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Balibago News Oct-2011

31 Oct 2011 - Cable thieves nabbed

MABALACAT --- Two suspected cable thieves were arrested after being suspected of stealing power lines along the Subic Clark Tarlac Expressway (SCTEx), belated police report stated.

One of the four suspects Jefferson Atienza Dela Cruz, 21, of 262 Burgos Street, Barangay Poblacion, Mabalacat was first arrested by a patrol crew and security guards of the Tollways Management Corporation.

31 Oct 2011 - Guv wants ‘cooperative night’ on Pampanga Day

PAMPANGA -- Governor Lilia Pineda over the weekend said she will be hosting a “Cooperatives’ Night” as part of the celebration of Pampanga Day this December, to highlight the achievements and programs for the various cooperative groups in Pampanga.

Pineda, during the Cooperatives’ Recognition Day Event at the Benigno Aquino Hall, said cooperatives in Pampanga play a crucial role in priming the local economy.

31 Oct 2011 - SBMA to supply seedlings for CL greening program

SUBIC BAY FREEPORT -- The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) will supply most of Central Luzon’s needs for seedlings under a national greening program that seeks to plant some 1.5 billion trees throughout the country in a period of five years.

SBMA Chairman Roberto Garcia announced this recently, as he tasked the SBMA Ecology Center to intensify its collection of seedlings of various indigenous tree species in this free port for use in tree-planting projects in Central Luzon.

29 Oct 2011 - Governor leads launching of coop website for Pampanga

PAMPANGA -- Governor Lilia Pineda led over the weekend the launching of the Provincial Cooperative Development Council of Pampanga (PCDC) website.

Pineda said the launching of the website at http://www.pcdcpampanga.com will enable cooperatives and members to know the different programs of the Provincial Government in real time.

29 Oct 2011 - Army to augment police force

PAMPANGA -- The Northern Luzon Command (Nolcom) of the Philippine Army said soldiers assigned in Ilocos, Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon and the Cordillera will work with the Philippine National Police during the observance of All Saints’ Day.

Major General Jessie Dellosa, commander of the Nolcom, said the tandem is an assurance to the public of their safety while they pay homage to their dead relatives.

29 Oct 2011 - Accelerate Development

CLARK FREEPORT -- Infrastructure development should be accelerated to speed up the transfer of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Naia) operations to the Clark International Airport.

Among these infrastructures are the development of a seamless transport connection between Clark and the rest of Metro Manila such as a high-speed railway system.

29 Oct 2011 - Guv urges cooperatives to boost livelihood prospects

PAMPANGA -- Governor Lilia Pineda urged cooperatives in Pampanga to continue contributing to the province’s development as she commended their role in providing livelihood opportunities for people.

The governor recently feted the 28 top cooperatives in the province at the Benigno Aquino Jr. Memorial Hall in Capitol.

28 Oct 2011 - No more politics, says Panlilio

PAMPANGA -- Former governor Eddie Panlilio said he is no longer interested in running for elective positions, saying “no more politics for me.”

Panlilio debunked speculations that he was angling for an elective position in 2013.

28 Oct 2011 - Mayor hit anew on ‘anomalous’ transaction

PAMPANGA -- Mexico Mayor Teddy Tumang has been accused of another anomaly by Councilor Rex Calma, this time for allegedly “jacking up and manipulating prices” of anti-dengue products.

The Municipal Council allocated and approved P3 million last September for its anti-dengue drive after Mexico was placed under a state of emergency.

28 Oct 2011 - ‘Apung Mamacalulu’ book launched

ANGELES CITY -- The book “Apung Mamacalulu: The Santo Entierro of Angeles City” was launched last Thursday at the Holy Rosary Parish here.

The book documents the history and phenomenal devotion of the Kapampangans to Apung Mamacalulu, dubbed by other people as the local Nazareno of Quiapo.

28 Oct 2011 - Overseas welfare’s office acts on 47 OFW cases

The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (Owwa) in Central Luzon has received requests for assistance and complaints from 47 Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and their families this October alone.

Owwa case officer Mayolito David said the complaints emanated from 14 countries, including Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Dubai, Qatar, Bahrain, Oman, Syria, Singapore, Hong Kong, South Korea, Taiwan, Malaysia, Papua New Guinea and Ireland.

28 Oct 2011 - Garment firm to establish regional office

CLARK FREEPORT -- The Clark Development Corporation (CDC) announced a garment firm is set to establish its regional operating headquarters inside the Freeport.

CDC president Antoniio Felipe Remollo said that Smart Shirt (Phils.) Inc. is set to infuse P8.738 million for its regional facilities and operation.

28 Oct 2011 - Farmers told: Sell palay to National Food Authority

PAMPANGA -- The National Food Authority (NFA) is appealing to farmers in Central Luzon to sell their ravaged rice seeds to their offices after President Benigno Aquino III allowed the purchase of storm-damaged palay.

NFA-Central Luzon Assistant Director Gerry Imperial said that their office was allowed to buy 208,000 bags of damaged rice seeds amounting to P99 million but no farmer has come to them.

27 Oct 2011 - 9444 people prevented from boarding at DMIA

CLARK FREEPORT- A total of 9,444 persons bound for abroad as tourists have been off-loaded or prevented from boarding flights at the Diosdado Macapagal International Airport (DMIA) here since August last year, based on information they are victims of human trafficking or are human traffickers.

DMIA - Bureau of Immigration Office Supervisor Carlos Capulong said the 9,444 persons were among the total of 194,659 passengers departing for abroad at the airport here during the said period.

27 Oct 2011 - Tigtigan festival this weekend

At least 70,000 people are expected to join the upcoming annual street party this weekend.

In an interview, Mayor Ed Pamintuan said he had designed the Tigtigan in 1992, adding, “since (this) evolved from just a night of music and dancing, other cultural events have been introduced since last year.”

27 Oct 2011 - Brace for heavy traffic at NLEx, SCTEx

PAMPANGA -- The volume of vehicular traffic going to the northern provinces of Luzon is expected to get heavy starting Friday, operators of the North Luzon Expressway (NLEx) and the Subic Clark Tarlac Expressway (SCTEx) said Thursday.

Benigno Valles, senior manager for corporate communications of the Tollways Management Corporation (TMC), said they are expecting traffic volume going to Northern Luzon to dramatically increase from Friday to Sunday, October 28 to 30, due to the big influx of motorists going home for All Saints' Day observance.

27 Oct 2011 - Guv okays P80M for towns’ infra projects

PAMPANGA -- Governor Lilia Pineda has approved the provision of at least P80 million for the priority development projects of each of the 20 municipalities in the province.

With this, the Pampanga mayors said they can now jumpstart the reconstruction and rehabilitation of damaged infrastructure facilities and projects highly needed by their constituents.

27 Oct 2011 - Probe bureau arrests 51 human traffickers

PAMPANGA -- The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) in Central Luzon has arrested some 51 human traffickers in operations it conducted from September 2010 up to this month.

NBI Regional Director Ricardo Diaz said the violators are now detained without bail in various jails.

27 Oct 2011 - Business as usual at Clark’s Farm Fresh market

CLARK FREEPORT -- It’s business as usual at the popular Farm Fresh market here as construction work for the “Market, market” project of the Provincial Government and the Clark Development Corporation (CDC) is being rushed in time for the facility’s opening this coming December.

Candaba Mayor Jerry Pelayo made this assurance during Governor Lilia Pineda’s ocular inspection of the “Market, market” site Thursday, which also occupies the Farm Fresh market.

27 Oct 2011 - Mayor is honored guest in medical firm’s anniversary

ANGELES CITY -- Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan will leave the country on November 3 to attend the anniversary of the World Medical Relief Inc. (WMRI) based in Detroit, Michigan, as honored guest and speaker.

Pamintuanvsaid he will talk to WMRI members and officials on updates of recent donations of the cause-oriented group to the people of Angeles City.

27 Oct 2011 - 2 wanted persons nabbed

MABALACAT --- Two men with standing warrants of arrest for frustrated homicide and child abuse, respectively, were apprehended by the town police recently.

Rodel Delos Reyes Aluarte, 22, of Narra Street, Green Meadows Subdivision, Mabiga, this town, was arrested after being involved in a frustrated homicide case.

27 Oct 2011 - Subic Bay authority conducts shipyard safety briefing

SUBIC BAY FREEPORT -- Stressing the importance of safety in the workplace, the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) conducted a briefing on safe shipyard practices for companies in the maritime and shipbuilding sector in this freeport.

SBMA Director Norberto Sosa, who is a marine and terminal operations expert, made a presentation on standard safety procedures to Freeport locators in the maritime and shipbuilding industry here and said that local firms should exert extra efforts to keep the industry safe and help erase the country’s image as a disaster-prone country.

27 Oct 2011 - Aetas get week-long 'special treatment'

SUBIC BAY FREEPORT -- Aeta tribes inside this Freeport have been given “special treatment” by the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) during a one-week program in celebration of the National Indigenous Peoples (IPs) Month.

Armie Llamas, SBMA public relations manager, said the agency has lined up various activities for the Aetas such as an “immersion” activity with Aeta children.

26 Oct 2011 - Victim identified

ANGELES CITY -- The recently shot Foreigner was identified as British Tourist Paul Raymond Atkins.

The 62-year-old, who was on holiday, was found outside a bar at around 1.30am on October 16.

26 Oct 2011 - Mayor: Arroyo needs treatment abroad

ANGELES CITY -- Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan dismissed allegations that former President and now Representative Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo (2nd district, Pampanga) is faking a serious health problem to evade corruption cases being filed against her.

In a media conference on Wednesday, Pamintuan said Arroyo needs advance medical treatment abroad.

26 Oct 2011 - Bacolor town all set for ‘Makatapak Festival’

PAMPANGA -- The San Guillermo Parish, in cooperation with the Centro Catolico de Bacolor and the Municipal Government of Bacolor, will be hosting this year’s Makatapak Festival (Barefoot Festival) here.

The Makatapak Festival is held every third week of November. It is part of the 225th La Naval Fiesta Celebration.

26 Oct 2011 - Mayor lauds plan to transform airport

CLARK FREEPORT -- City of San Fernando Mayor Oscar Rodriguez lauded the plan of the National Government to transform the Diosdado Macapagal International Airport (DMIA) as the country’s main international gateway.

Rodriguez said he has been expecting the move as the government has no other alternative except to develop DMIA.

26 Oct 2011 - Buyers from Singapore, Malaysia coming for NorthPhil expo

CLARK FREEPORT -- Singaporean and Malaysian wholesale buyers of travel packages and tourism products will join the North Philippines (NorthPhil) Tourism and Travel Expo 2011, which will be held at the Event Centre of SM City Clark on November 11 to 14.

“These foreign travel agents will figure out prominently in NorthPhil Expo’s Buyers Meet Sellers Program scheduled on Saturday, November 12, wherein foreign travel trade buyers from Malaysia and Singapore meet Philippine tourism sellers,” said director Ronnie P. Tiotuico of the Department of Tourism (DOT) regional office.

25 Oct 2011 - Clark firm, guv sign P5-M ‘Market, Market’ project

CLARK FREEPORT -- The Clark Development Corporation (CDC) and the Provincial Government of Pampanga have signed a lease agreement for the establishment of a market inside the Clark Freeport.

The market would showcase and sell various agricultural and cottage-industry products made in the province.

25 Oct 2011 - Film, finalist at Asian Film Festival

A Kapampangan film had made it to this year’s Jogja-Netpac Asian Film Festival (JAFF) in Indonesia, with the film highlighting the best locations in Pampanga and the talent of local artists and visionaries.

The film “Manenaya”, co-produced and filmed by director Richard Soriano Legaspi, made it to the ranks of finalists in Asia.

25 Oct 2011 - Police conduct yearly inspection

PAMPANGA -- The Philippine National Police (PNP) in Central Luzon conducted an annual assessment of personnel effectiveness and readiness early this week.

More popularly known as AGI-Orsite, the annual activity assesses both the administration and operational matters of police units nationwide.

25 Oct 2011 - Firm to provide basketball facility to AirAsia Patriots

CLARK FREEPORT -- The Clark Development Corporation (CDC) will provide a facility inside this Freeport to be used by members of AirAsia’s Philippine Patriots team for their training and basketball games.

CDC President Felipe Antonio Remollo made the announcement last Saturday during the free basketball clinic launched by AirAsia, with the “Black Superman” Billy Ray Bates, leading the training of more than 100 children at the Air Force Gym here.

25 Oct 2011 - National confab on Mandarin teaching to be held

ANGELES CITY -- THE Confucius Institute at Angeles University Foundation (AUF-CI), in partnership with the Department of Education (DepEd), is staging the “National Conference on Teaching Chinese Mandarin as a Foreign Language”.

The conference to be held from October 26 to 28 at the AUF Main Campus in Angeles City will have Chinese Cultural Counselor Chen Yongshan as keynote speaker.

25 Oct 2011 - Agency conducts briefing on shipyard safety

SUBIC FREEPORT -- The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) conducted a briefing on safe shipyard practices for companies in the maritime and shipbuilding sector in this Freeport.

SBMA director Norberto Sosa, a marine and terminal operations expert, made a presentation on standard safety procedures to Freeport locators involved in shipyard operations.

24 Oct 2011 - Clark airport president goes on leave

CLARK FREEPORT -- Clark International Airport Corporation (CIAC) president Victor Jose I. Luciano took a leave of absence following the controversy on the missing power cables inside the aviation complex here.

Luciano made the move so that he will not influence the ongoing investigation being done by authorities regarding the reported theft case inside the Diosdado Macapagal International Airport.

24 Oct 2011 - Senate moving closer to approve Mabalacat cityhood

MABALACAT, -- The Senate Committee on Local Government is moving closer to approve Mabalacat cityhood once the technical description of the boundary map of the proposed city is established.

Committee chairman Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. requested for the narrative technical description of the boundary map of the proposed Mabalacat City.

24 Oct 2011 - Mayor calls for world peace

CLARK FREEPORT -- Amid political unrest here and abroad, Mayor Marino “Boking” Morales urged his constituents to pray for world peace.

Morales said this day (October 25) marks international cooperation as the town celebrates the 14th Annual Prayer for World Peace at the Goddess of Peace Shrine, Lily Hill inside the Freeport.

24 Oct 2011 - Hundreds sweat in 1st Aerobic Challenge

ANGELES CITY -- Hundreds of fitness enthusiasts joined on Sunday in the 1st Angeles City Aerobic Challenge at the Activity Center of MarQuee Mall.

The aerobics marathon is part of the 31-day, 42-event celebration of Fiestang Kuliat 2011, the twin feasts which is most awaited by Angeleños and Kapampangans.

23 Oct 2011 - Task force created to recover waterways

PAMPANGA -- Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Rogelio Singson has created a task force that will spearhead the recovery of waterways of Pampanga Delta Development Project, particularly Phase 1 of its flood control component.

DPWH Special Order 178, Series of 2011 states that “in order to prevent imminent danger to lives and properties due to floods as experienced from typhoons Falcon, Pedring and Quiel caused by overflow of water due to insufficient capacity of waterways brought about by encroachments and siltation, a task force is hereby created to recover the waterways of Pampanga Delta.”

23 Oct 2011 - Mayor welcomes historians to Angeles City

ANGELES CITY -- Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan joined Holy Angel University administrators in welcoming over 150 delegates to the 32nd National Conference on Local and National History held last October 20 to 22.

The delegates, mostly from Mindanao and the Visayas, listened to a series of paper presentations by historians and scholars, including some from the United States, Belgium and Nigeria, in the course of the three-day conference co-sponsored by the University and the Philippine National Historical Society (PNHS).

23 Oct 2011 - Cops recover stolen vehicle

ANGELES CITY -- The city police recovered Saturday a sports utility vehicle (SUV) that was stolen inside the Red Wood Villas inside the Clark Freeport.

The vehicle, described as a green Honda CRV (WDN 113), was found along Dalube Street (fronting Cruz Interior), Friendship Area in Barangay Anunas here a day after it was reportedly stolen.

23 Oct 2011 - SM City Clark features heirloom recipes on food expo

ANGELES CITY -- SM City Clark hosted over the weekend this year’s food exhibition of heirloom Kapampangan recipes as part of its contribution to this year’s celebration of Fiestang Kuliat 2011.

The event, dubbed as "Keni Mangan", featured famous Chef Pocholo Jorolan of Everybody's Cafe at the Event Centre.

23 Oct 2011 - PamCham supports Likha Trade Fair 2011

PAMPANGA -- Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PamCham) Vice Chairman Rene Romero, President Jim Jimenez and Director and concurrent Pampanga Micro, Medium and Small Enterprises Council chairperson Terry Carlos attended the opening of the 2011 “Likha ng Central Luzon Trade Fair” at the Mega Trade Hall 2, SM Megamall.

In line with PamCham’s goal of “priming countryside business” and mission of promoting the capability and ability of our home grown experts to equally compete in the local and international market, the chamber’s support and collaboration with the Department of Trade and Industry in this annual trade fair is always expected and assured.

23 Oct 2011 - Basketball clinic for youngsters held in Clark

CLARK FREEPORT -- More than 100 aspiring athletes from different schools in Pampanga participated in a one-day intensive basketball training sponsored by the AirAsia Philippine Patriots last Saturday at the Philippine Air Force gymnasium here.

Maan Hontiveros, AirAsia Philippines Incorporated chief executive officer, said the airline has constantly dedicated itself to supporting sports, not only abroad but also in the Philippines.

22 Oct 2011 - Prioritize recovery of typhoon-affected areas

PAMPANGA -- Governor Lilia Pineda urged concerned mayors and heads of government agencies to prioritize the rehabilitation and recovery projects to severely-affected areas hit by Typhoons Pedring (Nesat) and Quiel (Nalgae).

The governor together with officials of the National Economic and Development Authority (Neda) spearheaded a special meeting with municipal mayors who were severely affected by the two typhoons last month.

22 Oct 2011 - CDC beefs up security on influx of tourists

CLARK FREEPORT -- The Clark Development Corporation (CDC) has beefed up its security measures inside this Freeport in preparation for the influx of more tourists this coming Yuletide Season.

CDC President Felipe Antonio B. Remollo said he instructed Nicanor Targa, manager of the CDC Public Safety Department, to conduct regular meetings with respective security officers of Clark’s more than 420 investors and locators.

22 Oct 2011 - 3 IT-related firms pour P12.5M investments in Clark

CLARK FREEPORT -- Three Information Technology (IT)-related projects, with close to P12.5 million investments, will soon operate inside the Freeport, following the signing of sub-lease agreements with two business park operators here, the Clark Development Corporation announced.

In the business and investment update reports submitted to CDC President Felipe Antonio Remollo, the Marketing Department said the three firms: GFL Systems Clark Inc., Quick Apps Clark, Inc. and Trixan Support Services have signed their agreements with Berthaphil Business Parks, Inc. and Philexcel Business Park.

21 Oct 2011 - Central Luzon needs P788M for rehab

PAMPANGA -- Various agencies in Central Luzon need some P788 million to restore normalcy in reeling sectors devastated by Typhoons Pedring and Quiel.

Based on the report of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DWSD) in Central Luzon, the construction of houses for 2,000 families will cost P154 million.

21 Oct 2011 - Korean firm to establish P1.58-B school in Clark

CLARK FREEPORT -- A Korean firm is planning to establish a P1.58-billion educational facility inside the Freeport.

Clark Development Corporation (CDC) president Felipe Antonio Remollo said the Hae O Rum Development Corporation plans to put up the school in Clark, following the growing numbers of Korean students arriving in Pampanga and other parts of Central Luzon.

21 Oct 2011 - Mayor to file raps vs airport president

CLARK FREEPORT -- Mayor Jerry Pelayo said Friday he will file another graft charges against Clark International Airport Corporation (CIAC) president Victor Luciano before the Office of the Ombudsman.

The filing of graft charges is in connection with the P2.6-million worth electric cable lines at the aviation complex, which are reportedly missing.

21 Oct 2011 - Angeles City gets housekeeping award

ANGELES CITY -- The Angeles City Government is a recipient of this year’s Seal of Good Housekeeping award given by the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG).

This is in recognition of the city’s exemplary performance in governance, transparency and accountability.

21 Oct 2011 - Steel worker thanks Labor department

PAMPANGA -- A Kapampangan steel worker from San Simon town thanked the Department of Labor and Employment (Dole) in Central Luzon for the assistance the agency extended to him.

Steel worker Melvin Magsino expressed his appreciation to the Dole for extending the needed assistance and intervention for his financial and medical needs.

21 Oct 2011 - Group holds ‘veggie sisig’ cooking

ANGELES CITY -- The Green Youth Brigade held on Thursday a cooking event dubbed “Veggie Sisig: A Healthy Alternative” at the clubhouse of Heritage Place Subdivision, Phase 2 in Barangay Cutcut here.

The Green Youth Brigade (GYB) is an organization of youth belonging to people's organization, non-government organization, and environmental advocates.

21 Oct 2011 - Town gets seal of good housekeeping

CLARK FREEPORT -- The Municipality of Porac joined Wednesday other Pampanga towns and two cities in getting their Seal of Good Housekeeping from the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG).

DILG Secretary Jesse Robredo handed the seal and conferred the medal of excellence to Dela Cruz, who was accompanied by Vice Mayor Dexter David, Municipal Council members and second district Board Member Olga Frances David-Dizon at Oxford Hotel in this Freeport.

19 Oct 2011 - Clark, Subic phone lines interconnect

CLARK FREEPORT -- Stakeholders inside the Clark and Subic Freeports can now save millions of pesos in long distance telephone charges with the interconnection of their telephone lines by the Philippine Long Distance Telephone Company (PLDT).

PLDT Clark Manager Lito Mercado said the two Freeports’ telephone lines are now interconnected, allowing hundreds of firms operating inside Clark and Subic to call each other without the usual long distance charges.

19 Oct 2011 - European Union helps 10,000 households

PAMPANGA -- About 10,000 households in San Simon town that were affected by severe flooding last June benefitted from the Food for Work project of the European Union (EU).

EU delegation to the Philippines Public Affairs officer Thelma Gecolea said the €200,000 (P12 million) worth of assistance, dubbed the Central Luzon Emergency Response (Cler) project, covers barangays San Isidro, San Pablo Propio, Dela Paz, San Agustin, Sto. Niño and Sta. Monica.

19 Oct 2011 - Health officers told: Prevent diarrhea outbreak

PAMPANGA -- The Provincial Government recently ordered the municipal health officers (MHOs) at flood-stricken towns in Pampanga’s fourth district to closely monitor the condition of residents, particularly in this town where diarrhea cases are reportedly increasing.

Pineda instructed them to be “on top of the situation” and asked them to exhaust all means to prevent an outbreak.

19 Oct 2011 - City Swat team gets bulletproof vests

ANGELES CITY -- The City Government has donated 10 bulletproof vests to the local police force.

Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan presented and handed over the vests to Senior Superintendent Rodolfo Recomono, Angeles City Police Office (Acpo) director, who appreciated the gesture of support of the local government.

19 Oct 2011 - Carnap suspect nabbed

ANGELES CITY -- A 16-year-old boy, who was suspected of carnapping a pick-up truck in Balibago here on October 8, was arrested in Quezon City recently for illegal possession of firearms and explosives.

Chief Inspector Lusito Tan, Police Station 4 chief, said the suspect was nabbed by elements of the Quezon City Police Anti-Carnapping Division.

19 Oct 2011 - Hospital fund for disaster victims eyed

PAMPANGA -- The Provincial Government is set to ask Department of Health (DOH) Secretary Enrique Ona about the possibility of aligning funds for people needing medical services during calamities.

Pineda, during a meeting with regional directors at the Executive House of the Provincial Capitol here, said the move will give the Provincial Government and other health agencies the answer to the immediate health needs of disaster victims.

18 Oct 2011 - Angeles City execs sponsor medical mission

ANGELES CITY -- Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan on Tuesday led other city officials during the conduct of a medical mission in Santo Tomas town, which was seriously affected by flooding over the past few weeks.

Pamintuan, together with Vice Mayor Vicky Vega-Cabigting, Councilors Alfie Bonifacio, Maricel Morales, Alex Indiongco and Jojo Dimapilis, and other barangay officials in this city, personally supervised the activity to support the people of San Simon who were greatly affected by the recent calamity.

18 Oct 2011 - City holds ‘Serenata at Polosa’

ANGELES CITY -- In line with the month-long celebration of the Fiestang Kuliat, the City Government here through its tourism office conducted Friday the “Serenata at Polosa king Museo.”

“Serenata”, or serenade in English, is a clash of performing brass bands while “polosa” is a genre of Kapampangan folk music.

18 Oct 2011 - Aussie nabbed for possessing marijuana

ANGELES CITY -- A 54-year-old Australian was arrested by the city police for possessing marijuana.

James Robert Kay of 21 Debra Street, Mountain View, Barangay Balibago, this city, was charged for drug possession before the Office of the City Prosecutor.

18 Oct 2011 - Guv sets more plans for provincial Peso programs

PAMPANGA -- Governor Lilia Pineda has announced a new set of programs to better improve the services of the employment office here.

In a meeting with municipal Public Employment and Services Office (Peso) officers, Pineda bared the move to increase funding for Peso employment programs in the province for job matching, job fairs and data build-up for skilled workers under the registry system of the province being implemented by the Peso.

17 Oct 2011 - NAIA operations transfer to Clark lauded

MABALACAT -- Mayor Marino Morales lauded the move of Transportation and Communications Secretary Mar Roxas to transfer the operations of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) to the Clark International Airport.

Roxas was hoping that the privatization of NAIA will raise the revenue of the government by up to $2.5 billion. The amount would be able to fund the construction of the new international gateway in Clark.

17 Oct 2011 - Bronze in international abilympics

PAMPANGA -- A 21-year-old Kapampangan Bryan Manalo came home with a bronze medal from the 8th International Abilympics held in Seoul, South Korea.

Boik Hwang, secretary-general of the International Abilympics 2011 organizing committee, referred abilympics as the world’s greatest festival for persons with disabilities (PWDs).

17 Oct 2011 - Depressed man tries to jump from resto roof

MABALACAT --- A 24-year-old man who lost his job attempted to jump from the roof of a KFC fastfood chain in the commercial district of Barangay Dau here Sunday night.

But after being rescued by authorities, Robinson Sarmiento Zarsuela, 24, of Phase 1-B Kaunlaran Village, Navotas City, was arrested by the town police for causing alarm to the public.

17 Oct 2011 - Korean firms dominate Clark business

CLARK FREEPORT ZONE -- Korean firms continue to dominate the growing number of foreign business entities in this Freeport, signing agreements with Clark Development Corporation since its inception in 1993.

In the business and investment updates submitted to CDC President Felipe Antonio Remollo, 53 Korean firms have agreements with the state-owned firm, representing 25.98 percent of the total number of foreign firms

17 Oct 2011 - Workshop on human rights slated

PAMPANGA -- The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) will conduct a one-day seminar-workshop on Human Rights Education on Local Council for the Protection of Children and Anti- Child Pornography on Wednesday in celebration of the Children’s Month.

The workshop seminar will be held at the CHR office in Barangay Dolores, San Fernado.

17 Oct 2011 - DTI still implementing price freeze

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in Central Luzon said a freeze in the prices of basic goods is still in effect in seven areas in the region, which have been declared under a state of calamity due to typhoons Pedring and Quiel.

The seven areas are: Olongapo City, Aurora, Bataan, Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, Pampanga, and Tarlac.

17 Oct 2011 - Unidentified Expat killed

ANGELES CITY -- An elderly white male was found shot dead on the sidewalk near Garfields Bar last night.

Appears to be a Robbery case as Wallet, Cellphone and IDs are missing.

15 Oct 2011 - Study on setback levee rehab sought

PAMPANGA -- A Lawmaker called on the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to conduct a study on how to rehabilitate and strengthen the Arayat-Apalit-Masantol setback levee in order to minimize flooding in Pampanga and Bulacan.

Board Member Nestor Tolentino said the urgent rehabilitation of the setback levee is important in ensuring the whole province would be spared from further harmful floods, as caused by the rapid deterioration of the setback levee, which includes the 50-kilometer Governor Macario Arnedo dike.

15 Oct 2011 - Aussie firm to invest P50 million to restore old cars

CLARK FREEPORT ZONE -- An Australian firm is set to invest a P50-million restoration project for vintage vehicles project inside this Freeport, officials of Clark Development Corporation (CDC) announced.

CDC President Felipe Antonio Remollo said the Byrnes Motor Trust Restoration Incorporated, has signed a new sub-lease agreement recently with Kita Corporation, one of the pioneering firms in Clark.

14 Oct 2011 - Capitol assists Candaba villages

The Provincial Government of Pampanga, through Governor Lilia Pineda, provided financial assistance to 33 villages in Candaba amounting to P660,000.

The funds will be used in the implementation of post disaster programs in various villages in said town.

14 Oct 2011 - Embassy: Expired chocolates not from New Zealand

MABALACAT -- The New Zealand Embassy denied reports that the expired chocolate, which caused food poisoning to some 19 students here, were imported from their country.

An official from the Embassy complained that the reputation of their country was affected because of the report.

14 Oct 2011 - Japanese firm is Clark’s top exporter

CLARK FREEPORT -- A Japanese semi-conductor firm has topped in the total exports volume of the Freeport, reaching to $196.5 million, for the month of August.

Clark Development Corporation President Felipe Antonio Remollo said the Nanox Philippines Corporation continues to be the biggest exporter with more than $77.4 million value or 39.2 percent of the total exports.

14 Oct 2011 - Central Luzon inmates get help from public lawyers

PAMPANGA -- In nine months, about 1,624 prisoners in various jails in Central Luzon who cannot afford to pay the services of lawyers, were represented in court by legal officers of the Public Attorney’s Office (PAO).

Regional Public Attorney Salvador Hipolito said that PAO lawyers have visited 308 jails and detention centers where they have interviewed 1,891 inmates for legal assistance from January to September 2011.

14 Oct 2011 - Aircraft parts manufacturer invests P172M in Clark

CLARK FREEPORT ZONE -- One of the biggest aircraft parts manufacturing firms in the world is set to infuse P172 million for the establishment of its facility inside Clark Freeport Zone, officials of Clark Development Corporation said.

JAMCO Philippines Incorporated (JPI), which recently signed agreement with an industrial estate inside the Freeport, will manufacture aircraft parts and equipment and render services necessary to aircraft operations.

14 Oct 2011 - AUF stude bags bronze in world shooting tilt

ANGELES CITY -- A Bachelor of Science in Medical Technology student at the Angeles University Foundation (AUF) bagged the bronze in the International Practical Shooting Confederation (IPSC) 2011 World Shoot XVI held in Rhodes, Greece last October 1-10.

AUF President Joseph Emmanuel L. Angeles said Diomari Ivan L. Tayag, 17, won third place in the Production Junior Category of the shooting competition, which gathered 2,000 participants from 54 countries.

13 Oct 2011 - Iglesia builds world's largest dome

PAMPANGA -- By 2014, Bulacan will have the biggest dome in the world and will outshine major cities of Los Angeles, London and Seoul.

Religious sect Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) spent P9 billion for the building, named Philippine Arena in Ciudad de Victoria, Bocaue town, of what could be the world's largest dome in history.

12 Oct 2011 - Chocolate bars down 19 teens

MABALACAT -- Nineteen students from the Camachiles National High School were hospitalized after eating expired chocolate candies they bought from an ambulant vendor outside their school.

The students were admitted Wednesday at the Mabalacat District Hospital after they suffered vomiting, abdominal pain, nausea, and other symptoms.

12 Oct 2011 - Employment and services office bags national award

PAMPANGA -- The provincial Public Employment and Services Office (Peso) was awarded as the best Peso (first-class province) while Governor Lilia Pineda was named as outstanding local chief executive on Peso services throughout the country.

Luningning Vergara, Peso Pampanga head, received the awards in the recently concluded three-day 11th National Peso Congress held at the Waterfront Insular Hotel in Davao City.

12 Oct 2011 - Mayor extends gratitude to Jaycees

ANGELES CITY -- Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan lauded the success of all volunteers who made Sagip Pampanga, the relief operations for the flood stricken towns in Pampanga.

Noted for their sterling contributions and consistent support are the members of the Junior Chamber International (JCI) of Angeles City “Culiat” or more commonly known as Jaycees.

12 Oct 2011 - Labor department approves P3 million aid for flood victims

PAMPANGA -- The Department of Labor and Employment (Dole) in Central Luzon has approved the release of P3 million for emergency employment assistance for families in the areas affected by recent floods in Pampanga.

Dole Regional Director Leopoldo de Jesus approved the release of the funds, which shall come from the Tulong Pangkabuhayan for Disadvantaged Workers (TUPAD) program of the department.

12 Oct 2011 - Carjackers strike anew

ANGELES CITY -- Ruel Nolasco, 25, of Dau Homesite in Mabalacat town, parked his Toyota Hi-Lux (ZBT-387) along the shoulder of MacArthur Highway to buy several fruits from a store.

When he was about to board his Toyota Hi-Lux, one of the three unidentified armed men punched him on the face and ordered him at gunpoint to lie at the vehicle floor.

The suspects, police said, drove the vehicle toward Dau, Mabalacat. The victim managed to jump from his vehicle at the Dau intersection.

11 Oct 2011 - Trade department to launch CL-kiosks

PAMPANGA -- The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in Central Luzon is set to launch next week kiosks that will feature the distinctive products of Central Luzon.

DTI Regional information officer Wilfred Carbonell said the Likha ng Central Luzon (LCL) kiosks, which are to be officially introduced to the public during the opening of the 13th LCL trade fair, will be placed in strategic areas around the region namely at the Diosdado Macapagal International Airport (DMIA), hotels, casinos, display centers in Clark and Subic and gasoline stations in the North Luzon Expressway.

11 Oct 2011 - Firm to build P70-M restaurant in Clark

CLARK FREEPORT -- The Best Joint Group Venture Inc. plans to establish a P70-million restaurant serving international cuisine inside this Freeport.

Clark Development Corporation President Felipe Antonio Remollo said the Best Joint Group Venture Inc. is in the process of finalizing its plan in joining the thriving restaurant ventures inside the Freeport.

10 Oct 2011 - Tourism summit gets nod

ANGELES CITY -- First District Board Member and Provincial Board Committee on Tourism chairman Tarcicio “Tars” DC Halili’s call for a tourism summit has earned the nod of Regional Development Council (RDC) top brass and Governor Lilia Pineda.

On Saturday, Halili discussed his plans for a tourism summit with City of San Fernando Mayor Oscar Rodriguez, RDC chairman, and RDC tourism committee chairman and Angeles City Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan.

10 Oct 2011 - DOT distributes relief goods

ANGELES CITY -- The Department of Tourism (DOT) handed out more than 5,000 relief goods to typhoon victims in Calumpit, Bulacan and Minalin, Pampanga.

DOT Central Luzon Director Ronaldo Tiotuico said that a composite team from their central office and other regions gathered donations from various associations to carry out the mission in flooded areas.

10 Oct 2011 - Police conduct search and rescue

PAMPANGA -- The Philippine National Police (PNP) in Central Luzon, headed by Chief Superintendent Edgardo Ladao, recently conducted search and rescue operations along flood-stricken municipalities in the region.

Ladao and his team conducted search and rescue activities in Calumpit and Hagonoy in Bulacan and Apalit, Candaba and San Simon in Pampanga, due to incessant rains caused by recent Typhoons Pedring and Quiel.

10 Oct 2011 - Mabalacat police nab rape suspect

MABALACAT -- A 34-year-old man, who was earlier accused of raping an old woman, was arrested by the police here Monday.

Freddie Lledo Norada, 34, single, of Number 74 Purok 5 Canidha Subdivision, Camachiles, this town, and one of the two suspects, was arrested at his house at 9:00 a.m.

9 Oct 2011 - P72 million asphalting project 'on hold'

The asphalting project at the 26-kilometer Arayat-Apalit setback levee has been suspended following an order issued by a top executive of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) in the region.

DPWH-Central Luzon Director Antonio Molano said that with the series of breaches at the Arnedo Dike and the Arayat-Apalit setback levee, there is a need to re-assess the impending asphalting project.

9 Oct 2011 - Pampanga receives relief goods from Capiz

PAMPANGA -- The Capitol on Sunday received assorted relief goods from the Provincial Government of Capiz for residents in areas of Pampanga that are still submerged in floodwaters.

The donation consisted boxes of canned goods, 57 sacks of rice, noodles, dried fish, clothes and other essentials.

9 Oct 2011 - Flooded villages slowly 'going back to normal'

PAMPANGA -- Situations in flooded villages in various towns in the province are now going back to normal as the water level at the Pampanga River started receding over the weekend.

In Candaba town, floodwaters that inundated all its villages including the plaza, public market and major roads, subsided by a meter as the weather condition continues to improve.

9 Oct 2011 - Lawmaker wants emergency measures on effects of typhoons

PAMPANGA -- Butil Farmers Representative Agapito Guanlao called on the National Government to institute emergency and preventive measures to address the recent flooding in Central Luzon that devastated billions in agricultural products.

Guanlao, in his privilege speech before the House of Representatives before the weekend, said that rice and corn crops and infrastructure wreaked by the twin typhoons "Pedring" and "Quiel" could not be underestimated.

9 Oct 2011 - Seniors hold exhibit on memorabilia collections

ANGELES CITY -- The senior citizens of Angeles City, Mabalacat and Porac towns hosted an exhibit Sunday highlighting memorabilia and family mementos from the 50s down to the 80s as part of the celebration of the Elderly Week at SM City Clark.

The seniors shared their artifacts and oldest valuables in an exhibit entitled "Baliktanaw 2: Oldietorium".

9 Oct 2011 - Central Luzon youth center launched

ANGELES CITY -- The Central Luzon Youth Center was formally opened at the Lazatin-Tayag Library and Information Center to provide more comprehensive youth development and empowerment programs in Central Luzon.

The center was inaugurated by Bayan Muna Representative Teodoro Casiño along with Representative Raymond Palatino of Kabataan Partylist, Janet Lazatin, who represented first district Representative Carmelo Lazatin and Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan.

8 Oct 2011 - Subic Freeport hosts Rotaract regional conference

SUBIC BAY FREEPORT -- The Subic Bay Freeport played host to hundreds of Rotaractors from countries in the Asia-Pacific region during the 8th Asia Pacific Regional Rotaract Conference (APRRC) held from September 29 to October 2.

Rotaract delegates from Australia, Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, Japan, Bangladesh and host country Philippines participated in various lecture and workshop fora that were held here during the four-day conference.

8 Oct 2011 - Trade office orders price freeze in Central Luzon

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in Central Luzon has implemented a freeze in the prices of basic goods in Central Luzon over the weekend.

The price freeze took effect Thursday in seven provinces in Central Luzon, which have been declared under state of calamity due to Typhoons Pedring and Quiel.

7 Oct 2011 - Dollhouse Club closed

ANGELES CITY - Yesterday Dollhouse Club got closed by order of the Mayors office.

The reason is not known as of this time.

7 Oct 2011 - Retired Service Man commits Suicide

ANGELES CITY, Philippines -- A retired US serviceman was found dead in his room in the Malabanias district here on Thursday in an apparent case of suicide, police said Friday.

Chief Inspector Luisito Tan of the Police Station 4 said David John Stevens, 59, was seen alive after after returning Thursday from a check-up at the Veterans Affairs Medical Clinic in Pasay City.

7 Oct 2011 - Firm to put up $35-M plant in Clark

CLARK FREEPORT ZONE -- The Foton Motors Philippines is set to invest US$35 million inside the Freeport.

Clark Development Corporation (CDC) president Felipe Antonio B. Remollo said term sheet has been recently signed by the United Asia Automotive Group Inc. (UAAGI) for the firm’s plan to lease a 50,000 square-meter area here.

7 Oct 2011 - Unicef helps flood-affected children

The United Nation Children’s Fund (Unicef) has provided assistance to children in flood-affected communities along the Pampanga River.

Leon Dominador Fajardo, Unicef child protection specialist, told Governor Lilia Pineda they wanted to ensure that the children’s needs are met.

7 Oct 2011 - Angeles City wins ‘Peso Hall of Fame Award’

ANGELES CITY - The Public Employment Services Office (Peso) of the Angeles City local government unit bagged the “Peso Hall of Fame Award” during the 11th National Peso Congress, which opened on October 5 in Davao City.

This was announced by Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan after the city won this year’s “National Best PESO Award”.

7 Oct 2011 - Iglesia Ni Cristo’s ‘Philippine Arena’ should be commended

ANGELES CITY - Representative Carmelo “Tarza” Lazatin has filed a resolution congratulating and commending Brother Eduardo Manalo and the Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) for bringing honor and pride to the country through the establishment of the Philippine Arena, the biggest dome of its kind in the world.

Lazatin, in his House Resolution No. 1766, said the INC, through its Executive Minister Brother Eduardo Manalo, has put the world’s attention to the Philippines once again through its milestone project – the Philippine Arena.

6 Oct 2011 - Typhoons leave P8-B crop damages in Central Luzon

PAMPANGA -- The damages of Typhoons Pedring and Quiel on palay crops in Central Luzon reached P8,442,837,965, the Agriculture department said.

Department of Agriculture (DA) regional director Andrew Villacorta said the region lost some 614,438.08 metric tons of palay crops. The Bureau of Agricultural Statistics is yet to verify the report.

6 Oct 2011 - Aquino vows to support distressed Kapampangans

PAMPANGA -- Governor Lilia Pineda said on Wednesday that President Benigno Aquino III has pledged to support Kapampangans adversely affected by flooding, especially those from the fourth district towns of Candaba, Apalit, Masantol, San Simon, Masantol and Macabebe.

Aquino visited the city to inspect San Fernando’s Sagip Ilog project under the watch of Mayor Oscar Rodriguez. It was the first meeting of the President and the governor.

6 Oct 2011 - AirAsia ties up with engineering firm for aircraft maintenance

CLARK FREEPORT --- The AirAisa Inc. Philippines today signed a two-year contract with SIA Engineering Philippines (SIAEP), a leading provider of aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) services in Asia Pacific, to carry out aircraft maintenance for its fleet in Clark.

Maan Hontiveros, AA Inc. Philippines CEO, said the partnership affirms that Filipinos are truly world-class.

6 Oct 2011 - Poverty reduction database launched

PAMPANGA -- The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in Central Luzon launched recently its regional database for the National Household Targeting System for Poverty Reduction (NHTS-PR).

DSWD Regional Director Adelina Apostol said the NHTS-PR is an information management system that identifies who and where the poor are in the country.

6 Oct 2011 - Aquino visits typhoon-stricken provinces in Central Luzon

President Benigno Aquino III visited on Wednesday the provinces of Tarlac, Pampanga and Bulacan to personally see and assess the extent of damages brought by Typhoons Pedring and Quiel.

In Tarlac, Aquino inspected the La Paz town section of the Rio Chico River and met with Public Works Secretary Rogelio Singson, Tarlac Governor Victor Yap, Tarlac 3rd District Representative Jeci Lapus and La Paz Mayor Michael Manuel at the 246m Rio Chico Bridge.

6 Oct 2011 - P1.5-M relief aid to flood victims in Central Luzon released

PAMPANGA -- The Butil Farmers Party has started the distribution of some P1.5 million in relief assistance to flood victims in Central Luzon, particularly for the heavily devastated provinces of Bulacan, Pampanga and Nueva Ecija.

Butil Representative Agapito Guanlao said Thursday the assistance is in coordination with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and the farmer organizations in the region.

5 Oct 2011 - Aquino orders dredging of Pampanga River

PAMPANGA -- President Benigno Aquino III ordered Wednesday the dredging of river tributaries going to Third River down to the Pampanga Bay.

He also ordered the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) in Central Luzon to construct five bridges in this city and the town of San Simon along the San Fernando River.

5 Oct 2011 - Pampanga gets P20-million aid from government

PAMPANGA -- President Benigno Aquino III has allocated at least P20 million for the rehabilitation of a creek in this city.

Aside from the rehabilitation of Balimbing creek in Barangay San Jose, Aquino promised Governor Lilia Pineda to help Pampanga in recovering from infrastructure damages brought by Typhoon “Pedring”.

5 Oct 2011 - Clark firm donates relief goods to typhoon victims

CLARK FREEPORT -- Officials and employees of the Clark Development Corporation (CDC) distributed relief goods to victims of Typhoon Quiel in at least five towns in the low-lying areas of Pampanga’s second and fourth districts.

CDC President Felipe Antonio Remollo, who was accompanied by Mayor Leonora Wong during the relief operations, said that at the height of Typhoon Quiel on October 2, the CDC distributed some 100 packs of relief goods to flood victims trapped in low-lying areas of San Simon town.

5 Oct 2011 - Capitol prepares 30,000 relief packs

PAMPANGA -- The Provincial Government led by Governor Lilia Pineda started distributing as early as September 28, more than 10,000 packs of relief goods to typhoon-affected families.

The distributed goods were part of the 30,000 relief packs prepared by the Provincial Government, said Governor Lilia Pineda.

5 Oct 2011 - Posh residential village to rise in Clark

CLARK FREEPORT -- Officials of the Clark Development Corporation (CDC) and executives of a Korea-based firm broke ground on Monday for the establishment of a posh residential village at the heart of Clark Freeport.

CDC President Felipe Antonio Remollo said Korean firm JM Star Clark Inc. held its groundbreaking rites last October 3, signaling the start of construction work for its tourism and residential development project, dubbed Le J Village in a 17,190-square-meter area here.

5 Oct 2011 - Cops intercept 1.2 kilos of marijuana

MABALACAT -- The town police recently confiscated 1.2 kilos of marijuana, with street value of P20,000, from a suspected drug pusher during an anti-drug operation conducted in Barangay Camachiles here.

Policemen from the intelligence unit, led by Inspector Rogelio V. Manalang, seized two bricks of dope from Joel Castro Carlos, 37, of Phase 5, Bagong Silang, Barangay Cutud, Angeles City.

5 Oct 2011 - Motorcycle thief arrested

ANGELES CITY -- The city police recently arrested a 28-year-old man who allegedly stole a motorcycle owned by an Irish national.

The suspect -- Richard Eleuterio Opena, 28, single, jobless, of Purok 6 Barangay Amsik, this city -- was caught by elements of Police Station 4 while allegedly trying to start the bike owned by Francis Robert Tiswell, 36, an Irish national temporarily staying in San Pablo, Guagua town.

5 Oct 2011 - Groups join Elderly Week Celebration

ANGELES CITY -- The Elderly Week Celebrations featured a host of activities that delighted dozens of seniors who attended the events at the SM City Clark last October 1.

The celebration that will run from October 1 to 7, with the theme "Gabay, Tulay, Kaagapay, at Bantay Tungo sa Kaunlaran," is in coordination with the Office of the City Mayor, Office of the Senior Citizens and in partnership with SM City Clark.

4 Oct 2011 - Public Works office asked to help desilt Pampanga River

The Provincial Government on Tuesday requested the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to spearhead the desilting activity along Pampanga River.

The river’s present condition contributes to flooding problem in the coastal villages in the fourth district of the province.

4 Oct 2011 - Clark eyed as Philippines’ premier sports hub

CLARK FREEPORT -- Officials of the Clark Development Corporation (CDC) have presented to President Benigno Simeon Aquino III the proposed Clark Star Center, which is geared to transform the Freeport into the country’s premier sports training center and amusement hub.

CDC President Felipe Antonio B. Remollo said the Clark Star Center, also known as the Clark Sports Training Amusement and Recreation Center, was presented to Japanese investor during the President’s state visit in Japan on September 26.

4 Oct 2011 - Retired High Court judge joins AUF Law School

ANGELES CITY -- Retired Supreme Court Associate Justice Antonio Eduardo B. Nachura has joined the faculty of the Angeles University Foundation School of Law (AUF-SOL).

AUF-SOL Founding Dean Justice Jose C. Vitug said Justice Nachura retired from government service last June 13, 2011, leaving behind an illustrious career marked by his exemplary service in all three branches of government under the Aquino, Ramos, Estrada and Arroyo presidencies.

4 Oct 2011 - Businesses post P3.3 million sales after expo

ANGELES CITY -- The 24 Central Luzon-based Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) who participated in the 1st Otop (One Town, One Product) National Expo posted P3.3 million in total sales.

Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) regional information officer Wilfred Carbonell said the MSMEs were able to jointly secure P2.659 million in immediate sales and around P659, 000 in orders in the September 21 to 25 bazaar, which was held in Trade Halls 1 and 2 of SM Megamall in Mandaluyong City.

4 Oct 2011 - 6,000 volunteers join International Coastal Cleanup Day

SUBIC BAY FREEPORT -- Heavy morning rains did not dampen the spirits of those with a heart for the environment, as close to 6,000 volunteers joined hands in cleaning the coastline of Subic Bay on this year’s International Coastal Cleanup Day held at the Waterfront area here.

Employees of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA), students, business locators, and various volunteer groups collected trash and other debris that littered the Subic Bay shoreline from the Alava pier to the Kalaklan lighthouse.

3 Oct 2011 - Several flooded villages remain isolated

PAMPANGA -- Several villages and towns in Pampanga province and Bulacan remain isolated a few days after the onslaught of back-to-back typhoons, affecting thousands of people.

Still submerged in 15-feet high floodwaters are the towns of San Simon, Candaba, Apalit, Masantol, San Luis and Macabebe in Pampanga province. Also affected are some barangays in Arayat, Sta. Ana and Mexico, including parts of Bacolor.

3 Oct 2011 - Mayor releases funds for typhoon-hit towns

PAMPANGA -- The City Government of San Fernando is extending assistance to neighboring towns adversely affected by deep flooding brought by Typhoons Pedring and Quiel.

The mayor has ordered the City Government's finance department to release the funds to be used to provide assistance to the said neighboring towns.

3 Oct 2011 - Clark firm, Yokohama ink pact for $650 million expansion project

CLARK FREEPORT -- The Clark Development Corporation (CDC) signed a Memorandum of Understanding with a Japanese firm here for a $650-million expansion project that would make it the largest tire manufacturer in the world.

CDC Vice President for Business Development Ernesto Gorospe said top officials of Yokohama Rubber Co. Ltd. have discussed expansion plans with President Benigno Aquino III and CDC President Felipe Antonio Remollo during the President's state visit to Japan last month.

3 Oct 2011 - Morales asks Clark firm to help repair dikes

MABALACAT -- Mayor Marino Morales reiterated his request to the Clark Development Corporation (CDC) to help the local government in repairing the slope protection of creeks here.

The mayor renewed his call after he led an inspection of the damaged portions of dikes and slope protection here over the weekend.

3 Oct 2011 - Food authority urged to buy wet palay from farmers

PAMPANGA -- A lawmaker called on the National Food Authority (NFA) Monday to increase its purchase of early harvested palay in flood-devastated areas in Luzon to help farmers recover from their losses and help save whatever is recoverable from damaged palay harvest.

Butil Representative Agapito Guanlao said instead of issuing warnings on rice hoarding that only fuel worries, the NFA should start purchasing wet palay harvests from affected farmers.

3 Oct 2011 - Lawmaker seeks heavier penalties for irresponsible gun owners

MABALACAT -- Representative Carmelo Lazatin wants to impose heavier penalties on irresponsible gun owners and manufacturers.

The lawmaker said he is alarmed by the rising deaths of children due to neglected loaded guns.

2 Oct 2011 - Angeles holds off-road challenge

ANGELES CITY -- The 2nd Mayor EdPam Cup 4x4 Off Road Challenge kicked off over the weekend, featuring enthusiasts and racers from other provinces and cities who showcased their skills in difficult challenges.

The event was organized by the Angeles City Sports Office (Acso) and the Angeles City Four-Wheel Drive Incorporated in line with the celebration of the month-long Fiestang Kuliat 2011.

2 Oct 2011 - Artists launch 1st ever 'The Film Academy of Pampanga'

PAMPANGA -- Amid the rainy weather last Monday, The Film Academy of Pampanga (TFAP) was successfully launched and attended by prominent Kapampangan personalities. It was spearheaded by its chairman Andy Alviz.

During the launching, which was at the same time a seminar, a talk on indie-film production was conducted by none other than Cannes Film Festival Best Director Brillante Mendoza.

2 Oct 2011 - Worst flood in decades

PAMPANGA -- Floods caused by typhoons Pedring and Quiel are the province's worst in decades, Governor Lilia Pineda said on Monday.

She told radio dzMM's "Dos Por Dos" that some elderly people even see the current floods as the worst in 80 years.

2 Oct 2011 - Nalgae weakens slightly as it crosses N. Luzon

PAMPANGA -- Typhoon Quiel, (international name: Nalgae) slightly weakened after it crossed Northern Luzon, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said.

In its 4 p.m. weather bulletin, Pagasa said that Quiel was seen 40 kilometers west- northwest of Baguio City and packed maximum sustained winds of up to 150 kilometers per hour near the center and gusts reaching up to 185 kph.

1 Oct 2011 - New storm; experts call for total evacuation

PAMPANGA -- Weather experts appealed to local chief executives in typhoon-affected provinces to implement total evacuation in flood-affected villages as a brewing storm is forecast to batter Northern Luzon next week.

While the new weather disturbance is currently a low pressure area, the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said the warm waters of Pacific gave it the needed strength to develop into a tropical depression.

1 Oct 2011 - Guv creates action centers

PAMPANGA -- Governor Lilia Pineda on Saturday morning ordered the immediate creation of action centers in the flooded barangays near the Pampanga River, in the towns of San Simon, San Luis, Macabebe, Candaba and Masantol.

Pineda stressed that each town, within their boundaries, would have their fully equipped action centers.

1 Oct 2011 - Typhoon ‘Pedring’ floods worst ever: mayor

ANGELES CITY -- Typhoon ‘Pedring’ has the worst flooding that ever occurred in Pampanga and Bulacan, said Mayor Edgardo “EdPam” Pamintuan as he described the flooding wrought by typhoon’s heavy rains.

The deep floodwaters are expected to be aggravated by Typhoon “Quiel” which is seen to further affect flooded areas in Pampanga, especially San Simon, Candaba, San Luis, Macabebe and Masantol.

1 Oct 2011 - Clark HR council holds annual conference, elects new leaders

CLARK FREEPORT -- Some 80 locators and members of the Clark Human Resource Council (CHRC) gathered at the Lohas Hotel recently for the 2011 Annual Assembly of HR Professionals, and election of its board of directors for 2011-2012.

The event, which is themed “Integrating Social Compliance and IR Systems for Business Competitiveness”, is CDC’s efforts to maintain industrial harmony in the Freeport through their proactive programs.

1 Oct 2011 - Foundation presents ‘Maria Clara at Crisostomo’

ANGELES CITY -- The Kundiman Ning Angeles (KNA) Foundation holds its annual themed event, which this year will feature "Maria Clara and Crisostomo," a Filipiniana motif with a well-participated Rigodon De Honor at the Grand Palazzo Royale on October 7, 2011 at 6:00 pm.

The foundation will present the era's fashion and dance trends, participated by its active officers and members in their best Barong Tagalog and gowns. It will be a pageantry of songs and dances which are native to Angeles City and Pampanga.

1 Oct 2011 - Olongapo now in state of calamity

OLONGAPO CITY -- The Olongapo City council approved the other day a resolution declaring the city under state of calamity, two days after Typhoon Pedring battered the city.

The resolution was based on the report of the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (DRRMO) citing massive flooding, landslides and residential housings destroyed by Pedring last Tuesday.