Angeles City News December 2011

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Clark hosted free display of Giant Lantern Fest winners

By. PIA Press Release


CLARK FREEPORT, Pampanga, December 31 (PIA) -– The six winning entries of the recently-held Giant Lantern Festival in the City of San Fernando performed for free at the CDC Parade Grounds on December 28, the Clark Development Corporation (CDC) said. CDC President Felipe Antonio B. Remollo said the state-owned corporation has treated the public to a show of free dazzling display of dancing lights created by the giant lanterns, courtesy of Pampanga Gov. Lilia Pineda. Remollo added that the giant lantern display was the Provincial Government’s contribution to the CDC-initiated “Clark CARES: Human Chain for Typhoon Sendong Victims” project, which was also held on Dec. 28. The CDC president said the giant lantern display culminated the human chain fund-raising project. Remollo said thousands flocked to the Freeport to participate in the charity event and at the same time witnessed colorful performances of the towering parols (lanterns). Before the giant lantern display, CDC employees and other workers inside the Freeport, as well as LGUs and residents around the Freeport formed a heart-shaped human chain to express strength and solidarity for families in Southern Philippines, whose lives were severely affected by Sendong’s fury. Remollo said employees of the state-owned corporation have already gathered donations both in cash and in kind immediately after Sendong devastated parts of the Visayas and Mindanao, leaving a death toll of more than 1,000. Remollo added that the human chain project also aimed to serve as a venue to gather and send more donations and other forms of assistance coming from Clark firms, public and private agencies, LGUs, and concerned citizens to Sendong-ravaged areas. The Clark CARES program or “Clark Community Assistance, Relief and Emergency Services” was launched by Remollo at the height of Typhoon Peping’s fury in anticipation of upcoming typhoons and other natural calamities. (WLB/CDC)






Thousands join CDC’s human chain, nets P.5 M cash donations for Sendong victims

By. PIA Press Release


CLARK FREEPORT, Pampanga, Dec. 30 (PIA) -— About three thousand people participated and generated more than half-a-million-pesos in the Clark Development Corporation (CDC)-initiated “human chain” fund-raising project held on Wedenesdsy, December 28 at the CDC Parade Grounds for the benefit of the victims of Typhoon Sendong. CDC President Felipe Antonio B. Remollo said the numbers are the actual people who joined the heart-shaped ‘human chain’ which lighted candles to express strength and solidarity for the families affected by Sendong’s wrath in the cities of Cagayan de Oro, Iligan and Damaguete and other affected areas in Southern Philippines. There are close to thousand people who also failed to register but participated in the candle lighting. As of 12 noon of December 29, the CDC Treasury Department reported to Remollo that the total cash donations reached P534,923.65, not to mention several post-dated checks donated by various firms and individuals. CDC also reported that there are more cash and in kind pledges being received as of press time. Dubbed “Clark CARES: Human Chain for Typhoon Sendong Victims,” the was participated by all CDC employees, including workers from Clark-based investors and locators, members of the Philippine Air Force community inside Clark, as well as LGUs and residents around the Freeport. Schools like Holy Angel University, Angeles University Foundation, and other colleges and universities, press clubs including Pampanga Press Club (PPC), Angeles City Press and Radio Club (ACPRC), National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (Pampanga Chapter), Capampangan in Media Inc. (CAMI), and businessmen in the province also sent their representatives in the human chain. Also present during the event were Pampanga Gov. Lilia Pineda of Pampanga and some members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, Angeles City Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan and members of the Sangguniang Panlungsod, Bases Conversion and Development Authority Chair Felicito Payumo, Pampanga 1st District Rep. Carmelo Lazatin, Ale Partylist Rep. Catalina Bagasina, and Pampanga Vice Gov. Joseller Guiao, Aside from the cash donations, Remollo said employees of the state-owned corporation have already gathered donations in kind immediately after Sendong devastated parts of the Visayas and Mindanao, leaving a death toll of more than 1,000 casualties. Remollo added that the human chain project also aimed to serve as a venue to gather and send more donations and other forms of assistance coming from Clark firms, public and private agencies, LGUs, and concerned citizens to Sendong-ravaged areas. Remollo also thanked Gov. Pineda who brought the winners of recently-held Giant Lantern Festival to culminate the event. The giant lantern performed for free courtesy of Gov. Pineda, Remollo said. The “Clark Community Assistance, Relief and Emergency Services” (CARES) program was launched by the CDC at the height of Typhoon Peping’s fury in anticipation of upcoming typhoons and other natural calamities. Remollo said the CARES program was first broached after the CDC initially committed P10 million worth of funds to the Kabahagi Ako Adopt a Classroom project of Pampanga 1st District Rep. Carmelo “Tarzan” Lazatin to help cut the classroom shortage in the province’s 1st District. He added that the project would also tap various foreign and local investors inside the Freeport here to help in the community project. Remollo stressed that the project was inspired by President Aquino where there is a need to come out and reach out to the needy sectors, especially those that are being displaced by recent typhoons. (WLB/CDC






DTI 3 continues to appeal to consumers to buy only fireworks with PS, ICC marks

By. Carlo Lorenzo J. Datu


ANGELES CITY, Pampanga, Dec. 29 (PIA) – The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Regional Office 3 continues to appeal to consumers to buy fireworks that have Philippine Standard (PS) Quality Certification or Import Commodity Clearance (ICC) marks to ensure a safe New Year celebration. DTI Regional Business Regulation and Consumer Protection Division Chief Ricardo Naguit said, “The PS mark for locally manufactured products or ICC mark for imported products is in sticker form and comes with a unique serial number and security features. Those sets of fireworks with pre-printed PS or ICC mark on its package are definitely uncertified and did not undergo proper tests and inspections of the Department.” Naguit added, “Other labels that consumers should check on the package include manufacturer’s or distributor’s name, address and trademark or brand, classification and intended use, precautionary measures and appropriate instructions for use.” Naguit encourages consumers to report stores selling fireworks without PS or ICC marks to the DTI regional office to their hotline, (045) 888-4900 or visit the nearest provincial office. (WLB/CLJD-PIA 3)






Pampanga launches donation drive for 'Sendong' victims

By. Joey Aguilar


CLARK FREEPORT, Philippines – Thousands of workers here, who are residents of Angeles City and Mabalacat town, are expected to join the human chain fund-raising project tonight in a bid to help the victims of Tropical Storm Sendong.

Initiated by the Clark Development Corporation (CDC), the project “Clark CARES: Human Chain for Typhoon Sendong Victims” aimed to gather more donations and other assistance, according to CDC President and CEO Felipe Antonio Remollo.

Clark CARES stands for “Clark Community Assistance, Relief and Emergency Services”.

At exactly 6 p.m. today, participants will form a heart-shaped “human chain,” hold prayer vigil and candlelight ceremony. Pampanga Governor Lilia Pineda is set to deliver a message during the event.

Remollo said employees of CDC earlier gathered donations after 'Sendong' devastated parts of the Visayas and Mindanao, leaving more than 1,000 fatalities.

For more information, interested parties may call the CDC Customer Service Department, Industrial Relations Unit at 599-2045; CDC Customer Service Unit at 499-0894; or the CDC Tourism Promotions Office at 599-3222 and 599-6235.





Human chain at Clark to raise relief funds

By. Ding Cervantes


CLARK FREEPORT, Pampanga ,Philippines – Thousands are expected to join tomorrow a human chain to raise funds for the victims of tropical storm “Sendong” in the South.

The state-owned Clark Development Corp. (CDC) initiated the project which will start at 6 p.m. at the parade grounds of the freeport.

Dubbed “Clark CARES: Human Chain for Typhoon Sendong Victims,” the event will gather all employees of CDC and those of investors located here.

Employees of local government units around Clark and other parts of Central Luzon are also expected to join the chain.

“They will form a heart-shaped human chain to express strength and solidarity for families in Southern Philippines, whose lives were severely affected by Sendong’s fury,” said CDC president Felipe Antonio Remollo.

He said “CDC employees have already gathered donations both in cash and in kind immediately after Sendong devastated parts of the Visayas and Mindanao.”

Remollo said the human chain project “also aims to serve as a venue to gather and send more donations and other forms of assistance coming from Clark firms, public and private agencies, LGUs, and concerned citizens to Sendong-ravaged areas.”

He said the event will start with the formation of the human chain followed by prayers and a candle-lighting ceremony.

He said Pampanga Gov. Lilia Pineda would also be among those expected to grace the event.

Remollo said Pineda would bring with her to the event the winning entries in the recently held Giant Lantern Festival for exhibition.

The Clark CARES program or “Clark Community Assistance, Relief and Emergency Services” was launched by Remollo in the aftermath of typhoon “Pedring” which affected Central Luzon last September.

Remollo said the Clark CARES program was an offshoot of the commitments made by CDC to provide a P10-million fund for the “Kabahagi Ako Adopt-a-Classroom” project of Pampanga Rep. Carmelo Lazatin to help cut the classroom shortage of his constituents in the first district.

Remollo said the public is invited to join the human chain and asked those interested to contact the CDC Customer Service Department, Industrial Relations Unit at telephone number (045) 5992045, the CDC Customer Service Unit at (045) 4990894 or the CDC Tourism Promotions Office at (045) 5993222.

Del Monte volunteers aid victims

Volunteers from Del Monte Philippines will continue to bring aid to survivors of Sendong through the holiday season.

“We will take no break this Christmas. There is so much to do to help those who were affected by Sendong,” said Manny Nisperos, Mindanao Operations group head of Del Monte Philippines Inc.

The volunteers are employees from the company’s pineapple cannery in Barangay Bugo, some 20 kilometers away from the flooded areas of the city as well as camp residents and children of Del Monte employees who are on their school break.

They were among the first to lend comfort and bring food to affected families on Dec. 17.

Since the first day of the flood, Del Monte had deployed four mobile teams of about 5-10 volunteers each, conducting daily relief missions in Barangays Consolacion, Macanhan, Carmen, Balulang, Kauswagan and Macasandig.

Among the team’s first beneficiaries were some 100 of the company’s employees, many of whom had been relocated to provided proper temporary accommodations aside from food, medicine, clothes and beddings.

Del Monte’s two fire crews also delivered water as shortage affects half of the city’s 750,000 residents.

A total of 29,500 liters per day are delivered to affected areas and this will continue for the next 30 days.

To supplement delivery, the company recently installed four water refilling points outside its plant gate for the public.

A mobile medical team, meanwhile, extends free treatment and medicine spread across the nine evacuation centers, while nurses go around homes with the mobile relief teams to identify people needing medical attention and refer them to its mobile medical team.

At Del Monte’s cannery headquarters, teams load relief goods for delivery. Another team collects donations from employees as others pack donated items for distribution.

Volunteers from Del Monte’s agri-headquarters in Camp Phillips, Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon, have lent support to colleagues at the cannery.





Clark to host free display of giant lantern fest winners

By. (PNA)

LAP/FFC/zst/FEM/ps


CLARK FREEPORT, Pampanga, Dec. 26 (PNA) - The six winning entries of the recently-held giant lantern festival in the City of San Fernando will be displayed at the CDC Parade Grounds on December 28.

Clark Development Corporation (CDC) president Felipe Antonio B. Remollo said the state-owned corporation is inviting the public to witness for free the dazzling display of dancing lights created by the giant lanterns.

Remollo said the giant lantern display is the provincial government’s contribution to the CDC-initiated “Clark CARES: Human Chain for Typhoon Sendong Victims” project, which will also be held on December 28.

He said the giant lantern display will culminate the human chain fund-raising project.

He said thousands are expected to flock to the Freeport to participate in the charity event and at the same time, to witness colorful performances of the towering "parols."

Before the giant lantern display, CDC employees and other workers inside the Freeport, as well as local government units (LGUs) and residents around the Freeport will form a heart-shaped human chain to express strength and solidarity for families in Southern Philippines, whose lives were severely affected by storm Sendong’s fury.

Remollo said employees of the state-owned corporation have already gathered donations both in cash and in kind immediately after Sendong devastated parts of the Visayas and Mindanao, leaving a death toll of more than 1,000.

He added that the human chain project also aims to serve as a venue to gather and send more donations and other forms of assistance coming from Clark firms, public and private agencies, LGUs, and concerned citizens to Sendong-ravaged areas.

Remollo said the event will start with the formation of the human chain followed by a doxology and candle-lighting ceremony.

Shortly thereafter, brief inspirational messages will be delivered by Remollo and Pampanga Governor Lilia Pineda, who brought the winners of recently-held giant lantern festival to culminate the event.

The Clark CARES program or “Clark Community Assistance, Relief and Emergency Services” was launched by Remollo at the height of typhoon Pedring’s fury in anticipation of upcoming typhoons and other natural calamities.

He said the Clark CARES program was first broached after the CDC initially committed P10 million worth of funds to the Kabahagi Ako Adopt a Classroom project of Pampanga 1st District Rep. Carmelo “Tarzan” Lazatin to help cut the classroom shortage in the province’s 1st District.

He said the project would also tap various foreign and local investors inside the Freeport here to help in the community project.

“This is a project inspired by President Benigno Aquino III where there is a need to come out and reach out to the needy sectors, especially those that are being displaced by recent typhoons,” Remollo added.





Clark exec assures support to MCITC

By. PIA Press Release


CLARK FREEPORT, Dec 25 (PIA) —- Clark Development Corporation president Felipe Antonio B. Remollo assured the unwavering support of the state-owned firm on all the endeavors of the Metro Clark Information Communication and Technology Council (MCICT) based inside the Clark Freeport. During the recent MCICT membership meeting and Christmas party, Remollo said that ICT/BPO sector will continue to have CDC’s unwavering support in all its programs following the effective and productive activities in addressing the social and economic concerns in this side of the country. Remollo said the betterment of the ICT/BPO industry is now the benchmark for other ICT Councils in the country to ensure the industry’s growth, expansion, and success. The CDC president also hoped that more players win the ICT/BPO sector will come to compliment CDC’s efforts on the tourism and other development to eventually generate more employment and income for our people. There are a lot of projects being primed for opening in the coming year and still more in the pipeline, all of which are geared towards making the Clark Freeport Zone and the Clark Special Economic Zone as the hub of commerce and industry as it was envisioned to be, Remollo said. Of the 63,500 workers in the Clark Freeport Zone, 18 percent or almost 12,000 are employed in the ICT industry. In fact, the ICT sector accounts for almost 5 percent of job vacancies in the Freeport on a monthly basis which bodes well for our efforts to contribute to the development of adjoining communities. Remollo also ta the MCICT for the Award of Recognition granted by the Provincial government during the celebration of Pampanga Day on Dec. 11. Frankie Villanueva is currently the President of MCICT. The recognition stemmed after the MCICT hosted the 1st International ICT conference and Expo held on October, the award gives due recognition for your principal role in the development of the ICT industry in the province and entire region. (WLB/CDC)





Freedom parade raises community awareness on gay rights

By. Joelyn G. Baluyut


ANGELES CITY, Pampanga, Dec 24 (PIA) -- "The second year gay freedom parade held in this city aims to raise awareness of everyone about the rights and privileges of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community." This was bared by United Gay Power Movement (UGPM) president Michelle Jhoie Ferraris, saying that, "for this year, we are carrying the theme 'Fly with Pride,' which is honoring the city in reference to 'Bagwis ning Angeles' which symbolizes the character of Angeleῆos in the face of great challenges and crises." Among those who attended the said event included representative of Bayan Muna Partylist Teddy Casino who is the author of House Bill 1483 or most commonly known as "Anti Discrimination Act of 2010," defining discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity and imposing penalties against such a bias, and members from Pro-Gay Philippines and "Ladlad." Casino explained that, "this city should start working with the other cities and towns to establish human rights programs in local government units (LGUs) and pride parade like this should be campaigning for the passage of the equality law." Pro-Gay Philippines advocates the full recognition of economic, social and political rights of all sexual minorities to freedom from all forms of sexual discrimination in family, the community, the government, church, and mass media. Ladlad is an inclusive, sustainable, and responsive national LGBT organization that endeavors to consolidate, empower, strengthen, and represent the LGBT community. The march was attended by the LGBT community, mainstream gay groups and civic organizations showcasing their bright and colorful costumes along with their respective floats. Delegations from Manila also joined the event unfurling the world's longest rainbow flag which represents the gay community. Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan recently urged the city council to enact a measure that would protect and promote the human rights of LGBT and has directed the creation of a Gay Rights Desk as an adjunct of the Angeles City Multi-Sectoral Consultative Council (ACMCC) where LGBTs in Angeles can expect various types of services and projects for the promotion of their rights and welfare. (WLB/JGB- PIA 3)





BCDA plans global design competition for Clark Airport

  • Source: hhttp://pia.gov.ph/?m=7&r=r03&id=69321
  • Friday, December 23, 2011
By. Carlo Lorenzo J. Datu


CLARK FREEPORT, Pampanga, Dec 23 (PIA) -- State-owned Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) recently bared its plan of holding an international competition for the conceptual design of the Clark International Airport. In a press statement, BCDA president and CEO Arnel Paciano Casanova said, “We are in search of an iconic design that best represents the aspirations of Filipinos and showcases the elements of functionality, safety, and convenience.” The guidelines of the contest will be released by the first quarter of 2012. Winning entry shall be chosen by a panel composed of reputable government leaders and prominent figures in the aviation industry. Casanova added that, “the chosen design will be adopted in bidding out the detailed engineering and civil works implementation by 2014.” BCDA is spearheading the transformation of Clark International Airport into the country’s premier global gateway that will bring tourists and investments. Development of the airport would be through public-private partnership and will commence within the term of President Benigno Aquino III. BCDA’s initiative to lead the project has the full support of fellow government-run firms Clark International Airport Corporation (CIAC) and Clark Development Corporation (CDC). CIAC is now focused in attracting airlines to move to Clark thereby creating the traffic demand. (WLB/CLJD-PIA 3)





A school building named Casilda

By. malaya.com.ph


A school building was donated to the Bonifacio V. Romero High School (BVRHS) in Angeles City, Pampanga by the Dean Bonifacio Romero Foundation.

Reghis M. Romero II, head of the foundation, said the Casilda building, named after the Romero family’s matriarch, Casilda Romero, exceeds the standards set by DepEd for its school buildings.

The building is a two-storey structure that houses six schoolrooms, the principal’s office and a receiving area.

The event was attended by Angeles City Mayor Ed Pamintuan, Ms. Janet Lazatin representing Congressman Lazatin, Councilor Jay Sangil, Dr. Victoria Aguas, DepEd district superintendent, and barangay chairman Tony Trinidad.

"Our vision is to provide the young students of Angeles City with facilities that are at par with the country’s best schools," said Romero.

"We will follow up this improvement in infrastructure with intensive teacher training. Our patriarch, Dean Bonifacio Romero, made a lifetime commitment to education," he said.

Pushing initiatives that make education accessible is at the core of Romero’s beliefs. As a holder of the Knight Grand Commander of Rizal and as the order’s Acting Supreme Commander, Romero is devoted to spreading Dr. Jose Rizal’s teachings and aspirations, particularly those that touch on education.

"Rizal knew that education was key to uplifting the nation. His writings and accomplishments reflect his passion: providing education for all," said Romero.

Romero also emphasized the need for young people to persevere and realize their dreams through education. "You may come from a poor family but with education you can become successful."






14 Clark firms hire workers

By. clarkphilippines.com


CLARK FREEPORT — The Clark Development Corporation (CDC) has announced that at least 14 firms inside the Freeport have a total of 3,255 job openings which they intend to fill up within the next three months.

In a report to CDC President Benigno Ricafort, Assistant Vice President for Business Development Group Bernardo Angeles Jr. said most of the job positions that are available here are for customer service representatives and call center agents.

For updates from around the country, follow Sun.Star on Twitter

Angeles said the firms will be conducting a job fair at the SM City Clark event center on September 30 in cooperation with the Department of Labor and Employment (Dole), Pampanga Employment Services Federation, and SM City Clark.

He said that NCO Philippines and Sutherland Philippines are hiring 1,000 customer representatives each.

Other firms looking for applicants are Cyber City Teleservices, 500 customer services agents; 320 apprentices and 300 engineers and production staffers (regular positions) at Texas Instrument Philippines; 50 customer services agents at UPS Clark Philippines; 41 production staff positions at Apex Intec Philippines, C. Ltd. Inc; 25 casino managers, supervisors and staff at Hotel Stotsenberg; 10 administrative staffers and engineers; nine cutters and other positions at O&G Leather Manufacturing Inc.

The Clark Freeport now has a total of 55,500 workers.

Authorized personnel who will be assisting in the job fair are Jhoy Santiago of SMK Electronics Philippines; Sharon Ray Sagansay of WALLEM Innovative Solutions Phils. Inc.; Raides Garcia and Timothy dela Cruz of Yokohama Tires Philippines; Glenda Cerdenola of Fontana Development Corp.; and Christian Mesina of Global Standard Learning Center, Inc.





Palparan stopped from leaving Phl at Clark airport

By. Ding Cervantes


CLARK FREEPORT, Pampanga ,Philippines – Days after his indictment for the disappearance of two University of the Philippines students, retired Maj. Gen. Jovito Palparan tried to leave the country yesterday but was removed from a plane bound for Singapore by immigration authorities at the Diosdado Macapagal International Airport (DMIA) here.

A ranking Bureau of Immigration official who declined to be named said they offloaded Palparan from a Singapore-bound SeaAir flight at around 7:30 a.m. because his name was on a watchlist. Justice Secretary Leila de Lima said the watchlist order (WLO) has expired but has not yet been lifted.

Malacañang called Palparan’s being barred from leaving the country a welcome development. “The watchlist order, though expired, is still in effect since we have not officially lifted it yet. There is still a need for us to issue a lift order before the effect of the WLO ceases,” De Lima said. “They offloaded him but they could not detain him because there is no basis in detaining him because there is no warrant of arrest.”

De Lima said government lawyers asked the Bulacan Regional Trial Court to issue a hold departure order (HDO) against Palparan an hour after his unsuccessful bid to leave the country.

“I read the other day that he’s not going to leave and that he would face this case. I guess we really can’t trust liars,” De Lima said.

An immigration official at DMIA said Palparan appeared stoic when escorted out of the aircraft.

“He just sat down and waited as we discussed his fate, and then he left the departure area about five minutes after his plane left,” the immigration official said.

Last week, the DOJ recommended the filing of kidnapping case against Palparan and several others in connection with the abduction and disappearance of UP students Sherlyn Cadapan and Karen Empeo in 2006.

Abducted with Cadapan and Empeo was farmer Manuel Merino.

Palparan was a military commander in Central Luzon which covers Bulacan where the two students were kidnapped.

Leftists and human rights groups called him “the butcher.”

An immigration employee said Palparan appeared to be traveling alone.

“He was in casual clothes. He was wearing a polo shirt and a jacket,” an employee said.

He also noted that Palparan did not carry a bag, although he could not say if the retired military officer had checked in any luggage.

Clark International Airport Corp. vice president for operations Reynaldo Catacutan said he was not immediately informed of the offloading of Palparan but admitted “the matter was an immigration issue.”

Indicted together with Palparan were Lt. Col. Felipe Anotado, Master Sgt. Rizal Hilario and Senior Sgt. Edgardo Osorio.

In its resolution recommending the filing of kidnapping charges against Palparan and the others, the DOJ cited the testimony of farmer Raymond Manalo who, during habeas corpus proceedings at the Court of Appeals in 2008, positively identified the alleged abductors and torturers of the missing students.

The DOJ, in a resolution approved by Prosecutor General Claro Arellano, said “the kidnapping and serious illegal detention of Sherlyn and Karen were done by Philippine Army officers, enlisted personnel and other unindicted co-conspirators, who committed the acts not in relation to their office but in violation of their sacred duty of protecting the people and by acting outside their oaths of office, thereby acting as if they are private individuals.”

The DOJ, however, dismissed the other charges against them including rape, serious physical injuries, maltreatment of prisoners, grave threats, and grave coercion.

Arrest warrant

At Malacañang, presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda said he hoped a warrant for Palparan’s arrest would be issued as soon as a court has taken over his case. “This is one situation where we welcome the decision to offload Gen. Palparan,” Lacierda said.

“As you see, over the weekend, he promised and he made a statement that he was not going to leave the country. Apparently he lied and he tried to flee the country,” he said.

He said De Lima had informed them about the filing of the information against Palparan before the Malolos, Bulacan regional trial court (RTC). He also said the name of Palparan remains on the watchlist and “was not removed yet from the computer screen.”

But he said they would check on claims that Palparan should not have been stopped from leaving the country considering that the WLO on him had already expired.

“But this goes to show that there are certainly some people who would take advantage of the absence of a WLO. And that’s the reason why the WLO can be used for good,” he said.

“This is one situation where you see a watchlist order being applied properly to stop somebody, a fugitive from running away from our jurisdiction. And this is the same reason why we have maintained that if properly applied, a watchlist order can prevent the escape of a fugitive from our jurisdiction,” Lacierda added.

Escape attempt

Bayan Muna representatives Teddy Casiño and Neri Colmenares said Palparan was trying to leave the country and urged the Malolos RTC to immediately issue a new hold-departure order (HDO) on the former military official. “Palparan was obviously lying through his teeth when he said that he was going to face the charges and now he tried to escape. The Malolos Regional Trial Court should immediately issue an arrest warrant against Palparan and throw him in jail right away,” Casio said.

“Flight is a strong indication of guilt and he tried to do it on the day that his case is to be raffled. It must also be noted that with this move Palparan is following the footsteps of his patron Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo with their foiled escapes,” Colmenares said.

Lawyer Edre Olalia, legal counsel for the families of the victims, said Palparan’s attempt to leave the country “is the most manifest sign of flight from justice.”

“Flight is an indication of guilt. His arrest must be done with dispatch,” Olalia said.

“Now the day of reckoning may have come,” NGO Human Rights Watch said.

The military, meanwhile, distanced itself from Palparan.

“Maj. Gen. Jovito Palparan has retired from the service. We no longer have jurisdiction on him. He is already a private citizen,” Armed Forces of the Philippines spokesman Col. Arnulfo Burgos Jr. said in a press briefing.

“There are other agencies that have jurisdiction on such cases,” he added.

Burgos, nevertheless, stressed that the military would be ready to work with investigators handling Palparan’s case.

“The Armed Forces is ready to help and to cooperate with any investigating authority to ferret out the truth. We are ready to provide documents or resource persons that can shed light (on the case),” he said.

Burgos stressed that the military does not condone violations of human rights.

“We don’t tolerate violations of human rights. We created a human rights office in the general headquarters and this was replicated in the division, brigade and battalion levels,” he said.

“We are very serious in dealing with these cases.” With Aurea Calica, Sandy Araneta, Alexis Romero, Rudy Santos





14 Clark firms hire workers

By. clarkphilippines.com


CLARK FREEPORT — The Clark Development Corporation (CDC) has announced that at least 14 firms inside the Freeport have a total of 3,255 job openings which they intend to fill up within the next three months.

In a report to CDC President Benigno Ricafort, Assistant Vice President for Business Development Group Bernardo Angeles Jr. said most of the job positions that are available here are for customer service representatives and call center agents.

For updates from around the country, follow Sun.Star on Twitter

Angeles said the firms will be conducting a job fair at the SM City Clark event center on September 30 in cooperation with the Department of Labor and Employment (Dole), Pampanga Employment Services Federation, and SM City Clark.

He said that NCO Philippines and Sutherland Philippines are hiring 1,000 customer representatives each.

Other firms looking for applicants are Cyber City Teleservices, 500 customer services agents; 320 apprentices and 300 engineers and production staffers (regular positions) at Texas Instrument Philippines; 50 customer services agents at UPS Clark Philippines; 41 production staff positions at Apex Intec Philippines, C. Ltd. Inc; 25 casino managers, supervisors and staff at Hotel Stotsenberg; 10 administrative staffers and engineers; nine cutters and other positions at O&G Leather Manufacturing Inc.

The Clark Freeport now has a total of 55,500 workers.

Authorized personnel who will be assisting in the job fair are Jhoy Santiago of SMK Electronics Philippines; Sharon Ray Sagansay of WALLEM Innovative Solutions Phils. Inc.; Raides Garcia and Timothy dela Cruz of Yokohama Tires Philippines; Glenda Cerdenola of Fontana Development Corp.; and Christian Mesina of Global Standard Learning Center, Inc.

Angeles City to receive medical equipment from US in January next year

By. Joelyn G. Baluyut


ANGELES CITY, Pampanga, December 18 (PIA) -- The chief executive officer of the US-based World Medical Relief Inc. (WMRI) guaranteed that the 40 footer container van containing the additional hospital equipment and supplies needed in a medical center here will arrive in the country January next year. "Dr. David Lee Zarate, our coordinator in Mindanao will get the shipment and facilitate the transport immediately in this city that will be intended for Rafael Lazatin Memorial Medical Center (RLMMC),” George Samson of MWRI. RLMMC was formerly Ospital ning Angeles. The donation includes an ultrasound and electrocardiogram (ECG) machines, hospital beds, wheelchairs, dental chairs, emergency carts, laboratory instrument and other various medical supplies needed in RLMMC. "WMRI still continues to prioritize Angeles City among its recipients, as it recognizes full-scale efforts of the city government in fulfilling its health programs among its constituents," Samson said. For his part, Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan said that "the equipment which will greatly augment the already large scale resources being allocated for health services here will be used to its full extent." Also, this year, WMRI has donated 15 dialysis machines to the city that are now being used at the Renal Care Unit (RCU) at the RLMMC which serves around 350 patients a month undergoing dialysis treatment and many of whom are indigents. Among the other medical equipment which has been turned over in the past included a C-arm X-ray machine, a cardiac monitoring machine, an ultrasound machine, reverse-osmosis machine for dialysis system, defibrillator and a phaco-machine. WMRI was established in 1953 with its headquarters located in Detroit, Michigan. Over the years, the organization has expanded its mission by providing medical aid to thousands of underserved people in the Detroit metropolitan area and in over 100 developing nations worldwide. The Philippines has been one of the main recipient countries and has received shipments valued over $200 million in hospital equipment and medical supplies. (WLB/JGB- PIA 3)






Cathay may soon fly out of Clark

By. Paolo G. Montecillo

Philippine Daily Inquirer


Hong Kong’s Cathay Pacific, one of the world’s largest airlines, may start flying out of the Diosdado Macapagal International Airport (DMIA) in Clark Freeport, Pampanga. Clark Development Corp. president and CEO Felipe Remollo said officials from the Chinese airline were in town earlier this week to discuss the possibility of daily flights from Clark. “They are considering direct flights to Hong Kong and other cities in China. They want daily flights,” he said in an interview Thursday. The largest If plans push through, Cathay Pacific would be the largest airline to fly out of Clark, which is being groomed as the next premiere international gateway to replace the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) in Metro Manila. DMIA is currently used mainly by local and international budget carriers. Cebu Pacific of the Gokongwei group has named Clark as one of its three major hubs in the country, the other two being Manila and Cebu. Malaysian giant Air Asia, through its newly formed subsidiary Air Asia Philippines, and Southeast Asian Airlines (SEAir), have also chosen Clark for their own hubs. Several foreign airlines also call Clark their home in the Philippines. These include Korea’s Aseana Airlines. Remollo said the increase in flights to Clark would help decongest NAIA, which is struggling with aging facilities and rapidly increasing passenger traffic. More convenient He said Clark is also a more convenient facility for people living in northern parts of Metro Manila all the way to provinces like Tarlac, Pangasinan, and Ilocos Sur and Norte. “If you look at that catchment area, it accounts for about 25 million people. If someone living there needs to take a flight out of the country, it will be better to get to Clark than to go all the way to Pasay,” he said. Cathay Pacific will be taking advantage of the government’s adoption of an “open skies” policy, which is part of the administration’s strategy to increase tourist arrivals to the Philippines. ‘Open skies’ The “open skies” policy, outlined by President Aquino in Executive Order 29, which was signed earlier this year, liberalizes the granting of international air rights for all points outside of Manila. The government now expects to attract 10 million tourists annually to the Philippines by 2016. This was a revision from the previous target of six million. Last year, just over three million foreigners visited the Philippines.






SBMA consults stakeholders on proposed coal power plant project

By. (PNA)

LDV/zst/MD/ps


SUBIC BAY FREEPORT, Dec. 15 (PNA) -- The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) has started to consult stakeholders to consolidate the opinion of various concerned sectors on the proposed coal-fired thermal power plant to be constructed at the Redondo Peninsula here.

The SBMA has recently launched the Social Acceptability Process Stakeholders’ Consultation under a policy to strictly review all environmentally-sensitive projects (ESPs) proposed for implementation in the Subic Bay Freeport.

SBMA Chairman-Administrator Roberto Garcia said the agency wanted to ensure that projects to be put up in the zone, which the SBMA board had been declared environmentally sensitive, are acceptable to stakeholders.

“This way, the stakeholders are given a sense of participation in preserving and protecting the environment of the Freeport which is a mandated function of the SBMA,” Garcia said.

Facilitated by SBMA directors Philip Camara and Norberto Sosa, the stakeholders’ consultations drew the participation of local government officials from Olongapo City, the municipality of Subic, and Bataan province, as well as local businessmen, residents of the free port and neighboring communities, Ayta tribal leaders and socio-civic groups.

Camara noted, however, that project proponent Redondo Peninsula Energy, Inc. (RPEI) declined the invitation to attend the consultation.

“They (RPEI officials) said that they are not going to participate because their (investment) contract was approved in June 2010 and the policy (on environmentally-sensitive projects) was approved only in 2011. So they feel that they are not bound by these proceedings,” Camara, who chairs the SBMA board’s committee on good governance, said.

Camara said this was the first time for the SBMA board to implement a social-acceptability process that was aimed at getting organized inputs from different stakeholders.

“What we want from the chartered associations are formal resolutions stating their position, and more importantly, why and what specific issues and concerns (they have) after having heard from the resource persons. In the end, they will be translated to conditions (that should be met) prior to the issuance of the permit,” he said.

Citing an example, Camara said that in June 2011, the RPEI requested for a site development permit, which the SBMA Board disapproved because of some unfulfilled provisions in the memorandum of understanding (MOU) between SBMA and RPEI.

Because of this, the SBMA issued only a site preparation permit to RPEI, he said.

Meanwhile, Freeport residents and locators lauded the new members of the SBMA board of directors for initiating the consultation in a bid to promote good governance and transparency.

“We really appreciate that for the first time, residents can approach and have open communication with SBMA directors. This is something we never had before, in particular before any project that may affect our community was started,” said Josephine Floresca, a real estate developer.

Floresca also said one of the reasons why her company was able to convince their clients to locate in Subic was because of the eco-tourism attractions that the SBMA has been promoting in the free port.

Olongapo City councilor Jong Cortez said the consultation is a big boost to the government’s thrust of prioritizing the interests of the citizenry, whom President Benigno Aquino III has described as “the true bosses” of public officials.

Zambales Vice-Gov. Ramon Lacbain II, former Olongapo City councilor JC Delos Reyes, and Greater Subic Bay Tourism Bureau chairman Jorge Lorenzana, among others, also thanked the SBMA for initiating the unprecedented process of consulting stakeholders for the proposed coal plant project.






14 Clark firms hire workers

By. clarkphilippines.com


CLARK FREEPORT — The Clark Development Corporation (CDC) has announced that at least 14 firms inside the Freeport have a total of 3,255 job openings which they intend to fill up within the next three months.

In a report to CDC President Benigno Ricafort, Assistant Vice President for Business Development Group Bernardo Angeles Jr. said most of the job positions that are available here are for customer service representatives and call center agents.

For updates from around the country, follow Sun.Star on Twitter

Angeles said the firms will be conducting a job fair at the SM City Clark event center on September 30 in cooperation with the Department of Labor and Employment (Dole), Pampanga Employment Services Federation, and SM City Clark.

He said that NCO Philippines and Sutherland Philippines are hiring 1,000 customer representatives each.

Other firms looking for applicants are Cyber City Teleservices, 500 customer services agents; 320 apprentices and 300 engineers and production staffers (regular positions) at Texas Instrument Philippines; 50 customer services agents at UPS Clark Philippines; 41 production staff positions at Apex Intec Philippines, C. Ltd. Inc; 25 casino managers, supervisors and staff at Hotel Stotsenberg; 10 administrative staffers and engineers; nine cutters and other positions at O&G Leather Manufacturing Inc.

The Clark Freeport now has a total of 55,500 workers.

Authorized personnel who will be assisting in the job fair are Jhoy Santiago of SMK Electronics Philippines; Sharon Ray Sagansay of WALLEM Innovative Solutions Phils. Inc.; Raides Garcia and Timothy dela Cruz of Yokohama Tires Philippines; Glenda Cerdenola of Fontana Development Corp.; and Christian Mesina of Global Standard Learning Center, Inc.






Korean organizations donate school building in Angeles City

By. (PNA)

LDV/zst/MDDR/ps


ANGELES CITY, Pampanga, Dec. 12 (PNA) -- Local officials have expressed deep appreciation to Korean organizations which donated a school building for high school students at Northville-15 in Barangay Cutud here. Vice Mayor Vicky Vega Cabigting, who graced the recent turn-over ceremonies of the newly-completed Northville 15 Integrated School, thanked the Good People International (GPI) for their efforts in choosing Angeles City as one of their project beneficiaries in the country. “This is an early Christmas gift for the residents of Northville 15, particularly the incoming high school students for the next school year,” Vega-Cabigting said. She also said the location of the school within the resettlement area itself will prove to be convenient and will save transportation expenses on the part of the parents. Most high school students from Northville are currently enrolled in public high schools in other barangays. The new school building consists of nine regular classrooms, three technical and vocational rooms, an administrative office for teachers, a library and covered court. Joshua Cho, president of GPI-Philippines, said this is just one of the many projects that they are undertaking to alleviate the conditions of the less privileged citizens in the country. “GPI-Philippines saw the needs of Northville residents and we can help by educating and giving them skills to become self-sustaining members of our society,” Cho said. The project was made possible through the mutual agreements between GPI-Philippines and the Angeles City Local Government and in coordination with the Philippine National Red Cross (PNRC). For his part, Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan also expressed his appreciation to GPIP for the construction of a public high school building in Northville-15. "Our Korean friends deserve to be commended for their efforts to assist us in providing better and conducive learning institution to our indigent students in our city," Pamintuan said. The mayor also said the project will even boost his administration's program on education, saying Angeles City will soon have a community college that will be constructed beside the Angeles City National High School in Barangay Pampang. Also present during the turn-over and inauguration rites are city councilors Edu Pamintuan and Jesus Sangil, officials from the Division of City Schools, representatives from PNRC, National Housing Authority (NHA) and officers of Northville-15 Homeowners Association.






Clark Freeport, Foton sign $20M lease agreement

By. PIA Press Release


CLARK FREEPORT, Pampanga, Dec 11 (PIA) –- The Clark Development Corporation (CDC) signed a $20-million lease agreement with Foton Motors Phils., Inc. for the establishment of an assembly facility inside the Clark Freeport, CDC president Felipe Antonio B. Remollo announced. Remollo said he has signed the agreement with Foton Motors Phils., Inc. president Rommel L. Sytin, whose company will construct an automotive and truck assembly facility geared for exports generally to the Asian region and for domestic sales, “as maybe necessitated by market forces.” The CDC president added that the agreement grants Foton a renewable lease term of 25 years in a 50,000-square meter area along Lot 2 of Panday Pira Avenue here. With a $20-million investment for the next three years, Remollo said Foton will generate employment for at least 120 workers during its initial stage. “In the Asian region, Foton was acknowledged as the leading Asian distributor, owing to its aggressive service-driven sales and brand marketing promotions through its network of 14 dealers and 63 accredited service centers nationwide,” Remollo said. In October this year, the CDC and Foton signed a term sheet with United Asia Automotive Group Inc. (UAAGI), which paved the way for Foton’s lease agreement signing with the state-owned corporation. Foton, through the UUAGI, takes pride in becoming the first Filipino company to compete in the vehicle manufacturing industry by offering its products in the ASEAN market. Foton-manufactured vehicles distributed in the country include the Blizzard Turbo 4x2 and 4x4 pickup, view ambulance van, and the view 15-seater van, and the MPX vans with captain’s seats. The truck models in the local market are the Hurricane cab and chassis, drop-side and aluminum van, Tornado Series 3.5L, 2.5 and 2, the Cyclone, Wind, and Mini Coach. (WLB/CDC)





14 Clark firms hire workers

By. Joelyn G. Baluyut


CLARK FREEPORT — The Clark Development Corporation (CDC) has announced that at least 14 firms inside the Freeport have a total of 3,255 job openings which they intend to fill up within the next three months.

In a report to CDC President Benigno Ricafort, Assistant Vice President for Business Development Group Bernardo Angeles Jr. said most of the job positions that are available here are for customer service representatives and call center agents.

For updates from around the country, follow Sun.Star on Twitter

Angeles said the firms will be conducting a job fair at the SM City Clark event center on September 30 in cooperation with the Department of Labor and Employment (Dole), Pampanga Employment Services Federation, and SM City Clark.

He said that NCO Philippines and Sutherland Philippines are hiring 1,000 customer representatives each.

Other firms looking for applicants are Cyber City Teleservices, 500 customer services agents; 320 apprentices and 300 engineers and production staffers (regular positions) at Texas Instrument Philippines; 50 customer services agents at UPS Clark Philippines; 41 production staff positions at Apex Intec Philippines, C. Ltd. Inc; 25 casino managers, supervisors and staff at Hotel Stotsenberg; 10 administrative staffers and engineers; nine cutters and other positions at O&G Leather Manufacturing Inc.

The Clark Freeport now has a total of 55,500 workers.

Authorized personnel who will be assisting in the job fair are Jhoy Santiago of SMK Electronics Philippines; Sharon Ray Sagansay of WALLEM Innovative Solutions Phils. Inc.; Raides Garcia and Timothy dela Cruz of Yokohama Tires Philippines; Glenda Cerdenola of Fontana Development Corp.; and Christian Mesina of Global Standard Learning Center, Inc





City College of Angeles now under construction

By. Joelyn G. Baluyut


ANGELES CITY, Pampanga, Dec 9 (PIA) -- The construction of the City College of Angeles (CCA) is now all set this month as it is expected to operate in time for the coming school year in June next year. Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan said "as education being the top priority of the city government, efforts are focused in advancing and furthering not only the management of our education system, but also in providing access to our people of the opportunities to quality education." Edu Pamintuan, chairman of the committee on education of the Sangguniang Panglungso, who authored the ordinance allowing the establishment of a city college, said the CCA “will provide Angelenos free college education, especially to indigent people." It will also offer courses that are market-responsive and will correspond to the 3,000 prospective employees needed inside the Clark Freeport Zone, and the emerging enterprises in the city, he added. In a related development, the city government has increased its allocations for the Agyu Tamu tertiary scholarship fund from P4 million last year to P5 million this year. “We aim to increase this further to about P6.5 million next year to accommodate more beneficiaries,” Pamintuan said. CCA is located at the Agyu Tamu Sports complex beside the Angeles City National High School in Barangay Pampang, this city. (WLB/JGB-PIA 3)

DTI 3 tells consumers to buy Christmas lights and fireworks with PS, ICC marks

By. Carlo Lorenzo J. Datu





ANGELES CITY, Pampanga Dec. 8 (PIA) -- Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Regional Office 3 renewed its appeal to consumers to buy only Christmas lights and fireworks that have Philippine Standard (PS) Quality Certification or Import Commodity Clearance (ICC) marks to ensure a hazard-free holiday season. DTI Regional Business Regulation and Consumer Protection Division Chief Ricardo Naguit said “the PS (for locally manufactured products) or ICC (for imported products) mark is in sticker form and comes with a unique serial number and security features. Those sets of Christmas lights and fireworks with pre-printed PS or ICC mark on its package are definitely uncertified and did not undergo proper tests and inspections of the Department.” Naguit added that “other labels that consumers should check on the package include manufacturer’s or distributor’s name, address and trademark or brand, rated voltage and wattage of the set (for Christmas lights), classification and intended use (for fireworks), precautionary measures and appropriate instructions for use. ” Naguit encourages consumers to report stores selling Christmas lights and fireworks without PS or ICC marks to the DTI regional office in the following number: (045) 888-4900 or visit the nearest provincial office. (WLB/CLJD-PIA 3)





Proposed multi-million sports and training center gets big boost

By. (PNA)

LAP/zst/MDDR/ps


CLARK FREEPORT ZONE, Pampanga, Dec. 7 (PNA) - The proposed multi-million peso sports and training center inside this Freeport is set to receive a boost as trade representatives in the United States have committed to help promote the investment potentials of the project.

In a report submitted by Noel G. Tulabut, assistant manager for Public Relations Department of Clark Development Corporation (CDC), said that the proposed Clark STAR (Sports Training, Amusement and Recreation Center) project was recently presented to the Philippine Trade Representative Office (PTRO) in the U.S.

Tulabut met with Archimedes Gomez, Philippine Trade Representative for Southern California as part of the initial promotions for Clark STAR. He is in the US at no cost to the government-owned corporation.

“We are just so glad that significant projects at the Freeport like the Clark STAR is getting much-needed support by Philippine authorities abroad. This is one big boost where the end result would be jobs and livelihood for thousands of our countrymen,” Tulabut said.

“Once all the necessary pertinent information that we need are in, we could present the Clark STAR to prospective investors here,” Gomez said as quoted by Tulabut.

The PTRO is mandated to help bring in investment projects to the Philippines by US-based companies.

Gomez has initially identified some organizations and investment houses that could be tapped or urged to take a look at the potentials of the Clark STAR project.

These include the Council on Trade and Investments for Filipino Americans and the Vnesto Capital, among others.

“This is one good project and we hope to be able to help in its promotion and eventual implementation," Gomez said.

Clark STAR is a brainchild of CDC President Felipe Antonio B. Remollo.

It is being proposed by CDC to rise in a 200-hectare land at the northeast tip of Clark, between Mabalacat and the Sacobia River.

Aside from having sports academy and dormitories for athletes, it will have various stadia for indoor games, field events, and aquatic sports.

It will also feature a commercial complex, exhibit halls, convention center, promenade, central park, public transport terminal and a monorail link system around the facility.

Remollo said that Clark STAR is also being presented to National Sports Associations. It has initially been presented to the Philippine Olympic Committee and the Philippine Sports Commission.

Once fully developed, Clark STAR could serve as a replacement to the current training facilities for Filipino athletes that include the dilapidated Rizal Memorial Complex in Metro Manila.





Construction for City College of Angeles starts

By. (PNA)

FFC/zst/FEM/ps


ANGELES CITY, Pampanga, Dec. 6 (PNA) -- Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan will lead the groundbreaking rites on Thursday of the soon-to-rise City College of Angeles (CCA) at the Agyu Tamu Sports complex beside the Angeles City National High School in Barangay Pampang here.

Pamintuan will be joined by Vice Mayor Vicky Vega Cabigting, members of the City Council and other city officials.

The mayor said with the start of the construction this month, the CCA is expected to operate in June and will be ready for the start of classes next year.

“Education is placed as a top priority of my administration,” Pamintuan said.

The city college will offer courses that are market-responsive and will correspond to the needs of locators in Clark Freeport Zone and the emerging enterprises in Angeles City.

At present, there are more than 3,000 job vacancies in Clark, but locators are having problems in recruitment due to apparent mismatch of the skills and training of the available manpower with the requirements of the job vacancies.





Mayor issues order to rid bars of minors

By. Reynaldo G. Navales


ANGELES CITY -- Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan issued an executive order (EO), which is expected to prevent bar owners from hiring minors.

Pamintuan’s EO 35 stipulates that applicants are required to secure clearances from the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) before they are issued health certificates by the City Government.

This, following several raids conducted by various law enforcement agencies including the NBI and Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) on night clubs where several minors were rescued.

Workers and employees are required to secure health certificate yearly, as stated under Presidential Decree 856, series of 1975.

“This is to ensure that the entertainment businesses, especially those along Fields Avenue, Balibago, will be minor-free, Pamintuan said.

“We need to make the people know that Angeles City will not allow bar owners to employ minors,” said Pamintuan.





CDC preps up for ‘Clarksiyahan’

By. PIA Press Release


CLARK FREEPORT, December 4 (PIA) -- Slip on your dancing shoes and party dresses and head to the Clark Freeport on Dec. 16 for the “Clarksiyahan: The Clark Freeport Christmas Celebration.” It will be a night of free, fun-filled partying and non-stop ballroom dancing courtesy of the Clark Development Corporation (CDC). CDC Tourism Promotions Office Manager Noemi Garcia said that “Clarksiyahan” is a concert party open to the public, which is part of the state-owned corporation’s Yuletide activities slated this month. “Guests and the public will be treated to the ‘60s, ‘70s, and ‘80s classics, plus Latin dance tunes from groovy bands led by Arriba and The Flintstones,” Garcia said. She added that “Clarksiyahan is a free concert party and everyone within and outside the Clark Freeport are invited to join the celebrations.” Garcia said the CDC will be inviting concessionaires from in and around Clark, who will sell a wide array of food and drinks to customers. Aside from the Christmas Season, Garcia said that “Clarksiyahan” is also meant to attract more tourists to the Freeport. “This strategy is in line with CDC President (Felipe Antonio) Remollo’s vision to transform Clark into the country’s destination for domestic and foreign tourists through sports and other tourism events,” Garcia said. She added that “Clarksiyahan” is poised to be a yearly event inside the Freeport. CDC President Felipe Antonio B. Remollo has been bullish in promoting the tourism industry inside the Freeport by staging regular sports tourism events, which he considers as one of his flagship projects for Clark. Only recently, the CDC launched the Clark Star program – a project that aims to transform Clark’s Sacobia Valley into sports tourism destination that would feature various sports training facilities, complexes and stadia, and a commercial area to attract more tourists to the Clark Freeport. Remollo said the Clark Star will have various facilities for water sports such as wakeboarding, rowing, water skiing, parasailing, kayaking, dragon boating and jet skiing. It will be built near the Sacobia River to answer the need for a body of water for the water sports. He added that hotels, villas, condominiums and a commercial area will also rise at the Clark Star to attract tourists to stay in between and after competitions. The residential and commercial area will be completed by a nature and theme park. For inquiries and other details on “Clarksiyahan” contact Elen Lorenzo (0922.4256367) or Sol Cabigting (0932.5934214) and telephone number (045) 599-6235. (WLB/CDC)





Battle of Bataan reenacted in Clark Freeport Zone

By. (PNA)

scs/zst/FEM/ps


CLARK FREEPORT ZONE, Pampanga, Dec. 3 (PNA) -- The historic Battle of Bataan was reenacted Saturday at the Fort Stotsenburg Parade Grounds inside the former Clark Air Force base here, featuring about 50 vintage military vehicles used during the World War II.

Dubbed as the Season’s Jeepings, the event was hosted by MD Juan Enterprises, the Military Vehicle Collector Club of the Philippines (MVCCP) and the Mabalacat Tourism Office.

MVCCP is composed of jeep and military vehicles collectors, restorers, enthusiasts, retired military men, assemblers, traders and just plain hobbyists. It has chapters in the Ilocos region, Pampanga, Nueva Ecija, Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna, Batangas and Metro Manila where the participants came from.

The event kicked off with a motorcade that started from the Bayanihan Park going to Clark Freeport Zone with the vintage military vehicles driven and manned by MVCCP members in full authentic military uniforms.

After the motorcade, the vehicles were exhibited at the venue, said Lt. Guy Hilbero, executive officer of the 26th U.S. Calvary Philippine Scouts Memorial Regiment.

Hilbero said that awards will be given to individuals and groups with the most authentic military uniforms and the best jeep or military vehicles entered in the exhibit.

There will also be the traditional swap meet where the MVCCP members from different chapters can swap military vehicles and jeep parts and accessories, he added.

The highlight of the event was the first-ever reenactment of the fighting during the Battle of Bataan, complete with role players in authentic military uniforms, firearms, military hardware and vehicles.

The reenactment was jointly staged by the Buhay na Kasaysayan and the Philippine Scouts Heritage Society Living History Company, Fort Stotsenburg and Fort Mckinley Chapters.

A brief action at the battle of the pockets was reenacted, showing "Japanese infiltration" into the Allied Lines and a “Banzai” charge into the USAFFE positions. Actual World War II Jeeps were used to ferry "wounded soldiers off the battlefield and to carry fresh troops into the assault."

Hilbero said that simulated explosions and pyrotechnics were added to the atmosphere of the reenactment.

He added that a voice over described both Battle of Bataan and its historical significance, as well as the action unfolding on the field before the audience.

The "allied forces" composed of both the Philippine Scouts and the Philippine Army were dressed in period-authentic World War 2 Khaki uniforms with actual M1928 and M1936 field gear as well as vintage M1917 and replica “Guinit” helmets. Replica weapons such as M1 Garand and Springfield Rifles were also used.

On the other hand, the "Japanese forces" were similarly outfitted with authentic reproduction uniforms, field equipment and gear.

Meanwhile, Rommel Juan of the main sponsor MD Juan Enterprises Inc., said that next year's event will be bigger and more enjoyable.

“Jeeps will never die because Filipinos are jeep lovers and because it is in our culture already,” Juan said.





Megaworld’s Clark project to generate 30,000 jobs

By. Carlo Lorenzo J. Datu


CLARK FREEPORT, Pampanga, December 2 (PIA) -- At least 30,000 jobs will be generated once Megaworld Corporation completes the development of a 550 hectare property in Clark into a mixed-use complex. In a disclosure to the Philippine Stock Exchange, the Andrew Tan-led firm announced that it will allot some P7 billion for the enhancement of the area situated between the Clark Freeport Zone and Clark Special Economic Zone. “The proposed complex consists of office, commercial, retail, leisure and entertainment, residential and health and wellness components that will cater to foreign and local business process outsourcing locators, retirement communities and tourism enterprises” Megaworld said. Megaworld is one of the country’s leading property developer that is responsible for the establishment of landmark live-work-play townships in Metro Manila such as Eastwood City and Newport City. The mixed-use complex is one of the five big ticket projects inside Clark which are expected to commence next year. Others include the 200-hectare Clark STAR (Sports, Training, Amusement and Recreation); 10,684-hectare Clark Highlands; Donggwang Clark Corporation’s 304-hectare tourism complex; and Clark Development Corporation’s (CDC) corporate building. (WLB/CLJD-PIA 3)





Police chief: No minor workers in Fields Avenue

By. clarkphilippines.com


ANGELES CITY — Before his retirement in 2012, Police Chief Inspector Luisito Tan assured that there will be no minors working in Fields Avenue, a known red light district. Tan, station commander of the Angeles City Police Office Station 4, said minors are never allowed to work in any of the entertainment clubs in Fields Avenue in Barangay Balibago. “There are no minor workers there because we have exerted efforts in informing club operators that it is against the law. We inform them that human trafficking is a non-bailable offense and could be grounds for business closure,” Tan said. Last week, Tan was awarded as one of the eight most outstanding policemen in Central Luzon by the regional Philippine National Police, sponsored by JBT Group of Companies in Nueva Ecija. He was the first policeman from Pampanga to receive such an award. “It’s the best Christmas gift I received so far and I am thankful to my mentors like Regional Director Edgardo Ladao and Police Chief Senior Walter Castillejos,” Tan said. Tan, 54, has served as a police officer for 33 years now and has been stationed in Angeles City for 23 years. Moreover, Tan said he has imparted to his staff dedication to their work. “I taught my fellow policemen in this station how to keep their dedication in what they do. I tell them when on you’re on duty, concentrate on your tasks and follow instructions well so you could take part in minimizing crime rate in our area,” Tan said. Tan vowed to maintain peace and order in his area so they can also help Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan in attracting more investors to come to Angeles City. Published in the Sun.Star Pampanga newspaper on November 30, 2011.

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