.

The Central Luzon Growth Corridor Foundation Inc. (CLGCFI), chaired by Tarlac Governor Victor Yap, organized the “10th Recognition of Outstanding Central Luzon LGUs Implementing the Streamlining Program in the Issuance of Mayor’s Permit,” an annual event held with the support of the Department of Trade and Industry – Central Luzon (DTI-3) and the Department of Interior and Local Government – Central Luzon (DILG -3).

Tarlac Governor Victor Yap, as president of CLGCFI, welcomed the participants and expressed his gratitude for the support of DTI, DILG and the local government units in the advocacy of ease of doing business in the region. He cited the business competitiveness of Central Luzon, ranking third in the country in terms of businesses and investments. He also noted that these efforts in streamlining must ultimately contribute to inclusive growth.

Trade Secretary Adrian Cristobal served as the keynote speaker for the event.

Secretary Cristobal expressed his optimism in the region as an area of economic activity. He noted that the region has a well balanced growth rates and ratio of manufacturing, services and agriculture.

Aside from its proximity from the National Capital Region, Central Luzon has a strategic location with coastlines and ports on both the Pacific and West Philippine Sea, he noted. He also cited statistics that show that investments in the region are in the Php 20 Billion mark aside from an 8% growth rate in the manufacturing sector. He further noted that Central Luzon contributes 9% to the total GDP of the country, making it one of the regions with the highest contribution. In closing, Secretary Cristobal assured the audience that DTI will provide continued support in enabling businesses in the region through its various programs like SMERA and Export Assistance.

NEDA-3 Assistant Regional Director Greg Pineda and DILG Regional Director Florida M. Dijan presented and explained the criteria, categories and the evaluation process for the selection of the awardees in both CMCI and CLGCFI streamlining projects.

The following LGUs were given recognition as the regional winners in the following categories:

Most Outstanding LGU Implementing the Streamlining Program in the Issuance of Mayor’s Permit – Talavera, Nueva Ecija Most Outstanding LGU for IT Innovations – Sta. Maria, Bulacan Most Outstanding LGU in Customer Relations – San Luis, Aurora Most Successful LGU in the Institutionalization of Business Permits and Licensing System (BPLS) reforms – City of San Fernando, Pampanga.

Provincial winners and finalists for each category were also recognized. Plaques were also given to Central Luzon LGUs who ranked in the Cities and Municipalities Competitiveness Index for 2015.

Present to give the awards were Secretary Cristobal, Governor Yap, DTI Undersecretary Ceferino S. Rodolfo, DTI-3 Regional Director Judith Angeles, DILG-3 Regional Director Florita Dijan, Neda-3 ARD Greg Pineda and Rene Romero, Chairman of the Pampanga Chamber of Commerce.

Angeles City is 9th most efficient gov’t in PHL

(PNA), LAP/ZST/RKM/PS

ANGELES CITY, April 18 (PNA) -- The city government of Angeles ranked ninth in the Cities and Municipalities Competitive Index (CMCI) by the National Competitiveness Council (NCC) in terms of government efficiency under the highly urbanized city category.

“This is a definitive indication that we have improved and are consistently improving in the delivery of basic services to our constituents,” Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan said.

This is the second time the local government was cited for its government efficiency, with the first in 2013.

“I would like to personally doff my hat to our employees in the local government for consistently improving the services we provide to the people. We were able to acquire this award because of them,” Pamintuan said.

The citation in government efficiency means that the Angeles City local government ranked favorably in the following parameters: capacity of health services, capacity of schools, police to population ratio, business registration efficiency, investment promotion, compliance to national directives, LGU tax, transparency, economic governance and the number of awards acquired by the LGU.

The nine other cities that won in the same category are as follows: Iloilo, Cagayan de Oro, Makati, Butuan, Davao, Baguio, Manila, Valenzuela and Cebu.

The CMCI has also placed Angeles as the 15th most competitive out of 142 highly urbanized cities in the country.

This city was cited for being a finalist for the most outstanding LGU for Information Technology innovations and the most successful LGU in the institutionalization of Business Permit Licensing System (BPLS) reforms.

Meanwhile, Chrysalene Cunanan, head of the Quality Management Systems of the Angeles City Local Government Unit, said that they are continuously implementing the simplification of our business permit process through the maintenance of the Business One-Stop-Shop (BOSS).

Cunanan said that Angeles City was the first to implement BOSS in Central Luzon.

Street children rescued in Angeles entertainment district

By Reynaldo G. Navales

ANGELES CITY -- Scores of street children were rescued by authorities in this city’s entertainment district of Barangay Balibago recently.

Balibago chairman Tony Mamac said that some of the kids were involved in snatching, vandalism and other minor offenses.

Mamac, who is seeking the vice mayoralty post here, said that he will push for the establishment of an institution that will take care of orphans and abandoned kids.

“While I am busy campaigning, I still continue to do my job to these kids from the streets of Balibago. For so many times, I’m telling this, let us establish a reformation center to house and shelter street children and help them shape their future,” Mamac said.

The village chief vowed to implement programs to help street kids. “With God’s will, as vice mayor of our city, one of my priority program is to help these children out of sight in our streets and renew their life to become productive citizens in the future.”

Clark execs honor Roxas' 68th death anniversary

By Reynaldo G. Navales

CLARK FREEPORT -- Officials of Clark Development Corporation (CDC) led the commemoration of the 68th death anniversary of Manuel Roxas, the fifth president of Philippines.

Roxas was born in Capiz (now Roxas City) on January 1, 1892 and died at the age of 56 in Clark Air Base on April 15, 1948.

He served as president from May 28, 1946 to April 15, 1948. Prior to this, Roxas was the third president of the Commonwealth and the first president of the Third Republic.

CDC President Arthur Tugade said he asked the National Historical Commission of the Philippines to allow the development of Roxas shrine in front of Clark’s main building and rearrange the former president’s statue.

“Before we celebrate the 68th death anniversary of President Roxas, we were given the blessing to rearrange the statue to manifest respect love and sense of patriotism as a Filipino,” the CDC head said.

Tugade thanked and congratulated the former president’s relatives, headed by lawyer Manuel Roxas (grandson), who attended the ceremonies.

“Sana ho yung handog namin sa inyo, kasama ng mga board of directors and men and women of CDC ay magustuhan ninyo. Sana rin ho sir ay yung konting pagsasaayos ng mga shrines at memorabilia na ating pangulo ay nagustuhan ninyo sapagkat ito ay galing sa aming puso,” Tugade told the Roxas family.

Roxas thanked the CDC for initiating the commemoration of grandfather's death anniversary.

Local officials led by Pampanga Third District Representative Oscar Rodriguez and businessmen, including former CDC president Levy Laus, and his wife, Tess, graced the occasion.

“To commemorate his death anniversary and his coming 125th birth anniversary on January 1, 2017, ceremonies are being held nationwide on this day from Isabela to Bukidnon,” Roxas said.

The former president dedicated his entire life to public service and served his country in various positions including Speaker of the House of Representatives and Senate president, he said.

Roxas was subsequently elected as president of the Philippines but his term was cut short because of his untimely death in Clark, he said.

"It is our fervent hope that his memory which we celebrate today will remind our future leaders of the legacy of 'country before self' and inspire them to follow his example of integrity and selflessness," he added.

DTI chief cites Central Luzon 'balanced growth'

By Reynaldo G. Navales

CLARK FREEPORT -- Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Adrian Cristobal Jr. has lauded the balanced economic growth of Central Luzon for the past few years.

Cristobal said this during the DTI’s 10th Recognition of Outstanding Local Government Units (LGUs) in Central Luzon at the Holiday Inn Hotel here Friday.

The DTI secretary attributed the economic progress of Central Luzon cities and towns to the sound partnership of local officials and the business sector.

In the 1990s, Central Luzon was devastated by the pull out of American military servicemen in Clark and Subic and several calamities like the 1990 earthquake and the eruption of Mount Pinatubo, according to Cristobal.

"These major events caused a decline in the outputs of Central Luzon down to about eight percent. But starting in 2010, because of hardwork, public-private partnership in Region 3, good governance and our efforts to revive industrial policy and manufacturing, in the case of Central Luzon, you now have a balanced growth and that is the envy of many regions," he said.

The average share of Central Luzon in the country's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is pegged at nine percent, said Cristobal.

"It is no longer declining but steadily increasing. So you arrested the decline," he said.

Cristobal cited the contribution of manufacturing to economic growth of Central Luzon.

In 2009, manufacturing in the region contributed only 11 percent to the country's entire economy. But in 2014, he said, the share of Central Luzon shot up to 48 percent, which is substantial to the number of jobs and investments.

In terms of services, the region ranked fourth in the whole country, Cristobal said.

"It accounts for six percent of the total Philippine services production."

It’s April foods days for tourism

By Franco G. Regala

Angeles hosts fairs for exotic and traditional dishes

ANGELES CITY, Pampanga — A sundry of events ranging from food fairs, cook-offs and cooking demos will pepper the whole month of April as the city participates in Flavors of the Philippines.

Organized by the Department of Tourism (DOT), “Flavors” is a month-long cultural and gastronomic feast, allowing patrons to experience the varied dishes and cuisines from across the Philippines’ 7,107 islands.

With this, the local government, through the Angeles City Tourism Office (ACTO) has coordinated with various public and private sector partners to put up several events for the whole month.

Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan said the wealth of events held here in this city is an indication of the rich culinary culture of the city.

“We are proud to say that we feature a diverse array of cuisines to satisfy every palate in Angeles. We have the world renowned Sizzling Sisig, the sweet desserts, the exotic food, and the flavorful home cooked meals of every Angeleño household.” said Pamintuan.

“From the local fiestas, to our grand events, and the hundreds of restaurants here, we want people to come to the city and experience the gastronomic adventure that awaits,” he added.

Starting off the month’s celebration was the second annual Sisig festival which was held on April 1, 7:00 p.m. at the Nepo Quad Center. This was followed by Flavor Fusion: A Gastronomic Adventure held the next day, 4:00 p.m. at the SM City Clark, Meeting Place.

Cafe Fleur, in Miranda Street, Sto. Rosario will have a month-long celebration of offering an avant garde Capampangan cuisine experience with the opening of “Babo” on its second floor. Also, the Historic Camalig Restaurant in Sto. Rosario will be serving Lunch and Dinner buffets during Fridays and Saturdays and lunch buffets on Sundays for the whole month.

Meanwhile, on April 9, a demonstration of Betute (stuffed frog) and Camaru (mole crickets) as an authentic exotic Capampangan cuisine was held at the Museo ning Angeles at 6 p.m. On the same day, an All Out Capampangan Buffet was offered by B and B Grill at Hensonville Homes Subdivision, Malabanias at 7 p.m.

The Hotel and Restaurants Association in Pampanga (HARP) will test the imaginations and cooking prowess of chefs in the region with the Cook-Off Challenge Year 3 on April 20 at 1 p.m. at the SM City Clark, Meeting Place.

Highlighting “Flavors” will be the Sisig Fiesta 2016 with a Cooking Demo by Chef Claude Tayag of Downtown and Chef Sau del Rosario of Cafe Fleur which will take place at the Museo ning Angeles on April 22 at 10 a.m.

Holy Angel University students will be having the Aslag, a food truck festival on April 29 and 30 at 4:00 pm at the university grounds.

CDC is set to implement Clark Green Building Manual

(Sun.Star Pampanga)

CLARK FREEPORT -- Ensuring increased efficiency in the use of resources such as energy, water and other elements in existing and new buildings here, the Clark Development Corporation (CDC) is set to implement Clark Green Building Manual.

CDC's Clark Green Building Manual (CGBM) is focused on developing and implementing green building regulations in the Clark Freeport Zone that aims to maximize energy efficiency while minimizing the impact of energy usage on human health and the environment here.

CGBM will be implemented in hotels, malls, offices, residential condominiums, schools, hospitals, factories and mixed occupancies in the areas covered by the Freeport.

Based on the soon to be implemented rules and regulations of the CGBM, Green building is defined as an integrated whole-building approach to the planning, design, construction, operation, and maintenance of buildings and their surrounding landscape that help mitigate the environmental, economic and social impacts of buildings through the following: site conservation and sustainable planning, water conservation and efficiency, energy efficiency and renewable energy; conservation of materials and resources, and improved indoor environmental quality and human health.

Green building measures include energy efficiency, water efficiency, materials sustainability, solid waste management, site sustainability and indoor environmental quality.

CGBM will adopt efficient practices, designs, methods and technology that will reduce energy consumption resulting in cost savings as well as reduced consumption of non-renewable energy in three areas – Building Envelope, Efficiency in Mechanical System, and Efficiency in Electrical System.

The project will also adopt water efficient measures such as water-efficient fittings, rain water harvesting and water recycling for cooling towers.

On material sustainability, CGBM requires locators to comply on matters related to resource efficiency and material use and selection with least impact on the environment.

Paints, coatings, adhesives and sealants used indoors or non-ventilated areas shall not contain Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) or should be within levels tolerable to humans. Likewise, composite wood shall not have urea formaldehyde content.

All other materials containing chemicals used in construction shall not compromise the health and safety of the workers and occupants of the building.

The project also requires stakeholders the adoption of efficient waste management practices and use of materials that are environment friendly and locally available.

Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ) requires the adoption of design, construction and operation practices that take into consideration the improvement of the occupant’s health, productivity, safety and quality of life such as designated smoking area and Designation of pantry or area for staff dining.

On site sustainability, CGBM requires the stakeholders to submit a plan for site protection before the start of construction. A minimum of fifty percent (50%) of the required Unpaved Surface Area (USA) shall be vegetated.

Parking slots shall be done using grass pavers and vertical gardens shall be installed on blank walls.

CGBM also encourages the locators, residents and other stakeholders to make use of natural light to illuminate buildings here during daytime.

Pamirangal ning Gelingan fetes outstanding AC teachers, students

(AC-CIO with reports from Abigail Lavarias)

ANGELES CITY -- The Department of Education (DepEd) division of this city, together with the local government, recently lauded the remarkable talents and achievements of Angeleño teachers and students through Pamirangal ning Gelingan awarding at the DepEd Gabaldon Pulungbulu held on April 7, Thursday.

The award giving body recognizes individuals who have been recognized and brought pride in the city through various academic competitions, research efforts, and sports, among others.

On behalf of the local government, Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan showed his appreciation to the efforts of the awardees saying that he firmly believes in education as a great foundation to a strong and capable society.

"I believe that this awarding ceremony will greatly boost the performance of all the teachers and students. Their achievements in academics is indicative of how progressive our city is," Pamintuan said.

Meanwhile, according to Leilani Cunanan, OIC Schools Division Superintendent, this awarding is planned to take place every year and will be part of the annual activities of DepEd.

The mayor added that this is another avenue for the citizens of Angeles to be recognized for their work in their chosen career.

The Pamirangal ning Gelingan of DepEd now joins the Pamana Awards (Pagmaragul At Matenakang Anak Ning Angeles), which was held during the 50th cityhood anniversary of Angeles, and recognized fifty outstanding Angeles City natives. It also joins the Pupul ning Banua, an award given annually to those who have made significant strides in culture and the arts.

Angeles City HRMO bags PRIME-HRM award

(PNA), BNB/ZST/RKM/PS

ANGELES CITY, April 11 (PNA) -- The local government of Angeles has bagged the Program to Institutionalize Meritocracy and Excellence in Human Resource Managment (PRIME-HRM) award from the Civil Service Commission (CSC) Region 3.

City Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan said the award is a concrete manifestation of the city's thorough compliance with the human resource standards set by the CSC.

"We are truly grateful for this award. This means that we are doing we were able to meet of our commitments based on the action plans we have drawn for the agency,” Elizabeth Lagman, Angeles City human resource management officer, said.

"We are also thankful to Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan, who is a firm believer of the system and of the hard work our employees go through,” she added.

This is the city's first time to be awarded by the CSC-PRIME-HRM.

Other awardees include the Sasmuan Water District, Pampanga, Municipal Government of Baler, Aurora, Municipal Government of Talavera, Nueva Ecija and the Municipal Government of La Paz, Tarlac.

PRIME-HRM is an award giving body that integrates and enhances the Personnel Management Assessment and Assistance Program (PMAAP) and the CSC Agency Accreditation Program (CSCAAP).

It is a mechanism that empowers government agencies by developing their human resource management competencies, systems, and practices toward HR excellence.

Angeles village chief keeps homeless teen couple

By Reynaldo G. Navales

ANGELES CITY -- A village chairman here has adopted a homeless teen couple found sleeping in front of the barangay hall with their four-month-old baby.

Chairman Tony Mamac of Barangay Balibago said he offered the 19-year-old boy a job to support his 17-year-old partner and new born baby.

“He is 19 years old, she is 17 years old and they have four-month old baby. No money, and no home to stay. For two days, I noticed them staying in front of the barangay hall,” Mamac said.

The barangay chairman said the couple were asking for alms from residents in Balibago.

After a campaign sortie in Northville Subdivision last week, Mamac said he instructed his staff to invite the couple who were then sleeping at an area outside the barangay hall.

“They were begging around Balibago to sustain the food and milk of their four-month old baby and in the evening they slept in front of the barangay hall only to wake up early when the street sweepers arrive,” Mamac said.

The boy is now working as helper at the backyard piggery operated by the barangay.

“I told my staff to give them food for their dinner and offer the boy a job as helper in our Babuyan sa Barangay which he accepted. Now he has a job and a small house where he can shelter his wife and their baby,” Mamac said.

The village chief said helping the needy is the true essence of public service.

“It touch your hearth when you see people like them without hope in their face and with just a small amount of help I glimpsed a little smile and shine in their eyes that frustrations in life is just temporary via kindness of other people,” Mamac said.

CDC reiterates ‘no plastic’ policy in Clark Freeport

By Reynaldo G. Navales

CLARK FREEPORT -- Clark authorities have reminded employees, locators and residents of the Freeport of the implementation of “no plastics and polystyrene” here.

Rogelio Magat, manager of the Clark Development Corporation (CDC) Environment Permits Department, said the state-run firm will be implementing guidelines prohibiting, regulating and prescribing certain usage of plastics and Styrofoam (polystyrene) on April 22.

“CDC promotes biodegradable plastics and environment-friendly alternatives to plastics and polystyrene such as corn-based, fiber, pulp, biodegradable polystyrene, reusable food containers, and other similar materials,” Magat said.

Based on the circular, a plastic bag commonly known as sando bags maybe used as primary packaging material only for wet goods.

The use of plastic bag shall be optimized based in the size and volume of wet goods.

Wet goods that are not pre-contained in plastic wraps, pouches, bag and the like as part of the product’s packaging materials such as frozen products shall not be contained further in the plastic.

All concerned stakeholders are enjoined to use eco bags or reusable bags whenever applicable and the general public shall bring appropriate bags or containers when going for a shopping and to the market, the circular stated.

Biodegradable plastics and polystyrene are allowed but, a certification from the manufacturer and sample product must be submitted to CDC-EPD for approval prior to its use.

Original packaging of goods delivered to different establishments should also undergo inspection. Repacking the goods using plastics is prohibited.

Other regulated materials are plastics and plastics products that form part of a product from the semiconductor and electronic facilities.

Styrofoam used as ice chest, insulators and/or for any similar purposes may be allowed. However, Styrofoam after its usage, will be classified as special wastes which require proper disposal.

CDC highly recommends the use of alternative packing materials such as used papers, old newspapers and banana leaves.

The EPD will monitor the smooth and effective implementation of the circular.

For more information, comments and suggestions, please visit CDC-EPD at 2/F building 2127 CDC Corporate Center, CP Garcia Street or call at (045) 499 1137 to 38.

AUFMC gets Philhealth accreditation

(PR)

ANGELES CITY -- The Angeles University Foundation Medical Center (AUFMC) has been accredited by PhilHealth to provide the Z-Benefit Package for Kidney Transplantation and Coronary Arterial Bypass Graft Surgery, says AUFMC president and CEO Gabriel Martin L. Angeles.

The Z- Benefit Package was crafted by Philhealth to treat a variety of primary disease conditions that are commonly referred to as economically and medically “catastrophic.” Through the Z- Benefit, members may get up to 100 percent coverage on these operations thus ensuring that Filipinos, especially the poor, are not deprived of quality care and better health outcomes.

If you have any questions regarding the Z- Benefit Packages offered at AUFMC, please contact our coordinator at (0943) 214-6617.

NAPOLCOM meets with College of Criminology Deans in Pampanga

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

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga (PIA) -- National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) recently met with College of Criminology Deans in Pampanga in a bid to improve their curriculum to meet the standards of the Philippine National Police (PNP).

“We want to get quality recruits and allow the majority of the occupation of the quota to come from those who were graduates of Criminology as this is one program that should prepare recruits to the police service,” NAPOLCOM Regional Director Rodolfo Grande Santos Jr. said.

He cited one study, which revealed the various reasons why applicants fail to join the PNP such as unpreparedness of applicants, level of intelligence, inability to comprehend questions, poor communication, immaturity, lack of idea about the organization, and that applicants are mere job seekers.

Attendees include Angeles University Foundation, Holy Angel University, Jose C. Feliciano College Foundation, Central Luzon College of Science and Technology, and St. Nicolas College as well as representatives from the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), and Regional Personnel and Human Resource Development and Doctrine of PNP Region 3.

“The deans came up with recommendations to further improve the systems of schools such as yearly health screening of Criminology students, pre-briefing of freshmen Criminology students on the police job, enhanced in-campus laboratory, and strengthened program instructions for Criminology course,” Santos shared.

They likewise suggested for CHED to revisit its Memorandum No. 37 series of 2010 titled “Guidelines in the Conduct of Practicum (On-the-Job Training and Community Immersion) Requirement for BS Criminology Students.”

PHILEXCEL Art Center inaugurates Jack Nasser Collection

(The Standard Showbitz)

Philexcel Business Park President Ariella Nasser-Moskovitz (right) and visiting Brazilian neo-pop artist Romero Britto cut the ribbon at the inauguration of the Jack R. Nasser collection of the Philexcel Art Center located within the Philexcel Business Park in Clark Freeport, Angeles City, Pampanga.

Finally opened to the viewing public, the said collection consists of paintings from Filipino artists representing the Mabini Art genre, a Philippine art form once disparaged by local patrons but which of late has been receiving deserved appreciation. The collection is a result of Philexcel founder the late Jack Nasser’s 60 years of patronage of Mabini artworks.

Special guest at the launch was internationally renowned Brazilian neo-pop artist Romero Britto, whose 12 paintings were also exhibited at the west wing of the Philexcel Art Center for a limited time only. Britto’s visual expression of hope and happiness – mixing influences from cubism with pop art and graffiti to create an iconic style – is likened to the Filipino’s cheerful outlook in life.

Angeles City hosts food fairs, events for ‘Flavors of the Philippines’

(PNA), BNB/ZST/MDDR/PS

ANGELES CITY, April 5 (PNA) -- A sundry of events ranging from food fairs, cook-offs and cooking demonstrations will pepper the whole month of April as the city participated in “Flavors of the Philippines.”

Organized by the Department of Tourism (DOT), “Flavors of the Philippines” is a month-long cultural and gastronomic feast, allowing patrons to experience the varied dishes and cuisines from across the Philippines' 7,107 islands.

With this, the local government, through the Angeles City Tourism Office (ACTO) has coordinated with various public and private sector partners to put up several events for the whole month.

City Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan said the wealth of events held here is an indication of the rich culinary culture of the city.

“We are proud to say that we feature a diverse array of cuisines to satisfy every palate in Angeles. We have the world renowned Sizzling Sisig, the sweet desserts, the exotic food, and the flavorful home cooked meals of every Angeleño household,” Pamintuan said.

"From the local fiestas, to our grand events, and the hundreds of restaurants here, we want people to come to the city and experience the gastronomic adventure that awaits," he added.

Starting off the month’s celebration was the second annual Sisig festival which was held on April 1 at the Nepo Quad Center. This was followed by Flavor Fusion: A Gastronomic Adventure held the next day at the SM City Clark, Meeting Place.

Cafe Fleur, in Miranda Street, Barangay Sto. Rosario will have a month-long celebration of offering an avant garde Capampangan cuisine experience with the opening of “Babo” on its second floor.

Also, the historic Camalig Restaurant in Sto. Rosario will be serving lunch and dinner buffets during Fridays and Saturdays and lunch buffets on Sundays for the whole month.

Meanwhile, on Saturday, a demonstration of Betute (stuffed frog) and Camaru (mole crickets) as an authentic exotic Capampangan cuisine will be held at the Museo ning Angeles at 6:00 p.m.

On the same day, an All Out Capampangan Buffet will be offered by B and B Grill at Hensonville Homes Subdivision, Malabanias at 7:00 p.m.

The Hotel and Restaurants Association in Pampanga (HARP) will test the imaginations and cooking prowess of chefs in the region with the Cook-Off Challenge Year 3 on April 20 at 1:00 p.m. at the SM City Clark, Meeting Place.

Highlighting "Flavors" will be the Sisig Fiesta 2016 with a cooking demo by Chef Claude Tayag of Downtown and Chef Sau del Rosario of Cafe Fleur which will take place at the Museo ning Angeles on April 22 at 10:00 a.m.

Holy Angel University students, on the other hand, will be having the Aslag, a food truck festival on April 29 and 30 at the university grounds.

TMC specialists air concern over colorectal cancer in PHL

By Ding Cervantes

CLARK FREEPORT - Specialists from The Medical City (TMC) aired here Thursday concern over statistics showing that colorectal cancer had become the third leading killer ailment among men and the fourth among women in the Philippines.

“This is unfortunate because colorectal cancer is easily preventable if detected early enough,” said Dr. Manuel Francisco Roxas, colorectal surgeon and head of TMC Main Colorectal Clinic.

Members of the TMC’s colorectal multi-disciplinary team (MDT), headed by Roxas, held here yesterday a press conference as part of marking Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, amid global statistics showing the Philippines with a higher colorectal cancer mortality compared to other countries.”

Roxas urged people over 50 to undergo colorectal screening, stressing that “with good screening and early diagnosis, 90 percent of colorectal cancers are curable.”

He said that at the TMC, such screening could be done through “fecal occult blood test” (FOBT) which cost only P285.

“This test should be done every year after age 50. Another option is to undergo colonoscopy every five to 10 years.

Those with strong family history of colorectal cancer or those with two or more family members who had the disease should be screened earlier, ideally 10 years before the age of diagnosis of their relatives,” he said.

Dr. William Olalia, a surgeon, explained that colorectal cancer usually starts as polyps either in the large intestines which normally measures a meter long or the rectum which is normally five inches long.

Roxas urged people aged over 50 to undergo screening despite lack of symptoms, noting that polyps which develop in the intestine or rectal area normally develops into cancer in 10 years yet.

“Most colorectal cancers start as abnormal growths in the lining of the colon and rectum called polyps. These polyps grow slowly and take around 10 years to develop into cancer. Not all polyps develop into cancer. The removal of these polyps reduces the risk of developing cancer,” he explained.

He said that for those with possible symptoms, such as blood in stool or sudden loss of weight, diagnosis via colonoscopy would be best. “The procedure involves a flexible fiberoptic scope with a camera that is inserted through the rectum and is carefully advanced to visualize the colon under mild anesthesia,” he added.

Roxas noted that TMC-Clark has facilities for these procedures.

He also noted that TMC here is also open to PhilHealth members, even as his team downplayed impressions that TMC is more costly than other local hospitals.

CLTV 36 marks 9th year with new 'metro' brand

(JTD)

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO -- The Laus Group-run CLTV 36 marked on Saturday, April 2, its 9th year in the industry by launching its new branding dubbed "Metro Central Luzon."

During the celebration held at the new Laus Group of Companies (LGC) Events Center in LGC Boulevard, Laus Group Complex along Jose Abad Santos Avenue in this city, viewers, guests, local officials and members of the media were also treated to a mini-concert featuring the renowned CLTV 36 talents, who belted out numbers from pop, classics to Broadway musicals.

According to CLTV 36 president and General Manager Sonia Soto, the new branding marks another era for the award winning TV station as it moves ahead toward its first decade with a lot of expectations and optimism.

"We are looking towards improved programs, wider viewership and more territories outside Central Luzon," she said.

Soto added that the most important part of CLTV 36's foray into 21st Century broadcasting, as it is now powered by its new Clark Tower transmitter, is the station's advocacy to drive development in Central Luzon and contiguous growth corridors in the countryside.

"The most important part is the station's advocacy to really facilitate the development of a Metro Central Luzon, alternative to the current National Capital Region which at the moment has a lot of problems like criminality, congestion and many others. I believe this is the interfacing of the two," she said.

"The TV station, though in support of business, must also be focused on the development of a new metropolis. I firmly believe our emphasis is there, that is why the Metro Central branding was born," added Soto.

It will now be a total mix of programs at CLTV 36, she shared, with viewers getting a lot of extras from the new brand.

"Of course, it will now be a combination. Hindi na lang siya news and public affairs station tulad ng dati... Talagang may entertainment at ngayon, iyung mga programa, marami na ring off-studio especially we've put in a bigger budget for high quality programs," Soto said.

Another breakthrough for viewers and wider coverage reach, she told Sun.Star Pampanga, is CLTV 36's partnership with Cignal.

"We have ongoing negotiations with Cignal which has already been approved by top management. Cignal will soon carry us and it will augur well with our new Metro Central Luzon branding," said Soto.

Yokohama adopts Angeles high school

By Reynaldo G. Navales

ANGELES CITY -- The Yokohama Tire Philippines Incorporated (YTPI) has adopted a public high school implementing various programs for its students.

The YTPI renovated two comfort rooms at the Rafael L. Lazatin Memorial High School increasing six cubicles to 10, which are ready to be used by male and female students for school year 2016-2017.

RLLMHS, one of the public secondary high schools in Angeles, has an annual 3, 144 students from Grade 7 to 10. But the school only have two functional comfort rooms with three cubicles each for male and female students.

With the rehabilitation project, the number of cubicles in a comfort room were developed into five.

The tire firm spent P320,000 for the project, it was learned.

In the turn-over ceremony took place last March 21, YTPI president Yasuhiro Kurokawa said that the newly-constructed CRs will be a big help in the total wellness of the students while they are at school.

“Keep the toilet clean,” he said.

Alec Alacao, president of the Student Supreme Government, in response said “we will assure you that we will do our best to maintain the cleanliness of the restrooms that you have renovated,” he said.

“In behalf of the faculty and student, Alacao expressed gratitude to YTPI. “Thank you for extending your kindness and for choosing our school to be one of your beneficiaries. We hope and pray that God will continually bless your company so that you can be able to help others just like what you did for our school. Once again we thank you and more power to your company.”

The comfort room rehabilitation is the fourth project of YTPI in line with its toilet donation program.

Hundreds join Angeles creek clean-up drive

By Reynaldo G. Navales

ANGELES CITY -- Hundreds of volunteers participated in the cleaning of a creek in this city in line with the World Water Day celebration.

Participants in the clean up drive for Sapang Balen creek dubbed "Water and Jobs" came from government and business communities.

The Sapang Balen clean up drive is the culminating activity of the celebration organized by the City Environment and Natural Resources Office (Cenro) in cooperation with Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources last March 31.

Cenro head Francis Pangilinan said, "World Water Day is an international observance and an opportunity for our citizens to learn more about water related issues and be inspired to tell others, to take actions and make a difference."

Pangilinan added that the local government unit through the Cenro is taking all the necessary steps to provide clean and potable water by initiating activities to protect the water resources.

A clean-up team was organized to maintain the cleanliness of the Sapang Balen while environmental police units are doing compliance monitoring and apprehensions among households and establishment violating national and local environmental laws, according to Pangilinan.

An information and education campaign unit was also formed to handle the environmental education and communicate to the people issues affecting the environment.

Aside from the clean-up drive, a feeding program was also conducted for the children in the community.

Pangilinan said monthly multi-sectoral clean up drives are being organized as part of the city’s compliance with the Supreme Court Mandamus ordering all local government units with waterways that discharges along Manila Bay to coordinate their efforts and resources in the Manila Bay Clean-up, Rehabilitation and Preservation Project.

He thanked all those who attended and articulated the importance of their corporate social responsibility among the business sector.

Clean and potable water means the creation of jobs and livelihood among the people, Pangilinan added.

For his part, Forester Reynaldo Garcia from Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) Region III stressed the importance of protecting our water resources by planting more trees in the upland areas to sustain our water reservoirs.

"Water is life, all living things depend on it for their survival. It is everybody’s concern in the protection and maintaining its purity for our future generation," added Garcia.

The organizations that pledged support to the program include Jollibee Food Corporation Angeles City Area, BB International Leisure and Resort Corporation, Clark, Universal Robina Corporation (URC), Pepsi Cola Bottlers Company, City of San Fernando, Robinson's Place Angeles City, Hotel SOGO Dau, Mabalacat Branch, Metro Clark Waste Management, Angeles Water District (ACWD), Bureau of Jail and Penology Management (BJMP) Angeles District Jail, Bureau of Fire (BFP), Phi Beta Rho Confraternity, and the city disaster management office.

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