Angeles City News August 2014

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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.

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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.

Leaders want Clark airport promoted

By Reynaldo G. Navales

CLARK FREEPORT -- National and local leaders have recognized on Friday the need to promote Clark International Airport (CRK) as an international gateway of the country.

The promotion and marketing of the airport was aired during a congressional hearing at the Clark International Airport Corporation (CIAC) yesterday.

Catanduanes Representative Cesar Sarmiento, House committee on transportation chairman, said the committee found out that "there is need to intensify the promotion of Clark airport as a viable option for domestic and international travel."

This was based on the committee's previous consultation with CIAC officials, said Sarmiento.

With this, he said the committee relayed to President Benigno Aquino III and Transportation and Communication Secretary Joseph Emilio Aguinaldo Abaya that an inauguration ceremony or a public recognition of developments in Clark airport will serve as the needed boost to the airport's marketing program.

"As Clark airport is designed to serve millions of commuters and to the best in logistics and services, our goal is to aggressively promote it in order to live out its intended purpose," Sarmiento said.

Pampanga Representative Joseller "Yeng" Guiao lauded Aquino for supporting Clark.

In the 2015 budget, the National Government had allocated and initial P1.2 billion for the low-cost or legacy terminal of Clark airport, said Guaio.

This will increase the airport's capacity to 15 million passengers per year and this is expected to boost the economy of the whole region, according to the solon.

With the approval of the Clark Green City project, there is more reason and justification to improve Clark airport and all of the complementary infrastructures, Guiao said.

"The P1.2 initial budget is a good sign for us. Once we spend that money, that will be the point of no return," Guiao said.

With its potential, Sarmiento said Clark airport will play a big role in attracting foreign investors and international tourists.

"In the coming months and years, we are certain that Clark airport will play a big role in ushering in tourism and other economic benefits for the benefit of the aviation industry and the country as a whole," Sarmiento said.

He also assured local officials and business leaders that the committee will help in maximizing the full potential of Clark airport.

The House committee on Transportation also asked CIAC to present an update on the proposed construction of the low-cost terminal, preparations for the upcoming Asia Pacific Economic Conference (Apec) next year and the provision of an efficient transportation system "to and from" and within Clark Freeport.

Tarlac Congressman Noel Villanueva raised that CIAC, with the help of the House of Representative’s Central Luzon block, should ask the DOTC to allocate more funds to fully develop the airport.

Sarmiento said all of the issues and the needed funding will be presented during the DOTC budget hearing on September 3.

Manila Water invests P3.9B in Clark unit

By Amy R. Remo |Philippine Daily Inquirer

MANILA, Philippines–Clark Water Corp., a wholly owned subsidiary of the Ayala-led Manila Water Co., is investing P3.93 billion to further improve its water supply services at the Clark Freeport Zone in Pampanga. According to a statement issued by Manila Water on Thursday, Clark Water has pledged to make such capital investments between now and 2040, following the extension of its concession agreement by another 15 years. It was only recently that Clark Water, the sole water and used water services provider at the Clark Freeport, had inked a contract with Clark Development Corp. for the extension of its concession agreement. The planned P3.93-billion capital investment pegged for the whole concession term will be used for various improvements of the company’s water and used water facilities in order to promote the freeport zone as an ideal business hub for multinational companies. Of this amount, about P1.06 billion is expected to be invested within the first four years. For 2014, Clark Water has already completed three new deep wells, upgraded three booster pumps, and installed generator sets on its old water sources to improve and strengthen supply reliability. Clark Water further disclosed that it has formulated a business plan which will serve as its project road map until the end of its concession period. “The biggest chunk of our investment is allocated to source development for water projects and collection of used water. Source development includes the construction and commissioning of new water sources through the construction of new deep wells and infiltration wells. This also includes our on-going feasibility study in the possibility of tapping surface water. On the other hand, our used water collection project involves the replacement, reinforcement and construction of new sewer lines,” said Jesus D. Laigo, general manager and chief operating officer at Clark Water. “At the end of the day, we are all guided by our desire to make the Clark Freeport Zone a top investment haven of choice and making our locators happy,” Laigo added.

Manila Water unit to invest nearly P4 billion in Clark facilities

By Claire-Ann Marie C. Feliciano

A SUBSIDIARY of Manila Water Company, Inc. has committed to invest nearly P4 billion to improve water and wastewater services within the Clark Freeport Zone in Pampanga. The Ayala-controlled parent said in a statement on Thursday that Clark Water Corp. pledged a P3.93-billion investment for the duration of its extended concession agreement with Clark Development Corp. (CDC) or until 2040.

For the first four years of the extended term alone, Clark Water plans to spend P1.06 billion.

“The P3.93-billion capital investment pegged for the whole concession term will be used for various improvements of the company’s water and used water facilities in order to promote the Freeport Zone as an ideal business hub for multinational companies,” Manila Water said in its statement.

This year, Clark Water completed three new deep wells, upgraded booster pumps, and installed generating sets in its water resources to improve and strengthen water supply reliability.

As part of the concession agreement, Clark Water also embarked on a new business plan, which outlines its project roadmap until the end of its concession period.

“The biggest chunk of our investment is allocated to source development for water projects and collection of used water,” Jesus D. Laigo, Clark Water general manager and chief operating officer, said.

Mr. Laigo said source development entails the construction and commissioning of new water sources.

On the other hand, collection of used water involves replacement, reinforcement and construction of new sewer lines.

“At the end of the day, we are all guided by our desire to make the Clark Freeport Zone a top investment haven of choice and making our locators happy,” said Mr. Laigo.

Businessman: Angeles will be a smart city

By Reynaldo G. Navales

ANGELES CITY -- Businessman and technology expert Dennis Anthony Uy has vowed to make this city his laboratory in developing a "smart city" that is technology-driven in its governance systems in revenues and tax collection, traffic management, crime prevention, disaster mitigation, and development planning, among others.

Uy stressed the importance of technology in promoting efficiency and in preventing corruption in government.

"We should now move towards ‘contact-less’ government transactions wherein the public pays taxes, fees or fines for certain violations without having to deal directly with any person related to these transactions," Uy told the Angeles Traffic Management Board during a recent meeting in preparation for the Asia-Pacific Economic Conference (APEC), which shall hold some if its events in Angeles City next year.

Without direct contact, under-the-table deals will be avoided, he said.

He also said that while many cities are now equipped with CCTV cameras, the cameras simply record but do not have "analytic" capabilities that are connected to and can trigger immediate and real time intervention by concerned parties, such as the police in cases of crime.

Uy heads Converge IT Solutions, Inc., a telecommunications company, and several other technology companies, including the Angeles City Cable Television Network (ACCTN), the leading cable and broadband provider in Central Luzon. Uy's Converge is now laying down a nationwide underground fiber-optic based broadband network.

Working with his long-time friend Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan of Angeles City, Uy said that while he has been low-key in most of his projects and business ventures, “I want to take the lead in the case of Angeles City, because this city is where I am rooted.”

Uy is currently completing a geographic information system-based (GIS) map for Angeles City using drone photography for purposes of making more accurate real estate and property delineation, tax mapping, boundary markings, contour determination and the inventory of actual buildings and structures within the city.

He said an underground fiber-optic network is now in place in Angeles City, guaranteeing superfast internet connection directly to homes and offices.

Upon instructions from Pamintuan, Uy will also be putting up free wi-fi connections in key parts of the city, including the business centers, schools and universities, the Heritage District, and other areas.

Uy urged the Angeles City Traffic Board to look beyond the present-day issues but towards the possibilities of up to 20 years from the present. “This early we need to establish the data base from which we can project our future needs,” he said.

“I know that the main problem in accessing technology is the limited budget of local governments. However, because I care about Angeles City, we can come up with a package that allows the city technology access based on its limitations,” he said.

Clark container yard seen to ease Manila port congestion

By ABS-CBN News

The Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) said the establishment of a container yard in the Clark Freeport Zone can help ease the congestion in ports in Manila and Luzon. Clark Development Corp. and CargoHaus recently signed a lease agreement that would allow empty shipping containers from ports in Manila, central and Northern Luzon to be stored in the Clark Freeport Zone. “The container yard in Clark Freeport will help ease congestion in the Manila ports and at the same time help Central Luzon Special Economic Zone locators achieve cost efficient movement of goods,” BCDA president and CEO Arnel Casanova said. Casnova said this is the first container yard to be set up in special economic zone. The three-hectare container yard can accommodate some 20,000 shipping containers. Earlier, CargoHaus Inc chairman Alberto Lina said gradually removing 20 to 40 footer containers off the road by bringing them directly to Clark will ease Metro traffic by 10 percent and will be a big help for the motorists. Congestion at the Manila port has been blamed for an increase in the price of imported goods, particularly fruits and vegetables.

Pamintuan Mansion to house one of PHL's best museums

By pna.gov.ph

ANGELES CITY, Pampanga, Aug. 25 (PNA) --The historic Pamintuan Mansion in this city will house one of the country's best museums.

City mayor Edgardo Pamintuan said that once the conversion of the Pamintuan Mansion is completed, the future museum will not only house exhibits about elite individuals but also of the life of ordinary individuals living in the country 200 years back.

"The old Pamintuan Mansion will be one of the best museums in the country," he said.

The conversion of the Pamintuan Mansion will be funded by the Embassy of France in the Philippines.

The mayor said the assistance to be extended in the conversion of the Pamintuan Mansion will open the gates of cultural relationship between the Philippines and France.

Once completed, the converted mansion will be known as the Museum of Philippine Social History.

Pamintuan said the uniqueness of the museum will be the display of old textiles used by Filipino designers.

The museum will specifically showcase Filipino textiles which include the display of several clothes and garments worn by ordinary Filipinos, as well as tools and utensils, and even the music of the Filipinos since 1908.

The artifacts to be displayed will come from the catalogue of 740 pieces from Patis Tesoro’s collection, who is a designer of embroidered textile and formal wear fabrics and history advocate here in the country.

One hundred and five textiles and accessories will also come from Tesoro’s collection; 130 from the Silahis collection; five to six textiles from Intramuros; and seven textiles from the National Historical Commission of the Philippines' collection.

The museum will also include a music room, audio-visual room, a museum café, e-learning room which can accommodate 30 students at a time, mediation room for workshops, and a glass elevator for the elderly and persons with disabilities.

The Pamintuan Mansion is the ancestral house of the Pamintuan clan, built by Don Mariano Pamintuan, whose prominent members include Tesoro and Mayor Pamintuan.

It was named by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) as one of the country's heritage site.

In the course of the fledgling Philippine Republic's struggle against the United States, President Emilio Aguinaldo temporarily moved the seat of government from Kawit, Cavite to the Pamintuan Mansion.

The historic house changed ownership several times since 1899.

The edifice also served as the town’s municipal hall. Later, the property was acquired by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas.

With the BSP branch moving to a bigger location in the City of San Fernando in 2010, the BSP decided to turn over the property to the national government, through the Department of Finance by way of a property dividend.

The DOF later transferred the Pamintuan Mansion to the NHCP. (PNA) FPV/ZST/MDDR/PS

FatBoy10s charity to benefit Angeles kids

By Reynaldo G. Navales

CLARK FREEPORT ZONE -- The state-owned Clark Development Corporation (CDC) fully supports the upcoming charity Golf and Rugby tournament of the Pot Bellied Pigs set next month, which will benefit 500 children from six barangays in Angeles City.

CDC president and chief Executive Officer Arthur Tugade said the mammoth charity event from September 5 to 6, which coincides with the FatBoy10s 11th year anniversary, will again be a boon to Clark and the country as it inspires Filipino kids to engage more in sports activities, and motivate people in the community to come up with projects that will create an impact on the country and the world like the one initiated by the Pot Bellied Pigs.

“The creativeness of the FatBoy10s stirs us to be more supportive to the plight of the disadvantaged people particularly children in the community. They started with a small event not for the elite but for the community, with small profits derived from self-help but has grown so powerful and has made a difference,” said Tugade.

“We advocate the same here (at CDC). One of our basic thrusts is to make each citizen useful and productive that is why we have reached out to children with disabilities, increased employment opportunities and mainstreamed the underprivileged like the Aetas to make them valuable townsfolk. These are all part of our Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) effort,” he added.

According to Richard Lucas, one of the local coordinators of the charity project, the recipients of the feeding program include children from Barangays Malabanias, Anunas, Cuayan, Balibago, Monicayo and Claro M. Recto, all in Angeles City. Sitio Monicayo is comprised mostly of indigenous peoples (IPs).

Lucas said the charity lunch on September 6 at the Holiday Inn coincides with the Rugby Tournament at the Challenger Field here. “After lunch, they (kids) will also watch the actual game and be given free Rugby shirts and other freebies.”

In 2013, he said kids in the Aeta village were given free rugby shoes and uniforms.

Lucas also said that 20 children who are scholars of the FatBoy10s will join the Rugby and golf players at a breakfast table on September 5, where they are expected to share and provide inspiration to their sponsors of 11 years.

On the same day, the kids will likewise have the opportunity to watch members and guests of the Rugby club play golf for a cause at the Mimosa Golf and Country Club. Proceeds of the fund-raising activity will go to the education of children in Angeles City.

Marty Domb, sports coordinator for the foreign players (expats), said a total of 18 teams from Hong Kong and other cities in Asia and Europe, and five local teams will participate in the Rugby tournament.

He urged everyone to watch the game and understand how and why the FatBoy10s achieved and sustained global support for the charitable activities it has undertaken in Angeles City and in other countries in Asia and Europe for 11 years.

In Angeles City alone, Lucas said the annual rugby charity tournament has inspired many young boys to join in the weekly training being conducted by the Rugby Football club in the country. At least 50 children, 14 years and below are being trained on the techniques of the game and are groomed to compete in rugby tournaments in the future.

The Rugby Football union also conducts house-to-house activity in remote villages to get more kids to learn the game and become part of the growing Rugby family.

A weekly training from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Parade Grounds here is also being conducted for young boys who want to develop their skills in Rugby.

“We are preparing to have our own league from Angeles that is why we are getting more young boys to practice and love rugby,” said Lucas.

First ever PH museum of social history to open in Angeles

By Ian Ocampo Flora

ANGELES CITY -- The historic Pamintuan Mansion will soon be opened to the public as a newly converted museum of social heritage, the first of its kind in the Philippines.

Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan said that the facility will be managed by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP).

"This facility will be able to showcase the history, art and culture of ordinary Filipinos, even Angelenos. We are very excited because we expect an influx of 10,000 tourists from the opening of the facility," Pamintuan said, adding that the city has undertaken efforts to make the area conducive for tourists and visitors.

Pamintuan said that the city government is in full support of the facility. He added that he encourages donors of historical artifacts to give to the museum collection.

Some of the main highlights of the museum are the showcases of different textiles indigenous to the country. Some of the collections that will be seen are from Patis Tesoro’s private collection, the Central Bank’s, Robert Lane of Silahis Arts and Artifacts collection, and the NHCP collection.

The museum plans to open this November 2014 and will feature exhibits of different artworks, culinary exhibit, music exhibit, and more. An E-learning room will also be added as well as a glass elevator for the elderly and differently abled people.

Thousands gather for 2nd Media Congress

By Emmanuel Panti(AUF Intern)

ANGELES CITY -- Some 2,000 aspiring journalists from the Angeles University Foundation (AUF), Holy Angel University, Pampanga State Agricultural University and neighboring schools from across the region gathered on Friday for the Second Media Congress at the AUF Sports and Cultural Center here.

GMA News Network veteran broadcast journalists Mike Enriquez and Ivan Mayrina, together with actor and Yes Pinoy Foundation founding chair Dingdong Dantes were among the guest speakers during the congress themed “Youth and Ethics for National Development.”

During the forum, Enriquez told the communications students that the “media people are not evil and monsters” as portrayed by some people and that “credibility is the key” in becoming a good and trusted journalist.

“Credibility is the key for one who aspires to become a trusted journalist who serves the people and our country. Media people are not evil or monsters as some look at us because we serve and report only the truth. So if you want to become good journalists, you must have good values and virtues and deliver great service,” he said.

Mayrina who was born in Angeles City and attended school at AUF, for his part, shared his idea about social media. He gave guidelines and reminders to fully grasp the idea of what social media has to offer.

“You just have to think before you click,” he said, stressing that the upsides and downsides of posting in social networking sites such as “Facebook” should be done with cautioun and responsibility.

Meanwhile, Dantes who was accompanied by fiancée Marian Rivera, encouraged the students to take part in Yes Pinoy Foundation’s campaign in establishing strong pillars to support education as “a vessel for the youth to provide promising service in the future for everyone in the country.

Toll roads boost logistics industry

By : Ray S. Eñano

The emir of Kuwait may have seen the vast economic potential of three independent toll roads in western, central and northern Luzon linking up with one other and reducing travel time by half. The seamless travel is making Clark Freeport Zone in Pampanga province the perfect logistics hub as originally designed by state planners.

A logistics hub thrive along major toll roads, as the experience in the United States, Europe and other developed countries showed. The completion of the 88.85-kilometer, four-lane Tarlac–Pangasinan–La Union Expressway sometime next year will complete the interconnection of North Luzon Expressway and Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway. It will make Clark the ideal logistics hub from where a company can manage the supply chain and move goods with ease to the Subic port in the west, to the northern gateway in Pangasinan and La Union provinces and to the capital region in the south.

Proponents of the $3-billion Sabah Al-Ahmad Global Gateway Logistics City in Clark Freeport Zone, named after the emir of Kuwait, Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad, are rushing the completion of the project that is expected to generate over 300,000 jobs.

The development calls for 177-mixed used projects near the Clark International Airport. Global Gateway Development Corp. is stepping up the completion to take advantage of the Luzon’s three major toll roads.

GGDC was originally founded by The Port Fund, a private equity fund managed by KGL Investment Co.. KGLI is a private equity investment company focusing on development and investments in infrastructure, logistics and transport, oil and gas, energy and power and other diversified sectors in the Middle East, Asia and emerging markets.

KGLI’s main managed investments in the Philippines is Sabah Al-Ahmad Global Gateway Logistics City and a stake in the 2GO Group and Negros Navigation. KGLI, which has investments in the Philippines since mid-2008, has established management teams based in both Metro Manila and in Clark.

Sabah Al-Ahmad GGLC is being envisioned to be a state-of-art commercial and logistics aerotropolis built to the highest environmental standards. Once completed, the project will have a total of 5.8 million square meters of floor space.

GGDC said it was committed to accelerating work on the Sabah Al-Ahmad Global Gateway Logistics City, which has been recognized as one of the Top 100 global infrastructure projects of 2012, 2013 and 2014 by Washington-based CG/LA, a leader in infrastructure project identification and development.

GGDC has invested over $100 million in the project to date with another $150 million in planned investments by the end of 2015. GGDC’s investments to date include the development of world-class horizontal infrastructure, including over 30 hectares of fully developed lot inventory and the pre-leasing of a world-class 20,000 sq. m. hospital, now currently 95 percent complete, to The Medical City, a leading Philippine and regional healthcare operator.

GGDC said it also expects to finish by the end of 2015 five office towers with a gross floor area of 145,000 sq. m., a retail and gas plaza and a hotel and serviced apartment complex. The complexes are exepcted to generate jobs to 15,000 Filipinos in the region.

The whole GGLC project will entail investment of over $3 billion in new facilities, providing direct employment to more than 3,000 construction and trade workers at the peak of the project’s development. Once completed, the project will generate employment opportunities to over 300,000 workers with $600 million in annual payroll for entry-level employees alone.

GGDC, meanwhile, reiterated its commitment to finance the construction of the hospital project to broaden the brand of The Medical City.

Another Alliance Select complainant

For almost two and a half months now, the Securities and Exchange Commission has failed to give attention to a complaint against a corporation that refused to recognize the right of its stockholders.

The management of Alliance Select Food International Inc. barred a stockholder from attending a regular annual meeting, prompting him to file a complaint with the SEC.

Necisto Sytengco of Quezon City, a minority stockholder of ASFI, told the SEC in a letter that he went to the scheduled regular stockholders’ meeting on June 16, 2014, accompanied by his lawyer, Fred Bathan. He was barred from entering the meeting by two “burly security guards.”

Seeking for an explanation as his right as stockholder was being violated, a lawyer from the ACCRA Law intervened but Sytengco was still refused entry.

ASFI lawyers asked the poor stockholder to challenge the company’s act in the appropriate courts.

Sytengco said he filed his letter complaint on June 17, a day after the incident and sent a follow-up letter on July 7, 2014. “Until now no word from the SEC on my complaint has been heard,” he said.

The law requires government officials to take action within 15 days on complaints from the public.






3-hectare container depot opens at Clark

By : Ding Cervantes


CLARK FREEPORT, Pampanga, Philippines – A three-hectare container depot has been opened here to decongest the Port of Manila and other ports in Northern and Central Luzon.

“This is the first container yard ever in an eco-zone, and this is the first time in the history of CDC that we will be addressing issues on clogged ports and traffic congestion apart from settling the concerns of our locators,’’ Clark Development Corp. president and chief executive officer Arthur Tugade said.

The operation of the depot started on Friday following the signing of a lease agreement by Tugade and CargoHaus Inc. chairman Alberto Lina and president Rudy Fulo.

He said the lease deal mandates the use of the Freeport property near the airport as storage house of empty containers shipped from Subic to Metro Manila, Southern, Central and Northern Luzon and vice versa.

Specific routes are also provided to trailers transporting the empty containers to avoid traffic along the MacArthur highway or other national highways.

Lina said the depot is seen to ease traffic in Metro Manila by 10 percent as well as double the savings of importers from Clark to Manila, Bulacan and other Luzon areas, as they do not have pay much for gas, parking and cargo fees.

Bases Conversion Development Authority (BCDA) president Arnel Paciano Casanova lauded the strengthened partnership between CDC and CargoHaus.

“We at BCDA take pride that our family in Clark is doing well in uplifting our economy. You have seen how Clark has grown so fast and achieved a historical target that is not known before. Hopefully others will follow suit,’’ Casanova said.

Water rates in Clark down by P1

By : Tonette Orejas


The state-owned Clark Development Corp. (CDC) has cut the cost of water in Clark Freeport by P1 per cubic meter effective Sept. 1., making the rates one of the cheapest in Central Luzon, an official said. Aside from agreeing to revise the water tariff, the Ayala-led Clark Water Corp. (CWC) also committed to infuse P1 billion in 2015 and P6 billion in the next five years to improve and expand its facilities in this 4,400-hectare free port, which hosts Clark International Airport, CDC president Arthur Tugade said in a media briefing on Friday. Tugade said this was the first time that water rates in Clark are being reduced. Jesus Laigo, CWC chief operating officer, said the utility had spent P1.4 billion in capital expenditures since 2000, enabling it to produce 30 million liters of water daily for 1,975 customers of which 375 are commercial and industrial establishments. Tonette Orejas, Inquirer Central Luzon







BCDA launches bidding for first phase of Clark Green City

By : Darwin G. Amojelar, InterAksyon.com


MANILA - State-owned Bases Conversion and Development (BCDA) is inviting local and foreign real state developers for the long-term lease and development of the first phase of the Clark Green City.

In an invitation to bid, BCDA said prospective bidders may submit their expression of interest on or before September 19 for the 1,250 hectares of Clark Green City Phase 1.

The 50-year lease is renewable for another 25 years.

The Clark Green City is a 9,450-hectare master planned property within the Clark Special Economic Zone, which straddles the provinces of Pampanga and Tarlac. The property is envisioned to become the country's first smart, green and disaster resilient metropolis.

Based on its Master Development Plan, Clark Green City will have five dedicated districts: the government district; the central business district; the academic district; the agri-forestry research and development district; and the wellness and eco-tourism district.

BCDA recently signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the University of the Philippines that would establish a global campus for the premier state university in Clark Green City and serve as the anchor for the city’s “Brain Capital.”

The UP global campus is envisioned to spur innovation, technology, research and development, and human capital.

Likewise, BCDA also began the process of building the country’s most modern food processing hub and cold storage facilities to ensure food security and access of Philippine agricultural products to the global food market.

The Clark Green City Food Processing Terminal Project aims to attract investors from the private sector, local government units and other associations and cooperatives to invest in managing storage and other infrastructure and facilities for processing, handling, distribution of agri-fishery products using integrated research development and technology to be set up in District 4 of Clark Green City.

It will consolidate food supply chain and post-harvest production system of agri-fisheries, such as fruits, vegetables, and livestock for Northern and Central Luzon, Metro Manila and even neighboring countries.

Clark Green City is near the Clark International Airport and just a mere 30 minutes from the deep-sea port of the Subic Bay Freeport Zone via the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX).

Upon full development, Clark Green City is estimated to contribute P1.57 trillion per year to the Philippine economy and will create 925,000 jobs.

Pampanga gov wages all-out war vs illegal drugs, substance abuse

By Ashley Manabat / Correspondent


CLARK FREEPORT—The war against illegal drugs in Pampanga has now taken a new twist, with Gov. Lilia Pineda personally leading the fight.

A combative Pineda has had enough with the rising criminality mainly due to substance abuse, as she challenged barangay officials, acknowledged as front liners in the war versus illegal drugs, to be brave enough to stand their grounds and even lay down their lives if needed.

“Handa ba kayong mamatay? Natatakot ba kayo [Are you ready to die? Are you afraid]?” asked Pineda, as she challenged barangay officials from Pampanga’s first district to go all-out in the fight against illegal drugs during the Dangerous Drugs and Peace and Order Summit at the Oxford Hotel here over the weekend.

“Iilan lang sila, marami tayo. Pag ang isang barangay nagkaisa, kung sino man ang papasok na pusher sa kanilang barangay dudumugin ng taong baryo, sigurado hindi na siya babalik sa inyong barangay. Kailangan lang po ang suporta ng inyong mga ka-barangay [There are just a few of them. If the whole barangay is united, then anybody who comes in as pusher in your barangay will be overwhelmed by your barriomates and, for sure, he will no longer come back again. You only need the support of your barriomates],” Pineda said.

The governor said she is not happy with the report of Rep. Joseller “Yeng” Guiao of the First District of Pampanga, who organized the summit, that some P2 billion is allocated for the district, earmarked for projects and development. She said the rising criminality due to illegal drugs has negated the progress that has been achieved by the province.

“Nagsasabi siya [Guiao] na mayroon siyang darating na pondo, P2-billion project, pero hindi ako masaya dahil aanhin mo ang project, aanhin mo ang development kung nasisira ang ating mga kabataan ngayon na nagiging user o pusher sila. Sayang lang po. [He was saying that he has some P2 billion for projects, but I am not happy because what will you do with the projects, what will you do with development if the youths are becoming users and pushers. It’s all a waste],” Pineda said.

“Hindi na po tama. Dumadami ang kriminalidad dahil sa drugs [This is no longer right. There is an increase in criminality because of drugs],” Pineda said.

At one point, Pineda even admonished Mabalacat City Mayor Marino Morales for the rising criminality in his city. Mabalacat has been projected by a report from Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Director General Arturo C. Cacdac Jr. in the same forum as having the highest crime rate in Pampanga and incidence of drug abuse.

“Hindi tayo dapat susuko [Let’s not give up the fight],” Pineda told Morales, who was seated at the presidential table with her, Guiao, Cacdac, Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan, Angeles City Regional Trial Court Executive Judge Omar Viola, Board members Cherry Manalo and Cris Garbo, Central Luzon Police director Chief Supt. Raul Delfin Petrasanta, Pampanga Police Director Senior Supt. Marlon Madrid, Angeles City Police Director Senior Supt. Eden Ugale and Psychiatrist Dr. Joseph Gene Ponio.

“Hindi natin pwede sabihin mataas talaga [crime]. Ang mas maganda sabay ang peace and order at maunlad ang syudad (We cannot say it’s really high. What is best is peace and order matched with a progressive city),” Pineda told Morales.

“Ito po ang ating sinumpaan, na itong pinaka malalang problema na ito kailangan po tayong mag trabaho dahil sinisira na po ang ating mga anak [This is our sworn duty, to stop this worsening problem, we should work harder because it is destroying our children],” the governor said. Pineda also said she will now order the more than 10,000 bantay bayan (village watchmen) in the province to undergo training and seminar to serve as augmentation force to the police since they are in the frontline in the war against illegal drugs.

She lamented that there are only more than 1,000 policemen in the province who watch over its more than two million population.

For his part, Viola said there is a 90-percent success for the voluntary drug rehabilitation program in court. He said when suspected drug users learn of the 14 years imprisonment for illegal drug possession, they opt for voluntary rehabilitation.

Viola also wants to strengthen the Barangay Anti-Drug Abuse Council with local legislations that would increase the number of convictions.

The executive judge said village watchmen, who conduct citizen’s arrest should execute an affidavit, which is necessary for court proceedings and at the same time make an inventory of the illegal drugs confiscated from the suspects.

CDC completes infra for Apec

By Reynaldo G. Navales

CLARK FREEPORT ZONE -- The Clark Development Corporation (CDC) has completed several infrastructure projects including the makeover of the Clark Parade Grounds in preparation for the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit next year.

The CDC Engineering, Construction and Maintenance Department (ECMD) stated that the improvements include the exterior re-painting works of the CDC Health Office, Clark Museum, Public Safety Department and Chapel 2 at the commercial area.

The Clark’s parks and playground equipment at the Bi-Centennial Park and Children’s Park were refurbished while the streetlights were replaced to LED-based lights.

Improvements were likewise undertaken on the drainage system along the locators area, which is comprised of almost 700 members.

In addition to these, the ECMD has provided 26 sets of trash bins and 11 sets of barbeque grill to be distributed around the parade grounds.

The Engineering department said these are included in the 22 maintenance related projects accomplished by the CDC-ECMD from January to July this year.

Two major projects were completed last early this year including the 120 meter Haduan Brigde, which connects village to Clark, and the erection of a Community Health Center.

The CDC spent some P7.5-million for the infrastructure projects.

Get a full-fledged weekend vacation–a few hours from the metro

By Feliciano Rodriguez III |Philippine Daily Inquirer

For a quick getaway from the hustle and bustle of the city, a quick trip to Holiday Inn Clark in Pampanga may just be the best idea for yourself or your family. It’s just an hour-and-a-half drive from Metro Manila (Nlex, then Sctex), yet Holiday Inn Clark is far enough to be secluded from the noise of urban life; it can be a refreshing experience. The room we got is clean, very cool and furnished with a fridge, coffee maker and a big flat-screen cable TV. It’s for people who just want to leave home, cuddle up in a comfy bed and read a book through the weekend.

Outdoor activities But for the more active, there’s a shortlist of outdoor activities that can be enjoyed in the leisure and sightseeing destinations at Clark Freeport Zone. Nayong Pilipino has relocated here—six hectares of land showcasing the beauty and richness of Philippine culture. Bring the kids to soak up Filipino art, music and literature. Zoocobia Fun Zoo is just a half-hour ride from the hotel; if you enjoy feeding birds, monkeys and horses, this is the place. It’s one of the few zoos where you can have a truly personal interaction with the animals.

Gravity Kart racing, also available in Zoocobia, is a guaranteed treat for the kids (or the kids at heart). Dinosaur Island, with its animatronic dinos, is also an attractive option for the young ones. The nearby El Kabayo Riding stables provide a fun activity for playing cowboy. Mouthwatering steaks After a day of exploring the expansive Clark Freeport Zone, you can relax at Holiday Inn Clark’s lagoon-shaped swimming pool.

When it’s time for dinner, the Rodizio Rooftop Grill and its grilled-to-perfection steaks can satisfy even the most carnivorously inclined patron. Imagine giant skewers of different meats served at your table; you can slice off as much meat as you want. Mouthwatering! Breakfast at Mequeni Restaurant is a must-try. A mixed buffet of Filipino and international dishes is served, a grand finale for your quick weekend getaway. Individuals or families who prefer not to bring cars may arrange, for a fee, transport provisions to Clark from either Holiday Inn Galleria in Ortigas or its new branch, Holiday Inn & Suites Makati. Holiday Inn is still the go-to place for business travelers and remains the world’s most recognizable hotel brand. With the opening of its Makati branch, it now has three strategically placed hotels in the Philippines.

Manila Water secures 15-year extension to Clark water concession

By Euan Paulo C. Anonuevo, InterAksyon.com


MANILA – Manila Water Co Inc has received an extension to the company's water and wastewater concession in the Clark Economic Zone in Angeles, Pampanga.

In a disclosure to the Philippine Stock Exchange, Manila Water said the company's wholly-owned subsidiary Clark Water Corp signed an amendment to its March 2000 concession agreement with Clark Development Corp (CDC).

The amendment extends Clark Water's original 25-year concession by another 15 years that will end on October 21, 2040.

Clark Water, in return, will invest an additional P5 billion to improve and to expand water and wastewater services in the freeport.

The company will recover the amount from locators of CDC and residents in the service area through future adjustments to the concessionaire's water rates.

In the first six months of the year, Clark Water's net income rose 9 percent to P53 million from P49 million in the same period in 2013.

Clark Water had 1,971 connections, up 2 percent from 1,932; and total billed volume of 5.5 million cubic meters (mcm), an increase of 17 percent from 4.7 mcm over the same period last year.

Clark based-Chinese auto manufacturer in need of 100 professionals, skilled workers

By pia.gov.ph


CLARK FREEPORT ZONE, August 14 (PIA) -- Clark Development Corporation (CDC) has spearheaded a special recruitment activity that seeks to assist unemployed Filipinos, new graduates, skilled workers and even professionals land a job in the Freeport-based Chinese automotive manufacturing firm Foton Motor Philippines Inc. (FMPI).

At least 360 applicants from different parts of the region, with some of them supported by their respective local officials, flocked to the Multi-purpose Hall, Clark Museum 6 to enlist and get interviews from personnel of FMPI and the CDC.

Among the positions up for grabs were those for the after-sales service, heavy equipment, human resource, Office of the President, parts, plant operations, production operations division, marketing, and Special Project Group.

Mary Ann Zacarias, FMPI Assistant Vice President for Human Resource and Development, said welders, drivers, accountants and engineers are among the top occupations needed at the new plant, which will be fully operational by January 2015.

“Those hired will be called for examination and trade test at our plant in Valenzuela. Once they passed the test, they will be temporarily deployed there until the plant in Clark is ready,’’ she explained.

Other hired applicants will also have the opportunity to visit Foton Motors’ main plant in China, and as well be deployed in other Asian countries where the automotive industry intends to expand its business.

“Our 2020 vision is that we will be visible in five continents and that we will have at least three factories in each of this. So the hiring of workers is not just for today or next year given our plans for expansion,’’ she added.

Zacarias said the company is pleased that it is able to help unemployed residents in Clark and nearby areas through the provision of jobs for its new factory in Clark.

Meanwhile, Angelo ‘Sonny’ Lopez Jr., CDC External Affairs Manager, hailed the officials and staff of FMPI for the productive job fair and for involving CDC in their noble cause.

“We take our hats off to Foton Motor Phils for the success of the job fair. The hired applicants will soon become part of the Clark workforce, who will help drive the industry and the local economy,’’ he said.

Lopez likewise praised some local government officials and representatives of different districts in Pampanga and Tarlac who joined their constituents in the job fair and monitored the one-day activity.

“This is one way of showing our constituents that if we teach them how to fish, they will surely learn to fish. This approach of assisting our people in finding jobs will also help us do away with ‘dole-outs,’ which had become a source of corruption in the government,’’ he added. (CDC) - See more at: http://news.pia.gov.ph/index.php?article=561407655064#sthash.PnSUhZ03.dpuf

P2.3M child development center to rise in Angeles City

By pia.gov.ph

ANGELES CITY, August 13 (PIA) -- A child development center worth P2.3 million will soon be constructed in Angeles City to cater to the needs of children ages zero to four years.

Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan and Early Childhood Care and Development Council (ECCDC) Executive Director Teresita Inciong recently signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) for the construction of the National Child Development Center (NCDC).??

It will be built inside the City Hall Compound in Barangay Pulung Maragul.??

Pamintuan together with City Gender and Development Officer Purita Pineda-David, City Engineer Don Dizon and the City Treasurer's Office accepted the check funding from Inciong.

“We thank the ECCDC headed by Dr. Teresita G. Inciong for fully trusting Angeles City and the ‘Agyu Tamu!’ administration for this project. This is another proof that our Gender and Development (GAD) advocacy and related issues like child care are being acknowledge and given proper credit by the national government,” Pamintuan said.?

ECCDC is a government agency that was created via Republic Act 10410 to institutionalize a national system for early childhood care and development that is comprehensive, integrative and sustainable and which involve multi-sectoral, and interagency collaboration at the national and local levels to promote the optimum growth and development of young children.

Based on the MOA, the ECCDC will provide the funds for the NCDC building with its plans and specifications, monitor the implementation, and concur the certificate of completion.??

ECCDC shall likewise hire, train and pay the services of child development teachers for the first year of implementation.??

The MOA stipulated that the Angeles City Government will receive funds for the main project from ECCDC, implement it based on prescribed specifications and in accordance with the government procurement act, and submit to the ECCDC all liquidation and reports.??

A playground around the NCDC shall also be built as counterpart of the city government for children of residents and visitors of Angeles City.??

The center, which shall be administered by the Mayor's Office through the GAD Office, may also serve as day care center for the children of city government employees as well as for the residents of nearby barangays.

Grant from the ECCDC was finalized early this year after a series of meetings and seminars in 2013 wherein the city's GAD office led by Pineda-David was an active participant. (Angeles CIO)

Guardians air protest against Angeles dumpsite

By Reynaldo G. Navales

ANGELES CITY -- Some officers and members of the Guardian Brotherhood International Unified Command expressed strong opposition against the continuance of a dumpsite in Barangay Pampang here.

The group said the foul odor emitted by the garbage dump affects the residents’ health and the environment.

Guardians Sonny Dobles (Founder Snake), Bryan Buan (Founder El Kapitan), Andy Panlaqui (Founder Kidlat) and other members of the organization went to the area carrying a banner, which said, "This mountain of garbage is destroying the environment and the health of our people. This is a violation of RA 9003."

Republic Act 9003, or the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act prohibits open dumpsites, said Dobles.

"The group decided to protest the irresponsible dumping of garbage in this area that is causing foul odor almost in every barangays in this city which people believe is hazardous to their health and to the environment," Dobles said.

He added that the group is planning to lodge a formal complaint at the Office of the Ombudsman for violation of RA 9003.

"We will ask our lawyers which officials will be included in the case. Pero nung akung kukutnan, nung sakaling mag-file kami dapat retang anggang officials a responsible ketang dumpsite including the mayor, city environment officer, barangay captain, and the owner of the lot," Dobles said.

Angeles to have P2.3M child development center

(AC-CIO)

ANGELES CITY -- A child development center worth some P2.3 million will soon be constructed in Angeles City to cater to the needs of children aged zero to four years.

Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan and Early Childhood Care and Development Council (ECCDC) Executive Director Teresita Inciong recently signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) for the construction of the National Child Development Center (NCDC) recently. The NCDC will be built inside the City Hall Compound in Barangay Pulung Maragul.

Pamintuan, together with City Gender and Development Officer Purita Pineda-David, City Engineer Don Dizon and the City Treasurer's Office accepted the check funding from Inciong.

"We thank the ECCDC headed by Dr. Teresita Inciong for fully trusting Angeles City and the 'Agyu Tamu!' administration for this project. This is another proof that our Gender and Development (GAD) advocacy and related issues like child care are being acknowledge and given proper credit by the national government," Pamintuan said.

ECCDC is a government agency that was created via Republic Act 10410 to institutionalize a national system for early childhood care and development that is comprehensive, integrative and sustainable and which involves multi-sectoral, and interagency collaboration at the national and local levels to promote the optimum growth and development of young children.

Based on the MOA, the ECCDC will provide the funds for the NCDC building with its plans and specifications, monitor the implementation, and concur the certificate of completion.

ECCDC shall likewise hire, train and pay the services of child development teachers for the first year of implementation.

The MOA stipulated that the Angeles City Government will receive funds for the main project from ECCDC, implement it based on prescribed specifications and in accordance with the government procurement act, and submit to the ECCDC all liquidation and reports.

A playground around the NCDC shall also be built as counterpart of the city government for children of residents and visitors of Angeles City.

The center, which shall be administered by the Mayor's Office through the GAD Office, may also serve as day care center for the children of city government employees as well as for the residents of nearby barangays.

Grant from the ECCDC was finalized early this year after a series of meetings and seminars in 2013 wherein the city's GAD office led by Pineda-David was an active participant.






LGUs mobilized vs entry, spread of Ebola

By Tonette Orejas (Inquirer Central Luzon)

CLARK FREEPORT—Like the 2003 campaign against the severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), local governments are being mobilized as the first line of defense in preventing the entry and spread of Ebola in the Philippines, a Department of Health (DOH) official said here on Friday. Local governments are numerous and their reach is far and wide, making them a big help in the Ebola preventive campaign, Dr. Lyndon Lee Suy, DOH spokesperson, said at a news briefing on emerging infectious diseases.

There are 81 provincial governments, 143 city governments, 1,494 municipal governments and 42,026 barangay governments spread around the country.

The national government has devolved basic health services to the local governments after the enactment of the Local Government Code of 1991.

‘Tough task’

Lee Suy said local governments should step forward to help because preventing the entry of Ebola, which has claimed the lives of nearly 1,000 people in West Africa, was a “tough task.”

He said the Philippines could be exposed to the virus in two ways: through the 3,000 to 5,000 Filipino migrant workers in Liberia, Sierra Leone and Guinea and through Filipino peacekeeping troops working for the United Nations in Liberia.

The Department of Foreign Affairs has restricted travel by Filipinos to the affected West African countries, Lee Suy said. He said Nigeria, while not yet a country of concern, began to have suspected Ebola cases this week.

There are a number of Filipinos working in Nigeria and Nigerians come to the Philippines for study or work, he said.

Only 2 still under surveillance

Lee Suy said three Filipino migrant workers—two had fever and another had a bad cough—turned out to be negative of the Ebola virus. They belonged to a group of eight migrant workers who returned home from the three African countries, he said.

Seven more migrant workers are being monitored, he said. (The DOH in Manila said on Friday that only two migrant workers remained under surveillance.)

Lee Suy gave assurance that the Philippines remains free of Ebola and the Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS).

Ebola watch

He said the DOH, several national agencies, including airports, were running the surveillance for Ebola.

“What we wanted is to make sure that Ebola doesn’t make it to the Philippines. Globally, the problem is there. We are at a stage of preventing the entry, which is a tough task. It may not be feasible but we’re working to contain it,” he said.

While the Bureau of Immigration can intercept people showing signs and symptoms of Ebola like fever through thermal scanners at airports, the DOH cannot hold or isolate them unless they agree to cooperate, Lee Suy said.

It is best to limit the movement of suspected Ebola patients and local governments can help by recommending hospitals where the patients can be isolated and get medical help, he said.

The Research Institute for Tropical Medicine in Quezon City can verify whether they are Ebola cases, he added.

Bats monitored

Lee Suy said local governments should dedicate health personnel to handle suspected Ebola cases.

He said communities could also help by reporting neighbors who had come home from Ebola-affected countries.

Lee Suy also said the Ebola Reston virus monitored in pigs in a farm in Bulacan province in 2009 was different from the Ebola virus in humans. Bats are also being monitored as carriers of the virus, he said.

During the outbreak of SARS, the Catholic Church stopped congregants from holding hands while singing the Lord’s Prayer, but Lee Suy said stopping migrant workers from kissing or holding their partners would “create fear and stigmatize” them.

He said the DOH’s 2015 budget included P65 million for preventing and dealing with emerging infectious diseases.

Angeles City named third best in gov’t efficiency

By Reynaldo G. Navales

ANGELES CITY – The local government here, under the leadership of Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan, has been cited as the third best in government efficiency during the recently concluded National Competitiveness Council Summit.

The said summit was jointly sponsored by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), National Competitiveness Council (NCC) and Department of Tourism and Industry (DTI).

Pamintuan, together with City Treasurer Juliet Quinsaat, received the award in behalf of the city.

According to the mayor, this is a manifestation of the hard work that their administration has been able to do in the past years.

“This is another proof that our no-nonsense attitude in the delivery of efficient and effective government services is being recognized nationwide and around the world. We have laced Angeles city back on the map of multi-awarded cities after more than a decade of stagnation in the late 1990s to the late 2000s.” he said.

Pamintuan was recently hailed as one of the Most Outstanding Mayors in the Philippines by Superbrands Marketing Inc., and was hailed as the Top 8 World Mayor by the World Mayor Foundation in London last 2012.

The Naga city Government, where the late Interior and Local Government Secretary Jesse Robredo served as mayor for more than 10 years, got first place in the category, while the Iloilo City Government bagged 2nd place.

The results were based on the Cities and Municipalities Competitiveness Index (CMCI) 2014 of the National Competitiveness Council. The CMCI measures competitiveness at the local government level using 28 indicators grouped into three equally-weighted pillars: Economic Dynamism, Government Efficiency, and Infrastructure. Scores on each pillar were combined to form the overall score used to rank cities and municipalities.

Government Efficiency, the category where Angeles City won, is based on scores on transparency, economic governance, local taxes and revenues, local competition related awards, business registration efficiency, investment promotion, compliance to national directives, security, health, and education.

Clark workers to reach 100,000 mark by 2016

By Reynaldo G. Navales

CLARK FREEPORT -- Just short of 26,000 workers now, this former American military airbase-turned-industrial hub will reach the 100,000 mark of a strong and growing workforce by 2016.

This was gleaned after the Clark Development Corporation (CDC) Marketing Office reported the growth that will continue to generate more than 80,000 jobs within the next five years, and the millions of tax revenues to invest for the future of the Freeport and the country.

In its latest report submitted to CDC president and CEO Arthur Tugade, the corporation’s marketing office recorded a total of 193 signed contracts in the first seven months of 2014, which has an aggregate of P4.1 billion fresh investments. At least 178 of the total signed contracts are subleases, with three of these either revived or recovered; while 12 are direct leases. The new investments translate to 81,500 additional jobs within five years.

Tugade said that one of the marching orders of President Aquino when he assumed the CDC presidency in December 2012 is to make Clark a vital economic engine for the region by expanding businesses that could provide employment opportunities to jobless Filipinos, particularly those living in the Freeport’s adjacent areas.

"Clark workers now stand at 74,000 and many of our locators are expanding some of their businesses here and elsewhere until the next five years, which means, we could actually reach our target of employing 100, 000 workers by 2016," said Tugade.

"Our goal now is to hire some 26,000 starting this year and the remaining in the succeeding years of my term," he added.

The CDC report showed that 75,000 of the expected jobs are from the 12 direct leases signed during the first semester of 2014, while 6,300 would come from the 193 sub-lease contracts signed during the first six months of the year.

The 12 new direct lease contracts which are expected to pour fresh capitals of $51.76 million (or P2.28 billion) within the year are Singaporean-based Capilion Corp. PTE. LTD (P2 billion investments); Matam-Ih, an authentic Kapampangan Cuisine/Restaurant and general merchandise firm (P7 million); Stotsenberg Medical Center, Inc., (P24 million); Prudence Development and Management Corporation (P200 million); Quarterline Foods Corporation (P15 million); and Pax American Food and Leisure Inc. (PAFLI) (P2.5 million).

The 6,300 job positions, on the other hand, are expected from companies with expansion projects. These are Pishon Clark Phils., Inc., a garment manufacturing firm that will invest P1.5 million for the expansion of its cafeteria and recreational area; Kilton Motor Phils., an international race track in Clark, which is set to widen its grand stand with a total P20-million capital; and Eaglesky Technology Amusement and Gaming, Inc. whose investment capital has yet to be announced.

Angelo "Sonny" Lopez Jr., CDC External Affairs manager said the expected increase in manpower will bring more benefits not just to the Freeport and the local tourism business, but to the country’s economy as well.

“The workforce is the heart and soul of every company. With the right people put there, they can actually pump up the industries to unimaginable heights,” he stressed.

Tugade underscored that workers needed in Clark are those for “hard employment” or those who can do office work and can contribute in pump priming the economy.

“It still is a continuing challenge for the CDC to raise Clark as a haven for tourism. But we are optimistic we are getting there because there is a lot to expect in the offing,” he stressed.

He said the state-run office is also targeting for 2016 an investment of $15-billion or a minimum of $300 million hard investment and is still seeking employment generators such as business processing outsourcing (BPOs) or call centers, light manufacturing and tourism.

In 2013, he said CDC secured a total of $10 billion investments.

Widus Hotel announces new casino hall launch

By Reynaldo G. Navales

CLARK FREEPORT -- A top executive of Widus Hotel has announced the opening of the new site of their casino early next year.

Widus Hotel general manager Alfred Reyes revealed this on Wednesday during the monthly talk show “Talk Widus” sponsored by the Pampanga Press Club.

Reyes said the new site of the casino, which is situated at the south wing of the Widus Convention Center, is three times bigger than the existing casino.

He also said the opening of the hotel’s grand lobby early next month as part of the firm’s expansion project.

Five big rooms at the convention center, including a plenary hall that can accommodate 96 to 100 persons, will also opened this coming October, according to Reyes.

He assured the PPC members that the Talk Widus will eventually be held at the plenary hall.

After the opening of the new casino, Reyes said they will start the construction of the 300-room five-star hotel situated at the eastern side of the existing building.

The five-star property will have bigger rooms and facilities that include a coffee shop and buffet area with 500-seating capacity. This will be linked to the convention center expansion area that has a 200-seating capacity.

Reyes admitted delays in the expansion project because of some construction issues including the shortage of manpower and others.

"Anyway, that is our commitment and we have to deliver. That is our plan for the next four to five years," he said.

Reyes also mentioned their world-class water theme park which will be built at the back of the five-star property.

The park will comprise of four types of pools with different effects like waves and others, according to him.

A pavilion and other amenities, which are good for family and incentive group recreation, will also be erected, Reyes said.

He however clarified that the features in the water theme park will not compete with other similar structures inside the Freeport.

“This is something that we can be proud of. We want to make sure that work features that we have are different from other water them parks inside Clark,” Reyes said.

He said that Widus wants to depict Clark as a [tourist and investor] destination rather than showing itself as a competitor to other locators with the same products.

“As much as possible, we want to bring in products that are not yet available in the market,” he added.

Once a warehouse, now a green resort

Irene C. Perez

Pampanga’s newest tourist destination is an environment-friendly resort. About two hours’ drive from Manila, Green Canyon Resort is located in the Clark Freeport Zone. It is a lush property overlooking mountains and the Sacobia River. It has a boutique hotel, wave pool and an organic-theme restaurant. The resort’s “open layout” allows a sprawling view of unspoiled nature. Green Canyon brand manager Abel José notes how guests enjoy a green vista from all directions. “We also kept everything green by developing and building the resort using sustainable techniques and materials,” he adds. Showing us around the property, Abel says that before his family started developing Green Canyon, it was a warehouse for construction supplies.

When it was decided to transform the place into a resort, old materials in the original warehouse were put to good use. Green Canyon’s interiors are made of upcycled materials, with a lot of wood and steel. Nothing is too polished or fancy. The hotel’s centerpiece, for instance, is a chandelier made of construction iron and used wine bottles. The rough industrial elements produce a rustic vibe. ‘Eco-art’ decor The 60-room boutique hotel has rooms classified into Presidential Suite, Grand Suite, Suite Deluxe, Superior and Standard. Each room has wide windows that let natural light in, complemented by “eco-art” pieces by the artist and Abel’s brother, Niccolo José. Niccolo is known for functional sculptures made of fired and treated wood, tables and chairs, and frames of what he calls “wooden paintings.” “I started making furniture years ago because I didn’t have a bed,” Niccolo recalls, laughing. “We had lots of ‘rescued’ wood lying around so I made my own bed, and then created doors, tables, chairs and stools.”

Part of Green Canyon’s 29-hectare land area is dedicated to organic farming. The harvest is used as ingredients for dishes served in Palette, the resort’s Asian-fusion restaurant. Served as lunch appetizers were crunchy sweet potato chips with aioli dip and sinfully good crackling chicharon with atsara. The salad bar had pako or fiddle-head fern and a slew of organic greens and veggies. Mains were dark chicken inasal, slow-cooked beef kaldereta, spicy butter-garlic shrimp, mixed veggies and annatto rice. Desserts included fresh and sweet mangoes and watermelon.

or a bit of buzz, one may have cocktails at The Shed, the poolside bar. For light bites, there’s Boulder’s Lounge, which has an expansive view of boulders—perhaps for really rocking selfies?

Hiking tour There is no beach, but one can swim in the Wave Pool which produces mechanical waves. For chilling, there’s the Symphony pool, a plunge pool. Massages can also be had in the poolside cabanas.

The rooms are nice and make the most out of the greenery. Cross the hanging bridge and see the river. Go on guided hiking tours and ride ATVs. Go camping. Or just get some fresh air and run with a buddy. Feeling artsy? Attend woodwork classes by Niccolo. (His works in the resort are for sale.) Abel says families and couples from Manila and neighboring provinces can book rooms at Green Canyon when it opens later this year. The place is also an ideal venue for weddings and pre-nup shoots. There’s even a bench under a “proposal” tree believed to be an auspicious area for guys who would like to pop the question.

There are function rooms for exhibits, team-building seminars, conferences and corporate events. “Pampanga is a growing tourism center and Green Canyon is a destination near Manila that offers nature and adventure,” says Abel, whose favorite cool drink—the lightly sweetened Choc-nut smoothie topped with whipped cream served in mason jar—makes nature-tripping extra relaxing.

CIAC mediating in GGLC impasse

Ashley Manabat


CLARK FREEPORT – The Clark International Airport Corp. (CIAC) is now “actively mediating” in the impasse between the Kuwaiti investor and the American developer of the 177-hectare Global Gateways Logistics City (GGLC) here brought about by the withdrawal of funds of the former denying access to the latter.

Victor Jose “Chichos” I. Luciano, CIAC president and CEO, said yesterday that a resolution is now in the horizon.

“We are actively mediating and expecting a resolution soon. The good thing is that both parties are one in affirming the full development of GGLC to generate jobs and make Clark a logistics hub in Asia,” Luciano said.

He added that, “GGLC is a live and active logistics project in the Clark Civil Aviation Complex. Its first landmark is the Medical City which is nearing completion.” Luciano also said: “To date some $100 million have been invested there in terms of land development and underground state-of-the art utility and optic fiber communication facilities and the widest roads found nowhere else in the country.”

Earlier, the Kuwaiti investor known as the KGL group pulled out its finances from the access of its developer, rendering hundreds jobless and current projects, including the Medical City, uncertain.

What went earlier Jeff Stewart Pradhan, vice president for sales and marketing of project developer Peregrine Development International, Inc. (Peregrine), said an initial 180 employees were laid off last Wednesday because of lack of funds for their salaries.

This, after the KGL Group, a firm owned by a Kuwaiti family and operates here through the Global Gateway Global Corp. (GGGC), withdrew its funds from a working capital account (WCA) from which Peregrine draws funds for its operations.

Pradhan noted that the KGL Group was supposed to complete the roads, drainages, power and water utility infrastructure in three years, on top of buildings, but it has failed to do this. Dakila Maniquis, Peregrine chief investment officer, said the logistics city project has remained “idle for the past six years because of inadequate funding by the Kuwaiti investors.”

He noted that KGL had promised to create at least 200,000 jobs, but that this hasn’t materialized either. Maniquis said the KGL Group has claimed that it has sold 51 percent of the logistics city project to another party which it has refused to identify. “The urgent concern now is the employment of the initial 180 out of 269 workers.

With the funds withdrawn by the Kuwaiti group, it is likely that other workers will have to go in three months,” he lamented. Maniquis stressed, however, that the Kuwaiti Group “is not leaving Clark. “Apparently, it just wants Peregrine out of the project.”

Meanwhile, Peregrine has brought the issue before Clark Develoment Corp. President and CEO Arthur Tugade who said he would not intervene as the case was between two private parties. Tugade left for South Korea yesterday.

Maniquis said the issue remains pending for arbitration in Singapore, even as the KGL Group has appealed to the Court of Appeals to stop the Angeles City Regional Trial Court from enforcing its temporary restraining order and status quo order filed by Peregrine.

The appellate court has yet to decide on the issue. Peregrine is reportedly being pursued by various contractors for arrears worth $6 million.

Clark scores P4.1-B new investments

Franco G. Regala

CLARK FREEPORT, Pampanga — The state-run Clark Development Corporation (CDC) has recorded a total of P4.1-billion fresh investments that stemmed from the 193 contracts signed from January to July this year.

The account of new investments, which was declared by the CDC Marketing Account Officers during the regular Kapihan sa Bale Balita hosted by the Capampangan in Media Inc. (CAMI) inside Clark, translates to more than 80, 000 jobs in the next five years.

“With the signed contracts, we will be expecting an additional 81,500 job opportunities in the next five years,’’ said Erwin Pattaui, a CDC account officer.

He said that 75,000 of the employment are expected from the 12 direct leases signed during the first semester of 2014, while 6,300 of the expected workers would come from the 193 sub-lease contracts signed during the first six months of the year.

The account officers’ report showed that 178 of the total signed contracts for seven months are sub leases, with three of these either revived or recovered; while 12 are direct leases.

It said that the 12 new direct leases are expected to pour fresh capitals of $51.76 million (or P2.28 billion) within the year, while the sub leases will dispense new investments of $43.22 million (or P1.85 billion).

The new direct lease signed contracts are those with the Singaporean-based Capilion Corp. PTE. LTD, with expected P2 billion investments; Matam-Ih, an authentic Kapampangan Cuisine/Restaurant and general merchandise firm with P7 million investments; Stotsenberg Medical Center, Inc., P24 million; Prudence Development and Management Corporation, a production and storage of tobacco products, P200 million; Quarterline Foods Corporation, a restaurant business, P15 million; and Pax American Food and Leisure Inc. (PAFLI), an all American restaurant, with P2.5 million investments.

Among the companies with expansion projects are Pishon Clark Phils., Inc., a garment manufacturing firm that will invest P1.5 million for the expansion of its cafeteria and recreational area; Kilton Motor Phils., an international race track in Clark, which is set to widen its grand stand with a total P20-million capital; and Eaglesky Technology Amusement and Gaming, Inc. whose investment has yet to be announced.

The CDC Marketing Department said the signed contracts are more than half of the total 311 contracts forged in CY 2013, which consisted of 22 signed direct lease contracts, 14 of which were revived or recovered contracts; and 275 signed sub-leases.

18 minors rescued in raids on Angeles City nightclubs

(JDS ,GMA News)

Eighteen minors were rescued in a raid on night clubs in Angeles City in Pampanga on Saturday night, the Philippine National Police Criminal Investigation and Detection Group said Sunday.

According to C/Insp. Elizabeth Jasmin, CIDG spokesperson, a team from the CIDG and Anti-Transnational Crime Unit raided Grand Pharaoh and Golden Calypso night clubs in Balibago, Angeles City.

Arrested in the raid were Mark Franklin Hill, a US citizen who was identified as the officer in charge of the night clubs, two head waitresses and 17 others.

CIDG said the suspects as well as the rescued minors were brought to the ATCU office in Camp Crame before dawn Sunday "for proper disposition of the case".

The suspects face charges for allegedly violating the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2003, CIDG said.

42 Chinese, Taiwanese suspects in telecom fraud arrested in Pampanga

By Joel Locsin /ELR (GMA News)

National Bureau of Investigation agents on Friday arrested some 42 Chinese and Taiwanese linked to telecom fraud operations following raids in two residential subdivisions in Pampanga.

The raids stemmed from complaints from China regarding the fraud operations, according to a report by GMA News stringer Rommel Ramos.

Using search warrants issued by Makati Judge Honorio Guanlao Jr., the NBI raided specific homes in Hacienda Royale in Telebastagan, San Fernando and Villa Therese in Angeles City in Pampanga.

Investigation showed the suspects would call up the victims in China and claim to be police and prosecutors, and extort money from them.

They would tell the victims they would face criminal charges unless they transferred money to the suspects' accounts. The operation may have netted the suspects 50 million yuan.

Authorities traced the syndicate by checking the Internet Protocol (IP) addresses of the suspects' equipment.

Following the operation, the suspects were to be brought to NBI headquarters in Manila.

They may be deported. Only last Thursday, 42 Taiwanese arrested last July in Iloilo for alleged involvement in a similar racket were deported.

In the Iloilo operation, police said the suspects would call up victims in Mainland China and introduce themselves as police personnel, and extort money from them.

Graft raps set vs Lapid on fertilizer scam

By Ding Cervantes (The Philippine Star)

ANGELES CITY, Philippines – The Office of the Ombudsman is set to file graft charges against Sen. Lito Lapid for his alleged involvement in the P728-million fertilizer fund scam when he was the governor of Pampanga in 2004.

Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales also approved the filing of charges against several incumbent and former employees of the provincial government and the owner of the company that supplied the fertilizer.

Aside from Lapid, set to be charged are provincial officials Benjamin Yuzon, Vergel Yabut and Leolita Aquino; Ma. Victoria Aquino-Abubakar, president of Malayan Pacific Trading Corp., and Dexter Alexander Vasquez, owner of DA Vasquez Macro-Micro Fertilizer Resource.

In a resolution, the Ombudsman said Lapid and his co-accused violated the provisions of the anti-graft and corrupt practices law, the government procurement law and Article 217 in relation to Article 171 of the Revised Penal Code.

The resolution was signed by Morales last June 3.

Ombudsman’s Task Force Abono, which investigated the fertilizer scam, said Lapid purchased P4.8 million worth of liquid fertilizer in May 2004, out of the P5 million he got from then agriculture undersecretary Jocjoc Bolante.

The task force, which finished its probe last Jan. 21, reported that the fertilizers were 1,000 percent overpriced.

It said Lapid reportedly admitted receiving P5 million from the Department of Agriculture, which the provincial government used to buy fertilizer and other farm inputs in 2004.

The Ombudsman said no bidding was conducted for the fertilizer purchase.

The task force cited records showing the provincial government, under Lapid, purchased 3,880 liters of fertilizer at P1,250 per liter from Macro-Micro Fertilizer.

Investigation showed the same kind of fertilizer costs only P120 per liter.

The Ombudsman cited a farmers group in Pampanga that denied receiving the fertilizer in 2004.

Recently, Lapid was tagged by whistle-blower Benhur Luy as the first senator to become a client of alleged pork scam brains Janet Lim-Napoles.

Luy’s files showed a breakdown of the cash advances, which Lapid supposedly received in 2003, when he was Pampanga governor, and another in 2005, when he was a senator.

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