Angeles City News September 2011

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City opens satellite office

by Charlene Cayabyab


ANGELES CITY — The City Government has formally opened its satellite office at a shopping mall in Barangay Balibago early this week. The satellite office at the Robinson's Place will likewise issue business permits, birth certificates and similar documents. City Administrator Dennis Albert Pamintuan has thanked the mall’s management for taking part in the City Government’s thrust of bringing City Hall services near to Angeleños. “The satellite office will be of great help to the two big villages of the city – Barangay Balibago and Malabanias. The mall spent around P2 million to accommodate us,” Pamintuan said. Robinsons’ mall management formally turned over the key of the satellite office to Pamintuan on Monday. Robinsons Land Corporation Group Property Manager Jodee Pineda-Arroyo said the accommodation of the city’s satellite office is also part of their thrust of providing service to Filipinos. Earlier, the local government unit has forged a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with Robinsons mall to establish the government's Business One Stop Shop (Boss). The MOA signing was led by Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan and Vice-Mayor Vicky Vega-Cabigting in April. Robinson's Land Corporation was represented by its vice president for property management Tommy Lee O during the agreement signing. "Our objective is to expedite the delivery of services to the residents of Angeles and make it less expensive and more convenient," Pamintuan said. The mayor said public and private partnership is one way of ensuring effective and efficient delivery of government services. Aside from business permit application and birth certificates, residents can secure community tax certificates (cedula), health certificates, police clearances, marriage license fees, death certificates, tax payments, among others, at the satellite office. Other line agencies of the National Government like the National Bureau of Investigation, Land Transportation Office and the Department of Trade and Industry are also expected to set up satellite offices in the said mall. (With Reynaldo Navales)

CDC, Ingasco seal $ 50-M pact for air separation plant

by (PNA) LDV/zst/MDDR/ps


CLARK FREEPORT, Pampanga, Sept. 29 (PNA) -- The Clark Development Corporation (CDC) and a leading Japanese gas company --Ingasco-- have recently signed an agreement for the establishment of a $ 50-million air separation plant in this Freeport zone.

CDC President Felipe Antonio Remollo and Ingasco President Masahiko Kitabatake signed the accord as witnessed by President Benigno Simeon C. Aquino III during the recent visit of the Chief Executive in Japan.

Remollo said Ingasco’s facility will be located in a 32,928-square-meter area along Panday Pira Avenue here.

He said the project would involve the installation of mechanical and electrical equipment used for air separation such as cryogenic distillation column, column, multi-stage air compressors, pumps, electrical substation, cooling towers, and cryogenic storage tanks, among others.

Once fully operational, Remollo said Ingasco will supply nitrogen, argon and oxygen to big ticket Clark firms like Texas Instruments (TI) and Phoenix Semiconductor Philippines Corporation (PSPC), among other electronic and semiconductor companies.

Remollo said the gas to be supplied by Ingasco will be used by TI and PSPC in the manufacture of electronic chips and other related semiconductor products.

The facility will have an output capacity of 10,100 normal cubic meter(Nm3) per hour for the production of liquid oxygen (LOX), liquid nitrogen (LIN), and liquid argon (LAR), including major process areas in filtration, air compression, pre-purification, liquefaction and separation/distillation, storage and product loading.

Ingasco is 70 percent owned by its mother company Taiyo Nippon Sanso Corporation (TNSC), a major supplier of industrial gases such as oxygen, nitrogen and argon to a wide range of industries, including the steel, chemical, electronics, automobile, construction, shipbuilding and food industries.

The company also develops and manufactures gas-applied devices and equipment and plays a vital role in the frontiers of science and environmental preservation, as well as the Japan National Hydrogen Project.

Apart from its industrial gas business, it is also involved in the electronics industry, energy business and other businesses such as supplying medical oxygen and other high-quality medical gases to medical institutions and manufacturing of thermoses.

Cops recover 2 stolen vehicles

by Bernard Galang


ANGELES City -- Agents of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Team-Pampanga (CIDT-Pampanga) recovered over the weekend a car and a van declared as missing by their owners.

The Toyota Vios (without license plates) and the Hyundai Starex (RCN-802) were parked inside Goldenville Subd., Bgy. Bantog Norte, Cabanatuan City. The car is owned by Carolina Calaguas of Mabalacat, Pampanga while the van belongs to Jerry Catungal, of Bacolor, Pampanga.

CIDT-Pampanga head Chief Insp. Julius Caesar Mana said the owners had their vehicles rented by Rogelio Tayag, of Bgy. Mabiga, Mabalacat, Pampanga.

For still unclear reason, the vehicles landed in the hands of Herman Cuyugan and William Manuel who pawned them to Allen Yee of Cabanatuan City last month for P250,000 each.

Yee, who is currently in the US, was represented by his girlfriend, Maribeth Quebuyen, who told the police that Cuyugan and Manuel even gave Yee original copies of the certificate of registration/official receipt of the vehicles and deed of sale.

But the owners said that the original papers are still with the financing corporations and that the ones given to Yee have forged signatures.

With the help of CIDT-Nueva Ecija, the CIDT-Pampanga recovered the two vehicles in Cabanatuan City.

Mana said charges will be filed against Tayag.

Firm earmarks P10M for sports-related projects

by Reynaldo G. Navales


CLARK FREEPORT -- The Clark Development Corporation (CDC) is set to earmark P10 million for the construction of various sports-related facilities in this Freeport.

Included in this year’s proposed projects is the construction of a grandstand, bleachers, barricade, backstop, football goals, and other related site developments.

Also in the flagship projects is the plan to establish an Olympic Sports Complex as aligned with the Bases Conversion Development Authority’s directive to pursue the development of the “Next Frontier” area, including the Cost-Benefit-Analyses (CBA) related to a series of infrastructure improvements in the area.

Given the size, location, and unpolluted ecology at the Clark Highlands, the area has been cited as a suitable location for an Olympic Sports Complex.

CDC sees this is not only aligned to the natural advantage of Clark for sports tourism, but also will serve as the best training area for the country’s most promising athletes.

Earlier, Remollo said that events such as baseball, football, Frisbee, paintball, and marathon will be slated in this Freeport. There are ongoing talks with a number of organizers for Clark to become the venue for a number of meetings and conventions.

Among the sports tourism activities held since his assumption are the Paintball Asia League 2nd Leg held last July 8 to 10 and participated by more than 20 local and international teams from countries like Iran, Malaysia, and Brunei, among others.

The sports tourism event was organized by the United Paintballers of the Philippines, co-sponsored by CDC and the Department of Tourism (DOT).

Last August, the Baseball Philippine Series 8 and inter-school baseball training were also held at the Parade Grounds inside the Freeport.

Also, a Sports Tourism Forum was held last July 19 with 80 tourism officials and stakeholders nationwide in attendance. This was organized by Selrahco Management Consultancy Services, in cooperation with CDC and DOT.

Attendees were oriented on the “scientific and methodological” approach to capitalize on sports to boost the local tourism industry.

CAMI officers take oath of office

by The Manila Times.Net


THE officers and trustees of the Capampangan in Media Inc (CAMI) will begin a new term when they take their oath of office today at the Clark Freeport Zone in Angeles City.

Gov. Lilia Pineda of Pampanga will induct the CAMI officers in simple rites in the city.

The group of Capampangan journalists and writers is headed by Crispulo Icban Jr. (chairman), Fred de la Rosa (vice chairman) and Federico D. Pascual Jr. (president).

The other officers are Ernesto Tolentino (vice president for Metro Manila), Ashley Manabat (vice president for the provinces) Dionisio Pelayo (treasurer), Jose Cortez (secretary general) and Vot Vitug (auditor).

The trustees include Antonio Lozano, John Manalili, Alfonso Pedroche, Alfredo Roxas, Virgilio Vitug, Vittorio Vitug, Max Sangil and Jake Espino.

CAMI was organized in 2005 to help raise standards of journalism, defend press freedom, upgrade professionalism, promote Pampanga culture and history, and to provide a forum for camaraderie and networking.

It has sponsored news forums, workshops for newsmen and regular meetings for officers and members.

Expected to attend the oath-taking today are Vice Gov. Yeng Guiao of Pampanga, members of the provincial board, the four congressional representatives, town and city mayors and heads of the Clark Development Zone, Clark International Airport Corporation, the Bases Conversion Development Authority and the Diosdado Macapagal International Airport.

CDC to establish new attractions inside Clark

by PIA Press Release


CLARK FREEPORT ZONE, Pampanga, Sept. 25 (PIA) -- The Clark Development Corporation (CDC) is set to establish new attractions at the Clark Highlands (formerly known as Next Frontier) at the sub-zone of the Sacobia Valley, this Freeport. CDC aims to install Technology Parks and Estates which is among the flagship projects of CDC president Felipe Antonio Remollo. The Clark Highland Development Program will involve the clearing up and site development of the more than 3,000 hectares for the establishment of technology parks and estates. According to reports on flagship projects presented to Remollo, alternative schemes such as Public-Private Partnership (PPP), joint ventures (JVs) in the financing, implementation, and management of these projects will be fully explored. In relation, CDC will also actively pursue various schemes such as the possible joint management and development of the Philippine Air Force (PAF) area, the development of the strategically located area near the Clark North Exit, and the clearing up and development of the Pulang Lupa area. Also included in the flagship projects is the plan to establish an Olympic Sports Complex as aligned with the Bases Conversion Development Authority’s directive to pursue the development of the Clark Highlands area, Cost-Benefit-Analyses (CBA) related to a series of infrastructure improvements in the area will be conducted. The first one is the conduct of CBA on the project desilting/rechanneling works at the Sacobia River, with the excavated sand material dumped to reclaim an approximately 180 hectare area near the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX) and Clark North Toll Plaza. Given its size, location, and unpolluted ecology, the area cited is a suitable location for the said Sports Complex. Not only will this be aligned to the natural advantage of Clark for sports tourism, but, it will serve as the best training area for the country’s most promising athletes, report says. To date, various sports facilities around the peripheries of this sports complex will be built. Included in this year’s proposed projects are the P10 million worth of sports-related constructions including a grandstand, bleachers, barricade, backstop, football goals, and other related site development. (WLB/JGB PIA3/CDC)

P2.4B transmission lines to improve power generation

by PIA Press Release


CLARK FREEPORT ZONE, Pampanga, Sept. 24 (PIA) -- The construction of the P2.4 billion Phase III-B project of the Mexico-Clark dual transmission lines is expected to improve the power generation inside the Freeport. Thus said Clark Development Corporation (CDC) president and chief executive Antonio Remollo. Remollo added that “the Mexico-Clark transmission grid project will address the increasing power demand in Clark and ensure the quality and competitiveness of electricity inside the Freeport which has now more than 600 firms.” According to CDC assistant vice president for Security and Technical Services Teresito Tuitoyco, the construction of the project is expected to start December this year and to be operated by December 2012. Phase III project has a total cost of P3 billion that includes the new Clark Grid Sub-Station (Phase III-A, which is part of the power requirement of the new semiconductor plant), amounting close to P600 million. Tuitoyco said the completion of the dual 230 kilovolt (KV) lines will be upgraded to supply firms and industrial estates more reliable power. While the old dual 69KV lines which have already served its economic life, can be retired and sold to the local electric distribution utilities, he added. The other transmission line is being used by both Pampanga Electric Company 1 and 2. According to Tuitoyco, with the completion of Phase III, the transmission loop from Concepcion-Clark-Mexico will be completed and the energy requirement of the entire Freeport will be stable and competitive. The power interruption and fluctuation will be minimized substantially once the transmission grid is completed next year, he said. The entire Freeport is currently enjoying a steady and reliable power supply following the completion of the transmission projects. These include the Phase I-A and I-B 69KV line and load-end sub-station for Texas Instruments; Phase II of the Clark-Concepcion dual 230KV Grid sub-station; and the Phase III-A or the New Clark Grid sub-station and load-end sub-station for Phoenix Semiconductor of the Philippines Corporation (PSPC). The Phase I-A, implemented by Transmission Electric Corporation or Transco, and I-B implemented by CDC with dual 230KV lines and load end of Sub Station for Texas Instrument have been completed in July 2008. The government spends more than P770 million for the whole phases of the project, Tuitoyco said. “Clark can become another important assembly and test destination for electronics and other manufacturing firms because of this project,” Remollo said. Phase II is the Clark-Concepcion Grid Sub-Station, which cost more than P573 million, was completed in September 2009. All the transmission projects were funded by the Department of Budget and Management (DBM). Meanwhile, the CDC is currently facilitating meetings with appropriate agencies on the discounted power rate issues on two semiconductor firms inside Freeport. (WLB/JGB PIA3/CDC)

Bacani: ‘I am better choice than Guiao’

by Clark PHilippines


MABALACAT — A former first district congressional candidate vowed to run again in 2013, stressing he is a “far better” choice than Vice Governor Joseller Guiao. Luisito Bacani of Angeles City said Guiao had “not performed well” as vice governor, adding “the coach was always not around for the people.” “Presence is the basic thing a public must give to his people. Mag basketball na lang siya,” said Bacani of Guiao, who is a professional basketball coach in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA). A three-term vice governor, Guiao expressed his intention to run for congressman in the next elections. Bacani said he “felt the need to run for solon and not because he wants to.” “I am a better candidate equipped with moral ascendency and fresh ideas beneficial to the public,” said Bacani on Wednesday. The 70-year-old congressional aspirant said he would offer “compassionate government” once elected. He expressed indignation over the “one-sided” investigation on the Arroyos, including former President and now Pampanga Representative Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, which derails the growth of the country. “No, it’s not that I am sympathizing with the Arroyos. We just have to rule and govern with a heart,” said Bacani. “If someone is found to steal in government, he or she must just be asked to return all the loot. Then they will be asked to do community service,” he added. Bacani said he will push for tourism to improve the economy of the country. First district Representative Carmelo Lazatin, who was never defeated in politics since 1987, is expected to gun for his third and last term in 2013.

CDC exec asks Mindanao mayors to include Clark in Lakbay Aral

by (PNA) LAP/zst/MMDR/ps


CLARK FREEPORT ZONE,Pampanga, Sept. 22 (PNA) - Clark Development Corporation (CDC) President Felipe Antonio B. Remollo on Thursday urged mayors under the Island Cluster of Mindanao to include Clark in their respective "Lakbay Aral" programs.

Speaking before the Mindanao mayors during the two-day conference of the League of Municipalities of the Philippines at the Hotel Stotsenberg here, Remollo said the local government officials could learn many things from the development of Pinatubo-stricken areas on how the people and government officials turned tragedies into opportunities.

Mindanao cluster is made up of 401 mayors in six regions, including the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).

The September 21-22 conference is dubbed as "United Mindanao". Remollo said the tremendous transformation of Clark and the neighboring towns and cities from the experiences of the twin disasters of Mt. Pinatubo eruption and the eventual pullout of the Americans forces from the former Clark Air Base, could be adopted for the many municipalities in Mindanao.

He also said that like Mindanao, Central Luzon, especially Pampanga, did not only experience the catastrophic effect of Mt. Pinatubo eruption, but also from armed conflicts from various rebel groups in the '60s, '70s and '80s.

But today, Clark is a haven of investment and sports-tourism destination in the region with more than 62,000 workers and more than $ 1 billion export volume every year.

He asked the mayors to visit the various areas in Clark such as the odorless and only environment compliant sanitary landfill, the various manufacturing firms, the airport and enjoy other available products that the Freeport zone is known for.

Remollo, who was also a mayor of Dumaguete City, told the local government officials that “no cellphone is without part that did not come from Clark” as most glass panel and touchscreen were manufactured by firms inside the Freeport.

The conference were sponsored by Gov. Lilia Pineda and the Pampanga Mayors League headed by Candaba Mayor Jerry Pelayo.

24 C. Luzon MSMEs to join OTOP National Expo

by Carlo Lorenzo J. Datu


ANGELES CITY, Pampanga, Sept 20 (PIA) -- A total of 24 Central Luzon-based micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) will be joining the upcoming One Town, One Product (OTOP) National Expo. Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) regional information officer Wilfred Carbonell disclosed that the September 21-25 bazaar will be held in Trade halls 1 and 2 of SM Megamall in Mandaluyong city. The five-day fair will carry the theme “Great Choices. Great Value. Philippines’ Best!” It shall feature an array of distinctive products made by the residents of Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao such as processed foods, home furnishings, ceramics, holiday decors, jewelries, fashion accessories, footwear, textiles, garments, and semi-processed raw materials. Carbonell added that Region 3’s booths will be bannered by the hats and bags of Aurora, tuyo and tinapa of Bataan, barongs and gowns of Bulacan, longganisa and tocino of Nueva Ecija, lanterns of Pampanga, bamboo-engineered products of Tarlac, and dried fruits and fruit jams of Zambales. Carbonell explained that the OTOP was conceived in 2004 and patterned after Japan’s highly successful One Village, One Product (OVOP) program. Its primary mission was to stimulate economic activity in both the urban and rural areas of the archipelago through the development and promotion of a particular product associated with a given locality. Figures from DTI reveal that OTOP has created approximately 33,000 MSMEs in 1,518 municipalities and cities from 2005 to 2010. Moreover, the program generated over P10 billion in investments during that period as well as sales up to P15.5 billion domestically and US$650 million through export. The MSMEs have likewise provided employment to more than 400,000 Filipinos nationwide. (WLB/CLJD-PIA 3)

Kapampangan advocate supports city ordinance

by Reynaldo G. Navales


ANGELES CITY – An advocate of Kapampangan arts and culture has expressed support to a city ordinance involving non-government organizations on local governance. Robby Tantigco, executive director of the Holy Angel University (HAU) Center for Kapampangan Studies, supports City Ordinance No. 295, otherwise known as “The Empowerment Ordinance of Angeles City.” Have something to report? Tell us in text, photos or videos. The ordinance is aimed at leading a partnership between the local government and the various non-government and people’s organizations in the city. The said ordinance has garnered positive praise for its objective to guarantee an effective and proper forum for the people of Angeles to participate in local governance. One of the important provisions of the ordinance is stipulated in Section 19, which tackles “Educational Programs on Empowerment and Sustainable Development.” Tantingco cited the said section of the ordinance, which stated that “the City Government and the People’s Council shall jointly create and provide for the composition of a City Council for Kapampangan Culture and Arts.” As an advocate of the Kapampangan culture, Tantingco said that this is a welcome legislative measure coming from the City Government. “It is unusual for a local government to provide support for its mother language. This will truly be a boost to the advocacy of promoting Kapampangan arts and culture in the city and in the province as well,” Tantingco said. He added that every single effort is welcome to support our local arts and culture and more importantly the Kapampangan language. “We all have the same aim to promote this, and it’s good to see that all of us work towards a common goal.” Tantingco said. The Empowerment Ordinance was sponsored by Councilors Maricel Morales and Bryan Matthew Nepomuceno and seconded by Councilors Alfie Bonifacio and Alex Indiongco.

4 nabbed for robbing house of nuns

by Bernard Galang


ANGELES City -- The Criminal Investigation and Detection Team-Pampanga arrested over the weekend four suspects in the recent robbery of a house being rented by Roman Catholic missionary sisters in Bgy. Cutud here.

Chief Inspector Julius Caesar Mana, of the CIDT-Pampanga, said the suspects were arrested after a series of follow-up operations in this city and nearby Mabalacat town.

He identified the suspects as Jonnel Rondolo, 20, of Pampanga village; Richard Tadaya, 19, and Raymond Capunga, 20, of Malabanias village; and Noel Puson, 18, of Sta. Teresita village.

Another suspect, Rayvin Dayrit of Metro Clark Subdivision in Mawaque, Mabalacat, was able to elude arrest.

Upon returning home on the night of Sept. 7, Catholic missionary sisters Editha Valencia and Therese Beata were shocked to see that their refrigerator, humidifier air-condition, colored TV, computer set, video camera, DVD player, VHS player, electric fan, amplifier, binocular camera, paper cutter, rosaries and other items were missing.

They reported the incident to the CIDT-Pampanga that conducted follow-up operations to identify and arrest the perpetrators.

At around 7:30 p.m. on Sept. 14, operatives received information that two men were selling an electric fan at a very cheap price in Doña Remedios Trinidad village here.

When the lawmen arrived in the place, they arrested the three, who revealed that their companions in robbing the house of the nuns were Capunga and Dayrit. The lawmen proceeded to the residences of the two other suspects and arrested Capunga but failed to arrest Dayrit.

The suspects were charged with robbery before the Office of the City Prosecuto

Angeles to allow people to participate in governance

by Joelyn G. Baluyut


ANGELES CITY, Pampanga, Sept 17 (PIA) –- Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan recently signed the City Ordinance No. 295 otherwise known as the “Empowerment Ordinance of Angeles City.” The ordinance will institute reforms in the city government structure wherein people can directly participate in local governance. And would initiate a system of partnership in local governance between the city government and its constituents. “The enactment of the Local Government Code of 1991 placed more powers in the hands of the local government units (LGUs), thus, our objective here is to bring about reforms and to make service delivery more responsive to the needs of the Angelenos,” Pamintuan said. The city government is now open to a partnership with the duly accredited Angeles based people’s organizations (POs) and non-government organizations (NGOs) in the conception, implementation, and evaluation of all government activities and functions. According to presiding officer of the city council, vice mayor Vicky Vega-Cabigting, the passage of the ordinance will provide better opportunities for NGOs and POs to submit their concerns directly to the mayor, as well as the local legislators. This ordinance will also set forth the creation of a People’s Council which will institutionalize people’s participation in the governance affairs of the city, Cabigting said. Also, it will widen the areas for people’s participation and bestowed powers upon the People’s Council to send representatives to all government committee, councils, boards, and task forces and from there, participate in the deliberation, conceptualization, and implementation and evaluation of government projects and activities. The legislative measure further mandates that the People’s Council may also propose legislation and participate and vote at the committee level of the local legislative council. She added that all accredited NGOs and POs may enter into joint ventures and other cooperative undertakings with the city government and engage in the delivery of certain basic services, capability-building and livelihood projects. Meanwhile, to further promote transparency in local governance, the city government will set up and maintain information boards and suggestion boxes in every barangay, schools, city hall compound, city library, public markets, and other public places accessible to the people. In the process, the daily grind in the city hall is opened up to the public. “The result is what we call transparency in governance. The people get to know how we do it, how we can do it, and how much we have,” Pamintuan said. The mayor said that the transparency is just a by-product of the participation of the People’s Council in city affairs. “It’s not transparency for the sake of transparency. What becomes more important is how the process engages the people to participate in governing the city, which results to better outcomes,” the mayor concluded. (WLB/JGB PIA3/Angeles CIO)

CDC to build P2.4-B dual transmission line

by Ric Sapnu


CLARK FREEPORT ZONE, Philippines – Clark Development Corp. (CDC) is set to construct the P2.4-billion Phase III-B project of the Mexico-Clark dual transmission line which is expected to enhance the power generation inside the Clark Freeport.

The entire ecozone is currently enjoying a steady and reliable power supply following the completion of the transmission projects: Phase I-A and IB 69-kilovolt (KV) line and load-end sub station for Texas Instrument; Phase II the Clark-Concepcion dual 230 KV Grid sub-station; and the Phase III-A or the New Clark grid sub-station and load-end sub-station for Phoenix Semiconductor of the Philippines Corp. (PSPC).

In a report, CDC assistant vice president for security and technical services Teresito Tuitoyco said the construction of the Phase III-B transmission grid is expected to commence in December this year and will be operational within the next 12 months.

The Phase III project has a total cost of P3 billion, including the new Clark Grid Sub-Station (Phase 3-A) which amounted close to P600 million and completed during the first quarter of 2011.

The Phase III-A project is part of the power requirement of the new semiconductor plant.

The Mexico-Clark transmission grid project will address the increasing power demand in Clark and ensure the quality and competitiveness of electric power inside the zone.

There are now more than 600 firms inside Clark since the inception of CDC in 1993.

Tuitoyco said with the completion of this project, the dual 230KV lines will be upgraded to supply more reliable power and the old dual 69KV lines which have already served its economic life can be retired and sold to the local electric distribution utilities. The other transmission line is being used by both Pampanga Electric Co. 1 and 2.

With this, Clark can become another important assembly and test destination for electronics and other manufacturing firms.

The government spent more than P770 million for the project, Tuitoyco said.

Phase II is the Clark-Concepcion grid sub-station, which cost more than P573 million, and was completed in September 2009.

With the completion of Phase III, the transmission loop from Concepcion-Clark-Mexico will be completed and the energy requirement of the entire Clark Freeport zone will be stable and competitive, Tuitoyco said.

The power interruption and fluctuation will be minimized substantially once the transmission grid is completed next year, the CDC official added.

The CDC is also currently facilitating meetings with appropriate agencies on the discounted power rate issues on two semiconductor firms inside the zone.

‘Ligligan Krisotan’ taps schools in Angeles City

by Published in the Sun.Star Pampanga newspaper


ANGELES CITY -- The Parnasong Kapampangan (PK), together with the JDN Center for Kapampangan Studies of Holy Angel University (HAU) and Angeles City Tourism Office, are teaming up for the city-based crissotan contest to all high school students in the city.

The half-day event is open to students from public and private schools in Angeles City, to be held at the Museo ning Angeles on October 4.

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

Thirteen schools are expected to participate, from which cash prizes and certificates will be given.

The contest is entitled “Krisotan Keti Kulia ding Bayung Sili ning Amanung Sisuan” which is said to promote the vernacular language, Kapampangan.

The crissotan piece is entitled “Nung Mate Ya Ing Amanung Kapampangan, Kenu Ya Dapat Ing Parsala, King Gubyerno o Karing Memalen?” written by the reigning head of Parnaso or the Ari ning Parnaso, Renato B. Alzadon.

Meanwhile, Amado Gigante, poet laureate of Angeles City and the administrator of the PK, said it is hoped that this activity “will be the start of partnership between the local government and the Angeles-based poets’ group in the promotion of the Amanung Sisuan.”

The “Ligligan Krisotan” is part of the Fiestang Kuliat celebration.

Also included on the program are the representatives of HAU Center for Kapampangan Studies, the Tourism Office of Angeles City, the schools, and local poets and polosadors.

For interested schools, please contact the HAU Center for Kapampangan Studies at 888-8691 loc 1312 or call/text the PK administrator at 09193361498.

Subic Aetas to get share of land profits

by Ding Cervantes


CLARK FREEPORT, Pampanga, Philippines - – The Aeta Ambala tribe in Subic will finally get its share from the proceeds of the 4,280 hectares of ancestral lands in Subic Bay Freeport.

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority, National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) and the Aeta’s Pastolan Tribal Council (PTC) signed last Monday the Joint Management Agreement (JMA), which entitles the Aetas, now living in Pastolan Village in Subic, five percent of the earnings of business establishments within their domain.

The Aeta lands cover the Kalayaan and Binictican housing areas and the Apaliin, Pamulaklakin and El Kabayo tourism areas in Subic. Though the Aeta tribe holds a certificate of ancestral domain title of the area, it has not benefited from the proceeds of investments there.

Also under the agreement, SBMA will provide each of the 300 Aeta families who are officially registered with the NCIP, a quarterly payment of P5,000 and another P200,000 during the Christmas season.

Under the JMA, the agencies represented by the signatories “shall respect the rights of the Aetas in their pursuit of economic, cultural and social development based on the IPRA (Indigenous Peoples Rights Act) and programs implemented by the government.”

The JMA also provides for the “systematic management and development of the ancestral lands as indicated in the Ancestral Domain Sustainable Development and Protection Plan, while ensuring the promotion of the Aetas human rights.”

SBMA administrator Armand Arreza, PTC chieftain Conrado Frenilla and NCIP chairperson Zenaida Brigida Hamada-Pawid signed the JMA.

The signing ceremony was witnessed by SBMA chairman Roberto Garcia, Bataan Rep. Herminia Roman, Hermosa, Bataan Mayor Danny Malana and members of the Bethesda Spring of Hope Healing Ministry led by Maribi Garcia.

150 MSMEs to join 13th Likha ng Central Luzon

by Carlo Lorenzo J. Datu


ANGELES CITY, Pampanga, September 13 (PIA) -- DTI regional information officer Wilfred Carbonell disclosed that approximately 150 Micro, Small, and Medium Entrepreneurs (MSMEs) coming from the provinces of Aurora, Bataan, Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, Pampanga, Tarlac, and Zambales are expected to join the 2011 edition of the LCL which will be held in the Mega Trade hall of SM Megamall in Mandaluyong city. Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) secretary Gregory Domingo will be the guest of honor in the opening of the 13th Likha ng Central Luzon (LCL) trade fair on October 19. The five-day fair will be guided by the theme “Where Creativity meets Nature.” It shall feature regionally-produced processed foods, home furnishings, ceramics, holiday decors, jewelries, fashion accessories, footwear, bags, and specialized garments like barong and gowns and will likewise showcase products made by Central Luzon residents from bamboo. The trade fair is jointly organized by DTI 3 and Philexport 3 with the full support of the Regional Development Council 3 and Central Luzon Growth Corridor Foundation Inc. Last year’s LCL generated a total sales of P42.399 million. (WLB/CLJD-PIA 3)

American tourist, Pinoy driver face murder raps

by Bernard Galang


ANGELES CITY -- An American tourist and his Filipino driver were charged the other day for the murder of a retired British policeman and his Filipina live-in partner inside their house in a subdivision in Bgy. Amsic here before dawn on Sept. 2.

Inspector Dickson Tolentino of the Police Station 4 filed the charges against Timothy “Tim” Kaufman and Jesus “John” Santos, both of legal age, before the Office of the City Prosecutor.

The suspects, whose last known address was Maharajah Hotel along Don Juico Avenue in Anonas Village, could no longer be located.

Kaufman and Santos were identified by security guards of Josefaville 2 Subdivision through photos obtained by the police from social networking site Facebook as the occupants of a white Toyota Innova with license plate RJX-264 that entered the subdivision and parked in front of the residence of former British policeman David Balmer, 54, and Elma de Guia, 26, around 3:30 a.m. on Sept. 2.

Chief Inspector Luisito Tan said the close circuit television camera installed at the subdivision’s gate showed that the vehicle almost bumped the gate as it was hastily driven out of the subdivision after several minutes.

Investigators learned from the Land Transportation Office that the vehicle was owned by one Arceli Garcia, 36, of Sapangbato Village. When questioned by the police, Garcia said her vehicle had been rented by Kaufman from the first week of August until Sept. 4.

“He (Kaufman) called my cellphone (on Sept. 4) and asked me to just get my vehicle at the Maharajah Hotel. When I went there, I saw that my vehicle was parked in front of the hotel,” Garcia said in her sworn statement.

Garcia said she has known Kaufman for three years because she used to work as his house cleaner when he was still renting a residential unit at Rikko Homes II in Clark Freeport Zone. She said Kaufman rents her vehicle whenever he is in the country.

The security logbook of Josefaville 2 Subdivision and the CCTV footage showed that the same vehicle entered the subdivision at 1:10 a.m. on Sept. 2 and left after 30 minutes.

First Filipino to complete European ultra-marathon lauded

  • Source: hthttp://pia.gov.ph/?m=7&r=r03&id=53494
  • Saturday, September 10, 2011
by (PNA) LAP/LAM/zst/MMDR/ps


CLARK FREEPORT ZONE, Pampanga, September 10 (PIA) -- For being the first Filipino to finish the gruelling foot race dubbed "the race of all the superlatives," Jonnifer Lacanlale, lawyer of Clark Development Corporation (CDC), is being feted by the CDC for an outstanding feat. The Ultra-Trail de Mont-Blanc (UTMB) is a mountain ultramarathon that takes place yearly in the Alps, across France, Italy, and Switzerland. The distance is approximately 166 kilometers, with a total elevation gain of around 9,400 meters. According to some, it is believed to be the most difficult foot race in Europe. . The ultramarathon is usually completed in seven to nine days by hikers. The marathon this year started August 31, Friday, where some 2,300 runners joined the event. Since its first year in 2002, the race has to make a complete tour of the Mont Blanc Massif, passing through three countries: France, Switzerland, and Italy. The race, which is anchored on the principle of semi-self-sufficiency, orignated from Chamonix. While the best trailers complete the loop in slightly more than 20 hours, most runners took 30 to 45 hours to reach the finish line.

Angeles City mayor orders implementation of austerity measures

by (PNA) LAP/LAM/zst/MMDR/ps



ANGELES CITY, Pampanga, Sept. 8 (PNA) - Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan said the city government may adopt austerity measures next year due to likely reduction of the city’s share from the Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA).

Interior and Local Government Secretary Jesse Robredo has urged mayors nationwide to use “judiciously” their IRA shares next year as these would be lowered by 4.8 percent percent because of the anticipated shortfall in revenue collection.

Because of this, Pamintuan estimated that some P60 million would be shaved from his city’s annual IRA.

"Sixty million pesos is too big an amount to lose, that is why we should be judicious in our spending next year without us sacrificing some of the vital programs and projects for our people," he said.

However, the city government will make do with whatever money it has so delivery of social services would not be jeopardized, he said.

To cover up the impending reduction on the city's IRA share, he said, they will focus on improving their other revenue generating programs.

The mayor said belt-tightening is another option that could be undertaken, adding that this may call for a little sacrifice on the part of the officials and employees.

To strictly implement austerity measures, he said the city government will undertake the following measures: suspension of all travels outside of Angeles City except for official meetings and businesses, official missions authorized by the City Mayor and scholarship/trainings that are grant-funded or undertaken at no cost to the local government. Only travels that will give maximum benefits for the city government are allowed.

Limit the purchase of computers, printers and other office equipment; reduction of at least thirty percent in the cost of office supplies; and limiting the grant of honoraria and other forms of allowance to chairs and members of local boards and councils subject to the provisions of the issuances creating such councils and to availability of funds and existing accounting and auditing rules and procedures.

Pamintuan also reminded all city employees to save electricity by turning off the lights and computer during lunch break.

He also urged the shutting off of air-conditioning units and the use of government service vehicles only to official and relevant trips to save taxpayer’s money.

DILG cites Angeles for good governance

by Rudy J. Abular


ANGELES City, Pampanga -- The Department of the Interior and Local Government has cited Angeles City as one of the top performing local government units last year.

Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan said the DILG based its category on good governance.

Pamintuan said Angeles placed 4th among highly urbanized and independent component cities category, scoring 4.7410 in the DILG’s Local Governance Performance Management System (LGPMS).

“We are proud that our efforts towards good governance have been recognized. Transparency and accountability in the city government will always be on top of our agenda,” Pamintuan said.

The mayor said his administration is committed in elevating and maintaining the highest standards of public service delivery.

“Although 2010 was the year Angeles City was acknowledged, we took over a bankrupt city and was able to turn it around due to good fiscal management and effective tax collection program,” Pamintuan said.

When he took the mayoralty last year, Pamintuan immediately implemented programs that would wipe out the budget deficit which hounded the city government in 2008 and 2009.

This year, the city government implemented stringent fiscal management and streamlining measure in order to meet its goals to sustain the delivery of basic social services and other priority programs.

The other top performing cities are Valenzuela (4.9150), San Juan (4.8875), Puerto Princesa (4.8640), Davao (4.7380), Naga (4.6940), Zamboanga (4.6865), Iligan (4.6710), Cebu (4.6633), and Taguig (4.6415).

This awardee is a bomb buster

by Rebecca Grace S. David


PAMPANGA, September 6 (PIA) -- What does it take to be a Presidential or Lingkod Bayan Awardee? TSgt Jesus Fabian is an awardee of the of the 2011 Search for Outstanding Public Officials and Employees, the annual Honor Awards Program of the Civil Service Commission. He is the education supervisor of the Research & Development, Training, Flight, and Explosive Ordinance Disposal Unit of the 770 Special Operations Combat Support Group based in Clark Air Base, Angeles City. He conceptualized the production of one Bomb Trailer and 10 Disruptor kits under the Self-Reliance Defense Posture, Research, and Development Program. These equipment, now used by the Philippine Air Force, saved the government some P3,830, 216. I These innovations make the job of the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) staff safer and more efficient. He conducts courses on Bomb Awareness , Bomb Threat Management, and Ammunition Management for other Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) units, government agencies, local government units, and NGOs. In 2008, TSgt Fabian was awarded as one of the Ten Outstanding Philippine Soldiers (TOPS) by the Metrobank and the Rotary Club of Makati. The following year, he received the Outstanding Achievement Medal during the celebration of the 74th AFP Anniversary. Weapons of mass destruction and terror are silenced by this man who risks his life to ensure the safety of others. (RGSD PIA3)

DILG cites Angeles City for good governance campaign

BY (PNA) LAP/zst/MMDR/ps


ANGELES CITY, Pampanga, Sept. 5 (PNA) - The Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) has cited Angeles City as one of the top performing local government units (LGUs) for 2010 based on the areas of good governance.

This was announced by City Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan on Monday as he said that the city was placed 4th among the top performing cities in the highly urbanized and independent component cities category scoring 4.7410 in the DILG’s Local Governance Performance Management System (LGPMS).

“We are proud that our efforts towards good governance have been recognized. Transparency and accountability in the city government will always be on top of our agenda.” Pamintuan said.

The mayor also said that his administration is committed to elevating and maintaining the highest standards of public service delivery.

“Although 2010 was the year Angeles City was acknowledged, we took over a bankrupt city and was able to turn it around due to good fiscal management and effective tax collection program,” he added.

When Pamintuan took the mayoralty last year, he immediately implemented programs that would wipe out the budget deficit which hounded the city government in 2008 and 2009.

This year, the city government implemented stringent fiscal management and streamlining measure in order to meet its goals to sustain the delivery of basic social services and other priority programs.

LGPMS is a web-based, self-assessment tool that measures LGU performance in key governance areas and provides information on the status of LGUs in terms of local governance and development.

The rest of the top performing cities in the same category are: Valenzuela (4.9150); San Juan (4.8875); Puerto Princesa (4.8640); Davao (4.7380); Naga (4.6940); Zamboanga (4.6865); Iligan (4.6710); Cebu (4.6633); and Taguig (4.6415).

According to the DILG, these cities were recognized for initiating and implementing programs designed to improve the lives of their constituents, environment protection, financial accountability and commitment to transparency.

The top performing LGUs got an average overall performance index ranging from 4.6415 to 4.9370, with one as the lowest and five as the highest.

Cases vs 16 Taiwanese, Chinese, Fil-Chi dismissed

BY Bernard Galang


ANGELES City -- The City Prosecutor’s Office here has dismissed the serious illegal detention, human trafficking and violation of the Access Devices Regulation Act charges filed on Aug. 18 against nine Taiwanese, five Chinese, and two Filipino-Chinese “for insufficiency of evidence.”

On Wednesday, SPO4 Felizardo Laygo, SPO2 Restituto Santos and SPO1 Wendy Millan filed a motion for reconsideration, praying that the City Prosecutor’s Office reverse the recent inquest resolution issued by Assistant City Prosecutor Mark Oliver Sison.

City police director Senior Supt. Rodolfo Recomono Jr. identified the respondents as Taiwanese citizens Chen Chun Wei, Tsai Yi Cheng, Lin Chen Cheng, Lai Hung Lin, Wu Hung Lin, Liu Cheng Hsiang, Lee Hung Wei, Chai Tsu Wei and Huang Chiao Yun; Chinese citizens Cen Huiying, Luo Xiaomei, Pei Cui, Huang Jinxiu and Jiang Yanyu; and Filipino-Chinese James Lim Chan and John Lim Chan.

John Lim Chan, who had told the police that he was a renter of the house being occupied by the respondents when they were arrested on Aug. 18, arrived at Police Station 6 a few hours after the arrest of the other respondents but was able to leave unnoticed.

In his inquest resolution dated Aug. 24, Sison said the “elements of human trafficking in person (RA 9208) and RA 8484 (Access Devices Regulation Act of 1998) are wanting.”

Sison said the general elements of acts, means and purpose of human trafficking “are not all present considering that the exploitative purpose cannot be determined per statement of the private complainants.”

“There was no indication that profit is being unduly derived from them by the respondents on account of their toils,” he said.

“No mention was made as to the specific acts on how (Access Devices Regulation Act) is being violated,” Sison said.

He said the evidence presented only showed that “the complainants were merely victims of grave coercion as they were not allowed to get out from their house, for one reason or another but not for the purpose of exploitation as envisioned by R.A. 9208.”

Sison ordered the release of the 14 Taiwanese and Chinese from detention but recommended the filing of grave coercion against James Lim Chan in court.

In their motion for reconsideration, the police officers said the “counter-affidavits of the arrested respondents are self-serving and in conflict with human reason and should not be given any weight as the same is incredible.”

They also said that respondent John Lim Chan, who was neither arrested nor detained, did not submit a single affidavit and that his name is not included in the dismissal order of Sison and that the case filed against the former should be elevated to the proper court.

The policemen said the dismissal of the charges against the respondents is premature because “there was no result yet of the forensic examination on the recovered laptop computers and cellular phones and no translation made on their written Chinese characters.”

The raid was made after Feng Jen Li, 20, a Taiwanese, was able to escape from the house at 715 Sarmiento St., Plaridel 1 Subd., Bgy. Malabanias here, and sought the help of residents and village officials who brought him to Police Station 6.

Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo won’t give up House post

Source: http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/51667/gloria-macapagal-arroyo-won%E2%80%99t-give-up-house-post

  • Friday, September 2nd, 2011
BY Tonette Orejas


Angeles City—Ailing former President Macapagal Arroyo will not give up her post as representative of the second district of Pampanga, according to a close ally here. Arroyo remains confined at the St. Luke’s Medical Center in Quezon City where she underwent a third set of spinal surgeries. “I don’t think [the former president] will abdicate her post,” said Angeles City Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan, former vice president of the erstwhile administration party, Lakas Kampi-CMD. Pamintuan also said he did not expect that Pampanga Gov. Lilia Pineda would fill in Arroyo’s shoes in 2013. Pineda, a long-time friend of Arroyo, has led medical missions in the second district’s towns. The post was held twice by Arroyo’s eldest son, Ang Galing Pinoy party-list Rep. Juan Miguel Arroyo. Arroyo could continue dispatching her duties in the second district towns of Guagua, Lubao, Sasmuan, Sta. Rita, Floridablanca and Porac since her health appeared to be improving even as she prepared for another surgery, Pamintuan said. Arroyo last visited the district on July 25 when she skipped the State of the Nation Address of President Aquino in Congress. Later the same day, she went to the St. Luke’s Medical Center and was subsequently confined after complaining of pains in the neck. Pamintuan said Arroyo was “affected and sad” by the departure of her allies, including Pampanga Rep. Aurelio Gonzales, who joined the Nationalist People’s Coalition last month. Gonzales said he left Lakas “in the interest of his constituents.” Pamintuan said Pineda expressed chagrin about Gonzales’ decision to leave Lakas after she learned that Gonzales had received P700–million worth of projects for the third district. “[Gonzales] left GMA despite the many help she gave to the [third] district,” Pamintuan said.

NHA reminds ex-squatters relocation isn’t free

Source: http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/51501/nha-reminds-ex-squatters-relocation-isn%E2%80%99t-free

  • Thursday, September 1st, 2011
Tonette Orejas, Inquirer Central Luzon


ANGELES CITY—The National Housing Authority (NHA) has issued notices demanding amortization payments to more than 28,000 families, who were relocated to 16 resettlement sites called North Ville in Pampanga and Bulacan to give way to the NorthRail project. Wilfredo Lauc, who received a unit in North Ville 15 here, said the notice of payment he received showed he owed the NHA at least P1,621 in the last eight months, or P200 a month. The notice was signed by an official of the Soliven Tagayuna, Gangan, Panopio & De Pano law firm, which claims to be a collection agency of the NHA. The NHA imposed also a penalty of P21 for delayed payment, the billing attached to the notice showed. The notice said that failure to pay for three consecutive months would cause the cancelation of loan agreements and housing construction loans or conditional-to-sell amendatory contracts. Lauc said he did not know he would pay for the house and lot. “[NHA] just moved us to [North Ville 15 in Barangay Cutud]. I was not informed that I must pay for the unit,” Lauc told the Inquirer. Even if he had been informed, Lauc said he could not pay since his earnings as a janitor were not enough. Felicisimo Lazarte Jr., manager of the NHA Northern-Central Luzon office, said the notices were issued because only 10 percent of settlers have been paying their respective housing amortization. “The collection rate is low since we began collecting last April,” Lazarte said when reached by phone. Settlers can own the house and lot after completing payments in 30 years, he said. To improve the capacity of settlers to pay, Lazarte said the NHA has introduced livelihood projects and skills training in the resettlements. The NHA set aside P1.68 billion from out the agency’s P3.5-billion budget in 2009 to cover the cost of building houses, school buildings and community facilities, buying relocation sites and providing food allowances to settlers on NorthRail’s Section 2 (Malolos to Mabalacat in Pampanga), according to then NHA General Manager Federico Laxa. The resumption or cancelation of the NorthRail project would depend on the outcome of a renegotiation with the Chinese government by the economic team of President Aquino, who is on state visit to China this week.

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