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Balibago News Jan-2014

31 Jan 2014 - Bliss Hotel to stage street concert

PAMPANGA -- Bliss Hotel and its Bistro 1010 will stage on February 22 its first ever street concert featuring three top Kapampangan bands.

The post Valentine concert and party, according to Bliss Hotel manager Noli Reyes, will have the Nakapsa Band, White Lies, and Symphonic Band with the special participation of K-Tube in the street gigs which will run from 8 p.m. to 12 p.m. in front of the hotel along Lazatin Boulevard.

31 Jan 2014 - CSC exams set April 6

PAMPANGA -- The Civil Service Commission Central Luzon Office is reminding all those wishing to work for the government to file their applications early to qualify for the Career Professional and Sub-Professional examinations set on April 6.

The CSC said that the deadline for filing of applications is on February 20. The acceptance of applications is on a first-come, first-served basis and will be closed once slots are filled.

31 Jan 2014 - Vice mayor: Douglas Nierras is adopted son of Mabalacat City

MABALACAT CITY -- Dance Artist and Director Douglas Nierras was named adopted son of Mabalacat, said Vice Mayor Christian Halili.

Nierras was adopted by the City Government, through a city council resolution, for sharing his talent with students and teachers, who will perform in the Caragan Festival set on February 28, in time for the celebration of feast of the city's patron saint Our Lady of Grace.

31 Jan 2014 - Lollipob Bar raided

ANGELES CITY -- San Fernando PNP forces raided Lollipop Bar list night at around 11pm.

All employees were take to San Fernando for further questioning.

30 Jan 2014 - Aquino: Clark a priority

CLARK FREEPORT -- President Benigno Aquino III assured First District Representative Joseller “Yeng” Guiao that his administration will give full support to the development of Clark Freeport Zone and its international airport.

In a statement sent to Sun.Star Pampanga on Thursday, Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio Coloma, Jr., quoted the President as saying he “will prioritize the full development of the Clark Freeport Zone.”

30 Jan 2014 - Kaganapan 2014 highlights service programs

PAMPANGA -- The City Government of San Fernando has lined up a series of service-based activities in celebration of its 13th Cityhood Anniversary or Kaganapan 2014 in line with the theme "Fernandino Ing Mumuna, Fernandino Ing Manimuna."

The programs will run from January 25 to February 23 and will promote the current social service programs of the Santiago administration. The activities include the celebration of Pedro Abad Santos Day today and the City Clean up Day on Saturday.

30 Jan 2014 - BCDA asked to fund Clark-North interconnecting ramp

MABALACAT CITY -- Local government units in the Metro Clark area asked the Bases Conversion Development Authority (BCDA) and other government agencies to provide funding assistance for the construction of the Clark-North interconnecting ramp at the Subic Clark Tarlac Expressway (SCTEx).

Mayors Edgardo Pamintuan of Angeles City, Marino Morales of Mabalacat City, Romulo Pecson of Magalang, Pampanga, Andres Lacson of Concepcion Tarlac, Condralito Dela Cruz of Porac Pampanga, and Jose Feliciano of Bamban Tarlac signed the joint resolution stating their request to the BCDA.

30 Jan 2014 - San Fernando promotes organic farming

PAMPANGA -- This capital city is now promoting organic farming programs that aim to develop sustainable crop production in each barangay under a “One Crop, One Barangay” program.

Mayor Edwin Santiago told Sun.Star Pampanga that the organic farming initiative will greatly bolster the food security plans for the city. In 2013, Del Rosario village officials and other city executives jumpstarted the program planting vegetable seedlings donated by SM Foundation, Inc.

30 Jan 2014 - Dau folk thank Guiao for barangay hall repair

MABALACAT CITY -- Residents of Barangay Dau here thanked Representative Joseller "Yeng" Guiao for the immediate renovation of their barangay hall.

Dau Chairman Oscar Aurelio said his constituents are very thankful that Guiao allocated more than P2 million from his funds to finance the renovation of the barangay hall's first ground floor.

30 Jan 2014 - Guv funds renovation of Dau barangay hall

MABALACAT CITY -- Governor Lilia Pineda has allocated some P1.5 million for the renovation of a portion of the Dau barangay hall here.

Dau chairman Dr. Oscar Aurelio said the funds donated by the governor will be used in the construction of a chapel, function hall, session room, library and a learning center at the second level of the building.

29 Jan 2014 - Mayor: No untouchables in Angeles

ANGELES CITY -- A determined Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan on Wednesday assured that “no one is above the law” in this highly urbanized city as he is set to implement stringent peace and order measures as well as traffic management programs in the city’s major thoroughfares.

Pamintuan said that he has directed the City Police to effectively implement other measures to prevent criminal elements in the city.

29 Jan 2014 - Tandem riders get away with P500,000

ANGELES CITY -- Unidentified armed men on board a motorcycle held-up a real estate agent and her client along Sto. Entierro, Barangay Sto. Rosario, Angeles City recently and carted away some P500,000 in cash.

In a report here, Senior Superintendent Eden Ugale, Angeles City police director, identified the victims as Lucila Guevarra, 30, a resident of Barangay Pulung Maragul and Liezel Bernardo, 32, of Pandan, both in Angeles City.

29 Jan 2014 - P65-M Magalang-Pandan Road to boost tourism, economy

ANGELES CITY -- Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan on Wednesday assured that the continuing construction and widening of the P65 million Magalang-Pandan Road here and is expected to greatly boost local tourism and the local economy.

Pamintuan, who spoke before members of the media, said that there was a minor glitch in the in the construction with the delay in the payment of the right-of-way for properties affected by the widening.

29 Jan 2014 - Tigerair offers transfer service

CLARK FREEPORT -- Tigerair Philippines has started offering its transfer service to passengers from Clark, Manila, and Singapore who are bound to Boracay from Kalibo and vice-versa.

Tigerair executives said this is aimed to provide their customers with seamless travel process so they don't have to be stressed as they travel.

29 Jan 2014 - Farmers to get livelihood assistance

PAMPANGA -- Some 2,100 farmers are set to benefit from the sustained livelihood loan assistance and agriculture modernization programs of Governor Lilia Pineda that aims to give funding for farmer inputs and production.

This, as Pineda visited the agricultural villages in Barangays Sto. Nino and Turu. The governor distributed some P260,000 in assistance to vegetables growers as part of the “Negosyo King Panyulong Project” or NPP.

29 Jan 2014 - Save the Children provides help to Pampanga schools

PAMPANGA -- The Save the Children International (SCI) is providing assistance to several elementary schools in the towns of Macabebe and Masantol which were affected by the monsoon rains in August last year.

Jerome Balinton, Save the Children International communications officer, said their organization provides early recovery assistance to typhoon affected elementary schools.

28 Jan 2014 - Santiago to lead Xiamen cultural, trade mission

PAMPANGA -- SanFernando City Mayor Edwin Santiago will leave on Friday, January 31 for Xiamen, China in a bid to forge cultural, trade and sisterhood ties.

Santiago, along with 2013 Giant Lantern Festival Executive Committee chairman Marni Castro, City Tourism and Investments Promotion Officer Ching Pangilinan-Gonzales and master lantern maker Ernesto Quiwa will first attend the Xiamen Lantern Festival and International Garden Show which will run from February 2 to February 17.

28 Jan 2014 - San Luis folk in peril with breached dike

PAMPANGA -- More than 5,000 families and millions worth of private and public properties in three barangays are at risk from flooding due to the 100-meter riprap breach along the Barangay Sta. Cruz Poblacion portion of the Pampanga River here.

Mayor Venancio Macapagal told Sun.Star Pampanga in an exclusive interview that residents in Barangays Sta. Cruz, San Sebastián and Sto. Tomas are living in constant fear due to the breached portion of the dike.

28 Jan 2014 - Guv sets plans for town’s development

PAMPANGA -- Governor Lilia Pineda is now set to implement service programs here as she inspected the Mexico Community Hospital, Pandacaqui Resettlement and the Don Honorio Ventura Technological State University Satellite Campus.

Pineda conducted the inspection "as part of her sustained program to improve the delivery of basic services at one of Pampanga’s biggest towns."

28 Jan 2014 - Quarry operation earns P23-M in January

PAMPANGA -- Quarry collections for January 2-27 this year already reached P23,960,000 before the January 30 cut-off, signaling a positive start for the province's biggest income generating flag industry under the term of Governor Lilia Pineda.

Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office chief Art Punsalan told Sun.Star Pampanga that they are urging the public, quarry stakeholders, particularly truckers and operators, to support the program of the province for the quarry sector.

28 Jan 2014 - CDC cash position improves

CLARK FREEPORT -- The seven policy reforms adopted by Clark Development Corporation (CDC) has improved the cash position of the corporation.

CDC President Arthur P. Tugade said business confidence within the Freeport rejuvenated and this supports President Benigno Aquino III's "Matuwid na Daan" program.

28 Jan 2014 - WWF, BPI share climate change study

ANGELES CITY -- The World Wide Fund (WWF) and Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) had offered its recent study on how to adapt to climate change, which triggers natural calamities like typhoons Santi and Yolanda.

Jose Maria Lorenzo Tan, WWF vice-chair and chief executive officer, said, "No one knows where the next big typhoon will hit, so all cities should prepare ahead."

27 Jan 2014 - Pampanga wins Dulansangan anew

MABALACAT CITY -- The Pampanga delegation represented by Mabalacat City won for the second straight time on Thursday the top prize in Dulansangan, a street- and free-dance competition in the Fiesta Republika here which commemorates the declaration of the very first Philippine republic.

The annual national completion was organized by this city’s Mayor Christian Natividad to make aware the Filipinos about the significance of the declaration of the first Philippine Republic here on January 23, 1899.

27 Jan 2014 - PRO-3 marks 23rd founding year

PAMPANGA -- The Police Regional Office 3 (PRO3) celebrated its 23rd PNP Foundation Day Anniversary during the traditional Monday flag raising ceremony yesterday.

Lawyer Manuel Pontal, regional director of the National Police Commission (Napolcom) was the guest of honor and speaker of the celebration.

27 Jan 2014 - Trade office in Cetral Luzon excels in business registrations

PAMPANGA -- The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in Central Luzon has surpassed all other regions in the number of registrations made in the Philippine Business Registry for 2013.

In a statement to Sun.Star Pampanga, the DTI3 said that it had registered a total of 7,052 applications leading the implementation and/or utilization of the Web-based Philippine Business Registry, topping the list with Region IV-A as second highest, Region 1 in third.

27 Jan 2014 - Mexico hospital opens dialysis center

PAMPANGA -- The Mexico Community Hospital (MCH) opened its dialysis center yesterday in bid to provide indigent patients in the town with affordable renal dialysis services in line with the overall health program of the municipal government.

Mayor Roy Manalastas and Governor Lilia Pineda led local officials and hospital employees in the opening of the new facility that can accommodate at least four patients at one time.

26 Jan 2014 - Kapampangan knight to host rare Film Appreciation seminar

PAMPANGA -- Recently knighted Kapampangan independent film director Brillante Mendoza will be conducting a rare “Film Appreciation” event this February affording film enthusiasts and aspiring directors to learn from the multi-awarded director.

The event will be held at Center Stage Productions #947 Busilak St., Barangka Drive, Mandaluyong City with Brillante sharing a wealth of experience and tips on independent film production and directing.

26 Jan 2014 - Guv asks village execs to submit disaster plans

PAMPANGA -- While Capitol has started desilting and declogging of major Pampanga waterways early, Governor Lilia Pineda said over the weekend that she has ordered barangay officials to submit immediately their comprehensive disaster preparedness plans.

Pineda said that weather disturbances like Tropical Depression Agaton, which came at the onset of the year call for early and more comprehensive preparations.

26 Jan 2014 - 30 amputees to get artificial legs

PAMPANGA -- Some 30 indigent amputees from different parts of Pampanga will receive their artificial legs soon of the Kapampangan Development Foundation (KDF) through its “Walking Free” program.

KDF Trustee Sylvia Ordonez said that through KDF’s Dr. Penny Bundoc of the Physicians for Peace (PFP) and the UERM, Philippine School of Prosthetics and Orthotics (PSPO) brought a team of students and experts from the to measure and cast 30 prosthetics for above knee beneficiaries from Pampanga and Central Luzon.

26 Jan 2014 - P2.1-M shabu seized in Guagua town

PAMPANGA -- Methamphetamine or shabu amounting to P2.1 million were confiscated by operatives of Pampanga Police in a buy-bust operation in Barangay Pulong Masle, Guagua town on Saturday.

Senior Superintendent Oscar Albayalde, Pampanga police provincial director, said during two suspected drug pushers -- Patricio Lim, 41 alias “Pat,” a resident of Barangay Tacondom and Allan Adriano, 45 alias “Tom,” of Barangay Pulong Masle -- were arrested in the anti-drug operation while the third suspect Walter Santos, alias “Whisky,” was able to escape

26 Jan 2014 - Clark to host MiceCon 2014

CLARK FREEPORT -- The Freeport will be the venue of the Philippine Meeting Incentive Travel, Conventions, Exhibitions/Events Philippines Incorporated (MICE) Conference or MiceCon 2014 set on June 4 to 7 June at the Fontana Convention Center here.

The Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) is the lead agency spearheading MICECON in partnership with MICE Philippines and the Philippine Association of Convention and Exhibition Organizers and Suppliers (PACEOS).

25 Jan 2014 - CIAC revenues reach P563M in 2013

CLARK FREEPORT --- The Clark International Airport Corporation (CIAC) earned P563 million last year.

This was learned from CIAC President Victor Jose I. Luciano, who said that this is an indication that the Clark airport is growing.

25 Jan 2014 - Painting tilt kicks-off San Fernando cityhood celebration

PAMPANGA -- An on-the-spot streamer painting contest at Hilaga (formerly Paskuhan Village) Saturday signaled the start of this city's "Kaganapan 2014" or the 13th Cityhood Charter Anniversary celebration.

Eight public and private schools participated in the traditional “soft launch” of Kaganapan 2014, which will culminate on February 4, the day the capital town was converted into a component city.

25 Jan 2014 - Kapampangan indie film now for CBCP endorsement

PAMPANGA -- The Kapampangan independent film “Dukit” is set to be presented to the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) for their evaluation and possible endorsement.

“Dukit” main actor Willy Layug said that the film has been forwarded by San Fernando Archbishop Paciano Aniceto for presentation to the CBCP.

25 Jan 2014 - San Fernando native ‘knighted’

PAMPANGA -- Kapampangan independent film director Brillante Mendoza was inducted into the Ordre des Arts et des Lettres of France, the first Kapampangan to receive such honor from the French government.

Brillante was given the honor by French Ambassador Gilles Garachon at his residence in Makati City on Friday.

25 Jan 2014 - SM, Cathay Pacific partner for ‘Shop and Fly’

ANGELES CITY -- The SM Store and Cathay Pacific, together with partner banks, have collaborated for their joint “Shop and Fly Anywhere in the World” promotion.

Recently, corporate executives and members of the media gathered together at the SM Megamall Atrium to formally launch the collaboration of giants in their own fields---Cathay Pacific for travel and The SM Store for retail, as well as top banks like BDO, Citibank, Metrobank, Eastwest Bank, BPI, PNB and RCBC–--who have joined together to give The SM Store customers and card holders from participating banks’ credit cards, a chance to take that “dream trip.”

25 Jan 2014 - Police, shooters’ group ink pact

PAMPANGA -- The Provincial Office (PPPO) on Friday forged a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with the Pampanga Shooters Association (PSA) held at Bale Katimawan here.

"The MOA’s purpose is to strengthen the partnership between the Philippine National Police (PNP) and stakeholders in the maintenance of peace and order in Pampanga," said PPPO director Senior Superintendent Oscar Albayalde.

24 Jan 2014 - AUF to celebrate Spring Festival

ANGELES CITY -- The Confucius Institute of Angeles University Foundation (CI-AUF) is set to celebrate the year of the wood horse with a week of activities at SM City Clark.

AUF president Joseph Emmanuel Angeles said the CI-AUF will commence the Spring Festival, commonly known as the Chinese New Year, with the formal opening of the Experience China Exhibit.

24 Jan 2014 - Albayalde warns police on misuse of vehicles

PAMPANGA -- Provincial Police Director Oscar Albayalde warned chiefs of police and patrol drivers that any misuse of Philippine National Police (PNP) vehicles assigned to them will be penalized.

Last Wednesday, at around 3 p.m., Albayalde conducted an inspection of police mobiles at the Pampanga Provincial Police Office to check on their serviceability and overall status. The inspection of mobile vehicles will be done on a monthly basis, he added.

24 Jan 2014 - Firms launch skills training in Mabalacat

MABALACAT CITY -- The Clark Development Corporation, in coordination with L and T Int’l. Group Phils. Inc. (LTIGPI) and Mabalacat City College (MCC), recently launched a specialized skills training program for the unemployed residents and out-of-school youth in the area.

Sonny Lopez, CDC External Affairs Department manager, said the project dubbed “Specialized Training and Employment Program for Underprivileged Persons (Step-Up),” is expected to prepare Pampanguenos for employment.

24 Jan 2014 - Kapampangan Art Center to open in Paskuhan

PAMPANGA -- Kapampangan artists and roving exhibits from other art groups in the country and abroad will now be able to showcase their artworks in Pampanga and the rest of Central Luzon through the new Art Association of the Philippines-Kapampangan Art Center at Paskuhan Village here.

The center will be formally opened on February 14 and was made possible through the help of the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA).

24 Jan 2014 - Akyat Bahay gang strikes again

ANGELES CITY -- In Pulung Bulu, a businesswoman identified as Arlene Reilly, 39, owner of Reilly Apartment and a resident of El Cano Subdivision left her house in the morning of Tuesday and when she returned in the afternoon, discovered that all her belongings were missing, police said.

The suspects forcibly entered her house by destroying the room’s door knob and carted P20,000 placed inside the cabinet, the report said.

24 Jan 2014 - American's House robbed

ANGELES CITY -- In a report, police said the house of William Richard Decoty, 36, an American residing at Sta. Maria Village 1, Barangay Balibago, was burglarized by unidentified men.

Police said that the victim left his house at about 8 p.m. on Tuesday and when he returned the following day discovered that the main door of his house was partially open and the lights of his master's bedroom were on.

23 Jan 2014 - Akbayan wants Ducut out

PAMPANGA -- The Akbayan Partylist group has filed a complaint before the Office of the President seeking the ouster of former Pampanga lawmaker Zenaida Ducut from the Energy Regulatory Commission or ERC.

Ducut was representative of Pampanga’s second district from 1995 to 2004 prior to her appointment as ERC chief in 2008 by then President and now Second District Representative Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

23 Jan 2014 - San Fernando police chief ‘not sacked’

PAMOANGA -- A senior police officer said Thursday that contrary to reports, the chief of police of the City of San Fernando was not sacked because of shooting incidents and rising crime.

Senior Superintendent Oscar Albayalde, Pampanga police provincial director, told Sun.Star Pampanga that

23 Jan 2014 - Measles catch-up vaccination kicks off

PAMPANGA -- The Department of Health (DOH) through the support of Governor Lilia Pineda kicked-off Thursday its province-wide measles catch-up vaccination campaign at the Infirmary ward of the provincial Capitol benefitting 604 children.

The children who benefitted from the measles catch-up vaccination kick-off activity came from Barangays Sto. Nino with 239 and Sta. Lucia, this city, with 365 beneficiaries.

23 Jan 2014 - CDC earned P1.21 B in 2013

CLARK FREEPORT -- The Clark Development Corporation (CDC) stated that it earned P1.21 billion with a net income of P327 million in 2013.

The CDC said the corporation's net profit last year swelled by P140 million.

23 Jan 2014 - Police, Chinese lawmen raid safehouses

PAMPANGA -- The Philippine National Police Anti-Cybercrime Group (PNP-ACG) and Ministry of Public Safety of the People’s Republic of China raided safehouses in undisclosed locations in the City of San Fernando and Angeles City recently.

According to the police, 20 Taiwanese and two Filipino-Chinese were arrested last Tuesday for their alleged involvement in telecom fraud.

23 Jan 2014 - Tandem riders kill 51-year-old man, police officer

PAMPANGA -- Police are now investigating the killing on Monday of a 51-year-old man perpetrated by armed men riding-in-tandem on board a motorcycle in Barangay Sulipan, Apalit town.

In a report, Superintendent Homer Penecilla, Apalit chief of police, identified the victim as Noel dela Cruz, a resident of Sitio Dalan Baka in Barangay Sulipan.

22 Jan 2014 - CDC revives old projects in Clark

CLARK FREEPORT -- The Clark Development Corporation (CDC) has revived 10 non-performing projects, which incurred various problems after the signing of lease agreement with the state-owned firm.

The projects, mostly tourism-related undertakings, are expected to renew their commitment with CDC and honor their agreements.

22 Jan 2014 - Malls give nod on anti-truancy ordinance, too

PAMPANGA -- SM Malls, especially SM City San Fernando Downtown, have given their nod on the proposed Anti-Truancy ordinance authored by City Council committee on education chairman Councilor Noel Tulabut.

In a statement, officials of SM Malls expressed support to the proposed ordinance regulating the entry of uniformed students in malls and other recreation centers and internet cafes during school days and class hours.

22 Jan 2014 - Mabalacat council okays tax ordinance

MABALACAT CITY -- The City Council here recently passed an ordinance imposing all provincial taxes, fees, charges including the real property tax (RPT).

Vice Mayor Christian Halili said the passage of the ordinance is in consonance with the provisions of Republic Act 7160 or the Local Government Code (LGC) of 1991.

22 Jan 2014 - Lubao villages get Capitol services

PAMPANGA -- Three more villages in Lubao were able to avail of Provincial Government services and dialogue with Governor Lilia Pineda on their local needs and concerns.

Indigents from barangays San Roque Arbol, San Pablo and Calangain where personally visited by Pineda to personally address their concerns under the Kapitolyo sa Barangay.

22 Jan 2014 - San Fernando beefs up drive vs diseases

PAMPANGA -- This city's health office has initiated the provision of free measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccines to kids aged six years and below.

The citywide immunization drive is administered by health workers and nurses deployed in all 35 barangays of the city.

22 Jan 2014 - Mayor to Simonians: ‘Practice segregation’

PAMPANGA -- San Simon Mayor Leonora Wong urged her constituents to strictly follow the Solid Waste Management ordinance of the town and practice segregation in disposing their garbage.

Wong told Sun.Star Pampanga that the Municipal Government has three Materials Recovery Facility (MRF) in three barangays of this town.

21 Jan 2014 - Ancestral houses to showcase Mexico’s history, culture

PAMPANGA -- Mexico town’s cluster of ancestral houses, built during the dawn of the height of the Spanish colonial conquest and the early years of the American occupation, are now being promoted for their cultural value and as time capsules to teach the younger generation of their local history.

Mayor Roy Manalastas told Sun.Star Pampanga that they have recently launched the “Rediscover Mexico” tourism program that aims to draw attention to the town’s 15 ancestral houses in Barangay Parian.

21 Jan 2014 - Mayor: Town is first class

PAMPANGA -- Mayor Leonora Wong considers San Simon town as “already a first-class municipality” despite the classification needed from the Department of Finance (DOF).

She said that the town is already considered a first-class municipality even as they are “still waiting for the classification from the DoF in terms of its income generated yearly.”

21 Jan 2014 - Provincial Board to mediate in Porac land dispute

PAMPANGA -- The Provincial Board (PB) led by Vice-Governor Dennis Pineda is set to mediate in the on-going land dispute problem in Porac town.

This was disclosed Monday by Second District Board Member Salvador Dimson Jr., who told Sun.Star Pampanga that the farmers involved in the reported land dispute have asked the PB for assistance on their plight.

21 Jan 2014 - Pagcor, LW, donate classroom building to Bacolor school

PAMPANGA -- The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (Pagcor) and Leisure World (LW) through the initiative of this town’s Mayor Jose Maria "Jomar" Hizon, donated a P2.8 million three-classroom building to the Bacolor High School (BHS).

Hizon, who led other local government officials during the ground breaking ceremony yesterday, said construction of the building will soon start in time for school year 2014-2015.

21 Jan 2014 - Fast train a ‘key’ in priming Clark

CLARK FREEPORT -- The proposed North-South Railway System that is expected to connect the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) in Manila to Clark in Angeles City is seen to boost Clark International Airport (CIA) as North Luzon’s the prime airport.

This as stakeholders, during the Clark Challenge Stakeholders Summit 2014 spearheaded by Pampanga 1st District Representative Joseller “Yeng” Guiao which was attended by influential businessmen and political figures in Central Luzon, highlighted the impotance of the project.

21 Jan 2014 - SBMA to adopt environment, tourism fees

SUBIC BAY FREEPORT -- The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) will implement next month the collection of Environment and Tourism Development Fee from hotel visitors, golfers, theme parks guests, restaurant patrons and other related establishments.

Lawyer Ramon Agregado, SBMA senior deputy administrator for support services, explained that the rationale of the fees is to mitigate the carbon footprint of tourists and visitors by undertaking projects and programs that will address the adverse impact of climate change, as well as develop and promote the Subic Freeport as a premiere tourist destination in the country.

21 Jan 2014 - Central Luzon farmers call for Aquino ouster

MABALACAT CITY -- Central Luzon farmers belonging to the Alyansa ng mga Magbubukid sa Gitnang Luson (AMGL) and its affiliates are calling for the ouster of President Benigno Aquino III.

The farmers issued the statement during a protest-caravan in Pampanga, coinciding with the 27th year of the Mendiola massacre, which took place when former President Cory Aquino’s forces opened fire on farmers holding a demonstration in Mendiola demanding genuine land reform.

21 Jan 2014 - Drowned father, son still missing

MASANTOL -- The bodies of a father and his son who drowned at the Pampanga River in Barangay Nigui are still missing.

This was disclosed by Chief Inspector Jowen Dela Cruz, who identified the victims as Bejamin Ducut, Sr. and his 8-year-old son Justine, both residents of Barangay Malauli, Masantol.

21 Jan 2014 - ID system seen to safeguard junkshops

PAMPANGA -- An identification (ID) system is being proposed in Pampanga to safeguard and enhance junkshop operations in the province.

On Monday, Police Provincial Director Senior Superintendent Oscar Albayalde met with the heads of Pampanga Junkshop Federation led by its president Jesus Tim Dela Cruz to discuss the proposed ID system and the group's By Laws.

21 Jan 2014 - Prosecutor recommends libel cases vs newsman

ANGELES CITY -- The Provincial Prosecutor’s Office has recommended in court the filing of six counts of libel charges against broadcaster Medardo "Med" David for his alleged malicious statements against Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan.

Malabanias barangay chairman Reynaldo Gueco, one of David’s former co-host in his radio program “Golpe de Gulat,” was also charged with the same offense.

20 Jan 2014 - KDF urges mothers to join home livelihood seminars

PAMPANGA -- The Kapampangan Development Foundation (KDF) called on mothers on Sunday to participate in their free workshops this February to enable them to earn money while at home.

The seminars range from farm-based programs to craft production. The seminars and materials will be given by KDF partners for free.

20 Jan 2014 - Angeles City float parade wows spectators

ANGELES CITY -- History and pageantry marked Saturday's parade of floats in commemoration of the 50th year of Angeles’ cityhood in front of the Holy Rosary Parish Church here.

Some 17 floats wowed spectators who were given a glimpse of how Angeles City became one of the most progressive cities in Central Luzon.

20 Jan 2014 - Teenager killed in heist

SUBIC FREEPORT -- A teenager was killed while his girlfriend was wounded in a robbery hold-up along Govic highway in Barangay Mangan-Vaca, Subic, Zambales on Saturday.

Police identified the fatality as Jaybee Kho, 18, a resident of Barangay Liwas, Subic, Zambales and his girlfriend, Mary Rose Romero, 18, a resident of Lower Gordon Heights, Olongapo City.

20 Jan 2014 - Clark Challenge gets ‘ball rolling’

CLARK FREEPORT -- Former Clark Development Corporation president and current Pampanga Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. chairman emeritus Levy Laus expressed optimism that the Clark Challenge: 2014 Stakeholders’ Summit has started the ball rolling for the Freeport’s development.

“This is the most opportune time to push for the development of Clark -- its Freeport and airport. The convergence of key decision makers in this forum, I am optimistic, is the beginning of hurdling that challenge and much needed push,” noted Laus.

18 Jan 2014 - CSF mulls regulation of students in malls

PAMPANGA -- The SAn Fernando City Government here is looking at passing an ordinance regulating uniformed students who are spending time in malls during class hours.

Mayor Edwin Santiago met the City School Board on Friday at Heroes Hall to discuss the proposed measure which came after a preliminary consultative hearing conducted by City Council Committee on Education chairman Councilor Noel Tulabut.

18 Jan 2014 - PamCham wants city as ‘safety benchmark’

PAMPANGA -- Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (PamCham) vice-chairman Rene Romero said the group is pushing for the City of San Fernando as a “benchmark of safety” for motorists and pedestrians.

“The City of San Fernando is the capital of Pampanga, and local government unit officials here listen to us. We want it to be a benchmark of safety for other LGUs to follow and which can adopt its safety practices. San Fernando could be a good model as PamCham moves to focus on other towns as well,” Romero said.

18 Jan 2014 - GCG: Only insurance premiums in question

PAMPANGA -- The Governance Commission for Government Owned and Controlled Corporations (GCG) said that the Commission on Audit (CoA) is only questioning the P1.212 million covering insurance premiums for medical coverage for 2012 to 2013 of the Clark International Airport Corporation (CIAC).

While the COA report for CIAC questions the medical insurance premiums, GCG chairman Cesar Villanueva said last Friday “the present composition of GCG has not approved any increase in compensation of any GOCC.”

18 Jan 2014 - DepEd, BT partner for ‘Toxic-Free Schools’

PAMPANGA -- The Department of Education (DepEd) has partnered with environmental group BAN Toxics (BT) to prevent poisoning of school children and keep schools safe from toxic chemicals.

Education Secretary Armin Luistro and BT executive director Richard Gutierrez signed the memorandum of agreement Friday at the DepEd’s Bulwagan ng Karunungan in Manila.

18 Jan 2014 - 80,908 informal settlers get aid in 2013

CLARK FREEPORT -- The National Government’s drive to provide housing to informal settler families (ISFs) has helped a total of 80,908 beneficiaries across the country with a total funding amounting to P26.985 billion.

The regional resettlement projects benefited from higher budget allocation and greater participation of LGUs with the implementation of 124 projects aimed at addressing resettlement requirements of LGUs outside Metro Manila.

18 Jan 2014 - Nepo Mall to host AC arts, music fest

ANGELES CITY -- The Nepo Mall management has announced that it will be hosting the kickoff of the AC50 Gintung Mana: Angeles City Arts, Crafts and Music Festival.

The city’s celebration of National Arts Month this February was organized by the Angeles City Local Government and City Tourism Office, in cooperation with the Kuliat Foundation, Inc.

17 Jan 2014 - Angeles to stage history float parade today

ANGELES CITY -- The City Government will stage today (January 18, 2014) a massive parade of floats in commemoration of the 50th year of Angeles’ cityhood.

The float parade will be held at 5 p.m., in front of the Holy Rosary Parish Church.

17 Jan 2014 - Communist party denies Pampanga is ‘insurgency-free'

PAMPANGA -- The Central Committee of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) denied the claim of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) that Pampanga is “insurgency-free.”

Last Wednesday, AFP chief of staff Gen. Emmanuel Bautista led ceremonies marking the handover of internal security operations in Pampanga from the military to the Provincial Government and police, in an agreement plus a formal declaration that the province is “peaceful and ready for further development.”

17 Jan 2014 - LHI Corp: No landgrabbing in Porac

CLARK FREEPORT -- Officials of the LHI Corporation denied the allegations of militant groups that there is a land grabbing and harassment of farmers at the Hacienda Dolores in Porac town.

Jun Malto, lawyer of the LHI Corporation, clarified that the recent land dispute clash where a farmer was killed and a guard seriously injured, happened inside the firm’s property which is covered with transfer certificate of titles (TCT).

17 Jan 2014 - San Fernando backs Manila North Road widening

PAMPANGA -- The City of San Fernando is assisting the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) in the trimming and earth-balling of 58 trees along the MacArthur Highway in line with the Manila North Road (MNR) widening project.

“Our support to this DPWH initiative should not demean our efforts, especially when it comes to our environmental initiatives,” Mayor Edwin D. Santiago said.

15 Jan 2014 - AFP: Pampanga insurgency-free

PAMPANGA -- The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Wednesday declared Pampanga “insurgency-free,” the last in the 22 provinces under the area of the Northern Luzon Command to be declared peaceful.

The declaration was formally announced yesterday here by AFP led by its Chief of Staff General Emmanuel T. Bautista, Governor Lilia Pineda and the leadership of the Philippine National Police (PNP) in Pampanga.

15 Jan 2014 - 1 killed, 2 hurt in robbery attempt

PAMPANGA -- A driver was killed while his two occupants were wounded when unidentified armed men on board a car and a motorcycle fired upon them during a heist along the road of Barangay Lara, City of San Fernando, Tuesday afternoon.

Senior Superintendent Oscar Albayalde, Pampanga police provincial director, identified the lone fatality as Gabriel Comboy, driver of the Red Dragon Farm Feed Livestock and Food Inc. located at the said barangay.

15 Jan 2014 - VP Binay: No settlement with Delfin Lee

CLARK FREEPORT -- Vice-President Jejomar C. Binay has assured that the Home Development Mutual Fund or Pag-IBIG Fund will not enter into any settlement with Globe Asiatique’s Delfin Lee.

The agency filed syndicated estafa charges against Lee and other officers of Globe Asiatique in December 2010 for allegedly defrauding the agency of P6.6 billion using ghost borrowers and spurious documents.

15 Jan 2014 - Guv brings Capitol to village folk

PAMPANGA -- Governor Lilia Pineda brought Capitol services closer to the people as some 1,000 indigents graced the kick-off activity of “Kapitolyo sa Barangay” launched in two separate villages in Lubao.

The program was held simultaneously in the barangays of San Francisco and San Juan. The participants came from different indigent communities in the town’s different barangays.

15 Jan 2014 - Clark exports reach US$3.8B in 2013

CLARK FREEPORT -- The Clark Development Corporation (CDC) has bared that locators inside this Freeport posted a $3.831 billion export volume in 2013.

This was gleaned in the comparative cumulative summary of Export Documentation (e-ED) performance submitted to CDC President Arthur P. Tugade.

15 Jan 2014 - Macabebe village chief shot dead

PAMPANGA -- A barangay chairman was shot dead by motorcycle-riding gunmen on Wednesday. Chief Inspector John Lopez Clark, Macabebe chief of police, identified the victim as Danilo Manalang, 60, married and incumbent barangay chairman of barangay San Jose of this town.

Reports said that at around 12:00 noon Tuesday, while the victim was buying food at the canteen with his companions when the suspect, armed with caliber .45 handgun, arrived and shot the village chief three times at close-range.

14 Jan 2014 - Clark has lowest water rates: CWC

CLARK FREEPORT -- The Clark Water Corporation (CWC) claimed that the Freeport has the lowest water rates among economic zones.

Jesus Laigo, chief operating officer of CWC, said the water facility is able to provide world-class service to hundreds of locators in Clark.

14 Jan 2014 - Riverbank settlers eyed for relocation

PAMPANGA -- The Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) will relocate families living along the riverbanks of the Pampanga River considered as “danger zones” in the towns of Candaba and Apalit in Pampanga, and Calumpit and Paombong in Bulacan.

Candaba has 286 private homes while Apalit has 1,072 homes subject for relocation. In Bulacan, Calumpit has 650 private homes and Paombong has 197 also targeted for relocation because these are all located along Pampanga River.

14 Jan 2014 - Mayor orders early desilting of CSF waterways

PAMPANGA -- Desilting and declogging of major waterways in the city of San Fernando commenced on the first week of January, earlier than the usual waterways cleanup operations previously scheduled every midyear, as ordered by Mayor Edwin Santiago.

“I instructed our Engineering Department to start removing silt and clean the waterways this early,” Santiago said.

14 Jan 2014 - Groups enraged over farmer’s slay

PAMPANGA -- Several people’s organizations condemned and were enraged over the recent killing of a farmer in Hacienda Dolores in Porac.

Joseph Canlas, Chair of the Alyansa ng mga Magbubukid sa Gitnang Luson (AMGL), said their group, together with the Aguman Dareng Maglalautang Capampangan (AMC), Anakpawis Party-list – Central Luzon chapter and Aniban ng Nagkakaisang Mamamayan sa Hacienda Dolores (ANMHD), “condemned to the highest possible terms the brutal killing of Arman Padino.”

14 Jan 2014 - Police beef up security in disputed lands

PAMPANGA -- Central Luzon Police Regional Office Director Chief Superintendent Raul Petrasanta has ordered the Pampanga Police Provincial Office (PPPO) to beef up its forces and increase visibility in the disputed lands in Barangays Hacienda Dolores and Sapang Uwak in Porac town.

Petrasanta on Monday directed Provincial Police Director Oscar Albayalde “to monitor the situation closely after last Sunday’s clash where a farmer was killed, to prevent any further untoward incident at the disputed land.”

13 Jan 2014 - 1 killed, 3 hurt in Porac

PAMPANGA -- A member of the Aniban ng Nakakaisang Mamamayan ng Hacienda Dolores (Aniban) was reportedly killed and three others were injured in a clash over the disputed land in Barangay Hacienda Dolores here over the weekend.

The Regional Police Information Office said a shooting incident happened at Sitio Balokbok in Barangay Hacienda, Dolores around 4 a.m. Sunday.

13 Jan 2014 - Chamber’s proposal making Jasa ‘hazard free’ a priority

PAMPANGA -- San Fernando Mayor Edwin Santiago ordered the City’s Traffic Management Department to study a business group’s proposal to make Jose Abad Santos Avenue (Jasa) “hazard free.”

The Pampanga Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (PamCham) submitted the proposal to Santiago and Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), calling for the removal of the ‘dog ears’ along the major avenue, the creation of ‘J-Ramps’ in lieu of U-turn slots, and the construction of a rotunda under the Dolores Flyover.

13 Jan 2014 - Anti-prostitution task force formed

ANGELES CITY -- The barangay council of Balibago has formed its anti-prostitution task force to protect the public against sexually-transmitted diseases like Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS), Human Immuno-deficiency Virus (HIV).

Balibago chairman Tony Mamac said the move is in line with Barangay Council Ordinance, “An ordinance addressing the system of prostitution, imposing penalties on its pepetrators, providing protective measures and support services for the prostituted persons, and for other purposes.”

13 Jan 2014 - Clark Water to construct P36-M deep wells

CLARK FREEPORT -- Officials of Clark Water Corporation (CWC) said the firm is set to construct deep wells worth P36 million this year.

Jesus Laigo, chief operating officer of CWC, said three deep wells will be put up inside the Freeport to address the growing needs of locators in Clark.

13 Jan 2014 - Olongapo is Central Luzon’s most PWD-friendly

ANGELES CITY -- Olongapo City took home the top spot as the 2013 most PWD-Friendly City for the second year in a row during Central Luzon Federation of Persons with Disability (CLFPWD) held in Angeles City.

Jun Pascua, head of the City Social Welfare and Development Office, who supervises the Person with Disability Affairs Office (PDAO), said the award was given due to the efforts of the local government in helping PWDs’ on their special needs.

13 Jan 2014 - PAMAWD hosts 2014 Tap and Drill Skills tilt

PAMPANGA -- The Pampanga Association of Water Districts (PAMAWD) hosted this year’s Tap and Drill Olympics (Regional Level) to bring the best skills in water drilling and tapping technology.

PAMAWD president Jorge Gumba said the event aimed at promoting better drilling techniques and skills among member water districts.

13 Jan 2014 - Petrasanta marks 100 days as reg’l police head

PAMPANGA -- Chief Superintendent Raul Petrasanta rendered his first 100 days report as Police Regional Office-Central Luzon (PRO3) director Monday.

Petrasanta highlighted the significant strides that PRO3 made during his first 100 day term, including the rehabilitation of a Willy’s military patrol jeep, which was decommissioned sometime in 2004 and had been junked and abandoned after its first failed rehabilitation in 2009.

12 Jan 2014 - Capitol pours millions to infra development

PAMPANGA -- The Provincial Government invested millions for infrastructure development in 2013, on top of those poured in during the past two years of Governor Lilia Pineda’s administration.

Acting Provincial Information Officer Joel Mapiles said the Capitol was able to ensure the concreting of some 65 barangay roads pegged at P98,160,155, benefiting residents who now use the paved arteries even during the rainy season.

12 Jan 2014 - Hundreds to meet on ‘Clark Challenge’

CLARK FREEPORT -- More than 200 businessmen, corporate executives, lawmakers and other stakeholders are expected to gather for the "Clark Challenge: Stakeholders' Summit" on January 16 at the Widus Hotel and Convention Center in Clark to craft a common national policy regarding the Freeport's development.

Former Pampanga vice governor and now first district Representative Joseller Guiao will lead the gathering, which seeks to arrive at a united consensus on concrete steps to take in support of President Benigno Aquino III's economic plans for Central Luzon and the whole country as well.

12 Jan 2014 - Councilor asked: Where did part of tax collections go?

ANGELES CITY -- City Administrator Dennis Albert Pamintuan expressed concern over the repeated statements of Councilor Carmelo Lazatin that then mayor Carmelo Lazatin, the latter's father, was able to collect P1 billion in revenues and local taxes in 2007 without increasing real estate property taxes (RPT).

"We should seriously look into Councilor Lazatin's statement, and in fact, we have instructed our legal department to conduct a formal investigation to do so. Because if true, we should ask the councilor and his father where some P700 million in tax collections went - because official records, including those of the Commission on Audit (COA), say that total revenues of the city in 2007 only amounted to P307.5 million," Pamintuan said in a radio interview on Thursday.

12 Jan 2014 - BIR bares 2014 tax initiatives for Central Luzon

PAMPANGA -- The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), through its Revenue Region 4, bared new tax initiatives here for 2014 in a bid to enhance tax awareness and meet target collections for Central Luzon this 2014.

BIR Regional Director Araceli Francisco told Sun.Star Pampanga that their office was able to meet their target for 2013 but have yet to receive orders on their 2014 target.

12 Jan 2014 - Binay optimistic on Zapanta’s fate

MABALACAT CITY -- Vice President Jejomar Binay said he is optimistic that the Philippine Embassy in Riyadh will be able to reopen talks between Joselito Zapanta, a Kapampangan overseas Filipino worker (OFW), and the family of his victim.

Zapanta faces possible execution this month unless a settlement is reached with the family of the Sudanese national.

11 Jan 2014 - Law vs littering pushed

PAMPANGA -- In continuing efforts to curb indiscriminate garbage disposal in Pampanga, fourth district Board Member Ricardo Yabut over the weekend filed another ordinance seeking to put more teeth to and raise consciousness about Republic Act (RA) 9003.

Yabut said the growing concern over garbage and “ignorance” of RA 9003 (An act providing for an ecological solid waste management program, creating the necessary institutional mechanisms and incentives, declaring certain acts prohibited and providing penalties, appropriating funds therefore, and for other purposes) should be given much needed attention and focus.

11 Jan 2014 - Lawmaker wants game plan for Clark

CLARK FREEPORT -- Pampanga Representative Joseller Guiao (first district) said over the weekend that the Clark Summit slated on January 21 will eventually result in a much needed game plan.

In an interview with veteran broadcasters Perry Pangan and Boy Santiago over dwRW 95.1 FM’s “Talakayan,” Guiao said that the summit hopes to come up with a common development agenda among stakeholders during the whole-day meet.

11 Jan 2014 - Suspected carnapper wounded in gunfight

PAMPANGA -- A suspected member of a carnapping group operating in Bulacan and nearby provinces in Central Luzon Region was wounded and arrested during a brief exchange of gunfire with operatives of the Highway Patrol Unit (HPU) and Marilao police in Barangay Lolomboy, Bocaue, Bulacan recently.

Chief Superintendent Raul Petrasanta, Police Regional Office (PRO)-Central Luzon, identified the suspected carnaper as Pablito Gumasing, of Barangay Batia, Bocaue town.

11 Jan 2014 - Police launch fitness program for personnel

PAMPANGA -- Various police stations here joined Saturday in the nationwide launching of the “Pulis Hataw Na” program, which aims to promote continuing physical fitness among police operatives and personnel.

The Police Regional Office (PRO)-Central Luzon said this is in line with the Physical Fitness and Sports Development Program of the Philippine National Police (PNP) to keep its personnel physically fit.

10 Jan 2014 - PamCham wants JASA hazard-free

PAMPANGA -- The Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (PamCham) wants the Jose Abad Santos Avenue (JASA) in this city hazard-free for motorists plying the widened, multi-lane highway.

PamCham vice-chairman Rene Romero, in his proposal to Department of Public Works and Highways regional director Antonio Molano, Jr. and City of San Fernando Mayor Edwin Santiago, noted of “the hazards to motorists posed by the ‘dog ears’ or convex bumps at the JASA’s center island and the abrupt swerved angle of the lane markings in front of Jollibee Northwalk1, Shell Northwalk2 and Toyota, which are used as U-Turn slots for vehicles.”

10 Jan 2014 - Raids at Raymond Street

ANGELES CITY -- Chief Superintendent Raul Petrasanta, Central Luzon police regional director, said the authorities conducted an entrapment against the owner and operators of Lovely Paradise Resto Bar and Aby Lyn Wine Bar in Balibago.

Petrasanta said the combined teams arrested at Aby-Lyn Wine Bar the cashier identified as Cristine Tanolo, a resident of Barangay Balibago, and Malou Palconit, a native of Leyte for allegedly employing minors and engaging in Prostitution.

10 Jan 2014 - BCDA, Korean agency ink MOU for green city project

CLARK FREEPORT -- The state-owned Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) had signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the South Korean agency in connection with the development of a green city in Central Luzon.

Arnel Paciano Casanova, BCDA president and Chief Executive Officer, said the initiative will pave the way for the BCDA to gain new insights in building the Philippines’ first smart and green city.

10 Jan 2014 - Mayor mulls ‘interconnectivity’ of LGUs

PAMPANGA -- San Fernando Mayor Edwin Santiago is looking at “interconnecting” neighboring local government units to make Pampanga an inclusive growth center.

Santiago said that by sharing investments, development projects, trading and commerce, towns like Sto. Tomas, Bacolor, Mexico, Angeles and other nearby local government units in the proximity of the capital will benefit in the “interconnection.”

10 Jan 2014 - PamCham resets raffle

PAMPANGA -- The Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. has re-scheduled "PamCham's Triple Fun Treat" raffle draw on January 31, 2014 at 10 a.m., said PamCham's Corporate Treasurer Ruben Sy.

The draw will be held at PamCham's Corporate Office, 2nd floor Sapphire Building, Mac Arthur Highway, San Agustin, City of San Fernando, Pampanga.

10 Jan 2014 - 4 firms to invest P648M in Clark

CLARK FREEPORT -- The Clark Development Corporation (CDC) said that four new firms signed lease agreements with the state-owned firm in 2013.

The companies will pour in at least P648 million fresh investments this year.

9 Jan 2014 - Suspect in coed killing arrested

ANGELES CITY --- The city police recently arrested one of the three suspects in the killing of a nursing student in Barangay Salapungan here on September 3, 2009.

Senior Superintendent Eden Ugale, city police director, said the Investigation and Detection Unit arrested Eduard Macatangay, 28, by virtue of an arrest warrant issued by Judge Irene Zenaida Buan of the Regional Trial Court branch 56 on January 8, 2013.

9 Jan 2014 - No lead yet in village chief slay

ANGELES CITY -- Investigators are facing a blank wall in the killing of a barangay chairman here.

Senior Superintendent Eden Ugale, city police director, said that no lead has been established on the killing of Santo Cristo chairman Efren Dela Cruz because the witness refused to coordinate with investigators.

9 Jan 2014 - Stolen Child Jesus image in Betis recovered

PAMPANGA -- The stolen image of the Child Jesus in Betis has been recovered last Monday by an antique collector, who purchased it in Manila.

Reports said a collector and ecclesiastical artist Tom Joven tracked down the revered image of Child Jesus of Virgen de la Correa through his network of collector-friends. He eventually purchased the ivory parts, minus the wooden body, for P170,000.

9 Jan 2014 - DOH-3 targets 375K kids for vaccination vs measles

PAMPANGA -- The Department of Health 3 (DOH3) is targeting to vaccinate 375,000 kids, below 5 years old, against measles.

Dr. Lielanie Mangulabnan of Center of Health and Development 3 (CHD3) said that this is part of DOH's effort to maximize prevention and contain the virus at least in the Central Luzon.

9 Jan 2014 - Smart, Sun turn over P100-T load to guv

PAMPANGA -- Smart Communications on Thursday turned over P100,000 worth of pre-paid load to Governor Lilia Pineda as part of the leading wireless network’s effort to help the Provincial Government’s disaster preparedness program and peace and order programs.

Jose “Wo” Rosete, senior manager external relations of the public affairs group, gave the P70,000 Smart load and P30,000 Sun Cellular load to Pineda.

9 Jan 2014 - Cops hunt down suspects in frustrated homicide

PAMPANGA -- Two suspects in a shooting incident in Barangay San Juan, San Fernando are now being hunted down by police, reports said.

Reports said the shooting incident transpired at Purok 3, Barangay San Juan this city involving victim Bryan Villafuerte.

8 Jan 2014 - Korean trader survives in Angeles ambush

ANGELES CITY -- A Korean businessman was critically injured during an ambush near the Rajah Hotel in Barangay Balibago here yesterday onboard a dirty white Toyota Fortuner when motorcycle-riding-suspects (MRS) opened fire hitting the victim on different parts of his body.

Police said the victim, Yung Jo Kunk, 61, is in stable condition but remained under tight watch by physicians at the Angeles University Foundation Medical Center.

8 Jan 2014 - New firm to pour $3-M investment in Clark

CLARK FREEPORT -- The Clark Development Corporation (CDC) announced Wednesday that a new investor for 2014 will be pouring in an initial investment of $3 million for its manufacturing firm inside this Freeport.

CDC President Arthur P. Tugade and Joontaik Jang, president of Sambon Precision and Electronics Co. Ltd., signed the agreement recently.

8 Jan 2014 - Pampanga banks consolidate resources

PAMPANGA -- Two top rural banks in Pampanga have consolidated their resources to form the strongest alliance in the industry and in a determined bid, become the regional champion in Central Luzon.

On Wednesday at the House of David Central Park along Jose Abad Santos Avenue in this city, officials and executives of Bank of Florida (BOF) and Bank of Lubao (BOL), unveiled the billboard announcing the consolidation of the two David Family-run local banks.

8 Jan 2014 - SM Clark project yields P1.02M

ANGELES CITY -- The Tree of Light, Tree of Life project of SM City Clark for Typhoon Yolanda victims has produced P1.02 million as of yesterday.

This was learned from Aaron Jeffrey Montenegro, SM City Clark assistant mall manager, who said that the amount is in the form of both cash and pledges.

8 Jan 2014 - Guv funds renovation of Dau barangay hall

MABALACAT CITY -- Governor Lilia Pineda has allocated some P1.5 million for the renovation of a portion of the Dau barangay hall here.

Dau Chairman Dr. Oscar Aurelio said the funds donated by the governor will be used in the construction of a chapel, function hall, session room, library and a learning center at the second level of the building.

8 Jan 2014 - Female drug pusher nabbed

PAMPANGA -- A woman believed to be one of the leaders of the dreaded Manalad Drug Group, which operates in Pampanga and nearby provinces, including Metro Manila, was arrested by the operatives of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) last Tuesday.

PDEA identified the suspect as Leonora Santos Enriquez, alias Nora Manalad, a native of Candaba town.

8 Jan 2014 - Fireworks-related injuries in CL down by 48%

PAMPANGA -- Despite the notable increase in most of the populous areas of the archipelago, Department of Health (DOH) Region 3 recorded a 48% decrease in fireworks-related injuries (FRI) in Central Luzon during the recent holiday season compared to the same period during the 2012-2013 revelry.

“There were 232 FRI from December 21,2013 to January 2, 2014 which is significantly lower compared to the 449 recorded during the previous holiday season,” DOH Regional Epidemiology Surveillance Unit head Dr. Jessie Fantone disclosed.

7 Jan 2014 - Summit set to prompt nat’l policy on Clark

CLARK FREEPORT -- Leading businessmen, lawmakers and local government officials in Central Luzon will initiate beginning January next year a series of calibrated actions to prod the national leadership to adopt a policy direction and concrete actions that would sustain the economic development of the region, particularly this freeport, in the years ahead.

First off in this agenda is a “summit” of some 200 of these corporate bosses, congressmen and local officials on January 16 at the Widus Hotel and Convention Center here, one of about 900 foreign-owned enterprises operating now in this former US military facility converted into a business haven, Rep. Yeng Guiao (1st District-Pampanga) said.

7 Jan 2014 - SBMA to beef up disaster preparedness

SUBIC BAY FREEPORT -- The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) is all set to expand its existing disaster risk-reduction and management (DRRM) organization, as well as upgrade its emergency preparedness and response plan, in order to be able to handle Yolanda-like disaster scenarios.

SBMA DRRM officer Vicente Tolentino said this course of action was reached after SBMA Chairman Roberto Garcia instructed disaster-management experts here to re-assess and re-evaluate the agency’s preparedness and response capacity in the wake of the Typhoon Yolanda tragedy in Eastern Visayas.

7 Jan 2014 - Develop Clark, in lieu of Manila Bay reclamation

CLARK FREEPORT -- Amid growing opposition to reclaim lands in Manila Bay, Pampanga 1st District Rep. Joseller Guiao has offered an alternative: go inland instead and fully develop this freeport.

In a forum with the Capampangans in Media, Inc. (CAMI), Guiao lamented the reclamation plans at Manila Bay, pointing out that “recent disasters wrought by climate change worldwide point to how untenable the reclamation at Manila Bay can be.

7 Jan 2014 - Gov, DOH open P8-M OPD at Pampanga town hospital

PAMPANGA -- Residents of Macabebe and nearby Masantol are expected to benefit from the recent completion of the P8-million out-patient-department (OPD) at the Macabebe District Hospital (MDH). There are at least 122,000 people in the two coastal Pampanga towns.

Gov. Lilia Pineda, Macabebe Mayor Annette Flores-Balgan, provincial administrator Atty. Andres “Jun” Pangilinan and Department of Health (DOH) Central Luzon Director Dr. Elenita Gorgolon led the inauguration of the newly-completed OPD.

7 Jan 2014 - CDC investigates 3 kids fall from Ferris wheel

CLARK FREEPORT -- An accident that saw three children fall from a Ferris wheel here last Dec. 29 has become the talk of the town as more details surfaced from a probe by the stateowned Clark Development Corp. (CDC) Even amid a crowd, the three children lay bloodied on the ground for at least an hour after their 20-foot fall before help came, the CDC’s Public Safety Department (PSD) reported yesterday.

Two of the children, sisters Ralphine Jayriz and Ralphone Shandel, both surnamed Lingat, remained in serious condition at the Angeles University Foundation Hospital, while their friend Tagjay Macam was released from the hospital but was still slated to undergo a series of medical tests, the PSD said.

7 Jan 2014 - First Clark investor for 2014 signs MOA with CDC

CLARK FREEPORT -- The first investor for 2014 signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with the Clark Development Corp. (CDC) on Monday with the introduction of a brand new concept for industrial manufacturers here.

Joontaik Jang, president of Sambon Precision and Electronics Co., Ltd. and Seunghoon Yang as advisor to the manufacturing fi rm, signed a MOA with CDC President- CEO Arthur Tugade at the Holiday Inn Resort here under the new “supply chain concept.”

6 Jan 2014 - San Fernando trader abducted

PAMPANGA -- A young businessman was reportedly abducted by two unidentified armed men along MacArthur Highway, Barangay San Agustin, City of San Fernando over the weekend.

Senior Superintendent Oscar Albayalde, Pampanga police director, identified the victim as Jaymart Regala, 21, of Kalayaan Village who reportedly owns the Universal Travel Tours located at Sam's Building in Barangay San Agustin.

6 Jan 2014 - Public warned vs ‘bogus’ solicitors

PAMPANGA -- The San Fernando City Government here on Monday issued a warning to individuals and institutions here against people who have been allegedly soliciting funds on behalf of the city's Traffic Management Division.

Officer-in-charge Renato Pineda said the division, under the City Administrator's Office, does not engage itself in soliciting money to fund its activities.

6 Jan 2014 - IPs get P1.3-M for greening project

PAMPANGA -- Indigenous peoples (IPs) from Nabuclod, Mawacat and Camachile in Floridablanca town on Monday received an incentive from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources or DENR for their greening and reforestation project.

The P1.301-million check was handed over by Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer Rafael Otic to Capitol officials led by Governor Lilia Pineda.

6 Jan 2014 - 2 Taiwanese nabbed for drug possession

CLARK FREEPORT -- Two Taiwanese nationals were arrested by members of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) and Clark Interdiction team during an operation at Clark International Airport last December 31 for possession of illegal drugs.

Director Jeoffrey Tacio of Central Luzon PDEA identified the suspects as Lu Ping Jen and Cheng Yu Lung, both Taiwanese nationals.

6 Jan 2014 - Angeles prepares for APEC 2015

ANGELES CITY -- The City Government here is preparing to host some foreign participants for Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation or APEC 2015.

Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan said that the international leaders’ forum set in 2015 would not only be confined in Manila. He said that Central Luzon, including Clark Freeport, will also be key venues for the event.

6 Jan 2014 - Capitol keen on peace and order

PAMPANGA -- Governor Lilia Pineda said over the weekend that the Provincial Government is all-eyes on keeping peace and order in Pampanga, to show the world and the rest of the country that Kapampangans are peace-loving and disciplined.

The governor told Sun.Star Pampanga that the welfare and security of every Kapampangan family is foremost in her administration as well as that of the Provincial Board headed by Vice-Governor Dennis Pineda.

6 Jan 2014 - Farmers oppose Luisita eco-zone plan

CLARK FREEPORT -- Several farmers groups expressed their strong objection to the plan to convert Hacienda Luisita into an economic zone.

The Alyansa ng mga Magbubukid sa Gitnang Luzon (AMGL), together with the Alyansa ng Manggagawang Bukid sa Asyenda Luisita (Ambala), at the same time, condemned the alleged land grabbing and harassment of farmers particularly in Barangays Balete and Cutcut in Tarlac City.

5 Jan 2014 - Parul Sampernandu to join China lantern fest

PAMPANGA -- The Parul Sampernandu and its kin, the giant lanterns, will again make history, as they are the first-ever Asian participants in the exclusive and revered Xiamen traditional Chinese Lantern Festival.

The organizing committee of the Xiamen Lantern Festival and International Garden Show (circa 206 BC-AD 25 under the Western Han Dynasty), slated from February 2 to February 17 this year, has specifically chosen the City of San Fernando -- dubbed as Asia’s Christmas Capital by CNN because of its unique giant lanterns -- to give Chinese a peak of the local Parul Sampernandu, in the highly restricted show.

5 Jan 2014 - 2 kids in carnival accident recovering

ANGELES CITY -- The two children who were seriously injured in an accident at a carnival inside the Clark Freeport more than a week ago are now recuperating at the Angeles University Foundation Medical Center.

Shandei Lingat, 12, was already released from the hospital’s Intensive Care Unit (ICU) after undergoing several operations on her internal organs.

5 Jan 2014 - San Simon bags 2nd place in 2013 National eGov Awards

PAMPANGA -- This town has won second place in the 2013 eGov Awards under the “Best in eGov Business Empowerment (G2B)” category for its eTax Collections.

The awarding ceremony was held at the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) office in Quezon City. Mayor Leonora Capule-Wong received the award.

5 Jan 2014 - Sasmuan's 5-day dance ritual ends Yuletide season

PAMPANGA -- The traditional religious dance ritual here today (Monday) signals the end of the Christmas season, all the while ushering a tradition that brings people from all walks of life together in tumultuous dancing.

Starting on Monday (January 6), a mix crowd of devotees, people with disabilities and tourists will form part of the sea of participants to this year's “Kuraldal Atlung Ari.”

5 Jan 2014 - Folk to institutionalize Betis woodcarving festival

PAMPANGA -- The Municipal Government here is now set to institutionalize the woodcarving festival for its Betis district, famed for its wood craft, in a bid to promote the art to future generations.

Premier woodcarver Willy Layug said he has been in coordination with Mayor Dante Torres as they look at February as an ideal date for the yearly “Dukit Festival.”

4 Jan 2014 - San Fernando named Asia's Christmas Capital

PAMPANGA -- From being the "Christmas Capital of the Philippines," the City of San Fernando has been branded by CNN.com as "Asia's Christmas Capital" because of its "Parul Sampernandu" and giant lanterns.

In a recent report for CNN by Al Gerard Dela Cruz, the Fernandino giant lanterns, featured in a December 14 competition and a two-week exhibition and tour which culminated on January 3, were cited as the credence for the brand "Christmas Capital," even as the lantern industry here is a year-round activity.

4 Jan 2014 - Capitol helps thousands of students

PAMPANGA -- Some 2,240 students across Pampanga got much needed educational assistance and grants from Capitol in 2013.

This was disclosed on Friday by Acting Provincial Information Officer Joel Mapiles, who said that Governor Lilia Pineda has increased the number of grants for provincial government scholars taking up a variety of courses in colleges and universities in and outside the province.

4 Jan 2014 - Pampanga to see ‘Dukit’ in special screening

PAMPANGA -- The Kapampangan independent film "Dukit" will be shown this January in a special screening for fans in Pampanga after it carted off major awards in the recently concluded 39th Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) under the New Wave Category.

Lead actor Willy Layug, who won Best Actor, said that they plan to show the film this January at SM City Pampanga and and SM City Clark pending schedules of its cast and director who will be also providing a press conference with local film fans and media.

4 Jan 2014 - Bigger 2014 GLF mulled

PAMPANGA -- Come December this year, the world might see a bigger Giant Lantern Festival (GLF) in this city.

This was disclosed by 2013 GLF Executive Committee chairman Engr. Marni Castro on Friday, who said that from last year’s 10 participants in the renowned “Ligligan Parul” will possibly increase to 15.

4 Jan 2014 - Hunt on for New Year’s Eve gunmen

MABALACAT CITY -- At least three suspects are now being pursued by local police here after a shooting incident resulting from a firecracker brawl.

Police reports said that around 10:00 p.m. of December 31, a shooting incident transpired at 067 Butarol, Barangay Mamatitang here involving siblings Jerwin Columna, 31; Jinky Columna, 23; and Dominador Tolentino, 44 and their neighbors led by Joseph Estanislao.

4 Jan 2014 - Tandem riders rob meat shop

PAMPANGA -- Unidentified armed men riding-in-tandem carted away an undetermined amount of sales collection of a meat shop recently in Barangay San Isidro in the City of San Fernando.

In a belated report here, the two suspects pretended as customers and entered the Fresh Options Meatv Shop along MacArthur Highway in the said barangay.