Angeles City News June 2016

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Official Seal of Angeles City
Interactive Google Satellite Map of Angeles City, Pampanga
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Angeles City Map Locator
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City Hall of Angeles City

Dietary supplement is a product that contains vitamins, minerals, herbs or other botanicals, amino acids, enzymes, and/or other ingredients intended to supplement the diet. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has special labeling requirements for dietary supplements and treats them as foods, not drugs.

Manufacturers and distributors of dietary supplements and dietary ingredients are prohibited from marketing products that are adulterated or misbranded. That means that these firms are responsible for evaluating the safety and labeling of their products before marketing to ensure that they meet all the requirements of DSHEA and FDA regulations.

Angeles city catholic church.jpg
Angeles City Catholic Church
Angeles city crucifixion of the faithfuls.jpg
Sacrifice of the faithfuls by crucifying themselves.

Wars of ancient history were about possessions, territory, power, control, family, betrayal, lover's quarrel, politics and sometimes religion.

But we are in the Modern era and supposedly more educated and enlightened .

Think about this. Don't just brush off these questions.

  • Why is RELIGION still involved in WARS? Isn't religion supposed to be about PEACE?
  • Ask yourself; What religion always campaign to have its religious laws be accepted as government laws, always involved in wars and consistently causing WARS, yet insists that it's a religion of peace?

WHY??

There are only two kinds of people who teach tolerance:
  1. The Bullies. They want you to tolerate them so they can continue to maliciously deprive you. Do not believe these bullies teaching tolerance, saying that it’s the path to prevent hatred and prejudice.
  2. The victims who are waiting for the right moment to retaliate. They can’t win yet, so they tolerate.

Midori Clark hotel and casino opening in July

(Press release)

To all wanderlusts and travel junkie – the newest luxury hotel in Pampanga is paving their way to open doors to their guests on July 1, 2016. Midori Clark Hotel and Casino will soon be the home away from home for discerning tourists with exquisite taste. Located in the heart of Clark Freeport and just less than 2 –hour drive from north of Metro Manila. The hotel features 111 well-appointed rooms surrounded with the lush green environs of Clark Freeport.

Midori Clark Hotel and Casino boasts state-of-the-art facilities and amenities that will definitely satisfy their guests’ needs and wants as they escape from the bustling metro or simply enjoy relaxing moments with their families. Be prepared to be pampered from head to toe with their in-house fitness center and spa center which offers variety of massage and beauty treatments. Enjoy high-level enjoyment with their especially designed entertainment areas ranging from wines and cigar lounge, open-air gardens, casino, KTV clubs, mahjong rooms and live entertainments during weekends.

Sumptuous dishes will invite you to gastronomic adventures with their 5 dining outlets that will satisfy your sophisticated palates. Whatever you are craving for, Midori offers it all. Dine in Toscana Dining for an international cuisine that will keep you yearning for more. Sip your favorite wine in a sophisticated ambiance at Baccus Lounge or take a whiff of expensive liquor and world-class cigar collections in their gentleman’s club, Cigar Maduro. Looking for a venue to have your daily caffeine fix? Coffee and tea lovers would definitely enjoy Café Midori which will greet you once you enter the hotel’s lobby and it is open 24 hours..

Soar into new heights of luxury and lavishness with Midori Clark Hotel and Casino. Enjoy the highlife right in the heart of Clark Freeport and experience a whole new side of opulence. Midori Clark Hotel and Casino is located along C.M. Recto Avenue, Clark Freeport Zone, Pampanga, Philippines. About five (5) minutes away from Clark International Airport and less than 2 hours drive from north of Manila.

You may visit their website at www.midorihotel.com or call +63 45 308 8888 or email reservations@midorihotel.com to avail their very limited offer as they launch their soft opening.

DTI to launch 'Negosyo, Konsyumer Atbp' program in Region 3

By Marie Joy L. Simpao (CLJD/MJLS-PIA 3)

ANGELES CITY, June 29 (PIA) -- Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is set to bring its integrated programs and services closer to consumers and businesses in Central Luzon through the launching of the Negosyo, Konsyumer Atbp (NKATBP) in Clark Freeport Zone on July 13-15.

DTI Regional Director Judith Angeles said the program primarily aims to pursue the two-fold mission of the agency in enabling businesses and empowering consumers.

“Through NKATBP, we want to aid existing and would-be entrepreneurs in strengthening and increasing their potential and competitiveness by helping them address current gaps and issues,” Angeles explained.

She added that this will also serve as a venue to raise the consumers’ level of awareness on their rights and responsibilities and to re-enforce DTI’s good image and strengthen its “Ramdam Effect” to the public.

One of the event’s highlights is the opening of a regional trade fair dubbed “Mini Likha ng Central Luzon” and Diskwento Caravan to be participated in by about 50 exhibitors of top selling products in the region.

The event will also include the awarding of Bagwis Seals, Best Shared Service Facilities cooperators, Best Feature Story, and recognition of partner agencies and organizations which have helped DTI in the successful implementation of its programs and projects.

Other activities will include Food Safety Seminar, Product Clinic, Training on Food Safety and Regulation, Seminar on Expanding your Business though E-commerce, Consumer and Standard Blitz, Catapulting Business for the Global Market, Intellectual Property Seminar and Investment Briefing.

Existing and potential entrepreneurs, exporters, industry association officials, government agencies, local government officials, non-government organizations, members of the academe and other stakeholders are expected to take part in this event.

Clark-Laoag line a ‘better option’

By Ashley Manabat

ANGELES CITY – A Clark-Laoag railway hews closer to the federalism advocacy of incoming President Rodrigo Duterte.

Thus, the Pinoy Gumising Ka Movement reacted to reports of China proposing to Duterte to build “in two years” a railway system from Metro Manila to the Clark Freeport Zone.

“If Duterte is serious and sincere in his advocacy to develop the countryside, then he should opt for the Clark-Laoag railway system instead,” said Cruz. “This will engage Central and Northern Luzon, including the Cordilleras, in greater inter-trade and travel opportunities, thereby contributing to the decongestion of Metro Manila.”

The Clark-Manila line, Cruz said, will “only push more concentration on the metropolis to the continuing neglect of the countrysides.”

“In Manila, only Chinese taipans are benefitting and the gains do not trickle down to the rest of the Filipino people especially the poor,” Cruz said. “Progress should be inclusive.”

By the same token, Cruz said, the option advanced by Duterte to develop a railway system to the Bicol region from Tutuban in Manila is also good for the people.

Cruz also said Duterte’s plan of holding office in Davao and going to Malacañang only two days a week is a good option because that will contribute to the development of Mindanao and the decongestion of Metro Manila.

The PGKM chair lamented that the Clark airport was “never developed by the Aquino administration because they were afraid that the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) in Manila will be overshadowed by its development with several runways that are longer and wider and plenty of space to build better infrastructures.”

The PGKM has been advocating for the “full operationalization” of the Calrk International Airport as premier international gateway since the immediate aftermath of the Mt. Pinatubo eruptions in 1991.

New Mimosa owner agrees to raise age limit of workers

By Ashley Manabat

CLARK Freeport—The new owner of the former Mimosa Leisure Estate (MLE) here has reportedly agreed to raise the age requirement for the rehiring of the estate’s former workers from 30 to 45 years old.

The new owner, Filinvest Consortium, was given a Notice of Award dated January 27, 2016, by Clark Development Corp. (CDC) for the lease, development, operation and management of the former MLE, covering 201.64 hectares through a 50-year lease agreement contract.

Mabalacat City Mayor Marino Morales said he is reaching out to Filinvest to further raise the age limit to accommodate all displaced former workers, because some of them are already above 45 years old.

“These are mostly caddies in the golf course who are considered casual workers,” Morales said.

CDC conducts surgery on century-old trees

By Reynaldo Navales

CLARK FREEPORT--The environment office of the Clark Development Corporation (CDC) has conducted "tree surgery" to protect century-old trees inside this Freeport.

In its report, officials of the Environmental Permits Department (EPD) of CDC stated that they have reinforced trees with steel bars to save decaying old trees.

The project is also in preparation for the "La Nina" phenomenon during the rainy season, according to Rogelio Magat, manager of CDC-EPD.

Magat said they were able to conduct "surgery" to some 10 ailing and defective Narra trees during the first quarter of this year.

The official added that they used cement, sand, coal tar and reinforced steel bar to support the trees.

Numerous century old trees were destroyed during the onslaught of Typhoon "Lando" last year.

The CDC has also conducted tree inventory, maintenance and geo-tagging of all trees in Clark.

Magat said that all of these efforts are also part of As part of CDC's program to fight global warming.

There are approximately 120,000 trees inside the Freeport including Acacia, Calumpit, Molave, Balacat, Kamantog, Alibangbang, Antipolo, Fire Tree, among others.

Clark has always been known for its backdrop of greenery, ages-old trees, clean air and others.

CDC aims to keep that almost pristine state environment by implementing programs that are geared to protecting mother nature while spurring progress inside the Freeport, Magat said.

CDC's environment programs include policies on green buildings, waste management, minimizing carbon footprints and others.

Central Luzon ranks third among the PH's most populous regions

(PNA), LDV/ZST/FEM/PS

CITY Of SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga (PNA) -- Central Luzon has now 11.22 million population, according to the 2015 Census of Population (POPCEN 2015).

It is higher by over a million than the previous census in 2010.

Central Luzon is still the third largest nationwide after Calabarzon and Metro Manila.

However, Central Luzon Commission on Population (POPCOM) Regional Director Eleanor Cura said “population growth rate (PGR) in the region is down 2.14 percent in 2010 to 1.92 percent in 2015 but still among those that are above the national PGR."

Cura attributed the lowered PGR as a result of increased modern contraceptive prevalence rate due to continuous advocacy programs on reproductive health (RH) and family planning, among other factors.

Migration is seen as one of the major causes in the increase of Central Luzon's population due to the region’s proximity to Metro Manila.

"This is instrumental in pushing for Population and Development-centered planning among the local government units. They should put the people at the center of development through people-centered planning to ensure the needs of the people are met in order to attain the envisioned better quality of life among citizens," Cura added.

She likewise connected the census results with the pressing need to address RH-related issues such as increasing cases of teenage pregnancy and increasing incidences of sexually transmitted infections including HIV-AIDS among adolescents.

"As the reproductive age and age of early sexual encounters become lower, and these are crucial factors in population dynamics, we need to ensure that values-laden and age-and-development-appropriate education on sexuality and reproductive health be urgently implemented in formal and non-formal learning," she added.

POPCEN 2015 was designed primarily to take an inventory of the population of the entire Philippines.

It also collected information about some characteristics of the population such as age, sex, marital status and highest grade completed.

It was 14th POPCEN to be undertaken since 1903 and the third to be done in mid-decade.

Data collected will be used by the government as basis in the formulation of plans, policies and programs on the delivery of basic services to various segments of the population.

This will also be utilized to determine consumer demands and supply of labor for the production of goods and services.

Among the seven provinces comprising the region, Bulacan has the biggest population in 2015 with 3.29 million, followed by Pampanga (excluding Angeles City) with 2.20 million, Nueva Ecija with 2.15 million, Tarlac with 1.37 million, Bataan with about 761,000, Zambales (excluding Olongapo City) with around 591,000, and Aurora with around 214,000.

For the two highly urbanized cities, Angeles posted a population of around 412,000 while Olongapo has around 233,000.

DTI Provincial Offices in CL to hold free trainings for MSMEs

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

ANGELES CITY (PIA) -- The seven provincial offices of Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in Central Luzon shall be holding free trainings for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) on the first week of July.

This is in line with the celebration of MSME Development Week, which carries the theme “Developing Innovative and Resilient MSMEs.”

“The celebration aims to improve the operational capabilities of MSMEs, expose them to current business trends, and increase their skills to compete in local and global markets,” DTI Regional Director Judith Angeles said.

Topics of these trainings include Good Manufacturing Practices, Waste Minimization, Marketing, Tax Rules, Product Development for Non-Food Sector, and Packaging and Labeling, Basic Costing and Pricing, Quality Customer Service, and Product Standards.

“There will also be discussions on How to Start a Business, Food and Drug Administration Rules and Regulations on Licensing Food Establishments and Registration of Processed Food and other food products, Online and Digital Resiliency for MSMEs, and Intellectual Property,” Angeles added.

Clark Freeport still best as disaster hub, says MVP

(PNA), JMC/ZST/MDDR/PS

CLARK FREEPORT, Pampanga, June 23 (PNA) -- As the country gears up for the stormy months ahead, business tycoon Manny V. Pangilinan is pushing for Clark Freeport as the location of a national center for disaster operations and rehabilitation.

During roundtable talks with regional press, Pangilinan said he finds the Clark Freeport to be the ideal location for the so-called National Operations Center (NOC), owing to the ideal setting of the former military airbase.

"I hope it is still Clark," Pangilinan said after he noted that the NOC is "temporarily" placed in Makati which, he said, is earthquake-prone.

He also noted that the current building in Salcedo Village in Makati where NOC is located may be due for disposal by the owners.

The incoming Duterte government will have to be considered in pushing for NOC’s location in Clark.

"Obviously, arrangements will now have to start by the next government," he said.

He also cited the role of former Clark Development Corporation (CDC) president Art Tugade, now incoming Department of Transportation secretary, in the talks.

"Clark is different. Maybe we can work with them to finally operationalize the NOC. It is better to be in relative safe zone,” he added.

Unlike Metro Manila, there is no known earthquake fault directly underneath Clark Freeport. Clark’s backdrop of hills and high elevation make itself safe from onslaughts of severe tropical storms and floods.

It is also known for its well-paved and wide road network, including the access to the Subic seaport via the SCTEX.

Since 2015, Pangilinan had underscored NOC’s great role in coordinating efforts to mitigate impact of disasters and conduct organized rescue and rehabilitation efforts.

The NOC is being put up by Philippine Disaster Recovery Foundation where Pangilinan serves as one of three co-chairmen. The others are Jaime Augusto Zobel De Ayala of Ayala Corporation and Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, Archbishop of Manila.

"The NOC (in Clark) shall serve as pre-disaster warning center and post disaster rehab center. Basically, the NOC will oversee (monitoring) potential threats,” Pangilinan earlier told.

"It is supposed to coordinate the private sector initiatives in this type of disaster warning and at same time, coordinate with government,” he added.

Pangilinan also cited the advantages of Clark Freeport in hosting the NOC.

"Clark is readily accessible. It has an airport and not thickly populated. And I don’t think there’s an earthquake fault there,” Pangilinan added.

Angeles City execs welcome China offer to build Clark-Manila railway

By Reynaldo Navales

ANGELES CITY--City officials here said they welcome China's offer to build the Clark Manila railway.

Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan said the Scarborough issue should not be discussed and that China should build railways in the entire country to spur development in the countryside.

"Welcome yan at sa buong Pilipinas dapat mag-construct ng train ang China kagaya ng sinabi ni president Digong without any condition or no discussion on the Scarborough brouhaha. Separate issue yung ownership na dapat talaga bilateral agreement yan," Pamintuan said.

China is now famous for the fastest train in the world, according to the mayor. "And that speed train is in Shanghai."

Pamintuan's Chief of Staff Alex Cauguiran, a former vice president of Clark International Airport Corporation (CIAC), for his part said they welcome the latest information that the incoming president, according to newspaper account, is amenable to the proposal to build a fast railway system that will connect Clark to Metro Manila.

Many advocates for the full development of Clark International Airport (CRK) have been pushing the railway system for longtime, according to Cauguiran, who is also the head of the Advocacy for a Dual Airport Priority (ADAPT).

"Bahagi ito sa panawagan na maglabas ng policy ang national government na gawin ang dual airport system na nangangahulugan na sabay ang Clark at Ninoy Aquino International Airport(NAIA) na maging fully functional," Cauguiran said.

"NAIA serving South of Metro Manila up to Bicol while Clark serving North of Manila to Batanes. A fast railway system will help transport passenger faster and will surely help decongest Metro Manila from air and vehicular traffic," he added.

If materialized, the railway system will surely increase business confidence in the Metro Clark area because of "certainty of development," according to Cauguiran. "I believe in the sincerity of the president-elect in fully developing Clark Airport and a railway system that will connect Clark to Metro Manila is one of the services needed."

Volunteers ready to wage war versus crimes, drugs

By Reynaldo Navales

ANGELES CITY--Members of the newly-formed Balibago Peacekeeping Operations and Surveillance Group (BPOSG) have started waging war against illegal drugs and all forms of criminality.

The volunteers -- including Bantay Bayan members, purok leaders, motorcycle club riders, and others – recently completed various courses on surveillance, investigation, crime prevention, illegal drugs and other topics.

Balibago Chairman Rodelio “Tony” Mamac said that some 100 volunteers joined the BPOSG, which was organized to fight illegal drugs and other crimes in the village.

“Aside from organizing, we have to enhance their capabilities and skills through education and training so that they will know what to do during the planning and execution of any operations,” Mamac said.

“Now they are ready. They received certificate of participation in the conduct of anti-crime and illegal drugs operations and investigations,” the village chief added.

Police officers from the Station 4, led by Senior Inspector Dante Cabungcal, conducted the series of lectures to the participants.

“They (volunteers) will serve as force multipliers in a joint effort between the Balibago local government and Police Station 4 in the eradication of drugs and crimes in our barangay,” Mamac said.

Angeles villages declared 'drug free'; first in Central Luzon

(PNA), BNB/ZST/MDDR/PS

ANGELES CITY, Pampanga, June 20 (PNA) -- Two villages in this highly-urbanized city were declared “drug free” by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency-Region 3 (PDEA-R3) in a fitting pronouncement ceremony held on Monday at the city hall grounds here.

The agency, represented by PDEA-R3 public information officer Glenn Guillermo, handed plaques of citation to the village chiefs of barangays Salapungan and Cuayan to formally acknowledge the villages as “drug clear”.

"This is the result of the Barangay Drug Clearing Operations in Angeles City which kicked off last October 2015 through the initiative of the Angeles City Police Office (ACPO),” Guillermo said.

According to PDEA-R3, Angeles City is now considered the first city in Central Luzon that has rid illegal drug activities in a barangay.

"We are also grateful to announce that on April of the present year, the first barangay to achieve a “drug-clear” status in Central Luzon is Barangay Salapungan of this city,” Guillermo said.

The PDEA officer also explained the criteria for a barangay to be declared “drug-free”.

According to Guillermo, a village must have apprehended all drug pushers and users in its area of jurisdiction, and must also have encouraged drug pushers and drug dependents to refrain from using dangerous drugs through counselling and rehabilitation.

In Barangay Salapungan alone, a total of 13 drug pushers and more than 20 drug dependents were apprehended and were given counselling services and/or rehabilitation.

On the other hand, Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan lauded the lawmen under the auspices of ACPO, Angeles City Anti-Drug Abuse Council (ACADAC) and the Barangay Anti-Drug Abuse Council (BADAC) for another milestone in local governance.

“We have been in this battlefield since the start of our term as local chief executive of the city. We have executed projects and activities that aim to bring awareness about the harmful effects of these dangerous drugs,” Pamintuan said.

"Community involvement plays a vital role in any endeavor a local executive wishes to pursue. I think, we were able to achieve that. This accolade goes to show that we are serious in our campaign against illegal drugs,” the mayor added.

Pamintuan also pledged to adhere the call of President-elect Rodrigo Duterte to stop criminality and illegal drug use at all costs.

Basura patroller all over Pampanga

By Ding Cervantes

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga -- The Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) has launched in this province the socalled Basura Patrollers Project in its bid to intensify campaign on proper waste disposal.

“A ‘basura patroller’ is assigned in every town and city in the province to monitor the violations of proper solid waste disposal,” EMB regional director Lormelyn Claudio said.

She said “a patroller would go around his area of assignment and be on the lookout for littering, throwing, dumping of wastes, operation of open dumpsites, and collection of unsorted wastes.”

“These patrollers are instructed to take pictures of improper waste handling. EMB would then issue a Notice of Cleanup within the week,” she explained.

She said the notice goes to the Office of the Mayor which will then forward it to the concern barangay chair for action, such as summoning the offender for briefing on environmental consciousness.

Angeles City commemorates ‘triumph over Pinatubo tragedy’

(Angeles CIO)

ANGELES CITY - The local government through the Angeles City Tourism Office (ACTO) in partnership with local culture and arts advocates here have slated events and activities to commemorate the 25th Anniversary of the Mt. Pinatubo Eruption.

According to ACTO head Dr. Richard Daenos, “The Pinatubo eruption awak - ened the hearts of the people and created something beautiful out of the ashes.”

ACTO has led the CinePinatubo film showing which will air from June 13-17 every 6:00 in the evening at the Plaza Angel, Heritage District.

CinePinatubo is an event commemorating the fateful event on June 15, 1991 featuring films, documentaries, videos, and stories on how Mt. Pinatubo erupted and affected thousands of lives.

On June 17 at 5:00pm, a tribute art exhibit and a dance interpretation dubbed “Abu ning Kapasalamat” will be staged at Museo ning Angeles lobby.

“What may have been useless to others has been a very important material as the Angeleños use the lahar sand in creating beautiful sculptures, paintings, and construction materials,” Dr. Daenos added.

“The love for culture and arts has become stronger as the people face the tragic calamity head on with a positive outlook and strong spirit,” the tourism officer added.

“Agyu Tamu!”: The Angeles City’s Pinatubo Story


“The city had been under the darkest era when the Mt. Pinatubo erupted for it destroyed the city and its neighboring municipalities and provinces,” said Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan.

“On such tragic day, there is no other way for the people but to go up. As we stood together in rebuilding this city, we also rebuilt and renewed ourselves. The lahar sand covered our houses but we learned to look the other way and create beautiful art out of it,” said Pamintuan.

Mayor Pamintuan who is the city’s vice mayor at that time took over the post and led thousands of Angeleños for a sandbagging operation dubbed “Pala Mo, Buhay Ko” which is aimed to protect families and properties along the Abacan river banks from further erosion.

Angeleños, were among those who were hardly hit by Mt. Pinatubo’s wrath. Ashfall, lahar flows, flash floods, and earthquakes made Angeles City a total ghost town as an aftermath.

This instance gave birth to the people’s battle cry, the “Agyu Tamu!”, which reflects the Angeleños’ perseverance and faith that led the city to what it is today.

Proclamation No. 1259, S. 2016 states June 15 as a special non-working day in Angeles City and Pampanga for the recognition and commemoration of Pina - tubo eruption that devastated the provinces of Zambales, Pampanga, Bataan, Tarlac, and Nueva Ecija.

Eco-run yields impressive results

By Dino Ray V. Directo III

CLARK FREEPORT ZONE (PIA) -- Department of Energy, through its Energy Utilization Management Bureau, cited on Tuesday partner vehicle manufacturers that contributed in the success of the Euro 4 Fuel Eco Run 2016.

Sponsored by Petron Corporation, the May 27 run covered a distance of 280 kilometers from the Petron Service Station inside Clark Freeport to Urdaneta, Pangasinan via the Subic-Clark-Tarlac and Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union Expressways.

“The activity aims to promote fuel economy consciousness and consumer empowerment by obtaining initial data on fuel economy ratings of passenger cars and commercial vehicles employing energy efficiency measures and techniques,” Energy Undersecretary Donato Marcos said.

“As we continue to promote judicious utilization of energy by increasing public consciousness on energy efficiency, the results of this run is expected to show consumers the importance of fuel economy rating aside from other factors such as performance, quality, and safety when buying a vehicle,” Marcos added.

DOE earlier issued a directive that by January 1, 2016, all gasoline and diesel products in the country must be Euro 4 compliant as set by United Nations.

“This kind of fuel has a significant lower sulfur content of 50 parts per million (ppm) compared to current national standard of 550 ppm,” Marcos explained.

Petron has invested $2 billion for the Bataan Refinery Master Plan 2 (RMP-2) where Euro 4 fuels are locally made. It was completed in 2014.

The top 5 diesel powered-vehicles that garnered the best fuel economy ratings during the run were Isuzu D-Max LS 4x2 with 38.46, Hyundai Accent Sedan-29.41, Peugeot 301- 29.35, AUDI A3 2.0 TDI- 28.46, and Volkswagen Jetta 2.0 TDI- 28.08.

Moreover, the top 5 gasoline powered-vehicles were Suzuki Celerio CVT- 29.14, Honda Jazz 1.5 VX CVT- 28.60, Suzuki Ciaz GL MT- 27.94, Hyundai Elantra- 27.83, and Suzuki Celerio MT- 27.70.

Pamintuan: Angeles City rose from the ashes

By Reynaldo Navales

ANGELES CITY--No man-made or natural disaster can break the spirit of the Angelenos.

This was how Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan described his people who bounced back after the deadly and destructive eruptions of Mount Pinatubo 25 years ago.

"No human or natural tragedy can break the spirit of our people. As natural as it can be, the indomitable spirit of our people (specially the Kapampangans) will propel us to new heights," the city mayor said.

Pamintuan likened Angeles City to a phoenix in Greek mythology that never dies and flies far ahead to the front always scanning the landscape and distant space.

"Like the proverbial Phoenix Bird, Angeles has the birdman which rose from the ashes," he said.

The city was devastated but the people rose from the ashes, according to him.

"To those who experienced the wrath of Pinatubo 25 years ago, let us remember how we united to survive and let us not forget how we displayed resiliency not just in our country but also to the whole world," Pamintuan said.

The mayor urged teachers and educators in the city to impart the history about the disaster that devastated Pampanga, Angeles City and other parts of Central Luzon.

"To all the survivors and those who are now in the teaching profession, it is our challenge to share these experiences and stories to the young generation and let them know about the history and lessons of the Pinatubo eruption," Pamintuan said.

11 Central Luzon firms choose renewable energy

By Reynaldo Navales

CLARK FREEPORT--The Aboitiz Power Corporation has announced that it is supporting eleven of the biggest companies in Central Luzon which are choosing renewable energy to support their respective operations.

Aboitiz Power Corp., through its subsidiary AdventEnergy welcomed its eleven newest customers from Central Luzon under the Retail Competition and Open Access (RCOA) regime.

The firms include Yokohama Tire Philippines in Clark, HLD Steel Pipes, Amertron, Multi-tek, Kodec Precision, Nidec Subic Philippines, Juken Sangyo Corp., Sanyo Denki, Nicera Philippines, Hitachi Terminals Mechatronics and EZSET Tonglung Metals.

In a gathering in Subic last June 9, AboitizPower led by its Executive Vice-President and Generation Business Group Chief Operating Officer Manny Rubio thanked the companies for choosing AdventEnergy to provide them with clean and renewable energy in their operations.

Another AboitizPower subsidiary, Aboitiz Energy Solutions, Inc. (AESI), also welcomed its newest customer, Philippine Resins Industries, Inc., which was the first to switch effective January 26, 2016.

"We are greatly honored to be chosen as partners of these successful companies. We are committed to delivering great power and contribute more to the success of our new partners," Rubio said.

Rubio, also outlined the projects of AboitizPower, in line for its goal of increasing its capacity to 4,000 MW by 2020, to keep up with the growing Philippine economy.

To date, AboitizPower and its partners have 3,350 MW total net sellable capacity that supplies to private distribution companies, electric cooperatives and industries. Around 38% of which is renewable, making AboitzPower as one of the biggest RE developers in the country.

Licensed Retail Electricity Suppliers (RES) AdventEnergy and AESI, both wholly-owned AboitizPower subsidiaries, also took advantage of the gathering in Subic to discuss updates on the power industry, as well as the latest value-added technical services that can be provided by AboitizPower, such as power quality analysis, vibration analysis and thermal scanning, as well as billing updates and services.

"It is an honor for the AboitizPower to be your supplier of choice," AboitizPower vice president for energy sales Roland Gaerlan said during the forum. He mentioned that the companies are the first Open Access customers outside Manila, not only of the AboitizPower but of the entire energy industry.

He also noted that AbotiizPower believes in a competitive market and sustainable partnerships. He said that as AboitizPower continues to expand, it will remain committed to be a reliable power supplier and solutions provider.

AboitizPower owns 100 percent equity in AdventEnergy, a licensed RES for the company's renewable energy portfolio, also known as Cleanergy.

AESI, has been a licensed RES since 2009. Its license was renewed on October 29, 2012 for another five years.

BPO ecosystem inspires Pampanga developer

By Catherine Talavera

Juan Nepomuceno Sons Inc. is planning to put up a hotel in its 11-hectare Nepo Center complex in Angeles City, Pampanga.

As the business process outsourcing (BPO) industry expands beyond Metro Manila, there is a matching rise in demand for the hotel industry.

Arni Valdes, president of Pampanga-based developer Juan Nepomuceno Sons Inc. told The Manila Times the plans is to cater to business travelers on official business with the BPO firms in the area.

The Nepo complex has two developed BPO buildings, Entec 1 and Entec 2.

Valdes noted the lack of hotels in the Angeles area catering to BPO executives. Most of them would have to go to the Clark to for a hotel.

“The closest one to us is really a hotel which is not—we’ll it’s probably okay for some Filipino managers—but it’s not good for international guests. So the international guests have to usually go to Clark to book a hotel,” Valdes said.

They are planning to put up a boutique hotel for the international business traveler. Valdes noted the firm is currently in talks with a hotel brand.

“We’re hopefully very close to doing the hotel already. If ever, we should know in the next two months.” Valdes said.

The company has talked to several hotel brands and picked on the best potential partner. “We’ve rounded out to just one. So we’re talking to them and there are even already designs,” he added.

The planned hotel will be at least a three-star establishment, but featuring elements found in a four- or even five-star hotel.

“And all the things that matter in terms of how a guest would want their hotel to do. So we were looking at the design. It’s somewhat comparable to some of the modern hotels in Singapore,” Valdes noted.

Earlier this month, CBRE Philippines director of corporate agency and brokerage Morgan McGilvray noted an emerging trend that is best described as a BPO ecosytem.

McGilvray noted the ecosytem starts with a BPO office building that encourages the development of other real estate components such as retail, residential, and hotel. Valdes also noted plans to go for vertical projects.

“We want to have condominiums, which are not expensive and can be made into dormitories,” Valdes said.

The company is also in talks with a major developer for the residential project. “We don’t have the expertise so we’re talking to someone that has the expertise,” Valdes said.

DFA USec highlights continuing cooperation, contribution towards sustaining Phl progress

By Marie Joy L. Simpao

ANGELES CITY (PIA) -- Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Laura Del Rosario highlighted yesterday the important milestones that the country has so far achieved in its continuing journey towards sustained freedom.

In her speech during the 118th Independence Day celebration at the Pamintuan Mansion, Del Rosario cited the notable developments that has transformed and shaped the country-from the time of the Korean War, to the Vietnam War, until the Americans left the Philippines because of the mutual defense treaty.

“Specifically, Angeles has played a crucial role in the revolutionary government. We have seen in Angeles a lot of progress and we are happy about that. From the fact that we were victim of Mt. Pinatubo to the fact that Clark which has 18,000 jobs in 1991 now has 80,000—that says a lot about Angeles and Angelenos, and often says a lot about the government as a whole,” she explained.

However, the Foreign Affairs official noted that despite these developments, everyone must do his or her share to sustain the freedom and momentum that we now have.

“Many times, the DFA have been called the premiere department. Why is it so? Because every time a nation is built, it falls on the shoulders of the diplomats to get recognition for the country. It’s also the foreign affairs that acts as the voice of the president abroad, that acts as the voice of the people abroad. We represent you the people, we represent you the government, and we represent the ideals of the nation,” she shared.

Del Rosario added that DFA is the first line of defense, explaining that if we go to war, it is because the foreign affairs has failed to do its duties—that is to prevent conflict whether in the United Nations or bilaterally.

Speaking outside the mandate of the DFA, the diplomat urged everyone to do the same in ensuring that we represent the ideals of the nation.

“People are always looking at the quality of the human resources. They are always looking at the citizens of the country. They are always looking at the character of the leadership,” she reminded.

Furthermore, she stressed that it pays to have integrity and it pays to be honest as people wouldn’t invest in a country which is known for corruption and whose people are not trustworthy.

Another thing that the Undersecretary noted in order to sustain the momentum of the country’s progress is to strengthen our study of science and technology.

“We should strengthen our technologies so that we will not get left behind and the time will not come when our fellow Filipinos lose their job and be replaced by robots. Our mindset should always be preparing children now for jobs that do not yet exist so that we will be ready to face the future,” she concluded.

The Pamintuan Mansion was the site of the first and only public Independence Day celebration under the administration of former President Emilio Aguinaldo on June 12, 1899 and served as a former branch of Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas.

Last year, the Mansion reopened as the Museo ng Kasaysayang Panlipunan ng Pilipinas, offering a panorama of past and present life and culture of ordinary Filipinos.

The museum has nine galleries focusing on the history of the mansion from its construction in 1890; various Philippine textiles, accessories, and weaving tools; and Filipino clothing styles.

This year’s Independence Day celebration carries the theme “Kalayaan 2016: Pagkakaisa, Pagaambagan, Pagsulong.”

Air Force adopts Angeles school

By Reynaldo Navales

ANGELES CITY--Major units of the Philippine Air Force (PAF) in Clark Freeport conducted an outreach program at a primary school at the Export Processing Zone Authority (EPZA) resettlement center in line with their 69th founding anniversary on July 5.

The feeding program and gift-giving, which benefitted elementary pupils and faculty members, was jointly conducted by the six major PAF units led by the 600th ABW.

Other units include 1st Air Division, Air Force Reserve Command, Air Logistics Command, 410th Maintenance Wing, and the 420th Supply Wing.

Lieutenant Julimar Romero, public information officer of the 600th Air Base Wing, said the Air Force conducted a feeding program, minor repair of the school facilities and donated of sports equipment.

The PAF earlier conducted an outreach program by adopting the Send The Light Foundation orphanage located in Barangay Dapdap at the nearby town of Mabalacat City.

Major General Raul Del Rosario, chairman of the Air Force City in Clark and commander of the First Air Division, led the activity which was spearheaded by the 600th Air Base Wing through its Civil-Military Operations (CMO) office, Romero said.

Some 48 children from the Send the Light Foundation located were brought to the PAF K9 (Canine) Units, Aircraft Park and at the Clark Museum and 4D Theatre.

During a simple program, Del Rosarion said that the PAF is always committed help the Filipino people especially the needy like the orphans.

The PAF personnel donated sports equipment, grocery items, and other gifts to the orphans during the culmination of their outreach program.

Aside from these, hundreds of soldiers participated in the recent bloodletting activity which is also part of their anniversary celebration.

Romero said that the 37,350 cubic centimeters collected from at least 83 soldiers were donated to the Philippine National Red Cross.

The PAF personnel are also set to conduct a tree-planting at the Paradise Ranch at the Sacobia area on June 15, he added.

BPO execs eye Clark call center hub

By Reynaldo G. Navales

CLARK FREEPORT -- Officials of a newly inaugurated business process outsourcing (BPO) located at the technology hub building of SM City Clark said that they see Clark as a potential area for their expansion program.

Annie Pineda, vice president of Motif Incorporated outsourcing firm, said that they picked Clark as their fourth global delivery center because they believe in the skills and ingenuity of the Kapampangans.

She said they are bringing in a new breed of talents coming from Northern Luzon specifically in Clark.

Aside from talent sourcing, the Motif official stated that Clark is an established location for business with right infrastructure to support the BPO industry.

For his part, Motif Founder and Chief Executive Officer Kaushal Mehta said that they decided to locate in Clark which is less prone to disasters like flooding.

He added that their Clark site will cater to the firm’s client growth. The new center will also provide redundancy and business continuity planning (BCP) to its current Manila operations, according to Mehta.

“We are impressed by the talent on boarded from this area and look forward to a long term value creation for the local eco-system,” he said.

The California-based firm employs about 2,000 agents across India and the Philippines.

The firm was adjudged as top 100 global outsourcing companies by the International Association of Outsourcing Professionals in 2015.

Aside from this, Motif was also nominated for "Global Achievers" Award for Quality Excellence by Indian Achievers Forum. The awarding ceremony will be held in Bangkok on August 12, 2016.

Officials of SM City Clark, led by Assistant Mall Manager Aaron Montenegro, graced the Motif launching on Friday.

DepEd extends SHS enrollment in Pampanga

By Ian Ocampo Flora and Princess Clea Arcellaz

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO--Incoming Grade 11 students in public Senior High Schools (SHS) are given until June 30 to enroll in their chosen school as the Department of Education Regional Office III (DepEd-3) announced the extension of the SHS enrollment in Central Luzon.

This move seeks to ensure that the projected enrollment for public SHS students will be realized. As of the first enrollment deadline last June 3, only 57,637 out of the 100,333 or 57.6 percent of projected Grade 11 enrollees have registered.

DepEd-3 OIC Director Malcolm S. Garma, during the mid-year media conference, said that there is a need to guarantee that all targeted Grade 11 students will be enrolled in their preferred school since this is the first year of the implementation of the SHS program.

Consequently, Garma encouraged the students and their parents to enroll now and not wait until the deadline to give school heads of public senior high schools ample time to prepare and adjust their respective SHS Program Offerings.

In line with this objective, all public secondary school heads are tasked to drum up support from local government officials in coordination with PTA organizations in disseminating this information and in tracking the enrollment of the Junior High School completers of SY 2015-2016.

Furthermore, DepEd-3 continues its efforts in preparation for the SHS implementation with the hiring of 3,888 SHS teachers who are now undergoing trainings and orientations, procurement of equipment for the Tech-Voc-Livelihood track worth P418M, and the close monitoring of classroom construction implemented by the Department of Public Works and Highways or DPWH.

As of June 6, 54 percent or 1,659 out of the 3,103 needed classrooms for Senior High School in public schools in Central Luzon has already been completed before the June 13 opening of classes. Garma said that DPWH engineers committed to complete SHS classroom construction in the entire region until August.

Holy Angel University to open Pinatubo Museum

(PNA), LAP/ZST/MDDR/PS

ANGELES CITY, Pampanga, June 9 (PNA) -– The public will now have a chance to know well what took place during the eruption of Mt. Pinatubo some 25 years ago.

The Holy Angel University will inaugurate the Mt. Pinatubo museum on June 14, eve of the devastating eruption of one biggest volcanoes in the country that affected the lives of the residents in Central Luzon.

The museum will be housed at the University’s Center for Kapampangan Studies, center director Robby Tantingco said in a statement.

The museum will feature a mural timeline of the history of Mt. Pinatubo, a mural sculpture by Kapampangan artist Arnel Garcia, and various exhibits executed by researcher-artist Joel Mallari.

"The museum is our memorial to the 1991 event that profoundly altered the personal and collective destinies of Kapampangans," Tantingco said.

"What Kapampangans experienced has no parallel in world history, except maybe the 10 plagues of Egypt in the Old Testament. We had an eruption, earthquakes, lahars, typhoon, rain of sand, ash and rocks, day turning into night--all at the same time! And the calamity went on for the next five years," he said.

The opening of the museum will coincide with the launching of the book "Our Common Fault: Stories of Loss and Survival in the July 16, 1990 Earthquake," authored by Lia T. Pangilinan and published by the Center for Kapampangan Studies.

"Last year was the 25th anniversary of the magnitude 7.8 earthquake that left a swath of destruction from Central Luzon all the way up to Northern Luzon. The book is our memorial to all those who suffered or died in that earthquake," Tantingco said.

He also said the earthquake led to a series of geological events that caused Pinatubo's eruption one year later.

CL population now at 11.22M

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

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga, June 8 (PIA) -- Central Luzon population has reached 11.22 million, results of the 2015 Census of Population (POPCEN 2015) show.

It is higher by over a million since the previous POPCEN in 2010 and the region remains the third largest nationwide after CALABARZON and Metro Manila.

“Population Growth Rate (PGR) in the region is down from 2.14 percent in 2010 to 1.92 percent in 2015 but is still among the those that are above the national PGR,” Commission on Population Regional Director Eleanor Cura said.

Cura attributes the lowered PGR as a result of increased modern contraceptive prevalence rate due to continuous advocacy programs on reproductive health (RH) and family planning, among other factors.

Migration is seen as one of the major causes in the increase of Central Luzon's population, due to the region’s proximity to Metro Manila.

"This is instrumental in pushing for Population and Development-centered planning among the local government units. They should put the people at the center of development through people-centered planning to ensure the needs of the people are met in order to attain the envisioned better quality of life among citizens," Cura added.

She likewise connected the census results with the pressing need to address RH-related issues such as increasing cases of teenage pregnancy and increasing incidences of sexually transmitted infections including HIV-AIDS among adolescents.

"As the reproductive age and age of early sexual encounters become lower, and these are crucial factors in population dynamics, we need to ensure that values-laden and age-and-development-appropriate education on sexuality and reproductive health be urgently implemented in formal and non-formal learning," she ended.

POPCEN 2015 was designed primarily to take an inventory of the population of the entire Philippines.

It also collected information about some characteristics of the population such as age, sex, marital status, and highest grade completed.

It was 14th POPCEN to be undertaken since 1903 and the third to be done in mid-decade.

Data collected shall be used by the government as basis in the formulation of plans, policies, and programs on the delivery of basic services to various segments of the population.

This will also be utilized to determine consumer demands and supply of labor for the production of goods and services.

Among the seven provinces comprising the region, Bulacan had the biggest population in 2015 with 3.29 million followed by Pampanga (excluding Angeles City) with 2.20 million, Nueva Ecija with 2.15 million, Tarlac with 1.37 million, Bataan with about 761,000, Zambales (excluding Olongapo City) with around 591,000, and Aurora with around 214,000.

For the two highly urbanized cities, Angeles posted a population of around 412,000 while Olongapo had around 233,000.

Ex-CDC chief gets LGU, biz support

By Ashley Manabat

ANGELES CITY -- The appointment as Transportation Secretary of former Clark Development Corp. (CDC) president/CEO Arthur P. Tugade, who was recently feted by the local government here led by Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan, got another boost.

Businessman Dr. Irineo “Bong” Alvaro, president of BB International Leisure and Resort Development Corp., a Clark Freeport locator, said “Tugade’s qualities and principles are appropriate in handling the big tasks at the Transpotion Department.”

In a published report, Alvaro also said “Tugade will be effective in clearing the DOTC of corrupt activities and personnel.”

Alvaro said Tugade “will make good there. DOTC is a big job and we need a big man like Atty. Art Tugade to match that need. We need somebody like him with great resolve. Also, I think he will be successful in weeding out shenanigans and recidivist in that department.”

In the same development, the Angeles City council also handed Tugade Resolution No. 7407 S. 2016 as a way of honoring him for “a job well done” as the former top CDC executive and for his dedicated support in this city in terms of promoting employment, education, infrastructure and engineering development.

The resolution was sponsored by Councilors Maricel Morales, Maximo Sangil, Bryan Matthew Nepomuceno, Amos Rivera, Edgardo Pamintuan Jr., Carmelo Lazatin Jr., and seconded by Councilors Danica Lacson, Jericho Aguas, Arvin Suller, Alexander Indiongco, and Carlito Ganzon. It was approved by Vice Mayor Vicky Vega-Cabigting.

Interestingly, Councilor Maximo Sangil was the principal author of the resolution “expressing vehement opposition” to the Capillion project at the main gate to the Freeport which Tugade adamantly pushed.

Tugade was appointed by President-elect Rodrigo Duterte as the secretary of the Department of Transportation.

Tugade asked Angeleños to pray for him as he takes his service to the public in a larger scale.

“I only ask for one thing, prayer. I am just an ordinary person and I will need a lot of prayers as I make new projects for the Filipinos,” Tugade said.

Pamintuan, who said Tugade was lauded for his accomplishments as former president of CDC, presented him a plaque of commendation signifying the city’s appreciation “for his efforts and initiatives that propelled parallel development between the Clark Freeport and this city.”

“Art Tugade is not a Kapampangan and he did not come from here yet his heart truly belongs to Pampanga. He has extended help without having second thoughts to assist us in our projects aimed to benefit the people,” said Pamintuan.

Earlier, the Sangguniang Panlungsod of adjacent Mabalacat City also gave Tugade a resolution honoring him for his contribution to the city.

DTI 3 supports action of their official vs Imported Deformed Steel Bars

(DTI)

ANGELES CITY (PIA) -- Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Regional Director Judith Angeles denies the allegations of the Philippine Iron and Steel Institute (PISI) accusing Zambales Provincial Director Leonila Baluyut for graft charges before the Office of the Ombudsman.

The said allegationsm according to Angeles, are baseless, malicious and incriminating in nature as Baluyut had acted within the mandate and bounds of the law, rules and regulations being implemented by the DTI.

“I can’t see any irregularity in the performance of duty of PD Baluyut as far as the issuance of the provisional/conditional import commodity clearance to the applicant Mannage Resources Trading Corporation.PD Baluyut’s actions from the receipt of the application for Import Commodity Clearance to its issuance is sanctioned by the provisions on the laws on Import Commodity Clearance,” she said.

As to the allegations that DTI-Zambales Provincial Office did not subject to thorough tests and industry-accepted safety standards the said imported deformed steel bars, RD Angeles said that this is without merit.

Clearly, the testing of these products shall be conducted by an independent Testing Center as in this case the Metals Industry Research and Development Center (MIRDC) of the Department of Science and Technology.

“Further, considering that the Test Report issued by SGS-CSTC and MIRDC showing compliance with the requirements of the standards, the Bureau of Product Standards endorsed the same to DTI-Zambales Provincial Office for the issuance of the Import Commodity Clearance. Evaluation of the Test Report is enshrined to BPS and not to DTI-Zambales Provincial Office,” Angeles added.

Angeles reiterated that PISI’s unsubstantiated and defamatory accusations against PD Baluyut is hereby condemned to the highest level by DTI-Region 3 Family.

PISI actuations against Baluyut is a trial by publicity and she welcomes the filing of the said graft charges in order to prove her innocence and the regularity in the performance of her official duty as DTI-Provincial Director in a proper forum.

As of this writing, Baluyut has not received any copy of the Complaint against her as published by the PISI.

Lazatin to push Clark airport development

By Reynaldo Navales

CLARK FREEPORT--Congressman-elect Carmelo "Jonjon" Lazatin has vowed to push for the development of Clark International Airport (CRK) as the country's premier gateway.

Lazatin who defeated Congressman Joseller "Yeng" Guiao in the recent congressional race for the first district of Pampanga, said the full development and utilization of Clark airport will create more jobs for the people in the entire Central Luzon and other parts of the country.

"Dapat po ma-develop natin ang Clark [airport] para marami po tayong mabigyan ng trabaho," Lazatin said.

Lazatin said he will also file another bill in Congress creating the Clark International Airport Authority to continue Guiao's efforts to develop Clark as the main gateway of the country.

Aside from this, Lazatin also vowed to implement programs on health, sports development, land for the poor people and others.

Lazatin said he will also continue look into other bills his father, former Angeles City mayor and Congressman Carmelo "Tarzan" Lazatin, wanted to file during his stint as representative of the province.

"Titignan ko rin po yung mga bills na gustong ipasa ng aking ama noong siya po ay naging congressman," he said.

Pamintuan back from Apec forum in China

(Sun.Star Pampanga)

ANGELES CITY--Angeles City Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan has returned from the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) High-Level Urbanization Forum 2016 held in Ningbo, Zhejiang Province, China last June 2 and 3.

The forum, hosted by the China National Development and Reform Commission, in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, is aimed at exploring opportunities for cooperation, promoting trade and investment, creating jobs, safeguarding social equality, with a view to achieving people-oriented urbanization and inclusive growth.

According to Pamintuan, conferences like these help a lot in promoting goodwill among local chief executives from different part of the world and share best practices in improving government service and raising the quality of life of the people.

"It is not wrong to copy from other countries or from other people specially if the program is successful and will greatly benefit the people. It is more advantageous for us if we will just follow the steps and process they have taken and adapt it to our unique situations," Pamintuan said.

"As a matter of fact, the ideas that prompted me to convert our idle public spaces, including the abandoned PNR railways, the Plaza Angel, and the other pocket parks and gardens, are gathered from what I witnessed and experienced during official travels in different parts of the world," he added.

However, Pamintuan added that these conferences are not one-way exchanges. In fact, he was also asked to share his experiences and accomplishments, particularly in the concept of inclusive growth when promulgating and implementing government projects.

Among the programs and projects that Pamintuan initiated is the establishment of the City College of Angeles which is home to almost 2,000 students, who, prior to the CCA's establishment, have no dreams of ever attaining college education due to poverty. Just early this year, 183 students became the first batch to graduate from CCA and are now gainfully employed.

Participants of this forum are high ranking government officials and agencies of APEC member economies, mayors, scholars and experts, entrepreneurs and media representatives and other major stakeholders and resource speakers.

Pamintuan was invited to share his experience as a local chief executive and his efforts and achievements in making Angeles City a liveable city and how he practices inclusive growth as a policy in his administration.

‘Brave Youth of Macabebe’ not Rajah Soliman is 1st martyr

By Ding Cervantes

ANGELES CITY- The National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) officially corrected on June 3 a long-time historical claim that one Rajah Soliman was the first Filipino to die for freedom.

The NHCP has marked in front of the municipal hall of Macabebe, Pampanga the 445th anniversary of the martyrdom of the “first native to give up his life for independence,” one identified only as the “Brave Youth of Macabebe,” as he fought the conquering Spaniards.

Prof. Robby Tantingco, Holy Angel University (HAU) vice president for external affairs and head of the university’s Center for Kapampangan Studies, said the commemoration, to be led by NHCP chair Dr. Serena Diokno, has also launched a book titled “The Nameless Hero: Revisiting the Sources on the First Filipino to Die Fighting for Freedom,” authored by Ian Christopher Alfonso and published by the center. It is the first book on the nationalist martyr.

Tantingco cited two reasons for the June 3 commemoration.

“For the first time, the Philippine Government through the NHCP officially recognizes the ‘Brave Youth of Macabebe’ as the hero of the Battle of Bangkusay and not Rajah Soliman, and first Filipino to die for freedom,” he said.

Tantingco said a Spanish chronicler described the hero as “brave youth.”

A bust on a pedestal marked “Brave Youth of Macabebe,” unveiled by the NHCP, HAU and Pampanga officials, now stands in front of the Macabebe town hall.

“He was very nimble, he could leap over windows without using the stairs, and yes, the fact that he had many wives proves his virility, not advanced age,” Tàntingco noted of the hero.

Tantingco said “it was Pedro Paterno in the 19th century who named him Tarik, without any primary source to back him up. Miguel Lopez de Legazpi and one other eyewitness gave him the name Bambalito, but some believe it’s a pejorative term with obviously Spanish origin. So to skirt the debate, NHCP decided to just describe him as nameless” he explained.

Pogi: Lechon festival now a tourist attraction

By Reynaldo Navales

ANGELES CITY--Councilor Carmelo "Pogi" Lazatin hailed leaders of Barangay Salapungan as he said that the successful staging of their 3rd Lechon Festival is now becoming a tourist attraction.

Lazatin said officials led by Barangay Captain Rey Maling and residents should rejoice due to the "colorful and meaningful event" which attracts tourists.

At least 35 lechon or roasted pigs were presented to the people in a parade during the festival. A boodle fight was one of the highlights of the event.

Malig and other village officials welcomed their guests, including Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan, First District Rep. Joseller "Yeng" Guiao and Conrado Dizon, who represented businessman Reghis M. Romero II, a native of Angeles City.

"I am proud for Kap Rey Malig and his people because their lechon is the most delicious in Pampanga," said Lazatin. "Projects which promote livelihoods and local products are highly commendable. Such a successful event," said Lazatin, who was heavily supported in Salapungan during his re-election bid.

Salapungan village, regarded as home of the most delicious roasted pig in Pampanga, started to celebrate the festival in 2014 shortly after Malig assumed his post.

The festival was designed to highlight the success of industry which started in 1960. There are at least 12 groups selling lechons in Salapungan.

Malig disclosed that the lechon, a famous dish that features a whole roasted pig cooked over charcoal, was started as an industry by the late Aling Viring Villapana of Salapungan.

He added that her children and relatives later continued the industry.

Malig said that "the further improvement of the industry, camaradie and the adherence to hard work" were the main reasons for holding the festival.

He said that their village is the major supplier of lechon in Pampanga and areas even as far as Metro Manila and nearby provinces in Central Luzon.

Purok 4 or Dona Aurora St. won P20,000 as first prize for the "garnishing" contest. A total of P35,000 were given as prices.

Salapungan is situated in front of the Angeles University Foundation (AUF), which has some 10,000 students.

The village hosts several students who rent rooms, bed spaces and apartments.

"We hosts about 2,000 students," said Malig.

Angeles Ciy mayor to attend APEC Forum in China

(PNA), FFC/ZST/MDDR/PS

ANGELES CITY, Pampanga, June 1 (PNA) -- City Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan will attend the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) High-Level Urbanization Forum 2016 set to be held in Ningbo, Zhejiang Province, China on June 2 and 3, this year.

The forum, hosted by the China National Development and Reform Commission, in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, is aimed at exploring opportunities for cooperation, promoting trade and investment, creating jobs, safeguarding social equality, with a view to achieving people-oriented urbanization and inclusive growth.

Participants of this forum are high ranking government officials and agencies of APEC member economies, mayors, scholars and experts, entrepreneurs and media representatives and other major stakeholders and resource speakers.

Pamintuan was invited to share his experience as a local chief executive and his efforts and achievements in making Angeles City a livable city and how he practices inclusive growth as a policy in his administration.

In recent years, Pamintuan is among the few Philippine mayors invited by national and international organizations to share his experience and good practices in governance.

Among these fora and conferences include the World Cities Summit in Singapore and New York; Assesses of Decentralized Cooperation for Development in Brussels, Belgium; APEC City Mayors’ Forum in Cebu, Philippines; Talk on Public Spaces, Manila Philippines and the South-South City Leaders Forum, organized by the Asian Development Bank.

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