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Balibago News Apr-2012

30 Apr 2012 - Binay lauds guv for ‘progressive’ province

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

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

30 Apr 2012 - Immigration officers hit for ‘maltreatment’

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

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

30 Apr 2012 - Angeles City promotes new ‘tourism brand

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

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

30 Apr 2012 - Lawmaker: Pamintuan deserves World Mayor Award

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

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

30 Apr 2012 - Villages get financial aid from Capitol

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

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

30 Apr 2012 - Regional police ready for Labor Day rites

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

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

29 Apr 2012 - Pirated DVDs seized in Angeles City

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

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

29 Apr 2012 - Medical mission held in Pampanga town

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

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

28 Apr 2012 - Council to probe fire clearance issue

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

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

28 Apr 2012 - Vendor nabbed for illegal drugs

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

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

28 Apr 2012 - Indigents benefit from medical mission

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

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

28 Apr 2012 - Labor office to hold breakfast forum for leaders

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

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

27 Apr 2012 - Angeles City endorses Disneyland Clark bid

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

27 Apr 2012 - Angeles University Foundation to honor Ateneo prexy

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

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

27 Apr 2012 - Mayors’ campaign vs illegal recruitment lauded

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

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

26 Apr 2012 - Appellate court okays criminal case vs firm owner

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

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

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

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

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

26 Apr 2012 - Enhanced website gives virtual tour of city

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

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

26 Apr 2012 - Cyber City expands operations in Clark

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

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

26 Apr 2012 - Tax bureau bares tips to avoid suits

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

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

26 Apr 2012 - Regional police launches ‘cleanest office’ project

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

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

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

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

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

25 Apr 2012 - Legislation to restore veterans cemetery introduced

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

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

25 Apr 2012 - Guv gives P2.7M to villages

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

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

25 Apr 2012 - Quotarians to showcase Kapampangan talent in Cebu

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

24 Apr 2012 - School earns fourth level accreditation

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

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

24 Apr 2012 - Pampanga receives best gov’t practices award

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

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

24 Apr 2012 - Lazatin thanks Aquino for Disneyland study

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

23 Apr 2012 - P72-M dike asphalting project underway

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

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

23 Apr 2012 - Foundation hosts International Museum Day celebration today

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

23 Apr 2012 - Mayor supports establishment of Disneyland in Clark Freeport

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

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

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

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

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

21 Apr 2012 - Fight vs illegal recruitment intensified

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

21 Apr 2012 - Millions of agri projects set for implementation

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

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

20 Apr 2012 - Angeles university to honor UP prexy

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

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

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

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

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

20 Apr 2012 - AirAsia launches daily flights to Puerto Princesa

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

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

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

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

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

20 Apr 2012 - Pampanga heads towards ‘rabies free Philippines’

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

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

20 Apr 2012 - Over 100 pirated software installers seized in Pampanga

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

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

19 Apr 2012 - NGOs sign agreement for environmental protection

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

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

19 Apr 2012 - 6 firms to invest P43-M in Clark

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

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

19 Apr 2012 - Suspect killed in brief shootout

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

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

19 Apr 2012 - Improvements noted in mall’s disaster preparedness

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

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

19 Apr 2012 - Capitol strengthens agro-eco-tourism efforts

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

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

19 Apr 2012 - Cash-for-Work program benefits 190 Angeleńos

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

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

19 Apr 2012 - Cops nab man for stealing drainage cover

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

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

19 Apr 2012 - American football games in Clark soon

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

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

18 Apr 2012 - Disneyland at Clark eyed

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

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

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

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

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

18 Apr 2012 - Fitness program for the elderly launched

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

18 Apr 2012 - 3 arrested for drugs

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

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

17 Apr 2012 - City hall worker, lover shot dead

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

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

17 Apr 2012 - No. 1 most wanted in Mexico arrested

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

17 Apr 2012 - Pamintuan nominated in 2012 World Mayor Award

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

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

17 Apr 2012 - Police office conducts e-blotter training

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

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

16 Apr 2012 - Groups join forces for environmental campaign

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

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

16 Apr 2012 - 3 suspected robbers killed in shootout

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

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

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

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

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

16 Apr 2012 - New group calls for stronger provincial language council

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

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

14 Apr 2012 - Guv reaches out to coastal barangays

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

12 Apr 2012 - Council enacts disaster code

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

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

12 Apr 2012 - Lawmakers join opposition over renaming airport

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

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

11 Apr 2012 - Phivolcs to execs: Expect the worst

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

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

11 Apr 2012 - P3-B infra for Pampanga approved

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

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

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

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

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

11 Apr 2012 - DENR questioned over waste woes

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

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

10 Apr 2012 - Tourists should respect Holy Week

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

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

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

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

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

10 Apr 2012 - Man arrested for firing gun

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

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

10 Apr 2012 - Injunction vs revenue bureau’s regulation issued

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

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

10 Apr 2012 - Cops nab 2 for drug possession

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

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

9 Apr 2012 - Hundreds cheer grander ‘Sabuaga’

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

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

9 Apr 2012 - Man nabbed in Magalang drug bust

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

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

9 Apr 2012 - No untoward incidents on Holy Week

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

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

9 Apr 2012 - Employment office lauded for best practices

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

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

8 Apr 2012 - Funeral parlors ask for exemption on zoning law

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

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

8 Apr 2012 - Ordinance creating trike franchise body barred

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

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

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

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

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

8 Apr 2012 - Mayor orders city-wide fire drills

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

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

8 Apr 2012 - 2 establishments padlocked for tax dues

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

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

8 Apr 2012 - Police observe ‘Way of the Cross’

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

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

8 Apr 2012 - Suspected ‘akyat-bahay’ suspects nabbed

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

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

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

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

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

7 Apr 2012 - Rumors spread about Remollo’s resignation

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

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

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

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

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

7 Apr 2012 - Angeles school to honor Washington Sycip

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

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

7 Apr 2012 - Alert linemen save evening for devotees

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

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

7 Apr 2012 - 3rd district board members lead tricycle distribution

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

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

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

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

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

4 Apr 2012 - Pampanga Ready For Annual 'Crucifixion'

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

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

4 Apr 2012 - Security alert in Pampanga up during Holy Week

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

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

3 Apr 2012 - Village chief gunned down

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

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

3 Apr 2012 - Hundreds flock to Senakulo 2012

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

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

3 Apr 2012 - Capitol lauded for tricycle patrols

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

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

3 Apr 2012 - 10 Kapampangan graduate from police academy

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

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

3 Apr 2012 - Radio group establishes traffic assistance centers

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

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

3 Apr 2012 - Under-licensing software usage

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

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

2 Apr 2012 - Retired military chief is new Clark corporation chair

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

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

2 Apr 2012 - 2,000 benefit from medical mission

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

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

2 Apr 2012 - City Government provides summer jobs for students

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

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

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

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

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

2 Apr 2012 - 3 suspected drug peddlers collared

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

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

2 Apr 2012 - Police assure Kapampangan of peaceful Holy Week

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

1 Apr 2012 - Pampanga observes Earth Hour

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

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

1 Apr 2012 - 1st ‘green’ cold storage facility unveiled

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

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

1 Apr 2012 - Guv eyes PhilRice Satellite Campus in Magalang

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

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

1 Apr 2012 - Angeles to stage ‘Siete Palabras’

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

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

1 Apr 2012 - Coyote Ugly Bar raided

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

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

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