Mission Statement of Balibago Info

Provide valuable information about Balibago, Angeles City and surrounding areas. With people in and around Angeles City / Balibago and no relation with any Bar or Hotel, we intend to provide fast, objective and accurate information for our visitors.

Why are we here?

Lots of websites exist about our town, but where do you find quality information that is up to date? Tired looking for a restaurant, going through pages of flash animations or gifs, we decided to make our own site in a simple and clean way where info pops up at the blink of an eye. Let us know what you think - good or bad, we can still take up the suggestion or decide to ignore it :)

Balibago News

18 May, 2012 - Clarkview Market

ANGELES CITY -- Starting this coming Sunday local farmers and expat vendors will offer their products in the parking lot of the Lewis Grand Hotel.

It is planned to run every Sunday from 7:00 am to 2:00 pm.

18 May, 2012 - Aquino okays Mabalacat cityhood

MABALACAT -- Mayor Marino Morales announced Friday that President Benigno Aquino III has signed a law converting this first-class town into a component city.

The President signed on Wednesday Republic Act 10164, declaring Mabalacat as the third city of Pampanga.

18 May, 2012 - Chamber to donate another building to Porac school

ANGELES CITY -- The Angeles City Filipino-Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc. is set to donate another building to Babo Pangulo Elementary School in Porac.

On Thursday afternoon, AC Fil-Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc. executive Johnson Dycaico, who hails from Barangay Sta. Cruz, Porac, was accompanied by Mayor Condralito Dela Cruz, Vice-Mayor Dexter David, barangay and school officials, together with members of the Parent-Teachers Association, in inspecting the site where the building will rise.

18 May, 2012 - Inmates pass equivalency test

PAMPANGA -- An official from the Pampanga Provincial Jail said at least 11 inmates got diplomas after passing the Alternative Learning System (ALS) Accreditation and Equivalency Test (A&E) implemented by the Department of Education (DepEd).

Provincial Warden Edwin Mangaliman said in a radio program “Indung Kapampangan” on Friday that two of the 11 inmates passed the ALS A&E for elementary level, while the remaining nine passed it for the secondary level.

18 May, 2012 - Binay lauds Jessica Sanchez

PAMPANGA -- Vice President Jejomar Binay congratulated American Idol contestant Jessica Sanchez whose mothr hails from Samal, Bataan, after she clinched a spot in the finale of American Idol.

“Congratulations to Jessica Sanchez for making it to the American Idol finale. Once again, she has brought great pride to Filipinos,” the Vice President said.

17 May, 2012 - Detainee caught with illegal drugs

PAMPANGA -- A detainee was arrested for allegedly concealing illegal drugs and planning to smuggle the items inside the Pampanga Provincial Jail.

The arrest came after operatives of the Pampanga Provincial Intelligence Branch received a report that a certain detainee who is about to be committed at the provincial jail will try to smuggle illegal drugs inside the jail.

17 May, 2012 - Philippine Science satellite school welcome in Pampanga

PAMPANGA -- Agricultural College (PAC) president Honorio Soriano Jr. said they welcome the establishment of a satellite campus by the Philippine Science High School (PSHS).

“I have no objection. We will appreciate if we accommodate ‘PhiScie’ in PAC,” Soriano said.

17 May, 2012 - Clark firm exec meets Pampanga guv

CLARK FREEPORT -- Clark Development Corporation (CDC) officer-in-charge Eduardo Oban Jr. paid a courtesy call on Governor Lilia Pineda on Wednesday for the first time.

Oban’s visit to Pineda was marked by talks of various issues at the Capitol.

17 May, 2012 - Angeles to stage city-wide Santacruzan

ANGELES CITY -- The City Government, through the Angeles City Tourism Office (ACTO), will be staging the city’s celebration of beauty and tradition today, Friday.

This year’s theme for its second year Las Flores de Los Angeles is anchored on the symbolic ritual of laying flowers to the Blessed Virgin Mary offered by the sagalas representing the 16 participating barangays of the city.

17 May, 2012 - Librarian notes growing book collection at provincial library

PAMPANGA -- The head of the Pampanga Provincial Library (PPL) here recently disclosed that their total book collections have reached 21,572.

Provincial Librarian Bessie Makabali said these collections were purchased from local funds, while some were part of the allocation from the National Library of the Philippines (NLP).

17 May, 2012 - Unity of Kapampangans abroad sought

PAMPANGA -- The Provincial Board on Wednesday urged various Kapampangan groups in the United Stated of America to be united to further advance the interest of the province.

Jess Espańola, a representative of the USA Pampanga Day Celebration Commission, visited the Board Members on Wednesday.

16 May, 2012 - Kalam deputized on anti-overloading

PAMPANGA -- An official from the Land Transportation Office (LTO) said Monday that they are deputizing personnel of the Kapampangan a Lulugud at Matapat (Kalam) in the implementation of the anti-overloading law in the province.

“Bear in mind that you are representing the Provincial Government and the LTO as deputies, so do your duties well as what you do would benefit the entire province and its populace,” Ronal Dabu, Bataan LTO chief of office, told Kalam personnel.

16 May, 2012 - Residents to file raps vs Mabalacat official

MABALACAT -- A group of residents in Barangay Bundagul is reportedly planning to file technical malversation of public funds against Vice Mayor Noelito Castro in connection with the purchase of a lot when he was still a village chief.

The residents found out that the 534-square-meter open basketball court is registered in the Register of Deeds under Castro’s name.

16 May, 2012 - Female entrepreneurs get more training

PAMPANGA -- Some 216 women entrepreneurs on Tuesday got additional training for their respective small and medium businesses in San Fernando.

The training were conducted by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, Department of Trade and Industry and Department of Labor and Employment (Dole), courtesy of Capitol’s Provincial Cooperative and Entrepreneurial Development Office (PCEDO).

16 May, 2012 - Councilor donates trikes to 33 villages

ANGELES CITY -- Councilor Jesus Sangil recently led the turnover and distribution of tricycle patrol units to 33 barangays here.

He added that “projects like this should benefit all our constituents.”

15 May, 2012 - Cebu governor eyes Senate post

CLARK FREEPORT -- Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia has relayed her plan to run for senator during the Mothers’ Day celebration at the SM City Clark on Sunday.

“This is my first time to announce my political plan outside of Cebu and it is here in Pampanga,” Garcia said.

15 May, 2012 - City sets month-long ‘Pyestang Fernandino 2012’ events

PAMPANGA -- San Fernando has started its almost month-long fiesta celebration with an off-road challenge over the weekend, signaling the beginning of a host of cultural programs and recreational activities in line with its theme “Pyestang Fernandino, Dalerayan Ning Kulturang Pasulungan.”

“On the occasion of the feast of St. Ferdinand, our city patron saint, we celebrate our rich culture, highlight our best talents and showcase our unique bond as a people,” Rodriguez told Sun.Star Pampanga during Monday’s press conference on the fiesta celebrations.

15 May, 2012 - SBMA upbeat on ‘Subic BPO City’ project

SUBIC FREEPORT -- The top official of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) said he foresees a bright future for the business process outsourcing (BPO) industry in this freeport because it now has all the infrastructure and facilities needed to make such ventures click.

Addressing the more than 200 graduating students of the AMA College in Olongapo City on Thursday (May 10), SBMA Chairman Roberto V. Garcia said that his management team is planning to establish a fully-developed “BPO City” here where local information technology (IT) workers can thrive.

15 May, 2012 - P15-B mega-dam to start in July

ANGELES CITY -- The construction of the P15-billion Balog-Balog megadam (BBM) in Tarlac, a project initiated way back during the term of Pres. Aquino’s mother former Pres. Corazon Aquino, will finally start this July, the National Irrigation Authority (NIA) has announced.

The “rock-fill dam” would be 113.5 meters from the riverbed to the crest and would have a water storage capacity of 625 million cubic meters and once fully operational by 2016, the BBM is projected to boost rice crop yield by 116.7 thousand metric tons per year with an estimated value of $34.72 million and 94,000 metric tons of tilapia per year, worth P506 million.

15 May, 2012 - ‘VM used public funds to buy lot’

MABALACAT -- The treasurer of Barangay Bundagul here said their former village chief, now Vice Mayor Noelito “Noel” Castro, had used public funds to purchase a 534-square meter property in 1999.

Bundagul Treasurer Elisa Cunanan said she was ordered by then Barangay Captain Castro to release funds in “several tranches” for the purchase of the property used as basketball court which Castro used to pay its owners the amount of P115,000 which had been taken from the funds of Bundagul.

14 May, 2012 - Grand fluvial procession held at Pampanga River

PAMPANGA -- Archbishop Paciano Aniceto and Governor Lilia Pineda led on Monday thousands of devotees and well-wishers of the Sto. Cristo del Pardon during the first grand fluvial procession held at the Rio Grande de Pampanga commonly known as the Pampanga River.

Aniceto, welcomed by the Catholic faithful in Candaba, was joined by local leaders in Apalit as he formally opened the activity in a simple ceremony.

14 May, 2012 - CDC’s revenue up in 2011

CLARK FREEPORT PORT -- Revenue in Clark Development Corporation has increased in 2011 compared to 2010, the Corporate Planning Department (CPD) of the state-owned firm reported.

In reports submitted to CDC chair and Officer-in-Charge Eduardo Oban Jr., the gross revenue for last year has reached P984,361 million compared to the 2010 revenue of P898,673 million.

14 May, 2012 - 18 candidates vie for Lakan, Mutya ning San Fernando 2012

PAMPANGA -- Eighteen young men and women are vying for this year’s title of Lakan at Mutya Ning San Fernando 2012.

The said candidates were presented to members of the media Monday at the Heroes Hall in San Fernando.

14 May, 2012 - Mayor: K+12 will make students resilient, competitive

PAMPANGA -- With the impending implementation of the K to 12 program this coming school year, Mayor Oscar Rodriguez of San Fernando said Monday that parents and students would not have to worry about the enhanced and decongested curriculum because it would make enrollees and graduates of the program resilient and more competitive.

“Actually the K to 12 program is long overdue at tayo na lang among what we call the 20 rising economies of the world ang hindi pa nag-implement nito. Parents and students who would be affected by its implementation should not worry because it would make students resilient and more competitive after finishing the curriculum,” he told.

13 May, 2012 - El Circulo Fernandino holds 92nd reception, ball

PAMPANGA -- The oldest socio-civic club in Pampanga -- the El Circulo Fernandino -- held its 92nd reception and ball for members and guests in a glittery affair at the Heroes Hall mini-convention center Saturday evening.

The annual reception and ball, according to Mayor Oscar Rodriguez -- this year’s current El Circulo Fernandino president along with co-presidents Divine Tulio and Coritho Panlilio-Lim -- is not just a social gathering of Pampanga’s crčme de la crčme, social and civic personalities and government leaders but also a fund-raising activity for the club’s various socio-civic projects.

13 May, 2012 - Porac to install solar-powered lamps

PAMPANGA -- The Municipal Government of Porac is set to install solar-powered lamp posts in main thoroughfares of strategic barangays here.

This was disclosed by Councilors Ludi Muli and Gilbert Santos, majority floor leader and chairman of the committee on appropriations of the Municipal Coucil, respectively, during a meeting with the town’s barangay captains over the weekend.

12 May, 2012 - Exec underscores water district septage project

MABALACAT -- Mabalacat Water District (MWD) general manager Francis Dimaliwat has cited the P200-million septage management program (SMP) of the water facility.

Dimaliwat said the project will be funded under a financial loan from the Development Bank of Philippines.

12 May, 2012 - Army rights advocacy paying off; zero violations for 2012

PAMPANGA -- The intensified efforts of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to educate and train its soldiers on the protection of Human Rights and adherence to the International Humanitarian Law (IHL) and Rule of Law continue to pay off with zero Human Rights Violation (HRV) recorded for the first four months of 2012.

The AFP Human Rights Office (HRO) has been tasked to verify HRV reports involving military personnel that were referred to the Commission on Human Rights (CHR).

11 May, 2012 - Palace: Let court decide on Arroyo’s medical treatment abroa

PAMPANGA -- Malacanang will let the court decide whether former President and now Pampanga Representative Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo should be allowed to seek medical treatment abroad.

“There is a plunder case. It is a non-bailable offense. It is now within the courts to decide. If they should decide to seek for medical attention that would be left to the judgment of the judge---the courts to do so,” Presidential spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said.

11 May, 2012 - DOTC chief hit for ‘abject failure’ at NAIA, CIA

ANGELES CITY – A Central Luzon-based advocacy group has called for the resignation of Department of Transportation and Communications Secretary Mar Roxas, who was chided for his alleged “abject failure” to deal with problems facing major airports in the country.

Pinoy Gumising Ka Movement (PGKM) Chair Ruperto Cruz called for Roxas’s resignation after the DOTC chief announced in various media reports that the government may force airlines to reduce their flights at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport to ease congestion that has caused delays in air travel.

10 May, 2012 - HIV on the rise

ANGELES CITY – A non-profit, non-government group said here yesterday that the “incidence” of human-immuno deficiency virus (HIV) in the country has reached “epidemic proportions” amid new studies naming the Philippines as one of the seven countries worldwide where the number of HIV cases grow by over 25 percent monthly.

In an HIV summit sponsored here yesterday by the Jaycees International, Dr. Jonathan Fontilla, advocacy officer of the Philippine Business Sector Response to HIV and AIDS (PBSR-HA), said this was revealed in a new global report of the United Nations (UN).

10 May, 2012 - Website prompted CamSur to visit San Fernando

PAMPANGA -- The new and improved website of San Fernando City has prompted the municipality of Libmanan in Camarines Sur to hold its travel study in the city.

Libmanan Mayor Marilyn Jimenez said, “The city’s updated and easy access website has greatly influenced us to do our Lakbay-Aral (travel study) here making it our top choice destination.”

10 May, 2012 - Arroyo fights suspension move

PAMPANGA -- Former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, who is now a Pampanga lawmaker, has contested Ombudsman prosecutors’ move to have her suspended from office because of her graft cases over the controversial national broadband network deal with China.

Arroyo, in her opposition filed through her lawyers, said her suspension would serve no purpose and that she did not deserve to be prevented from holding office because there is ground to question the validity of the charges against her.

10 May, 2012 - 12 fishermen jailed for ‘illegal fishing’

PAMPANGA -- Just when talks to settle disputes over the delineation of Pampanga and Bataan coastal waters started, another group of fishermen aboard two boats were apprehended and jailed by Bataan authorities allegedly for “illegal fishing.”

This was revealed by fourth district Board Member Nestor “Bay” Tolentino on Wednesday, when he filed two resolutions seen to address illegal fishing in the province.

10 May, 2012 - Nayong Pilipino Clark to hold Santacruzan on May 13, 27

CLARK FREEPORT --- The Nayong Pilipino Clark Expo has scheduled Santa Cruz de Mayo here on May 13 and 27.

“May-time’s most colorful religious-historical pageant Santacruzan will unreel in all its spectacle, color and gaiety when Nayong Pilipino stages ‘Santa Cruz de Mayo’ for two Sundays (May 13 and 27),” said Nayong Pilipino director Apolonio Anota.

10 May, 2012 - Site for PhilRice satellite campus inspected

PAMPANGA -- The Provincial Government consultant on agricultural concerns met on Wednesday with executives of the PhilRice Center, Pampanga Agricultural College (PAC) and Department of Agriculture (DA) in an ocular inspection on the proposed site for PhilRice satellite campus here.

Roy Imperial, a former DA director and currently the Provincial Government consultant on agriculture, said he was instructed by Governor Lilia Pineda to coordinate with the concerned executives for initial talks on the establishment of the satellite campus at PAC in Magalang town.

10 May, 2012 - Inmates get free meal daily

PAMPANGA -- Provincial Nutrition Action Officer Rustica Butiu said at least 630 inmates from the provincial jail get free meals daily.

“We have been supplying the food requirements of the inmates at the provincial jail. We make sure they get nutritious and fresh food. We are the ones who buy from the market, and then give the food to them for cooking,” Butiu said.

10 May, 2012 - Drug Pusher nabbed

PAMPANGA -- police nabbed on Tuesday a 35-year-old man in a drug-bust operation in Barangay Bulaon, City of San Fernando.

The suspect was identified as Roel Fernando Pangilinan, married and a resident of Barangay Bulaon.

9 May, 2012 - Corporation to remit P300M in dividends to BCDA

CLARK FREEPORT -- The Clark Development Corporation (CDC) is set to remit more than P300 million worth of dividends to its mother company, the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA), state-owned officials said.

CDC chair and officer-in-charge Eduardo Oban Jr. said the state-run corporation is now capable of paying its 2009 to 2011 remittances to the BCDA after the CDC management decided to forego construction work of the proposed CDC Corporate building, which aims to consolidate all CDC offices and Moral and Welfare Recreational (MWR) facilities.

9 May, 2012 - Zero crime rate in San Luis

PAMPANGA -- The chief of police here said Wednesday that the town has a zero crime rate for the past two years.

Police Chief Inspector David Arcega, town’s chief of police, said there is no carnapping, shooting, riding in tandem incidents and other street crimes recorded in the local police station.

9 May, 2012 - Council commends cops for anti-crime drive

ANGELES CITY -- The City Council here has commended the city police, particularly the Motorized Anti-Street Crime Operatives (Masco), for its anti-criminality campaign that led to the arrest of suspected riding-in-tandem robbers.

City Council Resolution 6385 Series of 2012, which was sponsored by Councilor Edu Pamintuan, cited Masco operatives including Superintendent Manuel Hidalgo, Chief Inspector Deonido Maniago Jr., Chief Inspector Luisito Tan, SPO1 Ervin Mendoza, PO2 Melvin Manalo, PO1 Delbert Tolentino, PO1 June Pilando Jr., PO1 Rodel Bolus, PO1 Mark Gutierrez and PO1 Jerry Tabek.

9 May, 2012 - San Luis to get P5M from Capitol

PAMPANGA -- Governor Lilia Pineda told local officials here Monday that the Provincial Government is set to provide an additional P5 million for the town’s infrastructure and farm-to-market roads.

Pineda has assured the people of San Luis of a “just share” from the earnings of the Provincial Government.

9 May, 2012 - Anti-muffler ordinance passed

ANGELES CITY -- Councilor Edu Pamintuan recently filed an ordinance that would penalize motorists using vehicles generating excessive noise that is a result of modifying their respective vehicles.

The ordinance shall be known as the “Anti-Muffler Modification Ordinance,” which prohibits all vehicles using, noisy, modified mufflers from traveling through primary, secondary and barangay roads within the city.

9 May, 2012 - Cops recover stolen items, getaway van

PAMPANGA -- Operatives of the City of San Fernando Community Police Assistance Center 2 (Compac 2) recovered Tuesday what are believed to be stolen items inside a van reportedly used by suspected Akyat Bahay members in a posh village in San Fernando.

In their report, Compac 2 commander Chief Inspector Diosdado Nolasco and night investigator PO2 Jerome Flores said the items -- pairs of plate numbers (RFN 560 and RKM 551), three laptops, a DVD player, a computer monitor, a gold ring, a pair of earrings, documents and three screw drivers -- were found inside a white Toyota Hi-Ace van (TXO-467) parked along Lexus Street, St. Dominic Village in Barangay San Agustin here.

9 May, 2012 - Council to regulate issuance of fire clearance

ANGELES CITY -- The City Council is planning to draft an ordinance regulating the issuance of fire clearances to business establishments in the city.

The move came after the City Council reportedly received numerous complaints from businessmen here who claim they have difficulty securing clearances from the fire department.

9 May, 2012 - AirAsia offers P799 fare to Kuala Lumpur

CLARK FREEPORT -- The Philippines’ AirAsia, the country’s newest low cost carrier, announced its flight from Clark International Airport to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

To commemorate the launch, AirAsia offers all-in promo fare of P799, one way from Clark to Kuala Lumpur starting May 9 to 13. Guests who will avail of this promo seats will be able to travel from June 9 to November 30, 2012.

8 May, 2012 - Kapampangan sculptor to install altar in Rome

PAMPANGA -- Willy Layug from Guagua, Presidential Merit Awardee for Ecclesiastical Art, is set to donate and install a Filipiniana altar dedicated to Filipino St. Lorenzo Ruiz and Blessed Pedro Calungsod at the prestigious Pontificio Collegio Filippino in Rome, Italy.

Layug will be the first Kapampangan to install his work at the Pontificio Collegio Filippino, sharing the same stage with classical masters whose works adorn major churches and shrines in Roman Catholic churches a few blocks away.

8 May, 2012 - City remembers Abad Santos in Lanao

PAMPANGA -- The City Government of San Fernando recently sent a delegation to Lanao del Sur to lay wreaths in commemoration of the 70th death anniversary of martyr Chief Justice Jose Abad Santos.

City Administrator Ferdinand Caylao told Sun.Star Pampanga Tuesday that the contingent was led by Lanao Muslim Traders Association president Macaslang Bitiarra and the city’s Muslim coordinator Kaiser Manguranda.

8 May, 2012 - City workers to get additional bonus

ANGELES CITY -- The local government unit here is set to dole out the second release of cash incentives stipulated under the Collective Negotiations Agreement (CNA) to its government employees next week.

Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan announced this during Tuesday’s flag raising ceremony at the city hall grounds compensating the Monday local holiday, Jose Abad Santos Day.

8 May, 2012 - Woman’s body found inside sack

PAMPANGA -- The body of a woman was found inside a white sack at a rice field along the San Miguel-Concepcion Road in San Simon town, a police report said Tuesday.

According to the police, the still unidentified victim was more or less 25 years old and 5’4” in height; the victim was naked and her body and arms were hogtied with a nylon rope.

8 May, 2012 - Fish catch increases despite pollution

PAMPANGA -- group of fishermen in Candaba disclosed that despite the reported water pollution at the Pampanga River, their catch had increased compared to the previous months.

Roderick Sablan, a fisherman from Barangay Bambang, was happy to note that the fish from the river appeared to be “undisturbed” despite the bulk of garbage.

8 May, 2012 - Foundation gives scholarship grants

PAMPANGA -- The Abad Santos Madrigal Foundation (ASMF) Inc. awarded on Monday two scholarship slots for qualified Kapampangan students.

Fritzie Hazel Lim, a representative sent by former Senator Maria Ana Consuelo “Jamby” Madrigal, disclosed that the foundation decided to give the scholarship grants to provide educational opportunities for deserving Kapampangans.

7 May, 2012 - Steve Healey passed away

ANGELES CITY -- Steve, 65, a well known and liked character around passed away of an apparent heart attack last night around 3:00 am.

His wife Claire noticed something was wrong and called an ambulance but no driver was available.

7 May, 2012 - Clark kite festival organized by Bear Brand

CLARK FREEPORT -- Colorful and specially crafted kites filled the air inside the Freeport when Bear Brand held the second leg of its Kite Festival 2012 last Saturday.

Some 90 participants in at least three divisions – kids (28 entries), young adults (31 entries), family (31 entries) -- joined in the kite-flying competition.

7 May, 2012 - 582 job hunters hired on the spot

PAMPANGA -- The Department of Labor and Employment (Dole) in Central Luzon led by Director Raymundo Agravante reported over the weekend that some 582 job applicants were hired on the spot (HOTS) during the recent Labor Day Job Fair conducted in key areas of the region.

The 582 HOTS job seekers accounted for 5.6 percent of the 10,360 qualified applicants reported by the Dole Provincial Field Offices.

7 May, 2012 - Man, woman nabbed for drugs

PAMPANGA -- A 31-year-old man was collared recently by police authorities in a buy-bust operation in an ice plant located along MacArthur Highway, Barangay Sampaloc, Apalit town.

Police identified the arrested suspect as Roel Pagdanganan Villanueva, married and a resident of the said barangay.

7 May, 2012 - Club holds photo exhibit on Balakat trees

CLARK FREEPORT -- In an effort to boost the level of awareness on the value of trees, a two-day photo exhibit was initiated by the Kapampangan Boys Club (KBC) at the Event Center of the SM City Clark here.

The photo exhibit entitled “Save Balakat Trees, Save the Environment” is part of the continuing advocacy of the youth group in saving and propagating the endangered Balakat Tree (Zyzypus Talanai).

7 May, 2012 - Bank delegates tour Pampanga

PAMPANGA -- Delegates of the recently concluded Asian Development Bank 45th Annual Meeting toured Central Luzon including the historical San Guillermo Parish Church in Bacolor, furniture shops in Guagua, Pampanga, Clark Freeport and Subic Bay Freeport.

At least Ronnie Tiotuico, Tourism region 3 director, guided at least 22 ADB officials, their spouses and employees to the church built by Augustinian Friars in 1567, who were welcomed by Parish Priest Father Jess Manabat and Bacolor Vice Mayor Ananias Canlas Jr.

7 May, 2012 - DOLE awards P1.9M worth of livelihood assistance in Aurora and Pampanga

PAMPANGA -- The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) awarded on Labor Day a total of P1.9 million livelihood grants to around 1,200 groups and individuals in Aurora and Pampanga.

The ceremonial awarding was held in SM City Pampanga wherein P1 million was given to Aurora residents while the remaining P900,000 to Kapampangans.

7 May, 2012 - Governor’s basketball tournament

PAMPANGA -- At least 18 teams are participating in the 2nd Gov. Lilia “Nanay Baby” Pineda Inter-town Basketball Tournament which opened on Sunday (May 6) at the Bren Z. Guiao gym in San Fernando.

Defending champion Lubao town started on the right foot as they defeated Masantol in one of the three games on opening day. In the other two games, Mabalacat edged out Floridablanca, while San Simon beat San Fernando.

6 May, 2012 - Fisheries bureau to delineate coastal waters

PAMPANGA -- The coastal waters of Pampanga, particularly those in Macabebe, Masantol and Sasmuan and adjoining areas in Bataan will be subjected to delineation and mapping by the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR).

This was disclosed by officials led by Provincial Board Committee on Environment and Natural Resources chairman and 4th district Board Member Nestor Tolentino during a hearing at the Capitol over the weekend.

6 May, 2012 - Electric coop now ‘Lumens Hall of Famer’

PAMPANGA -- The Pampanga Electric Cooperative I (Pelco) based in Mexico was recently received the National Electrification Administration (NEA)’s Hall of Fame Electric Cooperative (EC) Award in the recently concluded 2012 Lumens Awards held in Davao City.

Along with the Hall of Fame EC Award for its 2011 performance, Pelco 1 General Manager Loliano Allas was named Hall of Fame General Manager and was again -- for the last three years -- awarded by NEA’s Lumens Committee, the Pedro G. Dumol Award for the Best General Manager of the Year.

6 May, 2012 - Old man arrested for illegal drugs

PAMPANGA -- Police arrested on Friday a 66-year-old man for selling illegal drugs in Barangay Pulong Gubat, Candaba.

Superintendent Henry Flores, town’s chief of police, identified the suspect as Pelagio Gonzales Castro who was caught in the act of selling illegal drugs.

6 May, 2012 - 2 men shoot student, cart away motorcycle

ANGELES CITY – A Korean student from the Angeles University Foundation (AUF) who took a midnight drive along Malabanias Road, Barangay Malabanias here was shot on his leg after which two men carted away his motorcycle, reports said.

Police identified the victim as Kang Dae Ho, 21, currently billeted at the AUF Hostel in Marisol Subdivision, Barangay Ninoy Aquino here.

6 May, 2012 - Binay: Beware of text scams

MABALACAT – Vice President Jejomar Binay has reminded the public not to fall prey to text messages claiming that the recipients have won in a raffle sponsored by the Office of the Vice President under its cash assistance program.

“Mag-ingat po tayo sa mga text scam. Wag tayong maniniwala sa mga pakana na ito. Wag nating hayaang maging biktima tayo,” Binay warned.

6 May, 2012 - Cops recover carnapped van

ANGELES CITY -- The city police recovered over the weekend a van, which was carnapped from a posh subdivision in Barangay Balibago here.

The Mitsubishi L-300 van, owned by Renato Maglaque of Quezon Street, Mountain View Subdivision, was recovered along MacArthur Highway, Rolling Area, in Bamban, Tarlac a few hours after it was carnapped at dawn on Friday, said Chief Inspector Luisito M. Tan, Police Station 4 chief.

6 May, 2012 - Job fair, social services in Lubao

PAMPANGA -- Mayor Mylyn Pineda-Cayabyab hosted on Friday a town-wide job fair and a host of social service missions here as part of the 440th founding anniversary of the town.

Pineda hosted a jobs fair at the Lubao Gym here participated by more than 55 local and overseas companies.

5 May, 2012 - Boking targets 2,000 kids in circumcision project

MABALACAT, Pampanga – More than 1,000 residents here, mostly children and teenagers, have benefited from the circumcision project here sponsored by Mayor Marino “Boking” Morales and his wife Nińa.

Morales said the free circumcision started at his residence in Barangay Dau on April 30 and will end on May 7.

5 May, 2012 - Saints’ relics venerated in Pampanga churches

PAMPANGA -- The relics of Sta. Monica and her son St. Agustine were venerated Friday morning in different churches in Pampanga.

The “homecoming” of the bone relics or the “ex ossibus” of the two were first taken to the San Agustin Parish Church in this city where they were welcomed by hundreds of devotees. After the veneration, the two relics were taken in separate motorcades to Lubao and Minalin.

4 May, 2012 - ‘Oplan Paglalansag’ nets 6 loose guns

PAMPANGA -- The Central Luzon Police Office aggressive drive to recover and seize loose firearms in relation to the “Oplan Paglalansag” program netted a total of six assorted loose firearms with several ammunitions in Angeles City and in the provinces of Aurora, Pampanga, and Tarlac.

Central Luzon Police Regional Director Edgardo T. Ladao said a series of police operations were conducted over the week which yielded the positive results.

4 May, 2012 - Armed men carjack trader’s car

ANGELES CITY -- A businessman’s vehicle was carjacked by armed men along the main road of Barangay Calibutbut in Bacolor town recently.

A belated report reaching this camp identified the vehicle’s owner as Felino Santos, 53, a rice dealer from Hensonville Subdivision, Barangay Malabanias in Angeles City.

4 May, 2012 - Torture raps filed vs GMA, Ibrado

PAMPANGA -- CRIMINAL charges were filed before the Department of Justice against detained former President and now Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo of Pampanga province for allegedly committing torture and human rights violations.

The charges were filed by members of the so-called "Morong 43," who claimed that the former leader violated Republic Act (RA) No. 9745 otherwise known as the Anti-torture Act of 2009.

3 May, 2012 - ‘Clark airport has arrived’ – Luciano

CLARK FREEPORT – Clark International Airport Corporation President Victor Jose I. Luciano said the “Clark airport has arrived” as he leads journalists in a tour inside the busy Diosdado Macapagal passenger terminal Thursday.

The Clark International Airport (CIA) has posted a 781-percent increase of passengers due to the domestic operations of Air Asia and Airphil Express since March of this year having more than 600 passengers crowding the waiting are while Luciano toured the Terminal.

3 May, 2012 - Businessman hits immigration in Clark

CLARK FREEPORT -- Businessman Ruperto Cruz assailed Thursday the Bureau of Immigration (BI) for the alleged “slow processing” of passengers at the Clark International Airport.

Cruz, owner of Royal Garden Golf and Country Club, complained that there were only two immigration officers checking hundreds of passengers bound for Hong Kong and Bangkok and other international destinations and it took him an hour to pass the Immigration point.

3 May, 2012 - Lawmaker extends support for Sta. Ana farmers

PAMPANGA -- Representative Aurelio Gonzales Jr. (3rd District, Pampanga) extended Thursday P100,000 as financial support for the development programs of farmers in Sta Anna.

Gonzales said the fund aims to provide the immediate needs of farmers. He added that last year, he has extended the same assistance used for the purchase of bikes and other needs of farmers.

3 May, 2012 - 18 Wheeler rams Gas station

PAMPANGA -- A driver of an 18-wheeler truck was injured after his vehicle collided with another truck carrying animal feeds and then rammed a gasoline station in San Fernando on Thursday midnight.

Police suspect the driver, identified as Edren De Dios, fell asleep while driving.

2 May, 2012 - Pampanga’s feat in Korean proficiency exam cited

PAMPANGA -- The Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) has cited the excellent performance of Pampanga in the recently concluded Employment Permit System–Test of Proficiency in Korean (EPS-Topik).

In a letter addressed to the Provincial Government, POEA Employment Branch Director Jocelyn Sanchez said the province garnered the highest EPS-Topik passers.

2 May, 2012 - Angeles gets funds for ambulant vendors

ANGELES CITY -- The City Government received nego-karts livelihood funding assistance from the Department of Labor and Employment (Dole) that will be distributed to ambulant vendors in the city.

The nego-kart (Negosyo sa Kariton) project is one of Dole’s priority projects intended to provide decent livelihood for the ambulant workers in major cities of the country.

1 May, 2012 - Offloading in Clark ‘due to human trafficking law’

CLARK FREEPORT --- “The basis for this procedure (offloading) is the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Law of 2003 and protection against human rights violations.”

This was stated by Ronnie Tiotuico, Department of Tourism (DOT) Central Luzon director, who is referring to several cases of passenger offloading at the Clark International Airport.

1 May, 2012 - Towns get P2.5M from Binay

PAMPANGA -- Several towns in Pampanga have been awarded by Vice President Jejomar Binay a Special Allotment Release Order (Saro) amounting to P2.5 million.

These towns include Candaba, Masantol, Magalang, Sta. Rita and Minalin.

1 May, 2012 - Harbor Point mall opens in Subic

SUBIC FREEPORT -- Residents and tourists flocked to the three-day opening show of the Ayala Land’s Harbor Point mall inside this Freeport recently.

TV celebrities Anne Curtis, Bea Alonzo, and Marvin Agustin; sport figures Nate Burkey and Carlo de Murga of the Philippine Azkals; and singer Juris entertained shoppers during the mall’s initial launching.

1 May, 2012 - CEB supports plan to reduce Manila air traffic

CLARK FREEPORT -- The Cebu Pacific (CEB) admitted that the recent delays to its flights are mostly caused by air traffic congestion, and pledged continuous support to relevant government authorities to decongest the Ninoy Aquino International Airport runway.

In a press statement furnished to Sun.Star Pampanga, the airline stated that it has coordinated with the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (Caap), the Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) and the Manila International Airport Authority for the appointment of an independent slot coordinator, who recently approved all airport slots for the March to October summer schedule, and will continue to coordinate airport slots using IATA guidelines.

1 May, 2012 - Thousands fall in line to job fair

PAMPANGA -- Thousands of job seekers fell in line for about 22,000 job vacancies up for grabs during Tuesday’s Labor Day Job Fair at the SM City Pampanga Events Center.

Jerry Borja, Department of Labor and Employment (Dole) regional labor communications officer, said as of noon Tuesday, more than 10,000 overseas job vacancies and about 12,000 local employment opportunities were being filled up by human resource staff of some 300 employers here and abroad.

30 April, 2012 - Binay lauds guv for ‘progressive’ province

PAMPANGA -- Vice President Jejomar Binay congratulated over the weekend Governor Lilia Pineda and her administration for progress in the province.

Just before the launching of the Anak Ning Candaba local party which he keynoted, Binay told Sun.Star Pampanga that “it is the involvement of the private sector and partnership with local government units that makes governance more effective.”

30 April, 2012 - Immigration officers hit for ‘maltreatment’

CLARK FREEPORT -- The president of the Clark Investors and Locators Association (Cila) assailed some officers of the Bureau of Immigration (BI) in Clark for allegedly “maltreating” his girlfriend who was prevented from flying to Hong Kong.

Cila president Jeff Pradhan and his girlfriend Marites Rosales were supposed to fly to Hong Kong on April 26 when immigration officers prevented the latter from leaving the country.

30 April, 2012 - Angeles City promotes new ‘tourism brand

ANGELES CITY -- The Tourism Office (Acto) has revealed a preview of its branding campaign which aims to create a positive image for the city during the “Tourism Brand and Calendar Launch” held recently at the Museo ning Angeles.

The newly launched brand which is the slogan “Angeles City: I Like!” aspires to showcase what makes Angeles City unique and distinguishable from other competing destinations.

30 April, 2012 - Lawmaker: Pamintuan deserves World Mayor Award

PAMPANGA -- First District Representative Carmelo “Tarzan” Lazatin emphasized over the weekend that Angeles City Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan deserves to be a world-class city mayor.

Pamintuan was recently been nominated to the 2012 World Mayor Awards slated this December. Lazatin, meanwhile, was ranked 6th in the 2006 World Mayor Awards when he was the mayor of Angeles City. With him during that year in the roster of best world mayors was Makati mayor and now Vice President Jejomar Binay.

30 April, 2012 - Villages get financial aid from Capitol

PAMPANGA -- A total of P165,000 has been given by the Provincial Government to all village chiefs of Candaba as an aid to their respective barangays.

Governor Lilia Pineda, over the weekend, visited the town and spearheaded a consultation with local leaders for the identification of the immediate needs of the villages.

30 April, 2012 - Regional police ready for Labor Day rites

PAMPANGA -- The Police Regional Office of Central Luzon announced that they are ready for the commemoration of Labor Day, including the mass actions expected to be staged by labor and political organizations all over the region today, May 1.

Chief Superintendent Edgardo T. Ladao, police regional director, said a security plan has been laid out for the event.

29 April, 2012 - Pirated DVDs seized in Angeles City

ANGELES CITY -- Joint elements of the Optical Media Board (OMB) and the local police confiscated at least 20 sacks of pirated DVDs from street stalls along Fields Avenue here and in Dau in nearby Mabalacat town.

OMB chairman Ronnie Ricketts personally supervised the surprise raid on sidewalk merchants selling fake DVDs.

29 April, 2012 - Medical mission held in Pampanga town

MABALACAT -- Some 600 residents of the Mawaque Resettlement Area here availed themselves of free medical and dental services last Friday.

The medical and dental mission was sponsored by Vice Governor Joseller Guiao.

28 April, 2012 - Council to probe fire clearance issue

ANGELES CITY -- The City Council is set to conduct an investigation on alleged irregularities in the issuance of fire clearances by the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) here.

This stemmed from a complaint filed by Fatima Salvo, proprietor of Notes and Rhythms School of Music, before the City Council.

28 April, 2012 - Vendor nabbed for illegal drugs

PAMPANGA -- A street food vendor was arrested by the local police on Saturday for peddling illegal drugs in Barangay Bahay Pare, Candaba.

Superintendent Henry Flores, Candaba chief of police, identified the suspect as Virgilio Dela Cruz De Guzman, 35, of 931 sitio 4, Barangay Bahay Pare.

28 April, 2012 - Indigents benefit from medical mission

PAMPANGA -- Hundreds of indigents from San Agustin Sur were given free medical and dental treatments sponsored by the local government unit (LGU) of Arayat during the monthly medical and dental mission held last Friday.

Some 600 residents, mostly women, children and elderly citizens, were given free medicines, check-up, and dental services sponsored by three-term Mayor Luis A. Espino, Vice Mayor Larry Trinidad and members of the Municipal Council

28 April, 2012 - Labor office to hold breakfast forum for leaders

PAMPANGA -- The Department of Labor and Employment (Dole) in Central Luzon will be holding a breakfast forum for Labor leaders in San Fernando on May 1.

“The forum is meant to maintain industrial peace in Central Luzon by serving as an avenue for ironing out misunderstandings among the laborers, employers and the government,” Dole Regional Director Raymundo Agravante said.

27 April, 2012 - Angeles City endorses Disneyland Clark bid

ANGELES CITY -- The City Council has approved a resolution supporting and endorsing Pampanga Representative Carmelo Lazatin’s (1st district) invitation to Walt Disney Parks and Resorts to consider establishing Disneyland inside the Clark Freeport Zone.

The resolution, sponsored by councilors Will Rivera, Maricel Morales, Edu Pamintuan, Jericho Aguas, Alex Indiongco and Joseph Dimapilis, was unanimously approved during the council’s regular session last April 24.

27 April, 2012 - Science high school site is corporation’s priority

CLARK FREEPORT -- Executives of the Clark Development Corporation (CDC) are assuring officials of the Philippine Science High School (PSHS) that the alternative site for the school’s Central Luzon campus based inside the freeport is among the priorities of the administration of newly installed CDC chief.

Mariz Mandocdoc, CDC assistant vice president for Permits and Licensing and Monitoring, said the corporation recognizes the importance of keeping the PSHS campus in Clark.

27 April, 2012 - Labor office, unions sign industrial peace pact

PAMPANGA -- The Department of Labor and Employment (Dole) in Central Luzon recently forged the Industrial Peace Accord (IPA) with the Coalition of Labor Unions, Association of Human Resource Officers, members of the Labor Management Committee and concerned government agencies.

Dole Regional Director Raymundo Agravante said IPA is an adopted “Code of Industrial Harmony” inked during the National Tripartite Conference on Labor Laws and Policies in 1986. It is an accord designed to make the Code operational.

27 April, 2012 - Mayor’s league, school forge pact for bamboo seedlings

PAMPANGA -- The Pampanga Mayors’ League has entered into an agreement with the Pampanga Agricultural College (PAC) for the production of bamboo seedlings.

PAC President Honorato Soriano Jr. said that in a recent meeting with Mayor Jerry Pelayo, PMP president, it was agreed that they will be providing bamboo seedlings for the coastal barangays in the fourth district of the province.

27 April, 2012 - Angeles University Foundation to honor Ateneo prexy

ANGELES CITY -- Ateneo de Manila University president, Rev. Fr. Jose Ramon T. Villarin, SJ, will be honored on Saturday during the commencement exercises of the Angeles University Foundation (AUF) College of Business and Accountancy.

AUF President Joseph Emmanuel L. Angeles said Fr. Villarin will be conferred the degree, Doctor of Pedagogy, honoris causa, in recognition of his exemplary academic achievements and outstanding contributions to Catholic education and environmental protection.

27 April, 2012 - Mayors’ campaign vs illegal recruitment lauded

PAMPANGA -- The administrator of the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) lauded on Friday mayors in Pampanga for spearheading the campaign against illegal recruitment.

Hans Leo Cacdac, POEA administrator, said the signing of the memorandum of understanding (MOU) participated in by all the mayors and Governor Lilia Pineda is landmark development in terms of the fight against illegal recruitment.

26 April, 2012 - Appellate court okays criminal case vs firm owner

MABALACAT – The Court of Appeals (CA) has allowed the filing of syndicated estafa charges against Globe Asiatique (GA) owner Delfin Lee and his co-accused in connection with a P6 billion loan obtained by its property buyers from the Home Development Mutual Fund (HDMF or Pag-ibig).

The said decision to allow the Department of Justice (DOJ) to file charges was hailed by Vice President Jejomar Binay, calling it a “welcome development.”

26 April, 2012 - Angeles City awarded best LGU on mayor’s permits issuance

ANGELES CITY – The city was awarded by the Central Luzon Growth Corridor Foundation Incorporated (CLGCFI) as the region’s Best LGU for its excellent implementation of the streamlined procedure on the issuance of mayor’s permits.

“This is a clear indication that our city is really serious in providing fast, accountable and transparent public service, and this award is a manifestation of our efforts,” Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan said during the 6th Recognition of Outstanding Local Government Units (LGU) Implementing the Streamlining Program in Mayor’s Permit Issuance held Wednesday at the Fontana Leisure Park, Clark Freeport Zone.

26 April, 2012 - Enhanced website gives virtual tour of city

PAMPANGA -- The recently re-launched website of this city gives a virtual tour of San Fernando, its facilities and processes in transacting with the city government.

This was disclosed by chief of staff Rowee Siron-Freeman, after the improved website was presented to city officials led by Mayor Oscar Rodriguez and Fernandinos on Monday at city hall.

26 April, 2012 - Cyber City expands operations in Clark

CLARK FREEPORT — One of the biggest and pioneering business process outsourcing firms in Clark is expanding its operations.

This following the continuing economic improvement in the US and the growing business climate in Clark as leading BPO sites in the country today.

26 April, 2012 - Tax bureau bares tips to avoid suits

PAMPANGA -- The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) bared tips on how taxpayers can avoid tax-related cases under the Oplan Kandado program.

BIR regional director Aracelli Francisco said VAT Taxpayers with under declaration of sales/receipts by more than 30 percent might find themselves in trouble under the Oplan Kandado program.

26 April, 2012 - Regional police launches ‘cleanest office’ project

PAMPANGA -- In line with the Philippine National Police’s Clean and Green Program, the Police Regional Office in Central Luzon came up with the “cleanest office of the week” project.

Regional director Chief Superintendent Edgardo Ladao said the parameters set for the selection of the cleanest camp aims to beautify not only the different police offices here, but the whole camp as well.

26 April, 2012 - Soldiers gain skill on disaster response with Balikatan closing

PAMPANGA -- The closing of the Philippines-United States Balikatan Exercises between the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the United States Armed Forces (USAF) troops has given soldiers added knowledge and skill about disaster response.

The Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Response (HADR)-focused Command Post Exercise (CPX) has “definitely opened-up many perspectives both for American and Filipino soldiers in responding to natural disasters and calamities” said AFP Chief of Staff, Gen Jessie D. Dellosa.

25 April, 2012 - Legislation to restore veterans cemetery introduced

CLARK FREEPORT – United States Senators Kelly Ayotte and Mark Begich recently introduced a legislation aimed at restoring the Clark Veterans Cemetery, the resting place of more than 8,300 American service men and their dependents.

According to the statement, the “Remembering America’s Forgotten Veterans Cemetery Act” would require the American Battle Monuments Commission (ABMC) to restore, operate, and maintain the cemetery.

25 April, 2012 - Guv gives P2.7M to villages

PAMPANGA -- The Provincial Government has allocated some P2.7 million to assist 539 barangays in Pampanga.

Governor Lilia Pineda distributed the annual financial aid to several barangays in the second district.

25 April, 2012 - Quotarians to showcase Kapampangan talent in Cebu

PAMPANGA -- Officers and members of Quota International of Pampanga are going to Cebu this weekend for the Quota International District conference to present Kapampangan socio-civic practices and talent.

The annual event is expected to be participated by various Quota chapters in the Philippines. The event is a yearly gathering of Quota clubs where various issues and concerns on women empowerment, child protection and socio-civic programs are discussed.

25 April, 2012 - Revenue bureau appeals to taxpayers’ sense of patriotism

CLARK FREEPORT -- The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) here appealed Wednesday to Central Luzon taxpayers’ sense of patriotism in this year’s kick-off of the 2012 Tax Campaign.

Capitalizing on the tax collection slogan, "I Love the Philippines, I Pay Taxes," the BIR aims at heightening tax consciousness by appealing to taxpayers’ sense of nationalism and highlighting the positive side of voluntary compliance.

25 April, 2012 - Low-cost carriers grow domestic travel by 96%

CLARK FREEPORT -- Low-cost carriers (LCCs) in the Philippines contributed to approximately 96 percent of total domestic air travel growth from 2006 to 2011.

This was revealed during the Brunei Darussalam-Indonesia-Malaysia Philippines East Asean Growth Area (BIMP-Eaga) Summit held in Davao last week.

24 April, 2012 - School earns fourth level accreditation

ANGELES CITY -- The Philippine Accrediting Association of Schools, Colleges and Universities (PAASCU) has granted Level IV accreditation to six academic programs of Angeles University Foundation (AUF).

AUF President Lawyer Joseph Emmanuel L. Angeles said PAASCU granted the highest accreditation status to AUF’s BS Biology, BS Psychology, AB Communication, BS Nursing, BS Elementary Education and BS Secondary Education programs.

24 April, 2012 - Pampanga receives best gov’t practices award

PAMPANGA -- The Luzon Growth Corridor Foundation Inc. (CLGCFI) has adjudged the province of Pampanga as a model of best practices in the issuance of Mayor’s Permit.

Aurora Governor Bellaflor Angara-Castillo, president of the CLGCFI, wrote to Pampanga Governor Lilia G. Pineda informing her of the province’s inclusion in the local government units which will be recognized in said program.

24 April, 2012 - Lazatin thanks Aquino for Disneyland study

ANGELES CITY – Representative Carmelo Lazatin (1st District, Pampanga) expressed gratitude to President Benigno Aquino III for looking into his proposal to bring a Disneyland theme park to the Clark Freeport Zone here.

“President Aquino’s order to study my proposal is a huge boost and a welcome development in our mission to bring the world-famous theme park to the Philippines,” Lazatin said.

24 April, 2012 - Villagers’ role in drive vs lawless groups cited

PAMPANGA -- Police Regional Director Edgardo Tinio recognized Tuesday the role of village officials in the success of the police operations against lawless elements for the first quarter of this year.

Tinio said they were able to neutralize several lawless groups in various towns in the province with the timely information provided by the residents.

23 April, 2012 - SM City Clark holds annual fire, earthquake drill

CLARK FREEPORT -- Dozens of personnel, tenants and affiliates of SM City Clark joined the annual fire and earthquake drill at the mall’s premises on Monday as part of the company’s yearly commitment to ensure preparedness inside the establishment in times of calamities.

SM City Clark public relations officer Venus Manalang said the drill is conducted annually to ensure the readiness of the employees in responding to disaster situations.

23 April, 2012 - Execs hail Pamintuan’s nomination in World Mayor Awards

ANGELES CITY -- Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan’s nomination in the 2012 World Mayor Awards is not just an honor but a solid testament of Kapampangan leadership and good governance, said two top officials here.

In separate interviews Monday at City Hall and Capitol, Vice Governor Joseller “Yeng” Guiao and City of San Fernando Mayor Oscar Rodriguez hailed and congratulated Pamintuan for the feat.

23 April, 2012 - P72-M dike asphalting project underway

PAMPANGA -- The P72-million asphalting project on the Arayat-Apalit setback levee here has pushed through despite the strong opposition from members of the Pampanga Mayors’ League (PML) and other local leaders.

Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Regional Director Antonio Molano earlier suspended the said project following the breaches in several portions of Arayat-Apalit setback levee during the onslaught of Typhoon Pedring.

23 April, 2012 - Foundation hosts International Museum Day celebration today

ANGELES CITY -- The Kuliat Foundation Inc. will again host the International Museum Day (IMD) celebration and capability workshop for this year today, Tuesday, bringing together stakeholders from different provinces.

IMD 2012 is a three-day activity that will be held from May 24 to 26 in different provinces and key cities in the country. The theme for 2012 is “Museums in a Changing World, New Challenges, and New Inspirations.”

23 April, 2012 - CIAC, PAF open vital road leading to Clark airport

CLARK FREEPORT -- Officials of the Clark International Airport Corporation (CIAC) and the Philippine Air Force (PAF) led Monday the opening of the A. Bonifacio Avenue, which was closed as part of the airport security measures several years ago.

The opening of the vital road will benefit the passengers and tourists using the Clark International Airport (CIA).

23 April, 2012 - Jocson College, Lufthansa ink pact for student training

ANGELES CITY -- The Jocson College Incorporated (JCI) has forged an agreement with the Lufthansa Technical Training Philippines Incorporated (LTTP) for the training of aircraft maintenance technology (AMT) and Avionics Technology (AVT) students.

Under the agreement, the LTTP will provide theoretical and practical instructions and training to JCI students in accordance with the requirements of the European Aviation Safety Agency starting June this year.

23 April, 2012 - Mayor supports establishment of Disneyland in Clark Freeport

ANGELES CITY -- Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan expressed support to Pampanga Representative Carmelo Lazatin’s (1st district) proposal of a Disneyland theme park inside the Clark Freeport.

Pamintuan described the move as a “flourishing tourism feature with massive potentials.”

21 April, 2012 - Lawmaker, guv forge pact for dialysis center

ANGELES CITY -- Representative Carmelo Lazatin (1st district, Pampanga) and Governor Lilia Pineda have signed a memorandum of agreement for the creation of the Mabalacat Dialysis Center.

Lazatin said the dialysis center will benefit thousands of residents from the towns of Mabalacat and Magalang and Angeles City.

21 April, 2012 - Fight vs illegal recruitment intensified

PAMPANGA -- The Provincial Government and Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) joined forces for the intensification of the campaign against illegal recruitment in Pampanga.

Governor Lilia Pineda and POEA officials are set to forge a memorandum of understanding (MOU) this week to curb illegal recruitment incidents in the province.

21 April, 2012 - Guv eyes development of Mt. Arayat natural falls

PAMPANGA -- Governor Lilia Pineda has expressed interest to develop the facilities and natural resources of the Mt. Arayat National Park, including its natural spring and waterfalls.

The Provincial Government is inclined in developing the dilapidated facilities of the national park, including swimming pools, cottages, function hall and administrative building.

21 April, 2012 - 10,000 jobs up for grabs in Labor Day fair

PAMPANGA -- The Department of Labor and Employment (Dole) regional office said an estimated 10,000 jobs will be up for grabs in the upcoming Central Luzon Labor Day Job and Livelihood Fair on May 1.

The fair will be held at the Dole regional office located at the government center in Barangay Maimpis, this city.

21 April, 2012 - Millions of agri projects set for implementation

PAMPANGA -- Millions of agricultural infrastructure projects and support services are set to be implemented by the Department of Agriculture (DA) for Central Luzon as it now awaits the bidding and approval of the designated projects for 2012.

DA Regional Director Andrew Villacorta told Sun.Star Pampanga that some P30 million in irrigation support services and P360 million of post-harvest facilities are now ongoing bidding procedures, and will soon be subjected for approval for proper implementation.

20 April, 2012 - Angeles university to honor UP prexy

ANGELES CITY -- University of the Philippines president Alfredo E. Pascual will be honored during the commencement exercises of Angeles University Foundation (AUF) on April 21.

AUF president Joseph Emmanuel L. Angeles said the school will confer upon Pascual a honorary doctorate degree in Pedagogy in recognition of his outstanding contributions to education having previously served as faculty and lecturer at the Ateneo de Manila University from 1973 to 1978 and the Asian Institute of Management from 1980 to 1989.

20 April, 2012 - Tourism office asked to support a Disneyland plan in Clark

ANGELES CITY – Representative Carmelo “Tarzan” Lazatin (1st district, Pampanga) has sought the support of the Department of Tourism (DOT) for his plan to set up a Disneyland theme park inside the Clark Freeport.

“This endeavor, if successful, would bring in more visitors to the country and make the Philippines as one of the best, if not the best, tourist destinations in the world,” Lazatin said in his letter to DOT Secretary Ramon Jimenez.

20 April, 2012 - AirAsia launches daily flights to Puerto Princesa

CLARK FREEPORT --- The Philippines’ AirAsia, the country’s newest low cost carrier, launched Saturday its maiden flight from Clark International Airport to Puerto Princesa City, Palawan with an all-in low fare from P799 one way.

The first Philippines’ AirAsia flight, PQ7015, left Clark International Airport at 5:50 p.m. On board were 176 passengers including 40 delegates from the Philippine Swimming League who will compete in the first Mayor Edward S. Hagedorn championship this weekend in Palawan.

20 April, 2012 - Private recruitment agency to hold jobs fair at capitol

A private recruitment agency will be holding jobs fair on April 24 at the Provincial Capitol grounds here.

PhilAfrica Technical Resources, Inc., a licensed recruitment agency for overseas Filipino workers, is scheduled to accept job applications from qualified Kapampangan laborers, engineers, accountants and other construction workers.

20 April, 2012 - Pampanga heads towards ‘rabies free Philippines’

PAMPANGA -- An official from the Provincial Veterinary Office (PVO) earlier stressed that the province of Pampanga is already heading towards reducing and ultimately eradicating rabies cases by 2020.

Provincial Veterinarian Augusto Baluyut Jr., claimed that Pampanga is no longer included in the Top 10 provinces with high animal rabies cases nationwide.

20 April, 2012 - Over 100 pirated software installers seized in Pampanga

PAMPANGA -- THE Pilipinas Anti-Piracy Team (PAPT) led by the Optical Media Board (OMB) resumed its Northern Luzon anti-software piracy campaign and confiscated more than 100 pirated software installers allegedly used by computer retail stores in Pampanga.

Last month, the PAPT started its Northern Luzon sweep by inspecting businesses operating in Pampanga and Zambales and found numerous cases of under-licensing among various banks, schools and other commercial establishments.

19 April, 2012 - NGOs sign agreement for environmental protection

ANGELES CITY -- A total of 26 private and non-government organizations have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) for the protection of the environment in Pampanga.

The MOU states that “POs and NGOs will live and work for a sustainable and responsible campaign for environmental protection and awareness, green development and healthy living.”

19 April, 2012 - 6 firms to invest P43-M in Clark

CLARK FREEPORT -- The Clark Development Corporation (CDC) disclosed that six firms are set to invest P43 million for their respective projects inside the Freeport.

The investment figure was based on the firms’ lease agreement with CDC approved on February this year.

19 April, 2012 - Suspect killed in brief shootout

PAMPANGA -- One of two riding-in-tandem suspects was killed during a brief shootout with police at the San Agustin Bridge in Sta. Ana town last Wednesday.

Police investigation disclosed that the suspects, on board a red Euro motorcycle (without plates), held up a burger outlet, divesting service crew Paulo Ponce Magcalas, 19, of the day’s sales.

19 April, 2012 - Improvements noted in mall’s disaster preparedness

PAMPANGA -- Multi-line agency officials on Thursday noted vast improvements in the disaster response and preparedness of SM City Pampanga.

During the annual fire and earthquake drill at the mall Thursday morning, officials from the Bureau of Fire Protection, Office of Civil Defense, Red Cross, police and the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office headed by Engr. Lulu Alingcastre disclosed the evaluation of the simulated exercise and compared it with last year’s.

19 April, 2012 - Capitol strengthens agro-eco-tourism efforts

PAMPANGA -- The Provincial Government has strengthened its agro-eco-tourism efforts in promoting the indigenous peoples’ socio-cultural heritage and economic growth in Barangay Nabuclod in Floridablanca town.

This came as Governor Lilia Pineda envisioned making the “Pampanga Upland Eco-Adventure” project in the said town a premier tourist destination in the country and in the region in particular.

19 April, 2012 - Cash-for-Work program benefits 190 Angeleńos

ANGELES CITY -- A total of 190 individuals received their monetary compensation Thursday during the city’s release of funds in line with the implementation of the Cash-for-Work Program of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

The program initially seeks to provide financial assistance to victims of calamities in exchange of community works through its local counterpart, the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO).

19 April, 2012 - Cops nab man for stealing drainage cover

PAMPANGA -- A man who attempted to sell metal scraps he allegedly stole was arrested by local police.

Police identified the suspect as Harrol Ramos Gonzales, 28, of Block 60, lot 23, San Isidro Resettlement Center in Magalang town.

19 April, 2012 - American football games in Clark soon

CLAKR FREEPORT -- The Provincial Government will bring to Pampanga world-class American football games soon, featuring international and local teams, at the Challenger Field inside Air Force City at Clark Freeport.

According to the event’s focal person Art Punsalan, the games will be made possible through the American Football Federation of the Philippines (AFFP).

18 April, 2012 - Disneyland at Clark eyed

ANGELES CITY –- Representative Carmelo “Tarzan” Lazatin (1st district, Pampanga) is convinced that Clark Freeport Zone is an ideal spot for a Disneyland theme park, with its vast land area of more than 30,000 hectares.

This belief prompted Lazatin to write Thomas Staggs, chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, and offer the former US military base as the next location for the famous park.

18 April, 2012 - Top regional cop leads ‘Bike for March’

PAMPANGA -- Central Luzon Police Regional Director Edgrado Ladao led regional police personnel in the 160-kilometer bike ride dubbed “Bike for March” from Mariveles, Bataan to Capas, Tarlac over the weekend.

Ladao said this was held in observance and celebration of the Araw ng Kagitingan and Philippine Veterans Week, with the theme “Beterano: Tagasulong ng Tunay at Walang Humpay na Pagbabago”.

18 April, 2012 - Fitness program for the elderly launched

ANGELES CITY -- More than a hundred senior citizens here recently benefited from the city’s Physical Fitness Program spearheaded by the Office of the Senior Citizen Affairs (Osca) here.

Dubbed as “Lakas Sigla para kay Lolo’t Lola,” the program is expected to help the elderly city residents regenerate their physical activeness in order to shun illnesses that attack their age bracket.

18 April, 2012 - Angeles bizmen attends 1st Air Access Forum in Davao City

ANGELES CITY -- Pursuant to its mandate to promote economic development in the Metro Angeles Area, the Metro Angeles Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc. (MACCII) sent a delegation to Davao City to participate in the 1st Air Access Forum and Airline CEOs summit at the Marco Polo Hotel from April 18 to 19.

The delegation, led by MACCII president Dr. Frankie Villanueva, said the two-day event is an ongoing program of the Brunei-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP EAGA).

18 April, 2012 - Chamber exec backs guv’s plans for foreign affairs

PAMPANGA -- Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PamCham) vice chairman Rene Romero expressed on Tuesday his support on Governor Lilia Pineda’s plan to support the construction of a permanent regional office for the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) here.

Romero said the establishment of the permanent office, and ideally on a land owned by the agency, will greatly help passport applicants through conducive and accessible location.

18 April, 2012 - 3 arrested for drugs

PAMPANGA -- The Lubao police arrested over the weekend three suspected drug peddlers at Purok 3, Prado Siongco in Lubao town, police said Tuesday.

Police identified the suspects as Joseph Alingcastre Laxamana, 30; Efren Sarmiento Melitante alias “Balag”, 28; and Marvin Laxamana, 20, all residents of the said area.

17 April, 2012 - City hall worker, lover shot dead

ANGELES CITY -- Girlie David-Chavit of the Angeles City Anti-Drug Abuse Council (Acadac), 42, and Ernesto Del Rosario Briones, alyas “Takusa” who worked at the San Nicolos Public Market were found dead with gunshot wounds at Girlie’s house at Alabama St., Timog Park Homes, Barangay Pampang.

Venerando “Bernie” S. Chavit, who writes his “Sapok at Himas” column with the Angeles City-based Central Luzon Times was tagged as suspect in the murder of a city hall employee and his alleged live-in partner early morning Tuesday (April 17), police investigators said.

17 April, 2012 - No. 1 most wanted in Mexico arrested

PAMPANGA -- Mexico town’s most wanted person, Fernando Dela Cruz alias “Popong Fernan,” has fallen into the hands of the police.

According to reports, elements of the Mexico Municipal Police Station (MPS) have been conducting surveillance and monitoring in Barangay Buenavista of the said town where the suspect was recently spotted.

17 April, 2012 - DOLE holds career coaching sessions in Pampanga High School

PAMPANGA -- The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), in partnership with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), has recently conducted a series of career coaching sessions in Pampanga High School for seniors and their parents that will help them in choosing the right path after finishing secondary.

DOLE Regional information officer Jerry Borja said that 1,731 graduating students, 955 of which were females and 776 were males, have participated in the career coaching sessions.

17 April, 2012 - 3 robbery gang members killed in encounter with CIDG operatives

PAMPANGA -- Operatives of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) in Central Luzon killed three members of an organized crime group operating in Pampanga and Tarlac during an encounter Sunday morning in Angeles City.

Director Samuel D. Pagdilao Jr., CIDG chief, identified the slain suspects as Bonifacio Lacson, 27, of Barangay Amsik, Angeles City; Gilbert Natividad, 23, of Magalang, Pampanga; and Jayson Nardo, of Sto. Cristo, Silayan Center, Tarlac City.

17 April, 2012 - Group: No to Balikatan in Clark, Floridablanca

ANGELES CITY -- A farmers group has opposed the Balikatan military exercises between the United States and Philippines, particularly those to be conducted in Clark and Floridablanca.

The Alyansa ng mga Magbubukid sa Gitnang Luson (Farmers’ Alliance in Central Luzon) or AMGL said the military exercises would also be held in Subic in Zambales; Crow Valley in Camp O’Donnel in Capas, Tarlac; and Fort Magsaysay in Laur, Nueva Ecija.

17 April, 2012 - Pampanga’s mental health program ‘a first’ in Philippines

PAMPANGA -- The Mental Health Program (MHP) being implemented by the Provincial Government is believed to be the first in the country that provides free psychiatric consultation.

Dr. Joseph Gene Ponio, psychiatrist in-charge in the MHP, said that according to information gathered in different conventions involving mental health, only the province of Pampanga has an ongoing mental health program.

17 April, 2012 - Retired general asked: Relocate 6 PAF units in Clark

CLARK FREEPORT -- A golf course and furniture owner in Angeles City has asked the newly installed Clark Development Corporation (CDC) chairman to relocate the headquarters of some six major units of the Philippine Air Force (PAF) located inside the Freeport.

Ruperto Cruz, owner of Royal Garden Golf and Country Club and Cruz Wood Industries Inc., asked Retired General Eduardo Oban Jr. to transfer the PAF units from Clark to Camp O ‘Donnell in Capas, Tarlac and Basa Air Base in Floridablanca, Pampanga.

17 April, 2012 - Pamintuan nominated in 2012 World Mayor Award

ANGELES CITY -- Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan has been included in this year’s nominees for the World Mayor Award.

The World Mayor award is given every two years to a mayor "who has made outstanding contributions to his/her community and has developed a vision for urban living and working that is relevant to towns and cities across the world."

17 April, 2012 - Police office conducts e-blotter training

PAMPANGA -- The Police Regional Office (PRO) in Central Luzon conducted Monday whole-day training on new Philippine National Police (PNP) crime incident reporting system held at its multi-purpose Hall here.

Chief Superintendent Edgardo T. Ladao, regional director, said the one-day e-blotter training was participated by investigators and information technology personnel from the regional headquarters, provincial police offices and city/municipal police officers of Central Luzon.

16 April, 2012 - Groups join forces for environmental campaign

ANGELES CITY – A huge coalition of private organizations, companies and concerned individuals is set to launch a sustainable mass campaign for environmental awareness and protection, green development and healthy living.

Led by the Pampanga Arts Guild, Holy Rosary Parish-Sagip Sapang Balen and the Alliance for the Development of Central Luzon (ADCL), the campaign will be officially launched on Tuesday (April 17), 8:00 a.m. at the Holy Rosary Parish Church Hall in Angeles City.

16 April, 2012 - 3 suspected robbers killed in shootout

ANGELES CITY – Three suspected robbers were killed in a shootout with policemen inside a posh subdivision in Barangay Pampang here at dawn Sunday.

Senior Superintendent Rodolfo Recomono Jr., city police director, said the suspects were about to rob a gasoline station in the area when they encountered joint elements of the Angeles City Police Station 2 and Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) regional office along Arayat Boulevard inside the Forest Park Subdivision here.

16 April, 2012 - Girl used as ‘sex slave’ by stepfather

MABALACAT – A 14-year-old girl was reportedly used a “sex slave” by her stepfather for several years.

The victim’s mother caught her live-in partner raping her daughter inside their residence in Barangay Dau here on Friday when the girl revealed that the suspect has been abusing her for several years now.

16 April, 2012 - New group calls for stronger provincial language council

PAMPANGA -- The newly formed group, Kapampangan Pride, urged Saturday officials from the Provincial Government and Angeles City to help strengthen the Pampanga Provincial Language Council in order to institutionalize the use of the Kapampangan dialect.

Romeo Rodriguez, one of the public relations officers of Kapampangan Pride, requested the concerned legislative body through Vice Governor Joseller “Yeng” Guiao to revisit Board Resolution No. 1193 approved on May 8, 2008, which created the Pampanga Provincial Language Council.

14 April, 2012 - Guv reaches out to coastal barangays

PAMPANGA -- Governor Lilia Pineda led over the weekend a provincial caravan that aims to connect far-flung barangays and bring in needed social services.

Pineda visited Sapang Cauayan here, accompanied by Provincial Board members, bringing in a host of services like medical missions, feeding programs and livelihood projects.

13 April, 2012 - International Justice Mission to Open Third Philippine Field Office

PAMPANGA -- International Justice Mission (IJM), a human rights agency that secures rescue for victims of slavery, sexual exploitation and other forms of violent oppression, announced today it will open its 15th field office in Pampanga - its third field office in the Philippines.

"The Philippine government welcomes the announcement by IJM that it is establishing its presence in the Province of Pampanga," said Jose Vicente B. Salazar, undersecretary of the Philippines Department of Justice. "Pampanga is suspected as a haven for the operation of syndicates involved in human trafficking and child pornography. We are confident that the success of our partnership with IJM in other provinces, more specifically in the Province of Cebu, will be replicated in the Central Luzon region with Pampanga as the hub."

12 April, 2012 - GMA postpones birthday party to commemorate father's death

PAMPANGA -- Former President and now Pampanga Rep. Gloria Arroyo postponed yesterday her scheduled birthday party and moved it to April 21, the 15th death anniversary of her father former President Diosdado Macapagal, her lawyer disclosed yesterday.

Lawyer Benjamin Santos said that Judge Jesus Mupas of Pasay Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 112 has approved their motion to allow the former president to celebrate her birthday at the Veterans Memorial Medical Center (VMMC) with 500 guests.

12 April, 2012 - P1.4B in annual garbage collection fee

PAMPANGA -- The Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (Penro) earlier projected a total of P1.4 billion annually for the hauling of the garbage produced by all towns in Pampanga to the Kalangitan Sanitary Landfill in Capas, Tarlac.

Arturo Punzalan, Penro chief, disclosed this during the presentation of the current situation of various dumpsites in the province with local chief executives, environmental groups and other stakeholders.

12 April, 2012 - Council enacts disaster code

PAMPANGA -- The City of San Fernando’s 4th City Council passed on Wednesday the first-ever City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Code in the country.

The 213-page codified Ordinance 2012, which enacts the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Code of the City of San Fernando, was authored by Councilor Ruperto Dumlao, chairman of the City Council’s committee on peace and order and safety; and co-authored by Councilor Reden Halili, of the committee on environment, and committee on ways and means chairman Councilor Lito Ocampo.

12 April, 2012 - Lawmakers join opposition over renaming airport

PAMPANGA -- Members of the City of San Fernando’s Council joined Wednesday other lawmakers in opposing the proposed changing of the name of the Diosdado Macapagal International Airport (DMIA) to Clark International Airport (CIA).

In a resolution sponsored by Councilor Noel Tulabut and unanimously approved by the body, the lawmakers proclaimed their opposition to the ballyhooed “name game,” saying “reverting to the old name of Clark simply goes against the grain of nationalist renaming as reflected in a guideline of the National Historical Commission.”

11 April, 2012 - Phivolcs to execs: Expect the worst

PAMPANGA -- The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) on Wednesday told local officials to expect the worst as it starts preparing for calamities and other natural disasters.

Phivolcs Director Renato Solidum Jr. was the main lecturer in the opening of the five-day contingency planning and formulation workshop by the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) together with its counterparts in the municipal level.

11 April, 2012 - P3-B infra for Pampanga approved

PAMPANGA -- THE Regional Development Council (RDC) recently approved the implementation of P3.056 billion worth of infrastructure projects in Pampanga.

Under the Convergence Program for Enhancing Tourism Access of the Departments of Tourism (DOT) and Public Works and Highways (DPWH), the RDC approved the infrastructure projects, which include the P277-million widening of the West Circumferential Road in Angeles City; P185-million widening of Clark-Angeles-Magalang road in Angeles City; P694-million road widening leading to the Clark International Airport Route 1 in the cities of Angeles and San Fernando; P327-million road widening leading to CIA Route 2 in Angeles City; P600-million road leading to CIA Route 3 in Angeles City; P600-million East Circumferential Road in Angeles City; and the P373-million rehabilitation of Olongapo-San Fernando Road.

11 April, 2012 - Refurbished train station turned over to City of San Fernando

PAMPANGA -- The Tourism Infrastructure and Zone Authority (Tieza) turned over Monday to the City Government of San Fernando the rehabilitated historic train station in sitio PNR, Barangay Sto. Nińo.

The train station is the last stop of American and Filipino soldiers in World War II during the infamous Death March, before they were transported to Capas, Tarlac.

11 April, 2012 - DENR questioned over waste woes

PAMPANGA -- Several local chief executives have questioned the failure of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources’ (DENR) in implementing a comprehensive program to solve the solid waste problem in Pampanga.

During a meeting of the Solid Waste Management Council at the Clark Freeport recently, Governor Lilia Pineda asked Reynaldo Garcia, chief of the Environmental Impact Assessment Division of the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB), if they can propose to the DENR funding for waste disposal in its annual budget.

10 April, 2012 - Tourists should respect Holy Week

ANGELES CITY – Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan said Tuesday tourists should respect the solemnity of the Holy Week.

The mayor issued the statement in reaction to the incident where local and foreign tourists climbed up and posed on the crosses used in the reenactment of the Passion of Christ in Barangay Lourdes North West here.

10 April, 2012 - Angeleńa is lone Kapampangan bet in Bb. Pilipinas

ANGELES CITY – This city and the province of Pampanga will have a lone representative in this year’s staging of Binibining Pilipinas, the country’s most prestigious beauty pageant.

Gina Joy Gasmen Howell, a 20-year-old lass from Barangay Mining here, is the lone candidate from Pampanga to the annual beauty tilt which winners will be crowned on Sunday night (April 15) in Quezon City.

10 April, 2012 - Man arrested for firing gun

PAMPANGA -- A man here was arrested over the weekend for firing his gun during a neighborhood dispute and issuing grave threats against the wife of his neighbor at Purok 4 in Barangay Cansinala, Apalit.

Police reports identified the suspect as one Sherwin de Jesus, 30, who allegedly used his Armscor Cal.45 pistol bearing serial number 1243210 against victim Teresita Cortes-Gonzales, 57.

10 April, 2012 - Injunction vs revenue bureau’s regulation issued

ANGELES CITY – A regional trial court here has issued a writ of preliminary injunction, stopping the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) from enforcing "directly or indirectly" Revenue Regulation No. 2-2012 as it runs contrary to the law that created the Subic and Clark Freeport Zones.

This said regulation is about applying value-added tax (VAT) on all petroleum and petroleum products that are imported and/or brought directly from abroad to the Philippines including Freeport and Economic zones.

10 April, 2012 - Cops nab 2 for drug possession

MABALACAT – Elements of the Mabalacat police station arrested two men for drug possession during a buy-bust operation in front of Extreme Electronics along MacArthur Highway in Barangay Dau here, reports said.

Reports identified the suspects as William Pangilinan Tanglao, 26, of No. 1935 19th St., Barangay Lakandula and Romulo Reyes Morales, 38, of No. 657 19th St., also in the said barangay.

9 April, 2012 - Hundreds cheer grander ‘Sabuaga’

PAMPANGA -- “It’s really getting to be more fun in Sto. Tomas!”

This was the common cheer on Sunday afternoon as hundreds of locals, out-of-town visitors and some foreign tourists mobbed the streets of this town to get a view of what they branded as a grander “Sabuaga Festival.”

9 April, 2012 - Man nabbed in Magalang drug bust

PAMPANGA -- Elements of the Magalang Municipal Police Station (MPS) recently conducted a buy-bust operation inside the Sta. Lucia Resettlement Center in Barangay San Isidro here that resulted in the arrest of one suspected drug peddler.

Police identified the suspect as one Jenver Razon, 34, married and a resident of Blk. Y Lot 27 D Phase 2 Sta. Lucia Resettlement Center.

9 April, 2012 - No untoward incidents on Holy Week

MABALACAT -- The police chief here said there were no untoward incidents during the observance of the Holy Week.

Superintendent Rodney Raymond Louie J. Baloyo IV, town police chief, said the holidays were generally peaceful.

9 April, 2012 - Employment office lauded for best practices

PAMPANGA -- Labor and Employment Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz congratulated the City of San Fernando “for being true to its commitment to strengthen its local employment facilitation and services, to solve the jobs-skills mismatch, and to push back unemployment in the city.”

In a report by labor communications officer Jerry Borja, Baldoz was quoted as saying: “Your second successive year of copping the Best Peso (Public Employment Service Office) Awards constitutes the nation’s highest recognition of your excellent work in employment facilitation.”

8 April, 2012 - Funeral parlors ask for exemption on zoning law

ANGELES CITY -- Owners of four funeral parlors here are asking the City Council to exempt them from the implementation of an ordinance setting a common place for memorial homes.

This was gleaned in a position paper dated March 26, 2012 prepared by Grace M. Perez of Funeraria Luzon, Philip Cesar Samson of Pangilinan Memorial Chapels, Aries Galang of Galang Memorial Homes, and Jay Martin D. Cruz of Angelina Memorial Chapels.

8 April, 2012 - Ordinance creating trike franchise body barred

ANGELES CITY -- Balibago chief Rodelio Mamac is set to file before the Regional Trial Court (RTC) a petition for declaratory relief against City Council Ordinance 296, which creates the city’s Motorized Tricycle Franchising and Regulatory Board.

Mamac said the petition stipulates prayer to declare the ordinance null and void because it is unconstitutional and discriminatory.

8 April, 2012 - Nurses aid 9 ‘crucified’ penitents in Cutud

PAMPANGA -- Nurses and health practitioners under Outreach Community Advocate Nurses Assigned in Rural Service (OCA-Nars) aided the “crucified” penitents in Good Friday’s crucifixion rites in Barangay San Pedro Cutud.

They also provided first aid to the public during the Maleldo 2012 event.

8 April, 2012 - Mayor orders city-wide fire drills

PAMPANGA -- Mayor Oscar Rodriguez recently urged the San Fernando police and fire department to conduct continuous fire drills and teach Fernandinos how to deal with fire incidents that may arise in their areas.

Rodriguez issued the directive during the culminating event of the city’s observance of fire prevention month last March.

8 April, 2012 - 2 establishments padlocked for tax dues

PAMPANGA -- THE revenue office padlocked two establishments during the Holy Week as part of its intensified “Oplan Kandado” program that aims to run after delinquent taxpayers.

Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) Regional Director Araceli L. Francisco said the closure order was implemented against the Queen's Steel Haus & General Merchandise in Guagua town and Alex Bicycle Store in City of San Fernando on April 4.

8 April, 2012 - Police observe ‘Way of the Cross’

PAMPANGA -- As part of Central Luzon police force’s observance of Holy Week, Regional Director Edgardo T. Ladao led the “Way of the Cross” during the traditional “Stations of the Cross” here.

The “Stations of the Cross” is a re-enactment of the final hours of Jesus before the Crucifixion and one of the most popular devotions for the Catholics.

8 April, 2012 - Suspected ‘akyat-bahay’ suspects nabbed

Two suspected akyat-bahay gang members were arrested and were turned over to the local police recently in Barangay Sepung Bulaon in San Fernando.

Police reports revealed that Municipal Councilor Ludivico Muli reported through a phone call that Alex Bacani, 22 and “Jo”, 17, both residents of Sepung Bulaon were arrested at the said barangay by local officials.

8 April, 2012 - Victory Liner, AirAsia provide free shuttle for Clark passengers

CLARK FREEPORT -- The Victory Liner has tied up with Philippines AirAsia, the country’s newest low cost airline, to provide free shuttle service for inbound and outbound passengers of Clark International Airport.

For the convenience of AirAsia passengers and guests, Victory Liner shuttle bus provides return services from Dau and Marquee Mall to Clark airport.

7 April, 2012 - Rumors spread about Remollo’s resignation

CLARK FREEPORT -- Locals and officials in Pampanga and Metro Clark area are speculating about the reason why former Clark Development Corporation (CDC) president Felipe Antonio Remollo suddenly resigned from his post.

Some local officials and newsmen say that Remollo resigned after he was criticized and ostracized by President Benigno Aquino III during the latter’s recent visit in Clark over two major investment issues inside the Freeport.

7 April, 2012 - Capitol declares war vs TB; 200 nurses to be hired

The Provincial Government is preparing for an all-out war against tuberculosis, as Governor Lilia Pineda ordered the hiring of additional 200 hundred nurses.

Pineda said the nurses will be tasked to locate tuberculosis patients in all the barangays of the province.

7 April, 2012 - Angeles school to honor Washington Sycip

ANGELES CITY -- The Angeles University Foundation is set to honor Asian Institute of Management (AIM) and SGV & Co. founder Washington Sycip during the commencement exercises of the AUF Graduate School and School of Law on April 11, 2012.

AUF president Atty. Joseph Emmanuel L. Angeles said Sycip will be conferred the degree Doctor of Humanities, honoris causa, in recognition of his academic and professional achievements; outstanding contributions to education through his establishment of the Asian Institute of Management in 1968 that has put the Philippines in the global education map; and for having brought pride and distinction to the Philippines through the international success of SGV & Co., the country’s largest multidisciplinary professional services firm that he established in 1948 and led in pioneering the Filipinization of the accounting profession.

7 April, 2012 - Alert linemen save evening for devotees

PAMPANGA -- Alert linemen of the San Fernando Electric Light and Power Company moved in to check on the problem after devotees -- in the thick of preparations for grand Lenten processions and Pabasa rites -- were plunged into about 30 minutes of darkness last Tuesday.

Power was shut off past 6 p.m. for unknown reasons, until Sfelapco Corporate Communications Officer Irwin Nucum informed that plastics were reported to have been strewn about in a vital 69KV transformer along Jose Abad Santos Avenue.

7 April, 2012 - 3rd district board members lead tricycle distribution

PAMPANGA -- Third district board members here led the distribution of motorcycle patrols recently to various barangays in San Fernando in a bid to augment anti-criminality efforts in their respective jurisdictions.

Board Member Monina Laus said the motorcycle patrol distribution is part of Governor Lilia Pineda’s commitment to augment the logistics capabilities of various barangays, in addressing concerns on security visibility and running after lawless elements.

7 April, 2012 - Fervent Filipino Catholics nailed to crosses for Good Friday

PAMPANGA -- Thousands of people gathered in Philippine villages to watch devotees being nailed to crosses as they marked Good Friday by re-enacting Jesus Christ’s suffering, a yearly rite that continues even as church leaders discourage the practice.

Nine men wearing crowns of twigs on their heads were crucified for a few minutes by villagers dressed as Roman centurions in northern Pampanga province’s San Pedro Cutud village. At least eight other people were nailed to crosses in neighboring villages.

4 April, 2012 - Pampanga Ready For Annual 'Crucifixion'

PAMPANGA -- Governor Lilia Pineda has ordered the deployment of additional policemen and security personnel in places usually visited by people in the province during the Maundy Thursday and Good Friday celebration.

Pineda also urged security heads of commercial establishments like SM Pampanga and Robinsons Starmills to deploy additional security personnel in preparation for the large volume of mall goers and tourists expected to visit the province this Holy Week for the annual “crucifixion rites.”

4 April, 2012 - Security alert in Pampanga up during Holy Week

PAMPANGA -- The provincial government of Pampanga has ordered the deployment of additional security personnel to assure a peaceful week-long observant of the Holy Week.

Thousands of tourists -- local and foreign -- flock to the province during the Holy Week to witness the live crucifixion, which is done by devotees to reenact the suffering of Jesus Christ.

3 April, 2012 - Village chief gunned down

PAMPANGA -- Two unidentified armed men on board a motorcycle gunned down a village chief in Barangay Timac, San Simon town Tuesday.

Pampanga Police Provincial Director Edgar Tinio identified the fatality as Barangay Timac chairman Luisito Batu, alias Chito.

3 April, 2012 - Hundreds flock to Senakulo 2012

PAMPANGA -- Hundreds of religious devotees flocked Monday evening to the Arnedo Park at the Capitol to watch the free production of “Senakulo 2012” presented by Alpha-Omega Theatrical Productions.

The reenactment of the Lord’s Passion featured lavish costumes, grand sets, three LED screens around the park and stage, special effects and a cast and crew close to a hundred.

3 April, 2012 - Capitol lauded for tricycle patrols

PAMPANGA -- Locals here have lauded the Provincial Government for continuously distributing tricycle patrols to different towns in the province.

Governor Lilia Pineda led Tuesday the turnover ceremony of tricycle patrols to village watchmen and officials here.

3 April, 2012 - 10 Kapampangan graduate from police academy

PAMPANGA -- Ten Kapampangans, who are members of the Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA) Sinag-Tala Class 2012, were recently given recognition in a ceremony here.

The new officers who graduated last March are Inspectors Mary P Gallano, Mark Donald G. Mangune, Marcelino R. Gavina, Rowell M. Saludez, Mark Allan P. Dungca, Jefferson L. Balindan, Gerald L. Quiambao, Arvin E. Hosmillo, Eduardo V. Timbol Jr. and Merben S. Laborera.

3 April, 2012 - Radio group establishes traffic assistance centers

PAMPANGA -- The Society of Communicators’ and Networkers (Scan) Pampanga chapter established traffic assistance centers in different entry and exit points in the province, to help both private and public motorists who are returning for a week-long vacation.

Scan is an amateur ham radio group that aims to provide alternative source of information through two radios handled by its members nationwide, particularly in Pampanga.

3 April, 2012 - Under-licensing software usage

PAMPANGA -- THE Pilipinas Anti-Piracy Team (PAPT) led by the Optical Media Board (OMB) found numerous cases where businesses were using more software than they had purchased licenses for in the first leg of its crackdown campaign in Northern Luzon.

PAPT warns erring companies that such misuse is as much a crime as use of pirated software.

2 April, 2012 - Retired military chief is new Clark corporation chair

CLARK FREEPORT –- The Clark Development Corporation (CDC) announced Monday the appointment of retired Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines General Eduardo Oban Jr. as chairman of the Board of Directors and officer-in-charge of the state-run firm.

CDC Executive Vice President Philip JB Panlilio made the announcement during Monday’s flag raising ceremonies.

2 April, 2012 - 2,000 benefit from medical mission

ANGELES CITY -- Some 2,000 indigent Angeleńos were given free medical assistance and dental services during a medical and dental mission over the weekend.

Korean doctors and the Nepomuceno family sponsored the mission held at the Don Mariano Elementary School in Barangay Cutcut here.

2 April, 2012 - City Government provides summer jobs for students

ANGELES CITY - The City Government here will provide jobs for 410 students from poor families this summer through the Special Program for Employment of Students (Spes) under the Department of Labor and Employment (Dole).

Adelina Deocales, Public Employment Services Office (Peso) manager, said the Spes beneficiaries will be assigned to different offices in the City Government, in barangays and in private companies.

2 April, 2012 - Sun Cell, Chevrolet assist motorists during Holy Week

PAMPANGA -- Sun Cellular has tied up with Chevrolet in setting up motorist assistance stations in six Shell fuel stations from April 4 to 8, 2012.

As thousands of people are projected to go on holiday breaks and summer outings, road travel is expected to peak at this time of the year.

2 April, 2012 - 3 suspected drug peddlers collared

SUBIC FREEPORT -- Police authorities here nabbed three suspected drug peddlers in separate buy-bust operations in Barangays Calapacuan and Baraca-Camachille over the weekend, police reported Monday.

Police identified the suspects as Jaime Delima Alcala, 49, and Marlon Unaro Abarondo, 25, both residents of Barangay Calapacuan; and Noron Unti Abubakar, 49, of Barangay Baraca-Camachille this town.

2 April, 2012 - Police assure Kapampangan of peaceful Holy Week

PAMPANGA -- A top official from the Pampanga Police Provincial Office (PPPO) has assured Kapampangans of a peaceful observance of Holy Week, as motorist assistance centers (MAC) have been established in strategic areas in the province.

During a command conference held in Candaba town, Superintendent Edgardo Tinio, provincial police director, presented to Governor Lilia Pineda and local officials their contingency plan to ensure the safety of Kapampangans during the Semana Santa.

2 April, 2012 - Panipuan school to separate basic, high school programs

PAMPANGA -- The Panipuan Integrated School in San Fernando will soon separate its elementary and high school programs under two separate entities to better serve local students here, according to the city’s Committee on Education chair Councilor Jimmy Lazatin.

Lazatin said he has also passed a resolution in the City Council endorsing such move based on Article XIV of the Philippine Constitution, which mandates that the State shall protect and promote the right of all citizens to quality education at all levels, and shall take appropriate steps to make such education accessible to all.

1 April, 2012 - 1st quarter quarry revenues hit P77.8M

PAMPANGA -- Capitol’s first quarter collection hit a high of P77,800,000 over the weekend, with an hour or two to spare before this month’s cut-off time.

At 4 p.m. Friday, Provincial Government Environment and Natural Resources Officer Art Punsalan told Sun.Star Pampanga that collections for March were already posted at P28,262,500, with many more quarry operators and trucks buying tickets and securing permits.

1 April, 2012 - Pampanga observes Earth Hour

PAMPANGA -- Officials in various parts of Pampanga participated in the observance of the Earth Hour, an international environmental awareness campaign against global warming that started in Australia in 2007.

In Angeles City and nearby Mabalacat town, officials gathered at the SM City Clark for the annual observance.

1 April, 2012 - 1st ‘green’ cold storage facility unveiled

PAMPANGA -- The first environment-friendly cold storage facility in the Philippines was unveiled by officials and executives at the Alma Refrigeration and Cold Storage Inc. (ALMA) in Barangay San Agustin, San Fernando, over the weekend.

ALMA president and chief executive officer Alfredo Lagman Jr. said the firm’s new facility is state-of-the-art and houses modern energy efficient refrigeration equipment that uses non-toxic and harmless refrigerants, including cold room lighting from light emitting diodes or LEDs.

1 April, 2012 - Guv eyes PhilRice Satellite Campus in Magalang

PAMPANGA -- The provincial chief executive is envisioning the establishment of a PhilRice Satellite Campus at the Pampanga Agricultural College (PAC) in Magalang town.

This, as Governor Lilia Pineda reiterated the other day that agriculture remains as among the top priorities of her administration, considering that most Kapampangans rely on it to support their families.

1 April, 2012 - Angeles to stage ‘Siete Palabras’

ANGELES CITY -- In observance of the Kapampangan Lenten season rites, the local government unit here will stage, on its second year, its own version of the passion, crucifixion, and death of Christ.

Dubbed as “Siete Palabras” (The Seven Last Words), the play will depict the sufferings of Jesus Christ from when Pontius Pilate sentenced and condemned him to the hands of the Roman soldiers, up to his way to his crucifixion, and later, his death.

1 April, 2012 - Coyote Ugly Bar raided

ANGELES CITY -- Last night Coyote Ugly Bar in Balibago was raided with suspicion of employment of underage girls.

Police identified those arrested as Kenneth John Graham, 75, Joyce Pungos, 35, Teresa Gayan, 32, Rose Craste, 34, Alexandra Bacani, 27, and Daisy Dizon, 20, all connected with the Coyote Ugly Bar and Coyote Hotel Inn located in Bgy. Dau, Mabalacat.

Upcoming events in Balibago

Live Rock'n Roll at Midnight Rock

Every Thursday night 8pm onwards with Rockin' Dave.

Manic Monday

Mar 05 2012 Alaska
Mar 12 2012 La Bamba
Mar 19 2012 Rhapsody
Mar 26 2012 Lollipop
Apr 02 2012 One Eyed Wench
Apr 00 2012 Alaska

WOW Wednesday

Mar 07 2012 Rhapsoddy
Mar 14 2012 Lollipop
Mar 21 2012 One Eyed Wench
Mar 28 2012 La Bamba
Apr 04 2012 Alaska
Apr 11 2012 Rhapsody