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Balibago News Mar-2012

31 Mar 2012 - 3 robbers killed in encounter

PAMPANGA -- Three suspected members of a robbery/holdup gang were killed during an encounter with policemen in Barangay San Isidro, Sta. Rita town, Thursday.

Pampanga Police Director Edgardo Tinio said two of the suspects were identified as James Pabalan, a resident of Angeles City and V. Caringga of Negros Occidental.

31 Mar 2012 - Morales, Duterte vow to pursue cooperation

CLARK FREEPORT -- Mabalacat Mayor Marino Morales and Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte vowed to pursue cooperation that will increase business opportunities, tourism and exchange of best practices between their areas.

Morales and Duterte met at the launching of the first AirAsia Philippines flight to Davao on March 28 where they both signed in the Sister Airport pact between the Clark International Airport And the Fred Bangoy (Davao) International Airport.

31 Mar 2012 - Clark, Davao airports forge sisterhood pact

CLARK FREEPORT --- Officials of Clark International Airport Corporation (CIAC) and Fred Bangoy International Airport (FBIA) have signed a sisterhood agreement that will link tourism between the north and the south.

“We have to have connectivity. We have to connect the dots,” said transportation czar Mar Roxas who witnessed the signing of the “Sister airport” signing on Wednesday.

31 Mar 2012 - Mayor bares P1.1-B infras

Mayor Oscar Rodriguez of San Fernando bared Friday that an estimated P1.1 billion worth of infrastructure projects are ongoing in this city.

The City Government will spend some P300 million for some of the projects. The rest are funded by the National government through the Department of Public Works and Highways.

31 Mar 2012 - New ‘progressive’ preschool opens

ANGELES CITY — A new academic institution that prides itself in offering “progressive” and holistic education to young preschoolers was formally opened at Villa Angelina Subdivision here on Saturday.

Bridges Preschool is a pre-elementary institution that introduces a new paradigm in education rooted in the philosophies of experiential learning, holistic education, and life-long learning.

31 Mar 2012 - Run for WW II Heroes set April 9-10

PAMPANGA -- THE longest and oldest-running relay-run honoring our World War II Heroes will again traverse the infamous 1942 Death March Trail on April 9 and 10, 2012.

Known as the Araw ng Kagitingan Ultra-Marathon (A Tribute To World War II Veterans), the ultra-marathon was started by 29 running buffs of the San Fernando Runners Unlimited Inc. (SAFER RUN), almost two months after the historic People Power EDSA Revolution in 1986, that toppled the reign of a dictator --- the late Pres. Ferdinand Marcos.

30 Mar 2012 - Pampanga PIPO, DTI hold investment forum

The provincial government through its Investment and Promotion Office (PIPO) and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) recently gathered concerned municipal and city officers to identify potential investment projects geared towards the promotion of Pampanga as an ideal investment destination and investor-friendly area.

DTI Provincial chief Leonila Baluyut said the forum aimed to come up with a list of potential investment projects in each of the municipalities and cities of Pampanga as these will be presented to both local and foreign investors during the regional and Luzon area conferences.

30 Mar 2012 - Damaged dike threatens safety of residents

PAMPANGA -- Local leaders in three villages around Arayata have expressed their worry for the safety of their constituents as the damages to several portions of the major dike here remain unattended several months after the recent typhoons.

Nazario Vinuya, village chief in Mapalad, said the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) failed to rehabilitate the scourged portion of the Arayat-Apalit setback levee in their area, despite continuing request made by them.

30 Mar 2012 - Scouts to hold homecoming in Clark

CLARK FREEPORT — At least 33 members from the seven chapters of the Philippine Scouts Heritage Society (PSHS) based in United States will join the homecoming activities inside this Freeport on April 7 and 8.

Albert Labrador, PSHS spokesperson, said aside from the seven chapters in the US, some 60 local members in the country will also join the PSHS reunion.

30 Mar 2012 - Aquino supports P12-B budget terminal in Clark

CLARK FREEPORT — Department of Transportation and Communications Secretary Mar Roxas said President Benigno Aquino III will support plans to establish a P12-billion budge terminal at the Clark International Airport.

Roxas disclosed this as he reads the message of the President during the launching of the Air Asia Philippines domestic flights on Wednesday.

29 Mar 2012 - 3 killed on NLEX

PAMPANGA -- Three people were killed Thursday in a vehicular accident along the Mexico portion on North Luzon Expressway (NLEx).

Driver Romeo Balalon allegedly lost control of his Toyota HiAce van (SKE 112) along the southbound lane of NLEx and crashed his vehicle into a tree.

29 Mar 2012 - 20 to be crucified on Good Friday

PAMPANGA -- At least 20 persons will be crucified or nailed to wooden crosses in a makeshift Golgotha in barangays San Pedro Cutud, Santa Lucia and San Juan here on Good Friday.

Ben Enaje, a resident of San Pedro Cutud who again plays the role of Christ this year, will be nailed for the 26th time on a wooden cross on a man-made hill in his barangay.

29 Mar 2012 - Security foremost in Maleldo 2012 observance

PAMPANGA -- Heightened security for the safety of foreign and local tourists will be foremost in the observance of Maleldo 2012 in San Fernando during Holy Week.

This, as an estimated 40,000 to 50,000 spectators, according to members of the Maleldo 2012 working committee, are expected to troop to three “crucifixion” sites in barangays San Juan, Sta. Lucia and the main “Golgotta” in San Pedro Cutud to witness the traditional Via Crucis, which is on its 50th year.

29 Mar 2012 - Police nab man for drugs

MABALACAT -- Police apprehended recently a 42-year-old man suspected of selling illegal drugs in Barangay Camachiles here.

Suspect Jimmy Bondoc Lawrence, of Santa Lucia Resettlement Center, Magalang town, was arrested in a buy-bust operation conducted by elements of the town police led by Senior Inspector Rogelio V. Manalang.

29 Mar 2012 - Officials form new local party in Angeles City

ANGELES CITY -- A new political party, with an all-Kapampangan membership, was formally launched here Wednesday in a bid to broaden grassroots participation in local politics and policy-making.

Angeles City officials, led by Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan, multi-sectoral representatives and ordinary citizens gathered at Mar’s Garden Restaurant for the founding assembly of Partido Abe Kapampangan to ratify its constitution and by-laws, pass resolutions and elect its officers.

28 Mar 2012 - Korean files sexual harassment vs massage attendant

ANGELES City – A Korean woman filed a sexual harassment complaint against a male massage attendant at Soul Massage and Spa along Mon Tang Avenue, Diamond Subdivision who reportedly took advantage of her during a therapy session at a spa in Angeles City.

Eo Seol Ah, 22, a student staying at the Systems Plus College Foundation dormitory, told authorities that massage attendant Joel Paguio, 28, stay-in massage therapist, touched her breast, butt and put his hand inside her shorts and even kissed her abdomen during the massage session.

28 Mar 2012 - DOE to hold electricity conservation seminar

ANGELES CITY -- The Department of Energy (DOE), in partnership with the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) and World Wide Fund for Nature-Philippines (WWF), will be holding an Electricity Conservation in Households and Schools Seminar for Central Luzon stakeholders today at Mars Restaurant in Angeles City.

In a press statement, DOE said the event “is in line with our National Energy Efficiency and Conservation Program that specifically aims to cushion the impact of increases in prices of petroleum products and electricity through the implementation of energy efficiency and conservation measures, promote cost avoidance/savings on fuel and electricity without sacrificing productivity, secure firm savings commitment from identified sector groups and help protect the environment.”

28 Mar 2012 - Town gets P3.9M for road rehab

PAMPANGA -- More than P3.9 million has been allocated by the Provincial Government for the rehabilitation of the Sta. Ana-Magalang Road along the portion of Barangay San Agustin here.

Engineer Olimpio Pangan of the Provincial Engineer’s Office, in an interview, said the said project has already been awarded to the winning bidder and the construction will start anytime after Holy Week.

28 Mar 2012 - University honors Kapampangan culinarians

ANGELES CITY – The Angeles University Foundation (AUF) is set to honor two acclaimed Kapampangan culinarians during the 1st AUF Golden Toque Awards today, Thursday.

AUF president Joseph Emmanuel L. Angeles said AUF is set to give recognition to Emelita W. Galang and Claude Tayag for their contributions to Kapampangan cuisine that have put the province in the country's culinary map.

27 Mar 2012 - Massive Health Program launched

PAMPANGA -- The provincial government here has launched the “Kalusugan Pangkalahatan” program which is considered as the biggest joint declaration of commitment to ensure the health and productivity of every Kapampangan.

The program, launched during the provincial health summit, aims to intensify efforts towards the reduction of tuberculosis and maternal and infant mortality cases in the province in line with the Millennium Development Goals.

27 Mar 2012 - Woman dies, 9 others hurt in road mishap

A 40-year-old woman died while nine others were seriously injured when their vehicle turned turtle three times along the North Luzon Expressway (NLEx) at the vicinity of Barangay Sta. Monica, San Simon town last Monday, reports said.

Superintendent Romeo de Castro, Regional Public Information Office (RPIO)-Central Luzon chief, identified the lone fatality as Fredelita Padron, 40, a resident of Barangay Mission Nagbukel, Ilocos Sur.

27 Mar 2012 - Firm corrects wrong investment figures in reports

CLARK FREEPORT -- Officials of Dongwang Clark Corporation (DCC) said they will be investing some $200 million for its golf clubhouse inside the Freeport.

The DCC executives issued the statement to correct earlier reports, which came out in some local newspapers that the Korean firm has started building a P200-million golf clubhouse in a 304-hectare tourism estate here.

27 Mar 2012 - More regional police personnel to be deployed in streets

PAMPANGA -- More policemen will now be seen in the streets in line with the strict implementation of both the Police Integrated Patrol System (PIPS) and Police Regional Office (PRO)-Central Luzon’s “Campaign against Motorcycle Riding Suspects Strategy.”

This, according to Regional Director Chief Superintendent Edgardo T. Ladao, is in adherence to the directive of Director General Nicanor Bartolome to increase police presence in the streets to address the rash of crime incidents in the country such as robbery and theft, carnapping, rape, murder and other crimes perpetrated by motorcycle-riding criminals.

27 Mar 2012 - Kuwait’s Emir visits Clark center

CLARK FREEPORT – Emir of Kuwait Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah will visit this Freeport today (March 27) to witness ceremonies renaming the 177-hectare Global Gateway Logistics City (GGLC) after him where a Kuwaiti investments are estimated to cost over $1 billion.

“We are honored that His Highness not only will grace us with his presence, but allow us to rename the project in his honor,” said Dennis Wright, president of Peregrine Development International Inc. (Peregrine).

27 Mar 2012 - ‘Buntis Summit’ held

PAMPANGA -- PREGNANT women from the City of San Fernando were given a whole-day treat by the members and officers of the Quota International of Pampanga during the “Buntis Summit” over the weekend, held in cooperation with the City Government of San Fernando.

The affair was part of the organization’s meaningful way of capping their activities for the Women’s Month this March.

26 Mar 2012 - "Cream Dory " not meant to replace tilapia industry

ANGELES CITY -- The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) stressed that Pangasius, also known as "Cream Dory," is not intended to substitute the tilapia industry.

Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Regional Office 3 on Wednesday said that the current boost of the Pangasius sector is not meant to replace Central Luzon’s robust Tilapia industry but rather provide an alternative to fisher folks and lessen the country’s fillet importation.

26 Mar 2012 - Australian dies due to cardiac arrest

ANGELES CITY -- An 83-year-old Australian National was found dead inside his home in Pampanga early Sunday after suffering a heart attack, police said Monday.

Chief Superintendent Romeo de Castro, chief of regional public information office, said victim Kevin John Whiteford, was found dead inside his house at No.17-14 Don Fidel Street Don Bonifacio Subdivision, Barangay (village) Pulung Maragul, Angeles City, Pampanga around 6:15 a.m. Sunday.

25 Mar 2012 - Feud over chapel ends

ANGELES CITY—The loss of the original image of the Apung Mamacalulu (Lord of the Holy Sepulcher or Santo Entierro) in 1928 and the feud that it spawned here found closure on Friday.

This came as San Fernando (Pampanga) Archbishop Paciano Aniceto, at the recommendation of Auxiliary Bishop Pablo Virgilio David, decreed the chapel housing the replica of the icon as an archdiocesan shrine in Barangay Lourdes Sur here.

25 Mar 2012 - Guv calls for grassroots support vs TB

PAMPANGA -- Governor Lilia Pineda urged barangay officials and grassroots health workers to help in the province's fight against tuberculosis (TB) by monitoring cases in their respective barangays and referring these to provincial health officials.

Pineda said such vigilance is the only way of achieving higher monitoring and cure records for Pampanga to remove it from the list of provinces with high prevalence cases of TB.

24 Mar 2012 - Work resumes at construction site

CLARK FREEPORT -- The Labor department lifted the stoppage order it issued on the contractor of a building owned by North Haven Pharmaceutical (NHP) Building after an accident killed four of its workers.

On March 2, four people were killed and nine others were wounded when the wall of the NHP that was being constructed collapsed.

24 Mar 2012 - University opens new museum

ANGELES CITY -- Holy Angel University held two major cultural events last Thursday night that attracted two national artists, music aficionados and art critics, and members of the Manila culturati, including Irene Marcos Araneta, who expressed surprise at the active cultural scene in Pampanga.

The twin events were the opening of the Museum of Kapampangan Arts and the solo recital of internationally renowned pianist Cecile Licad. Most guests attended both events, which were held one after another in two separate venues on campus.

24 Mar 2012 - 2 riders arrested for evading checkpoint

ANGELES CITY -- Police have arrested two motorcycle-riding men after they evaded a checkpoint setup in Barangay Malabañas and were on board a Honda TMX motorcycle without license plate.

The two suspects identified the arrested persons as Bryan Buerano, 27, a resident of Phase 4, Holy Angel Village, City of San Fernando; and Jayren David, 30, of Purok 2, Barangay Sta. Cruz, Porac town were arrested by authorities following a hot pursuit.

23 Mar 2012 - North expressway to provide free Wi-Fi on Holy Week

PAMPANGA -- Motorists can avail of a free Wi-Fi connection while traveling along the North Luzon Expressway (NLEx) this Holy Week.

This is in line with the “SafeTrip Mo, Sagot Ko” project, a motorist assistance program of the Manila North Tollways Corporation (MNTC) and the Tollways Management Corporation (TMC).

23 Mar 2012 - Cops nab suspected robber

PAMPANGA -- A suspected robber who was seeking medical treatment in a hospital for a gunshot wound was arrested.

The suspect, identified as Melvin Dizon Briones, 34, of Sitio Landing, Barangay San Rafael in Tarlac City was at the hospital for treatment of a gunshot wound he sustained when they were allegedly fleeing from the scene, the police said.

23 Mar 2012 - Woman arrested for illegal gambling

PAMPANGA -- A 22-year-old woman was arrested by police authorities in Tarlac for violation of the anti-illegal gambling law in Barangay Paraiso in this province.

Police identified the suspect as Kristina Cristobal Santos, married and resident in the said area.

22 Mar 2012 - Thousands troop to view St. Clare’s relic

PAMPANGA -- Thousands of faithful and believers trooped Thursday to the Metropolitan Cathedral in SAn Fernando to get a glimpse of the relic of St. Clare.

At past 9 a.m., the relic was accepted by Archbishop Paciano Aniceto and members of the Pampanga Clergy in a High Mass, signaling the revered Saint’s stay in Pampanga for at least two days, highlighted by an overnight vigil, before the pilgrim relic moves to Bataan.

22 Mar 2012 - Expressways to implement ‘express payment’ for Lent

CLARK FREEPORT -- In order to lessen the waiting time for motorists plying along the North Luzon Expressway (NLEx) and the Subic Clark Tarlac Expressway (SCTEx), the Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation (MPTC) will implement an express payment scheme for class 1 vehicles during the observance of the Lenten season.

The program, dubbed as “Holy Week Express Lane”, will be jointly organized and managed by the Manila North Tollways Corporation (MNTC) and the Tollways Management Corporation (TMC).

22 Mar 2012 - Motorist assistance program launched

PAMPANGA -- The Manila North Tollways Corporation (MNTC), in cooperation with the Tollways Management Corporation (TMC), has launched its motorist assistance program in response to the heavy influx of motorists along the North Luzon Expressway (NLEx) and Subic Clark Tarlac Expressway (SCTEx) during the Lenten Season.

MNTC president Rodrigo Franco said the program, dubbed “Safe Trip Mo, Sagot Ko”, assures motorists of safe and hassle-free travel with a package of motoring assistance services.

22 Mar 2012 - College posts guidelines for enrollees

ANGELES CITY -- The City College of Angeles (CCA) Board of Trustees confirmed the college will be accepting enrollees for the next school year.

Classes for the first semester of school year 2012-2013 will initially be conducted at the third floor of the Angeles City Library while construction of the CCA at the Barangay Pampang is still ongoing.

22 Mar 2012 - Town to implement ‘public safety zone’

PAMPANGA -- The Municipal Government here is set to implement a “public safety zone” following the increasing number of motorcycle accidents in a national road along the portion of Barangay Pasig, Candaba.

Within the “public safety zone,” the motorists will be required to follow a speed limit of 20 kilometers per hour from the town plaza going to the boundary in Pansol Pasig.

22 Mar 2012 - Pregnancy tips, vaccines in ‘Buntis Summit’

PAMPANGA -- Some 250 pregnant women attended Thursday’s “Buntis Summit” at the Sindalan Health Center here organized by the Quota International of Pampanga, in cooperation with the City Government of San Fernando.

The event was aimed at giving pregnant women tips on keeping a healthy pregnancy.

21 Mar 2012 - Man takes nephew hostage

PAMPANGA -- A man in Mexico took his own nephew hostage with a 12-gauge shotgun owned by a guard from the Pampanga Provincial Jail in Barangay San Jose Matulid on Tuesday.

The hostage-taker, identified as Noel Quiroz, was later on arrested by elements of the Mexico Municipal Police Station (MPS) after surrendering peacefully.

21 Mar 2012 - Council has no authority to regulate barangay fees

ANGELES CITY -- The City Council has no authority to regulate the imposition of fees imposed by barangay councils.

This was Barangay Balibago chairman Rodelio “Tony” Mamac’s reaction to the recent approval of a City Ordinance regulating or limiting the amount of barangay clearance fees being imposed by villages here.

21 Mar 2012 - 70 police now Swat members

PAMPANGA -- To better enhance their combat techniques, a total of 70 police commissioned and non-commissioned officers graduated from the 45-day training on Special Weapons and Tactics (Swat) course.

Philippine National Police (PNP) Regional Director Edgardo Ladao said “the new graduates now belong to the Swat team, which is the elite tactical unit of the organization.”

21 Mar 2012 - Subic seeds more ‘taklobo’

SUBIC BAY FREEPORT – More giant clams or “taklobo” have found their way into Subic Bay through a marine resources conservation program of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) and the active participation of various stakeholders in this free port.

SBMA chairman Roberto Garcia said the agency recently seeded the Ilanin Bay here with 200 taklobo seedlings for this year’s clam-seeding project, as part of the agency’s vision to make the Freeport an eco-urban center which merges industrial development with eco-tourism.

21 Mar 2012 - 2 nabbed for illegal drugs

ANGELES CITY -- Police nabbed on Monday two men in an entrapment operation along Pampang Road, Barangay Lourdes.

Reports reaching Central Luzon Police Director Edgardo Ladao identified the suspects as Danillo Tagum Sanciangco, 40, married; and Allan Yambao Miclat, 21, both residents of #377 Barangay Claro M. Recto, Angeles City.

21 Mar 2012 - Visa reforms to boost tourism

Philippines -- The government is set to implement a number of visa reforms intended to boost the competitiveness of the Philippines as a tourism destination.

The new visa policies include additional visa-freee privilege for 166 countries/territories from 21 to 30 days, granting of a 30-day visa-free stay to Chinese nationals traveling to the Philippines as part of a tour group handled by a Department of Tourism-accredited Philippine tour operator and a 14-day visa-free stay for Indian nationals who have a valid American, Japan, Australia, Canadian, Shengen, Singapore, or United Kingdom visa.

20 Mar 2012 - Court issues TRO vs new BIR regulation

ANGELES CITY – The Regional Trial Court (RTC) here has issued a 20-day temporary restraining order (TRO) against the implementation of a Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) regulation.

The subject of the said regulation is on the tax administration treatment of petroleum and petroleum products imported into the Philippines, including those coming in through Freeport zones and economic zones and registration of all storage tanks, facilities, depots and terminals.

20 Mar 2012 - Kapampangan food firm wins international award

PAMPANGA -- Mekeni Food Corporation, a Kapampangan firm specializing in meat processing, has been recently conferred an international award in Geneva, Switzerland for the year 2012.

Mekeni President Prudencio S. Garcia announced the good news in a letter last Monday to businessman Levy P. Laus, chairman of the Pampanga Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

20 Mar 2012 - Korean firm starts P200-M golf club

CLARK FREEPORT — A South Korean firm has started building a P200-million golf clubhouse in a 304-hectare area tourism estate here.

Donggwang Clark Corporation (DCC) will pour $400 million for the construction of a world-class tourism estate, including recreational and leisure projects and a golf course inside this Freeport.

20 Mar 2012 - Guv to town execs: Help prevent another landslide tragedy

PAMPANGA -- Governor Lilia G. Pineda asked concerned barangay and municipal officials of Arayat town to undertake urgent precautionary measures and prevent another landslide tragedy.

The warning was issued after huge boulders were found at Mt. Arayat, which could endanger the lives and properties of the residents at the slope of the mountain.

20 Mar 2012 - Arayat Town intensifies campaign vs delinquent taxpayers

PAMPANGA -- The Municipal Government here has intensified its campaign against delinquent taxpayers involving real property tax (RPT).

Amador Pineda, executive secretary of Mayor Luis Espino, disclosed that with the recent tax mapping activity conducted by the Provincial Government parallel with the municipal tax collection drive, they are expecting to double their collections on RPT.

20 Mar 2012 - Village peacekeepers nabs man smoking weed

PAMPANGA -- Operatives of the Barangay Peace Keeping Action Team (BPATS) in San Fernando recently nabbed a suspect who was caught in a pot session with two unidentified suspects in Northville Resettlement, Barangay Calulut, this city.

The arrested suspect was identified as Noel Cortez, 24, of Barangay Maimpis this city.

19 Mar 2012 - Churches take Center Stage in Expo

PAMPANGA -- CLARK FREEPORT – Select centuries-old churches in the province of Pampanga will take center stage in a three-man photo exhibit dubbed ”VISITA IGLESIA: Edifices of the Kapampangan Faith Revisited” to be launched on March 21 and will run until April 4, Holy Wednesday, at the SM City Clark.

Featuring the works of veteran journalists Bong Z. Lacson, Deng Pangilinan, and Peter C. Alagos, “VISITA IGLESIA: Edifices of the Kapampangan Faith Revisited” will highlight in graphic form 11 select parish churches found in Pampanga’s four districts.

19 Mar 2012 - Pampanga Enacts Children's Welfare Code

PAMPANGA -- The Provincial Board of Pampanga recently enacted a landmark law in the province that aims to protect the children from any form of violence and abuse.

Authored by Board Member Trina Dizon, chairperson of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan Committee on Women and Family, the code is contained in Provincial Ordinance No. 547, Series of 2012, the Comprehensive Welfare Code for the Children of the Province of Pampanga.

18 Mar 2012 - Korea eyes furniture, woodcraft

ANGELES CITY — Pampanga furniture and other products are being lined up for export to South Korea, business groups here said.

A delegation recently toured the province and visited the top manufacturers.

17 Mar 2012 - 5 hurt in road accident

PAMPANGA -- Five passengers, including 2 children, are in critical condition at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Hospital in San Fernando after their vehicle turned over to its side along MacArthur Highway in San Fernando Friday night.

Initial investigation showed that the vehicle was headed to Angeles City when it swerved and turned over to its side.

17 Mar 2012 - Pampanga village seen as next ‘Rio de Janeiro’

PAMPANGA -- If plans push through, the Nabuclod Eco-Tourism Adventure Park in the highlands of Nabuclod village in Floridablanca town could be the next world spot in the likes of Rio de Janeiro in Brazil.

The plan to erect a similar gigantic replica of the Risen Christ (Ascension) was mentioned during the Nabuclod Project Technical Working Group (TWG)’s meet recently at Capitol.

17 Mar 2012 - Capitol launches anti-child abuse program

PAMPANGA -- The Provincial Government under the current administration of Governor Lilia Pineda has launched a comprehensive program to battle child abuse.

During the grand rites at the Bren Z. Guiao Convention Center in the City of San Fernando mid last week, the Capitol, led by Trina Dizon, Provincial Board Committee on Children, Women and Family chairman, initiated the formal implementation of the Child Abuse Protection Intervention Network (Capin), together with the transfer of books of protocols to local and barangay officials.

15 Mar 2012 - Viola de Gamba player holds successful concert in Angeles

ANGELES CITY -- A world renowned “Viola de Gamba” player and professor of classical music in Rome, Italy recently wrapped up a successful show at the Hotel EuroAsia in Don Juico Avenue, Malabanias Road, this city.

Maestro Bruno Re gave a modest number of guests and spectators at the Hotel EuroAsia’s 200-seater function hall a chance to be moved by his expertise of the said instrument.

14 Mar 2012 - Kapampangan ladies take center stage in photo exhibit

PAMPANGA -- Photographer and artist Ruston Banal has taken the cause of women empowerment through his new genre of “impressiography”, highlighting notable and influential ladies in today’s Kapampangan society.

Held at the SM City Pampanga Building 4, the Monday noon exhibit was fully packed by supporters, photography enthusiasts, socialites and local artists who came to marvel at Banal’s newfound passion in reinventing his photography.

14 Mar 2012 - Village holds tourism summit to address local problems

ANGELES CITY -- Stakeholders and local officials gathered Monday at the Barangay Balibago Hall for the first-ever barangay tourism summit in a bid to device ways to address problems and uplift the condition of the tourism industry here.

According to barangay chairman Rodelio “Tony” Mamac, the event was aimed at joining the efforts of various businessmen and stakeholders to convert the “sin city” image of the Balibago tourism belt area into a “wholesome entertainment and investment center.”

14 Mar 2012 - Areas with high TB rates named

PAMPANGA -- Board Member Monina Laus revealed Wednesday that as per records, the towns of Mabalacat, Magalang, Arayat and the City of San Fernando have high rates of tuberculosis incidence.

Laus, Provincial Board health committee chair, said this alarming fact has prompted the Provincial Government to conduct a health summit on March 23, to be held at the King’s Royale Hotel in this city.

14 Mar 2012 - Retired teachers group to get P1.7-M facility

MABALACAT -- The Mabalacat South Association of Retired Teachers (Masart) will soon get a multipurpose building cum library and training center.

This was disclosed by first district Board Member Tarcicio “Tars” DC Halili, who represented Governor Lilia Pineda during the celebration of the group’s first founding anniversary in Mabalacat last Saturday.

14 Mar 2012 - Traders oppose BIR plan on zonal value hike

ANGELES CITY, Pampanga -- A group of businessmen belonging to the Metro Angeles Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc. (MACCII) on Wednesday expressed opposition to a plan of the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) district office here to increase the zonal value of properties to P2,500 per square meter.

MACCII chairman Mario Lazatin, along with other businessmen here, submitted a position paper before the BIR office, which stipulates comments and recommendations regarding the planned increase in zonal valuation by as much as 1,400 percent.

14 Mar 2012 - Houses for Aetas to be constructed

CLARK FREEPORT -- The Clark Development Corporation (CDC) is set to construct an initial 20 houses for Aeta families at sitio Monicayo in Bamban, Tarlac in cooperation with the Gawad Kalinga Community Development Foundation Inc. (GKCDFI).

The housing project is an offshoot of an agreement signed earlier between CDC and GKCDFI for the improvement of communities residing at the Clark area.

14 Mar 2012 - Public warned of new Akyat Bahay gang modus

PAMPANGA -- The Pampanga police led by investigation division chief Arnold Palomo warned the public on a new modus operandi of Akyat Bahay gang in robbing homes and victimizing hapless citizens.

Investigators said Wednesday that the gang is poisoning dogs using lannate insecticide before entering houses.

14 Mar 2012 - Passenger traffic rising

CLARK FREEPORT -- THE Clark International Airport Corp. (CIAC) registered a 38-percent increase in passenger traffic to 160,847 during the first two months of the year compared to the same period a year ago.

The growth led to a jump in the agency’s gross revenue collection to P37.336 million at end-January 2012 from P29.9 million of January 2011. February 2012 revenues were not yet available.

13 Mar 2012 - Carjackers strike in SCTEX

PAMPANGA -- Three carjackers took off with the car they leased on Monday.

The suspects pointed a gun, hog-tied and abandoned the rent-a-car driver, 39-year-old Melchor Manalo, in a portion of SCTEX.

12 Mar 2012 - 2,000 workers needed by Clark firms

CLARK FREEPORT -- At least 2,000 workers are needed by information technology (IT) and business-process outsourcing (BPO) firms based in this freeport zone in Pampanga.

In a report to Clark Development Corp. (CDC) President and CEO Felipe Antonio Remollo, the Clark Services Department (CSD) said there are 1,981 job openings available and at least 50 percent of them are for IT and BPO companies who are looking for web designers and developers, programmers, technical support operators, Linux and Windows Systems administrators, English online teachers, and call-center agents.

12 Mar 2012 - Cops kill 4 gangmen in shootout

PAMPANGA -- Gov. Lilia “Nanay Baby” Pineda congratulated the Pampanga police led by the provincial director, Senior Supt. Edgardo Tinio, but stressed “they should not put their guard down.”

Tinio revealed that four members of the Den-Den Group were killed in Mexico after a brief gun battle after the suspects allegedly fired at policemen manning a checkpoint in Barangay Anao as they were allegedly involved in carjacking, drug trafficking, robbery and extortion and gun-for-hire activities and they operate in Central Luzon.

11 Mar 2012 - Vice guv to build dialysis centers in 2 Pampanga towns

PAMPANGA -- Vice Governor Joseller “Yeng” Guiao said over the weekend that he and some private partners will build dialysis centers for the poorest of the poor in Magalang and Mabalacat towns.

“We will start with a building worth P1 million to P2 million at the Andres Luciano [formerly Balitucan District Hospital] Medical Center in Magalang. Then, we will replicate this in Mabalacat so patients from nearby towns like Arayat and Mexico could also avail of services in the dialysis centers,” he said.

11 Mar 2012 - Aquino gives P14 million to farmers

PAMPANGA -- President Benigno Aquino III, through the Department of Agriculture (DA), has given more than P14 million worth of farm machineries to farmers in Pampanga.

The Provincial Government has also allocated at least P2.4 million to further increase farm production for the next harvest season.

11 Mar 2012 - Councilor underscores Porac tourism potential

PAMPANGA -- Councilor Mike Tapang has underscored the tourism potential of Porac, a first-class municipality situated at the north western uplands of Pampanga.

Tapang said Porac needs a comprehensive master development plan, an essential scheme in marketing the town, which is home to tourist destinations like the Miyamit Falls, Mount Pinatubo and others.

11 Mar 2012 - Water district hosts ‘Buntis Party’ for village women

PAMPANGA -- The City of San Fernando Water District hosted over the weekend a social service program for pregnant women of Barangay San Nicholas here in an event dubbed as “Buntis Party” in cooperation with the City Health Office.

City of San Fernando Water District general manager Jorge Gumba said the event was also open to women coming from the Rural Health III–CSFP units in various barangays.

11 Mar 2012 - Revenue bureau monitors establishments under ‘Oplan Kandado’

PAMPANGA -- The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) here said Sunday that a couple of business establishments in Central Luzon are now under surveillance for possible revenue violations and may face closure under the Oplan Kandado program.

The BIR, however, advised businessmen on more pro-active ways to avoid closure under the Oplan Kandado program by adhering to measures that are in accordance with pertinent revenue laws.

10 Mar 2012 - Air Force gets new combat choppers

CLARK FREEPORT -- A Polish firm, manufacturing military airplanes and helicopters, has turned over four of the eight combat utility helicopters to the Philippine Air Force (PAF) over the weekend.

Defense Secretary Voltaire Gasmin and PAF spokesperson Lt. Col. Miguel Ernesto Okol and other military officials formally accepted the choppers during the turn-over ceremonies at the 410th hangar here Friday.

10 Mar 2012 - Banal set to showcase influential Kapampangan women in exhibit

PAMPANGA --Noted photographer Ruston Banal will showcase photographs of the most influential Kapampangan women as part of his women empowerment advocacy entitled the “Pinay Pride” at SM City Pampanga from March 12 to 17.

Banal said the event is his own contribution to the commemoration and celebration of Women's Month this March.

10 Mar 2012 - 100 finish Rotary literacy courses

MABALACAT -- The Rotary Club of Dau under District 3790 recently conferred certificates of completion to 100 graduates of various literacy courses in rites held at the Rotary Training Center in Mabalacat.

This was disclosed by Rotary Club of Dau charter president and founder Tarcicio “Tars” DC Halili, who said the literacy project was conducted in cooperation with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority

Mar 2012 - Free scholarships

PAMPANGA -- Fourth district Board Member Nestor Tolentino distributed over the weekend some P125,000 in scholarship assistance to some 50 indigent students from different towns of the province.

Tolentino stated that the students received some P2,500 each as part of the assistance program instituted by Governor Lilia Pineda this year.

9 Mar 2012 - Guv alarmed over robbery incidents

PAMPANGA -- Governor Lilia Pineda expressed alarm Thursday over the increasing number of robberies involving miners-turned-robbers who dig into pawnshops and banks.

Pineda said culprits are also posing as workers of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), municipal engineering office, and telephone or electric companies.

8 Mar 2012 - 7 hurt in mall construction mishap

Seven workers, mostly electricians, including two engineers, were injured when a vertical beam being filled with concrete collapsed Thursday at the ongoing construction site of SM City San Fernando.

The beam, about 10 meters long, fell five floors down to the construction barracks of the workers at the western side of the building while on lunch break at about 12:15 p.m.

8 Mar 2012 - Lawmaker bats for courts in Magalang, Mabalacat

MABALACAT -- Pampanga First District Representative Carmelo "Tarzan" Lazatin has filed a bill seeking to establish two separate municipal trial courts (MTCs) in Magalang and Mabalacat.

The lawmaker said the move seeks to prevent the backlog in the hearing of cases in the MTC level.

8 Mar 2012 - 109 wanted persons arrested in two months

PAMPANGA -- An official from the Pampanga Police Provincial Office revealed that at least 109 wanted persons in the province were arrested over the past two months.

Police Superintendent Edgardo Tinio, police provincial director, said nine of the arrested individuals belong to the list of top 20 most wanted persons (MWPs) for various crimes such as murder, rape, frustrated homicide, qualified theft and violations of special laws.

8 Mar 2012 - Mobile court frees 30 inmates in Olongapo

SUBIC FREEPORT -- Mobile court proceedings under the Enhanced Justice on Wheels (E-JOW) led to the resolution of 37 cases and the release of 30 detainees from Olongapo City jails.

Out of 11 cases referred for mediation, two were settled, while nine cases were reset or referred back to the appropriate courts.

8 Mar 2012 - Subic's top man bares all in first state address

SUBIC FREEPORT -- Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority Chairman and Administrator Roberto Garcia bared in his first State of the Freeport Address his 5-year plan which will revive the agencies thrust to make Subic generate more employment and investments.

Garcia presented several plans of the agency such as making it the top tourism capital of the Philippines by way of increasing sports tourism, bidding as a cruise ship destination and enhancing eco-tourism activities inside the Freeport.

8 Mar 2012 - Lakeshore now a haven for production shoots

PAMPANGA -- GUESS who’s trooping to the upscale and scenic The Lakeshore in Mexico.

Lately, with its wonders like the man-made lake, lighthouse, island pool and many more spots including its lush greenery, national TV networks and production firms have made The Lakeshore a haven for location shoots, which makes Kapampangans proud.

7 Mar 2012 - Mayor, councilor trade barbs on corruption claims

PAMPANGA -- In two separate venues, Mayor Teddy Tumang and Councilor Rex Calma of Mexico on Wednesday threw brickbats at each other, while answering accusations and barbs in their long-running feud.

Calma was first to hit Tumang anew, this time with additional charges and accusations of alleged corruption from purchases of medicines for municipal health units.

7 Mar 2012 - Cops seize 1-kilo marijuana brick

PAMPANGA -- PORAC Police in this town confiscated a brick of marijuana, weighing approximately 1 kilo with street value of P25,000, from a man who sped away from a checkpoint in Barangay Planas here.

Superintendent Neil Miro, chief of police, identified the suspect as Joy T. Ampis, 27, of Purok 13 in Barangay Barretto, Olongapo City.

7 Mar 2012 - Lazatin pushes for 6 more RTCs for Angeles City

ANGELES CITY -- First district Representative Carmelo Lazatin is pushing for the establishment of six additional regional trial courts here to ensure speedy disposition of cases and dispensation of justice.

In order to improve the disposition and administration of justice and to ensure the rights to a speedy trial, the number of courts must necessarily be increased, Lazatin said in House Bill 5532.

7 Mar 2012 - Students support city's environmental protection

ANGELES CITY -- To intensify its campaign on environmental protection, the city's Task Force 1-Million Trees (ACTF-1MT) has solicited the participation of the senior students of Francisco G. Nepomuceno Memorial High School (FGNMHS) in its Adoption Program.

Wednesday morning's environmental crusade began with an advocacy walk joined by the students, faculty members, school administrators and barangay officials of Pandan. It was spearheaded by Bishop Jose Briones, program head of the ACTF-1MT.

7 Mar 2012 - Budol-Budol Gang strikes in Sta. Ana

PAMPANGA -- Stall owners along the Jose Abad Santos Avenue in the portion of Barangay San Bartolome this town have allegedly fallen prey to members of the dreaded ?Budol-Budol Gang? Tuesday.

Pepito Guiao, a businessman, said a group of three men, posing as legitimate traders, have been peddling items like soaps and shampoos to stall owners at low prices.

7 Mar 2012 - Ex-PhilHealth prexy chosen as outstanding Thomasian

PAMPANGA -- Former PhilHealth president and chief executive officer Reynaldo B. Aquino has been chosen as the recipient of The Outstanding Thomasian Alumni (TOTAL) Award in government and public service by the University of Sto. Tomas.

Aquino, who was a three-term mayor of this city and a one-term congressman of the province's third district, will receive the award during the formal awarding ceremony on March 31 at the UST quadricentennial pavilion.

7 Mar 2012 - Cops nab 2 wanted persons

MABALACAT -- Two persons with standing arrest warrants for drug cases were arrested recently by elements of this town's police.

The suspects -- Edwin Gumamit, 27, of Purok 5 Pampang, Angeles City; and Dennis Mende, 45, South Daang Bakal, Barangay Dau, this town -- were allegedly involved in pushing and possession of illegal drugs, respectively.

6 Mar 2012 - Police, KBC hold tree planting project

PAMPANGA -- In an effort to raise the level of awareness on the value of trees and help save the endangered Balakat tree (Zyzypus Talanai), members of the Kapampangan Boys Club (KBC) on Wednesday conducted a tree planting project at Camp Olivas in San Fernando.

In partnership with Philippine National Police Regional in Central Luzon, KBC members led by its club president Terrence T. Dimalanta planted the seedlings of the Balakat Tree.

6 Mar 2012 - Group wants airport’s prexy out

ANGELES CITY -- A multi-sectoral group asks Malacañang to replace Clark International Airport Corporation (CIAC) president Victor Jose Luciano instead of pushing for the retention of the name of the Diosdado Macapagal International Airport (DMIA).

The Angeles City Multi-Sector Consultative Council (ACMSCC) in a manifesto denounced the move to rename the airport. It also requested President Benigno Aquino III to remove Luciano from his post as CIAC head.

6 Mar 2012 - Motorcycle riders arrested for carrying firearm

PAMPANGA -- Two riders-in-tandem were arrested by elements of the Porac Municipal Police Station after being found to be carrying a firearm.

According to reports, elements of the Porac police conducted an anti-criminality checkpoint along the National Road in Barangay Manibaug Paralaya when the suspects -- identified as Christopher Santos, 25, and Vicky Padilla, 30, both of San Roque Dau in Lubao town -- on board a black SYM motorcycle, were flagged down for not wearing helmets.

6 Mar 2012 - Alliance with LGUs key to war vs crime

PAMPANGA -- The Philippine National Police (PNP) top official in the province cited the partnership with various local government units as the key to “win the war against criminality.”

Pampanga Provincial Director Edgardo Tinio said the support of the present Provincial Government to the police and the surrounding communities is proof of strong partnership in curbing criminality.

4 Mar 2012 - Renaming of airport an insult to Kapampangans

CLARK FREEPORT, Pampanga -- Members of the Clark Development Corporation (CIAC) board should apologize to Kapampangans for renaming the Diosdado Macapagal International Airport (DMIA), a former Clark official said.

Alex Cauguiran, former CIAC vice president for operations, lambasted the board, including CIAC president Victor Luciano and Clark Development Corporation (CDC) president Felipe Antonio Remollo, for approving a resolution renaming DMIA to Clark International Airport (CIA).

4 Mar 2012 - 4 dead, 5 hurt in building site mishap

CLARK FREEPORT -- Four men died while five others were seriously injured when a concrete wall collapsed at the construction site of North Heaven Pharmaceutical on Friday.

Nicanor S. Targa, Clark Security and Fire Department chief, said the bodies of Enrique Laxamana, Rico Mabaga, Ryan Gradiuto and Joel VIllapando were retrieved under the plastering wall.

4 Mar 2012 - Officials lead opening of Porac sports tourney

PAMPANGA -- Officials here led the opening of the town-wide 2nd Table Tennis and Chess Tournament at the Jose Songco Lapid Sports Complex in Porac on Saturday.

Vice Mayor Dexter David said he started the program early last year with the support of Mayor Condralito dela Cruz.

4 Mar 2012 - Lawmaker gives scholarship aid to high school indigents

PAMPANGA -- Some 464 indigent students from Camba High School here received scholarship assistance worth P339,150 as part of the ongoing Iskolar ng Dong Program.

Third district Representative Aurelio “Dong” Gonzales personally turned over the ceremonial check to Camba High School principal Domingo Pangan. It was attended by student beneficiaries and their parents.

4 Mar 2012 - BCDA boosts AFP capability program

PAMPANGA -- The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) completed 43 modernization projects amounting to P4.7 billion from the AFP’s shares and proceeds remitted by the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA).

The AFP said that out of the 43 completed projects, 19 have been delivered to the Armed Forces and are now being used in the performance of troops’ duties.

4 Mar 2012 - Peso hopes for stronger partnership with Dole

PAMPANGA -- The leadership of the Pampanga Public Employment Services Office (Peso) is optimistic that its partnership with the Department of Labor and Employment (Dole) will be stronger this year.

Luningning Vergara, Pampanga Peso manager, said that last year, Dole has allocated at least P13 million for livelihood projects.

3 Mar 2012 - DILG promotes rainwater collection

PAMPANGA -- The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) is promoting a simple and cost-effective means to control flooding and conserve water: rainwater collection.

According to DILG-Central Luzon head Florida M. Dijan, Secretary Jesse Robredo has enjoined all local government units to promote and include in their respective development plans and/or Climate Change Action Plans the construction of Rainwater Collectors in all barangays, through a DILG memorandum.

2 Mar 2012 - Angeleños Favor 'DMIA' Over 'Clark'

ANGELES CITY -- The people of this city have expressed their opposition to plans to change the name of the Diosdado Macapagal International Airport (DMIA) back to its original name, Clark International Airport.

Mayor Ed Pamintuan said that renaming the DMIA would be a disservice not only to the Kapampangans (people of Pampanga) but more so to the historical heritage of the country.

1 Mar 2012 - Airport name needs legislation

CLARK FREEPORT -- The Clark International Airport Corporation clarified it did not drop the name of the late President Diosdado Macapagal in the airport, noting the resolution issued by the Board of the Clark Development Corporation in 2001 is “subject to required legislation.”

“To put things in their proper perspective, in the first place the undersigned as president and CEO spoke in behalf of the management of the Clark International Airport Corporation, the operating arm of the Clark International Airport. And management has been tasked by the CIAC Board to implement Board Resolution No. SM-10-05, Series of 2011,” said CIAC President and CEO Victor Jose I. Luciano.

1 Mar 2012 - Capitol opens lines for thousands of jobs

PAMPANGA -- The Provincial Government announced Wednesday that Capitol’s Best Provincial Employment Services Office (Peso) has thousands of jobs for unemployed Kapampangans here and abroad.

Meeting with municipal and barangay Peso managers at the Bren Z. Guiao Convention Center, the governor revealed that in cooperation with the Clark Development Corporation, Department of Labor and Employment and private sector partners in the likes of Romac Services led by Pampanga Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc. vice-chairman Rene Romero, jobs for Kapampangans are overflowing.

1 Mar 2012 - McDonalds foundation donates day-care center

PAMPANGA -- The Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) turned over to local officials here Thursday its first Bahay Bulilit Day Care Center in Guagua, Pampanga.

In coordination with the local government headed by Mayor Ricardo Rivera, the RMHC built the day-care center in Barangay San Jose here to reach out to children residing in said village and nearby Barangay Natividad.

1 Mar 2012 - Rotary offers free surgery to kids with heart ailment

MABALACAT -- Officers of the Rotary Clubs belonging to the Rotary International District 3790 has announced its free surgery program open to children under 13 years old who are suffering from congenital heart disease.

Rotary Club of Mabalacat former president May Shilton said patients will be sent to India where the medical operation will be conducted under the program “Gift of Life”.

1 Mar 2012 - 5-hour brownout hits Naia

MANILA -- A five-hour brownout struck the Ninoy Aquino International Airport 3 (Naia 3), starting at 12:17 a.m. yesterday, delaying the departure of a Cebu Pacific (CEB) Flight 5J 190 to Incheon, Korea. The arrival of four other CEB flights—5J195 from Incheon, 5J185 from Pusan, 5J143 from Hong Kong and 5J289 from Pusan was also delayed.

The brownout was traced to a Meralco electric sensor. Bing Lina, Naia 3 terminal manager, said the sensor was to undergo a regular maintenance checkup today.

1 Mar 2012 - Man nabbed for killing niece

TARLAC -- Ferdinand Martin, suspected of killing and raping his 18-year-old niece was arrested by police in Camiling, Tarlac Tuesday night.

Martin’s niece Maricris was strangled to death in a farm in Barangay Palimbo. The victim’s shorts and underwear were pulled down and her shirt was up when authorities found her body.