Angeles City News August 2011

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Angeles City cites top teacher

Franco G. Regala


ANGELES CITY — The local government here is set to recognize the achievement of a public elementary school teacher in this city who topped this year’s awardees of the 2011 Metrobank Foundation Search for Outstanding Teachers. Marcela Jingco, an English teacher at the Angeles Elementary School in barangay Pulungbulo was awarded recently in Malacañang by President Benigno Aquino III.

The 2011 Metrobank Foundation Search for Outstanding Teachers has awarded eight (8) public school teachers from elementary and secondary levels, and two (2) professors from University of the Philippines-Manila and University of Santo Tomas.

All barangays in Angeles City have VAW desks

by Rebecca Grace S. David


ANGELES CITY, Pampanga, August 30 (PIA) -- In this city, rape, domestic violence, illegal trafficking, and other violence against women and children has become totally unacceptable. All the 33 barangays of the city have their VAW (violence against women) desks. This is in compliance with RA 9710 or the Magna Carta for Women and Joint memorandum Circular No.2010-02 which mandated all local government units to establish VAW desk in all barangays. Vice-mayor Vicky Vega-Kabigting, in coordination with the City Gender and Development (GAD) office, and the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) initiated the establishment of the VAWs. Recently, the Philippine Judicial Academy, the educational arm of the Supreme Court gave the barangay council members and the barangay chieftains lectures on the Barangay Protection order under the Anti- Violence Against Women and their Children Act (RA 9262) and the Juvenile Justice Act (RA 9344). This is to equip them with the knowledge of the basic procedures in the implementation of the laws. Lecturer was lawyer Elisa Flores, Muntinlupa Assistant City Prosecutor. (RGSD PIA3)




Environmental group celebrates 10th anniversary

by Joelyn G. Baluyut


CLARK FREEPORT, Pampanga, August 28 (PIA) -- The Environmental Practitioners Association, Inc. (EPA), an environment group formed by the Clark Development Corporation (CDC), recently celebrated its 10th founding anniversary by ensuring “sustainable development through the implementation of best environmental practices,” in this Freeport and its adjacent communities. EPA highlighted its anniversary by assuring investors and locators, as well as local government units (LGUs) of towns and cities near the Freeport of its commitment to protecting and preserving the environment. CDC Environmental Management Department manager Juan Miguel Fuentes said the EPA will also be electing a new set of officers for 2011-2012. Fuentes said that the new set of EPA officers is composed of third-termer president Arni Valdes of Dolomatrix Philippines, Inc.; vice president Leslie Baun of International Wiring Systems Philippines Corporation (IWSPC); treasurer Carmela Capule of CRL Environmental Corporation; secretary Alex Laguisma of Metro Clark Waste Management Corp. (MCWM); board of trustees Ric Lulu of Yokohama Tire Philippines Inc.(YTPI); Cesar Cortez, Aviat Networks; and Alex Borja of Bulacan-based Lloyd Laboratories. The election of officers was witnessed by Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) regional director Ricardo Calderon and Environmental Management Bureau regional director Lormelyn Claudio. “Congratulations to the members and officers of the EPA, who is the DENR’s partner in ensuring sustainable development through the implementation of best environmental practices,” Calderon said. Meanwhile, Claudio said that EPA has also partnered with the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) in educating the public on environmental programs like recycling, solid waste management, and the hazardous waste management like the collection and treatment of busted fluorescent lamps. “Clark has been ahead of LGUs in the implementation of RA 9003 or the closure of dumpsites and the conversion to sanitary landfill facilities,” added Claudio, who challenged the EPA to bring environmental awareness not only in the work place but also in their homes and communities. Fuentes said the EPA’s founding members is composed of representatives from the CDC, including those from the following Clark Freeport companies: Clark Water Corporation (CWC), YTPI, Nanox, and Smart Shirts. He added that the EPA has 65 member-companies from Clark, Subic, Angeles City, Metro Manila, and the provinces Bataan, Tarlac, Bulacan, and Pampanga. “About half of our members are from the manufacturing sector,” revealed Fuentes, who added that the EPA also holds a cross membership with the Metro Angeles Chamber of Commerce, Inc. (MACCII). EPA, Philippines, is a non-stock non-profit organization with more than 50 active members on its list, which include numerous business institutions in the Subic Free Port and Special Economic Zone and supports the project implementation by sharing experiences of previous ECOPROFIT implementation in Clark and Subic (difficulties, strength and weaknesses) and is involved through their ECOPROFIT consultants too. (WLB/JGB PIA3)

190 blood bags collected for dengue victims in Central Luzon

by Joelyn G. Baluyut


CAMP OLIVAS, Pampanga, August 27 (PIA) -- A total of 190 blood bags was collected during the blood-letting program held at Police Regional Office 3 (PRO3), this city. Philippine National Red Cross (PNRC) Pampanga-Angeles Chapter administrator Augusto B. Ocampo said the activity was timely because of the alarming increase of dengue cases in the region and dengue victims needed to replace the lost blood right away. The blood collected will be brought to PNRC blood bank in Angeles City. Ocampo said donors underwent a series of medical examinations such as physical test, checking of medical history background and blood typing, among others, before finally being administered blood extraction. This is to ensure that the donor is not a carrier of infections like the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), Malaria or Hepatitis A and B, AIDS, and Syphilis. Donors during the blood-letting event all came from the ranks of the Philippine National Police. Prior to the said program, a similar blood donation activity was held at the town of Magalang where the PNRC has collected 96 blood bags from PNP trainees. (WLB/JGB PIA3)

Councilor launches livelihood program

Reynaldo G. Navales


ANGELES CITY -– “Teach them how to fish, and they will be alright in days to come.”

This is the statement that Councilor Jericho Aguas as he announced the distribution of “Negosyo Carts” to poor but deserving residents, which Representative Carmelo Lazatin supported.

Aguas expressed gratitude to Lazatin for supporting his livelihood assistance to their constituents.

Aguas showed to Lazatin a sample of his “Negosyo Cart,” which can be used by food vendors. The cart has a poster of the two officials.

“I am very happy Congressman Tarzan easily said yes to a worthy cause project,” said Aguas.

Lazatin said he will support all the projects of the so-called “PAMI-Tastic 4” in the council, wherein Aguas and Councilors Maricel Morales, Edu Pamintuan and Alex Indiongco are part of the group.

Lazatin said Aguas should provide the intended beneficiaries to ensure the maximum use of the carts.

The councilor said he also asked the assistance of Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan on the project.

“I hope the mayor will also help me and I am confident he will because it’s teaching people the importance of working,” said Aguas.

Salapungan town chief Erna Bagang lauded the project for indigent villagers.

"Marami po sa ating mga ka- barrio ang nagtitinda sa AUF (Angeles Univesity Foundation) kaya talagang makatulong ito,” said Bagang.

Pantawid Pamilya beneficiaries in Angeles City receive conditional cash grants for June and July

by: Carlo Lorenzo J. Datu


ANGELES CITY, Pampanga August 26 – A total of 655 Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (Pantawid Pamilya) household beneficiaries from 14 barangays in Angeles City recently received their conditional cash grants for the months of June and July from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). Pantawid Pamilya regional information officer Jasper Nicolas disclosed that the recipients came from barangays Capaya, Cutcut, Cutud, Cuayan, Balibago, Pandan, Pulung cacutud, Sapangbato, Lourdes Northwest, Sto. Rosario, Pampang, Sta. Teresita, Salapungan and Sta. Trinidad. In a statement, Angeles city mayor Edgardo Pamintuan thanked DSWD for considering his locality as one of the areas covered by Pantawid Pamilya in the region. He appealed to the beneficiaries to use the money wisely and become compliant with the program’s set of conditions to ensure the success of its implementation. Derived from the Conditional Cash Transfer system of Latin American and African countries, Pantawid Pamilya is the strategy used by the government in order to raise the standard of living of poor Filipinos. Financial assistance is given to a maximum of three children per household who are 0-14 years of age. A household with three qualified children receives a subsidy of P1,400 per month during school months (June-March) and P500 per month during non-school months (April-May). This, as long as the beneficiaries comply with the program’s conditions which include the regular visit of the children in the health center to avail immunization and maintenance of a class attendance rate of at least 85% per month for those who are enrolled in day care centers or schools.

No medical malpractice on baby’s death - doctors

By Reynaldo G. Navales


ANGELES CITY -- Officials of the Rafael Lazatin Memorial Medical Center clarified that there was no medical malpractice on the latest incident at the hospital, where a baby was decapitated.

Dr. Efren Natino, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology head, said the baby was already dead when the duty physician decided to decapitate it to save the life of the 17-year-old mother.

Natino said the lower body parts of the baby were already delivered before it died, saying the mother’s pelvic bone is narrow.

Aside from this, the mother’s cervix contracted and the baby’s head was stuck inside, said Dr. Zarah Vida Diaz, a duty consultant at the said hospital.

Diaz said she informed the patient’s mother and husband before they decapitated the baby.

“After the decapitation, I was able to scoop the head of the baby,” she said.

The uterus of the patient had been open for several hours and this will cause massive bleeding and will endanger her life, said Diaz.

She said they tried to save the lives of both the mother and baby by conducting a caesarian birth but the process failed.

Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan directed the hospital officials to conduct an investigation regarding the incident.

All barangays in Angeles City have VAW desks

by Rebecca Grace S. David


ANGELES CITY, Pampanga, August 23 (PIA) — In this city, rape, domestic violence, illegal trafficking and other violence against women and children has become totally unacceptable. All the 33 barangays of the city have their VAW (violence against women) desks. This is in compliance with RA 9710 or the Magna Carta for Women and Joint memorandum Circular No.2010-02 which mandated all local government units to establish VAW desk in all barangays. Vice-mayor Vicky Vega-Kabigting, in coordination with the City Gender and Development (GAD) office, and the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) initiated the establishment of the VAWs. Recently, the Philippine Judicial Academy, the educational arm of the Supreme Court gave the barangay council members and the barangay chieftains lectures on the Barangay Protection order under the Anti- Violence Against Women and their Children Act (RA 9262) and the Juvenile Justice Act (RA 9344). This is to equip them with the knowledge of the basic procedures in the implementation of the laws. Lecturer was lawyer Elisa Flores, Muntinlupa Assistant City Prosecutor.

Clark environment group turns 10

by Published in the Sun.Star Pampanga newspaper


CLARK FREEPORT – An environment group formed by the Clark Development Corporation (CDC) recently celebrated its 10th founding anniversary.

Clark ensures sustainable development through the implementation of best environmental practices inside the Freeport and adjacent communities.

The Environmental Practitioners Association Inc. (EPA) highlighted its 10th anniversary by assuring investors and locators, as well as local government units of towns and cities near the Clark Freeport of its commitment, to protecting and preserving the environment.

CDC Environmental Management Department Manager Juan Miguel B. Fuentes said the EPA also celebrated the event with the election of its new set of officers for 2011-2012.

Fuentes said the new set of EPA officers is composed of third-termer president Arni N. Valdes of Dolomatrix Philippines, Inc.; Vice President Leslie Baun of IWSPC; Treasurer Carmela Capule, CRL Environmental Corporation; Secretary Alex Laguisma, MCWM; and board of trustees Ric Lulu, YTPI; Cesar Cortez, Aviat Networks; and Alex Borja of Bulacan-based Lloyd Laboratories.

The election of officers was witnessed by Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Regional Director Ricardo Calderon and Environmental Management Bureau Regional Director Lormelyn E. Claudio, Fuentes added.

“Congratulations to the members and officers of the EPA, who is the DENR’s partner in ensuring sustainable development through the implementation of best environmental practices,” Calderon said.

Claudio, meanwhile, said the EPA has also partnered with the EMB in educating the public on environmental programs like recycling, solid waste management, and the hazardous waste management like the collection and treatment of busted fluorescent lamps.

“Clark has been ahead of LGUs in the implementation of RA 9003 or the closure of dumpsites and the conversion to sanitary landfill facilities,” said Claudio, who challenged the EPA to bring environmental awareness not only in the work place but also in their homes and communities.

Fuentes said the EPA’s founding members is composed of representatives from the CDC, including those from the following Clark Freeport companies: Clark Water Corporation, Yokohama Tire Philippines, Inc., Nanox, and Smart Shirts.

He added that the EPA has 65 member-companies from Clark, Subic, Angeles City, Metro Manila, and the provinces Bataan, Tarlac, Bulacan, and Pampanga.

“About half of our members are from the manufacturing sector,” revealed Fuentes, who added that the EPA also holds a cross membership with the Metro Angeles Chamber of Commerce, Inc. (Reynaldo G. Navales)



Renal unit offers affordable dialysis treatment

by PIA Press Release


ANGELES CITY, August 21 (PIA) -- Not only indigent patients diagnosed with end stage renal disease (ESRD) but also those employed here are heaving a sigh of relief upon learning that the Angeles City Renal Care Unit at the Rafael Lazatin Memorial Medical Center (RLMMC) opened its doors for dialysis treatment. Conchita Manalo, 51, and resident of Cutcut Angeles City, is a dialysis patient and because of her current state, her husband, Jaime, works extra hard to pay for her twice-a-week dialysis sessions. This has gone on for over year now, and the couple shells out almost P6,000 a week – an amount which is now virtually a part of their expenses. “Isang taon na siyang nadadialysis. Pero malaking tulong talaga ang dialysis center dito dahil wala na kaming binabayaran na P500 para sa mga doctor’s fees,” says the relieved husband, who is doing whatever it takes to save his wife's life. Andres Santos from Lourdes Northwest has continuously been undergoing dialysis treatment for three years now. At the tender age of 27, he should be having the time of his life and look forward to a fulfilling future. Instead, he receives his treatment to bring color back to his life. He says that being a simple turo-turo vendor with meager earnings is not enough for the thousands spent monthly. “Nagtatrabaho lang po ako at ang nanay ko nagtitinda ng ulam sa sidewalk, kaya, malaking bagay po ang discount na ibinibigay ng dialysis center dito, lalo na po sa amin na talagang wala sa buhay,” says Santos. When asked about what he feels about the treatment, he says “Nanghihina kami. Yung lakas namin, nawawala. Kinabukasan pa lang kami nakakabawi.” Santos is still hoping to get his life back and steer it in a direction unhindered by any disease. Michael Gantan, a person-with-disability (PWD) who also is a city government employee, is just starting to feel the early pains of renal failure. Now, he spends almost P10,000 a week on epharin, hemoglobin, and other medical needs just to improve his state. All three are now benefiting from the dialysis treatment at the newly constructed Renal Care Unit(RCU). The unit is looked at as a blessing to Angeleños, especially those in the marginalized sector, who now can get the same treatment at half the cost in Angeles City. Angeles City has finally laid down its mark in the health care industry with 15 dialysis units and plans to install more in the coming years. It is the vision of Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan to upgrade the level of medical services being offered in the city. “Through the RCU we now have the capability of providing dialysis treatment to the growing number of renal patients, many of whom are poor and indigent who cannot afford the very high cost of dialysis in private treatment centers,” Pamintuan said. Today, the RCU services nine patients a day. Thirteen dialysis units are being used while the remaining two are being kept as emergency units. The RLMMC social workers, headed by Marilyn C. Abengaña, are responsible for checking the level of need of applicants. As of July, the RCU had over 60 applicants from all over the city, and 40 of these have all been approved and are waiting to receive dialysis treatment in the coming weeks. (WLB/Angeles CIO)

Angeles launches citywide anti-dengue campaign

by Joelyn G. Baluyut


ANGELES CITY, Pampanga, August 20 (PIA) -- The City Health Office (CHO) here, in coordination with officials of the 33 barangays of the locale, launched a citywide anti-dengue campaign, Thursday, August 18. “This is a massive clean-up drive which is aimed at bringing down, if not eradicate the incidence of dengue in the entire city,” said Dr. Lenario Santos, CHO chief. The clean-up drive seeks to destroy the breeding places of mosquito-carrying dengue because “the best way to fight dengue is by destroying the breeding places,” citing “fumigation only kills the adult mosquitoes but not the larva or egg,” Santos added. Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan issued a public circular encouraging all school principals and administrators, owners or managers of private businesses and barangay chairmen to form and mobilize anti-dengue fever teams to lead in the clean-up drive of their respective campuses, areas, and districts. Pamintuan has also urged barangay officials to organize a Barangay Dengue Control Team (BDCT) in their respective villages to contain the spread of this viral disease. As of date, according to CHO, there are 465 reported dengue cases in this city. Of these number, 101 are confirmed cases. Francisco Valdez, chief of the environmental health services of CHO, advised the public to maintain and ensure the cleanliness of their surroundings by removing collected waters in old tires, empty cans, gutters, bottles, bottle caps and other containers. The dengue mosquito breeds in clean stagnant water collected in the mentioned containers. Valdez also urged parents to protect their children against dengue disease by ensuring that they are protected against mosquito bites. The CHO has started its information and education campaign in the barangays to avert possible increase of dengue cases, it was learned. The citywide anti-dengue drive is also aimed to prevent the number of dengue cases from reaching an outbreak level. Dengue fever is a viral disease transmitted by mosquitoes. It is an acute illness of sudden onset that usually follows a benign course with headache, fever, exhaustion, severe joint and muscle pain, swollen glands and rash. (WLB/JGB PIA3)

Chinese Internet fraud syndicate busted in Angeles City

by Ding Cervantes


ANGELES CITY, Philippines – Fifteen Chinese nationals, including five women from Taiwan, were arrested here Wednesday in a raid on a house being used by a syndicate allegedly engaged in Internet fraud and extortion preying on rich folk both in Taiwan and mainland China.

The raid was conducted by joint police operatives from Metro Manila and this city on a house in Barangay Malabanias, a tourism district here.

A police source, who asked not to be named, said some of the suspects, including one who seemed to speak Ilocano, sought to contact by phone a governor in the north and a police official based at Camp Crame. He could not say though whether they succeeded.

The group’s leader, identified as James Chan Lim, was found to possess a permit to carry firearms issued by Camp Crame, although no firearm was found during the raid, the source said. The names of the other suspects were not immediately available.

The raid yielded several computers, telephone units and other sophisticated electronic gadgets, which the group supposedly used to pilfer personal information from known rich Chinese in Taiwan and mainland China for purposes of extortion and blackmail. Bank fund transfers were reportedly resorted to for financial deals.

Only a week ago, the National Bureau of Investigation also raided another house in San Fernando, Pampanga, some 15 kilometers south of this city, and also arrested Chinese nationals engaged in similar operations.

Taiwanese officials had asked for police help after a certain Ten Jen Li, 20, sought help through his Facebook account, revealing the operations of the group, which recruited him as a telephone operator, police said.

Li said the group paid for his plane fare to the Philippines. When he arrived last Aug. 6, he said he was also compelled to engage in the illegal operations.

Last Wednesday morning, Ten was able to escape from the house and sought the help of a barangay tanod who, in turn, alerted the police. The raid was conducted six hours later.

Ten identified the 14 other Chinese syndicate members who are now held at the city police headquarters. Police said charges of human trafficking will be filed against them.

150 MSMEs to join this year’s Likha ng Central Luzon

by Carlo Lorenzo J. Datu

ANGELES CITY, Pampanga, August 18 (PIA) -- Approximately 150 Micro, Small and Medium Entrepreneurs (MSMEs) coming from the provinces of Aurora, Bataan, Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, Pampanga, Tarlac, and Zambales will be joining the upcoming 13th Likha ng Central Luzon (LCL) trade fair. Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) regional information officer Wilfred Carbonell disclosed that the October 19-23 bazaar will be held in the Mega Trade hall of SM Megamall in Mandaluyong city. The five-day fair will feature regionally-produced processed foods, home furnishings, ceramics, holiday decors, jewelries, fashion accessories, footwear, bags, and specialized garments like barong and gowns. It will likewise showcase products made by Central Luzon residents from bamboo. The trade fair is jointly organized by DTI 3 and Philexport 3 with the full support of the Regional Development Council 3 and Central Luzon Growth Corridor Foundation Inc. Last year’s LCL generated a total sales of P42.399 million. (WLB/CLJD-PIA 3)

Anti-dengue drive set in Angeles City

By Reynaldo G. Navales


AANGELES CITY -- The City Health Office (CHO), in coordination with barangay officials, is set to launch on Thursday a citywide anti-dengue campaign. Dr. Lenario Santos, city health officer, said there will be massive clean-up drive, which is aimed to bring down the number of dengue cases in the city. Santos said the clean-up drive is necessary to destroy breeding places of mosquitoes carrying the virus and other deadly diseases. "The best way to fight dengue is by destroying the breeding places. Fumigation only kills the adult mosquitoes but not the larva or egg," Santos said. Mayor Edgrado Pamintuan has issued a circular encouraging school principals and administrators, owners or managers of private businesses and barangay chairmen to form and mobilize anti-dengue team to lead in clean-up drives. Pamintuan also urged barangay officials to organize a Barangay Dengue Control Team (BDCT) in their respective villages to contain the spread of the viral disease. The CHO said there are 465 reported dengue cases in this city and of these figure, 101 are confirmed. Francisco Valdez, CHO environmental health services chief, advised the public to maintain and ensure the cleanliness in the surroundings and remove collected waters in old tires, empty cans, gutters, bottles, bottle caps and other containers. Dengue-carrying mosquitoes breed in clean stagnant water collected in containers and other catch objects like tires. Valdez also urged parents to protect their children against mosquito bites. The CHO, he said, has started its information campaign in the barangays to prevent the spread of dengue. Dengue fever is a viral disease transmitted by mosquitoes. It is an acute illness of sudden onset that usually follows a benign course with, headache, fever, exhaustion, severe joint and muscle pain, swollen glands and rash.

Angeles City renal unit starts dialysis treatment

By Reynaldo G. Navales

ANGELES CITY -- The Angeles City Renal Care Unit (ACRCU) has started offering dialysis treatment for indigent patients suffering end stage renal disease (ESRD). The dialysis center, which is situated at the Rafael Lazatin Memorial Medical Center (RLMMC) formerly Ospital Ning Angeles (Ona), is offering affordable renal treatment for as low as P1,300 per session. Conchita Manalo, 51, a resident of Cutcut Angeles City, spends P6,000 for her twice-a-week dialysis sessions. Andres Santos, 27, a vendor, of Lourdes Northwest has also availed of the treatment at the ACRCU. Michael Gantan, a person-with-disability (PWD) who is a City Government employee, just started receiving the early pangs of having renal failure. Now, he spends almost P10,000 a week on epharin, hemoglobin and other medical needs. Angeles City has 15 dialysis units and plans to acquire more in the coming years. Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan said the City Government is upgrading the level of medical services being offered in the city. "Through the RCU, we now have the capability of providing dialysis treatment to the growing number of renal patients, many of whom are poor and indigents who cannot afford the very high cost of dialysis in private treatment centers," Pamintuan said. The RCU accommodates around nine patients a day. Some 13 dialysis units are being used while the remaining two are being kept as emergency units. Social workers headed by Marilyn C. Abengaña are responsible for checking economic condition of patients availing of the services at the ACRCU. As of July, the RCU has over 60 applicants from all over the city. Some 40 of these have all been approved by social workers and are waiting to receive dialysis treatment in the coming week.

Clark advisory council honors Cory, five other “Pinatubo heroes

by Carlo Lorenzo J. Datu


CLARK FREEPORT, Pampanga, August 15 (PIA) -- The Metro Clark Advisory Council (MCAC) recently conferred citations to the late former President Corazon Aquino and five other individuals for their significant contributions in rebuilding the province of Pampanga from the aftermath of the 1991 Mount Pinatubo eruption. Clark Development Corporation (CDC) president and MCAC chair Felipe Antonio Remollo said the council extolled Aquino “for her decisiveness in initiating the immediate reconstruction and rehabilitation of the provinces of Pampanga and Tarlac after much loss of life and property during the 1991 Pinatubo eruption and for laying the groundwork of policies, plans and programs to ease the social and economic impact of the reversion to the national government of all US military facilities in the country.” Remollo added that MCAC likewise recognized “Aquino’s initiative to convene the Joint Legislative-Executive Bases Council that paved the way for the enactment of Republic Act 7227 or the Bases Conversion Act, and thereafter the creation of the Clark Special Economic Zone which is known today as the Clark Freeport Zone.” Meanwhile, other Pinatubo heroes commended were former House Speaker Jose De Venecia Jr., Jose “Ping” De Jesus, erstwhile Pampanga governor Bren Z. Guiao, Pampanga 1st district representative Carmelo “Tarzan” Lazatin, and ex-Pampanga 1st district engineering office chief Rafael “Pye” Yabut. De Venecia was honored “for expediting proposed bills and house resolutions to implement the speedy rehabilitation of lahar-ravaged communities, for facilitating the approval and immediate release of funds for the government engineering program in Region 3, and for his able leadership and active participation in the Joint Legislative-Executive Bases Council.” De Jesus, who served as secretary of the Department of Public Works and Highways during the Cory administration, was lauded “for his achievement in implementing engineering programs to ensure the effective and immediate delivery of basic and social services during and after the Pinatubo eruption and for his dynamic efforts to provide the necessary manpower and equipment for the massive cleanup, repair and rehabilitation of areas affected by the calamity.” The MCAC praised Guiao “for rallying the Pampangos to overcome the Pinatubo catastrophe through his battle cry Ecayu magmalun, mibangun ya ing Pampanga! (Don’t be sad, Pampanga will recover!)” while Lazatin was commended “for initiating programs that ensured the effective and immediate delivery of basic and social services to those directly affected by the calamity and for his foresight to provide low-cost housing to his constituents at the Export Processing Zone Authority (Epza) resettlement center that became a benchmark for future resettlement centers.” Yabut, on the other hand, was recognized “for undertaking remarkable engineering reconstruction of public infrastructure in his area of responsibility and for his sustained efforts in providing the necessary manpower and equipment for the cleanup, repair and rehabilitation of areas affected by ashfall and lahar.” Regarded as the second largest volcanic eruption of the 20th century, Mount Pinatubo’s climactic explosion happened on June 15, 1991. Its ash falls reached as far as the Indian Ocean. Timely forecasts of the eruption by scientists from the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology and US Geological Survey enabled people living near the volcano to evacuate to safer distances, thus saving at least 5,000 lives. (WLB/CLJD- PIA 3)

De Jesus: Review Northrail design”

By Ding Cervantes

CLARK FREEPORT, Pampanga, Philippines – Former transportation and communications secretary Jose de Jesus said the stalled North Luzon Railways (Northrail) project should be “reviewed and renegotiated” not only in terms of cost, but also in terms of design. In an interview with The STAR the other day, De Jesus, who resigned as secretary of the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) last June 30, cited information from engineers that the design of the Northrail project is not appropriate to the terrain of areas it covers from Metro Manila to this freeport. “The technical people who evaluated it said they (Chinese contractors from Sinomach firm) brought the wrong design using Chinese standards which are not suitable for what we need in terms of terrain,” De Jesus said. Hundreds of millions of pesos, from funds secured from a loan from the China Export-Import Bank, have already been spent for Phase 1 of the project from Caloocan City to Malolos, Bulacan. At least 800 huge concrete piles have already been driven into the ground along this stretch where problems have been encountered in grounds that turned out to be too soft. Phase 1 of the project was initially estimated to cost $403 million, but this was jacked up to $602 million in the last years of the Arroyo administration. De Jesus noted that while the cost of Phase 1 went up, “the scope of the project went down.” Phase 2 is supposed to be from Malolos to the Diosdado Macapagal International Airport (DMIA) at the Clark Freeport where thousands of informal settlers along railway tracks have already been resettled. The entire project from Caloocan to Clark was initially estimated to cost $1 billion to be covered by a loan from China under an executive agreement signed by former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in 2004, although the project was started only in 2008. “The report I got from our engineers is that the design (of the Northrail project) was not suitable,” De Jesus said. He said the increase in the cost of Phase 1 “should trigger some questions and we were asking these questions (before I resigned from DOTC).” Without the railway project, De Jesus said the Clark Freeport “will not reach its full potential” and its “assets will not be fully utilized.” De Jesus was referring particularly to the DMIA, which former President Fidel Ramos designated in an executive order as the “future site of the country’s premier international airport.” He said the Northrail remained a priority of the Aquino administration but that “it left so many problems behind.” “We cannot just cover them as if nothing happened,” he added. Without the railway linking Clark to Metro Manila, it would be harder to convince airlines to establish regular flights at the DMIA, De Jesus said, noting the congestion at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Manila. Earlier, the Freedom from Debt Coalition (FDC) had asked current Transportation and Communications Secretary Manuel Roxas II to junk the government’s contract with the Chinese contractor Sinomach on the Northrail amid allegations of overpricing. Delays in the construction of the railway were initially attributed to these allegations, prompting the DOTC to review the project. A reliable source from the DOTC, who asked not to be named, said the government did not freeze the project. “It was the Chinese contractor which backed out when the government started to question the increase in the cost of the project,” he said. – With Ric Sapnu

City gov’t re-launches “Citizen’s Charter”

By PIA Press Release


ANGELES CITY, Pampanga, August 12 (PIA) -- Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan exhorted city employees here to aim high in eliminating “red-tape” in government services. Pamintuan issued this statement during the city government’s re-launching of the Citizen’s Charter held Thursday at the Sanggunian Session Hall. “We need to sustain our efforts at promoting speedier and more efficient service to our people. We need to imbibe among all employees of city hall a culture of prompt, efficient and transparent service,” Pamintuan said. He said that the initiative of Republic Act 9485 also known as the anti-red tape act is an important factor in lessening and eventual removal of graft and corruption in local governance. Pamintuan reminded city government workers to always wear a smile on their faces whenever they transact business with people availing their services. The mayor added that he looks forward to making the city hall “a model and benchmark of efficiency and client-friendly service.” For her part, Vice Mayor Vicky Vega Cabigting said the Citizen’s Charter is the cornerstone of every governance. Vega-Cabigting mentioned the eight characteristics of good governance: consensus oriented, participatory, rule of law, effective and efficient, accountable, transparent, responsive, and equitable and inclusive. “We are glad that we already have taken the first step in realizing these characteristics as this administration is serious in the implementation of the guidelines stipulated in the charter,” the vice mayor explained. Pamintuan instructed the City Human Resources and Management Office (CHRMO) to craft a program that would institutionalize the adherence on the anti-red tape act especially those working at the frontline service offices. “Let us develop a sanction-and-reward system that will discourage those who are sloppy in their jobs, and reward those who do good in the disposition of their responsibilities,” Pamintuan added. The Citizens’ Charter is an official document that communicates information on the services of government agencies. In it are step-by-step procedures for availing a particular service to further expedite processes and make it easier for clients to comply with needed requirements and payments if necessary. In its compliance with the anti-red tape act, the CHRMO has fully reviewed and revised the Citizens’ Charter to improve the functions of the several offices of the Angeles City government, especially its frontline services. Frontline services are the process or transactions between clients and government offices or agencies involving applications for any privileges, right, permit, reward, license, concession, or for any modification, renewal or extension of the enumerated applications or requests which are acted upon in the ordinary course of business of the agency or office concerned. The identified frontline services in the city are City Assessor’s Office (CAO), Business Permit and Licensing Division/Business One Stop Shop (BPLD/BOSS), City Health Office (CHO), City Planning and Development Office (CPDO), City Social Welfare and Development Office CSWDO), City Engineer’s Office (CEO), Local Civil Registrar, Ospital ning Angeles (ONA), Public Employment and Services Office (PESO), City Treasurer’s Office (CTO) and City Veterinary Office (CVO). Among those present during the charter re-launching are: Councilor Joseph Alfie Bonifacio, City Administrator Dennis Albert Pamintuan, City Director Myrvi Apostol Favia of the Department of Interior and Local Government, office and department heads, city hall workers, barangay officials and representatives of both private and non-government organizations.

Mayor heightens dengue measures in Angeles

By Reynaldo G. Navales


ANGELES CITY -- Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan is currently pushing for an intensified anti-dengue campaign in response to the rising outbreak of dengue cases in the country. "We already sent out a public circular which states that the City Government encourages all school principals and administrators, owners or managers of private businesses and barangay captains to form and mobilize an Anti-Dengue/H-Fever Team that shall lead in the clean-up drive of their respective campuses, areas and districts," Pamintuan said. The mayor said the team should be able to assist their respective personnel and staff in seeking and destroying breeding places of dengue-causing mosquitoes such as old tires, coconut husks, roof gutters, discarded bottles, flower vases and other containers that can hold stagnant water. "After the clean-up, the City Health Office (CHO) Sanitation Division may be called to fumigate school premises, business establishments and areas to reinforce the prevention of further breeding of mosquitoes," Pamintuan added. For its part, the Dengue Prevention and Control Program of the CHO will continuously fumigate areas for this cause. The CHO reported that as of June 2011, more than 321 liters of fumigating chemicals, 9,630 liters of diesel and 1,926 of gasoline for fogging have been utilized and an estimated 58,000 households have all been fumigated, some of these even twice. However, in an interview with Dr. Lenario Santos, City Health Officer, he said that mere fumigation of areas will not suffice. "Even if we fumigate households over and over again, if the members of the households themselves do not practice sanitary measures, problems will arise, especially dengue. That is why we call upon the cooperation of the Angeleños to start cleaning their homes in order to prevent the rise of dengue cases in the city," Santos explained. "If possible, the public should maintain cleanliness in their surroundings and follow the CHO's advice on getting rid of dengue carrying mosquitoes," Tayag said. Santos said that as of Wednesday, there are 88 confirmed dengue cases out of the 412 reported in this city. Dengue fever is an acute illness caused by a bite of a striped Aedes aegypti mosquito. In the Philippines, dengue usually occurs during the rainy season, or from June to September. The Department of Health (DOH) earlier devised a strategy to educate the public on home treatment of mild dengue cases in an effort to decongest hospitals. The DOH said patients should be taken to the emergency room if they exhibit dengue warning signs such as abdominal pain or persistent vomiting, red spots or patches on the skin, signs of bleeding, black stools, drowsiness or decreased consciousness, difficulty in breathing, and pale or cold clammy skin.

SC offers 'Justice on Wheels' in Angeles City

  • Sourcehttp://positivenewsmedia.ca/am2/publish/Cities_And_Towns_23/SC_offers_Justice_on_Wheels_in_Angeles_City.shtml
  • Wednesday, August 10, 2011
By Positive News Media


ANGELES CITY, Pampanga, Aug. 10 (PNA) - The Supreme Court (SC) has launched its Enhanced Justice on Wheels (EJOW) project in this city to resolve pending cases of inmates here. The EJOW program is part of the Department of Justice’s effort to render a speedy and swift justice to all, especially to the members of the marginalized sector. Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan and Vice Mayor Vicky Vega-Cabigting welcomed Court Administrator Jose Midas Marquez and deputy court administrators Raul Villanueva and Nimfa Vilches, who represented the Supreme Court during the launching. Pamintuan thanked the Supreme Court for conducting the "Justice on Wheels" program in Angeles City. "This is a good program that the SC is bringing nearer the justice system to the people," Pamintuan said. Marquez, who is also the spokesman of the SC, said the project of the High Tribunal was a sort of empowerment to the people to have access to justice. Marquez said the "Justice on Wheels" program had been making the rounds in provinces and cities throughout the country for two years now. We saw that there are some pending cases in the courts. That's why the SC is helping to resolve the cases immediately," he said. He also said that the program helped free more than 5,000 inmates. The mobile court is custom-built to efficiently serve its functions. It is divided into two main sections: the front section serves as the courtroom, while the rear section serves as the mediation room. It is fully air-conditioned and equipped with amenities for the judge, the court personnel, the litigants and their lawyers. It is also provided with a presiding judge, a clerk of court, a prosecutor, a public attorney, a court stenographer, a docket clerk, a process server, a driver, and a security guard. The first beneficiary of the EJOW in the city is Mon Dela Cruz, who has been imprisoned for eight years and was acquitted through promulgation. A dialogue between barangay officials and city court officials was also conducted . Topics discussed included Barangay Protection Order (BPO), Juvenile Justice Act (Republic Act 9344), land ownership and environmental protection and preservation. Speakers were Muntinlupa City Prosecutor Elisa Sarmiento Flores and retired Justice Oswaldo Agcoali, Professor II at the Philippine Justice Academy (PHILJA). Over 5,800 inmates have been released under the EJOW, and close to 7,000 cases successfully mediated in less than three years. A medical-dental and legal aid activity to inmates was also conducted at the Angeles City District Jail.(PNA)

63 inmates freed

By Charlene Cayabyab


CITY OF SAN FERNANDO -- About 63 inmates at the Angeles City District Jail were ordered released by their respective courts last week. The Enhanced Justice on Wheels (EJW) Program has hastened up the hearing of cases of the said 63 inmates. The mobile justice project of the Supreme Court, which was recently launched in the city, hearings and mediations were conducted by the five Municipal Trial Courts and seven Regional Trial Courts (RTC) in makeshift courts around the Hall of Justice. The announcement of the release of the inmates, who have stayed in jail for the last three years, was also made at the same justice hall. The justice on wheels program facilitated the resolution of their cases through mediation, where both the complainant and the accused appeared before the local court to settle their respective disputes. The EJW also included the conduct of a medical and dental clinic at the District Jail given by the Angeles City Health Office where 163 inmates were served. The Pampanga Chapter of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines and the Angeles City Lawyers League also provided free legal assistance. RTC Executive Judge Omar Viola said another component of the program is the seminar by the Philippine Judicial Academy on Anti-Violence Against Women and Children Act, the Juvenile Justice Welfare Act, environmental laws, and updates in property registration for village officials. It is expected that these measures will unclog the courts since most disputes will now be settled in the Katarungang Pambarangay instead of being elevated to the RTCs.

Barangay officials apprised of new laws

by PIA Press Release


ANGELES CITY, Pampanga, August 8 (PIA) -- Some 183 barangay captains and kagawads from Angeles City, Porac, Magalang, and Mabalacat are now better informed of the new laws covering the cases they frequently handle in the Katarungang Pambarangay. The Philippine Judicial Academy, the education arm of the Supreme, conducted the seminar in coordination with the regional trial courts. Muntinlupa assistant City Prosecutor Elisa Flores lectured on the Barangay Protection Order under RA 9262 or the Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children Act and Diversion under RA 9344 or the Juvenile Justice Act. The topic, "Land Ownership: Conflicts and Remedies and Environmental Protection and Preservation" was discussed by retired Court of Appeals Justice Oswaldo Agcaoili. The seminar was conducted for the barangay officials to better equip them with information to facilitate the resolution of cases brought before them in the Katarungang Pambarangay.

Philippine Government’s Peek At Future Plans For Angeles City

by theblog


Angelenos will see a great deal of development programs in the coming years. With several plans in the pipeline, Angeles City is bent on becoming one of the most renowned cities in the Philippines. Said plans encompass areas of education, health, infrastructure, economy, environment, tourism, and good governance, among others, that would unquestionably spur broad-based growth for the city, boost the morale of residents, and encourage participatory governance. Among the plans and upcoming programs of the city government of Angeles for its constituents are the following : Education. By year 2012, the City College of Angeles will start to operate, offering courses to youth that shall assure immediate employment after graduation. Before this year ends, the construction of structures and buildings for the city college will be ready for inspection by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED). Health care. The city hospital will undergo a facelift of its building facilities and an enhancement of its equipment. After the setting up of the Renal Care Unit, the city government will be tackling the modernization of the facilities of the Ospital ng Angeles (ONA) and a new hospital building will be put up to increase the hospital’s bed capacity. For the coming year, the city government will be issuing Philhealth Cards to 15,000 indigent beneficiaries. Roads. To further ease traffic, Green Lanes will be created for exclusive use of tricycles and motorbikes on main thoroughfares. Infrastructures. The Regional Development Council (RDC) has already sanctioned the construction of a service road parallel to North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) from San Simon to Mabalacat, and the East Circumferential Road from Santo Domingo, Pulongbulu, Mining, Tabun, Pandan and Ninoy Aquino. In addition, there are various infrastructure projects worth P61 million that shall be bidded out this year. At present, the construction of two barangay halls in Santo Domingo and Salapungan are on the process. A barangay hall will be constructed next for barangay Mining. Meanwhile, the bidding has been set for the creation of social hygiene and legislative building in the city.A budget of P13 million will also be allotted for the construction of additional classrooms and repair of public schools in different barangays, in line with the program of First District Congressman Tarzan Lazatins Kabahagi Ako sa Handog Silid Aralan Tungo sa Kaunlaran.. Economic enterprises. Pampang Market, San Nicolas Market, slaughterhouse, and the soon to rise building of City College of Angeles will be of economic enterprises. There will be a creation of Economic Enterprises Team to be led by an Economic Enterprise Manager. Tourism. The city will be putting up the Angeles City Tourism Road Map to make the city’s tourism industry prominent in the whole country. Environment. The planting of trees in all places possible will be doubled. As of now, there are 25,000 bamboo planting materials ready to be planted along the Abacan River to lessen soil erosion.

Work for new municipal building of Sogod expected to start this year

by Bong Pedalino


MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, August 2 (PIA) -- It’s all systems go for the construction of a new town hall for Sogod, 65 kilometers from this city, which will be financed by a loan either from the Landbank (LB) or from the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP). This was learned from Martin “Toots” Lagmay, the town’s administrative officer, in a phone interview with Philippine Information Agency (PIA) this morning. Lagmay said the new municipal building will need P 26 million plus another P 3 million for repairs, the money to be sourced from the LB or DBP, whichever of the two would be able to release the funds sooner as all the needed papers were already processed. The Sangguniang Bayan (SB) had given Mayor Tan the authority to enter into a mortgage agreement with either of the two banks, while the local government unit (LGU) itself had secured a borrowing clearance from the Bureau of Local Government Finance (BLGF), an agency under the Department of Finance (DoF), Lagmay informed. Façade of the current municipal building showed signs of deterioration as it was built sixty-five years ago, hence the motive for the collective decision to build a new one and waive major repairs to save on costs, he added. He said the new structure will serve as the legacy of Mayor Sheffered Tan, who is now on his last term as Chief Executive of the booming municipality in the central part of the province. Amortization for the upcoming loan will be taken from a portion of the Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA), Lagmay said, most probably for a 15-year period. As soon as the funds will be available, which is expected to happen before the next rainy days, the project will be subjected to the usual procedures of the bidding process, Lagmay further said.

Celebrate Halloween, Christmas and New Years at the Best Resorts in Pampanga


Manila residents travel to Clark Philippines to celebrate Halloween, Christmas and New Years at the best resorts in Pampanga Families with small children prefer outdoor hotel in Manila, clean and safe place in Pampanga Clark to bring kids to relax and unwind. Outdoor space is an important criterion affecting the selection of a suitable hotel in Clark Pampanga for family bonding or to relax and unwind with friends. Best hotel in Clark Pampanga offers good outdoor facilities, large picnic grounds, lake and beach and other outdoor amenities making it possible for guests of this frequently visited hotel in Clark to relax and unwind with no stress. Subic is a popular destination for visitors from Manila bringing family out of town for a short getaway to the north. Subic is well known for its diving sites, the sea and water sports that come with the territory. However one thing that resorts and hotels in Subic are not famous for is dining options. For years, visitors to Subic have complained about the quality of the restaurants and dining establishments but it is only until recently that travelers to Subic discovered the best restaurant to wine and dine, even for visitors with families and children.

The 3000-square-meter wading pond called the Family Cove is frequently used for company outings, family picnics, team building and other corporate and personal functions and events that involve some water activities and sports. Water volleyball and other games and water sports are highly popular in this facility. At the side, there is a snack bar that can serve food and beverages during a function and event at this venue. The best getaway destination vacation spot near Manila is Clark, Pampanga which is also convenient, safe and accessible. Clearwater Beach Resort in Clark Pampanga is the most popular choice of resorts with good outdoor facilities for tourists and local residents for a vacation spot to unwind and relax. http://www.ClearwaterPhilippines.com

Clearwater Resort and Country Club Creekside Road near Centennial Expo, Clark Freeport, Pampanga Philippines 2023 (632) 633-1566 (045)599-5949 0917-520-4403 0922-870-5177 Joanne or Jeremy

Clearwater Resort Clark Pampanga Manila Sales Office 3003C East Tower, Phil Stock Exchange Center, Exchange Rd Ortigas Metro Manila, Philippines 1605 (632) 637-5019 0917-520-4393 Rea, Kristine or Chay Reservation@ClearwaterPhilippines.com

Pampanga residents fear possible collapse of dikes

PAMPANGA, Philippines - Residents along the major river systems and tributaries in the province expressed fear that the earth dikes may collapse as they were heavily damaged by continuous heavy rains.

In San Simon town, two barangays were disconnected due to the scouring of the Pampang river's earth dike connecting Sta. Cruz and San Miguel villages. Thousands of residents were affected.

The residents along the Arnedo dike in Barangay San Pedro in San Simon town said the continuous scouring of the dike might put them in danger, especially during rainy season.

Officials from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) said people living near the Arnedo dike should abandoned the area because it is now deteriorating and it cannot withstand the strong current of Pampanga River.

Relocation and resettlement of the people living along Arnedo dike from Arayat, Candaba, San Luis, San Simon and Apalit towns to other safer places is highly recommended, DPWH said.

In San Luis town, various damages of the Arnedo dike were seen in Sta. Catalina and San Sebastian portions.

In Candaba town, the bailey bridge along Gulap-Sto. Rosario village beside the Pampanga River collapsed which resulted to the isolation of the people in Barangay Sto. Rosario.

In Sta. Ana town, the continuous heavy rains has threatened anew the Sta. Ana- Magalang provincial road along the portions of Barangays San Roque and San Agustin as the Matubig creek traversing these villages connecting Abacan River overflowed.

Based on the report, the Provincial Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) said several dikes protecting thousands of residents in different villages in Pampanga remained under threat due to unabated strong current of water since typhoons Falcon and Juaning hit the province.

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