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Balibago News Feb-2014

28 Feb 2014 - Angeles sees P61M savings from waste segregation

ANGELES CITY -- If things go perfectly well, the City Government here said that it can save at least P61 million a year if its intensive waste segregation program succeeds as it battles the serious problem on garbage.

Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan said that the city, as a natural consequence of its rapid progress and economic activity, has been generating garbage at an average of 561 grams per person. Multiplying this with the current 390,000 population of the city, the local government would have to deal with 212 tons of garbage on a daily basis.

28 Feb 2014 - Capitol spends P342M for infra in 7 towns

PAMPANGA -- The Provincial Government spent P342,358,509 for its infrastructure projects for the past years in the seven municipalities where the “Kapitolyo sa Barangay” program was initially held.

The “Kapitolyo Sa Barangay” has been conducted in the municipalities of Lubao, Sasmuan, San Simon, Minalin, Sto. Tomas, Sta Ana and Magalang this month aimed at bringing the social services more accessible to the Kapampangans and closer to the communities.

28 Feb 2014 - Judge breaks record in human trafficking case

ANGELES CITY -- Regional Trial Court branch 59 presiding Judge Maria Angelica Paras Quiambao made a record-breaking move for handing out a decision on a human trafficking case in only nine months.

The case involved Esmeraldo “Jay” T. Amurao and Marilyn “Lyn” Valencia who were found guilty of peddling five minors and one woman to local and foreign customers.

28 Feb 2014 - Two drug pushers busted

PAMPANGA -- Two suspected drug pushers were arrested in a buy-bust operation in Barangay Ascomo, Guagua town on Thursday.

In a report here, Senior Superintendent Oscar Albayalde, Pampanga police provincial director, said that Milson Torno alias Ka Batog, 29, a resident of Barangay Ascomo, and Noel Tolentino, 33, a resident of Bel Air, Sta. Rosa, Laguna, were arrested by the Pampanga Anti-Illegal Drugs Operation Task Force led by Chief Inspector Josemarie Basa, together with Senior Inspector Michael Masangkay during the buy-bust operation.

28 Feb 2014 - DOH-3 creates regional lab

PAMPANGA -- Government and private hospital officials in Central Luzon, together with hospital directors, pathologists, and medical technologists, recently established a Regional Laboratory Network (RLN) here.

The RLN is a way of extending services and help to those in need of medical assistance even when hospitals are damaged by natural disasters.

28 Feb 2014 - Tandem riders shoot Brit

MABALACAT City, Pampanga -- A British national,Alcwyn Denis Payne, 64, and his Filipina fiancée, Norma Silvano Bernilla, 53, luckily survived after they were shot several times by riding-in-tandem criminals who also robbed them in front of Puregold Supermarket in Bgy. Dau, here, on Monday.

Payne sustained three bullet wounds in the right chest while Bernilla was hit above her right chest

28 Feb 2014 - Midnight Rock Bar robbed last night

ANGELES CITY -- Last night around 12:30 am right around closing time 4 armed robbers stormed into the Bar.

Owner and staff were robbed at Gun point.

27 Feb 2014 - OWWA launches scholarship Program for OFW dependants

PAMPANGA -- The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) Central Luzon office is now accepting applications for the overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) Dependent Scholarship Program (ODSP) for the school year 2014-2015.

Maria Lourdes V. Reyes, OWWA Central Luzon director, said the ODSP is offered to dependents of active OWWA members who receive monthly salaries of not more than US$ 400.

27 Feb 2014 - Business group upset over Korean spot

PAMPANGA -- The Pampanga Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (PamCham) is complaining about the alleged restrictions being imposed by the management of Puning Hot Springs Resort in Sacobia, stressing that such action hinders "economic progress."

PamCham vice chairman Rene Romero, who wrote Governor Lilia Pineda about the resort last February 26, said that their complaints stemmed from an upcoming activity on March 2 and March 8 with Marc Soong of the Land Rover Philippines and the Land Rover Club of the Philippines coordinating two weekend trips to Pampanga at the Puning Hot Springs trail in Sapang Bato.

27 Feb 2014 - Guv wants ‘all out’ promo of Pampanga tourism sites

PAMPANGA -- Lubao town in Pampanga is host to the one of the country's oldest Roman Catholic churches and it also holds the distinction as hometown of the two former Philippine presidents, one of whom is the incumbent solon of Pampanga's second congressional district.

Governor Lilia Pineda, who hails from Lubao and was the town's former three-term mayor, on Monday announced that she is tapping the “unique expertise and talents” of artist Peter De Vera of Angeles City for the aggressive promotion of premiere tourism sites in Pampanga, including the St. Augustine Parish Church established in 1572. The 442-year-old Lubao church in Barangay San Nicolas 1st is the oldest in Pampanga.

27 Feb 2014 - Police to establish anti-hijacking checkpoints

PAMPANGA -- The Police Regional Office-3 (PRO3) will establish a total of 142 PNP anti-hijacking checkpoints in all trucking routes in Central Luzon.

During the Anti-Hijacking Summit held at the Multi-Purpose hall here on Wednesday, PRO3 director Chief Superintendent Raul Petrasanta said that the PNP anti-hijacking checkpoints will be established in all trucking routes and from end to end of the region.

27 Feb 2014 - Morales orders police chief to work on crime prevention

MABALACAT CITY -- Mayor Marino "Boking" Morales has directed the chief of police in this city to intensify their crime prevention program amidst rampant robbery incidents in the city.

Morales issued the directive following a robbery incident where a British national and his girlfriend were seriously injured.

27 Feb 2014 - Binay: Decriminalize libel

MABALACAT CITY -- Vice President Jejomar Binay said he supports moves decriminalizing libel.

However, the Vice President stressed that he agrees with the Supreme Court decision upholding the constitutionality of the online libel provision in Republic Act 10175 or the Cybercrime Prevention Act.

27 Feb 2014 - KDF hosts nursery management seminar

The Kapampangan Development Foundation (KDF) will be hosting a free seminar on mango nursery and orchard management on February 28 to March 1 at the Benigno Aquino Hall here for farmers and aspiring entrepreneurs.

The event is made possible through the Department of Agriculture (DA) and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). The KDF is encouraging local farmers to participate in the seminar designed to increase agriculture productivity.

27 Feb 2014 - SM City Pampanga to raise funds for Bohol churches

PAMPANGA -- SM City Pampanga will be hosting a photo exhibit aimed at raising funds and promoting awareness on the need to rebuild and rehabilitate the historic and culturally important Bohol churches which were destroyed by an earthquake last year.

The fund-raising exhibit for the rehabilitation of Bohol churches dubbed "Sights and Sounds of Bohol," will be opened on April 11 to 15.

27 Feb 2014 - Search is on for outstanding public servants

PAMPANGA -- The Civil Service Commission (CSC) Regional Office in Central Luzon is now accepting nominations for the 2014 Search for Outstanding Public Officials and Employees.

The 2014 Search for Outstanding Public Officials and Employees forms part of CSC’s Honor Awards Program (HAP), and has three award categories: the Presidential Lingkod Bayan, Pag-asa and Dangal ng Bayan awards.

26 Feb 2014 - Caragan to become an annual festival

CLARK FREEPORT -- Mayor Marino "Boking" Morales and the City Council headed by Vice Mayor Christian Halili announced Wednesday that Mabalacat City's widely acclaimed Caragan Festival will be institutionalized to prevent it from suffering the fate of the similarly popular Ibon Ebon Festival of Candaba, Pampanga.

In a breakfast forum at this Freeport, Morales stressed that he will ask the City Council to pass an ordinance making the festival an annual activity.

26 Feb 2014 - Teen actor, 3 others arrested for ‘grass’

A teen actor and three others were arrested by combined operatives of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), Angeles City Public Safety Company and 302nd Air Force Intelligence while in the act of smoking marijuana during the International Music Festival held at Clark Freeport, Sunday.

PDEA-Central Luzon Director Jeoffrey Tacio identified the arrested as Keith Thompson of the TV series "Galema," a resident of Angeles City; Juan Paulo Serafica, 19, of Quezon City; Geano Dionisio, 23, also of Quezon City, and a 17-year-old, of Mabalacat City, Pampanga.

26 Feb 2014 - Binay: Zapanta will be saved

MABALACAT CITY --- As the new deadline nears, Vice President Jejomar Binay said he is growing more optimistic that Overseas Filipino Worker Joselito Zapanta, a native of Pampanga, will be spared from the death sentence.

"[I am] officially and personally optimistic that it will be a successful story," the Vice President said.

26 Feb 2014 - San Fernando benchmarks former senator’s organic farm

PAMPANGA -- Government officials here have found an ally in former senator Francis Pangilinan in its advocacy for a greener and healthier city as they visited his organic farm in Alfonso, Cavite Tuesday.

This city’s Mayor Edwin Santiago led officials in their visit to the Sweet Spring Country Farm owned and maintained by the former senator.

26 Feb 2014 - DA releases P100M response fund

PAMPANGA -- Some P100 million has been released for the rehabilitation and assistance programs for farmers and facilities affected by Typhoon Santi, attention on which was previously overshadowed by Super Typhoon Yolanda late last year.

DA Regional Director Andrew Villacorta said that the fund has been used for hybrid seed assistance to farmers in the latest cropping season.

24 Feb 2014 - San Fernando sets war versus drugs

PAMPANGA -- This capital city is now set to tap its multi-sectoral partners, the local police and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) as it sets to implement a renewed anti-drugs campaign here.

Mayor Edwin Santiago told Sun.Star Pampanga that the initiative will bring together the private and government sectors in its two-pronged approach against illegal drugs.

24 Feb 2014 - Optimization of Subic to complete ‘golden triangle'

PAMPANGA -- Top businessman and Pampanga Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (PamCham) chairman Emeritus Levy P. Laus shared over the weekend that optimizing the use of the seaport in Subic will complete the "golden triangle," which encompasses Central, North and South Luzon.

After he, officials of PamCham and other business executives from the region met Senator Alan Peter Cayetano for a countryside development plan contained in the latter’s report "Inclusive Growth Means Looking Beyond Metro Manila," last Friday at the Laus Group headquarters in this city, the idea of maximizing the potential of Subic seaport was brought up.

24 Feb 2014 - Ex-TRC chief links Candaba mayor to pork barrel scam

PAMPANGA -- Former Technology Resource Center (TRC) chief Dennis Cunanan has "linked" Candaba Mayor Rene Maglanque to the "pork barrel" or Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) scam.

In his affidavit, Cunanan stated that former Department of Transportation and Communication Assistant Secretary and the now mayor allegedly escorted Janet Lim-Napoles in his office sometime 2006 and 2007.

24 Feb 2014 - Guv ‘goes home’ to celebrate birthday

PAMPANGA -- The mother of Governor Lilia Pineda joined her daughter at the Holy Mass in their native village here during the governor's 63rd birthday celebration activities and wished her more years of public service and good health to continue helping some two million Pampanga residents.

This, as Vice President Jejomar Binay came to greet Pineda and joined her in the market tour and “boodle fight” at the Sta. Cruz Public Market in front of the church considered miraculous due to their patron saint and Holy Cross relic.

24 Feb 2014 - Pamintuan: New hospital wing to boost RLMMC

ANGELES CITY -- This city's Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan is optimistic that the operations of the Rafael Lazatin Memorial Medical Center (formerly known as Ospital Ning Angeles) will become more sustainable as it opened a P50-million annex building here on Monday.

Pamintuan said that the new facility will cater to patients who can afford private rooms and those with Philhealth coverage. The new facility is equipped with 28 private rooms, one isolation room and also houses the chemotherapy infusion section, ophthalmology section, and cardiology section, among others. The building has some seven outpatient clinic offices.

24 Feb 2014 - Sugar mill worker electrocuted

PAMPANGA -- A worker of the Pampanga Sugar Development Company (Pasudeco) died after he was accidentally electrocuted while catching fish at the compound of the company in Barangay San Juan, City of San Fernando, over the weekend.

In a report here, Superintendent Frederick Petillano, Officer-In-Charge of City Police, identified the victim as Alvin Mamangun, 43, a resident of sitio Centro of the said barangay and working as mechanic at Pasudeco.

24 Feb 2014 - 28 tons of imported wheat hijacked

PAMPANGA -- A forty-footer container truck carrying 28 tons of imported wheat was hijacked by a group of unidentified armed men along the bypass road in Sta. Cruz, Lubao on Monday.

Mexico Police Chief Samuel Sevilla said that the suspects left the truck's driver, Jonathan Mesa, and two helpers, Rejie Mesa and Renz John Aposaga, at Barangay San Nicolas in Mexico town, before finally fleeing with the truck and its load.

23 Feb 2014 - Congress okays Clark airport conversion

CLARK FREEPORT -- The proposal of Pampanga Representative Joseller Guiao (first district) to convert the Clark International Airport Corporation (CIAC) into an “authority” was approved over the weekend by the House of Representatives’ Committees on Transportation and Privatization and Government Enterprises.

Once converted into an authority, CIAC will have its own charter that will be beneficial to Kapampangans and the entire Central Luzon region, Guiao said.

23 Feb 2014 - Arroyo proposes Rural Teacher Retention Act

PAMPANGA -- Representative Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo (second district), together with her son Camarines Sur Representative Diosdado Macapagal-Arroyo, proposed House Bill No. 3033 which shall be known as “Rural Teacher Retention Act of 2013.”

The bill seeks to establish a program that will provide financial assistance to qualified provinces in order to create an incentive system for our highly qualified teachers who shall commit to stay and teach for at least three years.

23 Feb 2014 - DSWD, Pamcham ink pact with KDF

PAMPANGA -- The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and the Pampanga Chamber of Commerce (PamCham) signed a memorandum of agreement over the weekend on the implementation of social service and medical programs in the province.

The signing was done by DSWD Secretary Dinky Soliman, PamCham president Jim Jimenez and KDF Trustee Sylvia Ordonez at the Regional Government Center in Maimpis.

22 Feb 2014 - Lawyer: Arroyo very frail

CLARK FREEPORT -- Lawyer Raul Lambino said that former President and now Pampanga second district Representative Gloria Macapagal Arroyo is very sick.

The lawyer issued the statement to newsmen covering the 43rd General Membership Meeting and Induction of New Members of the Pampanga Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc. (PamCham) here last Thursday.

22 Feb 2014 - 630 families get lot certificates

PAMPANGA -- Vice President Jejomar Binay on Friday led the distribution of Certificates of Lot Award (CELAs) to 630 occupants of non-core properties of the Philippine National Railways (PNR) in Floridablanca.

The 630 families are beneficiaries of the Housing and Urban Development Council's (HUDCC) socialized housing program by virtue of Executive Order (EO) 48, series of 2001.

22 Feb 2014 - Santiago to lead commemoration of Edsa People Power revolt

PAMPANGA -- Mayor Edwin Santiago will lead Fernandinos in the commemoration of the 28th anniversary of the Edsa People Power Revolution during the City Government's flag raising ceremony on Monday at 8 a.m. in front of the City Hall here.

As a symbol of unity, Vice Mayor Jaime Lazatin and the 5th City Council, will honor the remarkable event in the history of the country.

22 Feb 2014 - HAU, CAMI to hold breakfast forum

ANGELES CITY -- Lawyer Arnel Paciano D. Casanova, the president and CEO of the Bases Conversion Development Authority (BCDA), is the featured speaker in the first kapihan breakfast forum at the Café Juan of Holy Angel University on February 28 at 8:30 a.m.

Organized by the Manila-based group Capampangans in Media Inc. (CAMI) in partnership with the University, the monthly kapihan will henceforth be named Batirulan qng Café Juan from the root word batirul, which refers to the wooden whisk used in beating native chocolate to a froth before serving as tsokolati king batirul, a favorite Kapampangan breakfast drink.

22 Feb 2014 - Arayat’s most wanted nabbed

PAMPANGA -- An alleged former member of the Alejandrino Private Armed Group with a standing warrant of arrest for murder was arrested in his house in Barangay Bano, Arayat town on Wednesday.

Chief Superintendent Raul Petrasanta, Police Regional Office-3 director, identified the suspect as Engie Galang, the number one most wanted person in Arayat town.

21 Feb 2014 - Cops bag suspect in double murder

PAMPANGA -- Police arrested on Thursday the alleged killer of a retired teacher and her daughter in Barangay Pulong Masle, Guagua town.

Senior Superintendent Oscar Albayalde, Pampanga police provincial director, identified the suspect in the gruesome double murder as Geoffrey Dionisio, 37, a resident of Sitio Duat, Barangay Pulong Masle, Guagua.

21 Feb 2014 - 7107 IMF unfolds in Clark

CLARK FREEPORT -- The 7107 International Music Festival (7107 IMF) unfolds Saturday at the Global Gateway Logistics City (GGLC) inside the Clark Freeport Zone.

7107 posted on their Facebook page the line-up of the performers which includes Red Hot Chili Peppers, Empire of the Sun, The Asteriods Galaxy Tour, Red Jumpsuit Aparatus, and local bands like Up Dharma Down, Radio Active Sago Project and many more.

21 Feb 2014 - Guv works on natal day with Binay

PAMPANGA -- Governor Lilia Pineda shied away from the usual party celebrations on her birthday Friday and went to celebrate the special occasion with her constituents in Pampanga's second district with Vice President Jejomar Binay.

Pineda started her day with a Thanksgiving Mass at the Holy Cross Parish in her home village of Sta. Cruz where she was joined by son Vice-Governor Dennis Pineda, daughter Lubao Mayor Mylene Cayabyab and Pampanga's various police chiefs and mayors.

21 Feb 2014 - CDC dared to take advantage of APEC

CLARK FREEPORT -- An official of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) urged the Clark Development Corporation (CDC) to take advantage of the visit of 21 ambassadors from member countries of Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) on March 8.

In an interview during the Clark in Action, a public affairs radio program of CDC, DFA Undersecretary Lula Quiambao Del Rosario said, "The potential of (Clark) is really tremendous and think we can do a lot, not only on tourism, but also in the field of services and leisure."

21 Feb 2014 - Palafox hits tree cutting along MacArthur Highway

CLARK FREEPORT --- Architect Felino "Jun" Palafox Jr., a world-renowned urban planner and developer, assailed the government particularly the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) for cutting century-old acacia trees along the MacArthur Highway or Manila North Road to give way for the widening of the national artery.

Palafox said the DPWH should have revised the road design in order to save the trees.

21 Feb 2014 - DTI gets good ratings from 2013 SWS survey

PAMPANGA -- The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) here reported that it received favorable ratings from the result of the 2013 SWS Survey of Enterprises on Corruption.

This was raveled in the Good Governance Summit held at the Philippine International Convention Center in Pasay City.

20 Feb 2014 - American tourist found dead

ANGELES CITY -- An American tourist identified as Donald Calvin Duffy, 87, was found dead inside his apartment in Bgy. Malabanias, here last Wednesday.

A security guard of Daniellas Place Apartment along Clarkview Avenue reported to the police that he had seen the American motionless and appeared to be dead at 4 p.m. by peeping through an open window.

20 Feb 2014 - PamCham: Develop regional growth centers

CLARK FREEPORT -- The Pampanga Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (PamCham), under the leadership of chairman emeritus Levy Laus and president Jim Jimenez, has called on national government leaders to develop regional growth centers to decongest Metro Manila.

This was aired during the chamber’s 43rd General Membership Meeting and Induction of New Officers, dubbed Decongest Metro Manila For Country’s Sake. Develop Countryside Growth Center, at the Holiday Inn Clark yesterday.

20 Feb 2014 - Former teacher burned to death, daughter killed

PAMPANGA -- A former teacher was burned to death while her daughter was also killed by still unidentified armed men who forcibly entered their house in Barangay Pulung Masle, Guagua, Pampanga, Wednesday afternoon.

Chief Superintendent Raul Petrasanta, Police Regional Office-3 director, identified the fatalities as Adelaide Santos, 67, and her daughter Ivy, 29, both from the said barangay.

20 Feb 2014 - AFP chief orders reinvestigation on Kapampangan cadet’s dismissal

PAMPANGA -- Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief of staff General Emmanuel Bautista has ordered a reinvestigation on the dismissal of Cadet 1st Class Aldrin Jeff Cudia from the Philippine Military Academy (PMA).

Cudia, a native of Arayat, is set to graduate in March as No. 2 in his class at the PMA in Baguio City. He is about to join the Philippine Navy and was also picked as the deputy baron of his class.

20 Feb 2014 - SAFRU ready for floods

PAMPANGA -- The City of San Fernando's Rescue Unit or SAFRU is ready for floods.

This, as members of the SAFRU participated recently in the Disaster Emergency Search and Rescue sponsored Transom Rescue Boat Handling held at the Poblacion in Sto. Tomas town.

20 Feb 2014 - Guv still zesty at 63

PAMPANGA -- Governor Lilia Pineda is well into her senior years, at 63 on Friday, she is still that zesty female official since she started out as a public servant in her home town Lubao.

Pineda usually starts her day early, and when she says early, she would actually show up at least an hour ahead in her appointments and events driving tardy local officials crazy just to catch up with her.

20 Feb 2014 - Pineda assists pottery makers of Sto. Tomas

PAMPANGA -- Gomer Regala of Barangay Sto. Nino Sapa has been a small-time pottery maker in this town for more than 20 years.

One of Pampanga's smallest towns in terms of population and land area is popular for the multi-million coffin industry and the pottery making exported in many parts of Asia.

20 Feb 2014 - Robbery group arrested in Angeles City

ANGELES CITY -- Six members of the so-called Sagario group involved in robbery and abduction were arrested by the Regional Special Operations Group (RSOG) in Barangay Balibago, Angeles City on Wednesday.

Chief Superintendent Raul Petrasanta, Police Regional Office-3 director, identified the arrested suspects as Roy Sagario, native of Cagayan de Oro City, the alleged leader of the group; Jerson Glen Maquilan and Geanly, both natives of Koronadal, South Cotabato; Gerardo Lerios, a native of Daram, Samar; and Chito Yano, also a native of Samar. All suspects are temporary residents of Barangay Balibago, Angeles City and Adrian Pineda of Angeles City.

19 Feb 2014 - US rape suspect arrested

LA UNION -- An American national charged with two counts of first degree rape in the United States was arrested Saturday at his residence in Barangay Pagdalagan Sur here.

Police operatives, together with Bureau of Immigration agents, arrested Philip Vaughl Cox, 53, said Chief Inspector George Depalog, the town’s police chief.

19 Feb 2014 - Korean Tourist shot

ANGELES CITY -- A South Korean tourist died after he was shot by one of two men on a motorcycle in Barangay Anunas in this city on Tuesday night, police said.

Investigators said the victim, Her Tae Suk, 65, was walking toward the Prism Hotel on Clarkview Avenue with three other Koreans at 7:45 p.m. when the assailants approached them and shot Her several times with a 9mm Pistol.

18 Feb 2014 - Exec eyes benefits on sisterhood pact

PAMPANGA -- San Fernando Vice Mayor Jimmy Lazatin on Monday said that the sisterhood understanding between the City Government and the County of Honolulu in Hawaii will usher in possibilities for economic investment and cascading of best practices in government.

The city and the County of Honolulu in Hawaii signed a sisterhood agreement over the weekend. Pampanga's capital city also conferred upon Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell and Philippine Consul General Julius Torres the title "Distinguished Adopted Son" of the city.

18 Feb 2014 - Lazatin to Pamintuan: Stop blaming others, solve garbage problem

ANGELES CITY -- "Instead of blaming my father’s administration which ended seven years ago, I advised and urged Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan to put his acts together, solve the garbage problem in Angeles City now."

Thus, said Councilor Carmelo "Pogi" Lazatin Jr. on the statement of City Administrator Dennis Albert Pamintuan.

18 Feb 2014 - Binay thanks blood money donors for Kabalen OFW

MABALACAT CITY -- Vice President Jejomar Binay thanked individuals who heeded the call for help in raising blood money needed to spare overseas Filipino worker Joselito Zapanta from the death penalty.

"There have been many people, especially among our own kababayans, who have expressed their intention to help. While they choose to remain anonymous, their kindness has gone a long way in raising the amount needed to save Zapanta," Binay said.

18 Feb 2014 - CCA to open English subject for Koreans

ANGELES CITY -- The City College of Angeles (CCA) will open an English class this school year exclusively for Koreans who wish to develop their English communicative ability.

"Korean students will be charged of tuition fees for the school to generate revenue," said Averell Laquindanum, president of the CCA.

18 Feb 2014 - Group holds disaster preparedness seminar

PAMPANGA -- The "Save the Children" has conducted a seminar on Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) in Minalin, Pampanga in a bid to educate local officials and residents about disaster preparedness.

The seminar started last Monday and it will end Wednesday at Lola Corazon Leisure Farm in Candaba.

18 Feb 2014 - PRO3 to establish incident command posts

PAMPANGA -- An Incident Command Post (ICP) will be established in disaster or calamity stricken areas in Central Luzon for the conduct of direct, on-scene control of tactical operations and incident planning.

This was announced by Chief Superintendent Raul Petrasanta, director of Central Luzon Police, during Monday's flag raising ceremony in this camp.

18 Feb 2014 - 2 Aetas killed in Porac town

PAMPANGA -- Police are now hunting down an Aeta for shooting and killing two other Aeta Tribe members in Barangay Camias, Porac, Pampanga, on Sunday.

Superintendent Neil Miro, chief of police of Porac, said that a team of police is tracking down the Toning Aboque, 50, a resident of said village.

17 Feb 2014 - Loboc Children’s Choir raises P2.2M for church rehab

PAMPANGA -- The Loboc Children’s Choir was able to raise some P2.2 million from their two concerts in Angeles City, exceeding previous targets, as Pampanga's private and business sectors came in to help.

The world renowned and multi-awarded Loboc Children's Choir where in the province last February 14 and 15 to raise funds for the rehabilitation of the historic Loboc church, which was destroyed by the magnitude 7.2 earthquake that hit Bohol last year.

17 Feb 2014 - Ask your dad, Lazatin advised

ANGELES CITY -- City Administrator Dennis Albert Pamintuan on Monday said Carmelo "Pogi" Lazatin should better ask his father, former city mayor for nine years Carmelo Sr., why there was no foresight and strategic plan in addressing the city's garbage disposal problem.

"We recall that as early as the administration of Mayor Lazatin Sr., the area was already utilized as a composting facility, which means that pollutants could have already seeped into the ground at that time," said Pamintuan, referring to the Material Recovery Facility (MRF) situated in a populated area in Barangay Pampang.

17 Feb 2014 - Palace on Maglanque: Think twice

PAMPANGA -- Malacanang on Monday said that Candaba Mayor Rene Maglanque should think twice before removing the famous Ibon-Ebon (Bird-Egg) Festival in his town.

Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said Maglanque should set aside politics and think of the benefits that his town will get from the festival.

17 Feb 2014 - BIR-Central Luzon targets P21B collection for 2014

PAMPANGA -- The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) in Central Luzon is now set to collect some P21 billion in revenue collection for the whole of 2014, BIR Regional Director Aracelli Francisco said.

This came after the BIR bared Monday its priority projects for the region in line with the national target of P1.456 trillion target for 2014.

17 Feb 2014 - Caragan Festival set on February 28

MABALACAT CITY -- Officials here announced Monday that a bigger and more festive Caragan Festival is slated on February 28.

The festival, which is held every fourth week of February as part of the month-long feast celebration, is expected to draw thousands of tourists.

17 Feb 2014 - Mayor orders color-coding of Porac tricycles

PAMPANGA -- Mayor Condralito dela Cruz on Monday said that he has ordered the color-coding of passenger tricycles in this town in an effort to promote local security and prevent lawless elements from using tricycles in their criminal activities here.

"Though there was no enabling ordinance we were able to convince the leaders of the various tricycle associations here to have their vehicles color-coded so that we can implement better monitoring," Vice Mayor Dexter David added.

17 Feb 2014 - Clark to host international motor show

CLARK FREEPORT -- The Clark International Motor Show (CIMS) 2014, an event that will feature the finest line up of cars and motorcycles in the country, will be held in Clark Parade Grounds and Clark International Speedway on February 20 to 23.

The four-day event will include activities such as "The Extreme Auto Fashion" wherein different cars with amazing features and extraordinary details will be competing. There will also be "CIMS R/C Drift Challenge" for mini cars and track.

16 Feb 2014 - Garbage poses threat to residents' health

ANGELES CITY, Pampanga - The huge pile of garbage at the Material Recovery Facility (MRF) in Barangay Pampanga may pose a threat to the safety of residents, said a local official.

Councilor Carmelo Lazatin Jr. said that hazardous substances coming from the garbage may seep into the soil and may pollute the ground water. The MRF is located near a public market and residential areas.

16 Feb 2014 - Briton nabbed for rape, child abuse

ANGELES CITY - A British national was arrested for allegedly raping a 14-year-old girl inside his bar in Barangay Balibago.

Gary Sulivan, 58, and his bar caretaker, Cristi Artigo, are now detained at the Angeles City Police Station for abusing Aika (real name withheld), who is from Cutcut.

16 Feb 2014 - Groups hold medical mission

The Love For Life Foundation ( LFLF) and the Datu Angeles David Memorial Foundation (DADMF) held its annual medical dental and eye care mission at Barangay Castuli, Makabebe town.

The event was in cooperation with the Kapampangan Development Foundation (KDF) and the Jesus A Datu Medical Center (JADMC) and benefited some 500 patient beneficiaries coming from the indigent sector of the town.

16 Feb 2014 - Korean church extends help to Mabalacat folk

MABALACAT CITY -- The Kambukdong Church members based in South Korea participated in a medical mission under Crystal Church.

The five-day mission was led by Pastor Moon Hee Kim. The religious group, which was in the Philippines from February 9 to 13, donated clothes and food to the residents.

15 Feb 2014 - Central Luzon farmers: Repeal CARP anew

MABALACAT CITY -- Farmers in Central Luzon reiterated their demand from the government to repeal Republic Act 6657 or Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (Carp) and Republic Act 9700 (Carp Extension with Reforms (Carper).

The Alyansa ng mga Magbubukid sa Gitnang Luson (AMGL) and its affiliates Alyansa ng Manggagawang Bukid sa Asyenda Luisita (Ambala) and Panlalawigang Alyansa ng Magbubukid sa Aurora (Pamana) expressed their strong opposition against the implementation of the agrarian laws.

15 Feb 2014 - Village officials order closure of Porac ‘dump site’

PAMPANGA -- A junk shop operating as a garbage "dump site" in Barangay Manibaug, Porac was ordered closed by village officials after residents complained of foul odor coming from the said facility.

Barangay chairman Adrian Carreon said that the Lumanlan Junk Shop, which is located in a residential area, reportedly violated environmental laws, since it was operating as an open dumpsite.

15 Feb 2014 - Lubao town to host hot air balloon fest this April

CLARK FREEPORT -- The Philippine International Balloon Festival 2014 is scheduled on April 10–13 in Lubao town, some 33 kilometers away from the traditional venue in Clark International Airport.

Noel Castro Jr., chairman of the newly-established Pilipinas International Balloon Festival Inc., said that the annual festival has been moved to its new location in view of the current aviation traffic in Clark where 10 international and domestic airlines now fly and operate.

15 Feb 2014 - Koreans offer social welfare mission for indigents

CLARK FREEPORT -- Twenty-two Korean students, who are currently studying English in CNK International Academy in Clark, held a social welfare mission for the indigents in Sitio Monicayo Elementary School on Friday.

The students, all from Hanyang University in South Korea, taught math to elementary students. They also had a feeding program and gave school supplies to the indigents, most of them Aetas. They also took time to play games with them. The 22 were accompanied by some of their teachers in the said academy.

15 Feb 2014 - Farm worker found dead inside manhole

PAMPANGA -- A farm maintenance boy was found dead in a 30-foot deep manhole at the Nucleus farm in Barangay Sto. Rosario, Capas, Tarlac, over the weekend.

Reports identified the victim as one Richard Canonizado, 25, a resident of Barangay Sto. Cristo, Capas town and working as farm worker of said farm.

14 Feb 2014 - Nemesis Bar raided

PAMPANGA -- Last night around midnight Club Nemesis in Balibago was raided by PNP forces.

Employees were taken to San Fernando for further questioning.

14 Feb 2014 - Bishop dismayed over ‘ransom’ of Betis ivory image

PAMPANGA -- Auxiliary Bishop Pablo Virgilio David on Friday expressed his dismay over the lack of investigation on stolen ivory image of the Child Jesus in Betis, which has been recently recovered and returned by a certain antique collector who purchased it in Manila.

It could be remembered that a certain Tom Joven allegedly tracked down the revered image of Child Jesus of Virgen de la Correa through his network of collector-friends. He allegedly eventually purchased the ivory parts, minus the wooden body, for P170,000.

14 Feb 2014 - PHL envoy to Hawaii declared as San Fernando’s adopted son

PAMPANGA -- Consul General of the Philippines to Hawaii, Julius D. Torres, was declared as a “Distinguished Adopted Son” of this city, Vice Mayor Jimmy Lazatin said.

This came after the City Council moved to award the recognition on Torres “for his promotion of the Parul Sampernandinu of the City of San Fernando.” The recognition is partly due to the successful “Annual Parol Festival in Hawaii,” which started in 2012 was attributed to the initiatives of the Philippine Community in Hawaii through the efforts of Hon. Torres.

14 Feb 2014 - Ibon-Ebon Festival still listed on DOT website

PAMPANGA -- Candaba town's Ibon-Ebon Festival is still listed on the website of the Department of Tourism (DOT) despite the earlier announcement of Mayor Rene Maglanque that the festival will be scrapped this year.

The said festival has been running for six consecutive years and celebrated during the first week of February under the leadership of former Candaba Mayor Jerry Pelayo. It drew attention to the catch-basin town of Central Luzon and placed the town in the country's tourism radar.

14 Feb 2014 - PPPO observes anti-child abuse week

PAMPANGA -- The Pampanga Police Provincial Office (PPPO) observed the 17th National Awareness Week for the Prevention of Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation also known as Child Sexual Awareness Week (CSAAW), which started last February 9.

Personnel from Pampanga Police Community Relations branch led by Superintendent Juritz Rara initiated a school visit and dialogue with some students of San Jose Panlumancan Elementary School.

13 Feb 2014 - 2 more Pampanga towns go digital on RPT collection

PAMPANGA -- The Municipal Governments of Mexico and San Simon on Thursday embraced German-made Integrated Taxation Management System (iTAX) that aims to boost local Real Property Tax (RPT) and bring in millions in local revenues.

Pineda led the launching of the iTax systems in Mexico and San Simon towns. The German-made system aims to fully solve problems in RPT computations and fully digitalize other tax collections in the municipality. The iTax was initially implemented in Minalin and Sta. Rita in 2013 and will also be implemented in other parts of the province these coming months.

13 Feb 2014 - Senate to summon Ducut over pork barrel scam

PAMPANGA -- Former Pampanga lawmaker and now Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) Chief Zenaida Ducut was summoned by Senate Blue Ribbon committee to attend the next hearing on pork barrel scam.

Senator Antonio Trillanes IV who moved to subpoena Ducut together with actor Mat Ranillo, Justa Tantoco and lawyer Jess Santos.

13 Feb 2014 - Honolulu mayor declared as CSF’s adopted son

PAMPANGA -- The State of Hawaii's Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell was declared as a "distinguished adopted son of San Fernando" for his support to the City Government here, Vice Mayor Jimmy Lazatin said.

Lazatin said that the Sangguniang Panlungsod moved to award the recognition on Caldwell for the latter's "sincere gesture of friendship, camaraderie, cooperation and appreciation of the city officials of San Fernando."

13 Feb 2014 - 2 dead bodies found in Candaba

PAMPANGA -- The remains of two male individuals believed to be victims of summary execution were recovered in a rice field in Barangay San Agustin here, Tuesday.

Reports said that the unidentified victims were hogtied with wires and sustained several gunshot wounds on their heads, chests and stomachs.

13 Feb 2014 - Police seize 2,000 bottles of fake cooking oil

PAMPANGA -- Some 2,000 bottles of fake Taal cooking oil were confiscated by policemen and representatives of Malabon Oil and Soap Industrial Company Inc. in a joint operation in a public market in Barangay Poblacion in Floridablanca town.

Pampanga police provincial director Senior Superintendent Oscar Albayalde reported that there were three persons arrested while in the act of selling several boxes of Taal oil in the said public market and its retailers.

13 Feb 2014 - Police identify suspects in Angeles kidnapping, robbery

ANGELES CITY -- The suspects in the alleged robbery and kidnapping of employees at the Boracay Massage Hotel last February 5 have been identified through follow-up operations in a remote place in Barangay Sapang Bato here.

Station 4 Police Chief Inspector Romeo Castro said that the identity of the owner of the vehicle used by the suspects have been known by authorities shortly after the incident happened.

12 Feb 2014 - OFW given new lease on life

MABALACAT CITY -- Vice-President Jejomar Binay said Wednesday that Kapampangan Overseas Filipino worker Joselito Zapanta has been given another month to raise the blood money needed to spare him from the death penalty in Saudi Arabia.

Zapanta, who hails from Cabalantian in Bacolor, Pampanga, was sentenced to death after killing Imam Ibrahim, a Sudanese national, over a rental dispute in 2009.

12 Feb 2014 - Mayor: Missing bulldozer not at Capitol

PAMPANGA -- The search for the alleged "missing" bulldozer continues and the exchange of brickbats rages on as incumbent Candaba Mayor Rene Maglanque on Wednesday accused former Mayor Jerry Pelayo of "lying" regarding the whereabouts of the heavy equipment issued to the Municipality of Candaba by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).

Two days ago, Maglanque assailed Pelayo for the DPWH-owned Komatsu D85A-21 Bulldozer, listed with No. L1-1662 under the regional public works' memorandum of agreement with the municipality of Candaba, asking him to return the equipment as it was needed by farmers for their irrigation and other desilting operations.

12 Feb 2014 - P38M road works to boost Candaba agri industries

PAMPANGA -- The agriculture sector in Candaba will get a needed boost in terms of farm to market facilities as the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has released some P38 million for the rehabilitation of major roads here.

The DPWH said that the completion of the road works is seen to boost the agricultural and livestock productions of this town, including the ducks’ eggs industry which produces annual gross sales of P1.42 billion.

12 Feb 2014 - San Fernando launches new portal

PAMPANGA -- San Fernando City Government launched an enhanced version of its official online portal in celebration of its 13th Cityhood anniversary and in a bid to advance better services through "E-governance."

The portal is on its initial run and live pilot testing, and can be accessed via www.cityofsanfernando.gov.ph.

12 Feb 2014 - BSP governor to receive HAU honorary doctorate

ANGELES CITY -- Amando M. Tetangco, Jr., the first Governor of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) to serve two terms, and acknowledged as one of the world's six best central bankers, is the recipient of Holy Angel University’s honorary doctorate this year.

HAU Board of Trustees Chairman Manuel V. Pangilinan and University President Dr. Arlyn S. Villanueva will confer the degree Doctor of Public Administration, honoris causa, on Gov. Tetangco during the celebration of the University’s Founders Day on March 7 at the University Theatre.

12 Feb 2014 - Morales: More opportunities with Clark ramp

MABALACAT CITY -- Mayor Marino Morales disclosed Wednesday that more investments and opportunities will pour into the new component city, Angeles City, Magalang and even Porac, plus Concepcion and Bamban in Tarlac, once the proposed Clark-North interconnecting ramp at the Subic Clark Tarlac Expressway (SCTEx) is realized.

Morales said recently that a unified resolution has been inked and passed by Mayors Edgardo Pamintuan of Angeles City, Marino Morales of Mabalacat City, Romulo Pecson of Magalang, Andres Lacson of Concepcion, Condralito Dela Cruz of Porac, and Jose Feliciano of Bamban, requesting the Bases Conversion Development Authority (BCDA) to fund the ramp project.

12 Feb 2014 - 3 arrested for selling sea corals, shells

SUBIC FREEPORT -- Maritime police arrested three vendors for selling semi-precious corals and sea shells along the shoreline of Baloy Beach in Barangay Barreto, Olongapo City recently.

In a belated report here, authorities identified those arrested as Berto Bosmiyon Hencis, Jaynulla Asia Bi-Ay and Alkam Tarroza Hawari, all residents of Barangay Calapacuan, Subic, Zambales.

11 Feb 2014 - Aide deplores strict treatment on Arroyo

PAMPANGA -- Lawyer Raul Lambino, spokesperson of detained Pampanga Representative Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, on Tuesday said that he laments of the "strict treatment" being accorded by the government on the detained former President.

Lambino said that the government has become strict in the time of visits of friends and relatives of Arroyo. He also added that members of Arroyo's family are no longer allowed to stay and watch over the former president overnight.

11 Feb 2014 - ACCSWDO 3rd best in Central Luzon

ANGELES CITY -- The City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) was cited as one of the region's top 3 performers by the DSWD Regional Office in its anniversary celebration held January 30, 2014.

CSWDO Head Heide Patio extended her gratitude to Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan and the city council for the support. She also attributed the success of the office to her staff, including the daycare workers around the city.

11 Feb 2014 - Lawmaker: Arnedo Dike needs immediate repair

PAMPANGA -- Fourth District Representative Juan Pablo Bondoc on Tuesday revealed the repair of Arnedo dike will need P80 million to P150 million and must be rehabilitated before the rainy season

Bondoc, together with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Central Luzon officials led by Director Antonio Molano, Jr., Board Member Nestor Tolentino and San Luis Mayor Venancio Macapagal and barangay Sta. Cruz chairman Juan Carlos inspected the 70-year-old Arnedo dike portion in San Luis.

11 Feb 2014 - BIR to spot check motels, hotels on Valentine’s

PAMPANGA -- The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), through its Revenue Region 4, said that it will conduct spot checking of hotels and motels, restaurants, coffee shops, flower shops and all establishments selling gifts and memorabilia items to celebrate this season of love.

The BIR said that the month of February is said to be the "love month," which means an unusual number of customers would flock to the said establishments in line with the season.

11 Feb 2014 - Seaman killed in road mishap

PAMPANGA -- A seaman died when accidentally run over by an oncoming van along the Jose Abad Santos Avenue (JASA) in Barangay Sto. Tomas, Lubao, Pampanga, recently.

In a belated report here, the fatality was identified as Gerry Garcia, 48, a seaman and a resident of Sitio Cacutud, Barangay Sto. Tomas, Lubao.

11 Feb 2014 - 123 couples to wed February 14

PAMPANGA -- Some 123 couples here will tie the knot on Valentine's Day, as they converge in a mass wedding on February 14 dubbed "Kasalang Balen" at the Heroes Hall in San Fernando.

The annual event is organized by the City Government of San Fernando and Pag-Ibig Fund San Fernando Branch.

11 Feb 2014 - Sasmuan gets P20-M infra projects

PAMPANGA -- This coastal town is the recipient of some P19,474,345,90 worth of projects in 2012 and 2013 affirming Governor Lilia Pineda’s commitment to improve the general welfare of the town people.

Pineda, during her speech Tuesday at the “Kapitolyo sa Barangay” (KSB) program here, said that the projects include the improvement of roads, anti-flood infrastructure and construction of schools in Barangays Malusac, Sta. Lucia, San Pedro, Sto. Tomas, San Nicolas 2nd, Sebitanan and Mabuanbuan.

11 Feb 2014 - Binay welcomes creation of blood money committee

ANGELES CITY -- Vice President Jejomar Binay welcomed Tuesday President Benigno S. Aquino's creation of a committee tasked to study and create guidelines on the payment of blood money for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) on death row in the Middle East.

The committee is tasked to study all aspects of blood money cases, including that of Kapampangan OFW Joselito Zapanta and others who are eligible for blood money and studying each and every case requiring the payment of blood money in the future.

11 Feb 2014 - Huge condo spared from fire

ANGELES CITY -- A big condominium was saved from a fire that gutted a vulcanizing shop in Barangay Malabanias here at dawn today.

Fire officers are still investigating the cause and assessing the estimated cost of the fire that nearly razed the Grandview Tower located along the Clark perimeter road.

10 Feb 2014 - Fisherfolk get P800,000 worth of inputs

PAMPANGA -- The indigent fisher folk for Pampanga’s coastal towns received P800,000 worth of fishing gears and equipment fishery inputs from Governor Lilia Pineda yesterday in celebration of the Countryside Development Month that highlights the importance of sectors in countryside development and the local and national economy.

Eliza Rey Munoz said that the Capitol’s celebration is in compliance with President Benigno Aquino III’s Proclamation 212, which declared February 2012 as Countryside Development Month.

10 Feb 2014 - San Fernando to sign pact with Hawaii group

PAMPANGA -- The City Government of San Fernando will soon enter into a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Filipino Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii for the promotion of the city’s programs and activities, particularly, its giant lantern industry.

Vice Mayor Jimmy Lazatin told Sun.Star Pampanga that Mayor Edwin Santiago is set to sign the MOU with the Honolulu delegation who are expected to come to the city this February 16.

10 Feb 2014 - Missing teenager found dead in Arayat

PAMPANGA -- A teenager who was allegedly abducted was found dead in Arayat town.

Police identified the victim as third year high school student Mike Aron Tolentino, 15, a resident of Barangay Barit, Candaba town.

10 Feb 2014 - Angeles qualifies for 2012 SGH

ANGELES CITY -- Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Mar Roxas forwarded a letter to Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan, announcing the city’s qualification as one of the recipients of the Seal of Good Housekeeping (SGH) for 2012.

The letter was read by DILG City Director Remedios Rodriguez during Monday's flag raising rites at the city hall compound here.

10 Feb 2014 - Aetas benefit from CDC, Jaycees civic action

CLARK FREEPORT -- Hundreds of Aeta tribesmen benefitted from the civic action program of the Clark Development Corporation (CDC), in cooperation with Angeles City Culiat Jaycees.

Used clothes were distributed to indigenous people in Sitio Bilad in Mabalacat City, Sitio Burog in Bamban, Tarlac, and in Sapang Bato in Angeles City.

10 Feb 2014 - BCDA asked for report on SCTEx bridge

PAMPANGA -- Ex-Officio Board Member and Porac Councilor Mike Tapang filed a resolution recently calling on the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) to provide a complete status report on the reconstruction and repair of the damaged portion of the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEx).

This is in light with a recent vehicular accident that killed one lawyer and wounded four others.

10 Feb 2014 - Man found dead along high school boulevard

PAMPANGA -- An unidentified male body believed to be a victim of summary execution was found along High School Boulevard in front of the Department of Education-Pampanga Division Office in Barangay Lourdes, City of San Fernando last Saturday.

In a report here, Superintendent Edilberto Petillano, officer-in-charge of the City of San Fernando police, said the victim is between 45 to 50 years old, wearing a faded pink T-shirt, blue corduroy pants and sandals.

10 Feb 2014 - Magalang police leads forum on child abuse

PAMPANGA -- Magalang's police chief, Superintendent Ana Liza Guzman, Magalang shared her views about child abuse in a forum dubbed as "Ugnayan" held at the Ayala National High School over the weekend.

"The forum is all about combating child abuse offenders, the do's and don'ts and tips to prevent being a victim of criminals," Guzman said.

10 Feb 2014 - Santiago vows to make governance ‘inclusive’

PAMPANGA -- San Fernando Mayor Edwin Santiago of this city vowed to make governance in the city “inclusive” and participatory.

During the multi-sectoral assembly at Heroes Hall last Sunday, Santiago said, “Our society clamors for citizen’s participation so that the government can become more accountable and transparent.”

9 Feb 2014 - Manalad drug group members busted

PAMPANGA -- The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) arrested two members of the Manalad Drug Group over the weekend.

The suspects, regarded as high value targets, were identified as Herminio Marquez, 37, resident of Barangay Culianin, Plaridel, Bulacan and Managanding Mauna, 37, resident of Carlos Palanca, Quiapo, Manila.

9 Feb 2014 - Napolcom calls on police wannabes

PAMPANGA -- The National Police Commission (Napolcom) is encouraging those interested in becoming officers to take the Philippine National Police (PNP) entrance exam on April 27.

Napolcom Regional Director Manuel Pontanal said the exam is open to all civilians aged 30 years old and below who have a bachelor's degree. The height requirement for male is 1.62 meters and 1.57 meters for female.

9 Feb 2014 - Fair highlights organic farming

PAMPANGA -- Farmers who make a living out of organic farming practices have found a boost through the support of the Provincial Government of Pampanga, which organized a whole-day trade fair of organic farming produce at the Capitol grounds here.

Some twenty farmer entrepreneurs participated in the fair. The products included root crops, vegetables, poultry and fishery products which were sold at farm gate prices. The event attracted dozens of government employees and has been very successful that the province is now contemplating in making the event a monthly or weekly affair.

8 Feb 2014 - Loboc Children’s Choir to hold benefit shows

PAMPANGA -- The internationally famous Loboc Children’s Choir will hold two shows in San Fernando this coming February 14, Valentine’s Day, and on February 15 for the benefit of those hit by recent calamities in Bohol.

In a statement, Auxiliary Bishop Pablo Virgilio David said that the first of the two-performance engagements will be held on February 14 (Friday) at 7 p.m. at the Holy Angel University Theater in Angeles City.

8 Feb 2014 - Revitalization of bamboo development program eyed

PAMPANGA -- Various sectors in Pampanga are asking the Provincial Government for its assistance in revitalizing the province’s bamboo development program after it took a three-year lull since it was launched in 2010.

In an assessment and evaluation forum at Capitol on weekend, members of the Pampanga Bamboo Council led by Myrna Bituin said that there is a need to revitalize the program to maximize resources and harness the full potential of the species of bamboo -- the bayog and tinik -- found in the province.

8 Feb 2014 - Aeta earns engineering degree with honors

CLARK FREEPORT -- Leonardo Ramos, an Aeta from Madapdap resettlement in Mabalacat City, has finished his engineering course at Angeles University Foundation. He graduated cum laude.

Ramos is one of the 40 members of the Aeta cultural minority tribe who were given the privilege to study at AUF via scholarships granted by the Clark Development Corporation (CDC).

8 Feb 2014 - Dole promotes employment awareness

PAMPANGA -- The Department of Labor and Employment Central Luzon Office (Dole) is set to release videos and modules on Labor and Employment Education Services (LEES).

The effort is aimed at heightening public awareness on the agency's programs.

7 Feb 2014 - P758-M budget allocated for Central Luzon

The national government has allocated P758 million for various projects in Central Luzon under the 2014 Grassroots Participatory Planning and Budgeting Process, formerly known as the “Bottom-Up Process in Planning and Budgeting.”

Florida Dijan, regional director of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), said that the process "seeks to make the national budget more responsive to local needs, provide incentives for local good governance, strengthen the devolution of basic services delivery, create a conducive environment for people's participation, and generate demand for good governance at the local level."

7 Feb 2014 - Police urge motorists to note of road signs

PAMPANGA -- Police Provincial director Senior Superintendent Oscar Albayalde is urging motorists plying the province's highways like the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEx) and North Luzon Expressway to take note of and heed road signs warning them of construction works or imminent danger.

Earlier, after a pick-up truck with five occupants fell from the Pasig-Potrero Bridge's collapsed portion inside the SCTEx along the vicinity of Porac, Pampanga, Thursday, killing lawyer Junstinian Licnachan, 54, and injuring driver James Larkin Panitio, 29, Rolen Bagoybooi, 32, Jayson Maayon, 41, and James Panitio, 45, all residents of Mayoyao, Ifugao.

6 Feb 2014 - French Embassy to fund museum

ANGELES CITY -- The Embassy of France to the Philippines has vowed to fund the conversion of the Pamintuan Mansion into a museum.

This was learned from Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan who said that the City Government and the National Historical Commission of the Philippines under Maria Serena Diokno were able to convince the French Embassy to fund the project.

6 Feb 2014 - 1 dead, four injured in SCTEx mishap

ANGELES CITY -- A Nissan Frontier wagon plummeted from the Pasig-Potrero Bridge of the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEx) Thursday, resulting in the death of one of its five passengers.

SCTEx and North Luzon Expressway (NLEx) management media relations officer Francisco Dagohoy said, one passenger died while being taken to the Mabalacat District Hospital in Mabalacat City.

6 Feb 2014 - Rodriguez to lead probe on ‘missing’ P30-B

PAMPANGA -- Third District Representative Oscar Rodriguez conduct an investigation into the alleged “missing” P30 billion allocated for infrastructure projects during the past national administration.

This was learned from Eastern Samar Representative Ben Evardone, who said that Rodriguez, chair of the committee on good government and public accountability, will lead the probe where the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) officials led by Secretary Rogelio Singson will be summoned to shed light on the alleged "missing funds."

6 Feb 2014 - Guv wants P1.42-B duck eggs industry boosted

PAMPANGA -- Governor Lilia Pineda is set to send a team Friday in the so-called Tagalog Region here composed of 14 villages as part of her initial plan to help boost the multi-million duck industry in Pampanga.

Pineda formed the Provincial Government team led by Second District Board Member Tonton Torres to coordinate with the duck raisers on how to increase more duck eggs production pegged at 168 million pieces annually.

5 Feb 2014 - CebPac cuts international fares for summer travel

CLARK FREEPORT -- The Cebu Pacific Air (CEB) offers a 75 percent off seat sale on all its international destinations from February 6 to 9, 2014 or until seats last. This is for travel from March 1 to May 31, 2014.

Up for grabs are 75 percent off seats to: Dubai, Bali, Bangkok, Beijing, Brunei, Busan, Guangzhou, Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh, Hong Kong, Incheon (Seoul), Jakarta, Kota Kinabalu, Kuala Lumpur, Macau, Nagoya, Osaka, Phuket, Singapore, Shanghai, Siem Reap (Cambodia), Taipei, Tokyo (Narita) or Xiamen.

5 Feb 2014 - Organic trading post to rise in San Fernando

PAMPANGA -- San Fernando Mayor Edwin Santiago led the groundbreaking of the construction of the Organic Trading Post at the downtown area to help in the processing of crops produced from organic farming.

The project is under the Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division of the Department of Agriculture RFO III. The Organic Trading Post will be situated at the New Public Market in Barangay Del Pilar.

4 Feb 2014 - Angeles village chief denies withdrawing in October polls

ANGELES CITY -- An incumbent village chairman here has denied reports that he withdrew his candidacy in the barangay elections on October 28.

Rodelio "Tony" Mamac, barangay chairman of Balibago, said he never filed an Affidavit of Cancellation of the Certificate of Candidacy before any office of the Commission on Elections (Comelec).

4 Feb 2014 - Army provides medical aid in Mabalacat

MABALACAT CITY -- Some 3,000 residents in this component city received medical attention during a civic action program sponsored by the 703rd Infantry Brigade of the Philippine Army based in Pampanga.

Brigadier General Henry Sabarre, commander of the Army's 703rd Infantry Brigade, said they had provided medical and dental assistance to indigent residents here.

4 Feb 2014 - 17 overstaying officers relieved

PAMPANGA -- The Police Regional Office 3 (PRO3) in Central Luzon ordered the relief of 17 officers from their posts for "overstaying."

Petrasanta said that the relief order is in line with PNP-Memorandum Circular 2012-014 and the directive of the National Police Commission (Napolcom) and police national headquarters, stating that "the maximum accumulated stay of Police Commissioned Officers in one Police Provincial Office (PPO) and District Office of (National Capital Region Police Office) NCRPO shall not exceed 10 years."

4 Feb 2014 - Swat, Scouts do chopper rappelling

PAMPANGA -- Personnel of the Special Weapons Armed Tactics (Swat) and Special Counter Insurgency Operations Unit Training (Scout) participated in a Helicopter-Rappelling course today along Jose Abad Santos Avenue here.

The training was supervised by Superintendent Bernard Perez, commander of the Pampanga Provincial Public Safety Company (PPSC) and Swat chief Inspector Ohmar Bognot. The training started at 8 a.m., said Senior Superintendent Oscar Albayalde, Pampanga police provincial director.

4 Feb 2014 - PCDEB names AUF professor ‘Young Achiever’

ANGELES CITY -- Angeles University Foundation (AUF) Professor Dr. Jean Paolo Lacap was named Young Achiever in Business Education by the Philippine Council of Deans and Educators in Business (PCDEB).

PCDEB, a professional organization of deans, chairpersons, administrators, and professors teaching business courses in various colleges and universities in the country, organizes regional associations and sponsors awards such as Outstanding CEO, Diplomate in Business Education, Fellow in Business Education, Associate Fellow in Business Education, Senior Professional in Business Education, Award of Excellence in Entrepreneurial Education through Mass Media, and several lifetime and achievement awards.

3 Feb 2014 - NGOs to celebrate community hospital anniversary

PAMPANGA -- The Kapampangan Development Foundation (KDF) will be celebrating the 4th year anniversary of the opening of the new Jose A. Datu Medical Center (JADMC) in Bacolor.

KDF partners are expected to troop to the facility Wednesday for a formal ceremony and charting of the programs of the community health facility for the whole year.

3 Feb 2014 - Illegal gambling drive nets 9

PAMPANGA -- The intensified drive versus all forms of illegal gambling by the Police Regional 3 resulted in the arrest of nine persons and the seizure of several illegal gambling paraphernalia.

The Quezon police station arrested on Monday at Barangay Dulong, Quezon, Nueva Ecija, Noel Bautista, Marvin Lumibao, and Rachel Pangilinan, all residents of Barangay San Nicolas, City of San Fernando while playing the "color" (dice) game.

3 Feb 2014 - Book on Filipino painter out this February

ANGELES CITY -- Filipino painter Vicente Alvarez Dizon, who topped Salvador Dali and Maurice Utrillo in an international art competition in 1939, will be featured in a book to be launched on February 11.

The 130-page tribute is entitled “After the Day’s Toil” will be presented at the Holy Angel University (HAU).

2 Feb 2014 - Lawmaker lauds Aquino for Clark development plan

CLARK FREEPORT -- Pampanga Representative Joseller Guiao (1st district) and Clark Challenge stakeholders over the weekend lauded President Benigno Aquino III for prioritizing the development of Clark Freeport and Clark International Airport (CIA).

The President, through Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr., vowed to prioritize the full development of the Clark Freeport Zone.

2 Feb 2014 - San Fernando, Xiamen partnership eyed

PAMPANGA -- The Kapampangan delegation to the cultural and trade mission in Xiamen, China is optimistic of establishing partnerships with the Chinese community through the Foreign Affairs Office, the Philippine Consulate General, and SM City Xiamen.

This, as the delegation led by Mayor Edwin Santiago is in China for the Lantern Exhibition, where this city’s famous Giant Lantern is an official participant.

2 Feb 2014 - Artists hold Angeles cityhood art exhibit

ANGELES CITY -- Some 40 prominent artists from this city participated in the visual art exhibit at the Nepo Mall Atrium, showcasing the different facets of Angeles City in celebration of its 50th year cityhood.

The art exhibit, dubbed Gintung Mana, is also in celebration of the National Arts month. It included works of prominent local artists from paintings and art installations.

2 Feb 2014 - Group to turn over classrooms, facilities in Masantol

PAMPANGA -- The Save the Children International (SCI) is set to turn over on Tuesday four classrooms and several sanitation facilities to officials of Palimpe and Sua elementary schools in this coastal town.

The turnover is part of the missionary group’s program to help typhoon-affected schools in Pampanga, increasing students’ access to education and hygiene, sanitation, and clean water, said Jerome Balinton, SCI communications officer.

1 Feb 2014 - Bishop rejects bid to revive death penalty

PAMPANGA -- San Fernando Archbishop Paciano Aniceto thumbed down proposals to revive the Death Penalty Law, which allows the use of lethal injection for judicial executions.

Senator Vicente Sotto III on Thursday filed Senate Bill 2080, a measure seeking the revival of the death penalty, citing the indiscriminate and horrendous brutality happening across the country.

1 Feb 2014 - Council to oversee police patrol plan

PAMPANGA -- A newly formed group has been tasked to oversee the implementation of the Philippine National Police’s Patrol Plan 2030.

This was disclosed on weekend by Pampanga Provincial Police Director PSSupt. Oscar Albayalde, as he administered the oath of the officers and members of the Provincial Advisory Council (PAC) for Police Reform and Development at Bale Katimawan, Pampanga Headquarters in this city.

1 Feb 2014 - San Fernando execs join teachers on big day

PAMPANGA -- Mayor Edwin Santiago graced the Teachers Day celebration of private and public school teachers of City of San Fernando at Ocean Adventure, Subic Bay over the weekend.

Santiago was with Vice Mayor Jimmy Lazatin and Kaganapan 2014 chairperson Ceferino Pamintuan and led the awarding of the certificates of appreciation given to the most outstanding teachers, teacher retirees and teacher heroes of the Division of San Fernando.

1 Feb 2014 - Mabalacat mayor to heed WWF, BPI tips on climate change

MABALACAT CITY -- Mayor Marino "Boking" Morales has vowed to heed the suggestion of the World Wide Fund (WWF) and Bank of the Philippine Islands to cooperate with the other local government units around the Clark Freeport in implementing environment preservation programs aimed at bracing against the destructive effects of climate change.

This after the WWF) and BPI had offered its recent study on how to adapt to climate change which triggers natural calamities like typhoons Santi and Yolanda.

1 Feb 2014 - Pampanga soon to say goodbye to measles

PAMPANGA -- Pampanga is now the focus of a recently expanded catch-up campaign of the Department of Health (DOH) that aims to prevent measles outbreak.

The “Goodbye Tigdas” program of the DOH targets two million children aged six months to three years old who are from Pampanga, Metro Manila, and the provinces of Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal and Quezon.

1 Feb 2014 - BCDA tapped to study Bondoc’s proposal

CLARK FREEPORT -- While President Benigno Aquino III is "still thinking" of moving national government agencies to the Clark Freeport Zone as broached by Pampanga Representative Rimpy Bondoc, he has tapped the Bases Conversion Development Authority (BCDA) to conduct a study on the proposal.

Last Tuesday, Bondoc disclosed of his proposal to have all national government agencies’ office moved to Clark Freeport, citing that putting them all together in one area is a basic requirement of governance. He noted that Clark is the most ideal place where all agencies should be located.

1 Feb 2014 - Guv prioritizes education

CLARK FREEPORT -- Education remains as one of the top priorities of Gov. Lilia Pineda as the provincial government allotted close to P300 million for the improvement of public schools’ facilities in Pampanga.

This, according to the Provincial Engineer’s Office (PEO) Assistant Provincial Engineer Olimpio “Noli” Pangan who presented a report in a meeting at the Widus Convention Center here led by Pineda and officials of state universities.

1 Feb 2014 - AUF students top in A-BEST

ANGELES CITY -- The Angeles University (AUF) BS Management and Entrepreneurship team of Elise Rozel D. Dimaunahan, Jeraldine Luisa S. Fernandez, John Kenneth C. Ayson and Tae Hyun Kim recently emerged in the top of the 1st National Congress of the Alliance of Business Educators and Students of the Philippines (A-BEST) held last January 24-26 in Baguio City.

Dimaunahan bested 600 students from 35 colleges and universities nationwide and was named the “2013 A-BEST Outstanding Student of the Philippines in Entrepreneurship.”

1 Feb 2014 - DOTC bares Clark development options

CLARK FREEPORT -- The Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) on Friday bared "options" for the development of Clark Freeport and the Clark International Airport, including the proposed fast train.

In a statement, Transportation and Communications Secretary Emilio Joseph Abaya said he has submitted three options on the development of Clark to President Benigno Aquino III on Friday.