Angeles City News November 2013

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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
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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.

Are gadgets cool gifts for kids this Christmas?

By headlinegl.com


ANGELES CITY – With the Yuletide Season just around the corner, parents are probably busy finalizing their children’s Christmas wish lists: Little Kelly, perhaps, would want the latest Barbie collection or Vitto may be hoping that his dad would get him an upgraded version of Nerf. A wish list can accommodate as many toys or gifts any kid could dream of and parents, in their bid to give their children enjoy the best Christmas ever, could get carried away in buying stuff that any toddler or teenager craves for. But Psychologist Chie Mayrina-Angeles has a word of caution to parents who are planning to spend thousands of pesos to buy their kids electronic gadgets as gifts this Christmas. A study conducted in 2012 revealed that parents in the United States regret giving their children assorted electronic devices ranging from game consoles, smartphones, tablets, computers, and other handheld gadgets. At least 34 percent of parents interviewed in the study admitted that they want to take the gadgets back for fear that electronic devices would have negative effects on their children’s patience and social and creative skills. Two thirds of the parents complained that electronic gadgets rob them of quality time with their children. The study further showed that 67 percent of parents are disappointed over the amount of time their children spend in front of the television or computer instead of enjoying traditional activities. With their children now stuck in their own virtual worlds, another 73 percent find it hard to regulate or limit the time youngsters spend watching TV or playing games in their computers. “At least half of the parents give in,” the study said. According to Mayrina-Angeles, engaging children in simple traditional activities like playing with other children help build creativity, confidence and lifelong friendships. “It’s a wonderful gift to be able to play. Activities such as singing and dancing, coloring, arts and crafts, and free play help young children learn and develop socially as they play with others in their age group,” said Mayrina-Angeles, who runs Happy HEADStart Play School and Play Gym at the Marquee Mall here. Happy HEADStart is an establishment that provides carefully structured learning opportunities through play for children aged two to four. In her website, www.happy-headstart.com, Mayrina-Angeles said toddlers ages 3 to 4 years old exposed to a solid foundation are most likely to succeed in a “real” school. Instead of spoiling children with gadgets, “give your child a taste of what’s to come,” Mayrina-Angeles said “by exposing children in an environment that would develop confidence, curiosity, communication, perseverance, and cooperation.” The 2012 study also said “With so much emphasis placed on children to achieve academically from a young age these days, the beauty of creative activity is that whatever the child creates, regardless of their ability, there is always someone to love, cherish and appreciate it which is great for building their self-esteem and confidence.” It further revealed that “Two thirds of parents blame the gadgets for reducing the amount of quality time the family has together, and because of this, 80% are thinking of getting anything but a gadget for their child’s next birthday or Christmas present.” ●





Angeles City RPT increase okayed

By Charlene Cayabyab


ANGELES CITY–The Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP) here has approved the proposed general revision of real property tax (RPT) ordinance during its regular session on Tuesday. More than 300 taxpayers, developers, homeowners, real estate brokers, business establishment owners and barangay officials attended the session. At least, nine city legislators voted in favor of the approval of the ordinance. They are Councilors Alex Indiongco, Jericho Aguas, Arvin Suller, Danica Lacson, Maricel Morales, Edgardo Pamintuan, Jr., Amos Rivera, Joseph Dimapilis, and Joey Charles Pamintuan. According to the Technical Working Group (TWG) for the said ordinance, the council has concurred with the 200 percent increase of unit value for residential properties. For commercial-use properties, a 125-percent increase on unit values was assessed while for, industrial assets, a minimal adjustment of 35-percent increase. On the other hand, a 150-percent increase for agricultural properties will be imposed. However, for land properties inhabited by informal settlers, land owners will receive a 60 percent discount on real property tax. During the nominal voting, each member of the council explained their votes. On his Facebook account, Councilor Jericho Aguas, committee chair for landed estate, said that “it is about time to have political will.” “Never did we think of our personal interest (political interest) but for the interest and benefit of the needy Angeleños, the less fortunate Angeleños,” Aguas said in his post. Meanwhile, Councilor Maricel Morales explained that her “yes” vote is for the future of the young generation. “I would like to see the Angeleño children live a good life here at the comfort of their home city with good security, safe roads, better infrastructures, better public services, and good governance,” Morales said. Councilors Edu Pamintuan, Danica Lacson and JC Pamintuan reiterated their position in favor of the ordinance “to better serve the youth and provide quality education for all.” Also, “yes” votes were casted by Councilors Arvin Suller and Amos Rivera. Meanwhile, three councilors– Carmelo “Pogi” Lazatin Jr., Maximo Sangil and Bryan Nepomuceno–voted against the RPT increase ordinance. “During one of the public hearings, City Administrator [Dennis Albert Pamintuan] said we will increase RPTs just because Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima jeered Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan for not increasing taxes in the last 18 years. I do believe that we need a better explanation to present to our constituents than that,” Lazatin said in a statement. The city’s Schedule of Fair Market Values (SFMV) on RPT was last updated in 1995, almost five years after the eruption of Mt. Pinatubo. Lazatin said the city government needs to thoroughly explain to their taxpayers the high percentage of RPT increase. He added that during the administration of his father, three-time Angeles City Mayor and former Pampanga First District Representative Carmelo “Tarzan” Lazatin, the city government was able to increase the city’s tax revenues from a mere P250 million in 1998 to P1 billion in 2007 all due to efficient tax collection. “If the past administration was able to do it, then, it is possible for Mayor Pamintuan to do the same without weighing our taxpayers down with an increase in the assessment of real property taxes,” Lazatin said adding that, “We do not need a general revision of the RPTs if we can implement efficient tax collection anyway.” For his part, Mayor Pamintuan said that “there is no better time to revise the SMFV but today.” “We need to be realistic. We have to accept that with all the developments the city has today, it is quite unfair to value the city’s assets the same way on how we value it when we were deserted by lahar during the Mt. Pinatubo eruption,” Pamintuan said. He underscored that the RPT update is overdue and while it was “a painful decision, it was not a unilateral, whimsical act on the part of the city.” ●Charlene Cayabyab






Hot air balloon fest 2014 cancelled

By Mark Manuel


CLARK FREEPORT, Pampanga – The 2014 Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Festival (PIHABF) here will be cancelled, an officer of the state-run Clark Development Corporation (CDC) confirmed Wednesday.

Tourism Office Manager Noemi Garcia said the organizers of the annual event have decided to come up with a resolution to cancel the Hot Air Balloon Festival 2014 since it is “too soon already for PIHABF 2014.”

The decision came up after the meeting of Captain Joy Roa of Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and Atty. Arthur Tugade, President and Chief Executive Officer of CDC.

The event, usually attended by thousands of foreign and local tourists, is slated every third week of February.

Talks among CDC, AFP, DOT and the organizer to finalize the decision to formally cancel or to just reschedule the annual event is expected to come soon before Christmas.

Garcia said that a full explanation for the cancellation of the event would soon be released by CDC.

She, however, said that enthusiasts should expect a more grandiose and bigger hot air balloon festival in 2015.

The PIHABF is the longest running balloon event in Asia. An estimated 60,000 visitors from the country and from around the world come annually to see the event.

This three to four day hot air balloon event is considered as the biggest aviation sports event in the Philippines.

The festival features hot air balloons from Philippines and other countries, aerial shows, and other exhibitions.




Japanese firm pours $20M for expansion of operations in Clark

By Rosa Bianca R. Pamintuan


CLARK FREEPORT, November 26 (PIA) -- Japanese-owned SMK Electronics Philippines Corporation has poured in $20 million worth of investments for expansion of its operations inside Clark Freeport.


“SMK is leasing an additional land area of 3,068 square meters. This would double its current output of electronic products and components once it becomes fully operational in the next five years and bring its workforce to more than 3,500 employees,” Clark Development Corporation President Arthur Tugade said.


The company is a known supplier of touch panels; universal remote controls; IR receivers/blasters for consumer electronic products such as ATM machines, cellphones, copiers, car navigation systems, electronic dictionaries and other applicable products; and new generation gadgets.


It first opened operations in Clark in 2001 with 190 employees and expanded to 1,200 workers three years later.


At present, SMK is one of the leading exporters in the Freeport and has been increasing its export volume by 25 percent.


In 2010, the firm inked a partnership with the College of Engineering of Holy Angel University wherein its top graduates are given a three-year technical training in its factory in Toyoma, Japan.


“More than the touch panels you make in Clark, we would like you to know that your company is making an even greater touch on the lives of many, with the jobs you create, with the livelihood you offer,” Tugade told SMK officials. (CLJD/RBRP-PIA 3)

Consultant says ‘malunggay’ exports a PHL dollar-earner

By Ashley Manabat

CLARK FREEPORT—A consultant of the Pampanga State Agricultural University on agricultural crop propagation and animal husbandry says the generally ignored moringa is becoming to be an important source of foreign-exchange earnings for the country.

A growing number of entrepreneurs have gone into the processing of malunggay leaves into powder form to supply the requirements of foreign-based manufacturers and exporters of food supplements and health products, according to Ed Araral.

In an interaction with members of the media here, Araral noted that Philippine-made malunggay powder shipped abroad is imported into the country as food supplements in capsule form and sold at an average price of P8.50 per capsule.

He said he finds this ironic as local processors could produce the same product cheaper and sell the same for only P1 a piece or P7.50 lower than the repacked item abroad owing to the fact that moringa is abundant in the country.

Other malunggay-based products, like butter processed abroad from the vegetable’s seeds, is marketed locally in high-end outlets and unaffordable to ordinary Filipino consumers.

“It is for this reason why I am pushing for two initiatives that urge state action to spur the growth of the malunggay-processing industry, as well as encourage the wider cultivation of malunggay trees and the consumption of products derived from this source of the now widely recognized super food,” Araral said.

He cited as an example that the Bureau of Food and Drugs Administration adopt a policy that will hasten the accreditation of locally made moringa food supplement and health products.

This lack of policy has both hampered the growth of the local morinaga industry for medical and food supplements and put it at a disadvantage vis-a-vis its foreign competitors, according to Araral.

However, he failed to provide hard data as to the size of this sector in terms of volume output and export, the number of entities engaged in this business, as well as the number of workers employed by the industry.

Araral is also asking the Department of Education to require all primary and secondary students to plant at least three moringa trees.

The moringa tree is very easy to propagate with very little amount of water, according to Araral.

He also wants education officials to encourage the consumption of processed products of malunggay (kalamungge in Capampangan) claiming that the vegetable yields essential amino acids.

Its leaves are the most nutritious part of the tree and are widely used in salads, curries and chutneys, for instance, in India and in the Philippines, Araral said.








7 NAIA-bound flights diverted to Clark airport

By y Reynaldo G. Navales


CLARK FREEPORT -- Air traffic congestion has forced authorities at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) in Manila to divert at least seven commercial aircraft to the Clark International Airport (CIA) on Wednesday afternoon.

Clark International Airport Corporation (CIAC) president and CEO Victor Jose I. Luciano said the aircraft started arriving here at 2:50 p.m.

Diverted aircraft include Zest Air Airbus A320 from Kota Kinabalu; Cebu Pacific Airbus A320 from Singapore and Davao; Etihad Airlines B777 from Abu Dhabi; Airphil Express A320 from Cagayan De Oro; Dash-8 aircraft from Naga City; and Singapore Airlines Airbus 330 from Singapore.

Luciano said all passengers of the aircraft landed safely at Clark Airport.

He said the airport, rated Category 9 by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), is always ready to accommodate small and wide-bodied aircrafts. The CIAC management is gearing for a Category 10 rating, which is the highest in the world for an airport.

Luciano said CIAC, which hosts various air carriers flying out of Clark including Emirates Airlines, Qatar Airways, Asiana Airlines, Dragonair, Jin Air, Cebu Pacific, and Tiger Air Philippines, will purchase two brand new Rapid Fire Trucks to further improve its capabilities.

SM Clark’s fund-raiser for survivors get town’s nod

By Ian Ocampo Flora


PORAC -- SM City Clark's has fund-raising project to help the survivors of typhoon Yolanda in Tacloban City and other parts of Leyte, dubbed "Tree of Light, Tree of Life," has received the support of the Municipal Government of Porac.

The project, that aims to raise at least P1.5 million, will be supported not just by government officials here but also by various sectors, organizations and businessmen of the town, according to Vice Mayor Dexter Albert David.

This came as Mall Manager Ana Datu presented to the town officials the details of the project over the weekend.

Datu said the mall will hang lamps made of Capiz shells for every P1,000 donation. The lamps will decorate the century-old acacia trees around SM City Clark as a reminder of the commitment and hope that the victims of the disaster will be able to recover with the aid of the support program, among others.

Angeles City, Mabalacat town and the Clark Development Corporation (CDC), meanwhile, were asked to adopt one acacia tree inside the mall area.

"The project aims to involve everyone in the community to give to our fellow Filipinos in need. Groups may share in to raise the amount for each of the lamps. Anyone can help," Datu said, adding that proceeds will be given to the survivors of the recent calamities.

SM Supermalls had recently donated P100 million to the typhoon-hit areas.

Datu said each branch of SM Supermalls in the country has its own fund-raising project.

Vice Mayor Dexter David said that the town is up to the challenge of donating to the program and helping the people in Eastern Visayas.

"In fact the Municipal Government can easily light up one acacia tree; however, we will not do that. What we will do is we will encourage the help of everyone in lighting one tree through their donations. This project should be a collaborative effort so that we not just help but also teach our people and various sectors the value of unity and camaraderie,” David said.

The Municipal Government here is finalizing details with SM City Clark on the said donations..

7 NAIA-bound flights diverted to Clark airport

By Reynaldo G. Navales


CLARK FREEPORT -- Air traffic congestion has forced authorities at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) in Manila to divert at least seven commercial aircraft to the Clark International Airport (CIA) on Wednesday afternoon.

Clark International Airport Corporation (CIAC) president and CEO Victor Jose I. Luciano said the aircraft started arriving here at 2:50 p.m.

Diverted aircraft include Zest Air Airbus A320 from Kota Kinabalu; Cebu Pacific Airbus A320 from Singapore and Davao; Etihad Airlines B777 from Abu Dhabi; Airphil Express A320 from Cagayan De Oro; Dash-8 aircraft from Naga City; and Singapore Airlines Airbus 330 from Singapore.

Luciano said all passengers of the aircraft landed safely at Clark Airport.

He said the airport, rated Category 9 by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), is always ready to accommodate small and wide-bodied aircrafts. The CIAC management is gearing for a Category 10 rating, which is the highest in the world for an airport.

Luciano said CIAC, which hosts various air carriers flying out of Clark including Emirates Airlines, Qatar Airways, Asiana Airlines, Dragonair, Jin Air, Cebu Pacific, and Tiger Air Philippines, will purchase two brand new Rapid Fire Trucks to further improve its capabilities.

Filipinos in Qatar send aid to Yolanda victims

By Reynaldo G. Navales


CLARK FREEPORT -- Filipinos in Qatar had joined the international campaign to help Typhoon Yolanda victims by donating relief goods through the Clark International Airport Corporation (CIAC).

CIAC President and CEO Victor Jose Luciano on Tuesday personally received some eight tons of assorted goods donated by Filipino communities and other expatriates in Doha, Qatar.

The food packages and other items arrived at the Clark International Airport via Qatar Airways free of charge, Luciano said.

The items, intended for communities in Tacloban City and Ormoc, will be turned over to the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

Qatar Airways' flight 930 landed at 10:40 a.m. at the Clark Airport runway, bringing 197 boxes of various relief goods.

Donated items included tents, medical, food, blankets and others.

The Qatar government had initially donated 80 tons of relief goods worth $70,000 to the Philippines.

Luciano thanked Qatar Airways CEO Akbar al-Baker for transporting the goods for free.

"We thank Qatar Airways and the Filipino communities in Doha for their solidarity in helping our fellow Filipinos affected by the calamity in the Visayas," he said.

Last week, Emirates Airlines arrived at Clark Airport with 13 tons of relief goods donated by the Filipino communities in Dubai as part of their assistance to the victims.

Luciano said they coordinated with Tiger Air Philippines and Air Asia Zest to bring the goods to affected areas.

Tiger Air, Air Asia Zest offer free airlift services

By sunstar.com.ph


CLARK FREEPORT -- Tiger Air Philippines and Air Asia Zest had offered free services to airlift relief goods from Pampanga province to Tacloban City and other parts of Leyte.

This was bared by Clark International Airport Corporation (CIAC) President Victor Jose Luciano, who coordinated with the airlines for the airlift of goods to help survivors of the areas battered by super typhoon Yolanda.

"This is one way of extending our assistance to the victims of the typhoon in the Visayas region," Luciano said.

The Pampanga Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PamCham) and Central Luzon Television Ch-36 will be sending cargo and relief goods as well as humanitarian missions through Tiger Air Philippines and Air Asia Zest, Luciano also said.

PamCham had raised some P1.9 million for relief assistance which will be airlifted in the typhoon-affected communities in the Visayas.

The donors include LGC Group, San Fernando Filipino-Chamber of Commerce, Mekeni Foods Corporation, House of David Group, Romac Group of Companies, Patient Care Corporation, Solana Land, Celtech, 3rd District representative Oscar Rodriguez, and People’s Lumber.

Last November 12, Air Asia Zest launched "To Philippines with Love" and the project would be extended to other regional carriers such as Air Asia X.

The carrier has committed to airlift relief donations to typhoon victims.





CDC head: No plans to scrap Clark advisory council

By Ding Cervantes


CLARK FREEPORT, Pampanga, Philippines – Clark Development Corp. (CDC) president and chief executive officer Arthur Tugade said yesterday he has no plans to abolish the Metro Clark Advisory Council (MCAC), which serves as the state-run firm’s link to communities around the freeport.

“That has not even crossed my mind,” Tugade said in a text message to The STAR when asked whether the MCAC was headed for abolition.

The MCAC is composed of mayors of Angeles City and other towns in Pampanga and Tarlac bordering this freeport.

Through the MCAC, the mayors are able to express to the CDC various Clark-related concerns of their constituents during supposed monthly meetings.

Before it became inactive last June, MCAC members raised the issue of Aeta rights in the Clark area, and the threat of flooding in parts of Mabalacat City from water flowing from the freeport during heavy rains.

The appointments of the mayors’ representatives to the council were supposed to have been renewed and take effect last July, but as of yesterday or almost half a year, no appointments have been made and no MCAC meeting has been held.

In a phone interview, Tugade, however, blamed the ban on appointments on the midterm elections last May and the recent barangay polls.

But he gave assurance that the appointments would be out in two weeks at most. A CDC source, however, said red tape in the state-run firm’s legal department also contributed to the delay.

The MCAC was formed soon after the creation of the CDC when the US Air Force abandoned Clark in 1991. The council was created based on the provisions of Republic Act 7227 of 1992 or the law accelerating the conversion of military reservations into other productive uses, creating the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) for this purpose and providing funds thereof and for other purposes.

Specifically, the creation of MCAC was in accordance with the law’s provision that it is the declared policy of the government “to enhance the benefits” to be derived from these properties “to promote the economic and social development of Central Luzon in particular and the country in general.”

The premise was that the CDC, the implementing arm of the BCDA at Clark, would not be able to genuinely promote the welfare of Central Luzon, particularly the communities around the freeport, without any linkages with the local government units.

3 killed in Pampanga shootings

By Jess Malabanan


ANGELES CITY, Pampanga—Three people were killed, including a police agent, in separate incidents in adjacent barangays of Amsic and Pampang last Tuesday, a senior police official said.

Supt. Victor Valencia, regional officer of the Criminal Investigation and Detention Unit, said a suspected member of a gang of robbers shot Boots Mendoza in Barangay Amsic, a member of the Barangay Intelligency Network, who was seriously wounded and later died in the hospital.

Mendoza was able to fire back and killed the suspected gangman, Robert Coronel, but three other members of his gang escaped during the shootout, Valencia said.

In the nearby Barangay Pampang, a robber shot dead at point blank range Gabriel Lingad, a public market money lender, who refused to hand over his bag containing cash, said Sr. Supt. Eden Ugale, Acting Director of the Angles City Police Office.

Street crimes were the topic of a police conference in San Fernando, La Union where Region One Police Director, Chief Supt. Ricardo Marquez, urged more police visibility to prevent crime on the streets.

He said police units should have a defined concept in the operational deployment of policemen on the streets in the community to be effective in its patrol operations.

“Patrolling is the bread and butter of police work so I would like this to be a highly interactive one. Commitment, attitude, work ethics: we want you to possess these qualities,” he told the Patrol 101 Supervisors and senior officers attending training in La Union.

Many policemen do desk jobs instead of going on police duty to prevent or solve crimes. They will soon be replaced by non-uniformed personnel.

Marquez said he wants concrete definition and specific designation of tasks to patrol policemen so standards for competency and effectiveness will be imposed.

“Be proud we are the first to do it. We are the only region to do it,” Marquez said. It is the desire of the Chief PNP Director-General Alan Purisima to reduce crime on the streets by 50 percent. How will we achieve this if there are no cops on the field.” With Dexter See

CHRC, Clark Water to gather HR practitioners in industry summit

By sunstar.com.ph


CLARK Freeport and Special Economic Zone’s premiere HR Organization, the Clark Human Resource Council (CHRC), with Clark Water Corporation being an active member and an organizing partner, will be holding the First Industry Summit on People Management and Industrial Relations on November 14 to 15 at the Fontana Convention Center, Clark Freeport.

The event, dubbed as INSPIRE 1.0, aims to support companies from Metro Clark, Metro Subic, as well as those in the nearby areas in meeting global and social standards in the field of Human Resource Management.

With the influx of local and foreign investments in Philippine Freeports and Ecozones such as Clark, Subic and surrounding municipalities, massive job opportunities have been available. Both locations have opened its doors to some 2,000 investor-locator projects, employing almost 200,000 skilled and semi-skilled workers.

According to Precius David, CHRC board representative for Clark Water, while these investments have generated an upsurge in employment opportunities, it is equally important that the quality of jobs generated be evaluated as well.

“We are extremely thankful that the country’s economic upswing brought about in part by the influx of investments has redounded to more jobs for the people. However, we need to ensure that issues on employment sustainability and employment quality must be addressed. Only if these challenges are overcome can we say that the trickle down impact of the country’s economic growth has the capacity to depress the country’s poverty rate,” said David.

She added that it is essential for companies to ensure that jobs created provide gainful employment. “Understanding employee needs in line with social demands will allow companies to empower their people, and in effect heighten their business competency whether in the local or global arena.”

The event INSPIRE 1.0 will gather more than 500 HR professionals from the region and practitioners from major corporations in the country. Ideas on how to energize the HR practice with the goal of solidifying the country’s role as a global and sustainable investment haven will be showcased by the best minds from the field of Labor, Human Resource, and Industrial Relations.

Aside from this, a business and investment expo will be showcased where major investors, suppliers, and service providers will promote their products and services.

An on-site job fair will be opened to the general public that can be taken advantage of by aspiring applicants with over a thousand immediate job vacancies available, and the all-day Market Fair of different regional flares and delicacies.

CHRC, together with Clark Water Corporation, invites HR professionals to join an insightful, engaging, and interactive summit.

For more information, email labor@clark.com.ph or clarkhumanresource@gmail.com or call (45)499-2245 or 599-2045.

The INSPIRE 1.0 SECRETARIAT, can also be visited at Ground Floor CDC Bldg. 2127 CP Garcia St., Clark Freeport Zone, Philippines 2023. (PR)

Clark Dev’t Corp cancels Christmas party, to donate money to ‘Yolanda’ victims

By Carlo Lorenzo J. Datu

CLARK FREEPORT, November 12 (PIA) -- Clark Development Corporation (CDC) has called off its scheduled Christmas party next month and would instead donate the P1 million budget to victims of Super Typhoon Yolanda in the Visayas.

CDC President and Chief Executive Officer Arthur Tugade will hand over the donation to the Department of Social Welfare and Development.

“This is our way of helping our kababayans in Regions 6,7, and 8. Apart from this, several of our locators have also expressed their desire to send relief goods,” CDC Public Relations Department Manager Angelo Lopez Jr. said.

“We are now coordinating with Philippine Air Force for the delivery of these goods in those areas,” Lopez added.

Last year, CDC also cancelled its Christmas party and donated it to victims of typhoon Pablo in Mindanao.

It also had a fund-raising initiative dubbed “human chain” which was held at its parade grounds.

The undertaking started in 2011 in a show of solidarity to victims of tropical storm “Sendong.” (CLJD-PIA 3)

Village chief calls for unity after polls

By Reynaldo G. Navales

ANGELES CITY -- A reelected village chief here has called on his constituents to preserve unity, peace, and love two weeks after the barangay elections.

Rodelio "Tony" Mamac, chairman of Barangay Balibago, urged his supporters and detractors to forget the wounds of the recent elections and work together for the good of the village, which is tagged as the entertainment capital of Central Luzon.

Mamac defeated former city councilor, Alfie Bonifacio in the race for punong barangay.

"Magsama-sama po tayong muli para sa kapakanan ng Barangay Balibago. Kalimutan natin ang mga sugat na idinulot ng nakaraang eleksiyon," Mamac said.

The village chief vowed to continue his programs on health, livelihood, financial assistance to the elderly, scholarship, spiritual upliftment and others.

Mamac also revealed that he is eyeing the Liga Ng Mga Barangay presidency.

Other potential candidates for Liga president are Lito Ganzon of Anunas and Efren Dela Cruz of Santo Cristo.

The newly-elected and reelected village chairman will assume office on December 2. The Liga presidency election will be held in February 2014.

Politics aside, Visayas needs fast, massive aid

By Federico D. Pascual Jr.


STILL SHORT: Before Yolanda hit the Visayas the other day and left a wide swath of death and destruction, many of us had noticed government moves to prepare the communities in the typhoon’s path and pre-position assistance where it was likely to be needed.

That was commendable of the Aquino administration, considering its spotty preparation and haphazard relief operations in previous devastations by Nature gone wild, particularly in the recent magnitude 7.2 earthquake in Bohol.

Unfortunately, the preparations this time, commendable though they were, still turned out to be insufficient to shield the Visayan population from the year’s most devastating typhoon and to restore the victims quickly back to their feet.

  • * *

JUST TOO BIG: Obviously Yolanda’s wrath was just too much for anyone in government to predict and prepare for on short notice. We have not grappled with anything like this before.

Who would have imagined, for instance, that after the howler slammed a key regional center like Tacloban, its power and communication links would be completely cut for several hours – with the rest of the country unaware that scores of bodies were already littering the streets?

Be that as it may, we all cry out for the victims and the survivors. We wish for quicker and more adequate after-disaster operations notwithstanding the infernal dissipation of limited government resources.

Most of us in Manila, stunned by the enormity of the problem, want to help but may not have the means to contribute materially to relief and reconstruction. Maybe the least we could do is not to get in the way of the post-Yolanda civilian and government workers.

  • * *

DAP INDISCRETIONS: The calamity, however, does not mean we will forget momentarily the abuse of presidential pork, including Malacañang’s out-of-budget Disbursement Acceleration Program, whose constitutionality has been challenged before the Supreme Court.

We are with the multi-sectoral protest over the pre-planned gathering of hefty chunks from programmed funds into the DAP pork barrel and using the hoard at the sole discretion of the President, even for the pet projects of lawmakers.

We hope Yolanda and such calamities will not be used before the Supreme Court as an excuse or justification for the President’s continued out-of-budget indiscretions.

  • * *

GOOD NEWS: Last Friday at the Clark Freeport, we were treated to good news on the finances of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority and the Nayong Pilipino sa Clark Expo in spite of prevailing global economic uncertainties brought on by slowdowns in first world markets.

Briefing the Capampangan in Media Inc. (CAMI) in Clark, SBMA Chairman and Administrator Roberto V. Garcia reported that the country’s first freeport zone had a profitable operation this year, ending a 10-year losing streak since 2003.

But due to increased expenditures, this year’s gains of SBMA would be somewhat lower than last year’s P800 million on the back of projected year-round total operating revenues of P1.476 billion. In 2012, operating revenues reached P1.151 billion.

  • * *

NEW NAYON: The Nayong Pilipino, a miniature Philippines tucked beside the Centennial Expo that had lain idle for years, also began posting moderate gains beginning last year, when its gross revenues soared to P24 million.

Its trustee and executive director, lawyer Apolonio B. Anota Jr., said the facility is growing stronger financially both in gross and net revenues. Nayon operates solely on its own earnings, instead of depending on subsidy. It even turns over part of its earnings to the Treasury.

He traced the turn-around in the culture-cum-resort project to the increased number of visitors in the past 20 months from measly annual number of 20,000 to 300,000. He achieved this by improving management and introducing new attractions.

  • * *

RISING REVENUES: Garcia and Anota were guests in last Friday’s forum of CAMI, composed of members of the working press from Central Luzon and Manila. The group hosts weekly dialogues at its Bale Balita (House of News) in the former American air base in Pampanga.

Garcia reported that SBMA locators’ committed investments this year could hit P24.8 billion, a hefty jump from the preceding year’s P2.3 billion.

Its 1,000-plus locators, providing some 89,921 jobs, are forecast to register a 33-percent dip in export receipts to $650 million this year from $963 million the previous year because of the global economic slowdown.

But there is excitement in Subic brought about by the growing number of prospective locators as well as those that have implemented their plans.

Among them are the rising P20-billion complex of Resom Resort City Subic and the expansion of the floating terminal of Vale Holding Shipping PTE Ltd. that services major iron ore suppliers to China.

  • * *

APEC HOSTS: Together with the Clark Freeport, SBMA has been picked to host the senior ministerial meeting of next year’s APEC summit that the Philippines is hosting. This could trigger the realization of the planned Subic-Clark business corridor.

As envisioned, the land on both sides of the 94-kilometer Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEx) connecting the two freeports and Hacienda Luisita are to be developed into commercial-industrial areas to attract local and foreign business investors.

Garcia said SBMA is also looking forward to generating fresh revenues from the prospective transfer of some of the operations of the Philippine Air Force to Cubi Point in Subic.

With its improving financial muscle, Garcia expressed optimism that the port could finally pursue the programmed upgrading of its port and other facilities, as well as an increase in the compensation of SBMA personnel.

Sources said that the SBMA management has submitted to the Office of the President its proposed P65-million wage increase package for SBMA personnel.

BI GETS FLAK Ailing passenger made to queue

By balibago.org


ANGELES CITY -- The Bureau of Immigration (BI) is once again the butt of complaints from arriving passengers at the Clark International Airport (CIA) after a passenger who suffered hypotension or a sudden drop in blood pressure while in flight was made to fall in line at the immigration counter upon arrival.

As soon as they arrived at the CIA, the elderly passenger was placed on a wheelchair and made to fall in line at the immigration counter which had only three active counters - one for foreign passport-holders and two for returning Filipinos.







Clark Aerotropolis to host 21-km marathon

By Jess Malabanan


CLARK FREEPORT – International runners are expected to join in the first-ever Aerotropolis “half marathon” to be held at the Global Gateway Logistic City (GGLC) area and portion of the Subic-Clark Tarlac Expressway (SCTEx) slated on Jan. 19 next year. Organizers of the event are expecting about 2,000 local and foreign marathoners who want to participate in four different categories, including 3-km, 5-km, 10-km and the main event 21-km run distances. “We are inviting sports enthusiasts particularly marathoners to join with us,” said Jeff Pradhan, GGLC vice president for sales & marketing, adding that the event is a fundraising activity to help an orphanage in Angeles City. He said the SCTEx Challenge is part of the GGLC’s corporate social responsibility to promote camaraderie among marathoners of all ages in Metro Clark community and other places across the country. GGLC is being partnered by Hubble Multisport in the promotion of the first-ever Aerotropolis marathon touted to be the premier running event in Central Luzon by utilizing SCTEx as part of the course which allow participants to enjoy the scenery of the longest expressway in the region. “It will be a unique running experience,” said race director and Hubble representative Jumbo Tayag during a press conference held at the Island Grill here Tuesday. He said portion of SCTEx will be temporarily closed to traffic until the event is completed. Security and medical crew with ambulance have been assured with the support of local police and Medical City staff. “There will be water stations and designated medical booth to ensure the safety of runners,” said Tayag in a statement. Prizes include cash, medals and certificates. Each participants will receive a finisher technical t-shirt, timing chip, loot bag and others.

PAF submits plan for transfer of 7 units from Clark

By Ding Cervantes


CLARK FREEPORT, Pampanga, Philippines - – The Philippine Air Force (PAF) has submitted to the Department of National Defense (DND) a detailed plan on the transfer of seven of its major units from this freeport to other areas.

PAF spokesperson Lt. Col. Miguel Okol told The STAR that it is up to higher authorities to approve the plan and release the funds for the transfer.

“We are giving way to progress and development of Clark, but without compromising national security,” Okol said adding the approval of the transfer plan rests with the DND and the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA).

He said the transfer would start as soon as the plan is approved and funds are released. He said the timetable for the transfer would depend on the approval date of the plan and on the release of funds.

Over 300 hectares of this freeport was allocated for the PAF after the US Air Force left its base here in 1991.

The allocation is based on an agreement between the DND and the BCDA, which owns the lands within the former US military base.

The state firm Clark Development Corp. (CDC), the implementing arm of the BCDA, earlier admitted it is running out of lands for lease to investors, which prompted some sectors to call for the removal of the PAF units here.

The PAF area, dubbed Air Force City, is under the 600th Air Base Wing but it also hosts the 1st Air Division, the 410th Maintenance Wing, the 420th Supply Wing, the 710th Special Operations Wing, the Air Force Logistics Command and the Air Force Reserve Command.

“These major units will be moved to other places, such as in Subic with the consent of the BCDA and Basa which is already ours. But some others will be moved to Fernando Air Base in Lipa and even our headquarters in Villamor,” Okol said.

Okol could not yet say the cost of the transfer but he assured families of the PAF personnel here that no movement would be done until all the infrastructure in their destinations are ready.

Hundreds of houses built by Americans within the PAF area here serve as homes for dependents of PAF personnel.

Earlier, BCDA president Arnel Casanova said the transfer of the PAF would free up more land for lease to investors.

Casanova said the BCDA has invested P33.8 billion in Central Luzon to create opportunities for investment and employment in the region.

Of the P33.8 billion, P30.68 billion was used for the construction of the 94-kilometer Subic Clark Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX) that connects the Subic Bay Freeport Zone and the Clark Freeport.

Zambales bet wins 2013 Consumer Welfare Month Regional poster-making contest

By Marie Joy L. Simpao


ANGELES CITY, Pampanga, November 5 (PIA) -- A senior student from Zambales landed first place in the regional poster-making contest of the 2013 Consumer Welfare Month (CWM) celebration in Central Luzon.


Smith Lemon from Sta. Cruz South High School was adjudged as having the best work and took home P5,000 plus plaque of recognition and gift certificate.


Gellennar Violenta of Orani National High School in Bataan finished second and got P3,000 while Carl Jay Cunanan of Holy Family Academy in Pampanga grabbed the third spot and pocketed P2,000.


“The contest was meant to encourage the young generation to be aware of their rights as consumers,” Department of Trade and Industry Regional Director Judith Angeles said.


Department of Health, through the Food and Drugs Administration, led this year’s CWM, which is anchored, on the theme “Health Product’s Quality, Efficacy, Safety and Transparency…Everybody’s Concern.”


The entries were judged based on relevance to the theme (40%), creativity (25%), visual impact (25%) and adherence to the rules (10%).


In an interview, Lemon said that the primary representation he used in his artwork is Juan dela Cruz, a typical Filipino man embracing health care products.


“Transparency is reiterated through the magnifying glass. Likewise, the check sign symbolizes the quality of healthcare products. In addition, the droplet coming from a capsule is a manifestation of the products’ efficacy in combination with herbal medicines which are also available in the market,” he shared.


Smith likewise included people from various sectors in his poster to represent consumers who are the ultimate beneficiaries and at the same time the forefront in safeguarding these products.


“Furthermore, I gave emphasis on the heart to depict how care is integrated with quality, efficacy, safety and transparency of all health products,” he added. (CLJD/MJLS-PIA 3)

Price freeze still in effect in NE, Tarlac, Bulacan town

By Carlo Lorenzo J. Datu


ANGELES CITY, Pampanga, November 4 (PIA) -- Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) said a freeze in the prices of basic and prime goods remains in effect in the entire Nueva Ecija and Tarlac as well as in San Miguel, Bulacan which were placed under a State of Calamity due to damages brought by typhoon “Santi” last month.

DTI Regional Director Judith Angeles explained that “under a state of calamity, an automatic price control is implemented as contained in Section 6 of RA 7581 otherwise known as the Price Act as a preventive measure to avoid chaos that may result from overpricing of goods such as processed milk, canned goods, coffee, laundry soap, detergent, candles, bread, and salt during times of calamities,”

Hence, the prices of such in the mentioned areas excluding agricultural products should remain at levels prior to the calamity.

Angeles added “upon declaration of state calamity by the local government, a price control can be implemented for the duration of 60 days unless lifted sooner by either the local sanggunian or by the President of the Republic of the Philippines.”

Also, local governments and provincial DTI offices can adjust prices to reflect additional operational costs or the costs of bringing the products in the market.

However, this still needs the approval of either the National Price Coordinating Council or the President. The adjusted prices must be published in newspapers of national circulation.

Angeles warned businessmen of the penalty for profiteering in prize freeze areas – up to P1 million in fines and/or imprisonment of one to five years.

If the case is hoarding, violators can face up to P2 million in fines and/or imprisonment of five to fifteen years. (CLJD-PIA 3)

'Hawkers Paradise' to rise in Angeles

By Jovi T. De Leon


ANGELES CITY -- A "Hawkers Paradise" in the likes of the popular and renowned hawkers' centers in Singapore will soon rise in this entertainment and tourist city.

This was disclosed by Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan recently, who noted that the envisioned weekend-only "Hawkers Paradise" is an essential component of Plaza Angel -- Angeles's first-ever city center.

"The demolition of some structures and buildings here in Sto. Rosario within the vicinity of the Museo Ning Angeles and Pamintuan Mansion has started. A highlight of the soon to be Plaza Angel will be the 'Hawkers Paradise,' one in the likes of Singaporecs, where Kapampangan cuisine, food, specialty and curio shops will be offered on weekends in what we envision as another "walking area" in this part of the city. But there will be no shanties but a beautiful and orderly strip," Pamintuan said.

Plaza Angel, he added, will be located in a lot leased by the Tioseco Family to businessman Denis Uy, and will cover at least 300 square meters of property development.

"In the plan also is a three storey commercial building, walkways and greeneries. Part of Sapang Balen, some 100 meters, will be covered with pre-fab slabs for additional space. The walking area will stretch from Pamintuan Mansion to the Sto. Rosario Church where Bishop Ambo David has offered to open and share their beautiful garden to people. The area be closed to traffic on weekends to give way to the Hawkers' Paradise," Pamintuan said.

Both Plaza Angel and the "Hawkers Paradise," the mayor said, are in line with the city government's beautification program and the vision to make Angeles City an urban center of choice for investors and tourists, as well as to make it a "green city" in three years, together with moves to make the "Culinary Capital of the Philippines."






Cost of Leasing Land in Clark Philippines

By clarkphilippines.com


Philippines Clark Freeport Zone has become one of the hottest investment destinations not only for businesses in Manila but also investors from all over the world. In addition to tax incentives and other perks accorded to establishments located in the Freeport Zone, Clark offers other advantages, some money can’t buy. Low crime rate, no traffic and pollution and the city’s generally attractive ambience make this an appealing place location for all sorts of industries. So how much does it cost to acquire a long lease on a good property in Clark Philippines?

Depending on the location and the state of development of the property in question, monthly lease rental per square meter for a decent property in Pampanga Clark Freeport Zone ranges from US$0.60 to $1.5. Prime properties are located near the entrance of Clark bordering Angeles City as well as the central business district along the road where the duty-free shopping malls are. Lease period ranges from 10 to 50 years, depending on the property as well as the nature of the development project. Currently the administration – Clark Development Corporation, or CDC – favors projects that will bring a large number of job opportunities to the province of Pampanga.

Most of the land in prime locations of Clark Philippines has already been leased out. Some pockets of prime properties are now available through sub-leases or an assignment of the lease contract to new investors. Because of the bureaucracies and the voluminous red tape required to get a new development project approved by the board of Clark Development Corporation, many new investors prefer to take over and existing project instead.

Angeles eyes additional revenues with GIS

By Jovi T. De Leon


ANGELES CITY -- Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan disclosed recently that the City Government of Angeles is eyeing additional revenues using its Geographic Information System or GIS.

The GIS, he said, uses information and tracking equipment attached to a balloon to properly pinpoint land areas and usage that would result to the appropriate classification and the true real property tax due.

"We are looking at an additional P300 million to P400 million or generate about a total of P1.4 billion using the GIS. It is a system where you could actually see structures in a particular area. Kung minsan kasi, declared pa as agricultural or residential iyun eh, may nakatayo na palang commercial building or hotel," Pamintuan noted.

In 1995, he added, the real property tax valuation was only P80 per square meter, necessitating an increase recently.

"The valuation in the city now has risen, up to I think P500 per square meter on prime areas. The extra revenue will help fund the city's major projects and programs in the next three years," he said.

Priorities of the City Government, Pamintuan stressed, include beautification and peace and order, as well as sustaining education and health programs.

"We are doing this for all classes and make Angeles City a true green city and preferred destination in the country," he said.

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