Balibago News Oct-2013
31 Oct 2013 - Kabalen invents ‘answer’ to climate change woes
MABALACAT CITY --- A Kapampangan inventor has introduced to his kabalen farmers an organic fertilizer technology that would improve both the quality and quantity of palay yield.Engineer Dante C. Dizon, managing director of Pro Green Philippines Incorporated, said his invention called "Trikombi Technology" is the answer to the farmers’ problem on climate change.
31 Oct 2013 - Folk unmindful of Typhoon ‘Vinta’
PAMPANGA -- Thousands of folks paying respects to their departed on Thursday ignored the threat of Typhoon "Vinta," as they started lighting candles and continued cleaning tombs in various cemeteries and memorial parks across the city.Vinta, which upgraded into a typhoon, was estimated at 200 kilometers east of Aparri, Cagayan as of 10 am Thursday, with maximum winds of 120 kilometers per hour near the center and gustiness of up to 150 kph.
31 Oct 2013 - Program for inbred, hybrid rice varieties benefit Guagua farmers
PAMPANGA -- Farmers here are now benefitting from the program of the Department of Agriculture (DA) that promotes the use of inbred and hybrid rice varieties that can adapt to distinct soil conditions in the province and produce better yield.The DA presented its programs to farmers of Guagua, Sta. Rita and Porac towns during a discussion event held in Barangay Ebus here. The event was attended by some 80 farmers and local Barangay Agriculture and Fishery Council officers.
31 Oct 2013 - Kapampangan film makes cut in 39th MMFF
PAMPANGA -- Kapampangan film "Dukit" has made the cut in the New Wave Full Feature section of this year’s 39th Metro Manila Film Festival."This is a tribute to the century-old woodworking tradition in Betis area of Guagua. It depicts the townspeople’s faith to God and patron saint Santiago, their devotion to the church, and the willingness of the few remaining woodcarvers to retain the tradition in spite of this modern generation," director Armando "Bing" Lao shared.
31 Oct 2013 - SM City Pampanga holds 5k Zombie Run
PAMPANGA -- SM City Pampanga last Wednesday held the province's first-ever "5K Zombie Run", a fun game tied-up with the new movie of Brillante Ma Mendoza entitled "Sapi", which will premiere on November 5 at SM Megamall in Mandaluyong City and will be shown in SM Cinemas on November 6.SM City Pampanga's "5k Zombie Run", according to SM City Pampanga public relations officer Rain Cervantes, is the perfect way to promote the movie "Sapi" during the Halloween season.
31 Oct 2013 - Plane makes emergency landing in Zambales lahar trail
PAMPANGA -- A Cessna 152 aircraft made an emergency landing at the Sta. Fe lahar trail in Barangay Sta. Fe in San Marcelino town, Zambales last Wednesday, according to the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP).CAAP said the plane's two passengers, Captain Eliseo de Luna, instructor pilot and student pilot Christopher Logro, were found alive.
31 Oct 2013 - ECC now in Pampanga
The Employees' Compensation Commission (ECC) is now in Pampanga to serve workers in Central Luzon.This was disclosed Thursday by Department of Labor and Employment Regional Director Raymundo Agravante, who said that the attached agency's Regional Coordinating Committee is currently holding office at the Sugar Workers Livelihood Center at the regional labor department's headquarters at the Diosdado Macapagal Regional Government Center, Barangay Maimpis, this city.
30 Oct 2013 - Provincial Board: No more shortage of meds in hospitals
PAMPANGA -- The Provincial Board's committee on health chaired by First District Board Member Crisostomo Garbo is making moves to assure that there would be no more shortage of drugs and life-saving medicines in Pampanga's district hospitals.The committee started an evaluation and assessment of a consignment system to assure the continuous supply of medicines at the district hospitals.
30 Oct 2013 - 2 HAU-published works bag honors in national book awards
ANGELES CITY -- Two works published by Holy Angel University (HAU) bagged honors in the 32nd National Book Awards.“Gale at Gosu” took home the top prize in the Best Book of Nonfiction Prose in Kapampangan category while “Kawatásan: Obrang Poeta Laureado” won in the Best Book of Poetry in Kapampangan category.
30 Oct 2013 - Body found floating in Pampanga River
PAMPANGA -- A still unidentified body of a man, believed to be a victim of summary execution, was found floating along the banks of the Pampanga River in Barangay Bebe Anac Masantol on Monday, police reports said.Police said one Laurence Avila, a resident of Barangay Bebe Anac, found the body. He immediately reported his discovery to the Masantol Municipal Police Station.
30 Oct 2013 - Police alert status up even after elections
PAMPANGA -- The Police Regional Office 3 (PRO) in Central Luzon said security preparedness and alert levels are still up despite the conclusion of the recent barangay elections, as the region is set to observe All Saints' and Souls' Days this weekend.The preparedness is part of the "Implan 77/2013" (All Saints’ and Souls’ Day 2013) of the Philippine National Police (PNP).
30 Oct 2013 - Follow city’s directions, new barangay leaders urged
ANGELES CITY -- Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan urged Wednesday the newly elected barangay captains of the city who emerged victorious during Monday's polls, to "follow the city's directions so we can do more."Pamintuan, in his regular breakfast forum with members of the media at the Museo Ning Angeles, said that there are 11 new village chiefs coming from various alliances, with some who ran as independent candidates.
30 Oct 2013 - Capitol bent on building new town police stations
PAMPANGA -- The provincial government is bent on pushing its plans to build new municipal police stations in all the towns and cities of the province, amounting to P2.7 million up to P3 million each, this year and in the years to come.However, the provincial government is still waiting for the recommendation and resolution that would emanate from the Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC).
30 Oct 2013 - PCCI names Tarlac as ‘Most Business Friendly’ province
PAMPANGA -- The Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) has named Tarlac as the “Most Business Friendly” province in the entire archipelago for the second straight year.“PCCI based the award on five criteria namely trade, investments and tourism promotions; public-private partnership; micro, small and medium enterprises development; quality management system, innovations and human resource development; and inter-local government relations,” Provincial Media Affairs Office chief Arvin Cabalu disclosed.
29 Oct 2013 - Comelec expects poll cases
PAMPANGA -- Although the October 28 barangay elections were generally peaceful and orderly, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) disclosed Tuesday that it is anticipating the influx of election complaints and related cases.Comelec Central Luzon Director Rafael Olaño said losing candidates are expected to file within the 10-day period after the polls disqualification cases against their rivals and other complaints like vote-buying among others.
29 Oct 2013 - Philippines, South Korea trade volume breaches $10M mark
CLARK FREEPORT -- Trade volume between the Philippines and South Korea has exceeded the $10 million mark, an official from the Embassy of the Republic of Korea said.In an interview with veteran broadcaster Angelo "Sonny" Lopez Jr. on "Aksyon Central Luzon" aired over PEP TV Channel 3, Minister and Consul General Min Kyong-Ho said the total trade volume between the two countries has reached an estimated $11.5 million. He added that the target total trade volume for this year is pegged at $12 million.
29 Oct 2013 - Elected barangay execs in Angeles, Mabalacat proclaimed
MABALACAT CITY -- The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has proclaimed newly-elected and reelected barangay officials in this city and nearby Angeles City.In Mabalacat City, new and former village chiefs were selected by voters including that of in Barangay Dau, where the son of Mayor Marino “Boking” Morales was defeated by Former City Councilor Oscar Aurelio.
29 Oct 2013 - Re-election of Calulut chief ‘unprecedented’
PAMPANGA -- The re-election of San Fernando's Barangay Calulut village chief Angel Wijangco on Monday was hailed by his supporters and residents as "unprecedented" in the history of the barangay.Wijangco, a businessman and civic leader, won with a landslide margin of some 1,006 votes over returning village chief Leonardo Mallari and newcomer media practitioner Franco Regala, a correspondent of Manila Bulletin.
29 Oct 2013 - Second district adolescents get lectures on health awareness
PAMPANGA -- Some 600 adolescent females from all over the different towns of the second district attended yesterday's "Adolescent Health Forum" held at the Lubao Gym through the initiative of the Department of Health (DOH) and the Provincial Government of Pampanga.The event was attended by Governor Lilia Pineda, DOH Regional Director Dr. Leonita Gorgolon. The event aimed to equip the teenagers with a working knowledge of health issues and concerns on subjects like teenage pregnancy, substance and sexually transmitted diseases.
28 Oct 2013 - DOTC exec: Qatar Airways entry means development
CLARK FREEPORT --- Transportation and Communications Undersecretary Jose Perpetuo Lotilla has described the entry of Qatar Airways in Clark as a signal for the further development of North Philippines particularly for Central Luzon."It is a milestone for Clark and for the country that another airline has chosen to fly into Clark. It is a signal for the further development of the Philippines especially for this part of the country, Central Luzon," Lotilla said during the airline’s formal launching of its daily Doha-Clark-Doha flights.
28 Oct 2013 - DA urges use of rice breed suitable for Pampanga weather
PAMPANGA -- The Department of Agriculture is pushing for the use of two rice varieties – NSIC RC-238 and NSIC RC-22 – which were found to be “suitable in the conditions of the farmland and year-round weather in this central western portion of Pampanga.”This was gleaned after the DA conducted a P6-million study on the variety of rice breeds suitable to at least 81,000 hectares of rice land in the province.
28 Oct 2013 - Bohol chamber thanks Kapampangan businessmen for aid
PAMPANGA -- It's one chamber reaching out to another for the greater good of all, especially in times of dire need.This, as Bohol Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc., through its president lawyer Emmanuel Tumanda, thanked the Pampanga Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (PamCham) led by chairman emeritus Levy Laus, vice chairman Rene Romero and president Marco Antonio Jimenez for the assistance it extended to victims of the devastating tremors there.
28 Oct 2013 - DPWH to confer with stakeholders on slope protection repair
PAMPANGA -- An official of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) over the weekend said that they would confer with stakeholders, particularly the Pampanga Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (PamCham) regarding the repair scheme of the slope protection along Del Carmen-Balimbing Creek, which collapsed recently.First District Engineering head Engr. Rico Guilas, during the inquiry conducted by the Provincial Board led by Vice-Governor Dennis Pineda at Capitol Friday, disclosed that the 40-meter portion of the 165-meter, P10-million slope protection which scoured and collapsed under normal conditions was still under warranty and has not been turned over by the DPWH and the contractor.
28 Oct 2013 - Barangay polls generally peaceful
PAMPANGA -- Chief Superintendent Raul Petrasanta, Police Regional Office-3 (PRO3) director, said that as of 3:15 p.m. Monday, there have been no serious election-related incidents reported by provincial and city police directors in the region."All I can say that as of this time (3:15 p.m.) there were no reported serious election-related incidents," said Petransanta. "Therefore the conduct of the barangay elections in the region is generally peaceful."
28 Oct 2013 - Re-electionist Mexico village chief electrocuted
PAMPANGA -- A barangay chairman eyeing re-election was accidentally electrocuted while trying to fix a damaged electrical wire in Barangay Piring Dolores, Mexico town over the weekend.In a belated report here, Senior Superintendent Oscar Albayalde, Pampanga police provincial director, identified the fatality as Barangay Piring Dolores chairman Magno Maglaqui, 63.
27 Oct 2013 - Garbage-free brgy polls, ‘Undas’ urged
PAMPANGA -- Officials of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in Central Luzon have urged the public to keep schools and cemeteries garbage-free during the barangay polls and on All Saints’ Day.DENR officials said just like any other public holidays, the village polls scheduled on Monday and the All Saints' Day and All Souls' Day on November 1 and 2, respectively, are expected to significantly increase waste generation.
27 Oct 2013 - LGUs urged to adopt ‘Holcimables’ in waste program
PAMPANGA -- The Provincial Board's Committee on Environment and Natural Resources over the weekend officially declared the Holcim Geocycle system known as "Holcimables" of recycling solid waste a vital component of Capitol's Solid Waste Management Program.Committee chairperson Board Member Nestor Tolentino formally filed the resolution on the adoption of the Holcimables, together with the motion urging local government units in Pampanga to use the system in their respective solid waste management programs.
27 Oct 2013 - CDC exec denies report of logs sale
CLARK FREEPORT -- An official of Clark Development Corporation (CDC) has denied reports that timbers from fallen trees inside the Freeport are being sold.Red Fuentes, head of the CDC Environmental Management Department, said his office is still conducting an inventory of trees that fell during the onslaught of Typhoon "Santi" two weeks ago.
27 Oct 2013 - Macabebe cops nab most wanted man
PAMPANGA -- Police operatives led by Police Chief Inspector John Clark arrested Macabebe's most wanted man.Clark personally led the arrest of suspect Jomar Cunanan, of Barangay Caduang Tete, with the help of five other Macabebe police officers through an arrest warrant issued by Regional Trial Court acting judge Jonel Mercado of the City of San Fernando issued last April 5.
26 Oct 2013 - San Fernando all set for Monday’s polls
PAMPANGA -- Mayor Edwin Santiago on Saturday said that the city is all set for Monday's barangay elections.Hundreds of re-electionists and newcomers are vying for village chiefs and seats in the barangay councils of the San Fernando’s 35 barangays.
26 Oct 2013 - Regional police office hosts disaster awareness seminar
PAMPANGA -- The Police Regional Office 3 (PRO3) hosted a Disaster Awareness Seminar over the weekend, as part of its continuing efforts to address natural disasters and calamities and to beef up police skills in responding to emergency situations.The half-day seminar, held at the PRO3 Multi-Purpose Hall, themed "Every day is NOT OK, Not Every Day is OK," aims to promote proactive actions in mitigating risk and promoting safety for the police force in disaster response.
26 Oct 2013 - Man arrested for attempted robbery in Angeles
ANGELES CITY -- Local police over the weekend arrested a man for attempting to rob a female fast-food personnel in Barangay Sto. Domingo here.Police identified the suspect as Joner Pancho, 33, who tried to rob victim identified as Rhea Guevarra, a service crew at a Burger Machine branch located along MacArthur Highway, Barangay Sto. Domingo here.
25 Oct 2013 - Police on full alert for polls
PAMPANGA -- The entire Central Luzon police force was placed on full alert status for this Monday's barangay elections at starting at 6 a.m. Friday.At about 8 a.m., the Police Regional Office-3 (PRO3) conducted a head count of personnel for deployment to polling precincts.
25 Oct 2013 - Pampanga lauded for peace, order
PAMPANGA -- The Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) hailed the province of Pampanga for its long term peace and order initiatives.DILG Regional Director Florida Dijan, during the recent Peace and Order Council meeting at King’s Royale Resort and Hotel in Bacolor town, said the administration of Governor Lilia Pineda is worthy of emulation by other local chief executives in Central Luzon.
25 Oct 2013 - 33 nurses certified CHN Batch Uno
PAMPANGA -- Some 33 Kapampangan nurses have been certified recently as Community Health Nurses or CHNs and will form “Batch Uno” under the health program of Mayor Edwin Santiago as aligned in his “Fernandino First” advocacy.According to City Health Officer Dr. Eloisa Aquino, the nurses came from 11 schools across the province and recently completed the two-week community training course in disaster preparedness.
25 Oct 2013 - HAU graduates 3rd and 8th in CPA board exam
ANGELES CITY -- Two Holy Angel University (HAU) graduates placed third and eighth in the October 2013 licensure examinations for certified public accountants (CPA), this was announced by the Philippine Regulatory Commission (PRC).Aljon Q. Santos and Gieno Lee D. Ilagan scored 92.57 percent and 91.43 percent to place No. 3 and No. 8, respectively. They join a long list of HAU graduates who have finished in the Top 10 of the accountancy board exams.
25 Oct 2013 - BOF continues ‘regional champ’ journey
PAMPANGA -- Bank of Florida (BOF) pursues its quest to become the “regional champion” of the rural banking industry in Central Luzon.This came after the top rural bank introduced its refurbished Sta. Ana, Pampanga branch on Thursday, together with the presentation of its new “BOF Talks” forum where clients Certified Public Accountant Jesus Sigua and lawyer Tomas Llamas of TCL Hatchery shared their success stories with other customers from the community.
25 Oct 2013 - Telco goes ‘stealth’ to avert cable theft
PAMPANGA -- Leading telecommunications firm Philippine Long Distance Telephone Company (PLDT) is now using "stealth technology" to stop theft of its cable wires.The technology replaces copper wire with fiber optics.
24 Oct 2013 - DPWH: Slope protection structure has design flaw
PAMPANGA -- An official of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) on Thursday said that a "design flaw" in the slope protection structure at the Del Carmen-Balimbing Creek located along Jose Abad Santos Avenue in Barangay San Jose here may have contributed to its collapse.A 40-meter portion of the riprap collapsed recently, even as conditions were normal, alarming concerned residents and businessmen with establishments in the area.
24 Oct 2013 - 10 NAIA-bound aircraft diverted to Clark
CLARK FREEPORT -- At least 10 commercial aircraft were diverted to Clark International Airport late Wednesday afternoon due to the upgrading of the radar system at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA).Clark International Airport Corporation (CIAC) President Victor Jose I. Luciano said the aircraft started arriving at CIA around 4:30 p.m., with passengers landing safely.
24 Oct 2013 - Guv wants drug-free Pampanga
PAMPANGA -- Governor Lilia Pineda vowed full support to law enforcers here in their war against illegal drugs and in efforts to make Pampanga drug-free.In the recent Peace and Order Council meeting at King’s Royale Resort and Hotel, the governor underscored the importance of totally eradicating illegal drugs in the province, after the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) noted that Pampanga has become a transit and distribution point of abused substances like methamphetamine hydrochloride or shabu, marijuana and other "fashion drugs" like ecstasy.
24 Oct 2013 - Betis folk prepare for longest All Souls’ Day
PAMPANGA -- People have started cleaning family crypts and mausoleums in Guagua in preparation for All Saints' Day on November 1, and this district's longest observance of All Souls' Day.This district, once a proud town and now merely a part of Guagua, is known for observing the longest honor rites for the dead, highlighted by nine days of church masses at the Santiago Apostol Church here.
23 Oct 2013 - Pinatubo settlers get land titles
PAMPANGA -- Vice President Jejomar Binay turned over Wednesday some 752 land titles to residents who were dislocated during the 1991 Mt. Pinatubo eruption and subsequent lahar flows.Binay was with Governor Lilia Pineda during the distribution for residents of Camachile, Mauaque and Madapdap resettlements in Mabalacat City (171), Sta. Lucia Resettlement in Magalang town (165), Bulaon Resettlement in the City of San Fernando (234) and the National Housing Authority (NHA) Housing in Mexico town (182).
23 Oct 2013 - Protect watershed areas: Mayor
ANGELES CITY -- Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan has stressed the need to protect watershed areas like the one in Barangay Sapangbato here.The mayor issued the statement during the signing of a memorandum of agreement between the local government, Sibul Ning Aeta Foundation, Incorporated, and Converge ICT Solutions, Incorporated Monday.
23 Oct 2013 - Police to get P2M buildings
PAMPANGA -- Municipal police stations in the province may soon have their own new buildings as the Provincial Government of Pampanga is keen to finance the construction of P2-million to P3-million worth two-storey buildings for each of the stations in various towns of the province.This was bared during the Peace and Order Council meeting here recently. The project, which aims to provide police operatives in the province with proper building facilities to carry out their duties, is also seen to boost the current capacity building programs and beef-up police operations and services in various communities.
23 Oct 2013 - CIAC’s emergency service dep’t gets ‘Arch of Triumph’ award
CLARK FREEPORT -- The CIAC Emergency Services Department (CIAC-ESD) was given the Arch of Triumph certificate, given by anna.aero (Airline Network News and Analysis) to the Clark International Airport Corporation (CIAC), for the best route launch Fire Truck Water Arch during the Emirates' arrival on October 1, 2013.CIAC president and CEO Victor Jose Luciano turned over the certificate to CIAC-ESD Manager Federico Primero Jr. (center) and CIAC-ESD Assistant Manager Jaime Lacap (standing, 4th from left) and CIAC-ESD personnel recently.
22 Oct 2013 - Angeles named as LGPMS champ
ANGELES CITY -- The Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) recently cited Angeles City (highly-urbanized city category) for garnering top scores in the Local Governance Performance Management System (LGPMS).Other local government units in Central Luzon with top scores are Tarlac (provincial category), Cabanatuan (component city category), and San Luis, Aurora (municipal category).
22 Oct 2013 - DENR distributes lands to 26,000 farmers
PAMPANGA -- More than 26,000 landless farmers in Central Luzon received their land titles under the "Handog Titulo" program of the National Government.This came as the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) intensifies its land distribution effort this year.
22 Oct 2013 - Task force created for barangay polls
PAMPANGA -- With five days to go before the barangay polls, the Provincial Peace and Order Council chaired by Governor Lilia Pineda created Tuesday an Ad Hoc Committee, which will ensure peaceful and orderly elections.During the council meeting at King’s Royale Resort and Hotel here, Pineda urged the Philippine National Police, Philippine Army, the Pampanga Mayors League and other stakeholders to help the task force composed of multisectoral representatives, in seeing to the safety of voters and teachers who will man precincts.
22 Oct 2013 - Veloce Tower Mall soon to rise in Angeles
ANGELES CITY -- Boasting several amenities such as a gym, swimming pool and a chapel amidst several modern condominium units, the Veloce Tower Mall is the newest addition to the city's already sterling line of hotels and commercial buildings, and aims to "change how people look at Angeles City’s skyline."The soon-to-rise tower mall was revealed during a grandiose launch dinner held Saturday at the Widus Conference Center in Clark Freeport, Pampanga.
22 Oct 2013 - Fontana vows support to Clark Festival
CLARK FREEPORT -- Fontana Hot Spring Leisure Parks has vowed to support the Clark Festival slated on November 16 and 17 by the Clark Development Corporation (CDC).Aside from various promotions, Fontana has lined up a fireworks display by LF Fireworks during the festivities.
21 Oct 2013 - DPWH, green group agree: No tree-cutting
CLARK FREEPORT -- The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has entered into a compromise agreement with environmentalists not to cut nor earth ball some 106 affected trees, including 49 acacia trees, planted along MacArthur Highway in Angeles and Mabalacat cities, unless the Manila Northrail Project commences.This was gleaned in a decision dated September 17, 2013 signed by Regional Trial Court (RTC) branch 59 Judge Ma. Angelica Paras-Quiambao who ordered the parties in Special Civil Action No.12-249 to "file a joint motion for the court to approve a compromise agreement that both parties have lodged."
21 Oct 2013 - Guv eyes housing units for Capitol employees
PAMPANGA -- Capitol employees may soon avail of housing units through the Pag-Ibig Fund, with the Provincial Government eyeing the possibility of acquiring properties at two subdivisions in the province.Governor Lilia Pineda, in a meeting with Pag-Ibig task force head for the development sector Juanito Eje, on Monday discussed the "thousands of acquired and foreclosed properties at the Xevera Subdivisions at Bacolor town and Mabalacat City."
21 Oct 2013 - Hundreds to join Moringa Congress in Clark Freeport
CLARK FREEPORT -- Some 500 participants are expected to join in the 5th National Moringa Congress, which will be held at the Hilltop Function Hall at the Mimosa Leisure Estate on November 21 and 22 here.Clark Development Corporation (CDC) President Arthur P. Tugade expressed hopes that the congress will reach more awareness on the health benefits of moringa and the growing industry of the herbal products.
21 Oct 2013 - SM branch launches weather station
PAMPANGA -- The SM City San Fernando Downtown recently launched its Automated Weather Station, which is set to provide weather update and other information.The event was attended by tenants, students of Pampanga High School and leaders of Barangay Santo Rosario led by Chairman Jesus Liang.
21 Oct 2013 - PRO3 awards scholarship grants to dependents
PAMPANGA -- Two scholarship grants were awarded to exemplary dependents of the Police Regional Office-3 (PRO3) personnel during Monday's flag raising rites here.Chief Superintendent Raul Petrasanta, PRO3 director, said the scholarship grant is a program of the PRO3 Scholarship Foundation Incorporated which has been providing financial assistance to intended beneficiaries of PRO3 uniformed and non-uniformed personnel who are on their elementary, high school and college levels.
20 Oct 2013 - Probe into ‘earth movement’ sought
PAMPANGA -- The Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (Penro) are set to conduct an investigation and ocular inspection on the reported “earth movement” in Barangay Ayala, Magalang town.The alleged “earth movement” resulted in a rampaging runoff from the steep slopes of the fabled Mt. Arayat at the height of Typhoon “Santi” on Friday evening, cutting a wide swath of destruction in this village at the foot of the mountain, with the high-velocity deluge overflowing on the main road, breaking down concrete fences and destroying properties, including rice crops and fishponds, estimated to be worth millions of pesos.
20 Oct 2013 - No funds for Clark Expo amphitheatre repair – exec
CLARK FREEPORT -- An official of the Clark Development Corporation (CDC) said the state-owned corporation appropriated no funds to reinforce and repair an amphitheatre inside the Clark Expo here.Franco Madlangbyan, CDC vice president for Operations, said the facility has already been leased to Education City, an Australian school offering English language and vocational courses.
20 Oct 2013 - Ex-councilor denies sending letters to voters
ANGELES CITY -- A former city councilor, who is running for chairman in Barangay Balibago, has denied sending letters to registered voters purportedly informing them about the change in the venue of their poll precincts.Alfie Bonifacio, who is opposing incumbent village chairman Rodelio “Tony” Mamac, said “anybody can do that.”
20 Oct 2013 - Pilgrims to flock to Grand Augustinian events in Sta. Rita
PAMPANGA -- Pilgrims and religious art enthusiasts from Central Luzon and as far as Southern Tagalog will witness the week-long religious activities here that will culminate in the Grand Augustinian Procession on November 13.A much awaited event is the Grand Exhibit of Augustinian saints at the Sta. Rita Parish church from November 3 to 11 and the novena for the Our Lady of Consolation on the afternoon of the same dates.
19 Oct 2013 - Provincial Board setting up PPP code
PAMPANGA -- The Provincial Board (PB) is setting in motion the much needed Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Code to enable the provincial government to boost its projects and programs.On Thursday, the PB committee on ways and means headed by Third District Board Member Rosve Henson, supported by Board Members Nestor “Bay” Tolentino, Salvador Dimson, Jr., Anthony Torres and Cherry Manalo led the orientation conducted by PPP specialist Alberto Agra for local government officials at Capitol.
19 Oct 2013 - Tourists, businessmen want bigger hotels in San Fernando
PAMPANGA -- Tourists and local stakeholders are one in saying that the capital city needs to encourage the building of bigger and better hotels that can serve both local and foreign tourists if it is serious in its tourism and development program.Recently, some businessmen here have argued that the city lacks hotels than can cater to the needs of local and foreign tourists as well for bigger functions and events in the city.
19 Oct 2013 - BOF introduces refurbished Arayat branch
PAMPANGA -- Bank of Florida (BOF), one of Central Luzon's top rural banks, over the weekend introduced its newly renovated branch in Arayat as aligned with its re-branding strategies.The branch, which opened in 1995, is now more homey, spacious and comfortable, with a lot of convenient offerings for its clients and the people of Arayat, just like the bank’s six other branches with the remaining seven set for renovation also.
20 Oct 2013 - Police recover getaway vehicle in robbery incident
PAMPANGA -- Floridablanca Municipal Police officers recovered over the weekend an abandoned vehicle allegedly used as a getaway transport in a robbery incident in Guagua town early this month.The Floridablanca police and the Pampanga Provincial Police Office received information through radio call that an abandoned vehicle was found along Barangay Valdez, Floridablanca town.
18 Oct 2013 - PGKM sees 2016 end-game for CIA
CLARK FREEPORT -- `“The year the administration of President Aquino ends shall mark the end too of all hopes for the development of the Clark International Airport as premier international gateway,” declared Ruperto Cruz, chairman of the advocacy group Pinoy Gumising Ka Movement.“If PNoy – a Kapampangan whose home province of Tarlac is a direct beneficiary to the full development of the airport – failed to tap its full potential, how much less should we expect his successor to do one over him in this respect?” Cruz asked.
18 Oct 2013 - Pork barrel threat to food security
ANGELES CITY - Marking the 68th World Food Day yesterday, the Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas (KMP) warned of food insecurity in the country for as long as pork barrel remains in the government.This, even as KMU labeled Pres. Aquino, Agriculture Sec. Proceso Alcala, and the pork barrel system as “the biggest stumbling blocks to the country’s food security.”
18 Oct 2013 - Dau chief clueless of dengue outbreak
MABALACAT CITY -- An outbreak of dengue has been noted in Barangay Dau here which recorded the highest number of incidents in the whole Central Luzon region with more than 500 cases.This was revealed during a forum conducted by the Department of Health (DOH) Region III at the Fontana Convention Center in nearby Clark Freeport over the weekend. This developed as the number of dengue cases in the region decreased by 50 percent as compared to last year, while the number of cases in the province decreased by 60 percent.
18 Oct 2013 - Bonifacio files CoC for Balibago barangay chair
ANGELES CITY -- Former city councilor Alfi e Bonifacio and his team filed their certificate of candidacy (CoC) yesterday before the Commission on Elections offi ces here as candidate for barangay chairman, formalizing a serious challengeto incumbent Balibago barangay chairman Tony Mamac who filed his CoC earlier.Running with the slogan “Pagbabago sa Balibago,” Bonifacio said Barangay Balibago needs a new and dynamic leadership for Balibago, the center of business and tourism of the city, to attain its true potentials.
18 Oct 2013 - PHL eyed to become world’s top producer of ‘aquatic chicken’
CLARK FREEPORT - Agriculture Sec. Proceso Alacala bared here yesterday plans to make the country one of the world’s top sources of tilapia, now also referred to worldwide as “aquatic chicken” for its popularity, by developing at least 749,917 hectares for their production in one region alone.In his speech at the 4th Tilapia Congress here yesterday, Alcala said “the Philippines has maintained its position among the top tilapia- producing countries, cornering eight percent of the total world production with an output of 260,935 tons.”
18 Oct 2013 - Northphil Expo to share wonders of tourism & water
ANGELES CITY -- AN INTERNATIONAL expo at the SM City Clark will share with the world the wonders of water and tourism in North Philippines (Northphil).Dubbed as NorthPhil Tourism and Travel Expo 2013, the event will showcase the region’s water resources management and conservation efforts in supporting the United Nations International Year of Water and World Tourism Day theme Tourism and Water.
17 Oct 2013 - World’s only 5-star cruise ship docks at Subic
SUBIC BAY FREEPORT -- The world’s only five-star cruise ship is now docked at this Freeport as part of its tour of the country, strengthening Subic’s position as a preeminent tourism destination.MS Hanseatic docked at the Alava Pier of the Freeport on Monday. Prior to its arrival here, the cruise ship toured the Hundred Islands in Pangasinan Sunday.
17 Oct 2013 - Guv reaches out to leptospirosis patients in Olongapo City
PAMPANGA -- The strong health advocate that she is, Governor Lilia Pineda reached out to leptospirosis patients confined at the James L. Gordon Memorial Hospital (JLGMH) in Olongapo City.During last Wednesday’s visit where she was accompanied by Lubao Mayor Mylyn Pineda-Cayabyab, Department of Health (DOH) Regional Director Dr. Leonita Gorgolon and Olongapo City Mayor Rolen Paulino, Governor Pineda checked on the remaining 69 patients, including seven children, confined at the JLGMH and provided them much needed assistance like medicines and a supply of various blood types.
17 Oct 2013 - PH 4th top producer of tilapia across the globe
PAMPANGA -- Department of Agriculture regional director Andrew Villacorta yesterday said Central Luzon produces 44.94 percent of the 260,935 tons of tilapia produced in the country, helping it maintain position as the 4th tilapia producing country across the globe.In the speech of Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala, read by Villacorta during the launching of the 4th Tilapia Congress held at the Fontana Convention Center yesterday, it was stated that “the Philippines has maintained its position among top tilapia producing countries, cornering eight percent of the total world production.”
17 Oct 2013 - Rescue team undergoes water search and rescue training
PAMPANGA -- Members of a rescue team in Masantol are currently undergoing a five-day water search and rescue training or WASAR, being administered by the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) headed by Angelina Blanco.Blanco, a staunch advocate of disaster preparedness in Pampanga, stated that the activity is aimed at developing a rescue unit that is responsive to the needs of the people in any situation as may be brought natural calamities.
16 Oct 2013 - Magalang village hit by violent runoff
PAMPANGA -- Rampaging runoff from the steep slopes of the fabled Mt. Arayat here at the height of Typhoon "Santi" on Friday evening cut a wide swath of destruction in this village at the foot of the mountain.The high-velocity deluge overflowed the main road, broke down concrete fences and destroyed properties, including rice crops and fishponds, estimated to be worth millions of pesos.
16 Oct 2013 - Typhoon Santi leaves Central Luzon with P2.9B damages
PAMPANGA -- The Regional Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council said Typhoon "Santi" has left an initial P2.94 billion in damages to agriculture in Central Luzon provinces.The report, however, is yet to be compared with those officially coming from the Department of Agriculture (DA).
16 Oct 2013 - Mayor launches ‘Fernandino First’ slogan for San Fernando
PAMPANGA -- Mayor Edwin Santiago yesterday bared the new slogan "Fernandino First: Fernandino ing mumuna, Fernandino ing manimuna" for the city under his administration as he marked his first 100 days in office.Santiago said that the slogan embodies his objective making government programs in the city to be felt by Fernandinos in the grassroots level, as he urges various sectors in the city to lead in their respective fields and bring honor and development to the city.
16 Oct 2013 - Pamintuan: ‘Angeles City will catch up’
ANGELES CITY -- Armed with a stronger and more comprehensive “Contract with Angeleños,” Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan said recently that this city will "catch up" to become a preferred and premier urban center of the country.The City Government here led by Pamintuan, had covered most of the areas from education to environment in the last three years and 100 days, fulfilling the promises stipulated in the contract.
16 Oct 2013 - Bonifacio files COC for Balibago barangay chair
ANGELES CITY -- Former city councilor Alfie Bonifacio and his team filed their certificate of candidacy (COC) Wednesday before the Commission on Elections offices here as candidate for barangay chairman, formalizing a serious challenge to incumbent Balibago barangay chairman Tony Mamac who filed his COC earlier.Running with the slogan “Pagbabago sa Balibago,” Bonifacio said Barangay Balibago needs a new and dynamic leadership for Balibago, the center of business and tourism of the city, to attain its true potentials.
16 Oct 2013 - CDC to host Sokor’s Hanmadang Fest 2013
CLARK FREEPORT -- The Clark Development Corporation (CDC) will be hosting this year’s Hanmadang Festival at the CDC Parade Grounds from October 18 to 19, the state-owned firm announced.According to CDC President Arthur Tugade, the Handmadang Festival will be the precursor to the state-owned corporation’s upcoming project dubbed the "Grand Clark Festival" slated to be held from November 16 to 17 also at the parade grounds.
15 Oct 2013 - Mayors told: 'Act fast'
PAMPANGA -- Governor Lilia Pineda on Monday urged Pampanga mayors in disaster prone areas to "act fast and respond swiftly" in rescue and evacuation efforts."You must act fast like Mayor Bon and all your response systems must always be in place. (Typhoon) Santi is a warning of worse things to come so you must be prepared. Hindi na biro-biro ang nangyayari. Dapat, wala ng casualty sa mga darating na bagyo at calamity," the governor told the mayors.
15 Oct 2013 - Angeles exec denies ‘railroading’ budget approval
ANGELES CITY -- Councilor Alexander Indiongco clarified Monday that the ordinance approving the city’s P20-million supplemental budget underwent the required legislative process, even as he denied allegations of opposition Councilor Carmelo Lazatin Jr. that the approval of the budget was "railroaded."Indiongco, committee chair on finance and appropriations said the city's supplemental budget no. 3 was approved on three readings and referred to his committee for review where department and program heads concerned were invited to explain their supplemental appropriations.
15 Oct 2013 - Gensets sell like hotcakes in Mabalacat
MABALACAT CITY -- Monstrous traffic jams was created Monday after people from Nueva Ecija and Tarlac stormed variety shops in Barangay Dau here to buy generator sets, grass cutters, chainsaws and other equipment they may use after the devastations wrought by Typhoon “Santi.”The traffic congestion, which started shortly after noon and lasted around 6 p.m., reached Angeles City proper.
15 Oct 2013 - Capitol to distribute relief packs in Candaba
PAMPANGA -- The Provincial Government of Pampanga through its social works department is scheduled to distribute relief packs to flood-affected residents in various communities in this town today.Candaba is among the municipalities in Pampanga hit hard by Typhoon "Santi," which resulted to 10-feet in floodwaters in Barangay San Agustin.
15 Oct 2013 - Trike driver faces carnapping, fencing raps
PAMPANGA -- After police discovered five assorted motorcycles and parts of dismantled vehicles in the premises of his house, a 59-year-old tricycle driver was arrested and is now facing carnapping and fencing raps.Authorities identified the suspect as one Felimon Lazatin of Barangay Sta. Maria, Sta. Ana town, who was nabbed recently by combined elements of the Regional Highway Patrol Unit and Sta. Ana police, armed with a search warrant.
14 Oct 2013 - Guv wants extra preparations vs disasters
PAMPANGA -- The Provincial Government responded excellently well to disasters brought by Typhon "Santi" over the weekend, but Governor Lilia Pineda said Monday that extra preparations should be done to further minimize damages to properties and loss of lives.During Monday's emergency meeting and Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office assessment attended by mayors, municipal engineers, local disaster offices, Mines and Geosciences Bureau, and Department of Interior and Local Government, she emphasized the need for additional plans, including the establishment of a permanent evacuation center and relocation site.
14 Oct 2013 - Pampanga lawmaker’s office robbed
ANGELES CITY -- The office of 1st district Representative Joseller "Yeng" Guiao located at Diamond Subdivision in Balibago, Angeles City was ransacked and robbed by still unidentified men during the height of Typhoon Santi on Friday.In a report here, Senior Superintendent Eden Ugale, Angeles City police director, said the incident was reported by one Charlene Baluyut, 29, district secretary of Guaio.
14 Oct 2013 - Drugstore peppered with bullets, saleslady hurt
PAMPANGA -- A saleslady in a drug store in Barangay Tenejero Candaba sustained a gunshot wound Sunday evening, after the establishment was peppered with bullets by still unidentified armed riders-in-tandem.The local police identified the victim as Cindy Yumang, 20, a salesclerk of the Kapampangan Drug Store in the said barangay.
14 Oct 2013 - Manalastas marks 100 days with accomplishment report
PAMPANGA -- First-term Mexico Mayor Roy Manalastas marked the first 100 days of his term with a report of accomplishment and plans, chief of which is the fulfillment of some of his campaign promises.Manalastas, who spoke before municipal employees at the Mexico Gym, said his administration has accomplished the Local Development Incentive Plan for 2013 to 2019 and accredited civil society organizations in aid of local governance.
14 Oct 2013 - San Fernando eyes international links
PAMPANGA -- The City Government of San Fernando is eyeing several countries for marketing links and sisterhood pacts to boost the local economy and tourism investments.On Monday, Mayor Edwin Santiago said the City Government is mulling sending exchange students to Brazil, India, Russia, China and Australia to study the countries' languages, culture, way of life, as well identify areas where San Fernando could link up with.
13 Oct 2013 - PDEA scores big in war vs drugs
PAMPANGA -- The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Central Luzon has scored big in its war against illegal drugs in Pampanga.In his report to the Provincial Board led by Vice Governor Dennis Pineda over the weekend at Capitol, PDEA regional director Jeffrey Tacio disclosed that the agency's 3rd quarter accomplishments covered a total of 181 anti-drug operations, leading to a seizure of P3,158,556.48 worth of illegal substance.
13 Oct 2013 - Lazatin opposes P20M supplemental budget
ANGELES CITY -- Councilor Carmelo Lazatin expressed his opposition to the city's P20 million supplemental budget recently passed by the City Council.Lazatin voted against the passage of the ordinance authorizing the city's Supplemental Budget no. 3 during the council session last October 10.
13 Oct 2013 - 108 barangays submerged in flood
PAMPANGA -- Typhoon Santi has left at least 108 barangays flooded in 12 municipalities.Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Angelina Blanco, in her report, said hundreds of families are now temporarily staying at established evacuation centers in the province.
13 Oct 2013 - ‘Santi’ damages 430 houses in Candaba
PAMPANGA -- More than 430 houses from different barangays in Candaba were partially damaged by strong wind brought about by Typhoon Santi Saturday night.Cresecita Fidelino, Municipal Social Welfare and Development (MSWD) officer-in-charge, reported that two other houses from Barangays Bambang and Mangga were destroyed.
13 Oct 2013 - 100 scholars get grants from outgoing Liga prexy
PAMPANGA -- Some 100 indigents from all over Pampanga received the last batch of scholarship grants under the term of Liga ng mga Barangay-Pampanga chapter president and ex-officio Board Member Melchor Pingol, who is set to relinquish his post soon.Pingol distributed Friday a total of P250,000 in educational assistance to 100 students coming from the 505 barangays of the province. Each student received P2,500 each to help in their tuition and other expenses for the first semester of the current school year.
13 Oct 2013 - Man killed by fallen wall
MABALACAT CITY -- An 81-year-old farm caretaker here was killed after a wall covering his makeshift house inside a piggery in Barangay Mabiga here fell on him during the onslaught of Typhoon Santi, which battered Central and Northern Luzon Saturday dawn.The City Disaster Office identified the fatality as Ricardo Del Rosario, 81, of Purok 2 Barangay Mawaque in this city.
12 Oct 2013 - ‘Santi’ leaves 2 dead in Pampanga
PAMPANGA -- Typhoon Santi (international name: Nari) has left two dead in the province as of press time, including a police officer who was buried in a mudslide in Magalang town, while three more casualties have been reported in the region.A landslide in Barangay Ayala, Magalang town where a PNP Patrol Base is located claimed the life of PO1 Crisencio Omawing Bueno, a member of the 1st Maneuver Company of the Regional Public Safety Battalion 3.
12 Oct 2013 - Clark flights diverted to Manila, Mactan
CLARK FREEPORT -- Typhoon Santi has forced four commercial airlines, which have regular flights at the Clark International Airport, to divert flights to the Mactan Airport in Cebu and Manila Airport late Friday evening, according to the Clark International Airport Corporation (CIAC) yesterday.CIAC President and CEO Victor Jose I. Luciano said Asiana Airlines and Jin Air from Incheon in South Korea and Cebu Pacific Air were diverted to Mactan Airport, while Tiger Air Philippines from Singapore was diverted to the Manila Airport during the height of Typhoon Santi.
12 Oct 2013 - CSF-TMD removes uprooted trees along highway
PAMPANGA -- The City of San Fernando’s Traffic Management Division (TMD) Friday early morning immediately removed seven uprooted Acacia trees along MacArthur Highway in Barangay Sindalan to prevent road accidents and ensure safety of motorists.Falling leaves and branches were also cleared by TMD personnel as Typhoon Santi continued to pummel the city, starting Friday evening until late afternoon Saturday.
12 Oct 2013 - Mabalacat to adopt World Bank’s CDS
MABALACAT CITY -- This city dubbed as “Manoma” or “Makati north of Manila” is set to adopt the World Bank’s “City Development Strategies” (CDS) starting January next year.Mayor Marino “Boking” Morales said the CDS kit developed by the World Bank, which is currently the benchmark and model for fast rising global cities, will very well suit the needs of Mabalacat City in its urbanization plans.
12 Oct 2013 - Caroussel Bar raided
ANGELES CITY -- CIDG San Fernando raided Caroussel Bar around 10:00pm last night.The Girls were taken to loaded on Busses and taken to Clark for further checks while the Mngrs are held in San Fernando.
11 Oct 2013 - PGKM puts down CIA fence
ANGELES CITY -- “Where can you find a fence that costs more than the house? Only at the Clark International Airport (CIA).”Ruperto Cruz, PGKM chair, said the construction of the expanded CIA terminal only cost P360 million based on its press releases. But just recently, he said, the CIA came out with another announcement that its fence will cost more at P400 million which is hard to imagine.
11 Oct 2013 - P3.74-B anomalies taint CCT
ANGELES CITY -- The flagship Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT) program that Pres. Aquino hailed as a major strategy in “inclusive growth” in his speech at the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in Bali, Indonesia could be tainted with anomalies worth about P3.74 billion.“The flagship conditional cash transfer (CCT) program hailed by Pres. Benigno S. Aquino suffers billions of pesos worth of problems in its accounts and operation,” research group IBON Foundation Inc. (IBON) said yesterday. In his speech during the Bali summit, the President had hailed the CCT, also known as the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4P’s), as a major strategy of his administration for achieving inclusive growth in the country.
11 Oct 2013 - JICA in Subic to assess funded projects
SUBIC BAY FREEPORT -- Officials of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and other Japanese financial institutions visited this free port recently to assess the status and financial and economic potentials of projects funded by the financial institution.The group, led by JICA chief representative Takahiro Sasaki, was welcomed by Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) chairman Roberto Garcia, together with several offi cials from the SBMA seaport department.
11 Oct 2013 - Hike in contributions decried
ANGELES CITY- The labor group Kilusang Mayo Uno condemned yesterday justifications issued by Social Security System (SSS) officials for the more than P10-million bonus they got in 2012 as “mere excuses” and “unacceptable.”The KMU also lambasted the declared increase of the SSS premium contributions of its members amid records of the agency’s alleged dismal performance and its huge funds invested in various outfits, including risky ones.
10 Oct 2013 - HAU streamer gets flak from netizens
ANGELES CITY -- The Holy Angel University (HAU) is being criticized by netizens over a streamer it has put up "welcoming the striking members" of the Holy Angel University Teachers and Employees Union (Hauteu).This came after the Department of Labor and Employment (Dole) recently assumed jurisdiction over the ongoing labor dispute between them.
10 Oct 2013 - Pampanga earns ‘greens’ on health care programs
CLARK FREEPORT -- The province of Pampanga continues to earn “greens” on its health programs.On Wednesday during the Department of Health (DoH)’s Central Luzon Stakeholders’ Meeting held at the Holiday Inn in this Freeport, the Provincial Government earned “passing grades” for standards set by the agency on areas like PhilHealth coverage, eradication of malaria, sanitation and provision of safe water for constituents.
10 Oct 2013 - Guv in talks with GSIS for plan to acquire foreclosed properties
PAMPANGA -- Governor Lilia Pineda is holding talks with the Government Insurance Service System (GSIS) for the possible acquisition of more than 700 foreclosed properties in Pampanga.GSIS-Pampanga Staff Officer Janette Dimaliwat-Roxas and Staff Officer II Enrico Jiao, who represented branch manager Araceli Santos, recently presented to Pineda the report on the properties, most of which are houses and lots at this province's capital city.
10 Oct 2013 - 450 join KDF nursery program for Central Luzon
PAMPANGA -- Some 450 participants joined the alternative livelihood of the "1 Million Fruit Tree Project" for Central Luzon at the Benigno Aquino Hall on Tuesday, in a bid to combat climate change and provide sustainable livelihood for farmers.The event was led by the talk group "Pulung Pulong sa Kaunlaran of Ka Louie Tabing And his Ka Pangkat" and organized by Kapampangan Development Foundation (KDF), Department of Social Welfare and Development, Department of Agriculture and hosted by the Pampanga Provincial Government.
10 Oct 2013 - Health exec recognizes partnership with LGUs
PAMPANGA -- An official of the Department of Health (DOH) recognized Tuesday the agency's partnership with local chief executives in the province in the implementation of the "Kalusugan Pangkalahatan" program.Leonita Gorgolon, DOH-Center for Health Development (DOH-CHD) regional director, said the participation of concerned officials is important to the success of the program.
10 Oct 2013 - Councilor objects to using gov’t entities for ‘business’
ANGELES CITY -- A councilor here has voiced out his objection against plans to transform the Rafael Lazatin Memorial Medical Center, the City College of Angeles and other facilities into business enterprises.Councilor Maximo Sangil, City Council minority floor leader, said the institutions were established to serve indigent Angelenos.
10 Oct 2013 - Candaba Mayor completes 35 infra projects in 100 days
PAMPANGA -- The Municipal Government here has implemented various infrastructure projects in different barangays to address the pressing needs of the families, school children and communities.Mayor Rene Maglanque said it is his mission as a public servant to bring the message of concern, change and development that could be felt by the Candabeños as a whole.
9 Oct 2013 - Clark exports reach $336M
CLARK FREEPORT -- Officials of the Clark Development Corporation (CDC) bared that the export volume inside this Freeport for the month of September has reached $336 million, a significant increase compared to the same period last year.In a report submitted to CDC President Arthur Tugade, the Enterprise Regulations Department (ERD) said exports in September have increased by more than $3 million from the last export document (e-ED) of $333 million last month, and by $44 million from the $229 million during the same period last year.
9 Oct 2013 - Philpost is ‘here to stay’
PAMPANGA -- Assistant postal manager Louis Carlos on Wednesday said that the Philippine postal system will stay, despite the closure of the country's telegraph system.Carlos, in Wednesday's National Letter Writing Day sponsored by Philpost held at the SM City Pampanga, said the existence of the postal system is guaranteed by a United Nations convention where the Philippines is a signatory.
9 Oct 2013 - San Fernando lacks world-class hotels
Businessman Alfrito "Bong" Mah on Wednesday said that this city is ripe for inbound tourism promotion through cultural and heritage attractions, but laments the lack of refutable hotels to accommodate foreign and local tourists."If people are looking for good accommodations, one would need to stay inside Clark or Angeles City," Mah said.
9 Oct 2013 - Pampanga newsmen mourn death of former colleague
ANGELES CITY -- Journalists in Pampanga are mourning the death of their colleague, former Pampanga Press Club (PPC) president Jerry Lacuarta, a retired writer of the Manila Bulletin.Lacuarta, 68, succumbed to cardiac arrest last Sunday. His body lies in state at the House of Many Mansions here.
9 Oct 2013 - Edejers’ kin seeks NBI help
PAMPANGA -- Relatives and friends of the Edejers – who were victims of the September 20 massacre at the L&S Subdivision in Barangay Telabastagan San Fernando – sought the help of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) for the speedy resolution of the brutal killings.It was learned that they are “discontented” with the slow pace of the investigations being done by the local authorities here.
9 Oct 2013 - Registration of NGOs urged
PAMPANGA -- The Provincial Government on Wednesday said non-government organizations (NGOs) and other people's organizations should be registered or accredited by the Capitol before they could avail of any entitlement support, particularly monetary assistance from any agency of the government.Governor Lilia Pineda, in response to the present controversy besetting national government officials involving NGOs, urged concerned organizations in Pampanga to get accreditation, or renew their old ones every year, so that they can be evaluated as “partners” in the development of the province.
8 Oct 2013 - Guv to candidates: No negative statements
PAMPANGA -- The provincial chief executive is asking incumbent barangay officials and their would-be rivals in the upcoming elections to avoid issuing negative statements against each other."Tell them not to hit each other below the belt; instead present their platforms and plans. This is what the people need to hear from them," said Governor Lilia Pineda as she promotes the peaceful conduct of barangay elections.
8 Oct 2013 - Man nabbed for sneaking drugs inside jail
PAMPANGA -- A man who tried to sneak drugs inside a detention cell in Guagua town was arrested by police Tuesday.Superintendent Henry Flores, Guagua police chief, identified the suspect as Luciano Garcia Tolentino, 50, of Mikakalugud, Sta. Lucia, Sasmuan town.
8 Oct 2013 - Capitol forms federation of fishpond operators
PAMPANGA -- The Provincial Government on Tuesday formed the Pampanga Federation of Fishpond Operators to address the needs of the fishing industry through comprehensive and effective delivery of services to their respective members and consumers.Governor Lilia Pineda convened at the Executive House all leaders of fishermen and fishpond operators in the whole province.
8 Oct 2013 - Lazatin marks 1st 100 days with good governance promise
PAMPANGA -- San Fernando Vice Mayor Jimmy Lazatin marked his first 100 days in office as city vice mayor on Tuesday with an accomplishment report and his continuing promise to be on track with good governance practices in the city council.Lazatin, in an interview, he still continues with his regular visits to schools in the city, a practice he has done for the past nine years as city councilor, to check on the needs of schools and their students.
8 Oct 2013 - Pamintuan lauds coop offices for awards
ANGELES CITY -- Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan lauded the Angeles City Cooperative Development Office (ACCDO) and the Mining Primary Multipurpose Cooperative for their outstanding work, citing them as a "necessary element" in the city's growing economy."The awards given to our offices and the cooperatives involved are powerful testimonies that Angeles is doing better in promoting the development of each cooperative through structured programs spearheaded by the government," said Pamintuan.
8 Oct 2013 - Mayor: Projects realized despite depleted budget
PAMPANGA -- Masantol Mayor Danilo Guintu said that tangible projects in this town have been implemented, despite the almost depleted budget for the current fiscal year.This statement was made by the mayor during his state of the municipal address last Monday, witnessed by members of the local legislative body, department heads and employees of the municipal government.
7 Oct 2013 - Giant Lantern Festival is 2nd best tourism event
PAMPANGA -- San Fernando's Giant Lantern Festival has been named first runner-up for Best Tourism Event, Arts and Culture category city level, during the National Pearl Awards held in Legazpi City over the weekend.The award is a first for the province in the 14-year history of the awards, spearheaded by the Department of Tourism and Association of Tourism Officers of the Philippines (Atop).
7 Oct 2013 - Comelec to barangay execs: Give share or face offense
PAMPANGA -- The Commission on Elections (Comelec) is calling on all incumbent barangay officials to set aside a certain amount from their budget to cover expenses for the upcoming elections, or be charged with an election offense should they willfully refuse to comply.Comelec Provincial Election Supervisor Lydia Pangilinan, in a recent meeting with barangay officials, urged them to settle their respective shares on the date specified by the commission to avoid facing inconveniences.
7 Oct 2013 - Sectors join KDF’s 1M fruit tree project
PAMPANGA -- Various sectors -- Aeta tribes, women and groups of micro-entrepreneurs – on Monday expressed their intent to join the 1 Million Fruit Tree project for Central Luzon being initiated by the Kapampangan Development Foundation (KDF).The KDF held a meeting at the Benigno Aquino Hall Monday, aiming to attract more partners in the implementation of the project and to launch a fruit-tree propagation training program at the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and the Department of Agriculture (DA).
7 Oct 2013 - Pamintuan to deliver 3rd Soca
ANGELES CITY -- After barely three months into his second term, Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan is scheduled to deliver his third State of the City Address (Soca) at 1 p.m. Tuesday at the Marquee Mall activity center here.Pamintuan said the report will focus on his administration's expanded social contract for city development by sustaining the momentum of progress in his first three years in office as the city chief executive.
6 Oct 2013 - Mayor: ‘Truth will come out’
PAMPANGA -- The local chief executive of Candaba on Saturday stated he is optimistic that he will be cleared regarding the Malampaya fund scam.Mayor Rene Maglanque denied any involvement in the alleged misuse of at least P900 million of the said fund.
6 Oct 2013 - P2.5-B water theme park to rise in Clark
CLARK FREEPORT -- The construction of a P2.5 billion high-end water theme park, which is expected to spur development in localities around the Freeport, has started.Presidential Political Adviser Ronald Llamas, Clark Development Corporation (CDC) President Arthur P. Tugade, Congressman Joseller "Yeng" Guiao and Mabalacat Mayor Marino "Boking" Morales led the groundbreaking ceremony on Saturday.
6 Oct 2013 - Dole assumes control over university’s labor dispute
ANGELES CITY -- The national office of the Department of Labor and Employment (Dole) assumed jurisdiction over the ongoing labor dispute between members of the Holy Angel University Teachers and Employees Union (Hauteu) and the Holy Angel University (HAU).In a five-page order signed by Undersecretary Danilo Cruz last October 4, the Dole said the order is pursuant to Article 236 of the Labor Code of the Philippines.
6 Oct 2013 - Land Bank lauds Angeles village’s revenue-generating projects
ANGELES CITY -- The Land Bank of the Philippines lauded the proper implementation of revenue-generating projects and development programs of Barangay Balibago here.In a letter dated September 23, 2013 sent to barangay chairman Rodelio Mamac by Ranilo B. Jimenez, head of the Land Bank Pampanga Lending Center, said that the revenue-generating projects financed by the Bank are generating enough cash to serve as an alternate source of repayment.
6 Oct 2013 - Morales focuses on educating Dau youth
MABALACAT CITY -- Barangay chairman Marino "Atlas" Morales Jr. said he believes education is the key to uplifting the lives of indigent constituents, paving their way for a brighter future.Morales will be seeking his third term as punong barangay in the upcoming October 28 elections. His administration boasts being able to provide scholarship grants to 300 high school scholars in this barangay.
6 Oct 2013 - SM City Pampanga launches automated weather station
PAMPANGA -- The SM Investment Corporation has inked a sponsorship agreement with Weather Philippines Foundation Inc. for the establishment of an automated weather station (AWS) at the SM City Pampanga, which they launched at the said mall last Friday.SM City Pampanga mall manager Engr. Junias Eusebio welcomed representatives of Weather Philippines Foundation during the said launching.
5 Oct 2013 - Groups to plant 1M fruit trees in Central Luzon
PAMPANGA -- The Kapampangan Development Foundation (KDF), in cooperation with the Department of Social Welfare and Development and the Department of Agriculture, are now responding to the need for alternative livelihood and a more beneficial way of combating climate change through its "1 Million Fruit Tree Project."KDF president Benigno Ricafort said that the planting of a million fruit trees is a 10-year project and seen as sustainable agricultural initiative for Central Luzon communities.
5 Oct 2013 - Eco group introduces ‘veggie sisig’
ANGELES CITY -- The Green Youth Brigade (GYB) has introduced a reinvention of the signature Kapampangan dish -- the sisig -- for vegetarians."Our version of sisig is tasty. It is designed for people who are health conscious," GYB convener Louie Reyes said during the group's meatless lunch and cooking event last Tuesday.
5 Oct 2013 - Grand Augustinian exhibit to showcase relics of saints
PAMPANGA -- Relics of at least eight saints of the Augustinian Order will be accessible for public veneration in the upcoming Grand Augustinian Exhibit at the Sta. Rita de Casia Parish here on November 3 to 11.Confradia Ning Cintas, a church organization of religious devotees here, said that the relics include those of Saint Augustine and Sta. Monica and will be displayed for nine days of veneration.
5 Oct 2013 - Bishop lauds Lingap Balen founder for noble advocacy
PAMPANGA -- Archbishop Paciano Aniceto has lauded Lingap Balen Founder Leira Buan for her advocacy of reaching out to the community and touching the lives of those in need.Aniceto, who was visited by Buan at the Mother of Good Counsel Seminary here recently, commended her remarkable role in the community by spearheading numerous medical missions for senior citizens and school children in various public elementary schools in the province.
5 Oct 2013 - Fish vendors express alarm over robberies
PAMPANGA -- A group of small-scale fish traders in Mexico expressed alarm over the increasing number of robbery incidents in the locality.The group claimed that a robbery syndicate is preying on fish vendors in remote barangays here.
5 Oct 2013 - Plunder charge vs. PNOy
ANGELES CITY -- The Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas (KMP) has filed plunder and five other charges before the Office of the Ombudsman against Pres. Aquino, Agriculture Sec. Proceso Alcala, Budget Sec. Florencio Abad and several others, including “plunder queen” Janet Lim Napoles, in connection with the pork barrel scam.KMP Secretary General Antonio Flores said the plunder charge against Aquino and his top Cabinet officials is ‘an acid’ test to the Ombudsman. “The Ombudsman has the power to investigate even a sitting President, as the Filipino people have every right to know his participation in the pork barrel scam.
5 Oct 2013 - P7.2-B LCC terminal eyed at CIA
CLARK FREEPORT -- Transportation and Communications Sec. Joseph Emilio Abaya said yesterday the government is considering building a P7.2 billion Low Cost Carrier (LCC) Terminal at the Clark International Airport (CIA) following the first landing here last Tuesday of Emirates airline’s Dubai-Clark daily flights.“The government is currently studying the concept of an LCC Terminal at Clark Airport because of its potential as gateway of the country,” Abaya told reporters during the launching of the non-stop daily flights of Emirates.
5 Oct 2013 - NHA to grant P10-M for housing project
PAMPANGA -- The National Housing Authority (NHA) is ready to allot P10 million for the land development of proposed resettlement center in San Isidro, Magalang town, Pampanga.Gov. Lilia Pineda is teaming up with the NHA to provide housing units for 117 informal settler families in a four-hectare property. Ines Gonzales, officer-in-charge NHA project manager for Pampanga, Zambales and Bataan, said the housing agency needs a letter of intent from Pineda before they can release the assistance.
5 Oct 2013 - 52 finish CDC-TESDA skills training program
CLARK FREEPORT -- Fifty two residents from three communities contiguous to the Clark Freeport on Monday (Oct. 2, 2013) graduated from a skills training program provided by the Clark Development Corporation (CDC) and the Technical Education Skills Development Authority (TESDA).CDC President Arthur P. Tugade and TESDA Provincial Director Ben- Hur B. Baniqued graced the graduation rites held at the Clark Museum yesterday to witness residents from Bamban town and the cities of Mabalacat and Angeles receive their certificates of training.
3 Oct 2013 - Provincial Government to get P10-M NHA grant
PAMPANGA -- The National Housing Authority (NHA) is set to give the Provincial Government of Pampanga a P10-million grant for the development of a resettlement site in Magalang town.Governor Lilia Pineda met Thursday with NHA officials led by project manager Ines Gonzales regarding the resettlement site for development in Barangay San Isidro, where housing units for some 117 informal settler-families will be built in a 3.9-hectare property.
3 Oct 2013 - Club in Balibago raided
ANGELES CITY -- Authorities rescued 18 women from a night club here believed to be a front for human trafficking schemes.National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Central Luzon agents, in cooperation with the International Justice Mission (IJM), conducted the raid at Tycoon Bar along MacArthur Highway in Barangay Balibago Wednesday night.
3 Oct 2013 - Northville 12 to have coop
PAMPANGA -- Mayor Joselito Naguit said Thursday that a cooperative for relocatees at the Northville 12 Resettlement center in the town will soon be established to make the community self-sufficient.The Municipal Government just wrapped up in its Executive-Legislative Agenda meet. Naguit said that he prioritizes livelihood and self-sufficiency for his barangays, especially for the relocation area.
3 Oct 2013 - DF Operation Smile set this November
PAMPANGA -- Children with cleft palate and lip deformities will soon be able to avail themselves of free reconstructive surgery as the Philippine Charity Sweepstake Office-assisted Kapampangan Development Foundation (KDF)-Operation Smile international surgical mission is set on November 22-30 at the Ospital Ning Angeles.The City Government of Angeles City will host the event, KDF president Benigno Ricafort said.
2 Oct 2013 - Govt eyeing P7.2-B LCC terminal at CIA
CLARK FREEPORT -- Transportation and Communications Secretary Joseph Emilio Abaya said the Aquino administration is currently studying plans for the proposed P7.2 billion Low Cost Carrier (LCC) Terminal at the Clark International Airport.Abaya issued the statement during the launching of daily flights (Dubai-Clark-Dubai) by the Emirates Airlines on Tuesday.
2 Oct 2013 - Emirates execs pleased with CIA
CLARK FREEPORT -- With still unfinished civil works at the airport for the maiden flight of Emirates Airlines last Tuesday, executives of the multi-awarded airline cited Philippine government officials for their efforts to support the growing number of aviation traffic here.In a news conference Wednesday, Mohammed Mattar, Emirates' Divisional senior vice president Airport Services, said they are grateful to the support of authorities for an improvement of facilities at the airport here.
2 Oct 2013 - P2-M reward offered for massacre suspects
PAMPANGA -- A P2 million reward is being offered to anyone who can provide information leading to the arrest of the suspects who massacred six people at L&S Subdivision, Barangay Telabastagan, City of San Fernando last September 20.In a telephone interview Wednesday, Senior Superintendent Oscar Albayalde, Pampanga police director, said Special Investigation Task Group (SITG) Edejer and relatives of the Edejers have talked recently about the cash reward.
2 Oct 2013 - Council to discuss discount system for ONA patients
ANGELES CITY -- The Angeles City Council on Tuesday resolved to host a committee hearing soon to finally draw proposals on how to improve the discount system for indigent patients of the Rafael Lazatin Memorial Medical Center (formerly Ospital Ning Angeles).This came after the Chief of Hospital Dr. Antonio Dizon wrote a memorandum that led to a backlash from the Mayor’s Desk led by Councilor Alex Indiongco and other local officials who found portions of the memo to be “a bit offensive.”
2 Oct 2013 - Designs by Kapampangan kids to be used for Christmas cards
PAMPANGA -- Three mosaic artworks from three elementary students will be used as designs for Christmas cards and will be on display at the offices of the Department of Agriculture (DA), Department of Education (DepEd) and United Nation's Food and Agriculture Organization (UN-FAO).The works of Samantha G. Orsolino of Sto. Cristo Integrated School, Ric John D. Canlas of Lourdes Elementary School and Florijean DC Odiame of Sta. Monica Elementary School were the winners in the recent World Food Day 2013 celebration at the DA office inside the Capitol Compound here.
2 Oct 2013 - Kabalen launches comic book on how to manage money
PAMPANGA -- A Kapampangan recently launched a comic book that gives tips on how to manage personal finances.The book, entitled "Ka Ching! Ka Ching!" was penned by Dennis Malig Dizon in collaboration with Aya Mendoza-Sadiwa and Mike Banting.
1 Oct 2013 - Emirates now flies Clark-Dubai route
CLARK FREEPORT -- The Emirates Airlines, one of the best airlines in the world, has launched its daily Dubai-Clark-Dubai flights at Clark International Airport yesterday.Clark International Airport Corporation President and CEO Victor Jose I. Luciano said that Emirates aircraft Boeing 777-ER arrived at 4 p.m. with 428 passengers in their inaugural flight.
1 Oct 2013 - P900,000 payroll money taken by company driver
PAMPANGA -- Some P900,000 in payroll money was carted away by a driver, who has worked for his company for close to 10 years, after robbing his colleagues at the Lavista Solana Subdivision, Barangay Magliman, City of San Fernando over the weekend.In a report, police identified the victims as Lady Santos, 26, of Villa Victoria, Dolores, City of San Fernando; and Jennelyn Macasaquit, 29, a resident of Barangay Cacutud, Arayat town.
1 Oct 2013 - Food fest kicks off Fiestang Kuliat
ANGELES CITY -- A sampling of sumptuous Kapampangan food and proof that Angeles City could indeed be the Culinary Capital of the Philippines.This was how the City Government on Tuesday kicked-off the Fiestang Kuliat 2013 at MarQuee Mall, when members of the local and national media got bites of famous Kapampangan cuisine ranging from the traditional lechon, buro, to the Angeles City's famous sisig.
1 Oct 2013 - Mayor wants ‘mobile system’ back
PAMPANGA -- After recently reconstituting the Peace and Order Council of San Fernando, Mayor Edwin Santiago now is eyeing on bringing back the “mobile system” to increase police visibility and curb crimes in the city.Santiago said on Monday that he has allocated funds for the purchase of four more vehicles to be used as mobile patrols.
1 Oct 2013 - Porac councilors to address traffic along checkpoints
PAMPANGA -- Councilor Mark Valencia on Tuesday called on members of the Municipal Council and stakeholders in the local quarry industry here to look into the traffic situation along quarry checkpoints, particularly along Barangay Manibaug Pasig.Valencia, in his privilege speech, said there is a problem on the traffic situation in the area particularly during rush hour.