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Balibago News Oct-2015

31 Oct 2015 - Old banknotes good until December 2015 only

PAMPANGA -- The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) disclosed that old peso bills can be used for buying and payments until December 31 only.

As such, the BSP has been urging the public to swap their old peso bill called New Design Series (NDS) with the New Generation Currency (NGC).

31 Oct 2015 - BCDA has new chair, directors

CLARK FREEPORT -- President Aquino has appointed a new board chairperson and three directors for the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA).

The new BCDA board chairwoman is Maria Aurora Geotina-Garcia who replaced former Chairperson Rolando Gosiengfiao who passed away in January 2015.

31 Oct 2015 - Legarda guides LGUs on climate change measures

MABALACAT CITY -- Senator Loren Legarda reminded local government units (LGUs) and community organizations on how to craft plans that would effectively address the impact of the Earth’s warming temperature.

This, as the Climate Change Commission (CCC) announced that it is ready to accept climate change adaptation (CCA) proposals for funding under Republic Act 10174 or the People’s Survival Fund (PSF) Law.

31 Oct 2015 - DA Central Luzon hosts 11th PH corn congress

PAMPANGA -- The Department of Agriculture Central Luzon (DA-CL) in cooperation with Philippine Maize Federation (PhilMaize) Inc. and Agricultural Training Institute spearheaded the 11th Philippine National Corn Congress and Third National Corn Achievers Awards at Fontana Leisure Park inside Clark Freeport recently.

With the theme “Moving Forward Enhancing Competitiveness: Philippine Corn Towards Asean Integration,” it aims to strengthen corn farming across the country and recognized the outstanding provinces, municipalities, cities, corn coordinators, Agricultural Extension Workers (AEW) and farmers that showed outstanding dedication and skills in corn farming.

31 Oct 2015 - The Medical City Clark offers free colorectal disease screening

CLARK FREEPORT -- The Medical City Clark has announced its free screening for colorectal (colon and rectum) diseases set on November 6.

The hospital management stated in their billboard “who should be screened” for the disease -- 40 years old and above, those with family history or high risk of colorectal polyps and cancer, change in vowel habits, high preference to red and processed meat.

30 Oct 2015 - Angeles councilor warns of Capilion's impact

ANGELES CITY --- An official here said that the city should prepare for the economic and social impact of the P7-billion mixed-use commercial facility of the Singapore-based Capilion Corporation PTE Limited.

Nepomuceno cited that the Clark Development Corporation (CDC) is a government body in charge of developing Clark Freeport but stressed the need for proper coordination between the state-owned corporation and the city government.

30 Oct 2015 - Angeles train station to be restored

ANGELES CITY -- The old and historic train station along Villanueva Street in this city will be fully restored at least by next year.

Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan, during a breakfast forum with media, disclosed that businessman Reghis Romero II, had volunteered to restore the train station to the tune of P10-million to P13-million.

30 Oct 2015 - First Negosyo Center in Pampanga opens in San Fernando

PAMPANGA -- It's all systems go for the first-ever Negosyo Center in Pampanga after the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the Local Government Unit (LGU) of San Fernando launched the facility October 28 at the old DFA building in the City of San Fernando.

"Today's launching is very timely as San Fernando was just awarded as the Most Business-Friendly LGU. No doubt this Negosyo Center is bound to be successful," said City Mayor Edwin D. Santiago during his speech at the launching.

30 Oct 2015 - San Fernando all set for 'Undas'

PAMPANGA -- The City Government of San Fernando is all set for the observance of Undas or All Saints' and All Souls' Days on November 1 and 2, respectively.

Mayor Edwin Santiago said that some departments of the local government have been given separate tasks to provide security and convenience to those who will visit departed loved ones in cemeteries and prevent any untoward incident or accident from taking place.

30 Oct 2015 - Comelec won't extend voters' registration

PAMPANGA -- The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has reiterated that it will not extend voters' registration, which will culminate on Saturday.

Jovy Tiongco, Election Assistant II of Comelec San Fernando, said they will not give any extension since their office had already given substantial time for the voting public to register, which started in 2014.

30 Oct 2015 - LGUs, NGOs, state universities to maintain employment offices

MABALACAT CITY -- Employment services offices nationwide will now be community-based and maintained largely by local government units (LGUs), accredited non-governmental organizations (NGOs) or community-based organizations, (CBOs) and state universities and colleges (SUCs).

This is provided in the amended Republic Act 8759, or the Public Employment Services Office (PESO) Act of 1999.

30 Oct 2015 - Public cemetery to be rehabilitated

PAMPANGA -- MAsantol Mayor Danilo Guintu said Friday that the public cemetery in the town will be rehabilitated soon.

"Ipapa-rehabilitate ko yung sementeryo pagkatapos ng rehabilitation ng palengke kasi madalas lumubog doon," he said.

30 Oct 2015 - Fil-Chi chamber aids ‘Lando’ victims

PAMPANGA -- The Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Incorporated (FFCCCII)-San Fernando on Friday extended aid to the seven municipalities in the province that were affected by the recent Typhoon "Lando."

Eddie Chua, FFCCCII-San Fernando president, said their organization is always ready to help their kabalens especially in times of calamity and disaster.

29 Oct 2015 - Government outlines measures to combat dengue

MABALACAT CITY -- The Department of Education (DepEd) joined the Department of Health (DOH) and Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in the installation of insecticide-treated screens in public schools during the launching of Brigada para sa Kalinisan.

The DOH recently distributed 20,000 rolls of the treated screens to selected public elementary schools in different parts of the country.

29 Oct 2015 - No road works in NLEx, SCTEx this 'Undas'

PAMPANGA -- There will be no major road works in all sections of the North Luzon (NLEx) and Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressways (SCTEx) to give motorists easier access as many Filipinos troop to the provinces to commemorate All Saints Day and All Souls Day this weekend.

The Manila North Tollways Corporation (MNTC) announced that all road works would be suspended beginning October 29 until November 2. The Manila North Tollways Corporation is the concessionaire of the NLEx and SCTEx.

29 Oct 2015 - Rodriguez Hospital offers chemo session for breast cancer patients

PAMPANGA -- The Ricardo P. Rodriguez Memorial Hospital Annex in Bacolor put up a chemotherapy unit to cater to cancer patients at a minimal cost.

This was announced by Dr. Andrew Jay Pusung, chief of clinics of the said hospital during the Breast Cancer Lay Forum on Thursday attended by around 40 breast cancer patients.

29 Oct 2015 - CSF celebrates Elderly Week

PAMPANGA -- They danced, sang, shared poems and talents to reminisce the good old days.

More than a thousand elderly gathered at the Heroes Hall to attend the Elderly Celebration hosted by the City Government of San Fernando through its Office of the Senior Citizens Affairs (OSCA) and the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO).

29 Oct 2015 - 20 contestants for Mr. and Ms. Clark ‘15 crown named

CLARK FREEPORT -- Twenty contestants will vie for the first ever Mr. and Ms. Clark 2015, officials of the Clark Development Corporation (CDC) announced on Thursday.

Noemi B. Garcia, CDC Tourism and Promotions Department (TPD) manager, said the candidates are mostly employees of locator-companies inside the Freeport and residents in Clark contiguous areas.

29 Oct 2015 - 150 families get relief packs from QI Pampanga

PAMPANGA -- A total of 150 families in San Simon received on Thursday grocery packs from Quota International (QI) of Pampanga as part of the groups emergency relief operations for those affected by the aftermath flooding brought about by recent Typhoon Lando.

QI Pampanga president Myrna Canlas said the relief operations were made possible through the donations of QI Pampanga ladies and the Quota's Region 18.

29 Oct 2015 - Guv wants dengue woes addressed

PAMPANGA -- Governor Lilia Pineda has called on barangay task forces to address the growing concerns about dengue.

According to reports, the total number of dengue patients admitted in the 11 district hospitals of the province has reached 552 as of October 22.

28 Oct 2015 - CSF named most business friendly anew

PAMPANGA -- Our capital city has been named “Most Business Friendly” local government unit in the country anew by the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI).

San Fernando received the award for the second year in a row for its efforts in adopting and instituting innovative and best practices in good governance, in partnership with the private sector.

28 Oct 2015 - Pamintuan cites AC parks, Plaza Angel in urban forum

ANGELES CITY -- This city’s parks and public spaces took center stage as Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan shared the Angeles City experience on the topic Public Spaces in the Urban Environment during the World Cities Day Urban Forum held Tuesday at the Blue Leaf Filipinas, City of Dreams, Parañaque City.

Pamintuan was the only mayor invited to become a resource speaker in the forum.

28 Oct 2015 - No flooding in Sta. Ana during 'Lando' onslaught

PAMPANGA -- Despite being in the center of municipalities greatly affected by Typhoon "Lando", Santa Ana town did not experience even minimal flooding.

Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council Officer and Municipal Engineer Hilario Maliwat, Jr. said their rehabilitation and strengthening programs on their waterways helped in the mitigation of floods.

28 Oct 2015 - Suspected thief electrocuted, caught

PAMPANGA -- A suspected thief was caught in the act by his victim recently at Barangay San Pablo here.

Jefferson Nogoy, 32, of San Luis town, was caught stealing three fighting cocks after he got electrocuted in the electric wire installed in the perimeter fence of the farm he tried to rob.

28 Oct 2015 - Boking: Mabalacat City jinx gone

MABALACAT CITY -- The curse that the Mabalacat City will not be progressive is gone.

This was the statement of Mayor Marino “Boking” Morales during the groundbreaking ceremony of the Mang Inasal food chain branch here on Wednesday.

28 Oct 2015 - Apalit aims to avoid casualties during calamities

PAMPANGA -- The Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office (MSWDO) of Apalit said Wednesday that they always try to avoid casualties during calamities.

"Yun yung ayaw naming mangyari nina Mayor Oscar Tetangco, Jr., ang magkaroon ng casualty reported every calamity," Harley Cortez of the MSWDO said.

28 Oct 2015 - Pampanga distributes P4.4-M assistance to flood victims

PAMPANGA -- The provincial government of Pampanga distributed a total of P4,421,520.35 worth of food packs to residents affected by the waters induced by Typhoon "Lando."

According to Provincial Social Welfare and Development (PSWD) Officer Elizabeth Baybayan, 1,396 food packs were distributed in Arayat; 3,128 in San Luis; 1,993 in Candaba; 2,800 in Masantol; and 888 in San Simon.

27 Oct 2015 - DTI to merchants: Keep prices stable

The Department of Trade and Industry Regional Office III (DTI-3) is calling on all businessmen in Central Luzon to follow the existing suggested retail prices (SRP) of basic and prime commodities.

This came as many parts of Central Luzon were placed under state of calamity due to Typhoon "Lando."

27 Oct 2015 - Bizman anxious of 2016 poll results

PAMPANGA -- Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. vice chairman Rene Romero expressed Tuesday his concern on the possible results of the 2016 national elections stressing that the achievements and programs set by the current administration would be at stake.

Romero said that voters in Central Luzon should make a wise choice of choosing the next leaders who can take the responsibility of propelling the country's economy and bring about social change.

27 Oct 2015 - Capitol continues relief operations

PAMPANGA -- The provincial government of Pampanga headed by Governor Lilia Pineda continues its relief operations in the towns affected by floodwaters induced by Typhoon "Lando."

According to Provincial Social Welfare and Development Officer Elizabeth Baybayan, more than 2,000 food packs were distributed in Barangay San Agustin and Paralaya in Candaba.

27 Oct 2015 - PRO-3 to deploy 2,000 cops for ‘Undas’

PAMPANGA -- A total of 2,000 policemen will be deployed in Central Luzon starting today, Wednesday, as part of Implan “Undas” 2015 to assist motorists going to different provinces in the region.

Chief Superintendent Rudy Lacadin, Police Regional Office-3 (PRO3) Acting Regional Director, said the policemen will be deployed for security preparedness and public safety concerns in the entire region during the observance of the All Saints Day and All Souls Day.

27 Oct 2015 - Thousands of typhoon victims benefit from CDC assistance

CLARK FREEPORT -- Some 3,225 families affected by Typhoon Lando benefitted from the recent relief operations conducted by the Clark Development Corporation (CDC).

The CDC External Affairs Department (EAD) distributed 3,225 food packages to disaster victims in La Paz in Tarlac, Talavera in Nueva Ecija and Candaba Pampanga last week, said Noel Tulabut, head of the state-owned firm's Communications Department.

27 Oct 2015 - Sto. Tomas cops arrest man for lascivious acts

PAMPANGA -- Police arrested recently a suspect for alleged acts of lasciviousness in Barangay San Bartolome, Sto Tomas.

The suspect identified as Jaypee Sambo, 30, a resident of the said barangay, victimized his 15-year-old cousin named "Michelle."

27 Oct 2015 - FFCCCII distributes relief goods to typhoon victims

PAMPANGA -- The Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (FFCCCII), through the San Fernando Filipino-Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (SFFCCII) donated relief packs to affected families in flood hit areas in Nueva Ecija after the aftermath of Typhoon "Lando."

SFFCCIII president Eddie Chua said the donation was made possible through the contributions and donations of Filipino-Chinese businessmen, their families and partners.

27 Oct 2015 - Naguit to focus on business, family

PAMPANGA -- Sto Tomas outgoing three-term Mayor Joselito Naguit said Tuesday that he wants to focus on his business and family after serving Tomasians for almost 14 years.

Naguit added that he served the public since he was 32 years old and wanted to keep his time on family and business to give a chance to others who also want to seek the mayoral post in the town.

27 Oct 2015 - DA-3 aids farmers affected by Typhoon 'Lando'

PAMPANGA -- The Department of Agriculture Central Luzon is now exerting efforts in helping farmers of the region that were affected by the onslaught of Typhoon "Lando" in Central Luzon last week.

Currently, there is an on-going distribution to affected farmers of 52,000 bags of hybrid seeds and 30,000 bags certified seeds, under the High Yielding Technology, a subsidy of P2,500 per hectare, 500 bags of complete fertilizer and assorted vegetable seeds are also being distributed to affected farmers of Aurora.

27 Oct 2015 - Korean firm earmarks P450M for Clark hotel, wellness project

CLARK FREEPORT -- A South Korean firm has started constructing its P450-million hotel and wellness facility inside this Freeport.

Clark Development Corporation (CDC) president Arthur Tugade and Somang Global Clark Corporation (SGGC) president Ho Kyeng Lee led the recent groundbreaking ceremonies signaling the start of the 7 Healing Hotel and Spa facilities here.

26 Oct 2015 - Comelec asked to disqualify Boking’s partner

MABALACAT CITY -- Former Vice Mayor Noel Castro has asked the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to disqualify Mayor Marino “Boking” Morales' live-in partner from the 2016 mayoral race.

In his petition, Castro asked the Comelec to cancel the certificate of candidacy (COC) of his opponent Ninia Manipon, who is running for mayor here under Governor Lilia Pineda’s Kambilan Party.

26 Oct 2015 - Mexico eyes plastics ban

PAMPANGA -- To address the growing problem of environmental degradation, the Mexico local government here is eyeing the ban on the use of plastic materials.

Vice Mayor Jonathan Pangan said the proposal is already being reviewed by the committee on environment and will soon be passed for second reading.

26 Oct 2015 - MDRRMO: Lando affected families ‘stubborn’

PAMPANGA -- The Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (MDRRMO) of Macabebe said Monday that families affected by floods spawned by Typhoon Lando were “stubborn.”

MDRRMO officer Jomel Cruz said that some affected families did not want to evacuate but keep on asking for relief goods.

26 Oct 2015 - Baby boy drowns in Masantol

PAMPANGA -- A baby boy who turned one year old on October 20 drowned on Friday afternoon at Barangay Nigui here.

Masantol Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction Management Officer Jess Manansala said that the victim was identified as Jhun Joseph Bonifacio.

26 Oct 2015 - Max's Restaurant reiterates commitment to provide Filipino-oriented service

ANGELES CITY -- Max's Restaurant franchisee MTL Foods reiterated its commitment to provide quality food and service as they re-opened their newly renovated branch at SM City Clark on Monday.

MTL Foods Managing Director Tess Laus said they are doubling their efforts to make Max's the most preferred Filipino restaurant worldwide.

26 Oct 2015 - Porac gets additional P4.1M for BuB projects

PAMPANGA -- The Municipal Government of Porac formally received Monday P4.1 million from the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) under the Bottom-Up Budgeting (BUB).

Mayor Condralito Dela Cruz, during Monday’s flag raising, said that the funds were part of the P15 million that the town is availing for the different sector projects and programs here

26 Oct 2015 - Labor department plants 500 trees anew in Porac

PAMPANGA -- Some 500 “Dao” seeds were planted in two barangays in Porac, Pampanga in a recent tree-planting activity organized by the Department of Labor and Employment (Dole) in Central Luzon.

The activity is the third partnership between the Dole and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in line with the government’s National Greening Program (NGP).

25 Oct 2015 - 7 towns still under state of calamity

PAMPANGA -- The towns of Arayat, Apalit, Candaba, Macabebe, Masantol, San Simon and San Luis are still under state of calamity as villages remain flooded.

The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) has recommended placing seven towns of the province under state of calamity as a result of the back-flooding from Nueva Ecija due to Typhoon "Lando."

25 Oct 2015 - 'We are not derailing any project'

PAMPANGA -- Porac Councilor Regin Clarete defended Sunday his fellow councilors here after being accused of derailing the progress of this town when they deferred the approval of the P30-million road project for Barangay Sapang Uwak here.

The road project is aimed at concreting the access road towards the Mt. Pinatubo Eco-Tourism Park.

25 Oct 2015 - Prices of basic commodities in 7 Pampanga towns frozen

PAMPANGA -- The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has implemented a price freeze on basic and prime commodities in seven Pampanga towns that were placed under a state of calamity due to damages brought by Typhoon "Lando."

The towns under the price freeze since October 21 are Arayat, Apalit, Candaba, Macabebe, Masantol, San Simon, and San Luis in Pampanga's third and fourth districts.

25 Oct 2015 - San Fernando public market rehab all set

PAMPANGA -- The City Government of San Fernando is set to rehabilitate the New Public Market in Barangay Del Pilar.

This was announced during Mayor Edwin Santiago and the City Economic Enterprise Division’s (CEED) ocular inspection last October 22.

25 Oct 2015 - 'Lando' kills 3, affects 20,000

PAMPANGA -- Three persons were killed and almost 20,000 individuals were affected by Typhoon "Lando" across the province, said the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC).

The fatalities were identified as Joyce Reyes (snakebite), 12, from Candating, Arayat, Reynaldo L. De Jesus (electrocution), 41 Brgy. Babo Sacan, Porac, and Jhun Joseph Bonifacio (drowning), 1, Malicaban, Masantol.

25 Oct 2015 - Pampanga needs P3.5M for disaster response

PAMPANGA -- The Pampanga Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) needs to set some P3.5 million for the province's disaster response efforts.

The PDRRMC, in a statement, said that it has passed a resolution favorably approving the reprogramming of the said amount from the 2015 calamity.

24 Oct 2015 - Flooding affects 6,604 families in San Simon

PAMPANGA -- The Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (MDRRMO) said yesterday that around 6,604 families were affected by the flood caused by Typhoon Lando.

MDRRMO officer Benjamin Santos said that most of the affected residents came from six barangays San Juan, San Pedro, San Jose, San Nicolas, San Miguel and Sta. Cruz near the Pampanga river.

24 Oct 2015 - Quota, PDA host dental mission

PAMPANGA -- The Quota International of Pampanga (QI Pampanga), in cooperation with the Philippine Dental Association (PDA) Pampanga Chapter hosted the dental mission for the deaf and hearing impaired students of Pampanga High Schools Special Education class.

QI Pampanga president Myrna Canlas said that the event was made possible through the support of PDA Pampanga chapter President Agnes Guevara Sicat who also happens to be a Quotarian. The event is the second dental mission hosted for the said school by the two groups.

24 Oct 2015 - San Luis floodwaters subside

PAMPANGA -- Mayor Venancio Macapagal said yesterday that the floodwaters in the town caused by typhoon Lando subside for the past few days.

He added that the town might be back on businesses after a week or two.

23 Oct 2015 - Provincial government aids flood affected Candaba

PAMPANGA -- The provincial government of Pampanga, neighboring towns, and the Philippine Navy Rescue Team have joined forces to aid this town which suffered massive flooding due to Typhoon Lando (international name: Koppu).

Governor Lilia Pineda and Vice Governor Dennis Pineda regularly visit the municipalities devastated by the recent typhoon including Candaba to check the situation and provide relief goods to affected families.

23 Oct 2015 - 3 PH airports land in Asia’s top 30 list

CLARK FREEPORT -- Clark International Airport (CRK) is one of the three airports in the country which made it to the list of the 30 best airports in Asia.

Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA) landed in 18th place; Iloilo Airport ranked 21st; and CRk snagged the 24th place.

23 Oct 2015 - Motorshow set at Fontana Clark

CLARK FREEPORT -- Excitement looms again in Clark as the biggest Car and Motor show in the country is all set to show off fancy wares during the three-day event at the Fontana Hot Springs Leisure Parks (FHSLP) inside this Freeport on November 13 to 15.

Manuel Sequeira, chief executive officer of FHSLP, said the everyone is welcome to witness a three-day show of amazing events, from cars and bike, auto fun run, black and white pool party, music entertainment, dance showdown competition, to car of the year awards, among others.

23 Oct 2015 - HAU briefing to highlight Central Luzon economy

ANGELES CITY -- The Holy Angel University (HAU) will host an economic briefing entitled “Central Luzon as the Eye of the Asian Tiger” with top Filipino economist Dr. Bernardo M. Villegas as guest speaker.

The briefing, co-sponsored with the Metro-Angeles Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (MACCII), the Pampanga Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PamCham) and the Cultural and Educational Foundation of Angeles (CEFA), is expected to draw the participation of various chambers of commerce, business and civic organizations and other movers of Region III.

22 Oct 2015 - Binay visits 'Lando' victims in Central Luzon

MABALACAT CITY -- Vice President Jejomar Binay has visited flooded towns in Pampanga, Nueva Ecija, and Bulacan as his office continued to provide relief and other assistance to families displaced by Typhoon Lando (international name: Koppu).

Binay visited San Simon, Candaba, and Arayat in Pampanga; Cabiao, San Isidro, and Gapan in Nueva Ecija; San Miguel, and San Ildefonso in Bulacan.

22 Oct 2015 - Nepomuceno 'willing to do everything' for Angeles’ progress

ANGELES CITY -- Councilor Bryan Nepomuceno, one of the city’s vice mayoral candidates in the 2016 polls, has vowed to work for the economic development of this city.

Nepomuceno said that this is one of his agenda in terms of employment peace and order, investments, tourism and others.

22 Oct 2015 - RRCP calls for support for ROTARUN 2015

PAMPANGA -- The Rotary Club of Central Pampanga, through its president Rolly Macalino, is calling on fitness and marathon enthusiasts to support the ROTARUN 2015 initiative of the Rotary Club of Western Pampanga at Clark Freeport on October 25.

Macalino said that the project is in line with the Run to End Polio Now project. He said that part of the proceeds of this event will go to the Rotary International’s mission to eradicate polio worldwide.

22 Oct 2015 - Bondoc welcomes Tetangco entry in 4th district congressional race

PAMPANGA -- Representative Juan Pablo "Rimpy" Bondoc has welcomed the entry of his "most serious challenger" in the congressional race in the fourth district, outgoing Apalit Mayor Oscar "Jun" Tetangco, Jr.

Bondoc, whose family has served the fourth congressional district of the province for more than 30 years, is about to face a fight dubbed as the "most serious political contest in the province" with Tetangco on 2016 polls.

22 Oct 2015 - DOH steps up drive vs leptospirosis

PAMPANGA -- The Department of Health Region III (DOH-3) is now intensifying efforts to prevent the spread of leptospirosis in the areas that were greatly affected by Typhoon Lando.

Leptospirosis is an infectious disease common in flooded areas, particularly among rice fields, transferred from urines of animals such as rats.

21 Oct 2015 - Boking withdraws candidacy for mayor

MABALACAT CITY -- Mayor Marino “Boking” Morales will end his two-decade rule here in 2016 after he backed out from the race on Wednesday.

Morales was substituted by his wife, Ninia Manipon Morales, 36, who filed her certificate of candidacy under the Kambilan Party.

21 Oct 2015 - Maglanque seeks Yabut's support for mayoral bid

PAMPANGA -- Candaba Mayor Rene Maglanque is now seeking the support of his fellow Candabeño incumbent fourth district Board Member Ricardo "Ric" Yabut for his reelection bid in 2016.

Yabut who will end his third and last term in the provincial board was supposed to run for mayor here.

21 Oct 2015 - Tapang, allies turn down P30-M road project

PAMPANGA -- Porac Mayoral aspirant Councilor Michael “Mike” Tapang and his four allies in the town council have been accused of derailing progress in this town when they turned down the proposed P30-million road work project in Barangay Sapang Uwak.

Vice Mayor Dexter David and Councilors Regine Clarete, Remberto Lapid, Rafael Canlapan and Ronaldo Gamboa made the statement shortly after Tapang and his allies disapproved the resolution for the multi-million project at the Aeta village during the regular session last week.

21 Oct 2015 - Vice guv inspects flooded areas in San Luis and Candaba

PAMPANGA -- Vice Governor Dennis "Delta" Pineda on Tuesday inspected the areas affected by the flood waters induced by Typhoon "Lando" in the towns of San Luis and Candaba.

The vice governor, together with Angie Blanco, Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (PDRRM) officer; San Luis Mayor Venancio Macapagal and Apalit Mayor Oscar Tetangco, Jr, Pampanga Councilors League president, checked the portion of Arnedo Dike in Barangay Sta. Cruz Poblacion, San Luis.

21 Oct 2015 - Kakak Foundation donates P100,000 for DHVTSU dormitory

PAMPANGA -- The Kapansanan ng Kawarayan at Kakurian Foundation, Inc. (KAKAK Foundation, Inc.) has donated P100, 000 to help the Municipal Government of Porac build a dormitory facility to house some students who are taking courses at the Don Honorio Ventura Technical State University (DHVTSU) satellite campus here.

The check donation was given by former Leyte governor Jericho Petilla and his wife to Mayor Condralito dela Cruz. Witnessing the event was Governor Lilia Pineda's chief of staff Fritzie David-Dizon.

21 Oct 2015 - Sambo to address Santo Tomas flooding woes

PAMPANGA -- Former councilor John Sambo, who is seeking the mayoral post, said that he will be working to fully address the other flooding issues in this town and continue to work for infrastructure development if elected in 2016.

Sambo, an ally of Representative Juan Pablo “Rimpy" Bondoc, said the town is already experiencing less flooding now with the recent projects of Bondoc in this municipality.

20 Oct 2015 - DA: P5B initial damage to Central Luzon crops

PAMPANGA -- Typhoon Lando (international name: Koppu) has damaged at least P5 billion worth of crops in Central Luzon.

The Department of Agriculture (DA) said that it is expecting the figure to rise by next week as more damage reports have yet to be consolidated.

20 Oct 2015 - Ex-Mabalacat official files disqualification case vs Boking

MABALACAT CITY -- A former vice mayor in this city has filed before the Commission on Elections (Comelec) a disqualification case against reelectionist Mayor Marino “Boking” Morales.

Former Vice Mayor Noel Castro, one of Morales’ opponents in the 2016 mayoral race, asked the Comelec to cancel the incumbent mayor’s certificate of candidacy (COC).

20 Oct 2015 - 7,141 Mabalacat City voters lack biometrics

MABALACAT CITY -- The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has revealed that there are still 7,141 voters in this city who did not comply with the biometrics requirement.

The Comelec announced that more than 7,000 out of 90, 869 registered voters (as of October 10, 2015) are still without digital photograph, signature and fingerprints in their registration.

20 Oct 2015 - San Luis town mayor, vice mayor unopposed

PAMPANGA -- San Luis Mayor Venancio "Asyong" Macapagal and Vice Mayor Leonardo Salas are the first unopposed officials in the history of the town.

Macapagal and Salas said they are thankful to their constituents for their trust and support.

20 Oct 2015 - Magnitude 3 quake jolts Pampanga

PAMPANGA -- A magnitude 3 earthquake struck the province Monday night, said the Office of Civil Defense Region III (OCD 3).

The earthquake was felt at around 9:50 p.m., particularly in Clark.

20 Oct 2015 - 'Lando' brings needed water to Angat Dam

PAMPANGA -- There may still some "good effects" from the recent rains brought by Typhoon "Lando" as the problematic water supply of Angat Dam in Bulacan has been brought closer to the 210 meters target flood season high water level (FSHWL).

Angat Dam, which supplies most of Metro Manila’s water needs and the irrigation source of farmlands in Bulacan and Pampanga provinces, water level has increased by 7.21 meters. From 194.60 meters, it increased to 201.81 meters in 28 hours since the typhoon made landfall on Sunday.

20 Oct 2015 - Lazatin pushes for free breakfast in public schools

ANGELES CITY -- Councilor Carmelo “Pogi” Lazatin, Jr. recently filed a resolution expressing the Angeles City Council’s support for House Bill 364, which provides for a free breakfast program for public school children in day care centers, preschools and elementary schools.

House Bill 29 seeks to institutionalize the nation-wide implementation of the free breakfast program being implemented by the Department of Education (DepEd) in selected day care centers and public pre-schools and elementary schools in the country.

19 Oct 2015 - 36 families in Masantol evacuated

PAMPANGA -- Thirty-six families in Barangay Bebe Anac here were evacuated by authorities as Typhoon "Lando" continued its onslaught in Luzon.

Jess Manansala, Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Officer, said the families were brought to the Bebe Anac Elementary School around 7a.m. Monday.

19 Oct 2015 - Evangelista belies Maglanque's allegations

PAMPANGA -- Candaba Vice Mayor Normita "Babes" Evangelista assailed several allegations thrown at her by Mayor Rene Maglanque whom she wants to unseat in the 2016 polls.

Evangelista, a former mayor, said that she has continued doing her duty as vice mayor of this town despite Maglanque's action of removing her office's budget.

19 Oct 2015 - Porac opens first Philhealth-accredited birthing station

PAMPANGA -- Local officials here led by Mayor Condralito dela Cruz led the opening on Monday of the Mother Bles Birthing Clinic that was made possible through the almost P2.5-million support of the Department of Health.

The event was attended by Governor Lilia Pineda's chief of staff Fritzie David-Dizon, former Energy Secretary Jericho Petilla for Kapansanan ng Kawarayan at Kakurian Foundation, which will operate the clinic, and DOH Regional Director Leonita Gorgolon.

18 Oct 2015 - No classes on Monday

PAMPANGA -- Governor Lilia Pineda ordered the suspension of classes today, Monday, in all levels, public and private, in the province due to the inclement weather brought about by Typhoon "Lando."

The province was placed under Signal number 2 on Sunday and is expected to experience more rains as the typhoon makes its way north of the country.

18 Oct 2015 - 'I intend to surpass expectations'

ANGELES CITY -- “I’m running for a second term because there are still a lot of things that I’d like to do in service of the Angelenos.”

Thus said reelectionist Angeles City Councilor Carmelo “Pogi” Lazatin, Jr. who recently filed his certificate of candidacy (COC) before the Commission on Elections this city.

18 Oct 2015 - Arayat's Bon vs Chito clash continues

PAMPANGA -- Former three-term Arayat mayor Chito Espino filed his certificate of candidacy last Friday.

Espino, who sat as the local chief executive here from 2004 to 2013 said he wants to continue providing service for the welfare of Arayateños particularly in the sector of health.

18 Oct 2015 - Images of Augustinian saints now on exhibit

PAMPANGA -- Images of Augustinian Saints are now on display at the Santa Rita de Cascia Parish Museum as the Confradia Ning Cintas opened over the weekend the exhibit that will run until November 12.

The exhibit is part of the pre-events of the 5th Grand Agustinian Procession on November 13.

18 Oct 2015 - Mabalacat water district issues El Niño advisory

MABALACAT CITY -- The Mabalacat City Water District (MCWD) has reminded its consumers about responsible consumption of water amid the looming effects of the El Niño phenomenon.

This warning was stipulated in the El Niño Advisory Number 1 sent to water concessionaires in all MCWD service areas here and some parts of Angeles City and Magalang town.

18 Oct 2015 - Santos wants stronger voice for 1st district

PAMPANGA -- Businessman Roger Santos filed his certificate of candidacy for provincial board member before the Commission on Elections (Comelec) here hoping to give a stronger voice for Pampanga's first district.

Santos was accompanied by dozens of supporters wearing yellow yesterday as he filed his documents before the provincial Comelec office.

17 Oct 2015 - Morales to face 5 contenders for Mabalacat mayoral race

MABALACAT CITY -- Five candidates have joined this city’s mayoralty race to oppose reelectionist Mayor Marino “Boking” Morales

Morales’ contenders include Pampanga First District Board Member Crisostomo Garbo, former Mabalacat City Vice-Mayor Noel Castro, businesswoman Pyra Lucas, Mario Suba and Willy Feliciano.

17 Oct 2015 - Nolcom on red alert for 'Lando'

PAMPANGA -- Air Force, Army, and Naval assets of the Northern Luzon Command (Nolcom) are now on red alert as typhoon Lando is projected to hit Northern and Central Luzon.

“Disaster Relief and Rescue Teams of the Ground Military Forces were activated effective 5:00 PM today. We have also prepositioned teams in the coastal towns of Isabela and Aurora,” NOLCOM Assistant Chief of Unified Command Staff Col. Leopoldo Imbang said.

17 Oct 2015 - Tetangco to give Bondoc a good fight in 2016

PAMPANGA -- Outgoing Apalit Mayor Oscar Tetangco Jr. has promised to give a good fight in the fourth district congressional race here as he battles it out with incumbent Representative Juan Pablo “Rimpy” Bondoc.

The said congressional race is seen as the most serious political contest in the province this coming 2016. Tetangco, who comes from the political clan in Apalit town, will battle it out with Bondoc, whose traditional bailiwick has always been the fourth district.

17 Oct 2015 - BM wannabe answers critics on tarp photos

PAMPANGA -- Aspiring Fourth District Board Member Rolando "Pol" Balingit recently answered his critics on why his photographs were included in the project tarpaulins of a congressman when he is not a public servant.

Some people who requested anonymity questioned the tarpaulins of Representative Juan Pablo "Rimpy" Bondoc, which show pictures of Balingit in the signs along roads in the fourth district.

17 Oct 2015 - Duterte's lead man in Angeles joins city council race

ANGELES CITY -- A leader of Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte here joined on Friday the city council race for the May 2016 elections.

Joseph “PG” Ponce, newly designated president of the Partido Demokratiko Pilipino – Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-LABAN) Angeles City Chapter is also a local businessman-owner of city wide PG Pawnshop.

17 Oct 2015 - Macalino eyes comeback to provincial politics

PAMPANGA -- Former Third District Board Member Rolly Macalino is hoping to make a comeback into provincial politics as he filed his Certificate of Candidacy on Thursday at the provincial office of the Commission on Elections here.

Macalino is running independent in this year's race and is gunning for one of the three seats in the Pampanga Provincial Board.

16 Oct 2015 - 86 poor villages to get P300,000

PAMPANGA -- Governor Lilia Pineda vowed to provide P300,000 for the development programs of 86 poor villages in the province.

The villages only receive less than P1.5 million from the annual Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA).

16 Oct 2015 - Lazatin supports village clean and green contest

ANGELES CITY -- Councilor Carmelo “Pogi” Lazatin, Jr. expressed support to the cleanliness contest initiated by leaders of Barangay San Jose here.

Lazatin said that people will be healthy if their environment is clean and green.

16 Oct 2015 - Transparency, people’s participation in government top Mamac’s agenda

ANGELES CITY --- Transparency and people’s participation in government top the agenda of Balibago Barangay Rodelio “Tony” Mamac, who filed his certificate of candidacy for vice mayor in this highly-urbanized city on Thursday.

Mamac, a three-term village chief in the said barangay, said that he will form the Angeles City People’s Council if he will be given a chance to serve the city.

15 Oct 2015 - CSF's Team Unity to work for 'common good'

PAMPANGA -- Team Unity on Thursday filed their certificates of candidacy before the Commission on Elections office here, vowing to work as one for the common good of Fernandinos.

The coalition is composed of incumbent Mayor Edwin Santiago, who is running for a second term unopposed under the Liberal Party and the Kambilan Party of Governor Lilia Pineda.

15 Oct 2015 - Oca wants CSF lone district realized

PAMPANGA -- Third District Representative Oscar Rodriguez on Thursday promised to pursue the proposal to convert this city into the Lone District of San Fernando as he filed his certificate of candidacy before the Commission on Elections (Comelec).

Rodriguez is gunning for a second term as lawmaker under the Liberal Party.

15 Oct 2015 - Rey Aquino not running for CSF mayor

PAMPANGA -- Dr. Rey Aquino, who led this city from survival to cityhood and growth during his three-term stint from 1995 to 2004, has decided not to run for mayor in the 2016 elections.

“I have decided to pass up the chance to run for city mayor again, this time on the request of my wife and children who thought it would be best for all of us I remained a private person,” Aquino said in a statement.

15 Oct 2015 - Team CD vows to continue 'good governance' in Porac

PAMPANGA -- Mayor Condralito dela Cruz and Vice Mayor Dexter David on Thursday promised to continue the good governance and transparency platform that earned so many recognition for the town.

Team CD led by dela Cruz and David filed their certificates of candidacy at the local Commission on Elections (Comelec) office on Wednesday.

15 Oct 2015 - Dayaw Festival kicks off in Angeles City

ANGELES CITY -- Dayaw 2015 began Thursday its three-day festivities by gathering 400 indigenous peoples from 60 cultural communities all over the country at the Bayanihan Park here.

The festival, which will run from October 15 to 17, 2015, is aimed at raising awareness and appreciation of Filipino culture and its diversity.

15 Oct 2015 - Guv extends more aid to dialysis patients

PAMPANGA -- Governor Lilia Pineda on Tuesday extended more aid by distributing food packs and cash assistance to the 864 dialysis patients from the first, second and fourth districts of the province.

Pineda also stressed the importance of Philhealth on their condition and how the provincial government can help them through its comprehensive health programs.

15 Oct 2015 - Vatican appoints Kapampangan bishop as prelate of Kalookan

PAMPANGA -- Pope Francis appointed on Thursday San Fernando Auxiliary Bishop Pablo Virgilio David as the new bishop of the Diocese of Kalookan, a move that met mixed reactions from Kapampangans.

Bishop David is the current Parish Priest of Holy Rosary Parish in Angeles City.

14 Oct 2015 - Pampanga bags 2 awards in regional Gawad Kalasag

CLARK FREEPORT -- The provincial government of Pampanga headed by Governor Lilia Pineda received two awards in the Regional Gawad Kalasag 2015 held Monday at the Holiday Inn Hotel here.

The Gawad KALASAG or KAlamidad at Sakuna LAbanan, SAriling Galing ang Kaligtasan, which also means shield in Filipino, is given to individuals, non-government organizations, private sector and government organizations, in recognition of their initiative in helping the government uplift the standard of disaster management in the country.

14 Oct 2015 - Oca calls for healthy competition

PAMPANGA -- Representative Oscar Rodriguez is hoping for a clean and peaceful “fight” in the race for the Pampanga third district congressional seat.

Rodriguez is set to face former representative Aurelio "Dong" Gonzales, Jr. and former City of San Fernando Councilor Jose "Pol" Quiwa.

14 Oct 2015 - CDC cop earns praises from netizens

CLARK FREEPORT -- A Clark Development Corporation (CDC) policeman caught in a video staying calm and composed despite being berated and cursed by an alleged young traffic violator here has earned praises from netizens.

The three-minute, 25 seconds video which has gone viral on social media was originally posted by security guard Jake Batan, and shared by Top Gear Philippines.

14 Oct 2015 - Lapid describes slate ‘clean, new’

ANGELES CITY -- Senator Manuel “Lito” Lapid, who filed his candidacy for Angeles City mayor on Wednesday, has described as “clean and new” his slate which consists mostly of rookie politicians.

Lapid issued the statement after filing his certificate of candidacy (COC) at the Commission on Elections (Comelec) office here, joining Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan and Vice Mayor Vicky Vega Cabigting in the mayoral race.

14 Oct 2015 - Flores siblings square off for Macabebe mayoral post

PAMPANGA -- Siblings ex-mayor Leonardo "Bobong" Flores and Mayor Annette Flores Balgan will both seek the mayoral post here in the 2016 polls.

"I told her to love the poor and the residents of Macabebe, but what happened is all the residents here became afraid of her," Flores said.

14 Oct 2015 - Tapang sets transparency platform

PAMPANGA -- Porac Mayoral aspirant Councilor and Ex-Officio Board Member Mike Tapang said Wednesday that his team is offering the people of this town a brand of governance that is transparent and accountable as he and his team formally filed their certificates of candidacy on Tuesday.

Tapang's line up include former Mayor Roger Santos who is running for the vice-mayoralty seat.

14 Oct 2015 - Trillanes pledges additional P5M for Sto. Tomas town hall

PAMPANGA -- Senator Antonio Trillanes IV, who is seeking the vice presidency next year, has pledged an additional P5 million for the renovation of the Sto Tomas municipal hall.

Trillanes, who promised P5-million budget for the renovation of the municipal hall during the inauguration of the elected officers in 2013, pledged on Monday during the celebration of foundation day in the town an additional P5 million for the renovation of the police station and municipal covered court here.

14 Oct 2015 - Mikey Arroyo files COC for mom

PAMPANGA -- Former presidential son Mikey Arroyo filed the certificate of candidacy of Second District Representative Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo who is seeking her third and last term despite her failing health.

The younger Arroyo filed the COC of his mother before the Commission on Elections here.

13 Oct 2015 - Dong seeks to reclaim House seat

PAMPANGA -- Aurelio "Dong" Gonzales, Jr. is hoping to return as representative of the third district of Pampanga.

Gonzales filed his certificate of candidacy on Monday before the Commission of Elections (Comelec) here under the Nationalist People's Coalition (NPC).

13 Oct 2015 - Guv wants to expand programs

PAMPANGA -- Governor Lilia Pineda filed Tuesday her certificate of candidacy (COC) as she promised to continue and further expand her programs for Kapampangans.

This, as the governor said that she welcomes anyone who would also like to serve in the same capacity adding that election day is the time when Kapampangans decide on how they would want to be served and governed.

13 Oct 2015 - Guiao, younger Lazatin fighting for House seat

PAMPANGA -- Pampanga First District Representative Joseller "Yeng" Guiao is out to face aspirant Jon Lazatin, son of former representative Carmelo "Tarzan" Lazatin, for the congressional race here in 2016.

Guiao is running under the Liberal Party while the younger Lazatin is under Lingap Lugud.

13 Oct 2015 - 3 candidates file COCs for Angeles mayor

ANGELES CITY -- Three candidates for city mayor here have filed their respective certificates of candidacy (COCs).

First in the list is Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan, who is seeking for his third and last term as the city’s chief executive.

13 Oct 2015 - Quarry industry may be affected by election ban

PAMPANGA -- Provincial Government Environment and Natural Resources Office (PGENRO) Art Punsalan said the quarry industry here may be affected by the prohibitions of the upcoming 2016 elections as there is an expected slowdown of government funded projects and constructions.

This, even as the province posted a P28,940,000 collection for the month of September.

13 Oct 2015 - Cops arrest top drug suspect in Candaba

PAMPANGA -- Authorities here nabbed the second most wanted drug personality in the municipality recently.

Alberto Culala, alias Abe/Ambet Hernandez, 45, of Sitio 1 Barangay Bahay Pare was arrested in a buy-bust operation held in front of their house.

13 Oct 2015 - CSF commends Fernandino director of best world film

PAMPANGA -- The director of the international award-winning film “Ari: My Life with a King” is a Kapampangan and a Fernandino.

Carlo Encisu Catu was recognized by the City Government of San Fernando for his directorial work that won as Best World Film in the Harlem International Film in New York, USA and was also officially selected to join the Vancouver International Film Festival in Canada.

12 Oct 2015 - Farmers get P11-M worth of machinery, equipment

PAMPANGA -- Seventy-six farmer organizations and beneficiaries in Pampanga now have better access to farm machinery and inputs.

Governor Lilia Pineda led the distribution of various machinery to qualified farmers’ groups, cooperatives and irrigators’ associations during the flag raising ceremony held at the Provincial Capitol Grounds on Monday.

12 Oct 2015 - Apalit cops double security for COC filing

PAMPANGA -- Police in Apalit have doubled security measures as candidates for the May 2016 polls file their respective certificates of candidacy (COCs) from Monday to Friday this week.

Apalit police chief Samuel Sevilla said that he deployed some police officers within the office of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) in the municipality.

12 Oct 2015 - 90 CSFP farmers to receive swine, goats

PAMPANGA -- Ninety farmers in the provincial capital will receive swine and goats from the city government.

“This livelihood project, which was funded through the national government’s Bottom-up Budgeting (BuB) approach particularly to that of Department of Agriculture, seeks to increase farmers’ income and generate local employment,” City Agriculturist Myrna Manabat said.

12 Oct 2015 - 4th district execs vow support for Binay

PAMPANGA -- Masantol barangay officials led by former Mayor Peter Flores vowed to support Vice President Jejomar Binay in his presidential bid in next year’s national elections.

Flores, a three-term mayor seeking for a mayoral seat again in 2016 and who joined the United Nationalist Alliance (UNA) recently, said “we will expect more progress in Masantol should Binay become president of the republic.”

12 Oct 2015 - Man arrested for frustrated murder

PAMPANGA -- Police arrested a man for hacking his neighbor on Saturday at Barangay Sto. Cristo, Candaba.

According to police, the suspect identified as Romeo Veneracion suddenly appeared in the front of the house of victim Randy Aspiras while the latter was fixing his bike.

12 Oct 2015 - More Fernandinos benefit from SPES program

PAMPANGA -- Some 238 young Fernandinos were employed and underwent orientation by the City Government of San Fernando as part of the city’s Special Program for Employment of Students (SPES) held at WalterMart over the weekend.

SPES is the city’s annual program which gives students the chance to work and earn a minimum wage for 20 days and at the same time immerse them in their respective fields of study.

11 Oct 2015 - Seat for guv in CDC, CIAC boards urged

PAMPANGA -- The Provincial Development Council (PDC) is set to file a resolution that will give Governor Lilia Pineda a seat in the Clark Development Corporation (CDC) and Clark International Airport Corporation (CIAC) Board of Directors.

The proposal was raised by Guagua Mayor Dante Torres during the PDC meeting at the Executive House of Capitol over the weekend, where he cited the importance of having a representative from the PDC, which Pineda chairs, and Capitol at the two vital decision-making bodies.

11 Oct 2015 - DA braces for El Niño

PAMPANGA -- The Department of Agriculture (DA) here announced the pre-positioning of 400 units of shallow tube wells all over Central Luzon as the agency tries to cushion the effects of El Niño, especially in Pampanga, Nueva Ecija, Tarlac, and Bulacan.

DA Regional Director Andrew Villacorta said some 300 additional shallow tube wells are also ready for distribution to municipalities that may be greatly affected by the El Niño.

11 Oct 2015 - Oca awards scholarship to PSAU students

PAMPANGA -- Pampanga Third District Representative Oscar Rodriguez awarded scholarships to the students of Philippine State Agricultural University (PSAU) here on Saturday.

Some 111 students from Pampanga's third district were granted their first semester of 2015 amounting to P6,000 each.

10 Oct 2015 - Santiago sees need to 'reinvent' city

PAMPANGA -- The City of San Fernando needs to be "reinvented" to avoid it from "choking" amid the growing influx of investments, which are seen to rise late this year and early to mid-2016.

This was disclosed by Mayor Edwin Santiago during a recent breakfast forum with media, where he said that the city should move in cadence with ongoing billions of pesos worth of developments like the Paris Hilton modeled "Azure" by Century Properties along Jose Abad Santos Avenue, the Bendix Western Hotel along MacArthur Highway, the Orchids Resort in Barangay San Juan, and other soon to rise projects like the P30-billion Megaworld mixed-use township in Barangay Sto. Niño near the city proper and the reported SM Aura North in Barangay Telabastagan, among others.

10 Oct 2015 - PH’s first religious exhibit launched

CLARK FREEPORT -- Various religious art works of more than 20 artists in Pampanga, Bulacan, Bukidnon and Metro are now on display at the SM City Clark Events Center.

The two-day exhibit dubbed Obra Sagrada, launched yesterday by the Foundation for Lingap Kapampangan Incorporated (FLKI), formerly known as Save Pampanga Movement, is the country's first ecclesiastical exhibit.

10 Oct 2015 - BCDA: Clark Green City potential BPO hub of Asia

CLARK FREEPORT -- If plans to decongest the metropolis will push through, the Clark Green City (CGC) will certainly be one of the top in the list of alternative urban centers that will lead to an enhanced equitable distribution of development across the country.

Thus said Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) president and Chief Executive Officer Arnel Casanova during a recent interview with Pampanga newsmen.

10 Oct 2015 - Guagua scene in 'Heneral Luna' gets mixed reactions

PAMPANGA -- Kapampangans had different reactions regarding the scene that happened in Guagua town in the recent historical film "Heneral Luna" that was shown in cinemas nationwide.

The scene was all about Brigadier General Tomas Mascardo and Lieutenant General Antonio Luna who pointed guns at each other along with their respective followers.

10 Oct 2015 - Arroyo camp to file bail petition anew

PAMPANGA -- Lawyers of former president and now Pampanga Representative Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo are set to file anew a petition for bail before the Sandiganbayan after the United Nations (UN) Working Group on Arbitrary Detention has found her continued detention “arbitrary and illegal under international law.”

"We might file another petition for bail at the Sandiganbayan citing the recommendation of the UN," Arroyo’s legal counsel Lorenzo Gadon said in an interview.

10 Oct 2015 - Ex-Nueva Ecija lawmaker backs Clark airport development

CLARK FREEPORT -- A former congressman of Nueva Ecija said Friday he supports the full development of the Clark International Airport (CRK).

Rodolfo “Rody” Antonino, former Nueva Ecija fourth district representative, said this in a forum with officers and members of the Capampangan in Media Incorporated (CAMI) at the Bale Balita here.

10 Oct 2015 - Guv wants mayors to liquidate funds

PAMPANGA -- Governor Lilia Pineda enjoined all municipal and city government units in the province to submit liquidation of funds for the aid to municipalities given to them by the provincial government in 2014 for their priority projects.

This was the instruction of the governor to all the concerned mayors during the Provincial Development Council (PDC) meeting held on Friday at the Executive House of the Provincial Capitol.

10 Oct 2015 - Lazatin wants risk audit of government buildings

ANGELES CITY -- Councilor Carmelo “Pogi” Lazatin, Jr. recently filed a resolution requesting the Angeles City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (ACDRRMC) and the City Engineer’s Office (CEO) to conduct an earthquake risk audit on all government buildings in the city, including public schools, hospitals, and bridges.

“There is an urgent need to conduct a review of the structural integrity of all government buildings, structures, and bridges,” Lazatin said. “We also need to retrofit them to meet the standards under relevant laws in order to minimize, if not prevent, damage to persons and property in the event of a strong earthquake.”

10 Oct 2015 - Capitol distributes 460 handheld radios

PAMPANGA -- Governor Lilia Pineda and Vice Governor Dennis Pineda led the distribution of 460 handheld radio units worth P5-million to village chiefs at Lubao town’s public gymnasium recently.

It was learned that the provincial government through its Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council has already allotted a total of P13.1 million for the purchase of various communication devices.

10 Oct 2015 - Cops arrest drug suspects in San Luis

PAMPANGA -- Police of San Luis town arrested two suspects in a buy-bust operation recently.

One of the suspects ranked number eight in the priority list was identified as Jessie Balboa, 42, a resident of Sitio Manena, Barangay San Jose. He was arrested by police in front of their house during the buy-bust operation.

10 Oct 2015 - Macabebe celebrates Arbor Day

PAMPANGA -- Municipal employees here together with some out-of-school youth in the town celebrated Arbor Day on Thursday morning at Barangay Sta. Rita.

According to Macabebe Information Officer Carlito Tragora, around 200 seedlings of mangoes, mahogany, custard apple, cashew nuts, guavas, green tea and black palm tree were planted in the said barangay.

10 Oct 2015 - Cayetano distributes financial aid to coops

PAMPANGA -- Vice presidential hopeful Senator Alan Peter Cayetano distributed financial assistance to two local cooperatives under his PTK (Presyo, Trabaho, Kita/Kaayusan) program on Thursday.

Cayetano continues his commitment to help poor Filipino families reap the benefits of the growing economy through the PTK program.

10 Oct 2015 - Guv urges TB patients to avail of free medication

PAMPANGA -- Governor Lilia Pineda urged patients suffering from tuberculosis (TB) to avail of the free medication given by the government.

Pineda made this appeal before the 864 TB patients coming from the towns of Lubao, Guagua, Sasmuan, Floridablanca, Sta. Rita and Porac during the TB Summit held at Lubao Gymnasium this Thursday.

10 Oct 2015 - Police to conduct motorcade on new anti-crime campaign

PAMPANGA -- The Pampanga Provincial Police Office (PPPO) will conduct on Saturday a motorcade about their new anti-criminality campaign "Krimenitxt Mo, Aksyonan Ko."

The campaign which will be participated in by all municipal and city police station in the province, led by their respective chiefs of police, together with their motorcycle riders, will disseminate information to the public.

8 Oct 2015 - Apalit mayoral aspirant’s supporter threatened

PAMPANGA -- One of the supporters of Fourth District Board Member Nestor "Bay" Tolentino, who is seeking the mayoral post in the 2016 polls, was reportedly threatened by two unidentified armed men at Barangay San Vicente here on the evening of September 30.

According to the barangay blotter, Alvin Sawal, 25, vice president of the Apalit Youth Federation and a supporter of the aspiring mayor, said that two unidentified men riding a motorcycle allegedly pointed what looked like a caliber .45 handgun at him while on his way home after the informal meeting he attended with Tolentino at Barangay Sampaloc.

8 Oct 2015 - P30-B Megaworld township project may spur road expansions

PAMPANGA -- The planned Megaworld Corporation investment of P30 billion over the next 10 years on a mixed township project in a land owned by the Pampanga Sugar Development Corporation (Pasudeco) in Barangay Sto. Niño here will necessitate the expansion of service roads and main thoroughfares in and around the Capitol area to fully accommodate the possible influx of vehicles and motorists in the area.

The program has been unanimously welcomed by the province and the City of San Fernando that will benefit from the project.

8 Oct 2015 - Boking qualified to run for mayor in 2016 - Macalintal

MABALACAT CITY -- Veteran election lawyer Romulo Macalintal said that incumbent Mayor Marino "Boking" Morales is qualified to run for a second term in the 2016 elections.

Macalintal issued the statement during the celebration of the Elderly Filipino Week at the Barangay Mamatitang covered court here on Thursday.

8 Oct 2015 - ‘Let’s unite for service to people’

MABALACAT CITY -- A representative of a partylist group has called on leaders of another organization seeking for congressional representation “to unite for service to the people.”

Lingap Lugud Representative Leira Buan made his appeal to Ale Partylist Representative Catalina Bagasina during the assembly of the senior citizens in this city on Thursday.

8 Oct 2015 - BFAR-3: No protest vs new fisheries code

PAMPANGA -- The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Region III (BFAR-3) said that fishermen in the region did not participate in any fish holiday to show disapproval of the amended Philippine Fisheries Code.

"We did not record any since we believe they are well-informed of the real objective of the law," said BFAR-3 Regional Coordinator-Coastal Resource Management Nelson Bien.

8 Oct 2015 - Pampanga to expand TB referral network

PAMPANGA -- Due to the rising number of tuberculosis (TB) cases in the province, the provincial government of Pampanga will expand and strengthen its TB Directly Observed Treatment Short-course (DOTS) referral network (TDRN).

During the DOTS Referral Network Advocacy Meeting conducted by the United States Agency for International Development’s (USAID) Innovations and Multi-Sectoral Partnerships to Achieve Control of TB (IMPACT) together with the Provincial Health Office (PHO), Dr. Maria Imelda Ignacio said the province targets to have a TB-free Pampanga by 2016.

8 Oct 2015 - CSF salutes Fernandino teachers

PAMPANGA -- Recognizing the unwavering service and commitment of Fernandino teachers in building a better society, the city government in partnership with the Department of Education Region III (DepEd-3) and City Schools Division of San Fernando, Pampanga celebrated on Tuesday the 2015 World Teachers’ Day.

Held at Resorts World Manila, the program was attended by some 2,500 educators coming from both private and public schools in the city.

7 Oct 2015 - Village chief: No foul play in death of US national

MABALACAT CITY -- A village chief here said that there was no foul play in the death of the American national Chance Eugene Batchelor, 65, in Barangay Camachiles last September 14.

Based on the police report the American national was found unconscious at around 6:30 a.m. at the master’s bedroom on the second floor of Unit 2 in Terra Cotta Villas by the son of the apartment caretaker.

7 Oct 2015 - Mabalacat villas firm barred by SEC

MABALACAT CITY -- The company operating several residential villas in Barangay Camachiles here maybe facing other issues other than the mysterious death of an American in one of its villas recently.

Documents from the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) showed that Terracotta Villas, Inc., a company owned by a Filipino-Chinese family, was revoked of its certificate of registration due to “fraud of its procurement” as far back as three years ago.

7 Oct 2015 - BIR-3 head wants partnership with taxpayers

PAMPANGA -- New Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) Revenue Region 4 (RR4) Regional Director Jethro Sabariaga believes that partnership-building based on mutual trust and confidence will be an effective management style for local taxpayers in the revenue region as it implements its programs and revenue goals.

Sabariaga, in an interview, said that they are now studying the terrain and looking at the profile of compliant taxpayers to set clear objectives based on numbers.

7 Oct 2015 - Angeles police launch anti-crime drive through fun run

ANGELES CITY -- Tourism and police officials spearheaded here recently the 5th "Pulayan-Tagalan Keng Dalan" (Takbuhan-Habulan sa Daan) highlighted by the launch of a mass-based anti-crime drive aimed to bring down criminality and turn this bustling metropolis into a tourist-friendly city.

The run-for-a-cause activity, which is part of this city’s Fiestang Kuliat 2015 celebration, was jointly organized by the regional offices of the Department of Tourism and the Philippine National Police drew an estimated 1,200 participants who took part in the 3k, 5k, and 10k runs which started at SM City Clark.

7 Oct 2015 - Coops urged to join clamor on tax exemption privilege

PAMPANGA -- Multi-purpose cooperatives (MPCs) in the province have been urged to join the clamor to oppose the bill removing their tax exemption privileges.

Provincial Board Committee on Trade and Industry chair second district Board Member Anthony Joseph Torres encouraged MPCs to unite in fighting for their tax exemption privileges.

7 Oct 2015 - 43 missing fishermen rescued by BFAR-3

PAMPANGA -- Forty-three missing fisherfolk were rescued by the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Region III (BFAR-3) recently.

After Tropical Storm Kabayan hit the country, particularly the northern part of Luzon a few days ago, several fisherfolk from the region were reportedly missing by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council.

7 Oct 2015 - Guv to push for more flights at Clark airport

CLARK FREEPORT -- As Pampanga is set to host the Association of Tourism Officers of the Philippines (ATOP) convention in October, Governor Lilia Pineda on Monday said she will push for more flights at the Clark International Airport (CRK) to help boost tourism and business in Central Luzon.

This, on top of what the governor said was the creation of market links or “market-market” that will allow for the exchange of products from Luzon, the Visayas and Mindanao with the additional flights.

7 Oct 2015 - Capitol distributes last batch of patrol vehicles

The Provincial Government led by Governor Lilia Pineda on Wednesday turned over some 14 brand new barangay patrol vehicles to village chiefs of the Bacolor town, the last batch to complete the 505 patrol cars distributed this year.

The patrol cars were granted through an ordinance approved by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan headed by Vice-Governor Dennis Pineda authorizing the governor to allot funds for the 505 service vehicles distributed province-wide.

7 Oct 2015 - CDC leadership gets glowing remarks

CLARK FREEPORT -- Highly respectable businesspersons in and around Clark expressed support and approval on the implementation of programs and policies here, citing the Freeport’s success is based on facts and real accomplishments.

Some officers and leading members of the Metro Angeles Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc. (MACCI) agree that the current management of Clark Development Corporation (CDC) is “successful” in running the state-owned firm.

7 Oct 2015 - 500 new police recruits take oath

PAMPANGA -- A total of 500 new police recruits took their oath of office at the Police Regional Office III (PRO3) parade grounds recently, here.

Chief Superintendent Rudy Lacadin, PRO3 director, administered the oath of office of the recruits following their presentation by Superintendent Rolly Mendoza, Acting Chief of the Regional Police Personnel and Human Resource Development Division (RPHRDD).

6 Oct 2015 - BCDA assures continuity of Clark Green City project

CLARK FREEPORT -- Bases Conversion and Development (BCDA) president and chief executive officer Arnel Casanova has assured the continuity of the Clark Green City (CGC) project.

Casanova made the assurance during a recent meeting with officers and members of the Anvil Business Club in Morong, Bataan.

6 Oct 2015 - Ex-CDC leader cites Freeport growth

CLARK FREEPORT -- A former Clark Development Corporation (CDC) president has recently lauded current CDC management for keeping focused on chalking up more progress at the Freeport.

Levy P. Laus, chairman and CEO of the Laus Group of Companies (LGC) rallied CDC officials led by Arthur P. Tugade to continue developing Clark.

6 Oct 2015 - ‘Heritage Man’ did not stop thinking till death

PAMPANGA -- City of San Fernando Heritage Foundation Inc. founder and pillar David “Tatang Dave” Lim Jimenez, who passed away last Sunday at the age of 76, did not stop thinking and planning for the city and welfare of young Kapampangans till the last gasp of his breath.

This was shared by Tatang Dave’s wife Estellita Garcia Jimenez and children Gerone, Geraldine, Pablo Felix and David Edward.

6 Oct 2015 - Yokohama workers decry union leader’s suspension

ANGELES CITY -- A group of employees at the Yokohama Tire Philippines Incorporated (YTPI) has condemned the suspension of one of their leaders in the workers union being formed in the company.

The labor leader, who was not named for fear of reprisal, was preventively suspended for 30 days without pay.

6 Oct 2015 - NCCA partners with Capitol for ‘Dayaw’ 2015

PAMPANGA -- The National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) teams up with the provincial government led by Governor Lilia Pineda for the celebration of Dayaw 2015, an indigenous people's festival, touted to be the biggest gathering of Philippine indigenous peoples (IPs).

With this year's theme “Katutubong Kaalaman para sa Kalikasan at Kapayapaan" (Indigenous Knowledge for environment and peace), Dayaw 2015 will be held from October 15 to 27 this year in Angeles City and in the City of San Fernando, focusing on traditional and local knowledge on environment protection and advocacy for peace while sharing the uniqueness of each cultural community in the country.

6 Oct 2015 - EdPam approves P10-M for SHS classrooms

ANGELES CITY -- Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan has approved the allocation of P10-million for the construction of new senior high school (SHS) classrooms in this city for 2016.

This, together with other future developments in the city, was sanctioned during the 8th Local Development Council (LDC) held Monday at the Lewis Grand Hotel in Barangay Malabanias.

6 Oct 2015 - Guv wants cooperative day on Pampanga Day

PAMPANGA -- Governor Lilia Pineda is planning on organizing a whole day for cooperative organizations as part of the upcoming Pampanga Day Celebrations this December.

This was according to officer-in-charge Luningning Vergara of the Provincial Cooperative and Entrepreneurial Development Office (PCEDO) as the province led the recognition of the noteworthy cooperatives in the province in yesterday's Galal Parangal Kareng Kooperatiba Ning Pampanga at the Benigno Aquino Hall.

6 Oct 2015 - Wong wants educators to relax on Teachers’ Day

PAMPANGA -- San Simon Mayor Leonora Wong said on Monday afternoon that she wants teachers in public and private schools of the town to relax on Teachers’ Day.

"Ngayong Teacher's Day, uupo lang sila, manonood, pasisiyahin namin sila, at least today, no stress for the teachers," Wong added.

5 Oct 2015 - Guv wants village task forces vs dengue

PAMPANGA -- To further strengthen the war versus dengue, Governor Lilia Pineda on Monday called for the creation of barangay task forces which would address the rising concern on the mosquito-borne disease at the grassroots level.

“I have asked mayors, barangay officials and our health workers to coordinate with Capitol on the creation of these barangay task forces which will focus on addressing the growing problem of dengue in the province,” she said.

5 Oct 2015 - Angeles wins grand prize in ATOP Pearl Awards

ANGELES CITY -- 'People involvement and political will' was, according to Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan, the winning formula for Angeles as it recently bagged the grand prize at the Pearl Awards, Best Practices in Community Based Tourism Heritage category.

The prestigious award giving body, which is composed of and organized by the Association of Tourism Officers of the Philippines and Department of Tourism (ATOP-DOT), aims to promote the best tourism practices from local government units.

5 Oct 2015 - Binay for president movement launched in Central Luzon

CLARK FREEPORT -- Supporters of Vice President Jejomar Binay launched Monday here the “Pangulo na si Jojo Binay Movement” Regional Parallel Group (RPG) Central Luzon to drum up his 2016 election campaign.

The movement is focused on Binay's achievements, executive abilities, position on issues besetting the country today including his pro-poor and pro-people platforms of government.

5 Oct 2015 - Manila Water grants financial aid to Pampanga cooperatives

PAMPANGA -- The Manila Water Corporation (MWC) awarded on Monday financial assistance to several multi-purpose cooperatives (MPCs) in the province at the Provincial Capitol.

The MWC turned over P100,000 each to seven MPCs as assistance for their livelihood programs.

5 Oct 2015 - Pampanga joins PH Cooperative Centennial Year celebration

PAMPANGA -- In line with the centennial celebration of Philippine cooperatives, the provincial government here gathered local cooperatives for the annual Cooperatives Month held every October.

Led by the Provincial Cooperative and Entrepreneurial Development Office (PCEDO), cooperatives in the province were feted for their achievements.

5 Oct 2015 - Porac gets P3M for agriculture programs

PAMPANGA -- The Municipal Government of Porac received P3 million from the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) under the Grassroots Participatory Process (GPP), formerly called Bottom-up Budgeting (BUB).

The fund is part of the P15-million in funds for various social and government programs and projects that the municipality has tried to avail early this year.

5 Oct 2015 - Masantol boosts dengue prevention drive

PAMPANGA -- The Municipal Health Office (MHO) said that the municipality is giving larvicide that is provided by the Provincial Health Office to every barangay to prevent mosquitoes from spreading and curb dengue here.

"We also have this method called ‘4:00 pm habit’ wherein every barangay will clean surroundings where mosquitoes usually breed," said Dr. Abelardo Algarne, MHO officer.

5 Oct 2015 - DA assesses 3rd quarter projects and programs

Department of Agriculture (DA) Regional Executive Director Andrew Villacorta served as the evaluator during the Third Quarter Assessment on DA’s Programs and Project last October 1 to 2 held at City Belt Function Hall, Barangay Dolores of this town.

The two-day assessment aims to see the performance of DA-RFO III when it comes to physical and financial accomplishment after three quarters, to detailed projects implemented by project leader components and to further improve the implementation of DA projects and programs especially the financial requirements.

5 Oct 2015 - Masantol to upgrade day care centers soon

PAMPANGA -- The Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office (MSWDO) here said recently that they are planning to upgrade day-care centers in the town.

Christabel Pauli, MSWDO officer, said that the documents for the accreditation of the day care centers are on-going.

4 Oct 2015 - Pagasa: 3 more storms to replenish Angat Dam

PAMPANGA -- The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said Sunday that a minimum of 660-millimeter of rainfall from at least three more storms is needed to replenish the water level of Angat Dam.

Pagasa made this projection as Tropical Storm Kabayan recently increased the dam's water holdings to 192.9 meters from 190.7 meters last Friday it is unlikely that the reservoir would get enough rain, as the Pagasa said that Angat watershed will be having way below normal rainfall until mid-2016 due to the prevailing El Niño.

4 Oct 2015 - Clark Green City eyed as gov't backup center

CLARK FREEPORT -- A top official of the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) said the Clark Green City can be a backup national government center in case a strong earthquake hits Metro Manila.

BCDA president and chief executive officer Arnel Casanova stressed this during his speech at the team building of members of the Anvil Business Club, an association young Filipino-Chinese entrepreneurs, at the Anvaya Cobe Beach and Nature Club in Morong Bataan last Friday night.

4 Oct 2015 - Councilor hit for opposing Angeles' P287-M loan

ANGELES CITY -- A close aide of Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan has assailed Councilor Carmelo “Pogi” Lazatin for issuing statement against the P287-million bank loan of the city government to fund various projects.

Jose Aubrey “Jay” Pelayo IV, Pamintuan’s communications officer, said that Lazatin did not voice out his opposition [against the loan and project] in the council.

4 Oct 2015 - Lazatin opposes P287-M loan

ANGELES CITY -- Councilor Carmelo “Pogi” Lazatin Jr. has voted against the approval of ordinance ratifying the terms and conditions of the city's P287-million loan with the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) during a session last September 29.

The loan amounting to P287 million is intended to fund various projects including the controversial P16 million fountain construction at the city's heritage district and the P110 million public cemetery.

3 Oct 2015 - Water works exec: Water rationing in Central Luzon unlikely

PAMPANGA -- An official of the Central Luzon Association of Water Districts (CLAWD) disclosed recently that rationing water to households and domestic consumers in Region III is unlikely despite the El Niño phenomenon seen to last until early next year.

CLAWD official and City of San Fernando Water District General Manager Jorge Gumba said there is enough ground water in the region to supply consumers, although demand for potable water continues to grow due to El Niño.

3 Oct 2015 - Kabayan increases Angat Dam's water level, but not enough

PAMPANGA -- Tropical Storm Kabayan has dumped a few hours of rain over Angat Dam this weekend but local agencies said that the water is still not enough to solve the problems on the domestic water supply of Metro Manila and the irrigation needs of Central Luzon amid the on-going El Nino effects on Central Luzon.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said that the water levels at Angat Dam rose by 1.14 meters after 100 millimeters of rainfall was brought in by the tropical storm but that's not yet sufficient to bring the dam’s water level to its normal elevation of 210 meters.

3 Oct 2015 - Clark execs asked to compensate village assisting in Freeport security

CLARK FREEPORT -- A village chief in Mabalacat City has asked Clark officials to compensate some adjacent villages which are assisting in the Clark perimeter security.

Councilor Oscar Aurelio, Liga Ng Mga Barangay president and chairman of Barangay Dau, said the subsidy that some barangays are receiving from the Clark Development Corporation (CDC) were delayed.

3 Oct 2015 - No major flooding in Masantol despite heavy rains

PAMPANGA -- The Masantol disaster management office announced Friday that there was no reported major flooding in the town.

Jess Manansala, Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (MDRRMO) head, said that they continue to monitor the town especially the most flooded areas here during the onslaught of Typhoon Kabayan but no major flooding was reported recently.

2 Oct 2015 - Arayat on heightened alert for possible landslides

PAMPANGA -- The Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO) in Arayat is keenly monitoring the situation of Mount Arayat as tropical depression "Kabayan" crosses Central Luzon.

MDRRMO head Ricky Mallari said their team is on standby at the area of Barangay San Juan Baño if any disaster, like a landslide occurs.

2 Oct 2015 - Tire company employees assert rights to create labor unions

ANGELES CITY -- Workers of Yokohama Tire Philippines, Incorporated (YTPI) recently organized and filed a petition for the right to create labor unions for the rank and file and supervisory personnel of the country’s biggest Japanese tire company located in Clark Freeport.

This was gleaned in a press statement sent by the two unions -- the Alliance of Yokohama Supervisory Personnel and Alliance of Yokohama Employees.

2 Oct 2015 - Container volume doubles at Subic port

SUBIC BAY -- The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) has announced that container shipments at the Port of Subic doubled as of August this year as Manila continues to experience massive port congestion.

Roberto Garcia, SBMA chairman, said that as of August this year, container volume at the Port of Subic has already reached 83,000 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) compared to 43,000 TEUs for the same period last year Garcia said “this indicated a 93 percent increase.”

2 Oct 2015 - Lazatin wants free college for public school teachers' kids

ANGELES CITY – City Councilor Carmelo Lazatin, Jr. has filed a proposed ordinance granting a "non-wage" benefit to all public school teachers in the form of free tertiary education at the City College of Angeles (CCA) for one of their dependents.

The proposal will apply to public school teachers who are either currently teaching in the elementary, secondary, or tertiary levels or already retired from service.

1 Oct 2015 - CDC starts privatization of Mimosa Leisure Estate

CLARK FREEPORT -- The Clark Development Corporation (CDC) has initiated the privatization of the Mimosa Leisure Estate.

This was learned from CDC president and chief executive officer Arturo Tugade who said that there were several attempts [by previous CDC management] to privatize MLE and majority of the interested bidders are foreign companies.

1 Oct 2015 - Police release possible identity of ambush gunman

PAMPANGA -- Authorities released the computer composite of the suspected gunman in the shooting incident that transpired in Arayat recently.

Arayat police, together with experts from the crime laboratory, finally put together the physical attributes of the suspected gunman who on Monday morning killed Jaymar Bulanadi, 21 and Ronnie Lugue, 21, both residents of Santa Ana in the reported ambush.

1 Oct 2015 - Angeles bags 2015 regional award on population, youth management

ANGELES CITY -- The Population Commission (POPCOM) Region III awarded this city for its active population and development programs for the youth during the re-launching of the Teen Information Center held Tuesday at the City Library.

The city’s creation of the Teen Information Center for Adolescent Health and Youth Development (known as TIC) seeks to reduce incidence of teen pregnancy and the spread of HIV among Angeles’ youth by conducting school and barangay-based peer counseling and leadership trainings since 2005.

1 Oct 2015 - 96 teams to join 1st Luenthai Cup in Clark

CLARK FREEPORT -- More than 2,000 students from 96 teams in different schools and provinces, including three countries, will compete in the First Luenthai Football Cup on October 3 and 4 to be held at the Parade Grounds here.

Frank Sauceda, president of Luenthai International Group Philippines, Inc. (L&T), in his letter to Clark Development Corporation president Arthur Tugade, said the two-day football event is “for the benefit of the less fortunate youth within our community.”

1 Oct 2015 - BCDA awards Clark Green City road project

CLARK FREEPORT -- State-owned Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) said it has awarded the contract to improve and rehabilitate some 19.4-kilometers of existing roads leading to and within Clark Green City to the winning bidder, 4B Construction Corporation.

4B Construction Corporation’s bid of P45.9-million was declared the lowest calculated and responsive bid.

1 Oct 2015 - Health caravan launched in CSF

PAMPANGA -- The High Impact 5 (HI-5) Caravan of the Department of Health (DOH) was launched in the region and the City Government of San Fernando through its City Health Office recently at SM City Pampanga.

The HI-5 Caravan seeks to intensify the DOH’s five health programs which include Human Immuno-deficiency Virus/Acquired Immuno-Deficiency Syndrome, Service Delivery Network, Maternal Care, Infant Care and Child Care.

1 Oct 2015 - Police nab Korean national for qualified trafficking

ANGELES CITY -- The Police Regional Anti-Trafficking Task Group 3 (RATTG 3) recently arrested a Korean national and two Filipinas for suspected trafficking near the Walking Street.

Gwang Ryong Kim, 51, was charged with qualified trafficking as he allegedly paid for and intended to prostitute four women to his guests.

1 Oct 2015 - BIR RR4 has new chief

PAMPANGA -- Regional Director Jethro Sabariaga was formally installed as the new regional director of the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) Revenue Region 4 (RR4) replacing officer-in-charge Regional Director Conrado Lee during simple ceremonies at the BIR regional office here.

The event was attended by officers of the region along with past officers and new members of the RR4 family.

1 Oct 2015 - CDC optimizes idle properties in Freeport

CLARK FREEPORT -- The Clark Development Corporation (CDC), the mandated estate management arm of the Government for the Clark Freeport Zone has successfully revived, recovered and optimized more than 184.25 hectares of idle government properties in the zone.

Based on the latest annual management report of CDC (2014), the GOCC under president Arthur P. Tugade was able to revive contracts for 78.212 hectares and recovered 106.04 hectares of lands.

1 Oct 2015 - Guv discusses Capitol’s health programs to dialysis patients

PAMPANGA -- Governor Lilia Pineda gathered on Thursday 554 dialysis patients from the second district of Pampanga to discuss the health programs of the provincial government and distribute food and non-food assistance.

In her speech, Pineda said that she’s aware of the financial burdens of patients undergoing treatment and encouraged them to have their regular check-up together with their family members at the provincial and district hospitals to prevent them from having the same disease.

1 Oct 2015 - Angeles village execs affirm stand vs CCTV ordinance

ANGELES CITY -- Six members of the Barangay Balibago Council who junked the proposed closed circuit television (CCTV) ordinance defended their stand and denied reports that their opposition to the project is politically motivated.

Councilman Kim Timbol said they rejected the proposal during their September 21 session because of several issues.

30 Sep 2015 - October 12, 23 declared special holidays in Angeles City

ANGELES CITY -- President Benigno Aquino III has declared October 12 and 23 special non-working holidays in this city in line with the residents’ month-long celebration of Kuliat Festival.

Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa on September 24 signed Proclamation Number 1130 declaring Monday (October 12) and Friday (October 23) as special non working holidays in the City of Angeles.