Tarlac Province News December 2011

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Gov’t cited for completing bridge

by Ben R. Rosario


Manila, Philippines – The completion of the 105-meter long Cubcub Bridge in Mayantoc, Tarlac has bolstered the confidence of local officials and residents in several Tarlac localities that weather devastations similar to those triggered by typhoon “Ondoy” and tropical storm “Sendong” will not hit hard on them. Mayantoc Mayor Iluminado Pobre lauded government for the swift completion of the project, saying that the steel modular bridge allayed fears by his constituents of being isolated during typhoons and guarantees quick relief and evacuation operations during emergency situations. However, Pobre said prospects of better economy and livelihood opportunities for Mayantoc, San Jose, and other Tarlac localities are the primary benefits of the new bridge that replaced the concrete span that collapsed in 2010. “Without that bridge, our economy would be dead,” said Pobre. “Everyday, that’s where all the vehicles pass to get to the market and sell goods.”

Tarlac bridge fixed, bolsters economy

by BEN R. ROSARIO


December 29, 2011, 4:20pm TARLAC CITY, Philippines — The completion of the 105-long Cubcub Bridge in Mayantoc town has bolstered economic activity and the confidence of residents in several Tarlac localities that weather devastations similar to those triggered by typhoons Ondoy and Sendong will not hit hard on them.

The improvement of the bridge has directly resulted in small businesses thriving in the area. Among these businesses are rice mills, quarries selling aggregates, and a number of family-run selling furniture made of gmelina, a fast-growing tree, which is bountiful in the area.

Agricultural goods are now easily transported and sold in the Mayantoc market instead of Camiling, spurring the local economy. Buyers and traders can now go to the farms to buy goods, eliminating the problem of middlemen. Residents have set up sari-sari stores in the villages to resell basic goods, which they restock from town. The town has also seen better market prices because of the bridge.

Mayantoc Mayor Iluminado Pobre lauded government for the swift completion of the project, saying that the steel modular bridge allayed fears by his constituents of being isolated during typhoons and guarantees quick relief and evacuation operations during emergency situations.

However, Pobre said prospects of better economy and livelihood opportunities for Mayantoc, San Jose and other Tarlac localities are the primary benefits of the new bridge that replaced the concrete span that collapsed in 2010.

“Without that bridge, our economy would be dead,” said Pobre. “Everyday, that’s where all the vehicles pass to get to the market and sell goods.”

He said agriculture and tourism development have also been given a boost by the Cubcub bridge that was built by British firm Mabey and Johnson (M and J) in just nine months.

The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) said the construction was part of an Overseas Development Assistance package extended through the UKExports Credit Guarantee Department under the President’s Bridge’s Program.

The M and J was lauded for completing 1,200 bridge projects under the PBP, all of which were completed within the allotted time frame and incurred no cost overruns.

Aside from providing more efficient transport for farm to market goods, the bridge also services trucks carrying aggregates from quarrying sites, furniture made by local businesses, and visitors on their way to visit tourist spots.

‘Luisita’ road toll collection questioned

by KRIS BAYOS


Manila, Philippines – The government is set to resolve the legality of imposing toll among motorists using a privately owned road inside the Cojuangco-owned Hacienda Luisita, Inc. (HLI) to access the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEx). The Toll Regulatory Board (TRB) and SCTEx operator Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) are bent on resolving the legality of HLI’s claim that it has the right to charge motorists using the San Miguel Access road, which leads to the SCTEx toll plaza near Hacienda Luisita. The HLI have been charging motorists P20 as access fee until the TRB issued a cease and desist order earlier this year against HLI, saying it is illegal for the Cojuangco corporation to impose toll. The HLI advised motorist that it will continue charging access fee last November but deferred the move, allegedly in deference to the President, who is part of the landed Cojuangco clan. TRB executive director Manuel Im perial said the negotiation between HLI executives and representatives of the TRB and BCDA are set to resume this January. Imperial reiterated TRB’s view that if HLI wants to legalize its toll collection, it has to seek government approval first. “They can apply for authority to impose toll if they decide to keep maintaining the access road,“ he said. “But they can also donate the road to the government so that either the BCDA or the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) will take care of its maintenance,“ he added.

Barangay receives free basic health services

by Joelyn G. Baluyut


CAPAS, Tarlac, Dec 26 (PIA) -- Families in Barangay Lawy, this town, received free medical treatment and consultation during a collaborative project between a peoples’ organization and the barangay council. The free medical and dental mission was spearheaded by the Lawy People's Movement and the Barangay Council of Lawy and joined by the 3rd Mechanized Infantry Battalion Light Armor Division, headed by commanding officer, Lt. Col. Ernesto Torres and the provincial government. The mission is aimed to extend assistance to indigent people who could not avail basic health services. For her part, Vice Governor Pearl Angeli Pacada also provided medicines which were distributed to families of this town in line with her advocacy "good health for all." She said that "good health and great health care service should be provided and made accessible to every individual in the province of Tarlac." (WLB/JGB-PIA 3)






Expansion plans

by Kris Bayos


MANILA, Philippines — Major improvements in the North Luzon Expressway (NLEx), including its integration with Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEx), are expected in 2012 as its operator secured loans to bankroll its multi-billion worth of expansion projects.

Manila North Tollways Corporation (MNTC) president Rodrigo Franco said that they have obtained an unsecured P1-billion fixed rate loan from The Insular Life Assurance Company Ltd. (Insular Life) and the Philippine American Life and General Insurance Company (Philam Life). The loan agreement provides for two bullet repayment tranches of P500 million on the tenth and fifteenth year of the loan repayment period.

“This is MNTC’s first 15-year loan transaction,” Franco said, adding that “what is remarkable is that the facility is unsecured — an unmistakable sign of the solid confidence of the financing community in MNTC’s stability even in the long term.”

Franco said the loan with Insular Life and Philam Life excludes MNTC’s P10.6-billion unsecured loan with other major local creditors sealed earlier this year. All loans are secured to bankroll its expansion projects for the 94-kilometer NLEx.





Reds rob Tarlac farm

by Cesar Reyes


CAMP Aquino, Tarlac City -- While most Filipinos are looking for ways to help thousands of victims of Typhoon Sendong in Cagayan de Oro and other parts of Mindanao, a group proudly claiming to be New People’s Army members robbed the Red Dragon Farm in Sapang Kuran, Moriones, San Jose, Tarlac, on Tuesday.

Northern Luzon Command (Nolcom) spokesperson Capt. Jovily Carmel Cabading said security guard Leo Molina was manning the main entrance gate at around 7 p.m. when some 13 fully-armed men arrived and introduced themselves as members of the NPA. Five of them forcibly took his cal. .30 revolver, a 12-gauge shotgun and three hand-held ICOM radios.

Molina’s fellow security guards Jonathan Lactaotao and Onofre Pagaduan were also robbed.

Before fleeing, the group burned the farm generator (Denyo 52.5 KV) worth P200,000 and carted away two cal. .38 revolvers and the cellphone of a certain Engineer Bunagan.

“We are saddened by this development especially so that Christmas is fast approaching. Instead of helping those in need, these rebels are making the lives of our people miserable. The AFP even declared suspension of offensive military operations (SOMO) so that everyone, including them, will have the chance to be with their loved ones this Christmas,” Cabading said.

The Nolcom leadership has urged everyone, not only our men in uniform, to be more vigilant and stand guard in preventing NPA atrocities.





Suspected rebels attack Tarlac farm

by Charlene Cayabyab


CITY OF SAN FERNANDO -- A suspected group of communist rebels looted the Red Dragon Farm in Sapang Kuran, Moriones, San Jose, Tarlac early this week.

Captain Jovily Carmel Cabading, spokesperson of the Northern Luzon Command (Nolcom), said a security guard identified as Leo Molina was manning his post at the farm's main gate around 7 p.m. when about 13 fully armed men arrived and introduced themselves as members of the New People’s Army (NPA).

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The guard was overpowered and five of the suspects forcibly took his cal .30 revolver, a 12-gauge shotgun and three handheld two-way radios.

While he was being robbed of his belongings, other guards including Jonathan Lactaotao and Onofre Pagaduan were prevented by the armed men.

Reports further indicated that after disarming the security guards, the perpetrators gathered all employees within the compound and allegedly talked about labor and employment issues.

Before leaving the farm, the group burned its generator worth more or less P200,000.

They fled towards north direction and carted away two cal. 38 revolver and the cellphone of a certain Engineer Bunagan.

“We are saddened by this development especially that Christmas is fast approaching. Instead of helping those in need, these rebels are making the lives of our people miserable. The AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines) even declared suspension of offensive military operations so that everyone, including them will have the chance to be with their loved ones this Christmas," Cabading said.

Cabading said it is possible that the firearms taken from the guards will be used by the group illegal activities. She added that the NPA has effectively transformed into a criminal group.

Nolcom officials urged the public to be vigilant and stand guard in preventing atrocities. (With Reynaldo G. Navales)





1,700 students visit Camp Aquino, Tarlac

by balita.ph


CAMP AQUINO, Tarlac City, Dec. 20 – This camp which displays armored tanks and other military hardware is fast emerging as one of the province’s tourist attractions, drawing not just curious passersby, but even school administrators who include Camp Aquino in their educational field trip. On Tuesday, some 1,700 students from the Department of Education Ramos District on board 17 buses and accompanied by their parents and teachers experienced the thrill of visiting a military camp. It was their Officer-in-Charge Yolanda D. Lacasandile who requested the Northern Luzon Command (Nolcom) to accommodate them, saying that such an experience will be beneficial to the children. As requested, the visitors were allowed to tour the camp especially its major facilities. At St. Michael Park, they not only had a closer look of the static display of armored vehicles, choppers and planes, the soldiers also allowed them to take pictures of it. From there, the Special Forces and the 3rd Mechanized Infantry Battalion took over, easily gaining the kids’ attention and full concentration as they showcased authentic weapons and vehicles that are actually used in combat. It was the tank ride that really completed the day for the kids who were just so eager to play a soldier’s dream. Lieutenant Colonel Ernest Marc P. Rosal, Civil-Military Operations Chief of Nolcom made sure that the guests enjoyed their visit and their objectives attained. “We are very happy that more and more people are getting interested about Camp Aquino. It is the vision of our Commander, Lieutenant General Jessie Dellosa who is now the Chief of Staff, AFP to bring our soldiers closer to the people by transforming our headquarters into a people-friendly camp,” he said. (PNA) LAP/JCA





Gov't scholars join environmental drive

by MAR T. SUPNAD


December 19, 2011, 2:51pm TARLAC CITY, Philippines — “Plant a Tree and Save Mother Earth” was the theme adopted by scholars of Tarlac 2nd District Rep. Susan A. Yap and Tarlac Gov. Victor A. Yap who joined a tree-planting program along the ASEAN New Zealand Afforestation Project (ANZAP).

The tree-planting was initiated by Pearla T. Duldulao, in-charge of the Provincial Scholarship Program, to motivate students to support the clean and green program of the Tarlac provincial government.

The young scholars climbed up the peak of Big-biga mountain in Mayantoc town, as part of the first environment program in the province.

ANZAP is co-managed by the Provincial Government of Tarlac under Governor Yap and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, whose aim is to help save Mother Earth, and save the province’s natural resources.

During the tree planting activity, Virginia P. Batana of DENR and forester Rolando O. Benario of ANZAP extension office gave talks to the young students on the importance of reforestation and its effect on the earth’s climate. Batana also gave a quick demonstration on how to properly plant seedlings.

Present during the environmental activity were Dong Daquis of the 2nd Congressional District Office, Daisy Tabago of Provincial Scholarship Program, Benjie Chico of Provincial Capitol’s Civil Security Unit, Jessele Balinten of DENR and eight members of Bantay Gubat under the PENRO.





Luisita farmworkers ask CBCP for support, prayers

by jasondeasis.blogspot.com


MANILA, December 15, 2011—Various groups of Hacienda Luisita farmworkers are seeking the support and prayers of the Catholic hierarchy for the successful implementation of the Supreme Court’s decision to distribute the 4,916 hectares of HLI to farmers. Luisita Peasant and People’s Alliance (LUPPA); Sentro para sa Tunay na Repormang Agraryo (SENTRA); Hacienda Luisita Peasant Supporters Network; and Unyon ng mga Manggagawa sa Agrikutltura (UMA) are asking the influential Catholic Bishops Conference to include them in their prayers and homilies. “The power of prayer makes us stronger and braver most especially [in the face of] our latest information that the Luisita management is using a supervisor group to reverse [its] 14-0 decision,” said Lito Bais, Chairperson, United Luisita Workers Union- Unyon ng mga Manggagawa sa Agrikultura (ULWU-UMA), in a recent forum. Bais added that the death of their fellow farmers and farmworkers is an inspiration for them to be more aggressive in pursuing the HLI case. Likewise, Atty. Jobert Ilarde Pahilga, Executive Trustee of Sentro para sa Tunay na Repormang Agraryo and a Founding Member of the National Union of Peoples’ Lawyer (NUPL) also asked the CBCP-National Secretariat for Social Action, Justice and Peace (NASSA) to visit and celebrate a Eucharistic Mass in Tarlac. “The visitation of the different Church communities, especially our beloved Bishops [to celebrate Masses in Tarlac], will be a big help to boost the moral aspects of the HLI victims,” Pahilga added. Pahilga also hopes the CBCP-NASSA chaired by Manila Auxiliary Bishop Broderick Pabillo will continue to support the HLI farmers and persists in urging the Supreme Court to be always on the side of truth. Also present in the forum and pledged their support for the farmers were Sr. M. Francis Añover, RSM, national Coordinator of the Rural Missionaries of the Philippines –Mission Partner of the Association of Major Religious Superiors of the Philippines (AMRSP); Lay missionary Conrad Esemple of Columban Missionaries; and ANAKPAWIS Partylist Rep. Rafael Mariano, who also discussed the legislative Initiative for Land Reform. Meanwhile, a Holy Mass was offered at the National Shrine of the Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Baclaran, Parañaque City, on December 14 in thanksgiving for the partial victory of the five-decade struggle of the farmworkers of Hacienda Luisita for land and justice. Free land distribution “Our position is irrevocable; we want Hacienda Luisita be distributed [for free!],” this was the statement given by Felix Nacpil Jr, Chairman of the Alyansa ng Mga Manggagawang Bukid sa Asyenda Luisita (AMBALA) on the alleged attempt to convince the Supreme Court, to reverse its early decision on the Hacienda Luisita row. The Luisita farm worker alliance and its mother federation said petitioners of the Stock Distribution Option (SDO) have been highly misinformed and gravely misled by Hacienda Luisita Inc. to pursue the scheme in vain attempt to reverse the 14-0 decision of the Supreme Court to distribute the 4,916 hectares of land to qualified farm worker beneficiaries, according to the Unyon ng mga Manggagawa sa Agrikultura (UMA). The Supervisory Group had filed a motion for reconsideration and clarification asking the court to nullify its November 22 decision. However, UMA secretary general Rodel Mesa questioned the motion filed by HLI supervisory group and cited that this action is the opening salvo of the Cojuangco-Aquino family to challenge the SC 14-0 decision on Luisita. “They (HLI supervisory group) are also workers like us being exploited by the Cojuangco-Aquino. We asked them not to be used as pawn against their farm worker counterparts,” Mesa said. “We urge them not to be deceived by the management and their cohorts among their ranks promising them fool’s gold in exchange of their support for the reinstatement of the Stock Distribution Option” Mesa added. [Yen Ocampo/CBCPNews]





2 robbers killed in shootout in Tarlac

by abs-cbnNEWS.com


MANILA, Philippines – Two alleged members of a robbery group were killed in a shootout with police early Saturday in Camiling, Tarlac.

Investigations showed that the 2 suspects robbed a gasoline station in Barangay Cacamilingan Sur, taking with them P2,000, 2 cellphones and a calculator.

The employees of the gas station identified as Alfonso Riparip and Hector Listano immediately notified authorities about the incident.

The suspects were spotted by the Philippine National Police along Paniqui-Camiling road where a shootout ensued.

Both suspects died on the spot.

Recovered from them were a caliber .38 firearm, an improvised caliber .35 firearm, live ammunition and stolen valuables.

Police have yet to determine the identity of the slain suspects.

They said this is the first time they had a gunfight in Camiling. -- Report from Joanna Tacason, ABS-CBN News Dagupan





Luisita seeks more time to file MR on estate ruling

by Ina Reformina, ABS-CBN News


MANILA, Philippines - Hacienda Luisita Inc. (HLI) on Friday asked the Supreme Court for additional time to file its motion for reconsideration (MR) of the court's decision ordering the distribution of its nearly 5,000-hectare sugar estate in Tarlac province.

In a five-page motion, HLI also asked the high tribunal to be allowed to file a second motion for reconsideration of the decision on the computation of just compensation to the landowners, the Cojuangco family.

HLI informed the SC that it will be seeking a reversal of the Nov. 25, 2011 ruling that junked the stock distribution plan of HLI, and ordered the distribution of its lands to 6,296 farmer-beneficiaries.

"Petitioner HLI respectfully submits that the reason of the honorable court for the reversal of the option granted to the FWBs (farm worker beneficiaries) to remain as HLI stockholders is not in accordance with the 1987 Constitution and the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Law, hence, may be properly reconsidered by this honorable court," HLI said.

In the assailed ruling, the high court, which voted unanimously, held that control of the Luisita agricultural lands will "never" be in the hands of farm workers should they be given the option to remain as stockholders of HLI.

HLI was also directed to pay the farm workers some P1.3 billion in proceeds from the sale of 500 hectares of Luisita lands, and 80.51 hectares where the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway road network was constructed.

HLI, meanwhile, said that the SC ruling on the "date of taking" for determining just compensation was "contrary to the mandate of the 1987 Constitution..."

The SC ruled that just compensation should be based on the fair market value of the HLI estate on Nov. 21, 1989 when the Presidential Agrarian Reform Council approved the stock distribution plan.

However, a dissenting opinion by Associate Justice Ma. Lourdes Sereno reckoned the "date of taking" on Jan. 2, 2006, which could result in a much higher valuation of the Luisita lands given the rise in property prices.

"Thus, to present a complete and comprehensive presentation of the grounds in support of its motions, petitioner HLI is constrained to request an additional period of ten (10) days from December 10, 2011 or until December 20, 2011 within which to file the aforesaid motions for reconsideration of the honorable court's resolution dated November 22, 2011," HLI's motion read.

President Aquino divested his shares from HLI after he assumed the presidency in June 30, 2011.





DPWH speeds up TPLEX construction

by mb.com.ph


December 8, 2011, 2:56am MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Public Works and Highways has reported an actual accomplishment of 42.52% on the construction of the initial phase of the Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union Toll Expressway (TPLEX).

The project concessionaire is Private Infra Dev Corporation (PIDC).

DPWH Secretary Rogelio L. Singson said that the P11.594 billion worth PPP (Public-Private Partnership) project involves the construction in two phases of an 88.58 kilometers toll expressway from La Paz, Tarlac (terminus of the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway) to Rosario, La Union.

“The completion of this expressway will greatly contribute in improving traffic condition along MacArthur Highway and will provide faster, safer and more comfortable means of transportation to northbound vehicles and vice versa,” Singson said.

Director Rebecca Garsuta of the DPWH Built Operate Transfer – Project Management Office said that Phase 1 is the construction of new 2-lane expressway, 23 viaducts, 8 interchanges, 2 central toll plaza, 1 toll operations center building, 12 bridges and 63 underpasses, while Phase 2 will be the expansion into 4 lanes to be undertaken when capacity reaches 25,000 vehicles.

The alignment runs parallel to MacArthur Highway, passing through the municipalities of Victoria, Gerona, Paniqui, Moncada and San Manuel in Tarlac; Carmen, Urdaneta, Binalonan, Pozzorubio and Sison in Pangasinan; and Rosario in La Union.

The national government will provide funding support of P3.7 billion

Tarlac-Pangasinan-LU Toll Expressway

DPWH speeds up TPLEX constructioncorresponding to the amount of P793 million for right-of-way acquisition and P2.907 billion cash subsidy for civil works.

The consortium of six construction firms which were awarded construction contract for TPLEX are R.D. Policarpio and Co. Inc., New Kanlaon Construction, Inc., D.M. Wenceslao and Associates Inc., D.M. Consunji Inc., C.M. Pancho Const. Inc., and J.E. Manalo & Co.





Mother-daughter tandem spearheads Tarlac ‘Belenismo’ into prominence (Feature)

by M. Antonio G. Ibarra


TARLAC CITY, Dec. 6 -– A mother–daughter tandem of the rich and famous Cojuangco clan in Tarlac has spearheaded the Tarlac "Belenismo," the art of making "belen" (nativity scene), into a grandiose manifestation of the true meaning of Christmas and bringing it into prominent attention of the world. Dona Isabel Cojuangco Suntay and daughter Dr. Isabel “Isa” Cojuangco Suntay, the sister and niece of businessman and former Ambassador Eduardo “Danding” Cojuangco Jr., diligently pursued into realization the idea proposed by Rev. Fr. Alex Bautista, chairman of the Tarlac Diocesan Commission of Cultural Heritage of the Church, to put into a project the making of a "belen’ and launch it as a competition province-wide. ”’Belenismo’ was conceived when Fr. Alex suggested to my mom and me that we make a big project out of it, during our incidental gathering at home five years ago. We took the suggestion seriously and made the necessary moves to make the project materialized,” Dr. Isa Suntay narrated during the 5th Belenismo Awards Night on December 3, 2011 in Concepcion, Tarlac, with President Benigno S. Aquino III as the special guest of honor. She said that in five years, “Belenismo” has grown into a well-known medium of expression for the celebration of the birth of the Savior that this year, 11 foreign ambassadors came to visit the province expressing their appreciation to the project with assurance that they would emulate it. Tarlac Bishop Florentino Cinense, in his homily during the concelebrated Mass before the Awards proper, explained that “Belenismo” is the art of making belen; belen is a Spanish word for Bethlehem; it is the duplication of a hut with Jesus, Mary and Joseph in it which symbolizes a unified family; it is where the poor will find grace and contentment. Mrs. Suntay said that the spirit of Christmas is best expressed by the "belen" where Christ was born in an atmosphere of poverty, unity and love, rather than Santa Claus, Christmas trees, lanterns or lights. ”We want to show the real story of Christmas through ‘Belenismo’, that by means of it people may feel the true meaning of the birth of Christ,” she said. The younger Suntay added that through "Belenismo," conflict in politics among government officials turns into a peaceful coexistence. ”And so because of this, the province of Tarlac is now dubbed as the “Belenismo Capital of Asia.” Dr. Suntay also viewed the prominence of "Belenismo" would boost tourism not only in the province of Tarlac but throughout the country as well. For this year competition, there were 120 official entries in six categories: Diorama, High School Category; Diorama, Personal Category; Monumental Category (restaurants and the like); Church Category; Grand Non-Municipal Category (government agencies and business establishments), and Grand Municipal (local government units) Category. The first prize winners — for the Diorama, High School Category were: Cristo Rey High School, Concepcion, Tarlac; Tarlac National High School, Tarlac City, and Marawi National High School, Camiling, Tarlac; –- for the Personal Category: Albert Galsim; — for the Monumental Category: Ves Food House, Capas, Tarlac; — for the Church Category: Our Lady of Remedies Parish, San Manuel, Tarlac, and San Sebastian Cathedral, Tarlac City; — for the Grand Non-Municipal Category: the Philippine National Police Belen in Barangay Salapungan, Tarlac City; for the Grand Municipal Category: Municipalities of Moncada, Tarlac; San Clemente, Anao and San Manuel. (PNA) DCT/scs/magi





P-Noy graces ’5th Belenismo sa Tarlac’ awards night

by Carlo Lorenzo J. Datu


CONCEPCION, Tarlac, December 3 (PIA) — President Benigno Aquino III on Saturday graced the awarding ceremony of the “5th Belenismo sa Tarlac” at the Jesus R. Lapus Memorial Sports Complex in Concepcion town. Aquino personally bestowed the distinction to the winners of the competition’s six categories namely diorama high school, diorama personal, church, monumental, grand municipal (local government units) and grand non-municipal (government agencies and business establishments). In his message, the Chief Executive said “the Belenismo showcases not only the creativity of Tarlaqueños but more significantly it depicts their deep faith in God.” He lauded the Tarlac Heritage Foundation and the Provincial Government of Tarlac for unifying the whole province through such event. The President expressed confidence that “with the relentless effort of the organizers coupled with the support of the local residents, Belenismo would flourish even more and can contribute to national development as it could generate business investments and livelihood.” Belenismo was conceived in 2007 to restore the religious and social significance of the belen (nativity scene) as a symbol of Christmas. It also aims to promote the “bayanihan” spirit among Tarlaqueños, to increase tourist volume in the province during the holiday season, and intensify its claim as the “Belen Capital of the Philippines.”(WLB/CLJD-PIA 3)





President Aquino leads Belenismo awards night in Tarlac

by piadispatch.blogspot.com


CONCEPCION, Tarlac: President Benigno S. Aquino III led the awarding ceremonies for this year’s winners of the 5th Belenismo sa Tarlac on Saturday night praising event organizers for their contribution to the country’s tourism industry.

In his message during the awarding ceremony, the President thanked the provincial government of Tarlac, the Tarlac Heritage Foundation and other sponsors for inviting him in the event.

“Nawa’y patuloy kayong magsumikap sa pagpapayaman ng inyong kakayahan at pagpapamalas ng kahusayan at pakikiisa sa ating pagbangon,” the President said in his message.

“Tiwala po ako na sa patuloy na pasisikap at pagtataguyod ng Belenismo sa Tarlac at sa pakikiisa ng ating mga kababayan, malaki pa ang maiaambag ng pagdiriwang na ito sa turismo di lang sa ating probinsya kundi maging sa buong bansa.”

More tourist arrivals in the country means increased confidence of foreign investors to put their money in the Philippines, the President said. That as a result, create jobs and livelihood for Filipinos, he added.

While the country celebrates the birth of the Great Savior that brought light to the world, the President said, his administration will not waver in fighting corruption in the country saying that he will hold accountable those who committed wrongdoings.

“Pinaghahari po natin ang liwanag at pagbabago sa puso at isipan ng bawat Pilipino. Sa wagas nating pagsusumikap at pagmamalasakit sa mas mga nangangailangan kaakibat ng matibay na pananampalataya sa Dakilang Tagapagligtas,” he stressed.

Belenismo sa Tarlac is a festival showcasing the best of Tarlac in spirited competition in a Belen-making contest.

The competition was first organized in 2007 by the Tarlac Heritage Foundation and the Commission for the Cultural Heritage of the Church aimed at promoting tourism in the province that could eventually benefit the people economically.

This year’s Belenismo contest is supported by the Tarlac provincial government and its 17 municipalities, the Tarlac Convention and Visitors Bureau, private establishments, the Church, schools and private citizens.

Joining the President during the awards night include Rep. Jesli Lapus of Tarlac 3rd district, Philippine National Police chief Nicanor Bartolome, Mrs. Isabel Cojuangco-Suntay, founder and chairperson of the Tarlac Heritage Foundation and Dr. Isabel Cojuangco-Suntay, the co-founding chairperson of the foundation. (PCOO)




Aquino at Tarlac Belen awards

by Luzon Newsbits


CONCEPCION, Tarlac, Philippines (PIA) — President Benigno S. Aquino III was expected to grace last night’s awarding ceremony of the “5th Belenismo sa Tarlac” at the Jesus R. Lapus Memorial Sports Complex in Concepcion town.

Aquino was to personally bestow the distinction to the winners of the competition’s six categories namely diorama high school, diorama personal, church, monumental, grand municipal and grand non-municipal. Belenismo was conceived in 2007 by the Tarlac Heritage Foundation and Commission for the Cultural Heritage of the Church to restore the religious and social significance of the belen (nativity scene) as a symbol of Christmas.





2 bodies found in Tarlac

by George Hubierna


CAMP Macabulos, Tarlac City -- Two lifeless bodies were found recently in the towns of Concepcion and La Paz, according to a police report.

On Nov. 29 at around 4 p.m., elements of La Paz Police Station received a cellphone call from Manuel Aquino Roxas, 60, of Bgy. Rizal, La Paz, reporting that an unidentified female person was found floating in Chico River in Sitio Libtong, Bgy. San Roque.

Police found the decomposing body of the victim floating in the river, with both her hands and head tied with packaging tape. The victim, about 5’3”, 35 to 4-0 years old, of medium built, was wearing brown maong knee pants and red blouse shirt. The victim was brought to the Ilagan Funeral parlor in Tarlac City for autopsy.

On Nov. 30 at about 6:30 a.m., Concepcion chief of police Supt. Salvador Destura said that a certain Feliciano Pangan Ocampo, 62, farmer, of Bgy. Caluluan, Concepcion, reported that he found a man in his farm in Sitio Alitaptap, Bgy. Caluluan, Concepcion.

Responding police saw the man wearing dark blue sweatshirt and fatigue short pants wrapped with black T-shirt, white rice sack and packaging tape. His hands were also tied with packaging tape across his back.

According to a SOCO team headed by Supt. Ricardo Hidalgo of Tarlac Provincial Crime Laboratory Office (Tarlac-PCLO), the victim sustained a gunshot wound in the back of the head, hematoma in the eyes, stabbed wound in the head, hematoma in the head down to his waist and multiple stab wounds in the chest.

Recovered at the crime scene was the black backpack with red stripe containing postal identification card # 0944816 of Benigno M. Agustin, of Bgy. Nagserialan, Camiling, Tarlac. The postal ID card was believed to be owned by the victim.

Probers believed that the victim was killed elsewhere but dumped in the area to mislead investigators.

The recovered items were brought to Tarlac-PCLO for proper disposition while the victim was brought to the Ilagan Funeral Homes.





Mayor lauds Tarlac officials’ support in cityhood bid

by Reynaldo G. Navales


MABALACAT -- Mabalacat Mayor Marino “Boking” Morales thanked Tarlac officials led by Govenor Vic Yap for their support in the cityhood bid of this municipality.

Despite the boundary dispute between the towns of Bamban in Tarlac and Mabalacat in Pampanga, Tarlac officials have displayed their sincere support in the town’s cityhood campaign, according to Morales.

Morales thanked Senators Ferdinand Marcos Jr., Franklin Drilon, Tito Sotto, and Lito Lapid in approving House Bill 4736, an act converting the municipality into a component city.

“Of course, we also would like to thank our governor, Lilia Pineda, and Vice Governor Joseller ‘Yeng’ Guiao for their support to the town’s cityhood,” Morales said.

The Senate Committee on Local Government, headed by Marcos, approved Tuesday the bill creating Mabalacat City.

Morales said the delivery of basic services to the people will be maximized once this first-class municipality becomes a component city.

Other programs of the local government on education, health, livelihood, employment, peace and order and others will be realized once the town is converted into a city, according to the mayor.

Development in this town will complement other infrastructures inside the Freeport and Clark airport, Morales said.

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