Angeles City News May 2018

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

WHY??

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

1st PH-Australia Joint Lions Mission launched

By IAN OCAMPO FLORA

ANGELES CITY -- The Angeles City Clark Balibago Lions Club of Pampanga and the Blacktown Ponds Lions Club of New South Wales, Australia launched the 1st Philippines-Australia Joint Lions Mission recently to highlight the annual celebration of Philippines—Australia Friendship Day throughout the nation.

Last May 12, the two Lions clubs led the activity in Barangay Anunas, Angeles City. It was a full-service mission with 1,200 indigents benefitting from various stations catering to urgent community needs.

Services provided were Medical (doctor checkups), Dental (tooth extractions), Optical (reading glasses distribution), mass Circumcision, Osteoporosis bone density screening, and Pharmacy (prescription and maintenance medicine dispensary).

School supplies, children’s clothes, and adult slippers were likewise distributed on—site; hearty snacks were also given out during the activity.

“This undertaking is a milestone in Philippines—Australia relations. We are working together across borders for a common goal — to serve our underprivileged and less-fortunate,” said Sol Flores Jr., President of the co—lead Angeles City Clark Balibago LC.

Lions from Australia and the Philippines convened in the Anunas Covered Court to render the service activity, with renowned singer of APO Hiking Society Jim Paredes among them.

“Our Lions club is overjoyed to help deliver this first project here in Angeles City and already look forward to future joint missions with our counterpart,” said Rissa McInnes, head of the delegation from the co—lead Blacktown Ponds LC.

Volunteers for the project came from various government partners, foremost the Department of Health, City Government of Angeles, Sangguniang Barangay of Anunas, and PAGCOR Casino Filipino Angeles. The affair was likewise made more fruitful with the help of partner organizations such as SOUL Group, Inc., Soroptimist International of Angeles City, and the Angeles City Medical Society.

The PHL-AUS Joint Lions Mission is a club-to-club initiative of the Blacktown Ponds Lions Club, Inc. and the Angeles City Clark Balibago Lions Club to jointly render high-impact community projects annually.

Clark to host 23 countries in quake drill

By Ding Cervantes

CLARK FREEPORT -- The Philippines is set to host this year’s International Search and Rescue Advisory Group (INSARAG) Asia-Pacifi c Regional Earthquake Response Exercise (AP-ERE) to be participated in by at least 23 countries on June 25 to 29, the Offi ce for Civil Defense (OCD) has announced.

The OCD said the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) would be the main agency to host the INSARAG, a global network under the United Nations umbrella dealing with Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) related issues.

For many years, INSARAG has held exercises in countries around the world seeking to strengthen a country’s response capacity to a major earthquake disaster and to enhance its ability to work with international partners and agencies during the initial humanitarian phase of any emergency, the OCD said.

“The Philippines, through the National Council, takes pride in hosting this year’s INSARAG. This is an opportune time for us to showcase our capacities in the international scene, with the hope to further enhance international relations through disaster management and humanitarian assistance,” said NDRRMC executive director and OCD administrator Ricardo Jalad in a statement.

The OCD said “Earthquake Response Exercise or ERE is endorsed by the INSARAG Steering Group primarily as a means to increase awareness of INSARAG disaster response methodologies amongst national and local authorities in the host country and to provide a platform for the strengthening of national response capacities.”

It said the five-day event shall include a three-day Exercise Preparation Phase followed by a two-day Simulation Exercise Phase. Preparatory activities are ongoing, facilitated by the local and international exercise controllers, and the host country through the established steering committee led by exercise director Rodrigo Diapana of the OCD.”

At least 23 countries worldwide, representing various sectors from the government, non-government and international organizations, are expected to participate in the forthcoming exercise, the OCD said.

‘Twisted recipes’ of Angeles City’s sisig

(PN)

COOKS and food lovers from 19 barangays in Angeles City took the challenge of creating new, innovative, tasty sisig recipes with a twist in time for Sisig Fiesta 2018 held recently at Angeles City. Organized by Fresh Options Meatshop, Sisig Fiesta 2018 showcased the top six sisig dishes that were chosen from the 19 recipes in a pre-fiesta showdown.

Three recipes, out of the six, were chosen top winners. Third place went to Barangay Virgen Delos Remedios for Arellenong Pork Sisig. Second place went to Barangay Pulung Maragul for Sisig Pockets. And grand prize went to Barangay Sta. Teresita for its Pork Sisig Roll in Tanglad/Pineapple Sauce. The top three winners were awarded cash prizes and meat products from Fresh Options.

The Sisig Fiesta was started in 2017. Now on its second year, it is envisioned to be an annual event to be held in the Crossing area in Angeles City every April. Robert H. Lo, President and CEO of RDF Feed, Livestock & Foods Inc. and Fresh Options Meatshop said that Sisig Fiesta aims to promote what New York Times called ‘the greatest pork dish on earth’ and honor the city from where it all began, Angeles City. Dr. Lo is passionate about preserving this “non-tangible heritage of the Angeleños especially for the younger generations.” His own meatshop, Fresh Options, also started in Angeles City where he opened his first store in 2005.

Sisig or Sisig Babi is a Filipino dish made from parts of a pig’s head (usually the ears and the cheeks) seasoned with a sour dressing and spices. The word “sisig” can be traced back to 1732 when Spanish friar Diego Bergamo included the word to his Vocabulario de la Lengua Pampanga and defined the word as a sour salad or snack. It actually started as a dish for expectant mothers in many Kapampangan homes. But it became popular as a dish in the late 60s when it was served as “pulutan” for beer in a sizzling plate in drinking places around the railroad crossing area. And the Sizzling Sisig as an appetizer and dish spread far and wide all over the country with some other regions now having their own version of the dish.

Thanks to Ordinance Number 405, approved by the 17th Sangguniang Panlungsod, sisig babi is now declared an intangible, cultural heritage of Angeles City.

Sisig Fiesta 2018 had celebrity chefs demonstrating their culinary skills, songs and dance numbers and all kinds of food stalls serving sisig and a variety of delicious dishes Kapampangans are known for. A night market also added color to the event.

Aeta service awardee recognizes CDC’s support to IP

(CDC CommDep)

CLARK FREEPORT— Clark Development Corporation (CDC) has always been a company whose mandate is to help not only in developing this Freeport into a world class investment destination but also in generating employment for the communities surrounding it, including the indigenous people.

Over the years, the company has been providing job opportunities for Filipinos in order to have a chance for a better life or grow out from poverty.

One of the mandates of the state-owned firm is to extend this assistance to the up landers living within the boundaries of Clark — the Aeta community. Now on its 25th year, the corporation gives recognition to one of its very first employees, an Aeta, who has witnessed the development of the Freeport and CDC over the years, and his very own development as well.

Cresencio Laxamana, known to his co-employees here as “Vigor,” has been serving CDC for 25 years now — from the humble beginnings until the widely successful development. He was the 20th employee of CDC when it was established in 1993.

During the recent 25th anniversary celebration, he was one of the service awardees recognized by the stateowned firm as among the pioneer employees of CDC.

Laxamana said that through CDC, he was able to provide decent life to his family, and even send to education to his children.

During his tenure, Vigor never felt discriminated because of his ethnicity and for lack of education but instead he was given a chance through training.

Thus, he reciprocated it with dedication and hard work making him reach a quarter of century working for the state-owned firm.

“CDC has extended so much help to the Aeta. It has given a lot to them and it never got tired of helping them.” said Laxamana.

He also thanked CDC for allowing Aetas to sell their crops in the designated areas in the Freeport to be able to have decent income for their families living in various Aeta communities adjacent to the Freeport.

Vigor is a proof that CDC gives high regard to the importance of helping the Filipino people, no matter what race or ethnicity, for as long as there is willingness and dedication to advance.

Capitol opens ‘Love Pampanga’ kiosk at Clark Airport

By Leah Isidro De Fiesta

CLARK FREEPORT ZONE – The provincial government opened the first ever ‘Love Pampanga Kiosk’, a pasalubong center at Clark International Airport selling and promoting high-quality Kapampangan products of at least 16 micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) on Thursday.

The Love Pampanga Kiosk, a brain-child of Governor Lilia ‘Nanay’ Pineda was realized through the support of Clark International Airport Corporation (CIAC) President Alex Cauguiran, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Pampanga Public Employment Service Office(PESO) Arts Culture and Tourism Office of Pampanga (ACTOP) , members of Sweet and Delicacies Association of Pampanga (SNDAP) and Pampangueno Small Enterprises (PSE) from all over the province.

DTI Provincial Director Elenita Ordonio said the passengers of the airport are now starting to patronize the MSMEs’ Pampanga products and commodities of their own towns and cities.

“These MSMEs represent the best commodity that their town and city can offer,” Ordonio said.

Ordonio said this was just a dream but now it has become a reality. She thanked the Governor and CIAC for making the establishment of a kiosk inside the airport possible, thus helping to boost the tourism development of the province. She also mentioned that in order to achieve the goal of showcasing the best of Pampanga brands, MSMEs must take advantage of the opportunity given by the Governor and CIAC.

“Sana po ay atin itong pangalagaan, mag-tulungan lang po tayo,” she said.

Meanwhile, 2nd District Board Member Anthony Joseph Torres said the kiosk showcases good and delicious food from Pampanga, and the ingenuity of Kapampangans to provide quality products.

Being the Culinary Capital of the Philippines, it can be assured that the products are made with “Pusong Kapampangan,” he added.

CIAC President Cauguiran, for his part, vowed to support the project, saying that these products deserve to be promoted “not just domestically but also internationally”.

“Kapag meron ng slot sa itaas, I assure you it is all yours. Kilala kasi tayo sa mga kakaiba at iba’t-ibang klase ng pagkain at kakanin kaya marapat lamang na mabigyan ng karampatang lugar o ‘special area’ para ma-promote sa mga passengers na pumupunta sa ibang lugar at bansa,” he said.

Madelyn Luna, a tourist from Davao City, said she was impressed about the idea, saying she can now share to her family how good Pampanga products are by taking home pasalubongs she bought from the Love Pampanga Kiosk, such as chicharron and sweet and delicacies.

The Memorandum of Agreement was signed by Torres, on behalf of the Governor, and Cauguiran.

Also present during the event were 2nd District Anthony Joseph Torres 1st District Board Member Cherry Manalo, 4th District Board Member Pol Balingit, department heads of Pampanga, and Small and Medium Enterprise Development Council (SMEDC) President Teri David Carlos, among others.

Newest commercial district to boost Pampanga’s business and tourism

(Press release)

TOUTED AS the first and largest central business district at the heart of Central Luzon; Pampanga homegrown developer AC Beautiful Island Realty Development Corporation (ACBI) is unveiling its pilot development.

The newest retail and commercial hub dubbed as The Shoppes at The Infinity is expected to be the nextgo- to leisure destination in the region.

“The Shoppes, a sprawling retail strip with in the upcoming vibrant fully-integrated city will offer 15,600 square meters of palatable delights, local and global boutique brands and service establishments making it not only a shopper’s paradise but a top-ofmind recreation experience,” said Byron John T. Siy, General Manager of ACBI Realty Development Corporation.

“We envision The Shoppes to complement the trade and investment prowess of The Infinity. As business and leisure are industries that now work side by side, we want to make sure that we are offering a complete and one-stop-shop destination at par with central business districts here and abroad,” added Siy.

Inspired by renowned mixed-used developments in the country whose success was driven by its commercial components, The Shoppes is anticipated to fire up the transformation of the area.

The retail landscape will highlight a relaxed and nature-inspired atmosphere while satisfying the shopping and dining needs of the region.

The recreation zone will start construction as soon as mid of this year and the first phase is projected to be fully operational by the second quarter of 2019.

The shopping mecca will follow a modern contemporary design influence with the help of leading style firm LG+V Architects. ACBI, the real estate arm of JENRA Group of Companies is the power behind The Infinity.

They conceptualized the commerce district not only to open prospects for Pampanga but to serve as a commerce link of the region to the rest of Luzon.

This can be owed to the strategic location of The Infinity at the gateway of Central Luzon and its direct connection to the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) via the Angeles Exit.

The Infinity traverses the cities of Angeles and Mabalacat in Pampanga. Masterplanned by Palafox Associates, The Infinity will be a 40-hectare development that will soon house business, commercial, residential and all other dynamic features that completes a community. Utilities at The Infinity are carefully tucked underground making the road networks functional and aesthetic.

Moreover, sustainable features are also in place as the company follows the green building code. In addition, The Infinity offers freehold ownership and long-term lease investment options.

CDC to focus on recreational facilities to complement airport dev’t

By Ashley Manabat

CLARK FREEPORT— To complement the development of the Clark airport, the Clark Development Corp. (CDC) is now focusing on developing more tourism recreational facilities.

“Opportunities on tourism recreational facilities that will complement the development of the Clark airport will be one of the focus in this freeport,” said the CDC in a statement on Tuesday.

CDC President and CEO Noel F. Manankil said tourism recreational facilities are ideal in terms of the size of lands in the freeport as they are supplemental to the on–going expansion of the airport.

“In terms of the size of lands we have, we have more opportunities for tourism recreational facilities. In the meantime, that is the focus. Also, because these types of industries are supportive of the airport development,” Manankil said.

He said they are encouraging more of the tourism related industries as a preparation for the expansion of the airport.

At present, Clark has more than 2,500 hotel rooms available, more than 200 local and international restaurants, theme parks, casinos and golf courses aside from the on-going construction of name-brand hotels.

Widus International Leisure, Inc. President-CEO Daesik Han had just announced recently that Marriot Hotel is set to open in September this year and the infusion of additional P5 billion investments for the expansion of Widus Hotel and Casino, construction of theme park, and convention center to be completed in the next six years.

Marriot Hotel is located inside the Widus complex.

Filinvest Mimosa is also upgrading its facilities as they are preparing for the construction of new hotels, lifestyle malls and theme park among others in the next five to 15 years.

“We are encouraging more tourism- airport driven industries because the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) is building a new terminal and I think we are the only freeport zone that has a terminal,” Manankil said.

With the increasing number of tourist going through Clark, Manankil said these industries will be ideal in the freeport. He also cited the advantage of the airport in the creation of more international and local flights.

Currently, there are 158 international flights and 284 domestic flights per week or a total of 442 flights per week or an average of 63 per day with an 11 airlines operating the flights at the Clark airport.

“We have a lot of tourists that come through Clark. The good thing about the airport and I think the airport guys will tell you, we have a lot of local flights now. It provides connectivity for tourists, they fly to Clark and they take their connecting flights and go to their destinations in different tourist spots in the Philippines, because of the entry of the local couriers to Bohol, Davao, Cebu, Boracay, Palawan, Batanes, among others. It also provided the needed connectivity for international tourists. With this set-up, there is no need for them to go to Manila,” he said.

Manankil also said improvements in terms of the facilities and surroundings of Clark are also underway in support of the development of the freeport and the promotion of local culture and arts.

“We’re doing a lot of beautification which includes landscaping. We are also creating a lot of activity that centers and focuses on culture and arts, because this region is very rich in terms of culture and food,” Manankil said.

He added that the growth of Clark will make it more holistic which will offer an inclusive development for its surrounding communities while incorporating culture, arts, food and local products.

VXI opens newest $3-million BPO office

By Roderick Abad

ANGELES, Pampanga—Business-process outsourcing (BPO) company VXI Global Solutions Inc. has officially opened its $3-million new facility in Clark Freeport Zone, offering over 2,000 job opportunities mostly for the local labor market.

VXI Global Holdings B.V. Philippines EVP and Country Manager Jared Morrison said this site represents the continuation of their strategy and investment in the country and its people.

“We see this area of Luzon, in particular, as a continuing growth area of the Philippines, and the talent pool has been and continues to be extremely rich. We expect to find a great talent [supply] and provide a lot of good jobs here,” he said during the ceremonial inauguration rites held here recently at the SM Clark Parking Grounds.

Occupying two stories of the adjacent SM office tower, this ninth facility of VXI has more than 2,000 seats, making it the biggest location so far in terms of work space.

Currently, it is manned by around 185 newly hired employees doing voice and nonvoice services to North American clients, mainly from the United States.

With continuous recruitment, the company is expecting to hire at least 200 more over the next two to three months. The headcount is projected to reach more than 1,000 by the end of this year, and at a full manpower capacity thereafter.

“I’m glad that VXI is here. I’m glad that VXI has not just provided jobs for many of our countrymen, but has been a very good employer to most of them,” said Vice President Maria Leonor G. Robredo, who graced the opening event.

Though Clark is a new market—the latest addition to its eight locations situated in Metro Manila and Davao—the BPO firm will not change the strategy that has made it successful in the industry.

For Morrison, his focus will remain centered on their philosophy of a “real passion for people.” His leadership will continue to inspire the team to work on driving employee engagement and creating a strong cultural image resulting in the organization’s significant growth in terms of profitability and keeping and attracting talents.

“We’re doing very well,” he told the BusinessMirror when pressed on the current status of their business. “We’re growing in almost all of our locations.”

Financially, VXI posted a revenue growth of 26 percent from 2016 to 2017, while gross margin increased at 31 percent during the two periods in review.

Performance in key client measures/service delivery commitments improved from 53 percent in 2014 to 73 percent last year, representing a 20-percent hike in three years.

Likewise, Employee Satisfaction survey’s overall score rose by 19 percent, from 66 percent in 2014 to 85 percent in 2017. KPI standing also increased by 20 percent last year.

Attendance of its people expanded from 92 percent to 95 percent, as retention significantly surged by 15 percent.

Voluntary attrition or resignation rate dropped by 15 percent, from 31 percent to 16 percent.

Absenteeism level declined by three points, from 7.8 percent to 4.6 percent. VXI also more than doubled its population with an increase in headcount from 6,500 in 2014 to around 14,000 at present, thus, making the Philippines a very critical territory for its global operations that accounts for half of its 28,000 employees worldwide.

“[In the future,] we’re expecting to continue to grow and have a great success,” Morrison said of their business expectations. “Our goal is to really grow by 20 percent per year for the next three to four years.”

2 more Clark art exhibits set

By Ashley Manabat

CLARK FREEPORT – Two more art exhibits are now in the works after the success of the ongoing “Salangian Art Exhibit” at the Clark Museum here.

“Salangian,” a Kapampangan word which means to light or to ignite in English, is now ongoing and will be capped with a big impromptu art exhibition on the closing ceremony on June 30.

Bennylee Bondoc, event organizer for Salangian, said during the media forum “Balitaan” organized by the Capampangan in Media, Inc. in cooperation with the Clark Development Corp. at the Bale Balita here last Friday, the first of the two succeeding art exhibits will open in October while the next will be in December.

Bondoc said the December exhibit will be launched as the Pampanga Arts Festival.

“Our goal is to uplift all the artists in Pampanga and unite them to make Pampanga as the art capital of the north,” she said.

Bondoc also said the impromptu art exhibition at the gazebo of the Clark Museum set on June 30 will feature on-the-spot painting and sculpture and even live models. It is also open to the public.

Last April 26, three leading groups of artists in Pampanga converged at the Clark Museum for the opening of “Salangian,” the biggest art exhibit in the province as part of the 25th anniversary celebration of the CDC.

The three artists’ groups are the Culture and Arts Council of Angeles City headed by Wing Pingol as executive director, Gamat Kapampangan founded by Dr. Vittorio Pantig, and the Progressive Art Movement Philippines (PAMP) with president Ronnie Tayag.

Bondoc said PAMP is not only for visual arts but also has music headed by noted instrumentalist Conrado “Titus” Del Rosario III, an awardee of the Most Outstanding Kapampangan Award (MOKA) and director of the Sunlag Ensemble.

Meanwhile, Dr. Pantig, a prominent surgeon, is also fast emerging as a distinguished sculptor. During the forum, the medical practitioner said his being a surgeon is a big factor in his being a sculptor and as an artist.

Pantig said his skill as a surgeon comes in handy with his deft as a sculptor.

“The only difference is that in surgery there is no room for mistake while in sculpting, mistakes can always be corrected,” he said.

Bondoc said the youngest artist in the exhibit is 17 years old and the oldest is 75 in the person of another MOKA awardee, Leonardo Tulabut.

Noemi Julian, manager of the CDC Tourism and Promotions Division, said around 75 Kapampangan artists joined the event while more than 100 of their artworks were exhibited at the Gallery 2 of the Clark Museum. Andy Alviz, one of the featured artists and lead organizer, has said the activity served as a platform to celebrate the creativity and artistry of Kapampangan painters, sculptors and other artists.

He also cited the suitability of Clark as the location for the event.

Alviz recalled that last year, various Kapampangan artworks and craftsmanship were featured during the 31st Association of South East Asian Nations Summit.

They were showcased at the ASEAN Villas, Clark International Airport Corp. VIP lounge and ASEAN Convention Center.

Meanwhile, among the artworks currently on display at the Clark Museum are the artworks of famous Kapampangan sculptor Willy Layug, the paintings of Rafael Maniago and the Pidayit of Philip Torres.

Central Luzon Tourism Exchange with Eastern Visayas

(Press release)

THE CENTRAL LUZON Tourism Exchange is a program pioneered by the Department of Tourism Region 3 aimed to boost the tourist arrivals in region by connecting the business sectors of Central Luzon to other regions that are connected thru the Clark International Airport.

Now on its 9th leg, the Central Luzon Tourism Exchange with Eastern Visayas was held on April 22-25, 2018 after the successful outbound tourism exchange with them on March 16-19, 2018. The inbound tourism exchange is a continuation of marketing and promoting the different destinations in the country and this time, it featured Clark, Angeles City, and Bataan. Together with the partner airline, Air Asia, the project was successfully implemented.

The participants stayed at some of the best hotels in Clark such as Quest Hotel and Conference Center Clark, Midori Hotel and Casino, Royce Hotel and Casino, and The Oriental in Mariveles, Bataan. Their familiarization tours included Puning Hot Spring, Angeles City Heritage District, Mt. Samat National Park, Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar, Aqua Planet, and Clark Dinosaur Island. The participants indulged themselves in exploring the diverse food offerings of the culinary capital of the Philippines, Pampanga, like sisig, tibok-tibok, and halo-halo among many others. The guests from Eastern Visayas provided nothing but positive feedbacks about their experience in Central Luzon.

B2B Session

The highlight of the tourism exchange is the business-to-business (b2b) session between the tourism stakeholders of Central Luzon and Eastern Visayas. There were 15 participants from Eastern Visayas who met with around 65 companies from Central Luzon composing of accredited travel agencies, tour operators, hotels, and resorts with the aim of building greater connections in making tourism a business.

Central Luzon is very promising as it is one of the leading regions in the country. In terms of tourism, it is once tagged to as Central Luzon - from A to Z, from the eastern coast of Aurora to Bataan, Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, Pampanga, Tarlac, up to the western part of Zambales.

Probe use of poor steel in high rise buildings

By Ding Cervantes

CLARK FREEPORT -- Former senator Nikki Coseteng has asked both Houses of Congress to look into reports that contractors, without being aware of it, have used inferior reinforced steel bars (rebars) supplied to them by local manufacturers to build highrise buildings in Metro Manila which is under threat from a major earthquake.

“I am building another school and my daughter lives on the 26th floor of a high-rise building. I also want to know if people are safe in such buildings,” Coseteng said at the News@Hues press forum at the Park Inn by Radisson Clark here Tuesday.

Coseteng is now the president and chief executive officer of the Diliman Educational Corp. Coseteng was with structural engineer Emilio Morales who, in 2010, first raised the issue of local steel manufacturers replacing micro- alloyed (MA) steel rebars with cheaper quench-tempered (QT) rebars which, he insisted, was not advisable for use in high-rise buildings, especially in earthquake- threatened Metro Manila.

She noted reports that MA rebars disappeared from local market and replaced with inferior QT rebars since about 10 years ago.

It is possible that the highrise buildings which mushroomed in Metro Manila over this period could have used inferior steel, she noted.

Morales debunked claims of steel manufacturers that QT rebars were safe for high-rise buildings, saying “herein is where the danger lies, because QT rebars behave quite differently under cyclic loading and also are very much affected by heating, welding, bending, galvanizing and threading procedures employed in their use, particularly in high-rise buildings under Seismic Zone 4.”

His study on the issue, first submitted to his professional peers in 2010, was titled “A Clear and Present Danger- The Use of QT rebars in Seismic Zone 4.”

Earlier, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) announced that Metro Manila is ripe for a major earthquake that could reach 7.2 intensity.

A study it conducted by Phivolcs a few years ago estimated that only two percent of high-rise buildings with 30 to 60 stories could be heavily damaged by a significant earthquake in Metro Manila, as against the estimate of eight to 10 percent of older public- purpose buildings, but Coseteng noted that the study did not consider the use of QT rebars in the high-rise structures.

Morales could not immediately say whether here is any technology to “retrofit” high rise buildings which used QT rebars, but he stressed that apparently, contractors for high-rise projects were not aware the QT rebars were delivered to them by suppliers as they merely identifi ed their needs for Grade 60 rebars.

Because the issue could involve the lives of thousands, especially in case of a major earthquake, Coseteng said she has formally asked the Senate, through Senate President Aquilino Pimentel Jr., as well as the House, through Davao Oriental Rep. Corazon Malanyaon, to look into the issue.

DPWH ready with new PHL Building Act

By Ding Cervantes

CLARK FREEPORT - The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is set to present to Congress its final proposal for a Philippine Building Act to replace the 1977 vintage National Building Code, based on the government’s duty to “safeguard the life, health, property and public welfare consistent with principles of sustainable development” amid disaster risks.

In the News@Hues press forum at Park Inn by Radisson Clark here the other day, Public Works Undersecretary Karen Jimeno said the proposal, soon to be presented for legislative action, was also based on the United Nations framework for disaster risk reduction (DRR) for 2017 to 2030, as fi nalized in Sendai, Japan in March, 2015.

(Jimeno on Wednesday was appointed by President Duterte as undersecretary for disaster resiliency under the Presidential Management Staff , which is under the Office of the President.)

Jimeno noted that the Sendai framework aimed to “substantially reduce global disaster mortality, substantially reduce the number of affected people, reduce direct economic loss in relation to global gross domestic product, substantially reduce disaster damage to critical infrastructure and disruption of basic services.”

Under the proposed Philippine Building Act, details for quality of buildings are detailed, the list of those tasked to ensure the quality and safety of buildings is longer, penalties for law violaters are stiffer.

Jimeno said the proposal’s general provisions cover “classification of buildings; location, siting, and zoning requirements, design requirements; construction requirements; building materials; occupancy, maintenance, and abatement of buildings; administration; permits and inspections; incentives and penalties, and final provisions.”

“The objective of the proposal is also to reduce and manage hazards, exposures, and vulnerabilities, thereby minimizing disaster risk,” Jimeno said.

At present, the law identified accredited persons in building concerns are limited to building contractor and building professional.

Under the proposed law, they would include a building certifier, structure peer reviewer, testing laboratory personnel and, building inspector.

Jimeno also noted that under the proposal, violations would comprise criminal liability that could lead to imprisonment lasting from six months to six years.

The proposal also mandates that building materials be selected “following a set of criteria including but not limited to strength, fire, resistivity, moisture resistance, durability, and sustainability.”

It also covers proposed design requirements on “stability, protection from fire, protection from moisture and surface water, protection from other hazards, safety of users or occupants, access, energy and energy efficiency, Jimeno said.

It also said that “buildings and structures on special sites shall consider special design requirements and risk mitigation measures called for by the specific site conditions.”

Jimeno also said the proposal zeroes in on resilience of buildings by ensuring the integration “disaster risk reduction and management measures in the rules and regulations for planning, designing and reconstructing of buildings and structures.”

‘Tarzan’ roars again in barangay election win

By REYNALDO G. NAVALES

ANGELES CITY -- Veteran politician Carmelo “Tarzan” Lazatin has been voted chairman of Barangay Balibago, an entertainment area of this highly-urbanized city.

Lazatin, a former Pampanga first district congressman and an ex-city mayor here, defeated Tess Mamac, wife of outgoing village chief Rodelio “Tony” Mamac, who emerged as first councilor.

Lazatin, who was supported by an influential religious group, garnered 4,294 votes while Tess Mamac only got 3,787 in the unofficial and partial tally.

Lazatin, who will turn 84 years old this June, earlier vowed to implement health, education, and infrastructure programs if he will be given a chance to serve as chairman of Barangay Balibago.

“One of our programs first of all is health. We should have sufficient [supply] of medicines [for the poor people],” he said in the vernacular.

Lazatin also mentioned the need to institute programs to upgrade all public schools in terms of education quality, physical structures and others.

The local government must provide scholarships to “poor but deserving students,” according to Lazatin.

On infrastructure, the former mayor and congressman stressed that barangay roads and drainage systems need to be rehabilitated.

“Those are the three programs which I think are important,” Lazatin said.

When asked about peace and order and illegal drugs, he pointed out that Balibago should be a crime and drug-free barangay.

Lazatin’s two sons, Carmelo “JonJon” Lazatin, Jr. and Carmelo “Pogi” Lazatin, Jr. also hold elective government positions as Pampanga first district congressman and Angeles City councilor respectively.

5 SK bets disqualified on election day in Central Luzon

By Tonette Orejas (/je, Inquirer Central Luzon)

CAMP OLIVAS, PAMPANGA—Five Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) candidates in Central Luzon have been disqualified from the Monday race for either being under or over the mandated 18 to 24 year old age limit set by law, according to the Commission on Elections’ Second Division.

In an omnibus order, the division also ruled that should they win, their victory would be considered void.

“[The division] hereby suspends the proclamation of the (disqualified) candidates in the event that they obtain the highest number of votes, or suspends the effects of proclamation in the event that their proclamation has been already made,” said the order issued on Monday.

Disqualified were Alvin Naval Sierra who is running as an SK Council member in Barangay (village) San Agustin in Carranglan town, Nueva Ecija province; Rowel Arellano Mendoza, bet for SK chair in Barangay Villa Aurora, Maria Aurora town in Aurora province; Godofredo Castillo de la Pena Jr., who is seeking the SK chair in Barangay Cut-Cot in Pulilan town, Bulacan province; Christian Aaron Tongol Bondo, SK chair bet in Barangay Matatalaib, Tarlac City in Tarlac province; and Joven Villapana de la Cruz, SK chair bet in Barangay Salapungan in Angeles City, Pampanga province.

The division acted on petitions to deny due course or to cancel the certificates of candidacy of these bets.

Clark’s growth surges under Duterte administration

(PR)

CLARK FREEPORT -- Economic performance inside this Freeport has made leaps and bounds in the last two years, posting unprecedented levels in growth rates under the Duterte Administration.

Under the present administration, total net income of Clark Development Corporation (CDC) for the years 2016 to 2017 peaked to P1.81 billion. This represents 38 percent of the accumulated net income of CDC since its incorporation 25 years ago.

CDC’s net profit grew by almost 50 percent under the two-year old Duterte Administration. Net income for the year 2017 is P1.03 billion compared to P697 million in 2015 or before Duterte assumed Presidency.

CDC president Noel Manankil said the outstanding performance of CDC is attributed to the sound investment climate and economic policies of the Duterte administration. He also credited the collective efforts of the members of CDC Board of Directors, management and employees, as well as the Clark locators and the surrounding local government units.

Recently, CDC also contributed to the national coffers when it remitted P700 million in cash dividends for year 2017 to the national treasury. This brings the total to P3.25 billion in actual dividends remitted to the National Government, which is more than what is required by law.

The cash dividends paid by CDC under the Duterte Administration represent 37 percent of the total amount the state-owned firm remitted since 1993. From 1993 to 1996 CDC remitted cash dividends amounting to P2.5 billion.

At the onset of President Duterte’s assumption to office in 2016, the Chief Executive has pushed for the development of Clark Freeport and the Clark International Airport.

In his visit to Clark late last year, President Duterte has underscored the importance of developing Clark Freeport as an alternative destination for industries due to the congestion of Metro Manila.

He said in his speech that “Clark is a very important arterial place, because it is the center of developments in Central and North Luzon.”

At the same time, the Duterte administration is bent on making Clark “the next big metropolis,” implementing vital infrastructure projects that will bolster economic activities in the Central and Northern Luzon regions.

These include the expansion of the Clark International Airport, the construction of railway between Metro Manila and Clark and the cargo rail link between Clark and Subic Freeport under the Build Build Build program.

In the recent economic briefing and roadshow in Clark for the 51st anniversary of Asian Development Bank last month, Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez cited Clark as showcase for growth.

“Clark will soon be the showcase of the Duterte administration’s economic strategy. We expect this area to be the growth driver for Central and Northern Luzon,” Dominguez said.

He added: “Clark was ideally suited to be a center for agro-industrial activities as well as home to cutting-edge technology companies and world-class sports facilities.”

The CDC, the implementing arm of Bases Conversion Development Authority for Clark, also cited the growth on export value inside the Freeport which surged to $6.87 Billion in 2017. This represents a 35-percent upturn from 2016 which stood at $5.08 billion.

While citing the increase of the export volume, there was also growth in the number of locators inside the Freeport. Some 54 additional locators were registered before the end of last year, bringing to 949 the total number of locator-firms in 2017.

This also resulted in the creation of jobs for 108,000 workers as of December 2017. During the heydays of the American troops at the former Clark Air Base, the employment peaked to only about 20,000 workers in over 50-year stay at the military facility.

The industrial and manufacturing industry employ the most number of workers at 48,476 employees. This was followed by ICT industry which has 23,349 number of workers or 22.70 percent from the total number of workers here.

About Clark Freeport Zone and Special Economic Zone

Clark is a former US military base developed into a premiere economic hub after it was left by the Americans due to the devastation brought about by the eruption of Mt. Pinatubo in 1991.

Clark has two major areas which are the Freeport at the main zone and the adjoining special economic zone. The Freeport is a 4,400-hectare land, which is composed of the mixed-used area and the airport complex while the special economic zone has a bigger land area with 27,600 hectares.

At present, it is home to 949 locator companies which employ more than 108,00 workers. Clark Freeport Zone is managed by Clark Development Corporation, a subsidiary of the Bases Conversion and Development Authority.

About Clark Development Corporation

Established in 1993 by virtue of the Proclamation No. 80, Clark Development Corporation was designated as the implementing arm of the Bases Conversion and Development Authority under the Republic Act 7227 also known as Bases Conversion Act. The state-owned firm was tasked to develop the former US military facility into a premiere investment hub.

Through the years, CDC has remained true to its mission of generating productive economic activity which include employment, export and investment in Clark and in the country.

Hotshots upend Batang Pier on Sangalang show

By Nelson Beltran (The Philippine Star)
Games today (Ynares-Antipolo)
4:30 p.m. – Alaska vs TNT KaTropa
6:45 p.m. – San Miguel vs Rain or Shine

ANGELES CITY, Philippines — Pampanga pride Ian Sangalang delivered a fine show before his cabalens in the Petron Blaze road showdown here last night, top scoring with 22 points off the bench as Magnolia topped GlobalPort, 92-87, for its first win in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup.

Vernon Macklin held his own against Malcolm White, Rome dela Rosa helped provide the scoring sock with 14 points while Mark Barroca neutralized Stanley Pringle as the Hotshots redeemed themselves from their heart-rending loss to the Phoenix Fuel Masters in their conference debut.

Sangalang, however, stood out with his timely hits at the finish, capping a solid performance cheered on by his provincemates inside the Angeles University Foundation Gym.

The 6-foot-6 center/forward is from the nearby Lubao town where he’s discovered to play for the Philippine youth team before strutting his stuff with the San Sebastian Stags in the NCAA.

Sangalang made five points in their decisive 9-2 closing salvo in the close game where neither team enjoyed a lead of more than eight.

Held to two points in the last four minutes of the game, the Batang Pier went down to a second loss in four outings.

Barroca struggled with a 2-of-11 clip but made his presence felt with his pesky defense on Pringle whom he limited to 5-of-17 shooting.

With Barroca all over him, Pringle was held down to two charities in the last six minutes.

Magnolia also employed a tough team defense, forcing GlobalPort to 23 turnovers. And the Hotshots beat the Batang Pier, 21-13, on points off turnovers.

The scores:
MAGNOLIA 92 – Sangalang 22, Macklin 19, Dela Rosa 14, Ramos 9, Lee 8, Barroca 7, Simon 6, Jalalon 5, Pascual 2, Herndon 0, Brondial 0
GLOBALPORT 87 – Anthony 20, White 17, Pringle 14, Tautuaa 12, Javelona 9, Grey 5, Araña 4, Elorde 2, Flores 2, Guinto 2, Teng 0, Gabayni 0, Juico 0
Quarterscores: 20-15, 37-37, 65-62, 92-87

95 mothers, 566 infants die in birthing-related cases in CL

By Ding Cervantes

CLARK FREEPORT -- A total of 95 mothers 566 newly born babies in Central Luzon died last year from preventable causes related to giving birth, the Department of Health (DOH) reported here Wednesday.

“In Central Luzon, there were 95 maternal deaths and 566 neo-natal deaths reported in 2017. Women continue to die despite having available knowledge and resources to prevent such deaths,” the regional DOH office reported here yesterday in commemoration of “Safe Motherhood Week.”

The DOH said that “to be able to respond and resolve the problem, health system needs to be fed accurate and timely information on the medical causes as well as non-medical factors that may lead to such deaths.”

The agency noted that “high maternal mortality remains to be one of the concerns that prompted initiatives from various sectors to address its causes. Aimed at undertaking concrete actions to address system’s gaps, therefore avoiding preventable deaths, from occurring.”

The DOH also noted that “safe motherhood program calls for every pregnant woman to have quality, focused antenatal care, and to strengthen pregnancy tracking and surveillance, most especially of high risk pregnancies, Part of quality antenatal care includes creating a birth plan at the first visit and reviewing it during every check-up thereafter.”

Trader: Farmers to benefit from business conference

By REYNALDO G. NAVALES

ANGELES CITY -- The agriculture sector is expected to benefit from the 27th North Luzon Area Business Conference (NLABC) scheduled on May 17 to 19 at the LausGroup Event Centre in the City of San Fernando, said Rene Romero, vice chairman of the Pampanga Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Romero said that the business conference, organized by the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) and hosted by the Pampanga Chamber, will complement the government’s program on food security.

“We will link our farmers with traders so that they can easily sell their products. They will have an access with the market with the help of the businessmen,” Romero said.

He said that this year’s NLABC is themed “North Luzon: This is Our Time!”

“This theme is an affirmation and confirmation of our long-time aspiration of development in our area,” Romero said.

North Luzon is ready for development and its attributes include transport and logistics infrastructures, human resource skills, prime agricultural areas and viable tourism sites in its four regions – Cordillera Administrative Region, Ilocos Region, Cagayan Valley, and Central Luzon, according to the business leader.

Romero said that the national government, under the Duterte administration, has recognized North Luzon as a compelling growth corridor which is expected to complement the development in Metro Manila.

“North Luzon: This is our time” also poses a challenge for the stakeholders to prepare for the unprecedented development in the four regions particularly Central Luzon, he added.

Central Luzon is now being dubbed as the next regional development hub in what Pampanga Chamber started referring to as “Metro Central Luzon” which is adjacent to the National Capital Region.

Resource speakers during the three-day business conference include Public Works Secretary Mark Villar, AirAsia Group Chief executive officer Tony Fernandes, Dr. Bernie Villegas, and others.

DTI to open 24 more Negosyo Centers in Central Luzon

By Melanie B. Ronquillo (CLJD-PIA 3)

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga, May 10 (PIA) -- The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) will be opening 24 more Negosyo Centers in Central Luzon in 2018.

From the figure, six will be located in Nueva Ecija, five in Zambales, four each in Pampanga and Tarlac, three in Bulacan, and one each in Bataan and Aurora.

“As of April 30, eight new centers have already been established in Marilao and Guiguinto in Bulacan, General Tinio and Quezon in Nueva Ecija, Angeles City (Metro Angeles Chamber of Commerce and Industry Office) and Floridablanca in Pampanga, Pura in Tarlac and Subic Bay (Harbor Point) in Zambales,” DTI Regional Director Judith Angeles disclosed.

Negosyo Centers provide micro, small, and medium enterprise (MSME)-related services such as Business Name Registration, Barangay Micro Business Enterprise Registration Assistance, Product Cliniquing, Product Catalogue Production, Business Matching, Loan Assistance, Packaging and Labeling Assistance and Product Development.

They were created by virtue of Republic Act 10644 or the Go Negosyo Act. It aims to establish at least one Negosyo Center in each local government to help spur inclusive growth and countryside development through the development of the MSME sector.

The law also strengthened the partnership of the private sector and government agencies to help support the growth of the MSME sector.

In 2017, they were able to assist a total of 55,669 MSMEs in the region.

Candidate vows to work on community college

By REYNALDO G. NAVALES

ANGELES CITY -- The wife of an outgoing chairman in Barangay Balibago, who is aiming to replace her husband, has vowed to implement several programs including the establishment of a community college for indigent students.

Tess Mamac, wife of last-termer village chief Rodelio Tony Mamac, said that three courses - Education, Criminology, and Computer Science – will initially be offered at the public college.

If given a chance to serve as village chief, Tess Mamac is also planning to construct a Barangay Diagnostic Center where the residents may avail of services like medical examination and blood testing.

To date, the barangay has an annual budget of P33 million.

Mamac’s third priority project is the construction of drainage and widening of barangay roads.

As a woman, Tess said she will also work on livelihood for women and the village’s beautification and cleanliness.

Mamac’s runningmates for councilor include her husband Tony, Maricar Calibo, Arnold Ibay, Abel “Bong” Reyes, Carlito “Mickoy” Marcos, Fernando “Ando” Yambao, and Leonardo, “Nards” Nicdao.

Pampanga bags 5th regional ‘Kalasag’

(JTD)

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO -- The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) of Pampanga once again earned the award in the 20th Regional Gawad Kalasag (KAlamidad at Sakuna LAbanan SAriling Galing ang Kaligtasan).

Capitol’s fifth regional “Kalasag” award comes after the PDRRMC bagged it from 2013 to 2017.

In an announcement over the weekend, the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC) named Pampanga winner in provincial category, along with Angeles City (highly urbanized city category), City of San Fernando (Component City category), Baler in Aurora (first-third class municipality category), and Barangay Pagas in Cabanatuan City (barangay-rural category).

The winners were selected by a committee composed of representatives from OCD, Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), Department of Public Works and Highways, Department of Education, Department of Health (DOH), Philippine Information Agency (PIA), Department of Social Welfare and Development, National Economic and Development Authority (Neda), Commission on Higher Education, and Department of Science and Technology

“Gawad Kalasag recognizes exceptional contributions of disaster risk reduction and management (DRRM) practitioners, groups or institutions in promoting and implementing significant and gender-sensitive DRRM, Climate Change Adaptation programs and innovations that build community resiliency in the long-term,” Office of Civil Defense (OCD) regional director and RDRRMC chairperson Marlou Salazar said.

Last April, the regional Gawad Kalasag validation team visited the Capitol and reviewed the best practices of the PDRRMC headed by Angelina Blanco. The team was composed of Michael Dumlao from Office of Civil Defense III, Glenn Cosio from the DILG, Muffy Gopez from Neda, Estrella Salta from the DOH, and Carlo Lorenzo Datu from PIA.

Vice Governor Dennis Pineda congratulated the PDRRMO for preparing the requirements needed for the award. He also said that it is a fitting reward for the efforts laid by the Provincial Government in preventing and responding to various disasters and situations.

“This is just a bonus if we win the award. We are always ready for any disaster or calamity and we will never get tired of serving people,” he said.

Other awardees include for school victors Alasasin Elementary School in Mariveles, Bataan (public primary category); Camp Tinio National High School in Cabanatuan City (public secondary category); and National Child Development Center of Baler Central School in Aurora (early learning center category).

Gawad Kalasag for hospitals honorees include Dr. Paulino J. Garcia Memorial Research and Medical Center in Cabanatuan City (national government managed category); Mariveles Mental Hospital in Bataan (specialty hospital category); and James Gordon Memorial Hospital in Olongapo City (local government unit managed category).

The San Fernando Fire and Rescue Unit is the recipient of the special recognition for local government emergency management and response team.

2 suspected drug pushers in Angeles City nabbed

By REYNALDO G. NAVALES

ANGELES CITY -- The city police arrested two suspected drug pushers on Saturday in barangays Lourdes Sur and Cutcut.

The suspects were identified as Al Amin Sarif Rahim alias Al Migos, 21, a vendor of Block 9 Lot 14 Dama De Noche Street Citi Center Subdivision in Barangay Pandan; and Rommel Castro Pineda, 18, of Barangay Santa Trinidad.

Senior Inspector Agnes Nolasco, public information officer of the Angeles City Police Office, said that Rahim was arrested in a drug bust conducted by the city police at Plaridel Street in Barangay Lourdes Sur.

Pineda on the other hand was nabbed in a separate drug bust conducted at Sitio Bagumbayan in Barangay Cutcut, according to Nolasco.

The suspects are now facing charges for alleged violation of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act.

Firm cites importance of engineered sanitary landfills

By REYNALDO G. NAVALES

CLARK FREEPORT —- The Metro Clark Waste Management Corp. (MCWM) has underscored the importance of building quality, engineered sanitary landfills in tackling the country’s growing waste problem.

In a media briefing at the Clark Freeport, the operator of Kalangitan Sanitary Landfill, the Philippines’ first engineered sanitary landfill, noted how open and uncontrolled dumping remains prevalent across the archipelago.

“The number of sanitary landfills in the Philippines remains small despite the passage of Republic Act No. 9003, which requires for the closure of open and uncontrolled dumpsites, about 17 years ago,” MCWM president and chief executive officer Rufo B. Colayco said.

Citing data from the National Solid Waste Management Commission, Colayco disclosed that 403 open and 108 uncontrolled dumpsites continued to operate across the country while less than 15% of local government units had access to 118 sanitary landfills in 2016.

“We need more engineered sanitary landfills across the country,” Colayco said. “We have to ensure they conform to the highest standards and actually serve their purposes.”

At the minimum, RA 9003 requires sanitary landfills to have liners; a leachate collection and treatment system; a gas control recovery system; groundwater monitoring well system; covers; closure procedure and post-closure procedure.

The environmental protection features aim to protect the air, soil and groundwater from contamination by leachate and other waste-related emissions.

“We hope to set the bar high for waste management in the Philippines through our world-class engineered sanitary landfill within the Clark Freeport Zone,” Colayco said.

MCWM operates the Clark Integrated Waste Management Facility located within the Clark Freeport Zone. It is the first engineered sanitary landfill in the Philippines and one of the first in Asia to receive ISO certification.

Partly owned by German conglomerates BN Ingenieure GmbH and Heers & Brockstedt Umwelttechnik GmBH, the facility is patterned after the engineered sanitary landfills of Germany, a world leader in waste management.

It has multiple layers of liners, including a 2.5-millimeter high-density polyethylene material that exceeds Philippine standards. It also includes a leachate collection and treatment system; gas recovery system; materials recovery facility; and environmental buffer.

“We can only build as many sanitary landfills,” Colayco noted. “As our population continues to grow and our economy expands further, we need to find more ways to reduce the increasing volume of our waste.”

Colayco cited the experience of Germany and other European countries, where waste are turned into an energy source, among others.

“Let us take advantage of the existing waste management solutions that help us take a significant step forward to our ultimate goal: to preserve our environment for the future generations and ourselves,” Colayco said.

Seniors take bizman into their fold

By Mary Grace Maranan (OJT/ SPCF)

ANGELES CITY – To mark an important milestone in his life, Dr. Irineo “Bong” Alvaro Jr. celebrated his 60thbirthday with senior citizens of Barangay Balibago here on Friday (April 27).

Alvaro, president of BB International Leisure and Resort Development Corp. (BBI), developer of the grand Midori Hotel and Casino as well as Aqua Planet, the biggest water theme park in Asia, turned 60 on April 27.

The Balibago barangay hall was the venue of the celebration with officers and members of the Barangay Senior Citizens’ Association warmly greeting the celebrator by singing him a birthday song and presenting him his senior citizen’s card.

In turn, Alvaro pampered the “young once” with a complete makeover which included manicure, pedicure, haircut, face and body massage, and foot spa.

“I am so thankful that I am now a senior citizen. When I was young, I asked God to allow me to reach the age of 60 and I am so blessed that I am here now celebrating my 60th birthday with you,” he said.

Alvaro said during an interview that he was surprised by the “warm embrace” of the senior citizens of the city’s premier barangay and expressed his gratitude to them.

Aside from a birthday celebration, Alvaro said the party is also a get together with his now fellow senior citizens.

Lina Guarin, president of BASCA, said they did not expect Alvaro to hold his birthday celebration with them as they welcomed him as a new member of their association.

Balibago barangay chairman Tony Mamac also expressed his gratitude to Alvaro for choosing to celebrate his birthday with them in Balibago.

Alvaro is also the president of the Bridges of Benevolence and Initiatives Foundation, Inc. which is known for its multi-faceted services to the communities.

CJ Sereno hits quo warranto petition at IBP CL convention

By Ashley Manabat

CLARK FREEPORT – The Chief Justice of the Supreme Court (SC) on Wednesday lambasted the quo warranto petition fi led against her in a keynote speech at the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) Central Luzon Regional Convention and Mandatory Continuing Legal Education held at the Quest Hotel being held here here May 2-5.

“Ano po ang tawag sa kondisyon na ang citizen walang kalaban- laban sa gobyerno (What do you call a condition where the citizen has no way to fight the government)?” Chief Justice Ma. Lourdes Sereno asked. “Ang tawag po doon dictatorship, hindi po constitutional democracy ang tawag doon (You call that dictatorship, that is not what you call a constitutional democracy),” she said.

“That is what is going to happen if the quo waranto petition is granted,” she lamented. “That is why I have been demanding that the impeachment complaint be forwarded to the Senate because I want to tell a story to the people. Not my personal story but the story of judicial and legal reforms.”

“But it seems they don’t like it that is why they invented a very gloomy weapon in the form of the quo warranto petition,” she said.

“The booming voice of Justice Vicente Mendoza has reverberated that if the quo waranto petition is granted, the judiciary will destroy itself,” said Sereno as she also praised the IBP’s stand to oppose and dismiss the petition.

Sereno said her words are clear. If she gets convicted in the impeachment trial, she will step down.

“Hindi ako magdadalawang salita ukol dito kasi yun po ang proseso ng Constitution (I will not make any conflicting statements on this because that is the Constitutional process,” she said.

Sereno said as long as it is constitutional she will follow. She said she is not afraid to face the charges in the Senate even if they will scrutinize how she runs the SC. But she complained that it is not only how she runs the SC that is being probed but what she had done and failed to do 30 years ago.

“That is why I am saying that this quo warranto petition is deadly not only to the judiciary but to every impeachable official because anytime they can be compromised,” she said.

“The decision of the chairman of the Comelec or the Commission on Audit (COA), two powerful positions that can determine our political future, and the accountability in the public coffers, can also be swayed with just a word from the Solicitor General or from the Office of the President because they will be threatened with a quo warranto petition,” she explained.

“What will happen to the accountability to our people? Will COA still be adamant in their report? Will the Comelec still be fair with its decision? What will happen to our motherland?”

Sereno said the government is indeed a very difficult opponent.

Public officials as well as the more than one million government employees nationwide can be removed any time because they can be subjected to a quo waranto petition.

“So, what will happen if there is no longer a professional bureaucracy and everyone’s security of tenure in the government is unsure? What do you call that?” she asked.

“That’s dictatorship. That’s the destruction of professional government service. That is the destruction of the merit based civil service system,” she said.

Sereno told the lawyers’ convention that their legal profession will no longer be considered a profession but reduced to mere “pro forma appearance” for their clients.

She told the lawyers that they will no longer be needing fairness or due process as well as the rules of court compliance and the law because it will be replaced with, “who knows the Solicitor General?”

What you will need then will be a deft political negotiation with the powers that be, she said.

SSS urges members with delinquent loans to restructure, scrap penalties

By Ding Cervantes

CLARK FREEPORT -- The Social Security System (SSS) is offering another round of loan structuring starting April 2 to members with unpaid obligations, especially those affected by the recent calamities and natural disasters.

At the Talk Widus forum of the Pampanga Press Club held at the Widus Hotel and Casino here, SSS Luzon Central Division head GloriaCorazon Andrada said this second round of loan structuring program that will end on Oct. 1 is a follow through of the first one offered from April 2016 to April 2017. The SSS collected about P6 billion from over 800,000 members in this first round.

Andrada explained that this round of loan restructuring program that condones penalties of borrowers with past-due loans is a response to the widespread clamor of those members who were not able to avail themselves of the [previous] program.

She estimated that some P2.7 billion worth of unpaid loan penalties are to be condoned by the SSS for loan restructuring.

For this year’s loan structuring, the SSS expects to generate P1.2 billion from about 250,000 member-borrowers in the next six months.

Under the program, members could settle their overdue loan principal and interest in full or by installment under a restructured term depending on their capacity, Andrada said.

She said that for both schemes, the SSS will waive all the loan penalties after the member has completed paying the restructured loan, adding that the program covers all member-borrowers who have past due loans like the salary loan, emergency loan, (old) educational loan, study now pay later plan, voc-tech loans, Y2K loans, and investments incentive loan.

Loans that were past due for at least six months as of April 2 are qualified under the program and would be covered by more affordable amortization interest rate of 3 percent.

Penalties will be condoned upon full payment, while also allowing loan renewal after six months.

Andrada stressed, however, that the SSS will only allow a one-time condonation availment, such that members cannot undergo another condonation or restructuring program in the future.

Cops kill suspected drug peddler, nab 15 others in Central Luzon anti-drug operations

(Politiko Central Luzon)

A drug suspect was killed and 15 others were arrested in separate anti-drug operations in Central Luzon Tuesday, May 1, police said Wednesday.

Police Chief Supt. Amador V. Corpus, Police Region 3 chief, said Dominador Balintag, alias Jing, allegedly fired towards the operatives during a buy-bust operation in Cabanatuan City, Nueva Ecija.

This prompted the police to retaliate, resulting to Balintag’s death, he said.

He said six persons were arrested in an anti-drug operation in Malabanias, Angeles City.

Confiscated from their possession were six transparent sachets containing suspected shabu and other durg paraphernalia.

Eight others were also nabbed in Pampanga, two of them were in the act of selling and possession of 14 sachets of suspected shabu and marked money.

In another operation, a drug suspect was also collared in Pilar, Bataan.

The arrested suspects were charged for violating the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002

Five village chiefs charged before Ombudsman; 90 barangay chairmen, 117 ‘kagawad’ on narco list

By Chito Chavez and Czarina Nicole Ong (With reports from Franco G. Regala, Kate B. Javier, and Leslie G. Aquino)

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) on Monday filed administrative cases against five Manila barangay officials before the Office of the Ombudsman over their alleged failure to organize Barangay Anti-Drug Abuse Councils (BADACs).

Facing complaints of misconduct and dereliction of duty pursuant to Section 60 of the Local Government Code are Ruby Perez of Barangay 471, Adorado Palad of Barangay 477, Mirasol Magalong of Barangay 482, Ligaya Santos of Barangay 659-A, and Josefa Mendoza of Barangay 690 — all from the City of Manila.

DILG Undersecretary for Barangay Affairs Martin Diño said this is only the beginning in the filing of administrative cases against erring barangay officials. Reports from the field offices indicate that there are still over 600 barangays with no reports on their BADACs.

Next on the list are 11 barangays from Bicol – 10 from the towns of Aroroy, Masbate (Bagauma, Balawing, Gumahang, Lanang, Macabug, Manamoc, Mariposa, Nabongsoran, San Isidro, and Talabaan); and Barangay Cota na Dado (Poblacion) in Gubat, Sorsogon.

Members of the BADAC are kagawads who chair the barangay committee on women and family, SK chairperson, public school principal, tanod chief or executive officer, representative of a non-government organization, and a representative of a faith-based organization such as from the Ugnayan ng Barangay at mgaSimbahan (UBAS).

The DILG issued a memorandum on December 2, 1998 enjoining all barangays to create local anti-drug abuse councils. On July 26, 2001, the DILG directed all barangay captains to create their own ADACs. The implementation of the BADAC was reiterated anew in DILG Memorandum Circular 2015-63 dated June 16, 2015.

“Drug-related incidents have been constantly present in the Philippines which have been the cause of multiple crime incidents,” the complaint read. “The Philippine Government has been in constant war against illegal drugs. The barangays, as the first line of defense, are mandated to lead the fight against illegal drugs through their programs seeking to reach each and every citizen within their jurisdiction.”

“Clearly, aside from being a ground to discipline, suspend or remove as provided under Section 60 of the Local Government Code, non-compliance to the duties provided…warrants the filing of necessary action,” the complaint added.

Narco list

Also on Monday, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) revealed the names of 90 barangay chairmen and 117 barangay kagawad (councilmen) in the President’s narco list.

The Bicol region has the most number at 70 followed by CAR (34) and ARMM (13).

To ensure the accuracy of the narco-list and to avoid suspicion of whitewash, PDEA Director General Aaron Aquinosaid four agencies–PDEA, PNP, ISAF and NICA–have validated the list.

In Region 3, included in the narco list are a barangay captain from Angeles City, Pampanga; and another one from Camiling, Tarlac.

Also in the list are three barangay officials from Region 1; six each from Regions 4A, Region 4B and Region 12; nine from the National Capital Region (NCR); two from Region 10; and one each from Regions 11 and 13.

“The disclosure of the names of barangay officials involved in the illegal drugs business is first and foremost a direct order from President Duterte,”’ Aquino said in the statement.

In the NCR, included in the list are two barangay chairmen from Malabon, and another one from Caloocan City.

The three were not in their respective offices when Manila Bulletin visited to get their side. The two barangay chairmen in Malabon are reportedly seeking re-election.

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) said those in the narco list are not disqualified from running in next month’s barangay polls. A candidate will only be disqualified if there is already a final conviction by the court, Comelec spokesman James Jimenez said.

“We will start our case build-up on the three named barangay chairmen of the CaMaNaVa area in the narco list so we will be able to file appropriate charges against them,” said NPD director Chief Supt. AmandoClifftonEmpiso.

Validation continues

Another set of 214 barangay officials are currently being validated.

Aquino debunked reports that those in the narco-list will be on the “hit list”, nor will its disclosure become a trial by publicity.

“There’s no truth that this will serve as a hit list,” Aquino said at the PDEA-DDB headquarters. “We want to be legitimate in our operations. We want our operations to be transparent.”

Aquino assured the public that the Philippine National Police and other units involved in the operations will give those on the list “protection” and assured the persons on the list that “nobody will harm them.”

As the list went through stringent validation, Aquino said they that they will push through with the filing of cases “in due time” or “in a week or two” with the Ombudsman” and will release their names to the public soon.

“Some barangay officials are users, some are pushers, even to the level of a drug lord. But most of them are protectors,” Aquino said.

The PDEA chief said 86 people on the initial list of 293 drug suspects died or have been arrested before the announcement yesterday. About 46 of the 293 have been arrested.

DILG officer-in-charge Eduardo Año said it is betrayal of public trust for the barangay officials to be involved in illegal drug transactions because they were elected to their post to protect the people who put them in power.

“What aggravated the fact is that they are government officials. They are responsible. Public office is a public trust,” Año said.

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