Angeles City News January 2012

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3 women held for P7-M MJ

By. Bernard Galang & Zaida Delos Reyes-Palanca


MABALACAT, Pampanga -- Operatives of the Pampanga Criminal and Investigation Team-Pampanga (CIDT-Pampanga) arrested three women for carrying P7.3 million worth of marijuana leaves and hashish brown flakes at the bus terminal in Bgy. Dau here on Sunday. The sting operation was conducted jointly with the Cordillera Autonomous Region Criminal Investigation and Detection Unit (CARCIDU) in coordination with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency. Chief Insp. Julius Caesar Mana, head of CIDT-Pampanga, identified the suspects as Catherine Lamog, 44, and Julie Baggas, 37, both of Bontoc, Mt. Province; and Yolanda Adaol, 42, of Tinglayan, Kalinga -- all members of the Kamot Group operating in the Cordilleras, Central Luzon and Metro Manila. The suspects alighted from a bus from Baguio City carrying five boxes containing 164 bricks of dried marijuana leaves weighing 154 kilos and 15 pieces of hashish brown flakes weighing 1.5 kilos at around 12:30 p.m. and were met by Chief insp. Julieto Culili of the CARCIDU who posed as the buyer. Upon receiving the marked money and boodle of pieces of paper placed in a paper bag from Culili, policemen pounced on them. The three suspects tried to flee but they were eventually cornered and arrested by the lawmen. The dried leaves was worth P6,946,000 and the hashish P362,500, according to the police. It was learned that a gram of dried marijuana leaves is sold at P45 to users. The illegal drugs were intended for tourists and other drug users in Angeles City and other parts of Pampanga, police said. The suspects were brought to the CIDT-Pampanga office in Angeles City. They will be charged with violation of Sections 11 and 26 of the the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. Mana said the suspects had been under surveillance for a month by the CIDT-Pampanga and CARCIDU.






Air industry training hub in Clark takes flight

By. Paolo G. Montecillo

Philippine Daily Inquirer


The dream of thousands of young Filipinos to become pilots may now be that much more attainable as the country strives to establish itself as an air industry training hub for the Asia-Pacific region. A new training center for aviation industry professionals—to be built as a joint venture between the Gokongwei family’s Cebu Pacific and Canada’s CAE Inc.—is set to rise in Clark Freeport, Pampanga. The new facility, dubbed as the Philippine Academy for Aviation Training (PAAT), will open its doors to prospective pilots here and abroad by the third quarter of this year. The new facility is seen boosting the country’s capability to offer quality but affordable training for local and overseas students. The new facility is expected to cost $50 million, the price to be split equally between Cebu Pacific and its partner CAE, which is one of the world’s leading aviation training suppliers. “We look forward to making the Philippines’ vibrant aviation industry become the hub for highly skilled, highly competent aviation professionals,” Cebu Pacific CEO Lance Gokongwei said last week. Cebu Pacific said it would also offer financial assistance to make it easier on the pockets for potential pilots looking to get quality training, granted that they agree to work for Cebu Pacific, one of the fastest-growing airlines in the country, for a few years to repay the tuition. “Indeed, pilot training is more fun in the Philippines,” Gokongwei said. The new facility will not only serve as the main training center for Cebu Pacific’s own staff, but will also take on the training of other professionals from other companies. “They will come here and stand shoulder to shoulder with students from all over the world, effectively cementing our position as a hub for aviation training in the Asia-Pacific Region,” said President Benigno Aquino III in a speech at the facility’s ground-breaking earlier this month. The PAAT would initially cater to Airbus A319/320/321 series pilot type-rating training requirements and provide “wet” instructor-led type-rating training for Cebu Pacific’s current and newly hired pilots. It would also be equipped with two Airbus A320 Full Flight Simulators (FFSs) with two more expected to be added in the next six years. Facilities like the PAAT are needed to produce enough pilots and other air industry professionals for the expected growth of airlines in the Asia Pacific region. Flight attendants are also expected to be able to train at the PAAT. The latest report by the Airbus Global Market Forecasts indicate that 34 percent of total global aircraft orders are set to be delivered to Asia, with the biggest demand coming from economic giants like China and India. This translates to about 9,160 planes from today up to 2030. About 60 percent of these planes are single-aisle, short to mid-range aircraft, similar to the Airbus A320 planes that make up most of Cebu Pacific’s fleet. This means the region will need 70,000 new pilots until 2030. “Given this requirement, not only new pilots will need to go through training, but all licensed pilots will be required to undergo recurrent training every six months,” Cebu Pacific said in statement.

City College of Angeles to supply the demands of Clark

By. Joelyn G. Baluyut


ANGELES CITY, Pampanga, Jan. 29 (PIA) -- The ongoing construction of the City College of Angeles (CCA) here will supply the demand for workers in Clark Freeport Zone (CFZ). To operate in time for the coming school year in June, the P320-million city college will correspond to the 3,000 prospective employees needed inside CFZ, as well as the emerging enterprises in this city, said Edu Pamintuan, chairman of the committee on education of the Sangguniang Panglungsod. To be offered are courses on communication skills, English proficiency and Information Technology (IT), which are all market-responsive. The education center will be a two-floor building with 43 classrooms, a covered court and gymnasium. This will house 4,000 students once fully operational. Also, “CCA will provide Angeleños free college education, especially to indigent people,” Pamintuan explained. 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.” CFZ is situated on the northwest side of Angeles City and borders the municipality of Mabalacat in this province. The City College of Angeles (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)

City Government hosts ‘vin d’honneur’

By. PIA Press Release


ANGELES CITY, Pampanga, January 28 (PIA) -- Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan recently hosted the city government’s version of vin d’honneur at the Old Pamintuan Mansion, this city. Vice Mayor Vicky Vega Cabigting, members of the city council, department and program heads of the city government, businessmen from the Angeles City Filipino Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industries (AC-FilChi) and officers from the Angeles City Police Office (ACPO) were among the guests during the post new year reception. Pamintuan offered a toast following his pronouncement that the year 2011 brought significant achievements for the city in terms of local governance and fiscal management. He cited the awards the city received from the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) – the Seal of Good Housekeeping and the city ranking 4th in the Local Governance Performance Management System (LGPMS). “The awards bestowed to our city are a clear testament of the administration’s commitment to good governance, transparency and accountability,” Pamintuan said. The mayor lauded the city council headed by Vice Mayor Vega-Cabigting for continuously working with him in the implementation of his programs and projects. “The good working relationship of the executive and legislative branch of the city government proved that we can do more than what is expected from us,” Pamintuan explained. In fact, he said the city council had marathon sessions before the end of 2011 just to review, pass and approve significant legislations which are vital for the city’s development. At the same time, he commended other city officials and employees for working hard and doubling their efforts in their respective tasks and duties, thus closing 2011 with no deficit in the city coffers. Pamintuan told the gathering that he shares the optimism of Angelenos in the coming year, citing more investments to pour in the city. “This year, we can expect more businesses to open in our city as we anticipate the conversion of the Diosdado Macapagal International Airport (DMIA), as the country’s premier international gateway," he said. "There will be challenges ahead but if we work together, we will overcome the challenges and fulfill the promise of the year ahead. We have much to look forward to," Pamintuan added. Vin d'honneur literally translates from French to "Wine of honour" and is akin to a prolonged social celebration after an official ceremony. It traditionally takes place at the end of inaugurations, speeches, and ceremonies that marks the social life of the French provinces. In the Philippine context, vin d’honneur is the annual New Year’s Reception hosted by the President of the Philippines as head of state, and by tradition, after the President plays host to Philippine officialdom and the diplomatic corps, other departments in turn host their own New Years’ receptions for their own officials and staff. (WLB/AC-CIO)

DoT, DPWH forge an agreement to construct roads for tourism

By. FRANCO G. REGALA


CLARK FREEPORT, Pampanga, Philippines — The Department of Tourism (DoT) in Central Luzon announced Friday that top officials of the DoT and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) have signed a memorandum of agreement (MoA) to boost tourism by building roads leading to top tourist destinations.

DoT-Central Luzon Regional Director Ronaldo P. Tiotuico said the MoA aims to enhance access to vital destinations by building roads that directly connect to infrastructures like international gateways as well as town service centers where a cluster of hotels, restaurants, travel and tour services and other related services abound.

Tiotuico said that an action planning conference was held recently among regional executives of DoT and the DPWH, together with some partner non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and tourism councils to flesh out the directives contained in the agreement by prioritizing tourism road infrastructure projects (TRIP) located in the 21 tourism development areas (TDAs) identified in the National Tourism Development Plan (NTDP 2011-2016).

He explained that the TDA is defined as an area covered by a single local government unit (LGU) that has already an existing or emerging tourist center but which lacks road infrastructure support leading to places most frequently visited by tourists.

This is just the first step in achieving the goal of generating 10 million visitors in 2016, he said.

Based on the agreement, the DOT would identify the tourism road projects while DPWH would be the one to build. The timetable for the project is between 2013 up to 2016.

He said priority will be given to those tourism development areas which have already an existing gateway like an airport or seaport, and are served by a service center clustered by hotels, dining facilities, among other services.

Thus, he said priority will be granted to tourist centers which generate a significant number of visitors and are supported by an ample supply of rooms and services.

In Central Luzon alone, and in accordance with the NTDP conclusions, its TDAs consist of Subic-Clark-Tarlac corridor, Pampanga, Bulacan, Bataan coast and inland, Zambales coast, Nueva Ecija and Aurora.

These areas have already existing gateways and are served by a host of vital tourism services while the volume of visitor arrivals has become significant to warrant priority consideration in the program with a significant number of hotel rooms to support such development, Tiotuico said.

He also said that the tourism development for the region is centered on the current and future development of Diosdado Macapagal International Airport (DMIA) which is seen to be the next premiere gateway to the world.

At present, DMIA generates monthly inbound travel for some 30,000 passengers wherein - half of which are foreign visitors.

Its existing passenger terminal can accommodate 2.5 million passenger movements but once the second phase of the terminal is completed this year, its holding capacity will reach 10 million, he said.

On the other hand, the volume of domestic visitor arrivals in the entire region has reached the one millionth mark based on statistics gathered by local government units (LGUs) wherein 50 percent of which is generated by both Clark and Subic.

The tourism road infrastructure project is expected to interlink all the provinces in Central Luzon to the gateway in Clark.

In so doing, "we are optimistic that it will increase visitor traffic in all the provinces, bolster the economic development of the entire region and at the same time, create more jobs for all," he said.

He said the final draft of the project for Region 3 is expected to be formally submitted to DPWH by April 9, 2012 for inclusion in their 2013 work program.

Training academy in Clark to help Asia Pacific’s aviation industry more appealing

By. PIA Press Release


CLARK FREEPORT ZONE, Pampanga, Jan. 26 (PIA) -- “The establishment of the Philippine Academy for Aviation Training Inc., (PAAT) here will help make Asia Pacific’s vibrant aviation industry more appealing in the face of growing competition for well-trained aviation professionals.” This was disclosed by Cebu Pacific (CEB) President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Lance Gokongwei during his speech presented in the groundbreaking of PAAT, Tuesday, where President Benigno Aquino III was guest of honor. PAAT is a $50-million investment of a Canadian firm CAE (formerly Canadian Aviation Electronics) which is the oldest and largest simulation and training firm for civil aviation and defense. According to Gokongwei, “this partnership with CAE is to support CEB’s growing fleet, expansion plans, and training requirements.” “By collaborating with CAE, CEB once again underscores its commitment to enhance the Philippines’ tourism and aviation potentials by producing world-class pilots and crew,” he said. Courses that the academy will be offering include type rating training or standard initial and transition training course that shall provide pilot trainees with sufficient knowledge and competence to pass required practical exams of the Regulatory Authorities for aircraft type rating pilot certificate, upgrade course that shall enable A320 pilots trainees who hold aircraft type rating to upgrade from first officer to captain and recurrent course that shall provide pilot trainees who hold aircraft type rating, with an ongoing training requirement that ensures that aircraft type rated pilots can maintain proficiency. It is also expected in the near future to provide training for other aviation personnel such as cabin crew, dispatch, ground handling personnel and cadets. The training center will be developed in consultation with CAE’s training facilities design team and will initially be equipped with two Airbus A320 full flight simulations (FFSs) with the capability to expand by two additional simulators. According to October 31, 2011 Airbus data, the A320 platform is Airbus’ most popular seller and accounts for 57 percent of all airbus orders in the Asia Pacific region or 1,937 planes currently on order. Gokongwei said that “we estimate that the Philippines alone will have approximately 100 A320s in the next six years from about 60 as of end 2011.” PAAT will have a total of two simulators increasing to four in the next six years, but can expand further depending on the demand. And each simulator can train or certify approximately 300-700 pilots per simulator per year. (WLB/JGB/PIA-3)






Aquino breaks ground for new aviation school

By. pcoo.gov.ph


CLARK FREEPORT ZONE, Pampanga: President Benigno S. Aquino III led ground breaking ceremonies for the construction of a new aviation training center here on Tuesday. 

The Philippine Academy for Aviation Training, Incorporated (PAAT) is a joint venture between Cebu Pacific Air (CEB) and Canadian Aviation Electronics (CAE).

Once completed by the third quarter of 2012, the $50-million PAAT will have the capability to train over 2,500 pilots annually as well as other aviation professionals for CEB and third-party airlines in the region.

In his speech, the President lauded the CAE and CEB joint venture saying the investment once again recognizes the talent, skill and hard work of Filipinos.

“It is always good to see the hard work and creativity of Filipinos being recognized by companies from in and out of the country; and today is further proof of the confidence companies like Cebu Pacific and CAE have in our people's talent and potential,” the President said.

“You are expressing your confidence not just in words, but in dollars and cents—to the tune of forty to fifty million dollars,” he added.

The President said that once the facility is completed, Filipinos will be given a chance to hone their flying skills and further be recognized as one of the world’s best pilots.

“Soon we will be able to train world-class pilots here; we will provide a whetstone that will hone yet another of our countrymen's many talents,” the President said.

“They will come here and stand shoulder-to-shoulder with students from all over the world—effectively cementing our position as a hub for aviation training in the Asia-Pacific region,” he added.

The President then went on to pitch for the new tourism campaign of the Philippines saying, “In the spirit of the campaign recently launched by our Department of Tourism—we will soon be able to say that even aviation training is more fun in the Philippines.”


Aquino says construction of new aviation training school timely as country ramps up aviation reforms

CLARK FREEPORT ZONE, Pampanga: President Benigno S. Aquino III said on Tuesday that the construction of the Philippine Academy for Aviation Training, Inc. (PAAT), a new aviation training center here, would help in the government’s quest to improve and reform the country’s aviation industry to be at par with world standards.

In his speech keynoting the ground breaking ceremony for PAAT, the President said the Philippine aviation reforms include regaining Category 1 status under the United States Federal Aviation Administration and liberalization of aviation rules in order to boost domestic and international air traffic and, in turn, the economy.

“Today’s groundbreaking comes at a time of transformation, as we ramp up our efforts to reform aviation in the country. Right now, the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines is focused on regaining Category 1 status under the US Federal Aviation Administration. A positive outcome will result in the expansion of our airlines' capacities, which will redound to a healthier aviation industry, more mobility for our people, and ultimately, a more robust and equitably progressive economy,” the President said.

“We have also been working on liberalizing aviation here. In the last year we have seen our liberalization programs translate into very robust growth in both domestic and international air traffic. Likewise, the Department of Tourism has hit the ground running in the implementation of our Pocket Open Skies policy,” he added.

The President said that these positive results would directly benefit the tourism sector which, he said, “is one of the low-lying fruits of our economic agenda.”

“We are aware of how gifted our country is—from our natural wonders to the inherently welcoming attitude of our people. Make no mistake about it: we plan on capitalizing on these competitive advantages. Each new job in the tourism industry takes on a multiplier effect, empowering our citizens' financial capacity, allowing local businesses to thrive, and creating even more jobs for the rest of our countrymen,” the President said.

Kapampangan literary journal to be launched in writers' confab

By. Joelyn G. Baluyut


CLARK FREEPORT ZONE, Pampanga, Jan. 24 (PIA) -- The second volume of the Kapampangan literary journal will be launched in a confab on Feb. 9 to 11 here. According to National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) Chairman Felipe de Leon Jr., the literary journal will be launched coinciding with the opening of the 4th Tabaon which will be held in this Freeport. “Tuglung,” which to means “to connect” is a compilation of the creations of Kapampangan poets - old, new, traditional and modern. The reading public will be treated, not so much with the resurrection of Kapampangan writing but its revival and revitalization. Tuglung wants to prove not the immortality of literature, particularly Kapampangan literature, but its capacity to re-emerge and develop, as part of the resolve to rekindle interest in this literature using the Kapampangan language. The first volume of Tuglung was published by the University of the Philippines Extension Program Pampanga (UPEPP) Publication. According to UPEPP, “in Tuglung, we are about to witness writers coming out of their hibernation, dusting up their manuscripts, and new ones encouraged and emboldened to test their wings, and to bone their literary sensibilities.” The fourth Taboan, which is the Philippine Writers Festival, will merge the country’s poets, playwrights, essayists, and fictionists to share their expertise. It will feature panel discussions, lectures, literary readings, performances, and a book fair. (WLB/JGB- PIA 3)

Clark to restore backup cables

By. Jess Malabanan


CLARK FREEPORT— Clark International Airport Corp. is restoring back up cables in its request for funds before the board, a top offcial said.

CIAC executive vice president Rey Catacutan cited the urgency of the system during a press conference held at the Zen Restaurant inside Mimosa Leisure Estate here.

He said about P9 million for restoration was needed after the Diosdado Macapagal International Airport lost 2,195 meters of high-voltage power cables in a break-in.

The missing cables, installed on Runway 2 and Taxiway F5, are worth P2.655 million, according to a Sept. 9 memorandum of Ruel Angeles, CIAC engineering and maintenance manager, addressed to Jose Marlowe Pedregosa, airport security manager.

Catacutan said the backup was for lights at the runway, taxiway and the entire premises.

The backup cable was installed in 1995 as required by the International Civil Aviation Organization, a safety regulation body of the United Nations.

In any case the primary power cables need to be shut down for technical troubles, the alternative source of power wont work because the cables have been stolen, said Catacutan.

Trader accuss clark airport exec of harassment

By. JOEY PAVIA


ANGELES CITY—In-fighting among top officials of the Clark International Airport Corp. (CIAC) erupted anew late last week when a local businesswoman alleged that a CIAC official had recently harassed her in her own house in nearby Mabalacat town, Pampanga. Josie Gomez of barangay Atlu Bola filed a sworn statement before the City Prosecutor’s office here against CIAC vice president for operations Reynaldo Catacutan in connection with his alleged attempts to harass her on January 3.

In a sworn statement in Tagalog filed with the office of City Prosecutor Oliver Garcia on Jan. 19, Gomez said that Catacutan, accompanied by armed bodyguards, tried to force her to sign an affidavit-statement implicating CIAC President and CEO Victor Jose Luciano in the reported cable wire theft at the Clark International Airport (CIA) last year.

In a phone interview on Friday, Catacutan described the allegations against him “as a figment of the imagination of Gomez and Luciano.” He alleged that Luciano had “a hand in the baseless accusations against me.”

Gomez said she had been repeatedly asked by Catacutan to sign the statement-affidavit against Luciano but refused. She said she believed the contents of the documents were not true. She said Catacutan had shouted at her when she denied his request.

Gomez said Catacutan’s bodyguards had thrown away chairs at her terrace before they left, angry over her refusal to sign the statement. She added that Catacutan told her he would do everything to make her sign the documents against Luciano.

Catacutan said he was in a CIAC board meeting in Clark on Jan. 13, a Friday, during the alleged incident.

After the CIAC meeting was finished about 4 p.m., Catacutan said he had proceeded to the Tarlac State University (TSU) in barangay Sampu, Tarlac City to attend the meeting of the university’s alumni association in preparation for his installation as board regent last Jan. 17.

Catacutan said he had stayed at the TSU until 6 p.m. Gomez said the incident happened at 5:30 p.m.

Catacutan, a former Capas, Tarlac mayor, said he visited Atlu Bola on Jan. 4 with intelligence units of the regional Philippine National Police (PNP) to look for the four alleged suspects in the cable wire theft, two of whom were alleged relatives of Gomez. He identified Gomez’s relatives as surnamed “Paduas.”

“I have to ask intelligence units because I don’t know the whereabouts of the four suspects,” he said.

Catacutan said they had failed to locate the four alleged suspects and was instead informed by barangay officials that Gomez was in their house.

He said he and Gomez had met at the Atlu Bola barangay hall after she was called by village officials.

Catacutan said he and Gomez had talked “casually and that there was no shouting whatsoever.”

He said he had asked Gomez to turn state witness against Luciano. He exposed in October last year the alleged involvement of Luciano and Gomez in the disappearance of 2,195 meters of high-voltage power cable wires worth at least P2.6 million.

An investigation conducted by the CIAC board has yet to be made public but was reported to have been completed late last year.

(Joey Pavia)

Clark exports breached $2B mark in 2011

By. PIA Press Release


CLARK FREEPORT, Pampanga, January 21 (PIA) -- The state-owned Clark Development Corporation (CDC) announced that the value of exports from the world-class Freeport for 2011 have breached the $2 billion mark three years earlier than the target date set by the state-owned firm. CDC President Felipe Antonio B. Remollo said despite an apparent decline in Philippine exports due to a worldwide economic slump last year, Clark-based enterprises were able to ship at least $2.258 billion exports between January and December 2011. Comparatively, Remollo said the amount is a remarkable 55 percent increase from the $1.453 billion exports recorded in 2010. According to Remollo, the $1.573 billion exports from Clark’s electronic sector helped propel the record surge. This was followed by tire exports at $298 million and garments at $226 million. Manufacturing firms contributed $131 million while aviation-related companies completed the top five exporting sectors with $13 million. “The country’s export performance may not be altogether bleak as exports of the Clark Freeport Zone exceeded the 2 billion mark a good three years earlier than the target date set by the CDC,” Remollo said. The 2011 record export volume puts CDC on track in attaining the three major performance targets dubbed “3-2-1 Development Roadmap” for Clark by 2014. Accordingly, the major performance targets are $3 billion in investments, $2 billion in exports, and 100,000 jobs. “With these developments in the exports sector, the present trends show that these targets are attainable much earlier than planned,” Remollo said. Perennial top exporter Nanox Philippines Inc. remains at the top of CDC’s list with exports of more than $791 million in custom-designed products such as Liquid Crystal Display panels, LCD modules, Monochrome LCDs, and other related electronic parts. Trailing behind is 2010-established Phoenix Semiconductor Philippines Corp. (PSPC) that exported more than $566 million in electronic parts with DDR3, NAND, Flash Cards and SSD, as well as memory modules for PCs and notebooks. Last year’s second top exporter, Yokohama Tires Philippines, Inc. slids to third with over $298 million in tires exports. Notwithstanding the drop in ranking, Yokohama’s export value is still 31 percent higher compared to that of last year. Two more firms, L&T International and SMK Electronic complete the list of top five Clark exporters with $145 million and $98 million in garments and electronics exports, respectively. Other top performing firms include HLD Clark Steel Pipe, which exported more than $71 million to place sixth on the list of top exporters and is a mark of the growing significance of the “other manufacturing” sector of Clark. In terms of year-to-year growth, Clark’s “other manufacturing” sector generated the highest rate of increase at 195 percent by exporting $131 million in 2011 compared to 2010's $44 million. Two other firms under this bullish sector, Taiwanese firm Multi-Tek Fasteners Inc. and wig-manufacturer Aderans Philippines, Inc. also made strong export contributions. Other sectors which registered double to triple digit growth rates are services, tourism, aviation-related, electronics, tires and furniture. (WLB/PA CDC)

Gunman of Angeles bgy exec, vendor falls

By. Bernard Galang


ANGELES City -- Operatives of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Team-Pampanga (CIDT-Pampanga) arrested the other day the leader of a group wanted for allegedly killing a kagawad of Bgy. Amsic, here, and a vendor on May 7, last year.

Chief Insp. Julius Caesar Mana, CIDT-Pampanga head, identified the arrested suspect as Jomer Ocayo, alias Gomer Ocaya, 35, of Bgy. Pampang.

Ocayo, alleged leader of the “Ocaya-Corri Group,” believed to be involved in akyat-bahay operation and gun-for-hire activities, was arrested by CIDT operatives and Police Station 2 elements at around 4:40 p.m. while he was drinking with neighbors near his residence.

Mana said policemen, armed with a warrant of arrest for two counts of murder and frustrated murder issued by Regional Trial Court Branch 60 Judge Ofelia Tuazon Pinto, rushed to the area upon getting information that the suspect was in the barangay. The suspect did not resist.

He said Ocayo’s group is hunted for allegedly killing Amsic Kagawad Jovito Canda and vendor Rene Gutierrez and frustrated murder of Rodrigo Cayanan, a bank messenger.

On the night of May 7 last year, the three victims were having a drinking session with members of Bantay Bayan of Amsic when two armed men, both wearing bonnets and jackets, appeared and shot them.

One of the suspects fled towards an alley while the other escaped on a Suzuki Raider 150 motorcycle.

Investigators found nine empty shells, two slugs and a live ammo for caliber .45 pistol at the scene.

A star witness told the police that Ocayo and one Francis Urbano had been contracted by a certain “Doc” and “Louie” “to liquidate Canda,” for “hindering” their illegal activities.

The CIDT-Pampanga is still conducting manhunt operation for the other members of Ocayo’s group.

Clark 2011 exports breach $2B

By. Rudy J. Abular


CLARK Freeport, Pampanga -- A top official of Clark Development Corporation (CDC) said yesterday that the value of exports by manufacturing firms here for 2011 have breached the $2-billion mark three years earlier than the target date set by the state-owned corporation.

In a statement, CDC president Felipe Antonio B. Remollo said despite an apparent decline in Philippine exports due to last year’s worldwide economic slump, Clark-based enterprises were able to ship at least $2.258 billion exports between January and December 2011.

Comparatively, Remollo said, the amount is a remarkable 55-percent increase from the $1.453-billion exports recorded in 2010.

He said the $1.573-billion exports from Clark’s electronic sector had helped propel this record surge. This was followed by tire exports at $298 million and garments at $226 million.

Manufacturing firms contributed $131 million while aviation-related companies completed the top five exporting sectors with $13 million.

“The country’s export performance may not be altogether bleak as exports of the Clark Freeport Zone exceeded the $2-billion mark, a good three years earlier than the target date set by the CDC,” Remollo said.

The 2011 record export volume puts CDC on track in attaining the three major performance targets dubbed “3-2-1 Development Roadmap” for Clark where $3 billion is in investments, $2 billion in exports and 100,000 jobs, which must be achieved by the state-run corporation by 2014.

“With these developments in the exports sector, the present trends show that these targets are attainable much earlier than planned,” Remollo said.

Clark’s perennial top exporter, Nanox Philippines, Inc., remains at the top of the CDC’s list with exports of more than $791 million in custom-designed products such as Liquid Crystal Display panels, LCD modules, Monochrome LCDs, and other related electronic parts.

DOE allots P5B for rural electrification in 2012

By. Carlo Lorenzo J. Datu


CLARK FREEPORT, Pampanga, Jan. 18 (PIA) -- The national government has allotted P5 billion for the electrification of rural areas around the archipelago. Speaking before stakeholders during Tuesday’s Luzon Energy Forum in Clark Freeport, Energy Secretary Jose Rene Almendras said, “Our goal is all about energy access for more for the future generation will be disadvantaged if they have no access to energy. And the more Filipinos we provide power to, the better their future will be.” Almendras noted that the move of the government to invest in the rural areas is for the nation’s inclusive growth. “Inclusive growth is an economic development that will start from the bottom going up. We know that eventually, the investments we made for the countryside will eventually go back to the main population centers,” the Energy chief explained. Almendras appealed to the Luzon stakeholders to support the government in its efforts to provide energy for all. “Join us in our dream of energy access for more. It’s a very long journey. It will probably take 10 to 15 years before we finally achieve it, but with your help and commitment to this initiative we will be able to ensure the economic liability of the Philippines and the quality of life of future Filipinos from many generations,” he said. Based on the records of the Department of Energy (DOE), there are a total of 33 barangays with no power in the country as of December 2011. Of the three island clusters, Luzon has the most number of powerless villages with 17 followed by Mindanao with 16 and none in Visayas. DOE eyes 100 percent barangay electrification and 90 percent household electrification by 2017. (WLB/CLJD-PIA 3 with reports from DOE)

Cebu Pacific, Canadian firm to put up aviation training center in Clark

By. Carlo Lorenzo J. Datu


CLARK FREEPORT, Pampanga, Jan 17 (PIA) -- Budget carrier Cebu Pacific Air (CEB) recently signed a joint venture agreement with Canadian firm CAE for the establishment of an aviation training center inside Clark Freeport. In a statement, CEB president and chief executive officer Lance Gokongwei disclosed, “the aviation academy is scheduled to start operations by the third quarter of 2012 with joint investments from $40 million to $50 million.” It will initially cater to Airbus A319/320/321 series pilot type-rating training requirements and provide “wet” instructor-led type-rating training for CEB’s current and newly hired pilots. Initial, recurrent, conversion, and jet indoctrination training will be available to other Airbus operators. The state-of-the-art training center will be developed in consultation with CAE’s training facilities design team and will primarily be equipped with two Airbus A320 FFSs with capability to expand by two additional simulators. Gokongwei added that, “the school will help enhance the Philippines’ tourism and aviation potentials by producing world-class pilots as well as contribute in the vibrant aviation industry of the Asia-Pacific region.” Apart from pilots, the academy is also set to train other aviation personnel such as cabin crew in the future. (WLB/CLJD-PIA 3)






Clark Freeport's 2011 exports breach US$ 2-B mark

By. (PNA)

DCT/zst/MDDR/ps


CLARK FREEPORT, Pampanga, Jan. 16 (PNA) -- The Clark Development Corporation (CDC) on Monday announced that the value of exports inside this freeport for 2011 has breached the US$ 2-billion mark three years earlier than the target date set by the state-owned firm.

CDC President Felipe Antonio B. Remollo said despite an apparent decline in Philippine exports due to a worldwide economic slump last year, Clark-based enterprises were able to ship at least US$ 2.258 billion worth of exports between January and December 2011.

Comparatively, Remollo said the amount is a remarkable 55-percent increase from the US$ 1.453 billion exports recorded in 2010.

He said the US$ 1.573 billion exports from Clark’s electronic sector had helped propel this record surge. This was followed by tire exports at US$ 298 million and garments at US$ 226 million.

Manufacturing firms, on the other hand, contributed US$ 131 million while aviation-related companies completed the top five exporting sectors with US$ 13 million.

“The country’s export performance may not be altogether bleak as exports of the Clark Freeport Zone exceeded the US$ 2-billion mark, a good three years earlier than the target date set by the CDC,” he said.

The 2011 record export volume puts CDC on track in attaining the three major performance targets dubbed “3-2-1 development roadmap” for Clark where US$ 3 billion is in investments, US$ 2 billion in exports, and 100,000 jobs, which must be achieved by the state-run corporation by the year 2014.

“With these developments in the exports sector, the present trends show that these targets are attainable much earlier than planned,” Remollo said.

Clark’s perennial top exporter, Nanox Philippines, Inc., remains at the top of the CDC’s list with exports of more than US$ 791 million in custom-designed products such as liquid crystal display (LCD) panels, LCD modules, monochrome LCDs, and other related electronic parts.

Trailing behind is Phoenix Semiconductor Philippines Corp. (PSPC), a company established only in January 2010 by one of Korea’s leading provider of semiconductor packaging.

PSPC exported more than US$ 566 million in electronic parts with DDR3, NAND, Flash Cards and SSD, as well as memory modules for PCs and notebooks.

Last year’s second top exporter, Yokohama Tires Philippines, Inc., is this year’s third largest Clark exporter with over US$ 298 million in tires exports.

Notwithstanding the slight drop in ranking, Yokohama’s export value is still 31 percent higher compared to that of last year.

Two more firms L&T International and SMK Electronic complete the list of top five Clark exporters with US$ 145 million and US$ 98 million in garments and electronics exports, respectively.

The other top performing firms is HLD Clark Steel Pipe which has exported more than $ 71 million to place sixth on the list of top exporters.

In terms of year-to-year growth, Clark’s “other manufacturing” sector generated the highest rate of increase of 195 percent by exporting US$ 131 million in 2011 compared to only US$ 44 million in the previous year.

Two other firms under this bullish sector, Multi-Tek Fasteners Inc., a Taiwanese firm that is into manufacturing, rethreading, quality checking, repairing, surface treatment, repacking, exporting different types of screws, plugs, sockets, pipes, hubs, fasteners, and other related products, and Aderans Philippines, Inc., a manufacturer of high quality, customized wigs also made strong export contributions.

Other sectors which registered double to triple digit growth rates are services, tourism, aviation-related, electronics, tires and furniture.

Clark parade grounds eyed as ‘melting pot’ of Clark tourism

By. Peter Alagos, CDC Public Affairs


CLARK FREEPORT, Pampanga, Jan. 15 (PIA) -- The Clark Development Corporation (CDC) is planning to transform the CDC Parade Grounds into a “melting pot” of various tourism-related activities. CDC President Felipe Antonio B. Remollo, during a radio interview at a local public affairs program, made the announcement saying the plan for the CDC Parade Grounds was an offshoot of the success of the CDC-initiated “human chain” fund-raising project for the benefit of victims of Typhoon Sendong held on Dec. 28. This event, Remollo said, gathered about 3,000 people and highlighted the performances of six winning participants of the recently held giant lantern festival from the City of San Fernando. Remollo said the CDC Parade Grounds has been a favorite venue for many tourism and sporting events. He also revealed that the state-owned corporation has allotted P30 million for various refurbishment works inside the Freeport, which includes the Parade Grounds. Among the refurbishment work intended for the 20-hectare Parade Grounds include lighting and illumination of its 2.3-kilometer pathway and the construction of a bike lane. Remollo added that the CDC is also planning to convert the residential area along the stretch of the Parade Grounds opposite the historic barn houses into “quaint restaurants” like American-style diners and alfresco cafes. Taking cue from Singapore, Remollo said the CDC is also laying the groundwork for the transformation of Clark into a “Christmas City.” “Singapore is not even a Catholic country but it is reinventing itself as a Christmas City. And we can do that as well in Clark,” said Remollo. Remollo also revealed that CDC engineers have already visited Bais City in Negros Oriental province to study the design of the city’s giant Christmas tree. He said Bais City for the past 40 years has been known for its elaborate and colorful giant Christmas tree, where thousands of tourists flock to the area to witness its ceremonial lighting every December. As part of the plan to make Clark as a Christmas City, Remollo said the CDC will build a Christmas tree twice the size of Bais City’s 70-foot Yuletide symbol. He added that the CDC’s Christmas tree would incorporate the technology of City of San Fernando-based lantern makers “to make it a unique structure.” Also included in the CDC’s Christmas City plan is the launching of various Yuletide-related activities like the 12 days of Christmas-theme around the giant Christmas tree, the annual “Pasko sa Clark,” ballroom dancing, and mini concerts. “Families and tourists can hold picnics around the giant Christmas tree. They can also watch exhibitions from the winning entries of the Giant Lantern Festival and we also plan to invite pyrotechnics experts, who can highlight the event with fantastic fireworks displays,” Remollo said. (WLB/CDC)

Angeles University is one of the most outstanding Confucius Institute in the world

By. Joelyn G. Baluyut


ANGELES CITY, Pampanga, Jan. 14 (PIA) –- A university based in this city received an award for being one of the 30 most outstanding Confucius Institutes in the world. The Confucius Institute at Angeles University Foundation (CI-AUF) here received the said award in recognition of its efforts in promoting and developing the teaching o fthe Chinese language and culture in this city. AUF president Joseph Emmanuel Angeles, who received the citation in Beijing last December, said the CI strengthens bilateral relations and spearheads joint projects with local Chinese. It also showcases contemporary Chinese popular art and media. “CI also deepens diplomatic relations between the Philippines and China and emerges as the nerve center of Chinese resources and information,” he explained. CI-AUF offer courses in Practical Spoken Chinese, Happy Chinese for Children, Business Chinese, Bachelor of Secondary Education Major in Chinese Language Teaching, Chinese Language and Culture Camp, Volunteer Chinese Teachers Program, and Corporate Training. A CI is a non-profit public institution aligned with the Government of the People's Republic of China that aims to promote Chinese language and culture, support local Chinese teaching internationally, and facilitate cultural exchanges. (WLB/JGB-PIA 3)

Woman sued for pawning four rented vehicles

By. Bernard Galang


ANGELES City -- The Criminal Investigation and Detection Team-Pampanga (CIDT-Pampanga) arrested a 30-year-old woman who pawned four vehicles that she was renting.

Chief Insp. Julius Caesar Mana, CIDT-Pampanga head, identified the suspect as Jennifer delos Reyes, of Novaliches, Quezon City.

The suspect was arrested recently for pawning a Hyundai Starex van (POR-819) at the Casino Filipino in Bgy. Balibago here.

When CIDT operatives questioned her about the vehicle, she showed them original copies of the OR/CR of the van. But upon verification with the Land Transportation Office, the vehicle is owned by Metrolink Rent-A-Car in Pasig City.

It was learned that the van is being rented by Delos Reyes at P60,000 per month.

Subsequent follow-up operations resulted in the recovery of two Toyota Innova vans (TII-531 and NIJ-610) and a Toyota Vios (PUI-462) in Manila, Caloocan and Quezon City.

Police learned that Delos Reyes used the aliases “Analiza Pangilinan” and “Agnes Esguerra” and was using fake vehicle documents in dealing with her victims.

The suspect had been charged with estafa and violation of the Article 172 of the Revised Penal Code for falsification of public documents and concealing her true identity.

The Office of the City Prosecutor here has recommended the continuous detention of the suspect.






86 creative writers to converge in Clark for Taboan 2012

By. Carlo Lorenzo J. Datu


CLARK FREEPORT, Pampanga, Jan 12 (PIA) -- A total of 86 poets, playwrights, essayists, and fictionists from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao are set to converge in Clark Freeport next month for the 4th Taboan Philippine Writers Festival. National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) National Committee on Literary Arts chair Priscilla Macansantos said, “the Taboan, which literary means the marketplace in Bisaya, seeks to serve as an avenue for the academic exchange of ideas among the country’s writers that will help hone their respective crafts and address issues currently affecting their field.” Among the speakers in the panel discussions of the February 9-11 gathering include National Artists Bienvenido Lumbera, Francisco Sionil Jose and Virgilio Almario who is also known as Rio Alma. Apart from panel discussions, there will also be lectures, a book fair, literary readings, and performances of Central Luzon talents. The second volume of the Kapampangan literary journal “Tuglung” shall likewise be launched during the confab. Macansantos explained, “the Taboan serves as one of the main activities of the Philippine Arts Festival (PAF) which is an annual event celebrated every February in time for the National Arts Month.” PAF highlights Filipino ingenuity in architecture, cinema, dance, literature, music, dramatic arts, and visual arts. This year, the festival is anchored on the theme “Tradisyon at Inobasyon (Tradition and Innovation) which focuses on the interface of traditional and contemporary art forms and genres. Other activities of PAF 2012 include Archi[types/texts] exhibits; CinemaRehiyon 4 (February 8-11,Bacolod City); Sayaw Pinoy; First Asian Festival of Gongs and Bamboo Music (February 25-28, Baguio City and Iloilo City); Music for the healing of “Sendong” victims workshop (February 20-24, Cagayan de Oro City); Tanghal (Calamba City, Cebu City, General Santos City and Cultural Center of the Philippines); and Philippine International Visual Arts Festival: The Rizal Experience (February 17-20; Angono town in Rizal). (WLB/CLJD-PIA 3)

Resident denies housing board’s statements

By. Reynaldo G. Navales


ANGELES CITY -- An American resident of Timog Park Homes Homeowners Association (TPHHOA) denied some of the statements issued by the Housing and Land Use Regulatory Board (HLURB) favoring the old officers and directors of the said association.

Robert Lewallen told Sun.Star Pampanga he is the incumbent president of the TPHHOA because he was the duly elected by the residents of the subdivision last December 3, 2011.

Lewallen claimed that Pancho Coronel, who regained possession of the HOA office last Saturday, after the HLURB issued a statement in favor of the old TPHHOA officers, is a former president of the association.

HLURB officer-in-charge Dunstan T. San Vicente, in a letter dated December 29, 2011, told Lewallen that: “we regret to inform you that this office cannot formally sanction and/or recognize the result of the election you conducted last December 3, 2011.”

In his letter, San Vicente also stated that the election is “shrouded in controversy” or internal dispute involving separate actions taken by the election committee and the directors/officers of the association with regard to the date of the membership meeting and election date as provided under the by-laws of the TPHHOA.

But according to Lewallen, San Vicente’s statements are just mere opinion and are not binding according to law.

Lewallen cited San Vicente’s statement indicating that the “HLURB is constrained to take a neutral position on the subject, thus decline to give its imprimatur to your opposing claims particularly the proclamation of winners of the December 3, 2011 election and the request to postpone or to declare as failure said election.”

Lewallen also pointed out that the general membership meeting and election of officers should not be postponed unless there are reasons of terrorist threat or force majeure.

This, he stressed, is provided under the Magna Carta for Homeowners. Coronel and the old officers and directors of the association earlier informed the HLURB to postpone its annual meeting and election.

One of the reasons they cited was that the membership of the election committee was reduced to only one member.

On November 29, 2011, the HLURB issued an order instructing the president to hold the membership meeting and election of activities as scheduled.

Lewallen assumed office few days after the election but Pancho and his colleagues insisted they are still the officers of the association in a hold-over capacity.

Coronel said they have scheduled the election of membership committee on January 14, 2012 or January 21, 2012 and the general assembly for the regular elections of Board of Directors on February 18, 2012.

Coronel said they will file charges against Lewallen and his group for the missing documents and cash money inside the HOA office.

Angeles, San Fernando cities ink sisterhood pact

By. (PNA)

LDV/zst/HPM/ps


ANGELES CITY, Pampanga, Jan. 10 (PNA) -- The cities of Angeles and San Fernando have recently forged a sisterhood agreement to foster favorable relations and cooperation between the two local government units (LGUs) and their constituencies.

City mayors Edgardo Pamintuan of Angeles and Oscar Rodriguez of San Fernando signed the memorandum of agreement recently in a ceremony held at the historic Museo ning Angeles.

The sisterhood agreement stemmed out of a common desire of both cities to “devote unquantifiable concern and attention in promoting general welfare of their constituents.”

“Good governance sans boundaries –the sharing of our policies will truly do good as both our cities may freely exchange ideas which are mutually beneficial for our constituents,” Pamintuan said.

Pamintuan thanked the city government of San Fernando for its cooperation, saying that the agreement has been a long time coming, especially since he and Mayor Rodriguez are very close friends.

“We have experienced a lot together back in the day, especially being human rights lawyers, and I’m very happy to see that here we are again, united in a mutual endeavor,” he added.

This was solidified through a resolution approved by the Angeles City Council last year. A counterpart resolution was similarly passed by the Sangguniang Panlungsod of the City of San Fernando.

Rodriguez, for his part, said the agreement will contribute to the resiliency of both cities in facing trials, especially in the aspect of disaster mitigation and preparedness.

“We will end parochialism.. Our partnership with other cities and local governments is a necessary element for resiliency,” he said.

The signing marked the start of strengthening the friendship ties and mutual understanding of the two LGUs through exchanges in various fields.

These include education, science and technology, culture and arts, tourism, planning and urban development, commerce/trade and industry, youth, sports, environmental protection, agriculture, public health and social services.

As a gesture of their newly established sisterhood relationship, Pamintuan presented a symbolic “Bagius” statue while Rodriguez handed pins to Angeles officials and councilors bearing the seal of San Fernando.

Phoenix is Clark’s top exporter

By. Jess Malabanan


CLARK FREEPORT—Phoenix Corp., a South Korean semi-conductor firm, topped the list of exporters with a $98.5-million volume last year, a key official said.

Clark Development Corp. president and chief executive Felipe Antonio Remollo said Nanox Phils., a Japanese semi-conductor company, posted $62.8 million, noting that it was leading until the third quarter when it conceded the no. 1 position which it has held since 2000 when it located at the Freeport.

“This is the time that Nanox was dislodged from the top list of exporters, paving the way for Phoenix,” he said.

According to Remollo, Phoenix provides turn-key solutions for a wide range of products with DDR3, flash cards and solid state drive along with memory modules for PCs and notebooks.

The firm was established in Clark Philippines STS Semiconductor, a leading Korean firm.

Similar products are produced by Nanox together with customized display format and electro-optic properties for home appliances, audio, health care equipment, medical equipment, meter (for electricity, gas, water), and automotive applications.

It also manufactures combinations of backlight, switch, soft-touch panels, among other devices.

Total exports of Clark firms has reached $1.888 billion in November. With peak month December figures yet to be factored in, Clark exports already exceeded last year’s $1.453 billion mark.

Due to continuous technology development and fine tuned production management, Nanox’s reputation has covered applications n office automation equipment (facsimiles, copiers, printers), communication equipment (telephones, mobile phones, pagers), and measuring instruments.

Starting business in the Freeport at the turn of the century, it focused on Liquid Crystal Display and Chip-On-Glass to meet the growing demand in the world market.






5 new investment projects to pour P169M in Clark

  • Source:vhttp://pia.gov.ph/?m=7&r=r03&id=71526
  • Saturday, January 07, 2012
By. Eric V. Jimenez


CLARK FREEPORT, Pampanga, January 7 (PIA) -- Clark Development Corporation reported that five new agreements with total investments of more than P169 million were signed before the year-end. In the Marketing Department business update submitted to CDC President Felipe Antonio B. Remollo, the biggest project that was signed in the month of November was the Australian dental laboratory project. Dental Health Laboratories Inc. (DHLI), a new firm that specializes in the manufacture of export-quality pharmaceutical products will be putting up more than P137 million for its manufacturing plant in Clark. Remollo and DHLI director Mary Jane J. Fowler signed the lease agreement where the medical products will all be exported. Remollo said that while DHLI is a new corporation, its directors and officers have at least eight years in experience in the manufacture of similar products in the Philippines. He added that the firm is targeting to export its products to Pakistan, Indonesia, Europe, Australia, and the United States. Construction work on the manufacturing plant will be completed by June next year and will be ready for operations by that time. Also signed an agreement with Clark is the Filipino-Korean firm Mugunghwa-Clark, Inc. which will operate a P20 million restaurant, café, convenience store, souvenir shop, golf cart rental, golf tours and massage spa or wellness center project. The entry of the Filipino-Korean firm in Clark was due to the influx of Korean tourists visiting the former US-run Clark Air Base, and in its neighboring environs. The investment report also said that InvesAsia Philippines, Inc., a Hong Kong based firm, signed a sub-agreement with Philexcel Business Park, Inc. which will engage in legal and general business transcription, IT support services and business process outsourcing. Aviva Global Foods Inc. has also signed a sublease agreement with Nice Logistics Business Park which will engage for warehousing, storage, vendor inventory management and repacking of locally produced consumer goods for 100 percent export abroad. Rizhane Foods, Inc. has signed also sublease agreement with SIA Engineering Philippines which will open canteen project for the employees of the Singaporean firm inside the Clark Aviation complex. The new investments are expected to further spur economic growth in the area and will generate additional jobs for local residents. (WLB/EVJ CDC)

Angeles City to receive P25M from DILG for good governance

By. Joelyn G. Baluyut


ANGELES CITY, Pampanga, Jan. 6 (PIA) –- Because of its exemplary performance in governance, full disclosure policy, transparency, and accountability, the city government here will receive P25 million from the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) as part of its program on Local Government Support Fund (LGSF). In a letter sent to City Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan, DILG Secretary Jesse Robredo said, “the fund shall be utilized as capital expenditures and shall be used to augment the approved 2012 Annual Investment Plan of the city.” Pamintuan disclosed that, “the said fund will supplement the expected reduction of our Internal Revenue Allotments (IRA) share this year. And the infrastructure projects that will be funded using the LGSF were already identified and submitted to the DILG for approval.” “As soon as the DILG has determined the soundness of the project, it will be endorsed to the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) for fund processing,” he said. Robredo added that the amount given shall only be used for implementation of any or combination of the following projects: rural electrification; local roads connecting national roads; arterial farm-to-market roads and bridges; local economic enterprises; flood control and drainage; and to support the following priority projects of the National Government: Millennium Development Goals (MDG), Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2010, and Solid Waste Management Act of 2000. The city has also excelled in the areas of planning, budgeting, revenue mobilization, financial management and budget execution, procurement, and resource mobilization, thus having been a recipient of the “Seal of Good Housekeeping,” an award given by the DILG to local government units (LGUs). (WLB/JGB-PIA 3)

Korean firm tops semiconductor exports volume in Clark last November

By. FRANCO G. REGALA


CLARK FREEPORT, Pampanga, Philippines — A new Korean semi-conductor firm is the first firm to dislodge Clark’s biggest exporter volume since the Japanese firm’s semiconductor operations in year 2000, a report from Clark Development Corporation said.

In the report submitted by Enterprise Operations and Management Department to CDC President Felipe Antonio B. Remollo that on end of November 2011, the export volume of Phoenix Semiconductor Philippines Corporation (PSPC) recorded more than $98.5 million.

EOMD reports to Remollo said that Nanox Philippines placed only second (for the first time in its exporting volume) with only more than $62.8 million for the same month in 2011.

During the month of August to October last year, EOMD reported to Remollo that Nanox, a Japanese firm, was consistently topping the export volume for the Clark Freeport Zone since year 2000 until the month of November where PSPC nearly reached $100 million — a difference of $35.7 million.

Nanox customizes display format and electro-optic properties which are used in a wide range of fields from home appliances, audio, healthcare equipment, medical equipment, meter (for electricity, gas, water), to automotive products. It also manufactured any combination of backlight, switches, and touch panels, among others.

Due to continuous effort on technology development and production management, Nanox's reputation of reliable quality, quick delivery, and competitive prices are widely recognized. On June 15, 1999, Nanox Philippines Inc. was established at IE-5 Clark Premiere Industrial Park M.A. Roxas Highway, Clark with an initial investment of P90 million, the company occupies a total lot area of 1.5 hectares.

The company presently produces two products – Active and Passive Liquid Crystal Display. The company comprises of 3 production lines.

The company's first production started on March 2000, concentrating on the production of Liquid Crystal Display and Chip-On-Glass to meet the growing demands in the world market. The firm also produces convenient indication device used in office automation equipment (facsimiles, copiers, printers), communication equipment (telephones, mobile phones, pagers), and wide range of measuring instruments.

While PSPC is a semiconductor company which provides turn-key-solutions – a wide range of products with DDR3, Flash Cards and Solid State Drived (SSD – and also offers a full range of memory modules for PCs and notebooks.

Girl raped by neighbor

By. Reynaldo G. Navales


ANGELES CITY — A six-year-old girl was allegedly raped by her neighbor in a village here on New Year, the city police said. The suspect — Reynaldo Mercado, 45, of Barangay Balibago — was drunk when he abused the victim, according to Chief Inspector Luisito M. Tan, Police Station 4 chief. Mercado was charged with rape before the City Prosecutor’s Office Monday. The suspect denied raping the girl, saying he treated the victim as his own child. “Hindi ko po magagawa ‘yun, parang anak ko na po ang bata,” Mercado said. But the girl told her parents and policewomen handling the case that Mercado kissed her and abused her. Physicians found lacerations on the girl’s organ, Tan said. The inquest fiscal confirmed the detention of Mercado, who is now detained at the Police Station 4.

Pampanga human chain nets P.6M for Sendong victims

By. Joey Aguilar


CLARK FREEPORT, Philippines – It was a moment of silence, a sign of love and care.

More than 2,600 people lighted candles and joined the forming of a heart-shape human chain here recently to sympathize with the families of typhoon Sendong’s victims in Mindanao.

Clark Development Corp. (CDC) President and CEO Felipe Antonio B. Remollo said the event netted more than P600,000 cash and post-dated checks donated by the participants mostly employees of CDC, various groups from nearby Angeles City and Mabalacat town, and those affiliated with Clark Investors and Locators Association.


Pampanga human chain nets P.6M for Sendong victims By Joey Aguilar Home Updated January 03, 2012 08:44 AM 0 comment to this post CLARK FREEPORT, Philippines – It was a moment of silence, a sign of love and care.

More than 2,600 people lighted candles and joined the forming of a heart-shape human chain here recently to sympathize with the families of typhoon Sendong’s victims in Mindanao.

Clark Development Corp. (CDC) President and CEO Felipe Antonio B. Remollo said the event netted more than P600,000 cash and post-dated checks donated by the participants mostly employees of CDC, various groups from nearby Angeles City and Mabalacat town, and those affiliated with Clark Investors and Locators Association.


“We are expressing our 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,” Remollo said.

Members of the Philippine Air Force, Gov. Lilia “Nanay Baby” Pineda, Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan and his wife Herminia, Vice Gov. Yeng Guiao, and Councilor Edu Pamintuan joined Re ng ceremony.

Mayor Pamintuan, who came from Marquee mall to award the cleaners and brightest barangay in Angeles, said he also urged city hall employees, barangay officials and his constituents to join the activity.

Pampanga First District Rep. Carmelo Lazatin, ALE Partylist Rep. Catalina Bagasina and Bases Conversion and Development Authority Chairman Felicito Payumo also attended the event.

Initiated by CDC, the project “Clark CARES: Human Chain for Typhoon Sendong Victims” aims to gather more donations and other assistance, Remollo said.

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

Remollo also said that CDC earlier donated P250,000 worth of rice and goods to Negros Oriental and Dumaguete City where he was a former mayor.

A lantern display was also held after the candle-lighting activity.

Angeles City to get P25-M for obtaining the "Seal of Good Housekeeping"

By. (PNA)

LDV/zst/FEM/ps


ANGELES CITY, Pampanga, Jan. 2 (PNA) -- The city government is a recipient of the Local Government Support Fund (LGSF) amounting to P25 million for successfully obtaining the Seal of Good Housekeeping from the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG).

This was relayed recently by DILG Secretary Jesse Robredo to Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan through a recent official communication.

Robredo said the fund shall be utilized as capital expenditures and shall be used to augment the approved 2012 Annual Investment Plan of the city.

Robredo, in his letter, said the fund shall specifically be used for implementation of any or combination of various projects.

These specifically include rural electrification, local roads connecting national roads, arterial farm-to-market roads and bridges, local economic enterprises and flood control and drainage.

The amount shall be also used to support the following priority projects of the National Government: Millennium Development Goals (MDG), Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2010, and Solid Waste Management Act of 2000.

The city has bagged the “Seal of Good Housekeeping” award given by the DILG in recognition of its exemplary performance in governance, full disclosure policy, transparency and accountability.

The city also excelled in the areas of planning, budgeting, revenue mobilization, financial management and budget execution, procurement, and resource mobilization.

Pamintuan expressed his gratitude for the achievement, saying the P25 million will be a big help to the various development projects of his administration.

“This support fund will augment the expected reduction of our Internal Revenue Allotments (IRA) share this year,” Pamintuan said.

The mayor said the infrastructure projects that will be funded using the LGSF were already identified and submitted to the DILG for approval.

“As soon as the DILG has determined the soundness of the project, it will be endorsed to the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) for fund processing,” he said.

Also in 2011, Angeles City ranked fourth among local government units in the highly urbanized cities category in terms of effective and efficient implementation of the Local Governance Performance Management System (LGPMS). The recognition was also given by the DILG.

“The awards and achievements that we have received inspire us to do more for our city and our people,” Pamintuan added.

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