Angeles City News March 2012

From Philippines
Jump to navigation Jump to search
→ → Go back HOME to Zamboanga: the Portal to the Philippines.

A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z
Create Name's page

Regions | Philippine Provinces | Philippine Cities | Municipalities | Barangays | High School Reunions

Angeles City Photo Gallery

Angeles City Realty

Philippine News

Clark, Davao airports forge sisterhood pact

By Reynaldo G. Navales


CLARK FREEPORT --- Officials of Clark International Airport Corporation (CIAC) and Fred Bangoy International Airport (FBIA) have signed a sisterhood agreement that will link tourism between the north and the south.

“We have to have connectivity. We have to connect the dots,” said transportation czar Mar Roxas who witnessed the signing of the “Sister airport” signing on Wednesday.

The move is seen to further improve tourism destinations in Luzon and Mindanao.

On the same day, AirAsia Philippines launched its twice daily flights to Davao City from the Clark International Airport and vice versa.

CIAC President and CEO Victor Jose I. Luciano signed the “Sister airport” agreement with FBIA head in the presence of Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte and Mabalacat Mayor Marino “Boking” Morales.

Tourism officials in Davao City said they will actively promote the flights in the Clark International Airport to attract more visitors to the largest city in the Philippines.

Luciano said the domestic flights will serve as feeder flights to overseas-bound carriers further increasing the number of travelers passing through the Clark International Airport.

Last year, the Clark airport posted 725,023 passengers or a 19 percent increase from the previous 607,704 in 2010.

Local travel operators in Davao City said they are now promoting Clark, which is free from pollution and traffic.

Roxas expressed his optimism on the viability of the Clark International Airport as the premier gateway of the country.

CIAC vice president for Commercial and Business Development Darwin Cunanan updated Roxas on the current developments at the airport.






Officials form new local party in Angeles City

By yats.us.cloudlogin.co


ANGELES CITY — A new political party, with an all-Kapampangan membership, was formally launched here Wednesday in a bid to broaden grassroots participation in local politics and policy-making. Angeles City officials, led by Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan, multi-sectoral representatives and ordinary citizens gathered at Mar’s Garden Restaurant for the founding assembly of Partido Abe Kapampangan to ratify its constitution and by-laws, pass resolutions and elect its officers. Pamintuan told Sun.Star Pampanga that the local party was created to advance the interests of Kapampangans here and abroad. “Basically, Partido Abe Kapampangan was founded to advance the interests of Kapampangans wherever they are. This first every Kapampangan local party will bear the dreams and aspirations of ordinary citizens and members because it transcends politics to encompass aspects like culture and environment,” Pamintuan said. He described Partido Abe Kapampangan as a broad, citizen-based political party. It will not only have politicians as members, he said, but card-bearing members among the ordinary citizens addressed as “Abe,” (friend, comrade) regardless of rank and gender. Pamintuan added it is open for affiliation with any other political party. Partido Abe Kapampangan has a national reach and membership among Kapampangans who reside outside Pampanga or Angeles City and is seen to actively participate in local and national elections, either through the fielding of its own candidates and/or adoption of national candidates, based on principled alliances with other political groups and parties. Aside from participation in elections, Pamintuan disclosed, Partido Abe Kapampangan shall also engage in issue advocacies, such as good governance, participatory governance, clean and sustainable environmental management and other issues consistent with the party’s basic principles. The party’s basic principles are anchored on “Four Pillars”, which include parity and equitability in development; participatory governance; efficiency in service; and transparency and accountability. “Definitely, Partido Abe Kapampangan will champion and advocate for the development of Pampanga and the interests of the Kapampangans wherever they are, not only during election time but every time,” Pamintuan said . http://www.sunstar.com.ph/pampanga/local-news/2012/03/28/officials-form-new-local-party-angeles-city-213637

Small and medium businesses in Clark Philippines have a lot of interesting and unique products and services to offer but very few outside of Clark Freeport including potential customers in nearby Pampanga Angeles City, Subic, San Fernando and Manila ever hear about them. Market obscurity has led to slow growth in businesses inside Clark Freeport Zone and this is not being rectified as a new public service web site has been created to allow Clark locators to promote their services and products without any charge. Clark Pampanga is a fast growing city and businesses in Manila are making their move to either expand into or relocate to Clark Philippines.

The ClarkPhilippines.com web site is a community service web site dedicated to helping small businesses operating in Clark Freeport, Angeles City and vicinities like Subic and other cities in Pampanga or Tarlac even, to promote their products and services through internet visibility. There is no charge to these services.

Aside from products and services, news releases and product announcements can also be posted free of charge on ClarkPhilippines.com web site.

Where to go in Clark? Hotel Clark Philippines is a De Luxe Hotel in Clark and Subic, a risk free place to stay, cozy and nice ambience, a nice function place for special occasion

You might want to check also the Yats Restaurant is the best restaurant for special dinner, best restaurant for dinner with friends near Manila, also the best place to celebrate special events.

Famous Restaurant in Pampanga, a place to dine with friends in Clark, cozy restaurant with a nice ambience, a nice function place for special occasions. Looking for a restaurant in Clark for a Business meeting? Or a place to eat with friends? Yats Restaurant offers exclusive dinner venue for groups, a good place to celebrate special occasions, it can be a party venue in town. Yats Restaurant is a recommended restaurant for private dinner in Philippines, a well-recognized restaurant that serves good food and good wines for dinner.

Are you looking for an attractive restaurant or a nice place to eat with friends in Clark, Angeles City Pampanga? Yats Restaurant and Wine Bar is a restaurant with good food and good wines for dinner located at Clark Angeles City Pampanga. Perfect for exclusive dinner venues for groups, recommended for private dinner in Philippines. A Restaurant in Clark for business dinner meeting. Private dinner place or dinner restaurant in Clark Subic Near Manila Angeles City Pampanga. Yats Restaurant is one of the Good Restaurant in Pampanga Angeles City Clark near Manila.

Looking for interesting hotels near Manila Subic Clark Angeles City Pampanga? Trouble free hotels and well recognized hotels in Subic Clark Angeles City Pampanga Clearwater Resort and Country Club offers a good place to stay in Subic Clark Angeles City Pampanga. In offers nice place to have rest in Subic Pampanga outside Manila. One of the Philippines top hotels in north Luzon.

This web site contains articles and information that will be helpful to visitors, residents and tourists traveling out of town from Manila on a short getaway to Subic, Angeles City, Pampanga and Clark Philippines. There are several web sites that contain information that might also be pertinent to what is happening in North Luzon, Subic, Tarlac, Pampanga, Clark Freeport Philippines. Looking for a party venue in town? Clearwater Resort and Country Club is one of the ideal venues for birthday party because it is a risk free venue. Not only Birthday Parties but also a good place to enjoy family reunion. A good place to celebrate special occasions. Clearwater Resort and Country Club is one of the resorts in Subic Clark Angeles City Pampanga or near Manila with activity amenities, place that are nice for celebration.

Wedding couples looking for wedding reception venues and beach wedding venues can log on to this Philippines Wedding Venue web site for free information and assistance:

Scouts to hold homecoming in Clark

By Reynaldo G. Navales


CLARK FREEPORT — At least 33 members from the seven chapters of the Philippine Scouts Heritage Society (PSHS) based in United States will join the homecoming activities inside this Freeport on April 7 and 8.

Albert Labrador, PSHS spokesperson, said aside from the seven chapters in the US, some 60 local members in the country will also join the PSHS reunion.

The PS "Living History" Company will host the event in cooperation with Clark Development Corporation–Tourism and Promotion Office.

The event will also be assisted by Peregrine Development Int’l Inc., VFW Post 2485 A.C, 600th ABW–PAF, Arts Culture Tourism Office of Pampanga, Clark Riding Stable Inc. Wind Tunnel International, Fontana Leisure Parks, DNS Clark, Military Vehicle Collectors Club ofthe Philippines, and Dominic Aquino.

“This will be the very first time the PSHS will have its reunion in Philippine soil and in the home Fort of the Scouts at Fort Stotsenburg Hotel,” Labrador said.

Labrador said the Philippine Scouts was authorized by the US Congress on Feb 2, 1901 enlisting 6,000 Filipinos for service in the US Army.

In April 10, 1922, the Philippine Division was organized and the carabao insigna with the red and yellow colors of Spain was adopted on July 8, 1922.

By the outbreak of the World War II, the Scouts increased to 12,000 from a prewar strength of 7,000 and became the US front line troops in the Pacific during the WWII.

Filipinos considered selection to the Philippine Scouts a great honor and although many scouts were the sons of Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo soldiers, they were intensely loyal to US, deeply proud of their regiment.

The Philippine Scouts were official integrated into the regular US Army in 1923. The scouts were famous for their soldierly qualities.

The Philippine Scouts were trained and disciplined as any soldier in history. They were elite, highly spirited and well-known throughout the Army for their love of soldiering and superb marksmanship with both pistol and rifle.

Labrador said registration will be held on April 7, where some of the veterans like Felipe Fernandez and Dan Figuracio will share first-hand accounts. There will also be showing of the documentary film “Forgotten Soldiers,” remembering the soldiers interred at the Clark Cemetery, and presentation of Japanese Perspective on the Philippine Defense Campaign in 1941-42.

At 10:30 a.m. to 12 noon on April 8, there will be wreath-laying at the Clark Veterans Cemetery. At 4 p.m., a Battle Re-enactment at the Parade Ground in front of the Clark Museum will be held, Labrador said.






DOE to hold electricity conservation seminar in Angeles City

By (WLB/CLJD-PIA 3)


ANGELES CITY, Pampanga,March 28 (PIA) -- The Department of Energy (DOE), in partnership with the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) and World Wide Fund for Nature-Philippines (WWF), will be holding an Electricity Conservation in Households and Schools Seminar for Central Luzon stakeholders today at Mars Restaurant in Angeles City.

In a press statement, DOE said the event “is in line with our National Energy Efficiency and Conservation Program that specifically aims to cushion the impact of increases in prices of petroleum products and electricity through the implementation of energy efficiency and conservation measures, promote cost avoidance/savings on fuel and electricity without sacrificing productivity, secure firm savings commitment from identified sector groups and help protect the environment.”

Participants consist of local government officials, heads of national government agencies, student leaders, key figures in the business sector and the media.

Among the topics to be discussed include DOE’s Energy Efficiency Plans and Programs, Household Enercon Tips, Know Your Electric Bill and How to Read the Electric Meter and the upcoming Earth Hour 2012 on March 31.

Earth Hour is an annual international occasion where participating nations switch off their lights for 60 minutes or from 8:30 to 9:30 in the evening in their respective time zones as a show of solidarity in taking actions to mitigate the effects of climate change.

This will be the seventh electricity conservation seminar this year after the cities of Iloilo, Valenzuela, Cebu, Davao, Baguio and Tacloban. A similar event will also be held in the cities of Legaspi and Cagayan De Oro.

P200-million golf course to rise in Clark Freeport

By Froilan E. Magtoto


Clark Freeport Zone, Pampanga: Clark Development Corp. President and Chief Executive Officer Felipe Antonio Remollo and top officers of a big Korean firm recently led the ground breaking ceremonies for the construction of a P200-million golf club in a 304-hectares tourism estate inside this former American Air Force base.

The golf club is part of the investment of the Korean firm Donggwang Clark Corp. (DCC) which will pour in $440 million for the construction of a world-class tourism estate, including recreational and leisure projects, inside Clark.

DCC Chair Lee Shin Kun said that the project consists of a 36-hole golf course, clubhouse, condominium with 330 rooms, water park, spa and gymnasium, eco park, business center, stores and function rooms, international school, golf academy and driving range, clinic and drug store, hotel, casino, 500-unit villas and shopping arcade.

Remollo said that the tourism estate project of DCC is expected to be completed by the year 2016 and would employ more than 2,000 workers, not to mention increase the arrival of more foreign and local tourists in Clark.

The leisure community project aims to increase tourism and economic activities in Region 3 (Central Luzon) and create jobs, he added.

The South Korean firm also told Remollo that the commercial building is worth $30 million and will have a 10-story officetel , condotel, hotel and casino. DCC is the Philippine subsidiary of Donggwang Construction of South Korea.

The construction of the officetel will generate about 730 jobs in the area.

DCC currently owns and operates three golf courses and condotels in South Korea.

"Cream Dory " not meant to replace tilapia industry - DTI

By (WLB/CLJD-PIA 3)


ANGELES CITY, Pampanga, March 26 (PIA) -- The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) stressed that Pangasius, also known as "Cream Dory," is not intended to substitute the tilapia industry.

Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Regional Office 3 on Wednesday said that the current boost of the Pangasius sector is not meant to replace Central Luzon’s robust Tilapia industry but rather provide an alternative to fisher folks and lessen the country’s fillet importation.

DTI Regional Pangasius industry manager Zorina Aldana explained, “We simply wanted this fish to be the next big thing in Central Luzon because of its high market demand to local and foreign restaurants particularly in Europe.”

The Pangasius, more popularly known as Cream Dory, is an air-breathing and edible freshwater fish that can be cultured in fishponds, concrete tanks, fish cages, and fishpens. The other countries that culture the Pangasius are Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, and Myanmar.

Pangasius is a good source of Omega-3 Fatty Acids that prevents ailments like heart disease and blood clotting.

DTI presently pushes for the development of the industry in Regions 3, 4A, 5, 10, 12, and 13 through the conduct of business opportunity seminars, consultancy services, and business matching referrals.

Areas in Central Luzon where it is being cultured now include the towns of Sta. Maria, San Ildefonso, and Bocaue in Bulacan; Apalit, Arayat, Sta. Ana, and Guagua in Pampanga; Maria Aurora and Baler in Aurora; Victoria and Paniqui in Tarlac; San Narciso in Zambales; the cities of Gapan and Muñoz in Nueva Ecija and Balanga in Bataan.

Aldana disclosed, “The Philippines currently imports approximately 600 metric tons of fillets per month. If we could substitute this importation by producing our own via the Pangasius, P650 million worth of investments and P945 million in sales will be generated and 2,700 jobs will be created come 2016.”

“Our Pangasius has global potential as a number of European restaurants find it more appealing than our Asian counterparts because it has 95 percent lean meat and is free from chemicals and antibiotics as attested by various international testing laboratories,” Aldana added.

Also, the Philippine Cream Dory’s value-added products such as embotido, noodles, nuggets, patties, hotdog, salami, and chicharon have been proven to be tastier and healthier.

2 riders arrested for evading checkpoint

By (Ric Sapnu)


ANGELES CITY -- Police have arrested two motorcycle-riding men after they evaded a checkpoint setup in Barangay Malabañas here.

City police chief Rodolfo Recomono identified the arrested persons as Bryan Buerano, 27, a resident of Phase 4, Holy Angel Village, City of San Fernando; and Jayren David, 30, of Purok 2, Barangay Sta. Cruz, Porac town.

Have something to report? Tell us in text, photos or videos.

Recomono said the suspects, who were on board a Honda TMX motorcycle without license plate, were arrested after they refuse to stop at a police checkpoint.

Authorities tried to flag down the two but they refused to do so. One of the riders fired a shot at the pursuing policemen during a brief chase, the police official said.

The two suspects were arrested by authorities following a hot pursuit.

Police recovered from their possession a .38 caliber gun with ammunition, suspected marijuana and two sheets of rolling paper. Recomono said the gun was owned by David.

Kapampangan Museum

By Mark Anthony N. Manuel


ANGELES CITY, Pampanga — The Center for Kapampangan Studies (K-Center) here opened the other day the “Kapampangan Arts Museum” which is dedicated to preserve and promote local Kapampangan heritage.

The opening of the museum is in line with the celebration of the center’s 10th anniversary which will feature sketches and memorabilia collection of Kapampangan National Artist for Visual Arts in 1982 Vicente “Enteng” Manansala y Silva of San Roque, Macabebe town. Manansala was a Philippine cubist painter and illustrator and a native of Macabebe.

He studied at the University of the Philippines School of Fine Arts and received a six-month grant by United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization to study at the Ecole de Beaux Arts in Banff and Montreal, Canada.

Expressways to implement ‘express payment’ for Lent

By yats.us.cloudlogin.co


CLARK FREEPORT — In order to lessen the waiting time for motorists plying along the North Luzon Expressway (NLEx) and the Subic Clark Tarlac Expressway (SCTEx), the Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation (MPTC) will implement an express payment scheme for class 1 vehicles during the observance of the Lenten season. The program, dubbed as “Holy Week Express Lane”, will be jointly organized and managed by the Manila North Tollways Corporation (MNTC) and the Tollways Management Corporation (TMC). Have something to report? Tell us in text, photos or videos. Both MNTC and TMC are subsidiaries of the MPTC. Under the program, Class 1 vehicles bound to exit Dau, Mabalacat or the Subic-Tipo toll plaza of the SCTEx may pay the corresponding fee upon entering the Balintawak Toll Plaza or at the Mindanao Avenue toll gate. The Holy Week Express Lane is part of the “Safe Trip Mo, Sagot Ko” project, which is in line with the MPTC’s continuing road infrastructure development program. The express lane will be implemented from 2 p.m. on Holy Wednesday to 5 p.m. of Maundy Thursday. The prepaid set-up, according to MPTC officials, also involves the designation of special lanes at the exit points to reduce the volume of vehicles queuing up to pay their tolls. For this Lenten season, the MPTC is expecting an increase of 15 percent of the traffic volume both at the NLEx and SCTEx. At the NLEx, the MNTC is expecting 200,000 motorists with 25,000 expected to ply along the SCTEx, specifically on Maundy Thursday. The special lanes allow for speedy passage of Class 1 vehicles at the exit points. MNTC officials also added that additional tellers will be deployed at the toll plaza to facilitate transactions and inform the motorists about the express payment scheme. TMC also added that nine ambulant tellers will be assigned in Balintawak, eight in Mindanao Avenue and 10 in Dau,Mabalacat. They added that the spare lanes will be opened to further ease traffic flow at the Balintawak, Mindanao Avenue, and Dau toll plazas during the peak hours of the Holy Week. For assistance and inquiries, motorists may call NLEX hotlines (02) 3-5000 and (02) 580-8910 or 0920 9672839 for SCTEX. NLEX is also available on Twitter for regular updates @nlextraffic or like them on Facebook: “Travel on Great Roads”.

Art museum opens in Pampanga

By Joelyn G. Baluyut


ANGELES CITY, Pampanga, March 22 (PIA) -- The Holy Angel University (HAU) will open today its own museum, which is dedicated to preserve and promote local heritage.

The launch of the Kapampangan Arts Museum, according to the Center for Kapampangan Studies of the Holy Angel University, is in line with the celebration of the center’s 10th anniversary which will feature sketches and memorabilia collection of Kapampangan National Artist for Visual Arts in 1982 Vicente “Enteng” Manansala y Silva of San Roque, Macabebe town.

Manansala was a Philippine cubist painter and illustrator and a native of Macabebe. He studied at the University of the Philippines School of Fine Arts and received a six-month grant by United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization to study at the Ecole de Beaux Arts in Banff and Montreal, Canada.

In 1950, he then received a nine-month scholarship to study at the Ecole de Beaux Arts in Paris by the French government.

His works were described as masterpieces that brought cultures of the barrio and the city together. Manansala also consistently worked in the figurative mode, with the exception of a few abstract works.

Among his masterpieces include Madonna of the Slums, Jeepneys, Kalabaw (Carabao), Murals “Stations of the Cross” in the Church of the Parish of the Holy Sacrifice, Bangkusay Seascape, and Pila Pila sa Bigas (Left and Right).

The museum will be open to the public and is located at the left wing of the Don Juan Nepomuceno Main Building, second floor in HAU. (CLJD/JGB-PIA3)

SKorea's Donggwang starts building P200-M golf club in Clark

By VS, GMA News


South Korea’s Donggwang Construction Co. Ltd. started building a P200-million clubhouse in Pampanga’s Clark Freeport Zone, Clark Development Corp. said Wednesday.

The golf club is part of Donggwang Clark Corp.’s $400-million tourism estate that include leisure and recreation facilities inside its 304-hectare lease in the free port.

Donggwang Clark, the Philippine subsidiary of Donggwang Construction, expects to complete the world class estate in 2016.

The project consists of a 36-hole golf course, clubhouse, 330-room condominium, water park, spa and gymnasium, eco park, business center, international school, golf academy and driving range, medical clinic and drug store, hotel, casino, 500-unit villa, and shopping arcade.

State-run Clark Development noted the Donggwang project would employ more than 2,000 workers and expand tourism and economic activities in Central Luzon.

Donggwang Construction, one of South Korea’s largest construction companies, has total assets of 1.2 trillion won or around $945 million.

It owns and operates the Sorak Sun Valley Country Club, Dongwon Sun Valley Country Club, Iljuk Sun Valley Country Club, and Japan-based Yabe Country Club.

Customs checks on oil smuggling in Clark

By clarkphilippines.com


CLARK FREEPORT — Customs Deputy Commissioner for Intelligence Danilo Lim said Wednesday they are on the lookout for the smuggling of oil and other petroleum products in the Freeport. During a visit Wednesday at the Bureau of Customs (BOC) Port of Clark, Lim told newsmen that they have apprehended several individuals engaged in oil smuggling here over the past few months. Lim said they can easily identify smuggled gasoline in Clark and Subic because of the BOC markings. He said oil imported by firms should only be used inside the economic zone. Aside from oil, the BOC is also watching for the possible entry of drugs into the Freeport, considering that the Clark International Airport is fast becoming a premier gateway of the country. Lim said the BOC is serious in its campaign against smuggling. He said the BOC has seized P400 million worth of counterfeit items, which were found inside two containers consigned to Imax Harbor. The fake items, which include medicines, cellular batteries and chargers and wristwatches, among others, are dangerous and may pose health and safety risks to the buying public if distributed. Lim also disclosed that the BOC, upon the orders of President Benigno Aquino, is stepping up its efforts against smuggling and corruption inside the bureau. The former Army general, who was incarcerated for four years for mounting a military uprising against the previous administration, said they will not waver in the campaign against smuggling and corruption. “On behalf of Commissioner Ruffy Biazon, we will do everything in our power to prevent smuggled products — especially those that pose serious threats to the health of our people — from entering our market,” Lim said. BOC Port of Clark Collector Eduardo Dela Cuesta, meanwhile, said they are fully supporting the bureau’s campaign, saying they have doubled their efforts to prevent the entry of smuggled products into the local market. When asked of his political plans, Lim replied that he is a team player and he will consider running for senator if the President asked him to run.

Clark Firms Need 2,000 Employees

By Mark Anthony N. Manuel


CLARK FREEPORT, Pampanga — The Clark Development Corporation (CDC) announced Monday that the industry of Information Communication Technology (ICT) and Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) here is in need of close to 2,000 employees to join their companies.

CDC said BPO and ICT firms top the most sector in need to fill-up vacancies this year for the various firms inside the Clark Freeport.

“Among the possible ICT/BPO job vacancies include web designers and developers, programmers, technical support operators, Linux and Windows Systems administrators, English online teachers, and call center agents,” it said.

C.L. upbeat for collection goal

By Jun Ramirez


The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) moved yesterday its 2012 tax campaign in Central Luzon to help raise P1.066 trillion this year. Local officials in six provinces, businessmen, professionals and officials and employees of the Revenue Region No. 4 headed by Regional Director Araceli Francisco led the kick-off rites at the Clark Airbase in Angeles City.

Francisco expressed her gratitude to taxpayers in Pampanga, Tarlac, Bataan, Zambales, Nueva Ecija and Quezon for being prompt and more honest in declaring their earnings and paying coorect taxes. Last year, her office raised P14 billion or over P1 billion higher than the collection target.

Clark Airport Posts 38 Percent Rise In International Passenger Volume

By MARK ANTHONY N. MANUEL


CLARK FREEPORT, Pampanga — Amid controversies regarding its official name, the Diosdado Macapagal International Airport (DMIA) here has posted a significant increase in international passenger volume in the first two months of 2012, officials said Friday.

Clark International Airport Corporation (CIAC) President Victor Jose I. Luciano reported that the international passenger volume rose to 160,847 during the months of January and February.

Luciano said the number represents a 38% increase compared to the 2011 figure of 116,125 in the same period.

“This clearly shows that Clark is the airport of choice of international passengers,” he said.

He added that the number of international passengers that passed through the Clark airport also increased in January and February this year to 85,868 and 74,979 respectively.

“In January and February 2011, CIAC has listed 62,013 and 54,112 international passengers respectively,” he said.

Luciano said that they are targeting to service close to one million passengers before the end of 2012.

He also revealed that the domestic passenger volume is also expected to increase in 2012 with the start of four domestic flights by Airphil Express on March 29 to Cebu, Puerto Princesa, Davao and Kalibo.

Luciano explained that the growth in passenger volume has resulted in the increase of gross revenue earnings for the state-owned airport corporation.

He also noted a 46 percent increase in Passenger Terminal Fees of P6.167 million that primarily contributed to the increase in CIAC’s gross revenues.

“In January alone, collections were pegged at P37.336 million or an increase of 24 percent,” he explained.

Recently, the Angeles City Council passed unanimously a resolution asking Congress to enact a law officially naming of the airport in honor of the late President Diosdado Pangan Macapagal.

The resolution bids to block the state-run Clark Development Corporation’s (CDC’s) plan to return the Diosdado Macapagal International Airport (DMIA) back to its original name, Clark International Airport.






Clark airport passengers up

By Tonette Orejas


CLARK FREEPORT—The number of passengers using Clark International Airport (CIA) here has increased by 38 percent in January and February, an airport official said on Wednesday. The increase, from 116,125 passengers in January and February last year to 160,847 passengers this year, indicated that CIA has become the airport of choice, said Victor Jose Luciano, president and chief executive officer of the Clark International Airport Corp., the state agency overseeing the development of CIA from a United States military airport into a civilian facility. It carried the name Diosdado Macapagal International Airport from 2003 until the CIAC board renamed it CIA in October 2011 for the purpose of international branding. The Aquino administration had announced a plan to transfer to the CIA the operations of Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) in Metro Manila. The CIA, at 2,500 hectares, is four times bigger than NAIA. More passengers pushed CIAC’s gross revenue to P37.3 million in January from P30 million reported in the same period in 2011. A total of P6.2 million came from passenger terminal fees, Luciano said. He expects the volume of domestic passengers to grow as soon as AirAsia Philippines and Airphil Express start local flights on March 28 and 29, respectively. South East Asian Airlines (Seair) will fly to Kalibo in Aklan as well as Kota Kinabalu in Malaysia and Bangkok beginning May. The CIA targets to serve a million passengers this year, or a 30 percent surge from 730,000 passengers in 2011.






Clark warehouse collapse probed on death of 4 men

By northphiltimes.blogspot.com


CLARK FREEPORT, Pampanga – The Clark Development Corporation is investigating the collapse of a warehouse that killed at least four workers and left five others injured when it was hit by a tornado March 2.

CDC president Felipe Remollo ordered the CDC’s building and utilities regulatory department to look into the culpability of the contractor and if safety precaution for its workers have been observed.

Paul Bredes, foreman of Trust Construction Co., identified the fatalities as Enrique Laxamana, Rico Mabaga, Ryan Gradiuto and Joel Villapando.

Bredes said the workers were doing some finishing touches on the almost complete one-story warehouse when a strong tornado swirled around the building. He said the affected workers were from Metro Manila and Cavite.

The company’s engineers are studying the debris of the collapsed structure to determine if the contractor complied with engineering standards.

Angeles city gov’t asks Congress to legislate Clark airport name

By Joelyn G. Baluyu


ANGELES CITY, Pampanga, March 13 (PIA) -- The Angeles City government has passed a resolution asking the Congress to enact into law the official naming of Clark International Airport (CIA) as Diosdado Macapagal International Airport (DMIA) in honor of the late Diosdado Pangan Macapagal.

Resolution No. 6354, series of 2012, sponsored by Councilor Edu Pamintuan, says that "changing the name of the DMIA to CIA shall have no significant bearing on the airport's current operation, capacity and potential as a premier international gateway airport."

The resolution further says the basis of the name DMIA is important to the people of Pampanga as it honors one of its respected leaders, Diosdado Macapagal who is the first Kapampangan President of the country and known as the "poor boy from Lubao" and "father of land reform."

Retaining the name DMIA, the resolution continues, is in keeping with the revised guidelines of the National Historical Commission specifically stating that “proposed names must have historical and cultural significance and must contribute to the positive development of national pride through the good example exhibited by the name being used.”

City officials say dropping DMIA in favor of Clark is not justified by the claim that aviation players know the airport more to be Clark than DMIA and that the airport is tagged by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) as CRK, while the Ninoy Aquino International Airport retains its name when is it is still referred to as Manila airport or MNL by IATA.

“International airports all over the world often have long and unfamiliar names and have an altogether different IATA code, which has become a very acceptable practice, whereas, the right to rename our airports is part of our national patrimony,” the resolution explains.

It was through Clark Development Corporation Board Resolution 07-08, approved in July 2001, CIA was renamed into DMIA on the 91st birth anniversary of the late former Philippine President Macapagal on September 28, 2001. (WLB/JGB-PIA3)

150 informal settlers to benefit from Angeles City government's housing program

By (PNA)

DCT/FFC/zst/FEM/ps


ANGELES CITY, Pampanga, March 12 (PNA) -- At least 150 families in this city will benefit from the recent direct land negotiated project entered into between the Angeles City local government and a private land owner in Barangay Cutud here.

The city government and Amelia Guiao, owner of the two- hectare property in Barangay Cutud signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) that will enable residents and occupants in the barangay to eventually own the area where they have been living at very low and affordable price.

Amos Rivera, officer-in-charge of the city’s Local Urban Poor Affairs and Housing Office (LUPAHO), said the project is covered under the city government’s urban poor socialized housing program and that the properties located in Barangay Cutud will be sold through a direct-buy agreement.

“This means that qualified current residents and urban poor families in Cutud will directly pay the landowner at an affordable pricing and terms of payment pursuant to Republic Act 7279 or the Urban Poor Development and Housing Act of 1992,” Rivera said.

Under the MOA, the Guiao family agrees to sell their property to the beneficiaries in the amount of P300 per square meter if one-time full payment is to be made in cash.

However, if the beneficiaries are not capable of the one-time full payment basis, they can still make their payments at P350 and P400 per square meter payable within a period of one year and three years, respectively.

The city government, through LUPAHO, will provide the necessary technical assistance for the said project and will handle the survey, census and tagging operation, organizing, titling and preparation of contracts for the beneficiaries.

“The payment of the beneficiaries shall start immediately after completion of the survey and execution of their respective contracts to sell,” Rivera added.

Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan expressed his gratitude to the Guaio family for their willingness to sell their properties at a lower price and for their genuine support to the city’s socialized housing program.

“This would be the best gift to the beneficiaries who have been living in this property for more than 40 years now,” Pamintuan said.

Coinciding with the MOA signing is the awarding of land titles to nine informal settlers. The beneficiaries were from the villages of Capaya, Cuayan, Malabanias, Ninoy Aquino and Pandan.

Pamintuan said this is part of the ongoing processing work to qualified housing beneficiaries being undertaken in the city through its housing arm, the LUPAHO.

The nine identified beneficiaries have completed their payments under the city’s socialized housing program.

“The awarded land titles were among the various parcels of public land intended for homeless families in the city,” Pamintuan added.

He reminded the housing program recipients to continue paying their monthly amortization for securing the ownership of their homelots.

LUPAHO reported that last year, around 1,200 families in Sitio Lambingan and San Anselmo, Barangay Pampang and in Hadrian, Barangay Balibago directly benefited from the city’s land acquisition program.

Angeles City engages youth on protecting the environment

By William L. Beltran


ANGELES CITY, Pampanga, March 11 (PIA) -- To intensify campaign for a sustainable environment, the Angeles City Task Force One Million Trees (ACTF-1MT) and the senior students of Francisco G. Nepomuceno Memorial High School (FGHNMHS) have joined together for the Adoption Program recently.

The early morning environmental crusade began with an advocacy walk joined by the students, faculty members, school administrators and barangay officials of Pandan.

It was spearheaded by Bishop Jose Briones, program head of the ACTF-1MT.

Activities like planting of additional 900 trees, rehabilitation and adoption of the previously-planted trees along the 9,400 sq. m-stretch of Pandan Riverbank, and the distribution of free plant and fruit-bearing seedlings at the City Agriculture Office capped the event.

Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan said the youth play a significant role in preserving the environment and mitigating the effects of climate change.

“I am greatly pleased that you have helped in our One Million Trees program more than I expected,” Pamintuan said.

He commended the students and school officials from FGNMHS for realizing a remarkable commitment of championing the cause of the environment.

“This effort is not only for us or the present generation but most importantly for our children. We are proud to tell the whole world that we, Angelenos, understand the importance of tree planting insofar as our effort to save the earth is concerned,” he added.

Briones reported that approximately more than 100,000 trees were already planted on the areas of Barangays Sapangbato, Margot, Anunas, Pandan, Pulung Maragul and Pulung Cacutud.

This is through the help and support of the different city-based schools, police, civic and non-government organizations, and government workers.

“It is the vision of the mayor to involve the whole citizenry, not only on this particular project, but also to other government works.” Briones said.

The adoption program aims to seek full responsibility on the survival of the plants that were planted by the forerunners of ACTF-1MT.

Maria Celina L. Vega, principal of FGNMHS showed her appreciation to the project by instructing and supervising her students and faculty members along the course of the tree planting and rehabilitation activity. (AC-CIO/WLB-PIA3)






Angeleños celebrate beauty of Kapampangan folk arts and culture

By (WLB/JGB- PIA 3)


ANGELES CITY, Pampanga, March 10 (PIA) -- Angeleños recently celebrated “Leguan: Celebrating the Beauty of Kapampangan Folk Arts and Culture,” an annual arts event held at Kalye Lakandula in this city.

Head of Kalye Lakandula Bong Punzalan said, “the celebration does not merely speaks for beauty alone – the physical appearance, but, the beauty that is in relation with the culture and arts, and values.”

The program consisted of Visual Arts exhibit by Paolo Del Mundo, Raf Pangilinan, and Poy Arcevo; Arts Crafts “Burarul” (Kite) Making Demo by Jing Torno.

Artists’ Night, Jamming with Sheri Lam, Kitin Salas, Dr. Vitt Pantig, and Arch Sala; and Poetry reading spearheaded by Poet Laureate Amado HIgante together with Bing and Bobet Turqueza, Katherine Esguerra, Kyla Olaes and Lucio Sison was also held.

Started in the early 2000s, the event aims to promote Kapampangan local artists in this province.

It is also a way of expressing, sharing thoughts and experiences among the artists and people who attended the event.

Kalye Lakandula Art Gallery serves as Pampanga's melting pot of everything creative – be it visual, performance, audio, and film. It is also considered as the home to local artists of Pampanga.

PAF gets 4 new helicopters ordered from Poland

By (PNA)

scs/RBC/mlc


AIR FORCE CITY, Clark, Pampanga, March 9 (PNA) -- Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin formally received four new W-3A Sokol combat utility helicopters the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) ordered from Poland during simple ceremonies here Friday morning.

Gazmin said the delivery of four of the eight helicopters will lift the capability and firepower of the Philippine Air Force (PAF).

The acquisition of the new aircraft is part of the AFP's modernization program which started 17 years ago.

Defense secretary to lead turnover of Air Force’s new choppers in Clarkcy

By Carlo Lorenzo J. Datu


CLARK FREEPORT, March 8 (PIA) -- Defense secretary Voltaire Gazmin will grace on Friday the blessing and turnover of the first four of the total eight brand new multi-purpose Sokol combat utility helicopters of the Philippine Air Force (PAF) in Clark, Pampanga.

PAF Public Information Office chief Lt. Col. Miguel Ernesto Okol said, “The choppers are part of the P2.8-billion acquisition contract between the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and Polish manufacturer PZL Swidnik Co. that is in line with AFP’s Modernization Program.”

Okol added that the Sokol helicopters are expected to boost the search and rescue, medical evacuation and combat utility missions of the PAF as these six-ton class twin-engine air transport are proven to be reliable at all weather conditions.

Also, these European Aviation Safety Agency and Federal Aviation Administration-certified choppers have high flexibility and significant internal and external cargo capacity which allows it to be capable of performing a wide range of operations.

Dubbed as “Back to Basics,” the first phase of AFP’s Modernization Program focuses on improving the ability to conduct Internal Security Operations.

Under this phase, the target acquisitions for PAF include 18 basic trainer aircrafts, eight combat utility helicopters, seven attack helicopters, one C-130 aircraft and one long-range patrol aircraft.

More advanced aircrafts are expected in Phases 2 and 3 where PAF-related components are grouped into what it calls “Horizon Programs” with Horizon 2 expected to commence within the 2012 to 2016 time frame.

In Horizon 2, PAF expects the delivery of territorial defense assets such as surface attack aircraft, lead-in fighter trainers, air defense radar, a special mission aircraft and additional long range patrol aircrafts among others which will greatly boost the country’s defense stance against external threats. (WLB/CLJD-PIA3)

Angeles City celebrates Women's Month - Philippine Information Agency

By cebusandman.typepad.com


ANGELES CITY, Pampanga, March 7 (PIA) -- Angeles City joins the nation in the celebration of Women’s Month this March with activities anchored on the theme “Women Weathering Climate Change: Governance and Accountability, Everyone’s Responsibility.”

According to the City Information Office, activities started last Saturday with a river clean-up drive participated in by lady-volunteers.

Tomorrow, a Mass Aerobic Exercise and City Clean Up Advocacy Drive will be held at the Nepo Quadrangle to be followed by the launching of the livelihood program and city’s search for the Most Gender Sensitive Barangay by the local Gender and Development Council (GAD) who is spearheading the celebration.

On the 10th, a fun run dubbed “Purple Run” will take place which raises the awareness of the Angeleños on gender sensitivity.

While, on the 24th, the “Parangal Para sa Kababaihan,” coinciding the launching of the GAD code will be held at Hotel Stotsenberg, Clark Freeport Zone.

For the whole month, beauty treatments, seminars and orientations, parent leader trainings and free tubal ligation and pap smear operations will also take place.

The month of March is celebrated annually as National Women’s Month per Proclamation No. 224 signed on March 17, 1988, in recognition of the critical role of women in economic, cultural, political, and social role in every sphere of the nation’s life. (CLJD/JGB-PIA3)tentions” with his P1-billion loan from the Land Bank of the Philippines. “We are worried that the money acquired by Luciano could be used to pursue Transportation Secretary Mar Roxas’s 2016 presidential ambitions,” he said.

CLARK AIR BASE

Covering 2,500 hectares, the Clark Aviation Complex used to be the central facility in the Clark Air Base of the United States Air Force until 1991 when the Senate ordered all US military bases in the Philippines closed and American troops pulled out.

Clark Air Base was named in honor of Major Harold Clark of the US Army Signal Corps who died in a plane crash in Panama Canal in 1919.

In honor of this aviation pioneer, the American government changed the name of Fort Stotsenberg into Clark.

“Napalayas na natin ang mga Kano, kaya walang dahilan na panatilihin pa natin ang pangalang Clark hindi lamang sa airport, kundi sa buong lugar na ngayon ay ginawa na nating isang malayang kalakalan o Freeport zone,” the group stressed.

At the same time, the multi-sectoral group said they will also conduct protest rallies and mass actions to prevent Luciano from implementing the CIAC board resolution renaming DMIA to CIA.

The CIAC board during its 10th special meeting on October 14, 2011 approved the resolution restoring the name of CIA.

The resolution states that it will restore the name “Clark International Airport” to refer to the Clark Civil Aviation Complex within the Clark Freeport Zone to enhance its international acceptance and to preserve its historical significance.

CIAC clarified, however, that it did not drop Macapagal’s name in the airport, noting that the Terminal 1 will be named as Diosdado Macapagal Terminal (DMT) to recognize the legacy of former President Diosdado P. Macapagal as the first Kapampangan to become the President of the Republic of the Philippines.

Clark International Airport was renamed to DMIA in July 2001 through a board resolution signed by Luciano in honor of the late President Macapagal.

Groups ask PNoy to oust Clark airport exec

By Punto Central Luzon


ANGELES CITY, Philippines – Various multi-sectoral organizations here have asked President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III to replace Victor Jose Luciano as president and chief executive officer of the Clark International Airport Corporation (CIAC).

This amid a resolution signed by the CIAC board to rename the Diosdado Macapagal International Airport (DMIA) to Clark International Airport which reaped criticisms and protests from Pampanga mayors and other stakeholders in Central Luzon.

The Angeles City Multi-Sectoral Consultative Council issued a manifesto denouncing the move to rename the airport and instead asked PNoy to remove Luciano from his post as CIAC head.

According to the group, Luciano is being insensitive to what the Kapampangans and the Filipinos in general would feel (on the issue of renaming DMIA to CIA), who respect and hold high regards to the legacy of the late President Diosdado Pangan Macapagal.

In their manifesto, the group appealed to PNoy not to be swayed by the proposals of Luciano.

“Rather than changing the name of the airport, the president should definitely consider replacing Luciano himself,” the group said.

“Para sa amin, walang malinaw na basehan ang panukala ni Luciano, kundi ang lantarang pagsisipsip sa kasalukuyang administrasyon,” said Bhot Mangulabnan, a spokesperson of the group.

He also said: “Ang panukalang ibalik sa Clark International Airport ang pangalan ng DMIA ay produkto ng sagad-sagarang kaisipang kolonyal.”

The group adds that Clark Air Base is a former military installation of the United States, which became a symbol of incursion and American supremacy here in the Philippines and in Asia.

Earlier, the Pinoy Gumising Ka Movement also called for the ouster of Luciano.

PGKM chair Ruperto Cruz said that it is wary of Luciano’s “real intentions” with his P1-billion loan from the Land Bank of the Philippines. “We are worried that the money acquired by Luciano could be used to pursue Transportation Secretary Mar Roxas’s 2016 presidential ambitions,” he said.

CLARK AIR BASE

Covering 2,500 hectares, the Clark Aviation Complex used to be the central facility in the Clark Air Base of the United States Air Force until 1991 when the Senate ordered all US military bases in the Philippines closed and American troops pulled out.

Clark Air Base was named in honor of Major Harold Clark of the US Army Signal Corps who died in a plane crash in Panama Canal in 1919.

In honor of this aviation pioneer, the American government changed the name of Fort Stotsenberg into Clark.

“Napalayas na natin ang mga Kano, kaya walang dahilan na panatilihin pa natin ang pangalang Clark hindi lamang sa airport, kundi sa buong lugar na ngayon ay ginawa na nating isang malayang kalakalan o Freeport zone,” the group stressed.

At the same time, the multi-sectoral group said they will also conduct protest rallies and mass actions to prevent Luciano from implementing the CIAC board resolution renaming DMIA to CIA.

The CIAC board during its 10th special meeting on October 14, 2011 approved the resolution restoring the name of CIA.

The resolution states that it will restore the name “Clark International Airport” to refer to the Clark Civil Aviation Complex within the Clark Freeport Zone to enhance its international acceptance and to preserve its historical significance.

CIAC clarified, however, that it did not drop Macapagal’s name in the airport, noting that the Terminal 1 will be named as Diosdado Macapagal Terminal (DMT) to recognize the legacy of former President Diosdado P. Macapagal as the first Kapampangan to become the President of the Republic of the Philippines.

Clark International Airport was renamed to DMIA in July 2001 through a board resolution signed by Luciano in honor of the late President Macapagal.






Central Luzon, 132% rice sufficient in 2011

By Carlo Lorenzo J. Datu


CLARK FREEPORT, March 5 (PIA) -- Central Luzon has obtained a 132-percent rice sufficiency level last year despite being havocked by twin strong typhoons Pedring and Quiel.

In an interview during the recently concluded North Luzon consultation for the 2011 to 2017 Agriculture and Fisheries Modernization Plan (AFMP), Department of Agriculture (DA) Regional Executive Director Andrew Villacorta noted that the rice sector was able to recover from its 500,000-metric ton loss from the said weather disturbances and even recorded a surplus of 721,528.56 metric tons.

Villacorta attributed the immediate recovery through the convergence of climate change adaptation measures of national government agencies and local government units in the region.

Mainstreaming climate change concerns is among the guiding principles behind the creation of the soon to be implemented new AFMP.

DA Assistant Secretary for Policy and Planning Romeo Recide explained “the new AFMP was formulated in compliance with Section 13 of the Agriculture and Fisheries Modernization Act of 1997 and to operationalize Chapter 4 of the Philippine Development Plan 2011 to 2016.”

The plan specifically seeks to raise rural incomes, ensure food security and enhance global competitiveness and increase sustainability and resilience through the construction and rehabilitation of irrigations and farm-to-market roads, provision of equipment and establishment of facilities for production, post-harvest and processing, conduct of researches and trainings and intensification of DA’s regulatory powers.

Recide added, “Each DA regional field unit drafted its own plan which is presented to stakeholders via a public consultation.” Friday’s public consultation in Clark consisted of the plans of Regions 1, 2, 3 and Cordillera.

The outputs of the regional consultations will be integrated into the national plan which will be finalized by the DA executive committee next month. (WLB/CLJD-PIA3)





Angeles City forms inter-fraternity and sorority union

By Joelyn G. Baluyut


ANGELES CITY, Pampanga, March 4 (PIA) -- Despite the public’s stereotypical views and issues dragging frat brotherhood into much controversy, the city-based factions here have recently formed an Inter-fraternity and Sorority Alliance for People Empowerment (ISAPE) through the city government.

The group was formed through the assistance and support of Retired Police Inspector Oscar A. Molina, Chairman of the Unified Guardians Brotherhood International Incorporated (UGBII).

Leaders and representatives of the different participating frat alliances have drawn and signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan graced and expressed his support in the signing of the memorandum.

“I am truly grateful that the fraternities and sororities of our city express their full support in the local government’s projects instead of involving themselves in acts of vandalism or petty crimes.” Pamintuan.

He added that their commitment during the “Tigtigan Terakan king Dalan” and several environmental campaigns such as the “Lingap king Balen, Malinis a Sapang Balen” clean-up drive is a clear manifestation of their desire to assist the city government in its endeavors.

Joining the mayor are Danilo De Austria Consumido, City Consultant for Political and External Affairs and William P. Aguilar, Executive Director of ACMCC.

The signing of the MoU was held at the Angeles City Library in the presence of the aforementioned city executives, officials and fraternity-sorority members. Signing the pact are Sunday Waje, Chairman of Alpha Beta Epsilon Kapatiran Organization; Syvil Gamas, President of Alpha Gamma Beta Fraternity and Sorority; Charlie Sia of Alpha Kappa Rho; Lewell Santos, OIC of Delta Psi Epsilon Fraternity; Alvin Ocampo, Chairman of Phi Beta Rho Confraternity; Shem Masigla, President of Pi Sigma Fraternity and Sorority; and Emeraldo Nunag of Tau Gamma Phi/Sigma International Fraternity and Sorority.

The organization will dedicate itself in empowering people through active participation in the programs and activities of the local government, initiating change to counter people’s stereotype on brotherhoods and sisterhoods, launching barangay-based inter-fraternity activities, leading their constituents to be of service to every Angeleños, and preventing inter-fraternity wars and conflicts to preserve unity and peace through the formation of an arbitration committee.

Members have attended rigid discussion, peace talks, issue-settlement conferences and seminars conducted by the Angeles City Multi-Sectoral Consultative Council prior to the signing.

ISAPE was formed primarily to stop violence and help promote fraternities as useful means of upholding unity and peace throughout the city. (AC-CIO/WLB/JGB-PIA3)

Angeles City government employees to receive P2000 productivity bonus

By William L. Beltran


ANGELES CITY, March 3 (PIA) -- City government employees in Angeles City started receiving this week at least P2,000 productivity bonus.

Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan has instructed the city’s finance team (budget, accounting, and treasurer) to release available funds that can be used for the productivity bonus.

“With improved revenue collection during the first month of 2012, it is just proper for us to reward or compensate the good work rendered by our city workers,” Pamintuan said.

Pamintuan acknowledged the support of city hall employees in helping him meet the development agenda of his administration.

"I commend you for being resilient and determined in taking your individual part, as we move forward to meet our goals,” Pamintuan said.

City Human Resource Officer Elizabeth Lagman said that among those eligible to receive the bonus are permanent, temporary, contractual, and casual employees, who have been in the service for at least one year as of December 31, 2011 and are being paid from their respective departments’ personnel services budget.

Budget Circular No. 426 of the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) authorizes the granting of one-time payment of productivity incentive benefits to full-time permanent, temporary and casual employees, including contractual employees with appointment in the nature of a regular employment, who have rendered at least one year of service in the government.

“In granting allowances and incentives to local government employees, DBM always subjects the granting of said allowances to the local government units available funds,” Lagman said. (AC-CIO/WLB)

Airline company set to open new routes to and from Clark

By Carlo Lorenzo J. Datu


CLARK FREEPORT, March 2 (PIA) -- An airline company is set to launch four new routes to and from the Clark International Airport starting March 29.

Airphil Express senior vice president for sales and marketing Alfredo Herrera said that the new trips are from Clark to Cebu, Davao, Kalibo and Puerto Princesa.

The Clark to Cebu route will fly twice in the morning on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays while the Clark to Davao route will fly twice in the morning every Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.

Moreover, the Clark to Kalibo route will fly four times a day, twice in the morning and twice in the afternoon every Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays.

The Clark to Puerto Princesa route shall also fly four times every Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.

“With its highly improved road network and increasing flights, Clark is setting out to become a key entry point of foreign tourists to the Philippines as well as a major hub for business,” Herrera said.

Herrera added, “Aside from being part of the company’s growth plans this 2012, one other reason why we have decided to offer flights from Clark is so we may bring our services closer to the people of Pampanga and the nearby areas. It goes hand in hand with our commitment to help spur growth for the country’s economy via the promotion of local tourism in the area.”

Airphil Express currently operates 32 domestic routes across the archipelago and serves the Manila to Singapore and Cebu to Hong Kong international routes.

Earlier this year, the company purchased three 180-seater Airbus A320s to accommodate its new trips. (WLB/CLJD-PIA3)





Clark 207 new projects signed in 2011 to generate 8,200 workers

By (PNA)

LDV/BAC/mec


MANILA — More than 8,200 workers is expected to generate from the more than 200 projects that signed agreements with Clark Development Corporation from January to December 2011. In the accomplishment reports of CDC President Felipe Antonio B. Remollo, the reports said the increase of the employment figure this year should the 207 new lease and sub lease projects commence operations this year. The number is expected to increase once the expansion programs of number of firms in Clark commenced also this year. Remollo said more than P22.9 billion were committed by the 2011 signed projects which he hopes to boost the further development of Clark into one of the most complete investment destinations in Asia. Clark has some 64,055 workers as of 2011, up by six percent from previous year’s 60,612. The number of workers, as per report of the Customer Service Department to Remollo, is the highest level of employment generated at the Freeport since its inception in 1993. The industrial-electronics sector has about 13,864 workers before the end of December 2011, up by 15 percent from the same period in 2010 with 12,040. Followed by the information technology/telecommunication and business process outsourcing sector with 11,773 in end of 2011 compared to the 11,272 up by four percent. While the garments and sewing sector has a total number of 9,346 workers in the end of December last year compared to 9,112 in 2010 or an increase of three percent. The bulk of the increase of employment is expected to generate from some of the biggest committed investments signed last year: Korea’s Hae O Rum Development Corporation has committed P1.5 billion for its tourism-related projects which will include the construction of a hotel, dormitory, business center, specialty restaurant, international school, among others. Also Haitima Clark Corporation which committed more than P1 billion for the establishment of a manufacturing plant for all kinds of valves, flanges, pipes, fittings and accessories to be exported in Asia, Europe and North America. While Spectrum Blue Steel-San Fernando Corporation is committed to invest in Clark about P868.4 million for their project. The expansion programs of Yokohama Tire Phils, Inc., Dongwang Clark Corporation and several huge BPO firms in Clark are also expected to generate number of workers should they start expanding their operations in 2012.

Retrieved from "https://zamboanga.com/z/index.php?title=Angeles_City_News_March_2012&oldid=309136"