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Balibago News May-2015

31 May 2015 - Laus: Time to create Metro Central Luzon

PAMPANGA -- One of the country's top businessmen is pushing for the creation of a forward-looking Metro Central Luzon that is globally competitive, properly planned and geographically safe to complement Metro Manila.

“I believe this is an idea whose time has come,” said Levy P. Laus, chairman and chief executive officer of the Laus Group of Companies and chairman emeritus of the Pampanga Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PAMCHAM).

31 May 2015 - Angat Dam water level not improving

PAMPANGA -- The water level of Angat Dam has not improved over the last few days, it even dropped to 179.46 meters from Tuesday's 179.98 meters.

The National Water Resources Board (NWRB) had ordered the temporary shutdown of Angat Dam's water for irrigation to Central Luzon farmlands.

31 May 2015 - Mamac: Protect Pinoy workers from illegal recruiters

ANGELES CITY -- The national and local government should protect Filipino workers from illegal recruiters and human trafficking.

This was the message of Balibago Chairman Rodelio “Tony” Mamac during a free immigration seminar conducted by the Canadian Licensed Immigration Consultant and the barangay council recently.

30 May 2015 - PNoy hit for statement vs K to 12 critics

PAMPANGA -- The Anakpawis Party-list slammed President Benigno Aquino III for issuing 'arrogant' remarks against critics of the K to 12 educational system.

The group described the President’s words as 'haciendero-like', particularly when he labeled critics of the said program as 'Anak ng Diyos' or God’s children.

30 May 2015 - Miss Gay Fernandino festival queen crowned

PAMPANGA -- Ivanie Gonzales was crowned Miss Gay Fernandino Festival Queen 2015 in the pageant held at the City of San Fernando over the weekend.

Gonzales was followed by Wendle Miranda (first runner up), Jhajha Santos (second runner up), Jaime David (third runner up), and Amber David (fourth runner up).

29 May 2015 - Pamintuan: Pray for safety of Kapampangan envoy

ANGELES CITY -- Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan has asked Angeleños and the people of Pampanga to pray for the safety of fellow Kapampangan Elmer Cato, whose hotel in Baghdad, Iraq was bombed on Friday.

Pamintuan said that his sister Linda Pamintuan, director for the Subic- Clark Alliance for Development (SCAD), was informed by Undersecretary Lulah Quiambao Del Rosario that Cato is safe.

29 May 2015 - Angeles ensures smooth traffic flow on school opening

ANGELES CITY -- The City Government of Angeles is taking up measures to ensure the smooth flow of traffic on June 1, when thousands of students troop back to their respective schools for the opening of classes.

Vice Mayor Vicky Vega-Cabigting said the City Government is looking for ways to solve traffic problem in the metropolis and officials have warned motorists, particularly public utility vehicle drivers to strictly observe the "no loading and unloading" signs to prevent heavy traffic along roads and thoroughfares where schools are located.

29 May 2015 - Korean firm earmarks P132-M for Clark electronics facility

CLARK FREEPORT -- A Korean company, which is affiliated with top electronic brands, has opened its P132 million manufacturing facility here.

Sambon P&E Phils., Corp. (Sambon) inaugurated its plant for audio devices that is expected to generate employment for residents of Pampanga and neighboring provinces in Central Luzon.

28 May 2015 - Baby-on-a-leash now at Lubao kids’ center

PAMPANGA -- The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has placed the care of the one year and five months old male child, whose picture of being tied and fed like a dog ran viral on social media, to the Reception Study Center for Children in Lubao town the other day.

The 23-year-old mother of the child who posted the pictures on a social networking site admitted to the deed and has asked for public forgiveness.

28 May 2015 - Businessman: Clark not taken for granted

CLARK FREEPORT --- Businessman Liberato "Levy" Laus lauded the national government, particularly the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC), for appropriating P7.2 billion for the construction of a low-cost carrier terminal in Clark International Airport.

"The investment of P7.2 billion if there is this budget for that project, is a clear indication that Clark is not being forgotten for one. And second, the investment of government is aligned to the eventual development of Clark and the surrounding areas," Laus, chairman emeritus of the Pampanga Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc. (PamCham), said.

28 May 2015 - San Fernando starts countdown to Independence Day

PAMPANGA -- Local government officials and employees here led by Mayor Edwin Santiago started Thursday the countdown to Independence Day with the celebration of National Flag Days which will run until June 12.

A commemorative program hosted by the City Tourism and Investment and Promotions Office and the Pyestang Fernandino 2015 executive committee coincided flag raising rites at the Heroes Hall with performances from the city choir and a recital of the salute to the flag by a brother from the Masonic Lodge.

28 May 2015 - Shutdown of Irrigation for Central Luzon ordered

PAMPANGA -- The National Water Resources Board (NWRB) had reportedly ordered the temporary shutdown of Angat Dam's water for irrigation to Central Luzon farmlands as the dam's dwindling water reached 179.73 meters, or 0.25 meter lower than Tuesday's 179.98 meters.

The NWRB's protocol far Angat Dam states that releases for irrigation needs in "Bulacan and Pampanga will be temporarily halted once the dam's level falls below its 180-meter minimum operating level."

27 May 2015 - Lambat Sibat results to peaceful Angeles

ANGELES CITY -- Angeles City is generally peaceful because of the effective implementation of a crime-prevention drive dubbed Lambat Sibat, according to police officials.

During a Peace and Order Council meeting chaired by Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan, police officials here disclosed that cases of robbery and theft went down because of their anti-crime campaign.

27 May 2015 - Towns to experience 10-hour brownout on Saturday

PAMPANGA -- The National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) announced on Wednesday that parts of Pampanga will experience up to 10 hours of power interruption on Saturday, May 30.

According to NGCP Central Luzon Corporate Communication and Public Affairs Officer Ernest Lorenz Vidal, the affected areas include Apalit, San Simon, Macabebe, Minalin, Masantol and Sto. Tomas towns.

27 May 2015 - Villar to help city reduce waste, produce more veggies

ANGELES CITY -- Senator Cynthia Villar vowed to help Pampanga's only highly urbanized city--Angeles--to reduce solid waste disposal and strengthen food production through organic farming.

In an interview over the weekend, Villar said her home-city of Las Pinas in Metro Manila had managed to reduce at least 75 percent of its solid waste by converting them into organic fertilizer and construction materials on slope protection. She was a former congresswoman of the lone district of Las Pinas and her brother is a long-time mayor of the city.

27 May 2015 - Village chief to beneficiaries: ‘Thank government for 4Ps program’

ANGELES CITY --- A village chief in this city has asked beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) to thank the national government for implementing the conditional cash transfer program.

Balibago Barangay Chairman Rodelio Mamac issued the statement to some 120 4Ps beneficiaries called to a regular meeting on Tuesday by the city Public Employment and Services Office (Peso) and the city social welfare and development office (CSWDO).

27 May 2015 - iTax to boost revenue collection in Candaba

PAMPANGA -- Governor Lilia Pineda and Mayor Rene Maglanque launched the provincial government's Integrated Taxation Management System (iTax) in Candaba to boost the high revenue collections of this municipality.

Pineda said high revenues will mean more developments, infrastructure projects, and services delivered to the Candabenos.

26 May 2015 - Mamac not eyeing Angeles mayoralty post

ANGELES CITY -- A last termer barangay chief here has denied reports that he is eyeing the city's mayoralty seat in the coming 2016 local polls.

Balibago barangay chairman Rodelio Mamac said Tuesday that he is keeping his options open for two positions -- vice-mayor or a seat in the city council.

26 May 2015 - 2 more Pampanga towns embrace iTax program

PAMPANGA -- The towns of Porac and Masantol are among the latest to formally embrace the German-made Integrated Taxation Management System (iTAX) that aims to boost local Real Property Tax (RPT) and streamline collection with that of the Provincial Government of Pampanga.

The iTax program in Masantol was launched on Monday while Porac officially launched the program on Tuesday.

26 May 2015 - CARP 'license' to abuses vs farmers – Anakpawis

MABALACAT CITY -- The militant Anakpawis Party-list has claimed that the implementation of Republic Act 6657, or the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP), served as license to human rights violations against farmers who assert their rights to land.

The House committee on human rights disclosed through House Resolutions Nos. 225, 325 and 734 several incidents of abuses.

26 May 2015 - Police ready for opening of classes

PAMPANGA -- The Police Regional Office 3 (PRO3) is all geared up to provide utmost assistance to students during the opening of classes on June 1.

Chief Superintendent Ronald Santos, officer-in-charge of PRO3, said that guidelines were already established in accordance with "Implan Ligtas Balik-Eskwela 2015", a directive from the national headquarters that is being conducted annually.

25 May 2015 - Minalin town implements ‘no home birthing’ policy

PAMPANGA -- In order to ensure the safety of both mother and child, officials of Minalin town have started the implementation of the Department of Health (DOH)'s "No Home Birthing Policy."

The local government here started to enforce the policy--approved on April 15 this year--which prohibits the delivery of newborns at home by traditional birth attendants or local "kumadronas."

25 May 2015 - Angeles vice mayor donates 2-way radios to cops, traffic aides

ANGELES CITY -- Vice-Mayor Vicky Vega Cabigting has donated 14 units of two-way radios to the city police and traffic management office.

The vice mayor turned over the communication equipment to the city police during the flag-raising ceremony at Camp Tomas J. Pepito in Barangay Santo Domingo Monday.

25 May 2015 - San Simon ready if irrigation is stopped

PAMPANGA -- Despite the forecast that irrigation for Pampanga might be stop as Angat Dam reaches its minimum level, Mayor Leonora Wong said Monday they will not be greatly affected by the situation as they have anticipated and prepared for it.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) first reported that the water level of Angat Dam has reached 181.75 meters above sea level (masl) as of 6:00 a.m. last Tuesday.

25 May 2015 - Local historian's art exhibit to open at Angeles Museum today

ANGELES CITY -- Historian and artist Daniel Dizon will be opening a visual art exhibit on Tuesday dubbed "Bilungan Ning Kaselesayan" at the Museo Ning Angeles.

The exhibit will showcase Dizon's prominent works as well illustrations of historical and military themes. The exhibit will also showcase Dizon's illustration of prominent landmarks and historical buildings.

25 May 2015 - CDC reopens improved Clark parade grounds

CLARK FREEPORT -- The Clark Development Corporation (CDC) has formally reopened the newly improved jogging path at the parade grounds over the weekend.

CDC president Arthur Tugade led the formal ceremonies for the reopening of 2.2-kilometer by 2.5 meters width rubberized jogging path.

25 May 2015 - Students get summer job salaries

PAMPANGA -- Another batch of college students in San Simon got their salaries for their summer jobs under the Special Program for Employment of Students (SPES) of the local government.

Some 50 students employed at the municipal hall received 60 percent of their salary on Monday worth P3,000. This is apart from the regular disbursement of financial assistance every semester for enrolment.

24 May 2015 - Lawmakers grill LTO on new car plates

PAMPANGA -- Senators have questioned the Land Transportation Office (LTO) about its “no plate, no travel” policy and the additional fees covering new standardized car plates.

Under the LTO policy of replacing all vehicle license plates with standardized ones, owners of four-wheeled motor vehicles will have to pay P450 per license plate and motorcycle and tricycle owners P120 each.

24 May 2015 - BIR-Central Luzon to reshuffle examiners

PAMPANGA -- The Revenue Region 4 (RR-4) of the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) is set to reshuffle its examiners in its different revenue districts a few weeks from now.

This was bared by RR-4 OIC Regional Director Conrado Lee who added that the movement is in compliance with the need to move the personnel who have completed their assignment duties. He added that the movement will also help in preventing examiners too "familiar" with the areas and establishments assigned to them.

24 May 2015 - Central Luzon colleges post high tuition hike

PAMPANGA -- Private higher education institutions (HEIs) in Central Luzon are among the highest in terms of increase in tuition and other school fees this coming school year.

This as the Commission on Higher Education (Ched) approved the applications of 313 HEIs for increase for School Year 2015-2016.

24 May 2015 - Cop arrested for selling drugs

ANGELES CITY -- A police officer, who is on absence without official leave (AWOL), was apprehended by elements of the Regional Anti Illegal Drugs Special Operations Task Force (RAIDSOTF) after being suspected of selling methamphetamine hydrochloride (shabu) to a police asset.

Police Officer 2 Joseph Mallari, was caught inside an hotel room in Barangay Balibago here at dawn yesterday after he allegedly sold several grams of shabu to a woman, who is a confidential operative of the RAIDSOTF.

24 May 2015 - Mabalacat execs solve residual waste problem

MABALACAT CITY -- Haulers belonging to a sanitary landfill facility in Clark Special Economic Zone started clearing the city government’s material recovery facility (MRF) of a big volume of residual waste.

This after the local government unit and the Metro Clark Waste Management Corporation (MCWMC), operator of the Kalangitan Sanitary Landfill in Capas, Tarlac, forged an agreement in line with the city’s waste disposal program.

24 May 2015 - Metro Dental opens at SM City Clark

ANGELES CITY -- The Equicom Group of Companies has formally inaugurated its 17th state-of-the-art dental facility at the SM City Clark on Saturday.

Metro Dental, the largest chain of dental clinics in the Philippines, offers digital X-ray, orthodontics, general and pediatric dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, dental implants, root canal therapy, wisdom tooth extraction, teeth whitening, and other services.

23 May 2015 - Airline operators want Clark airport developed

CLARK FREEPORT -- The Airline Operators of Thailand, together with the Airline Operators Council of the Philippines, have urged the Philippine government to fully develop Clark International Airport (CRK) in order to attract more carriers and tourists.

Louise Moser, chairman of the Bangkok Airlines Operators Council (BKK AOC), said the development of Clark airport will spur the country’s air traffic and tourism growth.

23 May 2015 - Guv inaugurates 1st permanent evacuation center in Central Luzon

PAMPANGA -- Governor Lilia Pineda together with Social Welfare Secretary Corazon Soliman led the inauguration and blessing of the permanent evacuation center in Magalang on Friday.

The Provincial Government, through the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC), has partnered with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) for the construction of the said facility.

23 May 2015 - Pamintuan to attend 2 major international conferences

ANGELES CITY -- Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan is set to leave the city to attend two major conferences in Brussels, Belgium and in New York, USA from June 1 to 10.

Pamintuan said that these are new opportunities to learn something from other cities all around the world.

23 May 2015 - San Simon police gets new mobile patrol

PAMPANGA -- The peace and order in this town will be felt better by the community as the police office here received a brand new mobile patrol.

The San Simon police station is one of the 18 municipal police stations, which received a brand new 2 x 4 Mahindra Enforcer vehicle from the government.

22 May 2015 - Guv to allot P200-M for K to 12 classrooms

PAMPANGA -- Governor Lilia Pineda announced that the Provincial Government will allot P200-million for the construction of 267 classrooms intended for the full implementation of the K to 12 program in 2016.

This was disclosed by the governor in a meeting with the 112 public high school principals in the province held at Benigno Hall, Capitol Compound on Thursday.

22 May 2015 - Villar, Romero to grace 2nd Lechon Festival in Angeles

ANGELES CITY -- Senator Cynthia Villar and prominent businessman Reghis Romero II, who is a native of this city, are expected to attend the Second Lechon Festival in Barangay Salapungan today, Saturday.

Salapungan barangay captain Reynaldo Malig said Villar, who is pushing for more livelihood and employment opportunities for the Filipinos, will be the guest of honor. He added that Romero "is the other special guest."

22 May 2015 - apanese firms invest P106-M in Clark Freeport

CLARK FREEPORT -- Two Japanese suppliers of aircraft interiors and components have invested P106 million in this Freeport to expand their business operations.

Jamco Philippines, Inc. (JPI) and its supplier, Show Aircraft Industry Philippines, Inc. (SAIPI) have an actual investment of P96.16 million and P10 million respectively, the Clark Development Corporation said.

22 May 2015 - PAF sets tree planting in Mabalacat village

MABALACAT CITY -- Soldiers belonging to the First Air Division of the Philippine Air Force (PAF) based in Clark Freeport planted on Thursday thousands of Mahogany tree seedlings at Sitio Monicayo Negrito upland village in Barangay Calumpang here.

Second Lieutenant Ferdauzia Santos, division's public information officer, said the tree-planting activity is in line with the PAF's 68th founding anniversary celebration on July 1, 2015.

22 May 2015 - PRO3, hospital forge pact for better health services

PAMPANGA -- The Police Regional Office 3 (PRO3) and Sacred Heart Medical Center (SHMC) officials forged on Thursday an agreement for better health services of the members and personnel of the police force.

The memorandum of agreement (MOA) signing between Dr. Nenita Tan Canlas, president and CEO of SHMC, and Chief Superintendent Ronald Santos, officer-in-charge of PRO3, was held at the conference room of the SHMC in Angeles City.

22 May 2015 - Pamintuan to join international mayors' forum

ANGELES CITY -- Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan will fly to New York City for the Sixth World Cities Summit (WCS), which will run from June 8 to 10.

Pamintuan will represent Pampanga in the urban city level.

21 May 2015 - Workers file raps versus Clark firm

CLARK FREEPORT -- Some 160 sewers and other workers, who were forced to leave their work at a garment factory here, have filed before the Department of Labor and Employment (Dole) illegal dismissal charges against a locator in this Freeport.

Abel Cunanan, a sewer and spokesperson of the complainants, said the management of their company – Billerby Corporation, a British company which produced branded shirts, shorts, jackets, sportswear and others – forced them to sign a cessation of employment last month before they were stopped from working.

21 May 2015 - Angeles council approves ordinance regulating use of plastic bags

ANGELES CITY -- The Angeles City Council has approved an ordinance regulating the use and distribution of plastic bags and polystyrene foam in the city.

The ordinance, also known as "Plastic Bag and Styrofoam Ordinance of Angeles City" is expected to protect the rights of people under a balanced ecology by minimizing plastic waste.

21 May 2015 - Roxas turns over 18 patrol vehicles to Pampanga police

PAMPANGA -- For more capability in anti-criminality campaigns, Interior and Local Government Secretary Mar Roxas on Wednesday turned over 18 patrol vehicles to the Pampanga Police Provincial Office.

Roxas was here for the blessing and turnover of the said vehicles that will be distributed to 18 towns of Pampanga.

21 May 2015 - Kapampangan film nominated in Sanford Film Festival

PAMPANGA -- Maverick filmmaker Jason Laxamana may yet soon add another feather on the growing list of recognitions as his Kapampangan short film USFA, which is competing in the 2015 Sanford International Film Festival (SIFF) in Maine, USA, garnered at least three nominations.

USFA is a short film narrative of a soon-to-be-US-immigrant. After almost a decade of waiting, the main actor's US immigration is finally about to be approved. Excitement has been causing his spirit to fly out of his body every night and travel to Disneyland in California.

21 May 2015 - Masantol okays road, bridge for remote village

PAMPANGA -- A remote Masantol barangay was given funds by the local government led by Mayor Danilo Guinto to construct the much-needed road and bridge.

The municipal government here approved a P500,000 budget for the expansion of the road and construction of pathways and a small bridge in Barangay San Pedro.

21 May 2015 - Pineda lauds Roxas for 18 new patrol cars

PAMPANGA -- Governor Lilia Pineda lauded Interior and Local Government Secretary Manuel Roxas II for the 18 new patrol vehicles awarded to the province last Wednesday.

It was learned that a total of 40 vehicles were distributed in Central Luzon the same day, including the other 22 vehicles for the nearby provinces of Zambales and Bataan.

21 May 2015 - Capitol funds 2 Macabebe buildings

PAMPANGA -- The Provincial Government headed by Governor Lilia Pineda has funded new facilities in Macabebe to help expand the operations and services of the local government.

Pineda recently approved the release of a P7-million budget for this municipality for the two facilities that are now being constructed beside the municipal hall.

20 May 2015 - 8 lawmakers OK Arroyo house arrest; Palace shrugs off resolution

PAMPANGA -- Eight representatives of the House committee on justice voted the other in favor of the resolution urging the Sandiganbayan to place former President and now Pampanga Representative Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo under house arrest.

The resolution, which passed the committee level on an 8-1 vote, urged the Sandiganbayan to have Mrs. Arroyo transferred to her home in the affluent La Vista subdivision in Quezon City.

20 May 2015 - Filipino lawyer files lawsuit vs Pacquiao team

MABALACAT CITY -- A lawyer, who was born and raised in this city, has filed a lawsuit against the promoter, trainer, and manager of Manny Pacquiao following the Filipino boxer’s fight against American champion Floyd Mayweather.

Lawyer Edgardo Lopez, a native of Barangay Mabiga here who is now based in California, USA, filed the case in behalf of the Filipino Law Group (FLG) against Top Rank Incorporated, Bob Arum, Michael Koncz, and Freddie Roach for perpetrating fraud in the so-called “Fight of the Century.”

20 May 2015 - San Simon mayor invited to international forum

PAMPANGA -- Mayor Leonora Wong of this town has been invited to the International Mayors Forum on June 8 to 10 in New York City.

Wong is the only mayor from Pampanga who was invited to join this year's Mayors Forum of the Sixth World Cities Summit (WCS).

20 May 2015 - Angeles vice mayor wants community support for Brigada Eskwela

ANGELES CITY -- Vice-Mayor Vicente Vega-Cabigting is calling on various sectors of the community here to support the Brigada Eskwela program that kicked-off a few days ago to further make public schools up and ready for the opening of classes this June.

The program, an annual school maintenance week of the Department of Education (DepEd), is held in all public elementary and secondary schools in preparation for the opening of classes.

20 May 2015 - Lubao gets P2.4-M for BUB projects

PAMPANGA -- Lubao town headed by Mayor Mylyn Pineda-Cayabyab received on Wednesday a check worth P2.4-million from the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) for its Bottom-up Budgeting (BUB) projects.

During the launching of the DILG's Ugnayan ng Barangay at Simbahan (UBAS) at the Bren Z. Guiao Convention Center in this city, the local government unit was also awarded a P722,000 check for BUB projects, which have already been completed.

20 May 2015 - Suspected drug pusher nabbed in Mabalacat

MABALACAT CITY -- The local police here has apprehended a suspected drug pusher who was tagged as one of the wanted persons in the city.

Superintendent Nicolas Torre, town's police chief, identified the suspect as Alvin Garcia Cortez, alias Buro, of South Daang Bakal, Barangay Dau.

19 May 2015 - CIAC lauded for P7.2B budget terminal design

CLARK FREEPORT -- An advocacy group has lauded the Clark International Airport Corporation (CIAC) for the completed design of the airport's proposed low-cost carrier passenger terminal.

The Pinoy Gumising Ka Movement (PGKM), which is advocating for the full development of Clark International Airport (CRK), said this development is "one step higher" towards the full utilization of Clark as the country's premier gateway.

19 May 2015 - Pampanga river major source of potable water

PAMPANGA -- The Metropac Water Investments Corporation (MWIC), a subsidiary of Manny Pangilinan-led Metro Pacific Investments Corporation (MPIC), and the Apalit municipal government will look into tapping the water of the Pampanga River as a major source of potable water.

This was gleaned in a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) recently signed by MPIC president Laurence Rogero and Apalit Mayor Oscar Tetangco Jr.

19 May 2015 - Pineda: Government vehicles are 'for official use only'

MABALACAT CITY -- Governor Lilia Pineda has warned barangay chairmen in Pampanga not to use the barangay vehicles, which were provided by the Provincial Government, for their personal use.

The governor said during a meeting with barangay chairmen of Arayat town recently that the more than 400 vehicles donated to Pampanga villages are "for official use only."

19 May 2015 - BIR forms new committee

PAMPANGA -- The Revenue Region 4 (RR-4) of the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) has formed a committee to run after tax evaders, said RR-4 OIC Regional Director Conrado Lee.

Lee said the move aims to pursue the prosecution and conviction of suspected tax evaders under the Run After Tax Evaders (Rate) program.

18 May 2015 - Laborers remain in the dark on pay

PAMPANGA -- Workers of the Stronghold Steel Corporation remain in the dark and are still waiting for their separation pay promised them by the management of a firm here believed to be partly owned by Antonio Tiu, an alleged dummy of Vice-President Jejomar Binay.

Laborers of the steel plant, led by its union, continue with their protest in front of the factory for over four months now after the plant ceased operations and shut down last January.

18 May 2015 - CDC records $277-M investments

CLARK FREEPORT -- The Clark Development Corporation (CDC) has recorded $277 million committed investments in some 301 projects of locators inside the Freeport.

This was learned from the CDC's Annual Report Management of 2014, where the biggest firm that contributed record high of investments was Capilion Corporate PTE Ltd., a Singapore -based company to develop a mixed-use facility for Business Processing inside this Freeport.

18 May 2015 - Angeles mayor lights candles for HIV/AIDS victims

ANGELES CITY – "People with HIV should not be discriminated upon. We cannot look down on them. We should help them think and feel that there is hope."

Thus said Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan as he lighted candles for HIV/AIDS victims during the AIDS Candlelight Memorial held Monday at the City Hall.

18 May 2015 - DA sees 3.7 million metric ton increase in CL rice production

PAMPANGA -- The Department of Agriculture (DA) here is expecting a 3.7 million metric ton increase in palay production this year from last year's 3.4 million metric tons.

This was bared by DA regional director Andrew Villacorta during the Department of Agriculture Regional Field Offices 1 and 3's Rice Achievers Awarding Ceremony at the Widus Hotel and Casino, Clark Free Port Zone, Pampanga recently.

18 May 2015 - Scholars get 2nd semester grants

PAMPANGA -- The municipality of San Simon granted educational assistance to almost 900 students Monday at the municipal covered court.

The local government here, with the initiative of Mayor Leonora Wong and Vice-Mayor Honorato Almario, continues to support the impoverished but deserving Simonians from daycare to college.

17 May 2015 - Old photos on display at Museo Ning Santa Rita

PAMPANGA -- Dozens of copies of memorabilia photographs and rare photos of 18th century scenes of this town are now on display at the Museo Ning Santa Rita as organizers opened a public exhibit on Sunday.

The pictures are copies of loan or donated photos under the care of the parish museum. The photos are being displayed as part of the events leading up to the town's fiesta celebration next week.

17 May 2015 - Convert idle lots into parking spaces – Pamintuan

ANGELES CITY -- Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan is urging owners of idle properties in the city to consider converting and constructing “pay-parking” spaces.

The mayor said this will help in addressing traffic congestion particularly at the city proper where the heritage district is situated.

17 May 2015 - Kapampangan group holds 6th mission in children's home

PAMPANGA -- The Kapampangan Ku, Pagmaragul Ku (KKPK), an organization of Kapampangan on Facebook, conducted their sixth social service mission at the Munting Tahanan Ng Nazareth in Mabalacat City over the weekend.

The event was spearheaded by Kapampangans based in the country who brought in donations to the welfare facility.

17 May 2015 - Mabalacat parish to host summer youth fest

MABALACAT CITY -- The Our Lady of Grace Parish (OLGP) youth ministry is set to host the annual summer youth (SU’YO) festival on May 21 to 23.

With the theme “Blessed are the poor in spirit for theirs is the kingdom of heaven”, the festival will be joined by parishes under the Vicariate of the Holy Spirit namely San Rafael Arkanghel Parish, Parish of the Lord’s Resurrection, Immaculate Conception Church, San Lorenzo Ruiz Parish, Our Lady of Fatima Parish, and Christ the Prince of Peace Parish.

17 May 2015 - San Simon records 2 shooting incidents

PAMPANGA -- Despite the implementation of Philippine National Police’s (PNP) Oplan Lambat Sibat, two shooting incidents have transpired here this month.

Station records show two shooting incidents occurred with three persons in the latest case.

17 May 2015 - Slay suspects still at large

PAMPANGA -- Local police have waged a manhunt operation against the suspects in the shooting incident that left three people dead.

The incident happened on April 23 but the San Simon police station still has not yet established the identities of the two suspects.

16 May 2015 - CIAC chief: Clark sports complex ‘not yet final’

CLARK FREEPORT -- The Clark International Airport Corporation (CIAC) has no commitment yet with regard to the establishment of a sports facility and national training center for athletes inside the aviation complex.

This was stated by Lawyer Emigdio Tanjuatco, CIAC president and chief executive officer, in reaction to a statement issued by an advocacy group claiming that there is conspiracy not to develop Clark airport by crowding it with facilities not related to aviation.

16 May 2015 - Pamintuan to youth: ‘Improve yourselves through education’

ANGELES CITY -- Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan urged Angeleño youths to look for ways on how to improve their conditions in life through quality education.

The mayor said the city government has improved the City College of Angeles (CCA) in order to give “poor but deserving students” opportunity to obtain a college degree.

16 May 2015 - Mayor wants more discipline on Angeles streets

ANGELES CITY -- Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan said Saturday that he is aiming to reduce the number of traffic violations here hoping to instill discipline among local motorists.

Pamintuan said that his administration has implemented measures to address the traffic situation in the city adding that while the city is collecting an average of P1-million from traffic fines, he would like to see a drop in the number of violators.

15 May 2015 - Pampanga vows support for K to 12

PAMPANGA -- The Provincial Government, together with the Pampanga Mayors League (PML), has vowed to support the implementation of the Department of Education (DepEd)'s Senior High School (SHS) Program under the K to 12 curriculum in School Year 2016-2017.

During a forum on the K to 12 Program and Senior High School (SHS) with DepEd Division of Pampanga officials at Capitol on Friday, Governor Lilia Pineda urged mayors to help the DepEd in the preparation for the full implementation of the K-12 program through the augmentation of funds for the construction of classrooms intended for the incoming SHS students.

15 May 2015 - Group lauds Korean airlines for additional flights in Clark

ANGELES CITY -- The Pinoy Gumising Ka Movement (PGKM), an advocacy group, which calls for the full development of Clark International Airport (CRK), has lauded the Jin Air for mounting additional flights in Clark.

Businessman Ruperto Cruz, head of PGKM, stated that this is a welcome development. "Akakit na ne ning Jin Air ing potential na ning market keng rota (Jin Air sees the potential market of the route)."

15 May 2015 - New facility to make river water potable

PAMPANGA -- The local government in Apalit, in coordination with Metro Pacific Water Investments Corporation (MPWIC), is introducing a new water facility, which will make water from the Pampanga River potable.

Municipal Mayor Oscar Tetangco Jr. together with other local officials finally signed a memorandum of agreement with MPWIC on the Apalit Technology Pilot Project.

15 May 2015 - Angeles cops directed to go out into streets

ANGELES CITY -- Policemen in this highly urbanized city have been directed to go out into the streets as part of the local government's police visibility and crime prevention program.

Senior Superintendent Eden Ugale, city police officer in charge, said the move significantly reduced the crime volume particularly robbery incidents.

15 May 2015 - Fernandino farmers get farm implements

PAMPANGA -- Hundreds of Fernandino farmers on Friday received various farm implements and equipment to increase their yield and cut costs in their agriculture endeavors.

Some 22 farm machineries and 17 shallow tube wells, along with five complete hand tractors were distributed to the farmers from different parts of the city by the Agriculture and Veterinary Office and Department of Agriculture (DA) Central Luzon at the Central Terminal here.

15 May 2015 - Pampanga towns get BUB budgets

PAMPANGA -- Eight Pampanga towns received their respective budgets for proposed projects in their localities under the Bottom-up Budgeting (BUB) approach.

Interior and Local Government Secretary Manuel Roxas II awarded Thursday checks to Bacolor with P1.9 million; City of San Fernando with P2.25 million; Masantol with P1.01 million; and Minalin with the biggest budget at P4.63 million.

14 May 2015 - Group defends Delfin Lee

ANGELES CITY -- A movement, which is calling for the immediate release of detained Globe Asiatique (GA) owner Delfin Lee free, described as unfair the allegations made against the property developer.

Former Salapungan barangay chairman Robert Yeen, head of the Free Delfin Lee Movement, said that it is grossly unfair and unjust to accuse Lee of defrauding the Xevera subdivision residents and buyers.

14 May 2015 - Roxas opens Candaba hospital

PAMPANGA -- Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Manuel Roxas II, together with Mayor Rene Maglanque formally opened Thursday the P32-million Candaba Municipal Infirmary Hospital, which is now ready to address the healthcare concerns of thousands of residents here and nearby towns.

Roxas said the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) through his coordination with PCSO General Manager Ferdinand Roxas donated a brand new ambulance for the hospital.

14 May 2015 - Jin Air makes Clark flights daily

CLARK FREEPORT -- Jin Air, a South Korea budget carrier, has made its flights in Clark International Airport (CRK) daily in a bid to improve the availability of flights between the two countries.

The Clark International Airport Corporation (CIAC) lauded the airlines’ move saying it expected to boost passenger volume this year.

14 May 2015 - Pelco 3 exec: DOE warning on power crisis a precaution

PAMPANGA -- The power crisis announced by the Department of Energy (DOE) is merely a precaution and a forecast, said a top executive of Pampanga III Electric Cooperative (Pelco 3).

"It is just a precaution for the upcoming large demands of consumer for this summer," said Pelco 3 Officer-in-Charge Maria Elizabeth Urbano.

14 May 2015 - Presidential awards for career execs opens nominations in Central Luzon

PAMPANGA -- The Career Executive Service Board (CESB) is still accepting nominations for the 2015 Presidential Gawad Career Executive Service Awards in Central Luzon as it also entertains nominations for career executives in government all over the country.

State workers who are Career Executive Service Officers (CEO/CESOs) or third level eligible Career Executive Service Eligibles (CESE) or Career Service Executive Eligibles (CSEE) who are presidential appointees and are appointed to CES positions may be nominated for the award.

14 May 2015 - DepEd releases partial list of schools that will offer SHS

PAMPANGA -- A total of 478 schools in Central Luzon that will implement the Senior High School (SHS) Program in SY 2016-2017 have been identified, after a partial list was formally released by the Department of Education (DepEd) Central Office in Pasig City.

The announcement is part of the continuous preparations for the full implementation of the K to 12 program.

14 May 2015 - Angeles senior citizens cheer to fitness

ANGELES CITY -- The Office of Senior Citizen Affairs (OSCA) here recently celebrated the fourth anniversary of one of its programs that brings health and wellness to lolos and lolas in the city.

Over 200 senior citizens from different barangays gathered Thursday at the Marquee Mall Activity Center for OSCA's "Lakas Sigla Para kay Lolo at Lola" mass aerobics event.

14 May 2015 - Kapampangan students in TOSP search

Four Kapampangan students have made the cut in the Ten Outstanding Students of the Philippines (TOSP) Central Luzon Regional Search as the RFM Foundation and partners recently named the winners to this year's search.

Those who made the cut include Ian Jof Mercado from Mary the Queen College (Pampanga), Jairenz Batu and Kathleen Kaye Tiglao from Holy Angel University, and Kevin de Leon from Republic Central Colleges.

13 May 2015 - New Clark Airport remains to be seen

CLARK FREEPORT -- An advocacy group calling for the full development of Clark International Airport (CRK) stated that the plan of the national government to construct a new low-cost terminal here "remain to be seen."

The Pinoy Gumising Ka Movement (PGKM), headed by businessman Ruperto Cruz, issued the statement in reaction to a recent report that the National Economic and Development Authority (Neda) approved the P7.2 billion Clark airport budget terminal.

13 May 2015 - Sto. Tomas villages unite for solid waste management

PAMPANGA -- Santo Tomas Mayor Joselito Naguit said Wednesday that the town's seven villages have joined hands to enhance solid waste management through proper segregation and recycling of garbage.

Naguit said that residents and leaders of barangays Moras De La Paz, Poblacion, San Bartolome, San Matias, San Vicente, Santo Rosario (Pau) and Sapa (Santo Niño) have become aware and are now practicing segregation and recycling as they await the full realization of the materials recovery facility (MRF) located near the tail dike.

13 May 2015 - 2 female drug pushers nabbed

PAMPANGA -- Two suspected female pushers were arrested in a drug sting by elements of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) at Robinson Starmills, San Fernando Bus Terminal on Tuesday.

PDEA-Central Luzon director Jeoffrey Tacio identified the suspected drug peddlers as Fatima Samporado, 35; and Mauli Rico, 35, both residents of Arlegui, Quiapo, Manila.

13 May 2015 - Pyestang Fernandino to highlight local products in agri-trade fair

PAMPANGA -- The City Government of San Fernando will highlight its locally made products in the upcoming Pyestang Fernandino Agro-Industrial Trade Fair on May 20 to 24 along A. Consunji Street here hoping to bring more attention to its crafts and products.

City Tourism and Investment Officer Ching Pangilinan said that the fair will also draw attention to 50 exhibitors of different crafts, products and even food delicacies.

12 May 2015 - Angeles police acquire bicycles for beat patrol

ANGELES CITY -- The Angeles City police office has acquired an initial of eight bicycles which will be used in beat patrol and police community relation by select police officers.

Senior Superintendent Eden P. Ugale, officer in charge of the Angeles City Police Office (ACPO), said they were able to procure the bikes after their successful conduct of a duathlon in Clark Freeport on Sunday.

12 May 2015 - Capitol grants P780,000 to 312 PWDs

PAMPANGA -- The provincial government distributed yesterday a total of P780,000 financial assistance for the schooling of 312 Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) from the 18 towns of the province.

The distribution was led by provincial Board Members Crisostomo Garbo, Rosve Henson, Cherry Manalo, Arthur Salalila, Joseph Anthony Torres, Ferdinand Labung, Salvador Dimson, Jr. in coordination with the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO).

12 May 2015 - CDC to remit P400-M to national government

CLARK FREEPORT -- The Clark Development Corporation (CDC) said Tuesday that it is set to remit a total of P400 million representing cash dividends to the national government.

In a press statement, the CDC said that it will be remitting the amount to the Bureau of Treasury in celebration of the "GOCC Day" (Government Owned and Controlled Corporation) in Malacañang this week.

12 May 2015 - April quarry collections reach P28.6-M

PAMPANGA -- The Provincial Government Environment and Natural Resources Office (PGENRO) reported P28,600,000 in quarry revenues for the month of April, as the former remains optimistic of the good performance of the quarry industry in the coming months.

The collection is only slightly lower than the previous year's collection of P29,140,000 but higher than the collections of 2011, 2012 and 2013. Quarry collections from July 1, 2010 to May 5 of this year have reached P1,369,205,000. Weighing scale fees for Pampanga has also reached P2.1 million.

12 May 2015 - Scholars to receive 2nd semester grants

PAMPANGA -- Almost a thousand college students in San Simon will receive their scholarship grants under the Alternative Learning System (ALS) and READ (Reaching, Empowering and Aspiring the Differently-Abled Simonians) programs on May 18.

Mayor Leonora Wong, in coordination with the other local government units, continues to give financial aid to 800 qualified college students of San Simon.

12 May 2015 - Northern Mindanao goes to Central Luzon

ANGELES CITY -- People in Central Luzon will have the opportunity to take a glimpse of products, tourist spots, and culture from different ethnic groups in Northern Mindanao, which consist of nine cities within five provinces.

This is through an exposition dubbed Pasundayag 2015 spearheaded by Northern Mindanao, which will run from May 11 to 17 at SM City Clark.

12 May 2015 - Water shortage irks Masantol folks

PAMPANGA -- Residents in different barangays of Masantol have been complaining about the water supply interruption, which started first week of May.

Five barangays here--Poblacion, San Isidro Talba, Mambang, San Nicolas and Palimpe--have been suffering from the insufficient water supply that they are receiving from the Masantol Water District (MWD).

11 May 2015 - Exec urges SM to ‘retain’ part of Paskuhan Village

PAMPANGA -- San Fernando Vice Mayor Jimmy Lazatin urged Monday SM Supermalls to retain at least a part of the original function of Paskuhan Village adding that the facility was meant to promote the lantern industry in this capital city and promote local tourism.

However, Lazatin was quick to note that this remains as a recommendation as the city government has to get "a clear statement from SM that it has indeed purchased the said property."

11 May 2015 - Pyestang Fernandino celebrations kick-off

PAMPANGA -- The grand and culturally festive Pyestang Fernandino 2015 kicked-off Monday with the official unveiling of festivity schedules and press conference with committee officers at the City Hall here.

Mayor Edwin Santiago said that the event is a yearly thanksgiving and a way of uniting all the different sectors of the city.

11 May 2015 - 232 elderly Simonians receive social pension

PAMPANGA -- The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) on Monday gave senior citizens of San Simon town their pensions under the Social Pension of Indigent Senior Citizens program.

Some 232 elderly received their social pension from the local government headed by the DSWD and Mayor Leonora Wong.

11 May 2015 - Bill renaming NLEx passes House committee level

PAMPANGA -- House Bill 4820 filed by Nueva Ecija Representative Magnolia Rosa-Nadres, which aims to rename the North Luzon Expressway (NLEx) to President Corazon C. Aquino Expressway (CAEx) has passed the committee level at the House of Representatives.

"If favorably passed into law, it will constantly remind us of the noble deeds of the late President especially for the poor, and inspire our people to emulate her example of selfless service to the nation while her exceptional courage and leadership gave hope and united the Filipino people at a critical time in the country's history," the lawmaker said.

11 May 2015 - Small entrepreneurs get capital seed assistance

PAMPANGA -- The municipality of San Simon in coordination with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) awarded capital seed assistance to six indigent entrepreneurs of San Jose Monday.

Under the program Local Poverty Reduction Action Plan (LPRAP) of the municipality, additional six members of the SEA Kaunlaran Association in San Jose village were granted P5,000 each to help them start or fund their existing businesses.

10 May 2015 - Celebrate Mothers Day everyday

ANGELES CITY -- “Mothers Day should be celebrated everyday to show our parents that we treasure them.”

Councilor Maricel Morales said this during the 8th Gawad Sa Marangal at Ulirang Ina held at SM City Clark where some 29 mothers from different villages here were honored and awarded for their exemplary service to their respective families as well as to the community.

10 May 2015 - CDC shows good financial standing

CLARK FREEPORT -- State-owned Clark Development Corporation (CDC) has continued to improve on its business developments and financial standing, showing strong performance in revenues, investments, and other economic indicators.

This was reported by Evangeline Tejada, CDC vice-president for business development and enhancement group during Talk Widus, a monthly forum of the Pampanga Press Club (PPC) at Widus Hotel and Casino here.

10 May 2015 - Apung Ceto leads 104th founding anniversary of Macabebe chapel

PAMPANGA -- The narrow halls of San Gabriel chapel were filled with people as San Fernando Archbishop Emeritus Paciano "Apu Ceto" Aniceto celebrated a mass here as part of the 104th foundation of Macabebe's chapel.

“I was invited here by the parish priest Reverend Monsignor Mario Ramos,” said Apung Ceto.

10 May 2015 - Aetas to get restrooms from Quota Pampanga

PAMPANGA -- Three aeta tribes residing inside the Barangay Planas resettlement community here will be given building complete with toilet and hygiene facilities through the initiative of Quota International of Pampanga.

The single level building composes of three bathrooms complete with toilets.

10 May 2015 - Santa Rita fiesta celebration kicks off

PAMPANGA -- This town will mark the start of a nine-day novena for its fiesta on May 22 with a march around the Santa Rita Parish church here on Tuesday with parishioners from different barangays of the parish.

The tradition, started more that 25 years ago, features the participation of different barangays covered by the parish.

9 May 2015 - Neda board ‘yet to approve’ P7.2B Clark airport terminal

CLARK FREEPORT -- The board of the National Economic and Development Authority (Neda) has yet to approve the P7.2-billion budget terminal of Clark International Airport (CRK).

This was clarified by Clark International Airport Corporation (CIAC) president and chief executive officer Emigdio Tanjuatco III amid reports that the Neda board had already approved the project.

9 May 2015 - 'Bukas Kotse' gang member arrested

PAMPANGA -- A suspected member of the "Bukas Kotse" gang was arrested while his cohorts managed to escape during a police operation conducted in Barangay Dolores, City of San Fernando on Saturday.

Senior Superintendent Rodolfo Recomono Jr., Pampanga police provincial director, identified the arrested suspect as Johnny Roja, 50, a resident of Tondo, Manila.

9 May 2015 - Free internet boosts Smart revenues – PLDT

ANGELES CITY -- The revenues of Smart Communications has been boosted by the free mobile internet access the telecommunication company provided to its subscribers from September 2014 to February 2015.

This was learned from Smart's parent firm, Philippine Long Distance and Telephone Company (PLDT), that said the move has boosted rather than dampen the growth in mobile internet revenues in the first quarter of the year.

9 May 2015 - Brothers nabbed for illegal drugs

PAMPANGA -- Brothers suspected to be notorious drug personalities were arrested during a buy-bust operation in Barangay Dila-bila, Sta. Rita, Pampanga, recently.

Senior Superintendent Rodolfo Recomono Jr., Pampanga police provincial director, identified those arrested as Russel, 20, Ramil, 38, and Renan, 34, all surnamed Pineda and residents of Zone 7 in Barangay Dila-Dila.

8 May 2015 - Issues up in K+12 conference Saturday

ANGELES CITY -- Stakeholders here will now be able to air their concerns as well as learn on what government is doing for the effective implementation of the K to 12 Basic Education Program during the meeting and conference scheduled today at the Angeles Elementary School.

Conference organizers said that the forum aims to address questions and doubts on the new curriculum and fully discuss the support programs set by government.

8 May 2015 - Green forum to highlight current energy situation

ANGELES CITY -- A clean energy forum, which is scheduled Saturday at the Holy Rosary Parish Hall is expected to highlight the country's current energy situation.

Navitas Asia Pacific, in cooperation with its Direct Energy Partner, Web of Life, will conduct the forum, which starts at 9 a.m. at the church hall.

8 May 2015 - Cops probe couple's 'suicide'

PAMPANGA -- Police are now thoroughly investigating the alleged suicide of a couple in their residence in Barangay San Nicolas, Sta. Ana, Pampanga yesterday.

Senior Superintendent Rodolfo Recomono Jr., Pampanga police provincial director, identified the fatalities as Elmer Balajadia, 27, and his wife Aisa Sigua-Balajadia, 31, both of the said barangay.

8 May 2015 - Exhibit of historic photos opens May 12

PAMPANGA -- Young and old residents of Santa Rita, as well as history buffs and photography enthusiasts, will have a chance to see copies of old photographs chronicling the parochial life of this confectionery town in an exhibit of memorabilia photographs at the Museo ning Parokya ng Santa Rita on May 12.

The event will formally open with a solemn blessing by Parish Priest Msgr. Abelardo Basilio. The event is expected to be attended by parish officials and local executives. The event features a collection of copies of old photographs that are now under the care of the parish museum.

8 May 2015 - Mabalacat PWDs undergo sign language seminar

MABALACAT CITY -- The city government has conducted a seminar on basic sign language for officers and members of the Mabalacat Federation of Persons with Disability (PWD).

Mayor Marino Morales said the seminar is aimed at teaching the group on how to communicate with other physically challenged hearing and speech impaired individuals.

7 May 2015 - Rodriguez wants hero's day moved to February 19

PAMPANGA -- Third District Representative Oscar Rodriguez has moved for the change in the commemoration of the heroism of martyred former Chief Justice of the Supreme Court Jose Abad Santos with proposed commemorations set on February 19, the hero's birth date instead of the contentious May 7 date of death.

Rodriguez made this announcement during the 73rd death anniversary of the Kapampangan hero at Heroes Hall on Thursday. Rodriguez had filed House Bill 05050 with the hope of making February 19 of each year as "Jose Abad Santos Day" and a special nonworking holiday for Pampanga.

7 May 2015 - CAAP restores Clark airport navigation equipment

CLARK FREEPORT -- The Civil Aviation Authority of Philippines (CAAP) has restored Clark airport's Doppler Very High Frequency Omnidirectional Range (VOR), which was destroyed by lightning during a thunderstorm Monday night.

The Clark International Airport Corporation (CIAC) stated that CAAP issued Thursday morning a Notice to Airmen (Notam) advising all concerned that the VOR of Clark International Airport with International Air Transport (IATA) code CRK has resumed normal operations.

7 May 2015 - Angeles commemorates Abad Santos martyrdom, heroism

ANGELES CITY -- In a fitting tribute to his martyrdom and heroism, the local government here, headed by Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan, held a wreath laying ceremony honoring the former chief justice Jose Abad Santos in his 73rd death anniversary.

The ceremony was held Thursday morning at the Museo ning Angeles in Barangay Sto. Cristo, this city.

7 May 2015 - Environment group sets renewable energy forum

ANGELES CITY -- The Web of Life, in cooperation with Sagip Sapang Balen Environmental Advocacy and Navitas Asia Pacific, has set a forum on renewable energy.

The forum dubbed Mayap A Aldo, A Clean Energy Forum, scheduled at 8:30 a.m. on May 9 at the Holy Rosary Parish Hall, is in response to the power crisis the country is experiencing.

7 May 2015 - Dozens flock to career expo at MarQuee Mall

ANGELES CITY -- Dozens of jobseekers from this highly urbanized city and neighboring areas flocked on Thursday to the Career Expo 2015 hosted by Vice-Mayor Vicky Vega-Cabigting at MarQuee Mall.

Vega-Cabigting led the event that was participated by 10 large business process outsourcing companies and a couple of local companies.

6 May 2015 - Clark airport night flights suspended

CLARK FREEPORT -- Numerous flights in Clark International Airport (CRK) were affected as airport officials were forced to suspend landing and take-off of aircraft in the absence of a Very High Frequency Omnidirectional Range (VOR) which was struck by a lightning during a thunder storm Monday night.

As of Wednesday, technicians belonging to the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) are still repairing the VOR, which is used by aircraft approaching and departing at night.

6 May 2015 - Angeles official files anti-bullying ordinance

ANGELES CITY -- Councilor Carmelo Lazatin recently filed an ordinance that would prevent bullying among students.

Many students are still experiencing bullying despite the enactment of Republic Act No. 10627 or the "Anti-Bullying Act of 2013", which requires all elementary and secondary schools to adopt policies to prevent and address the acts of bullying in their institutions, according to Lazatin.

6 May 2015 - Cops to get skills training from Tesda

PAMPANGA -- Personnel of the Police Regional Office-3 (PRO3) will soon get free skills training from the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (Tesda).

This came after Chief Superintendent Ronald Santos, officer-in-charge of PRO3, forged on Monday a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with Tesda-Central Luzon Regional Director Teodoro Gatchalian.

6 May 2015 - Pelco I: Brownouts in Magalang, Mexico due to NGCP’s insulator

PAMPANGA -- The electric power interruption that transpired Monday night in the towns of Magalang and Mexico were caused by a damaged insulator along the Mexico-Clark 69kV line in Mabalacat City of the National Grid Corporation (NGCP) that tripped around 6 p.m.

The said information was disclosed by the NGCP to the Pampanga I Electric Cooperative Inc. (Pelco I) which was one among the other electric cooperatives in the province that were hit by the electric power supply outage.

5 May 2015 - Lightning destroys Clark navigational equipment

CLARK FREEPORT -- The Very High Frequency Omnidirectional Range (VOR) of Clark International Airport (CRK) was struck by lightning during a thunderstorm Monday night.

This prompted airport authorities to divert at least eight aircraft to the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA).

5 May 2015 - Rape-slay suspect nabbed

MABALACAT CITY -- The city police have identified the suspect in the rape and slaying of a six-year-old girl in Northville 16, Barangay Atlu-Bola here.

Superintendent Nicolas Deloso Torre III, Mabalacat City police chief, named the suspect as Jay-Ar Dela Cruz, 30, a resident of Barangay Atlu Bola.

5 May 2015 - Subic locator counsel: Condotel take-over 'deceitful'

SUBIC FREEPORT -- The legal counsel of Freeport Elite Resort Inc. (FERI) deplored Tuesday the alleged "deceitful tactic" in the take-over of Ocean Condotel here last April 1.

FERI counsel Wilfrido Mangiliman reiterated a "forcible entry" case against Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) and its favored Korean locator.

5 May 2015 - Probe urged on CDC, CIAC subsidy to Clark balloon festival

CLARK FREEPORT -- A movement calling for the development of Clark has asked the Commission on Audit (COA) and Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) to conduct an investigation on the alleged irregular subsidy of Clark Development Corporation (CDC) and Clark International Airport Corporation (CIAC) amounting to an average of P3.5 million annually.

The Pinoy Gumising Ka Movement (PGKM), headed by businessman Ruperto Cruz, wrote two separate letters to the COA Chairman Michael Aguinaldo and BIR Commissioner Kim Henares, which revealed the alleged anomalies like the unliquidated public funds used in the Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Festival inside the Freeport.

5 May 2015 - Town honors former cop chief

PAMPANGA -- Santo Tomas officials honored its former chief of police Chief Inspector John Clark with a town resolution recognizing his performance as the town's top officer and his initiatives during his almost two year stint here.

Clark was presented with a copy of municipal council Resolution 105 during the after the morning flag raising ceremonies led by Mayor Joselito Naguit. The resolution was approved and supported by all town officials.

5 May 2015 - 2 snatchers slain in San Fernando shootout

PAMPANGA -- Two motorcycle-riding armed men who snatched the shoulder bag of a businesswoman were slain during a police operation along the Paskuhan Village road in Barangay Dolores, City of San Fernando, over the weekend.

Superintendent Rechie Duldulao, City of San Fernando chief of police, said that the suspects snatched the bag of Sarah Maria Santos, 35, while she was seated at the Gloria Jeans Café located at Northwalk 2 along Jose Abad Santos Avenue, also in Barangay Dolores.

4 May 2015 - LTO starts inventory of delayed car plates

PAMPANGA -- The Land Transportation Office (LTO) Central Luzon started Monday the inventory of delayed car plates for newly registered four-wheeled vehicles to address the backlog that caused an uproar in the implementation of the "no plate, no travel policy" last April 1.

LTO Operations Division Officer-in-Charge Narciso Maniacup told Memorandum 2015-012 dated April 29 from LTO Regional Director Marina De Jesus, noted by Department of Transportation and Communications Assistant Secretary Alfonso Tan, Jr. stipulates the turn-over of functions in the approval of all new registration transactions, which similarly signals the inventory of the reported 5,000-plate backlog in the region.

4 May 2015 - Same suspect may be involved in 2 town hall robberies

PAMPANGA -- Bacolor Mayor Jose Maria Hizon said Monday that the suspect in the robbery and break-in at the municipal treasurer's office here is also a suspect in similar incident in a municipality in La Union.

Hizon said that investigation made by the local police showed that the lone suspect also divested the treasurer’s office of a town hall in La Union, which he did not identify, a few weeks ago. He added that the mayor of the said town did not report the incident to authorities.

4 May 2015 - Billions of pesos endorsed for Central Luzon government budgets

PAMPANGA -- The Regional Development Council (RDC) has passed resolutions endorsing billions of pesos for proposed increased budgets of government offices in Central Luzon for the year 2016.

The proposed budgets include that of the Department of Public Works and Highways- P28.22-billion; National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) – P3.5-million; Department of Agriculture- P2.04- billion; National Irrigation Administration (NIA) --P3.05- billion; and NIA Upper Pampanga River Integrated Irrigation Systems- P2.19-billion.

4 May 2015 - Students get ‘Tulong Dunong’ assistance

PAMPANGA -- Thousands of Fourth District college students in have received first semester 2015 financial assistance under the Commission on Higher Education (CHEd)'s "Tulong Dunong" Program, coursed through the office of Pampanga Representative Juan Pablo "Rimpy" Bondoc.

Bondoc's chief of staff, Pol Balingit, told 100 checks are now available for claim at the office of the solon here for beneficiaries who have not received their grants yet.

4 May 2015 - ‘Knocked out’ signal irks Pacquiao-Mayweather bout viewers

PAMPANGA -- A number of pay-per-view subscribers excited to watch the "Fight of the Century" between Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather Jr. expressed Sunday disappointment when transmission signals were abruptly cut-off just before the actual bout in Las Vegas started.

Subscribers who were hit by the sudden loss of signal across the city and some from the neighboring towns in Pampanga complained of the sudden disconnection which affected other pay-per-view sites to as far as Metro Manila, according to a cable broadcast technical expert as the historic fight was going on.

4 May 2015 - 7th Organic Trading Post launched in Central Luzon

PAMPANGA -- Central Luzon provinces, especially Pampanga, Bulacan and Tarlac can now avail of agriculture produce from Zambales all year round as the Department of Agriculture (DA) here formally launch recently the 7th Organic Trading Post (OTP) in Banowatamo Complex.

The OTP, which was launched in partnership with the local government unit of Botolan, Zambales, is similar to a Barangay Food Terminal (BFT) where agricultural products such as rice and other high value crops are displayed but only organically grown products are allowed.

4 May 2015 - 'Fight of the Century' cleared busy roads

PAMPANGA -- The ever-busy and crowded streets were traffic-less Sunday as people are tuned to the long-awaited "Fight of the Century".

Local officials have been doing things to lessen the traffic in the vicinity of the town's public market and Sunday seemed like a dream come true to them.

4 May 2015 - Pampanga stops for Pacquio fight

PAMPANGA -- Sunday morning has virtually gone to a halt as Kapampangans rushed home to watch the Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather Jr. bout in what was dubbed to the be the fight of the century at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

People also trooped to free live streaming of the fight in public covered courts sponsored by local officials. People who were scheduled to attend Mass on Sunday even attended the Saturday anticipated Masses to afford themselves of enough time to watch the fight the next day.

4 May 2015 - Tapang: Pacquiao fight reminds Kapampangans of Filipino pride

PAMPANGA -- Board Member Mike Tapang said the recent fight between Floyd Mayweather Jr., and Manny Pacquiao has a positive effect on Kapampangans as each bout of the Filipino champion brings together people from all walks of life, promotes a sense of camaraderie and uplifts the Filipino pride.

American boxer Floyd Mayweather Jr. (48-0) remained undefeated after he beat Manny Pacquiao in their megafight at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas Sunday but Tapang said the Kapampangans saw in Pacquiao as a professional sportsman even in the face of defeat.

4 May 2015 - Korean firm opens world-class hotel in Clark

CLARK FREEPORT -- A Korean corporation has opened on Saturday the P200-million world-class Xenia hotel inside the Freeport.

Son Bong Sam, president Xenia Hotel, said they decided to put up their first hotel with 200 rooms in Clark because of the area's business and tourism potential.

3 May 2015 - Toll firm prepares for NLEx-SCTEx link

MABALACAT CITY -- The Manila North Tollways Corporation (MNTC) has started putting up temporary entry and exit toll booths every weekend in at least three areas in this city in preparation for the upcoming integration of the North Luzon Expressway (NLEx) and the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEx).

The experimental move aimed at conditioning motorists of the NLEX-SCTEX linking however created a monstrous traffic jam at the Santa Ines exit on Friday, which irked thousands of travelers.

3 May 2015 - Hired on the spot up 88% in Labor Day job fairs

PAMPANGA -- The placement rate in the recent Labor Day job fairs here registered an 88.7 percent increase as a total of 2,475 applicants were hired-on-the-spot (HOTS) in the said events all over Central Luzon.

Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Regional Director Ana Dione said that this represented a placement rate of 23.52 percent for the 10,525 qualified applicants or 3.52 points above the 20 percent target.

3 May 2015 - Angeles hosts NCCA's 'Yugyugan' dance rally

ANGELES CITY -- Hundreds of dance artists from Pampanga recently trooped to this city's Heritage District in Barangay Sto. Rosario to join performing arts groups from all over Philippines in drumming up awareness on cultural heritage preservation.

The dance rally, dubbed "Yugyugan Para sa Kultura ng Bayan", is spearheaded by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) to raise consciousness on preserving culture and tradition through a "dance rally".

3 May 2015 - Charity clinic provides hope for indigent moms

PAMPANGA -- Indigent pregnant women are being invited by the Kapampangan Development Foundation (KDF) to avail of free maternal care services with its new charity clinic as the foundation reported of nine successful deliveries and 187 pre-natal examinations as of April this year.

KDF Trustee Sylvia Ordonez said that the facility is a beacon of hope and an inspiration of the setting of similar facilities in towns and villages needing of free maternal services. The charity maternity clinic is located at the Jesus A. Datu Medical Center (JADMC) in Barangay San Vicente of this town.

2 May 2015 - Pamintuan: Address impending Metro Clark water shortage

CLARK FREEPORT -- Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan has stressed the need to address the looming water shortage in the Metro Clark area.

The mayor issued the statement during a meeting with officers and members of the Capampangan in Media Incorporated (CAMI) at the Bahay Balita inside the Freeport Friday.

2 May 2015 - Bacolor mayor offers P100,000 reward for arrest of suspect in town hall burglary

PAMPANGA -- Bacolor Mayor Jose Maria Hizon has offered a P100,000 cash reward for information leading to the identification of those responsible for the break-in and robbery inside the municipal town hall recently.

Hizon said that the police have a photo of one of the suspects who entered the Treasurer's Office and carted away P500,000 cash and other valuables.

2 May 2015 - On Labor Day: Workers’ demand P16,000 national minimum wage

MABALACAT CITY -- As Filipino workers celebrate Labor Day on Friday, various people's organizations demand for a P16,000 national minimum wage.

The wage increase demand was echoed by the Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU) and Confederation for Unity, Recognition and Advancement of Government Employees (Courage) under the All Workers' Unity.