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Balibago News Mar-2016

31 Mar 2016 - Roxas favors Clark as premier airport

CLARK FREEPORT -- Liberal Party standard-bearer Mar Roxas expressed support for Clark as the site of the country's new premier airport during highly applauded speech on Wednesday before members of the Makati Business Club and the Management Association of the Philippines.

"Why Clark? Clark is 2,000 hectares while NAIA is 440 hectares," Roxas said. "It's not much rocket science to figure out."

31 Mar 2016 - Tarlac farmers receive land titles

PAMPANGA -- Over 400 farmers in Tarlac province were awarded ownership over the land they tilled and occupied for many years.

The beneficiaries received their land titles on Thursday from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) here, as part of President Benigno Aquino III's “Handog Titulo” program.

31 Mar 2016 - DepEd launches manual on cyber safety

PAMPANGA -- The Department of Education (DepEd) now aims to protect students from the dangers of cyberspace as it partnered with Stairway Foundation in launching the CyberSafe Project Manuals that contain individual lesson plans targeting Grades 5 to 6 and Junior High Students.

The manual aims to guide and protect the children in the use of the internet.

31 Mar 2016 - Cayetano eyes Singapore-like Central Luzon

CLARK FREEPORT -- Vice presidential candidate Senator Alan Peter Cayetano said Central Luzon will become a highly progressive region like Singapore and Hong Kong if the national government will implement the decongestion program for Metro Manila.

Central Luzon has the potential of becoming the next capital of the Philippines because of its airports and seaports, expressways, tourism areas, industrial sites, among others.

31 Mar 2016 - Pagdilao bats for stronger laws against 'kotong cops'

PAMPANGA -- Senatorial aspirant Samuel Pagdilao wants stronger laws against abusive and disrespectful police and traffic enforcers.

Pagdilao, incumbent Anti-Crime and Terrorism through Community Involvement and Support (ACT-CIS) Party-List Representative, said he is very much aware of the issues and concerns being faced by the transport sector brought by certain scalawag traffic cops and enforcers.

31 Mar 2016 - Poe works double

PAMPANGA -- Presidential aspirant Senator Grace Poe is working double time to win Kapampangan votes.

Poe has visited Pampanga for the fourth time on Thursday since she declared her presidential bid last September. According to her, "Pampanga is very close to my heart considering its rich culture and heritage and its contribution in the development of the country".

30 Mar 2016 - Marcos airs support to dual airport system

CLARK FREEPORT -- Vice Presidential candidate Senator Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has expressed support to the dual airport system for Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) and Clark International Airport (CRK).

Marcos said this during a meeting with local and national newsmen in this Freeport on Tuesday.

30 Mar 2016 - Firm to infuse P350M in Clark

CLARK FREEPORT -- A Filipino-Taiwanese firm is set to establish P350-million warehouse project inside the Freeport.

The MSK Group Work Clark Incorporated (MSK) on Monday signed a lease agreement with Clark Development Corporation (CDC) for a 3.19-hectare property here as part of its 3-year expansion plans.

30 Mar 2016 - Legarda: Small enterprises generate jobs

MABALACAT CITY -- Senator Loren Legarda underscored Wednesday the important role that micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) play in generating jobs throughout the country especially in poor municipalities.

Legarda, principal author of the Magna Carta for MSMEs, issued the statement following results of an online survey conducted by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and JobStreet.com Philippines, showing that three out of four locally employed Filipinos would accept jobs in their home region rather than work in another part of the country.

30 Mar 2016 - PPCRV strengthens campaign on responsible voting

PAMPANGA -- The Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV) is now strengthening their flagship program for voters’ education dubbed as "One Good Vote".

According to PPCRV Coordinator Annie Pineda, the poll watchdog is now tasked reach out to voters even in remote towns and villages in an aim to increase their awareness in fair voting practices.

30 Mar 2016 - Mabalacat lawyer wants livelihood, infrastructure projects

MABALACAT CITY -- Lawyer Amalia “Maie” Tiglao-Cayanan vowed to pursue addressing the needs of this city’s labor force and lobby for more impact projects if she is given a chance for a seat at the local government unit’s city council.

Tiglao-Cayanan, a candidate for City Council seat here said that she is most keen on addressing the need to address job mismatch here and set up programs for better employment and provide needed support for livelihood projects.

30 Mar 2016 - Romualdez: New law gives more to PWDs

ANGELES CITY -- Persons with disabilities (PWDs) can look forward to enjoying added benefits and privileges with the recent signing into law of Republic Act 10754, according to senatorial candidate Martin Romualdez.

Romualdez is the author of House Bill 1039, which, together with its counterpart, Senate Bill 2890, was signed into law by President Aquino last March 23.

29 Mar 2016 - Marcos hits 'unjust' treatment to Arroyo

CLARK FREEPORT -- Vice-Presidential candidate Ferdinand Marcos has assailed the government for its unjust treatment to former President and Pampanga Representative Gloria Macapagal Arroyo in what he described as “very un-Filipino.”

During a press conference at the Bale Balita here Tuesday, Marcos said he supports proposal for Arroyo’s house arrest and medication in other countries.

29 Mar 2016 - 5,000 join Morales’ proclamation rally

MABALACAT CITY -- In a show of force, thousands of supporters of re-electionist Mayor Marino Morales have attended the proclamation rally of "Team Unity" on Monday night reaffirming the firm grip of the local chief executive in the upcoming polls.

Some 5,000-strong and dedicated supporters and leaders of Morales have attended the proclamation rally at the Marina Arcade in the business district of Dau, a stronghold of Morales.

29 Mar 2016 - Cayetano: Gov't neglected Clark airport

CLARK FREEPORT -- Vice presidential candidate Senator Alan Peter Cayetano said the national government neglected the development of Clark International Airport (CRK).

Cayetano issued the statement during his recent visit in Pampanga where he met with leaders and members of a religious organization supporting his vice presidential bid and platform of government.

29 Mar 2016 - Guv calls for peaceful polls

PAMPANGA -- Governor Lilia Pineda has called on local parties and candidates to work together for the conduct of peaceful and orderly elections this May during the opening salvo of her own party Kapanalig at Kambilan ding Memalen Pampanga (Kambilan) here.

Governor Pineda urged local candidates in attendance to refrain from mudslinging and engaging in violence before, during and after the polls, Pineda was quoted in a report by the Provincial Information Office (PIO).

29 Mar 2016 - Church breaks ground of new adoration hall

PAMPANGA -- Bacolor devotees of Our Lady of Lourdes will soon have a new adoration hall as the Archdiocesan Shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes recently broke ground for the new Chapel of the Living Water and Rosary Garden.

Rector Fr. Edgardo Panlilio said that they want to provide a place of prayer and reflection to the growing the number of devotees.

29 Mar 2016 - Capitol financial grant put on hold

PAMPANGA -- Indigents and people needing financial help from the Provincial Government of Pampanga would have to wait for at least 45 days before being able to access again the financial grant system of the province.

This as financial assistance by the Provincial Government is currently suspended due to campaign period for local candidates.

29 Mar 2016 - Mabalacat lawyer seeks to boost programs for poor

MABALACAT CITY -- A lady lawyer, women’s right and good governance advocate here had underscored the need to bolster education, health and social services programs in pushing this to greater heights.

Lawyer Amalia Tiglao-Cayanan called on all sectors to help boost programs in providing better and free services for women and in the field of education, health and medical programs as well as jobs and livelihood generation.

29 Mar 2016 - Maglanque calls for clean, honest campaign

PAMPANGA -- Candaba mayor Rene Maglanque of this town called for a clean and honest politics with his rivals in the four-way mayoralty match here as he launched his campaign trail recently.

The incumbent mayor, who is challenged by three contenders incumbent Vice-Mayor Normita Evangelista and aspirants Danilo Baylon and Boy Baylon, reiterated his plead to uplift the way of politics in Candaba and present their respective platforms.

29 Mar 2016 - Aeta tribes vowed support for Marcos

PAMPANGA -- Four Aeta tribes associations living in Pampanga vowed support for the vice presidential candidacy of Senator Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Tuesday.

Marcos’ first stop for his Pampanga “Unity Caravan” sorties was in Marcos Village, Mabalacat where the Aetas had been given houses in the early 70s by the late President Ferdinand Marcos, father and namesake of the senator.

29 Mar 2016 - Cops: Start of local election campaign successful

PAMPANGA -- Masantol local police said that the start of the local election campaign period on Sunday was considered a success.

The town is under the Commission on Elections (Comelec) poll watchlist.

28 Mar 2016 - Pampanga gets P242-M worth of irrigation project

PAMPANGA -- The Province is set to receive a boost into its farm irrigation systems as the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) allocated P242,332,000 million worth of irrigation projects for 2016.

Acting Division Manager of Pampanga Bataan-Irrigation Management Office (PAMBAT-IMO) Engr. Prudencio Santos told irrigator associations in a meeting at the Benigno Aquino Hall, Capitol that the funds are already in the pipeline.

28 Mar 2016 - PamCham issues support for Clark Green City project

CLARK FREEPORT -- The Pampanga Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc. (PamCham) in a resolution approved during its 132nd Regular Meeting of the Board of Directors, supported the full development of the Clark Green City and expressed confidence that the next administration will support and ensure the project’s completion because of its noble intentions and viable objectives that will support Philippine economic resiliency.

The business chamber acknowledged Clark Green City's Green and Smart Urban Development and concurred that establishing synergy between Industry and Technology with Agriculture and Environment should be the goal of all future and existing urban community developments.

28 Mar 2016 - 'Warrior' Rodriguez starts ball rolling in reelection bid

PAMPANGA -- 3rd District Representative Oscar Rodriguez started the ball rolling in his reelection bid as he led hundreds of supporters during the blessing and launching of the camp's new campaign headquarters along Jose Abad Santos Avenue in this city on Easter Sunday afternoon.

Faced with three other contenders--comebacking Congressman Aurelio Gonzales, Jr., former City of San Fernando Councilor Pol Quiwa and lawyer Amado Santos--in the congressional race, Rodriguez said "he will not go easy in the campaign trail and hurdle challenges" of the 2016 May polls with the "warrior" in him.

28 Mar 2016 - Cops seize P.5M 'shabu' in Candaba

PAMPANGA -- Local police here seized some P500,000 worth of suspected shabu in an anti-illegal drug operation in Barangay Salapungan in this municipality recently.

Barangay Salapungan captain Gerardo Evangelista called the attention of authorities when he received a telephone call from a confidential informant of the occurrence of a pot session at 48 Sitio Pasonghari in the said barangay.

28 Mar 2016 - Smart records postpaid leadership

CLARK FREEPORT -- Smart Communications strengthened its leadership in the postpaid segment in2015.

This was sustained by a surge in demand for relevant content and app-based services that enabled subscribers to fully experience the mobile digital lifestyle.

28 Mar 2016 - Mayor thankful to residents for support

PAMPANGA -- Masantol mayor Danilo Guintu, who is seeking a second term, was thankful to residents for their support for him during his opening salvo on Sunday.

Residents from different barangays gathered at the Barangay Caingin covered court at around and wore color yellow shirts to show their support for Guintu.

27 Mar 2016 - Angeles cops charged for extorting American

ANGELES CITY -- Two policemen here are facing criminal and administrative charges after allegedly extorting P48,000 from an American tourist who reportedly committed a traffic violation.

Police Officer 2 Neil Gopilan and Police Officer 2 Teoderico Pelayo were relieved from Police Station 4 (Salakot Police Precinct) in connection with the complaint filed by the tourist, whose name has been withheld for security reasons.

27 Mar 2016 - Robber slain in encounter

PAMPANGA -- One of the three motorcycle-riding armed men who were responsible for the series of robbery incidents in Pampanga was killed during a brief encounter in Barangay Alasas San Fernando on Good Friday, March 25.

Pampanga Police Provincial Director Rodolfo Recomono Jr. identified the slain suspect as Chaser Bolalin whwo was cornered and shot dead in and exchange of fire.

27 Mar 2016 - Cayetano: Crime must be non-existent

PAMPANGA -- Vice presidential candidate Alan Peter Cayetano defended Sunday, March 27, their platform to prevent crime and corruption within six months.

Cayetano, who visited this city to attend to a small Christian prayer meeting, said that critics have wrong understanding of their program.

27 Mar 2016 - Environmentalist: Trees, basic life answer to climate change

MABALACAT CITY -- People should plant trees and practice simple living in order to reverse the effects of climate change, said an environmentalist.

Journalist and environmentalist Cecile Yumul said that people should learn the lessons of previous disasters that destroyed properties and killed thousands of people.

27 Mar 2016 - Political tension rises in Santo Tomas

PAMPANGA -- Political tension broke out in Santo Tomas on Saturday, March 26, after a mayoralty aspirant "blocked" the convoy of his political opponent.

Mayoralty aspirant John Sambo appealed to Barangay Sto. Rosario (Pau) captain Matias Pineda, who is also a mayoralty candidate, after Pineda allegedly blocked the road in the entrance of the said barangay with three 4x4 vehicles.

26 Mar 2016 - San Fernando successfully bans ‘Maleldo’ campaigning

PAMPANGA -- Organizers of the “Maleldo” 2016 in this city on disclosed Friday that they were able to successfully ward off candidates, politicians and their camps from campaigning during the Good Friday rites.

Maleldo 2016 Executive Committee Chairman Engr. Ferdinand Caylao said that their group strictly monitored the Good Friday ban on campaigning, including candidates’ conducting mini-miting de avance, distributing campaign materials, plying showboats and installing posters or tarpaulins along the route of the Via Crucis and within the three sites of the crucifixion reenactment.

26 Mar 2016 - ADB okays $123-M for Angat Dam tunnel

PAMPANGA -- The Asian Development Bank (ADB) approved recently a US$123-million loan to the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) for the construction of a fourth tunnel at Angat Dam in Bulacan.

The tunnel measuring some 6.3-kilometers will stretch from Ipo Reservoir to the Bigte Reservoir of Angat Dam.

26 Mar 2016 - 15 penitents 'crucified' in Pampanga

PAMPANGA -- Local and foreign visitors flocked to the crucifixion sites here on Good Friday to witness the reenactment of the passion and death of Jesus Christ.

The spectators, unmindful of the scorching heat, trooped to a man-made calvary hill in Barangay San Pedro Cutud and in the villages of San Juan and Sta. Lucia to watch the "magdarame" (flagellants) whipping themselves and men getting nailed on wooden crosses, an annual tradition which has been observed in the province for 54 years.

26 Mar 2016 - Mexico mayor hit for alleged ‘incompetence’

PAMPANGA -- The camp of former town mayor Teddy Tumang recently branded the governance of incumbent Mayor Roy Manalastas as "incompetent".

Tumang, who served for three consecutive terms as local chief executive, said that Manalastas' administration "has done nothing to benefit the people of Mexico".

26 Mar 2016 - Binay: Abolish income tax of workers earning P30,000

MABALACAT CITY -- United Nationalist Alliance (UNA) standard bearer Vice President Jejomar Binay has reiterated his plan to abolish the income tax of workers earning P30,000 and below every month.

“Pag kinwenta mo yung P30,000 that is only P1,000 a day. So yung P1,000 a day, pag tiningnan mo yung may anak na dalawa, tatlo tapos haharapin pa yung mga basic needs, e kulang na kulang yun e,” Binay said.

26 Mar 2016 - LGU issues advisory vs Pinatubo trek

PAMPANGA -- The local government unit (LGU) here has issued an advisory temporarily suspending the trekking to the Mount Pinatubo crater.

Marissa Vidal, acting tourism officer of Capas town, said the reason stated in the advisory is the imposition of additional fees of P700 per person or tourist by the Municipal Government of Botolan, Zambales.

25 Mar 2016 - 15 penitents 'crucified' in Pampanga on Good Friday

Local and foreign visitors flocked to the crucifixion sites here on Good Friday to witness the reenactment of the passion and death of Jesus Christ.

The spectators, unmindful of the scorching heat, trooped to a man-made calvary hill in Barangay San Pedro Cutud and in the villages of San Juan and Sta. Lucia to watch the "magdarame" (flagellants) whipping themselves and men getting nailed on wooden crosses, an annual tradition which has been observed in the province for 54 years.

25 Mar 2016 - 3 faith healers 'crucified' in Bulacan

Under the scorching heat of the noon-day sun, male actors playing the role of Roman centurions brutally whipped a faith healer who fell into the ground face-down before he was dragged up to carry a wooden cross towards a man-made Golgotha besides a Catholic chapel in Barangay Kapitangan here as the old bloody Lenten tradition continues in this province.

The faith healer, Michael Katigbak, is among the most popular penitents being awaited by thousands of spectators in his reenactment of the crucifixion of the Lord Jesus Christ.

23 Mar 2016 - Clark airport under full security alert

CLARK FREEPORT -- Officials of Clark International Airport Corporation (CIAC) heightened the security alert in the airport following attacks at Brussels international airport and a city metro station where more than 30 people were killed and dozens injured.

CIAC president and chief executive officer Emigdio Tanjuatco III said Wednesday, March 23, that he has directed different airport departments, especially the security department, in connection with the incident.

23 Mar 2016 - Pampanga Capitol allots P36M for youth scholarships

PAMPANGA -- The Provincial Government of Pampanga has allotted a total of P36.8 million for 4,247 beneficiaries of its Educational Financial Assistance Program.

The beneficiaries received the assistance during the distribution Wednesday, March 23, at the Bren Z. Guiao Convention Center.

23 Mar 2016 - Dungca set for one-on-one Bacolor mayoral race

PAMPANGA -- Former Bacolor mayor Romeo Dungca Jr. said he is all geared up for the forthcoming official kick-off of the local campaign period on March 26.

Dungca will have a one-on-one match between incumbent Mayor Jose Mari "Jomar" Hizon after then mayoralty candidate Sebastian Pagcu earlier withdrew his certificate of candidacy from the Commission on Elections.

23 Mar 2016 - Sasmuan ex-mayor: Pray for female inmates

ANGELES CITY -- As the nation observes the Holy Week, former Sasmuan mayor Catalina Bagasina said the public hould offer sacrifices to God and other people.

Bagasina, founder of the Association of Laborers and Employees (ALE) Partylist, offered a Mass at the Correctional Institution for Women at the Angeles City District Jail on Wednesday.

23 Mar 2016 - Macabebe all set for 'bloodless' Holy Week

PAMPANGA -- Macabebe practices “bloodless” Lenten tradition since 2011 initiated by the group called “Everybody's Café,” is all set for Holy Week.

The program will start on Good Friday around 6 p.m. in Barangay Poblacion where volunteers who are in 14 stations will reenact the crucifixion and death of Jesus Christ.

23 Mar 2016 - San Fernando promotes TB-HIV awareness

PAMPANGA -- In line with the observance of World Tuberculosis Day today, March 24, the City Government of San Fernando conducted Wednesday a collaboration program aimed at promoting awareness on Tuberculosis-Human Immunodeficiency Virus (TB-HIV).

With the theme “Sama-samang hanapin, gamutin at pagalingin,” some 200 cured Tuberculosis patients in the city have undergone free HIV-testing through blood extraction.

23 Mar 2016 - Robredo lauds Pineda’s governance

Vice presidential aspirant Leni Robredo of the Liberal Party (LP) on Tuesday, lauded Pampanga Governor Lilia Pineda's governance.

Robredo, who met hundreds of Fernandinos at Heroes Hall for a sortie with LP standard bearer Mar Roxas and senatorial bet Leila De Lima, said that the way Pineda governs Pampanga is worth emulating.

20 Mar 2016 - Residents of Masantol receive free medical services

PAMPANGA -- Japanese socio-civic organization Mirai Ni Kibou Foundation and the Quota International (QI) of Pampanga hosted a medical mission and supplemental feeding program for hundreds of residents of Masantol’s coastal villages.

QI of Pampanga president Myrna Canlas said that the event is part of their group’s cooperation agreement with the Japanese organization.

20 Mar 2016 - Cops arrest top 8 suspected drug pusher

PAMPANGA -- Local police have arrested the top eight suspected drug pusher in this town in a drug bust operation on Friday in Barangay Sta. Lucia Matua.

The suspect, identified as Renato Gatdula, 49, resident of the said barangay was arrested around 1 a.m.

20 Mar 2016 - Arayat mayor is Superbrands' 'most outstanding mayor'

PAMPANGA -- Arayat mayor Emmanuel "Bon" Alejandrino of this town was once again named as "Most Outstanding Mayor" by the prestigious worldwide organization Superbrands Marketing International (SMI).

Alejandrino received the award alongside Angeles City Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan and City of San Fernando Mayor Edwin Santiago.

20 Mar 2016 - Cenro urges people to regularly save energy

PAMPANGA -- Authorities urged people to regularly save and lessen the consumption of energy and to continue to save the planet during the celebration of Earth Hour on Saturday at SM City Pampanga.

"I encourage everyone to save the environment by lessening the wastes we create, segregate garbages to biodegradable and non-biodegradable, used eco-bags in shopping at malls and conserve water too when washing dishes and brushing our teeth," said City of Environment and Natural Resources Officer (Cenro) Marilen Malabanan.

19 Mar 2016 - Abducted trader released

ANGELES CITY -- A businessman who was abducted on Thursday was reportedly released by his captors at dawn on Saturday.

Reports said the businessman--whose name was withheld by authorities for security reasons--was freed shortly after a reported pay off at the back of the Rafael Lazatin Memorial Medical Center (ONA) around 2:20 a.m.

19 Mar 2016 - FAO, DA initiate use of drones

PAMPANGA -- Drones were launched Thursday in Pampanga to officially mark a joint undertaking by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the Department of Agriculture (DA) to initiate the use of the technology for disaster risk reduction in the agriculture sector.

“The adoption of modern technologies in agriculture, such as the use of drones or unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), can significantly enhance risk and damage assessments, and revolutionize the way we prepare for and respond to disasters that affect the livelihoods of vulnerable farmers and fishers and the country’s food security,” FAO Representative in the Philippines José Luis Fernández said in a statement.

19 Mar 2016 - Don’t resort to mudslinging, mayor urges fellow candidates

PAMPANGA -- A reelectionist mayor im Magalang reminded his fellow candidates not to resort to mudslinging during the campaign period for local elections, which will officially start on March 26 until May 7.

Mayor Romulo Pecson addressed his call to all candidates, including his partymates, candidates in different positions in other tickets, and rivals in the mayoralty race.

19 Mar 2016 - Village chief to make reform in social justice

PAMPANGA -- Apalit village chief and Association of Barangay Captains president and ex-officio Board Member Gerome Tubig said that he will introduce reforms in social justice when elected officially to the Provincial Board.

Tubig, a lawyer and village chief of Barangay San Vicente in Macabebe, said that he wants to help Kapampangans who have some concerns in their birth certificates.

19 Mar 2016 - Gov’t employee returns cash from Security Bank ATM

MABALACAT CITY -- An honest government employee recently returned unclaimed cash withdrawn from an ATM by another client of Security Bank in Mabalacat City.

Allen Tolentino, an employee of the City of Social Welfare and Development Office at Xevera, Tabun, Mabalacat City, Pampanga, turned over the unclaimed cash and wanted to ensure that the cash would be returned to its rightful owner.

18 Mar 2016 - Kapampangans go for Roxas, Robredo

PAMPANGA -- More than 50 days before the presidential elections on May 9, the Province of Pampanga led by Governor Lilia Pineda on Thursday declared support for the whole “Daang Matuwid” coalition slate led by Liberal Party standard bearer Manuel Roxas II and vice-presidential aspirant Leni Robredo.

Speaking before nearly 20,000 Kapampangans during the community meeting at Capitol, Governor Pineda vowed to support the candidates being endorsed by President Benigno Aquino III under the administration slate.

18 Mar 2016 - Guv's endorsement a boost to LP bets

PAMPANGA -- The ruling Liberal Party (LP) has expressed gratitude to Governor Lilia "Nanay" Pineda and Kapampangans for the support pledged to them on Thursday.

In an exclusive interview the party's vice-presidential bet Leni Robredo said that the endorsement and support thrown to them by Kapampangans is expected to boost their campaign standings for the upcoming national elections.

18 Mar 2016 - NLEx, SCTEx fully integrated

CLARK FREEPORT -- The North Luzon Expressway (NLEx) and the Subic Clark Tarlac Expressway (SCTEx) are now fully integrated.

The Manila North Tollways Corporation (MNTC) yesterday announced that the P650 million NLEx-SCTEx Integration Project is now fully operational and has been completed ahead of the expected 10 percent to 15 percent increase in traffic volume on Holy Week.

18 Mar 2016 - The Primus Medicus Distributors Inc., (PMDI) corporate center will soon rise in San Isidro Village in San Fernando.

After recently breaking ground for the five-storey corporate center, PMDI president Dr. Allan Policarpio said they decided to extend their service in this city after seeing its potential and dynamic market.

18 Mar 2016 - Pineda lauds Aquino for Pampanga projects

PAMPANGA -- Governor Lilia Pineda lauded President Benigno Aquino III for various projects implemented in Pampanga during his term.

During the “Meeting with the Community” of the President held at the Capitol grounds on Thursday, the governor cited the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and the universal health care program of the Department of Health and Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth).

18 Mar 2016 - AboitizPower supports Dole program for OFWs

ANGELES CITY -- Local jobs in the Philippine power industry await Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) as AboitizPower signed up for the Assist WELL (Welfare, Employment, Legal and Livelihood) program of the Department of Labor and Employment (Dole).

AboitizPower and DOLE recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in connection with the program, Arcel Madrid, Corporate Branding and Communications Associate of Aboitiz Power Corporation, said.

18 Mar 2016 - Ex-officio board member thankful to guv

PAMPANGA -- Macabebe Association of Barangay Captains (ABC) president and Barangay San Vicente Captain Gerome Tubig said he is thankful to Governor Lilia Pineda for choosing him to run as board member for the fourth district provincial board seat in the 2016 polls.

"The reason why I ventured into politics is because I wanted to make changes in the barangay.

18 Mar 2016 - San Fernando joins observance of Earth Hour

PAMPANGA -- This city is expected to darken Saturday night in support of the global annual event--Earth Hour--organized by World Wide for Nature.

The local government headed by Mayor Edwin Santiago, who has been advocating measures to prevent climate change, encouraged Fernandinos to turn off their non-essential lights for one hour, from 8:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. as a symbol of commitment to save the planet.

17 Mar 2016 - Superbrands names Santiago most outstanding mayor anew

PAMPANGA -- For the second time in a row, Mayor Edwin Santiago has been chosen as one of the country's most outstanding mayor by the prestigious worldwide organization Superbrands Marketing International (SMI).

The mayor personally received the recognition from SMI officials last March 16 at The City Club in Makati City. He was awarded along with 19 local chief executives (LCEs) nationwide for their excellence in leading and influencing their constituents to be part of nation building.

17 Mar 2016 - Newsman posted most number of ordinances at Angeles council

ANGELES CITY -- Records at the Provincial Board here showed a journalist, seeking for a seat at the city council, was the topnotcher in accomplishments in terms of the number of ordinances and resolutions filed and passed when he was a member of the legislative body.

Jay Sangil, a journalist by profession who used to write for the Philippine Daily Inquirer, posted the most number of passed and approved resolutions and ordinances during his three stints in the city council. He authored a total of 230 legislative bills filed and approved by the City Council.

17 Mar 2016 - Capitol preps up for floods after El Niño

PAMPANGA -- The Province of Pampanga is still reeling from the effects of El Niño but this is not stopping the Provincial Government of Pampanga from organizing an early flood awareness summit yesterday at the Bren Z. Guiao Convention Center here where barangay officials were urged to put preparedness plans in place amid changing weather patterns.

Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council head Angie Blanco said that the summit was called by Governor Lilia Pineda to keep locals prepared.

17 Mar 2016 - Environmentalist: Prepare for disasters

ANGELES CITY -- An environmentalist has underscored the need to prepare for disasters.

Former Angeles City Councilor Louie Reyes, who is seeking for a seat at the city council, said that people should learn several things in order to survive during calamities.

17 Mar 2016 - Mayor to ‘enjoy’ campaign period

PAMPANGA -- Apalit mayor Oscar Tetangco Jr., who is seeking the fourth district congressional post said that he will just "enjoy" the local campaign period which will start on March 26.

"I will just enjoy the campaign period in the fourth district. I am not stressed because I am happy with meeting new people," said Tetangco.

17 Mar 2016 - 2 Pampanga mayors graduate from MLGP

PAMPANGA -- Two Pampanga mayors graduated from the Municipal Leadership and Governance Program (MLGP) recently at Clark Freeport, Pampanga.

San Simon Mayor Leonora Wong and Masantol Mayor Danilo Guintu urged other mayors to also take the said training.

17 Mar 2016 - Angeles to hold religious rites, events for Lent

ANGELES CITY -- The local government here through the Angeles City Tourism Office (ACTO) has scheduled activities in observance of the Lenten Season this year in partnership with the socio-civic community, various performing arts groups and the religious sector.

Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan emphasized the importance of celebrating the religious traditions despite the city’s fast-paced growth and innovation.

16 Mar 2016 - Clandestine shabu lab in Angeles dismantled

ANGELES CITY -- A suspected clandestine shabu laboratory was dismantled on Wednesday by joint operatives from the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (Pdea) Central Luzon and Philippine National Police Anti-Illegal Drugs Group (AIDG).

Armed with a search warrant, the PDEA and AIDG agents swooped down on the medium-scale clandestine laboratory in No. 75-09 Clover Street, Timog Park Subdivision, Barangay Pampang, this city.

16 Mar 2016 - Pamintuan is most outstanding mayor anew

ANGELES CITY -- This city's local chief executive was once again recognized by an international award-giving body as one of the most outstanding mayors of the country for his remarkable achievements in the field of public service.

Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan received the Most Outstanding Mayor in the Philippines Award for 2016, conferred by Superbrands Marketing International (SMI), Wednesday at The City Club in Makati City.

16 Mar 2016 - Macabebe branded 'worst' LGU in Pampanga

PAMPANGA -- Comebacking Macabebe Mayor Leonardo "Bobong" Flores branded yesterday the town of Macabebe as the "worst local government unit" in Pampanga.

Flores said that most of the residents here allegedly "fear the governance of the current administration."

16 Mar 2016 - Man, 80, sues insurance firm

PAMPANGA -- The Lubao Municipal Trial Court (MTC) here has summoned a car insurance firm to appear in court on March 22 after it ignored the legitimate insurance claim of an 80-year-old senior citizen from Barangay San Agustin in this town.

Complainant Serafin Bituin said the Mapfre Insular Insurance Corp. (Mapfre) has been ignoring his claim amounting to P102,500 for the repair and cost of spare parts of his insured car, which figured in an accident on November 15 last year.

16 Mar 2016 - Drug peddler arrested

ANGELES CITY -- A suspected drug pusher was arrested over the weekend by elements of the city police and Bantay Bayan during a Comelec checkpoint at 1st Street, Balibago here.

Police Chief Inspector Dereck Relativo, ACPO Station 4 commander, identified the suspect as Jay Bondoc y Castro of #236 Demokrasya Street, Barangay Poblacion, Mabalacat City.

16 Mar 2016 - Mexico mayor gets Golden Globe award

PAMPANGA -- Mexico Mayor Roy Manalastas of this town is among this year's 29 Golden Globe annual awardees who received the Medal of Distinction for outstanding and significant achievements in the field of public service.

Manalastas is the only official from the province to be recognized as one of the "Outstanding Filipino Achievers" in the event held at the Manila Hotel Centennial Hall on Sunday.

16 Mar 2016 - Primus Medicus breaks ground for new corporate center

PAMPANGA -- The Primus Medicus Distributors Inc., (PMDI) broke ground for their new five-storey corporate center in Barangay Maimpis in San Fernando.

PMDI, a distributor of affordable health products, will soon open their second home, which is expected to cater to some major shops and franchises in the country as well as some medical clinics and offices.

16 Mar 2016 - JDT Cup 2016 kicks off

PAMPANGA -- The JDTs Cup basketball tournament 2016 kicked off on Wednesday, with officials hoping that more Apaliteños will be able to join the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA).

Tetangco said that he was happy that the basketball tournament was being supported by the residents and players in Apalit adding that anyone can join as long as they are residents of the town.

15 Mar 2016 - Angat Dam water supply to survive El Niño

PAMPANGA -- Central Luzon farmers and the millions of Metro Manila residents that depend on Angat Dam for irrigation and domestic consumption can heave a sigh of relief as water in the reservoir may likely to survive the El Niño phenomenon.

The state-run Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) Angat Dam said that water level would be reduced further but would likely remain above critical levels until the estimated end of the drought by June or July.

15 Mar 2016 - Romualdez: 'Expand CCT program'

MABALACAT CITY -- The Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT) program should be enacted into law to benefit more families, lift them out of poverty.

This was the statement of senatorial candidate and Leyte Representative Martin Romualdez who also stressed that the measure is also intended to promote transparency and ensure indiscriminate implementation of the program to all qualified beneficiaries.

15 Mar 2016 - Santiago: 'Health situation under control'

PAMPANGA -- San Fernando mayor Edwin Santiago assured Tuesday Fernandinos that health situation here is under control amid reports that a baby died carrying symptoms of infection from meningococcemia virus.

According to health reports, a four-month old baby from Barangay San Isidro here died with suspected meningococcemia virus infection.

15 Mar 2016 - 11-hour power outage set in parts of Pampanga

PAMPANGA -- Several towns and barangays of Pampanga’s second district will experience up to 11 hours of power interruption on Thursday, March 17.

Affected areas include the towns of Guagua, Sasmuan, Porac, Sta. Rita, and Lubao; and barangays Anon, Gutad, Mawacat and Palmayo Resettlement in Floridablanca.

14 Mar 2016 - Dengue cases up 31%

PAMPANGA -- Records of dengue cases in Pampanga abruptly shot up as the Department of Health (DOH) noted a 31 percent increase in the first quarter of this year compared to the same period in 2015.

According to the data provided by the DOH, the reported dengue cases in the province kicked up to 1,171 as of March 11 this year, 271 cases higher than the 898 posted last year.

14 Mar 2016 - Morales tops Ipolls survey

MABALACAT CITY – Reelectionist Mayor Marino Morales has stretched his lead over his three rivals in the mayoralty race in a recent survey among 3,200 respondents in 27 barangays here.

The survey indicated that Morales of Aksyon Demokratiko is still the man to beat in the upcoming polls.

14 Mar 2016 - Capitol celebrates women’s month

PAMPANGA -- Kicking it off on Monday with an early morning Zumba session, Capitol has joined in the celebration of National Women’s Month themed “Kapakanan ni Juana, Isama sa Agenda”, which aims to give due recognition to contributions of women in society.

Board Member Cherry Manalo, chairman of the Provincial Board’s committee on women and family, said the plight of women has always been included in the provincial government‘s agenda.

14 Mar 2016 - Aquino assailed for failure to develop Clark airport

ANGELES CITY -- A cause-oriented group here has assailed President Benigno Aquino III for failing to fully develop and utilize Clark International Airport during his six-year term.

The Pinoy Gumising Ka Movement, headed by businessman Ruperto Cruz, expressed dismay over the slow-phase development of Clark airport, which is being eyed as the country’s next premier gateway amid the air traffic congestion at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport.

14 Mar 2016 - Korean job opportunities a big help to Apaliteños

PAMPANGA -- The Public Employment Service Office (Peso) said recently that job opportunities in Korea are a big help to Apaliteños.

A Peso officer who requested for anonymity said that the unemployment rate in the town decreased since they started to give job opportunities from some factories in Korea.

14 Mar 2016 - DOH: San Fernando village not quarantined

PAMPANGA -- The Department of Health (DOH) in Central Luzon clarified Monday that Barangay San Isidro in this city is not under quarantine.

This, after a four-month old baby from the said barangay was reportedly discovered with symptoms of meningococcemia virus.

14 Mar 2016 - San Fernando Water District opens hi-tech pumping station

PAMPANGA -- The City of San Fernando Water District (CSFWD) opened Monday its third pumping station in Barangay San Jose here with the new facility equipped with a fiber optic treatment system that kills bacteria and a chlorine treatment system that ensures safe drinking water for concessionaires.

The inauguration was led by City of San Fernando Water District general manager Jorge Gumba along with the water utility's board of directors led by Chairman Fer Caylao and employees of the water utility.

14 Mar 2016 - SBMA posts P202-M in revenues

SUBic BAY -- The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) announced that it posted a total of P202-million in revenues from trade facilitation and compliance fees collected last year from importers, brokers, processors, and other stakeholders in this Freeport.

SBMA Chairman Roberto Garcia said that based on the annual report submitted by SBMA's Trade and Facilitation and Compliance Department, the revenue for 2015 represented an increase of P51 million, or 34 percent, compared to the P151 million recorded in 2014.

14 Mar 2016 - DOH has 5,000 testing kits for Zika virus

PAMPANGA -- From only 2,000, the Department of Health (DOH) now has a total of 5,000 testing kits for the Zika virus amid its continued threat in the country.

Health Secretary Janette Garin said that they already have 5,000 testing kits, or the Real-time Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR), acquired from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

13 Mar 2016 - Official lauds $40-M solar energy plant in Clark

MABALACAT CITY -- Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) head Arnel Casanova has lauded the opening of the $22.325-megawatt (MW) solar energy plant in Clark Freeport.

The solar power plant is a joint venture project of Mabalacat Solar Philippines Incorporated (MSPI) and two Singapore-based renewable energy firms -- Sindicatum Renewable Energy Company and Armstrong Asset Management.

13 Mar 2016 - Most wanted in Zambales killed

SUBIC BAY -- The number one most wanted person in Zambales and his two cohorts were killed during a brief firefight with policemen in Barangay Calapacuan, Subic, Zambales, Saturday.

Zambales Police Provincial Director Eli Depra identified the slain wanted person as Regie Calledo, alias Matar, a resident of Sitio Bukid, Bundok Bato, of Barangay Calapacuan.

13 Mar 2016 - Councilor to Angelenos: 'Join observance of Earth Hour'

ANGELES CITY -- Councilor Carmelo Lazatin Jr. has urged his constituents to join the observation of the 2016 Earth Hour on March 19.

The Earth Hour is an annually-held worldwide event organized by the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) where people from homes and establishments all over the world are invited to turn non-essential lights off for one hour to save energy.

13 Mar 2016 - Angeles teachers to get tech aid

ANGELES CITY -- About 1,506 units of 2-in-1 laptop and touch screen tablets with dual software of Windows and Android and quad core processor are ready for distribution to all public teachers in this city.

"These equipment will help our beloved teachers in preparing their lessons and lectures easier," Mayor Ed Pamintuan said during a meeting with ONA doctors.

13 Mar 2016 - DENR employees exceed titling targets

PAMPANGA -- The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Regional Office 3 has commended its employees here for meeting titling targets.

The DENR honored 20 of its employees involved in land titling for their significant contribution in exceeding targets for the issuance of agricultural and residential free patents for 2015.

13 Mar 2016 - Rodriguez supports Comelec's decision on VVPAT

PAMPANGA -- Representative Oscar Rodriguez recently affirmed Commission on Elections’ (Comelec) concerns on activating the voter verified paper audit trail (VVPAT) feature in the May elections.

Rodriguez, co-chair of the Joint Congressional Oversight Committee on Automated Elections, said enabling the feature, which allows the printing of a paper receipt or record that each voter gets after casting his or her vote, may be associated to rise of several problems.

13 Mar 2016 - Civil Service to host anti-sexual harassment seminar

PAMPANGA -- The Civil Service Commission (CSC) will host a seminar on the context of the Anti-Sexual Harassment Law Seminar on March 22.

The seminar is open to private and public sector employees.

12 Mar 2016 - Cops bust Porac councilman, 10 others in Angeles City pot session

ANGELES CITY -- Eleven persons, including a low-level politician, believed to be members of a robbery break-in gang, were arrested Thursday by law enforcers after they were caught while engaging in a pot session at an apartment in Barangay Cutcut, Angeles City.

Senior Supt. Sidney Villaflor, Acting Director of the Angeles City Police Office (ACPO), identified the suspects as Jayson Garcia, 38, a councilman of Barangay Salu in the town of Porac, Pampanga; Yostino Nebatane, 26, of the City of San Fernando; Dustin Balingit, 25, Marlone Babao, 30; Ryan Marimla, 34; Randy Allen David, 40; Aries Austria, 35, Alvin Austria, 45; Hariss Lagizon, 30; Marlon Acuna, 33; and Gabriel Paguio, 39, all residents of Angeles City.

12 Mar 2016 - Lubao int'l balloon fest lifts off April 14

PAMPANGA -- The biggest hot air balloon festival in Southeast Asia is set to lift off on April 14 to 17 at Pradera Verde, Prado Siongco in Lubao, Pampanga.

This year, the Lubao International Hot Air Balloon Festival will feature some 40 dirigibles of different shapes and sizes, plus an array of exciting side events designed to “heat up the summer with colors and wonders from sunrise to sunset.”

12 Mar 2016 - Lawmakers: Proposed 2-day election scenario will create chaos

PAMPANGA -- Opposition lawmakers blasted Saturday the Commission on Elections (Comelec) for proposing to hold the upcoming national elections for two days.

Isabela Representative Rodolfo Albano III said the idea of holding a two-day elections broached by Comelec Chairman Andres Bautista “is a recipe for chaos” as the Filipino voters are not prepared for it and it may violate the Constitutional provision that set the day of the elections.

12 Mar 2016 - DENR inks forest management pact with people’s organizations

PAMPANGA -- The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Central Luzon headed by Director Francisco Milla Jr. signed Friday a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with People’s Organizations (POs) for the implementation of the Community Based Forest Management–Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CBFM–CARP) project for Calendar Year 2016 in the region.

“The Community Based Forest Management–Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program project aims to provide assistance to people’s organizations through agroforestry and livelihood projects,” Milla said.

12 Mar 2016 - Cayetano to push for 'upgraded' 4Ps if elected vice-president

ANGELES CITY -- Senate Majority Floor Leader Alan Peter Cayetano vowed Saturday to push for an improved version of the government's program for indigents, the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), should he be elected vice president of the country.

Cayetano, who is running for the second top most post of the country with Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte as his running mate, met with tricycle drivers and operators in Barangay Anunas, Angeles City.

12 Mar 2016 - 581 farmers receive fertilizers

PAMPANGA -- Some 581 farmers from different barangays here received fertilizers from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations on Wednesday at the municipal agriculturist's office in Barangay San Juan.

Initiated by the local government unit (LGU) with the support of United Nations Central Emergency Response Fund and the Department of Agriculture, each farmer received 50 kilograms of urea fertilizer.

12 Mar 2016 - $40M renewable energy plant launched in Clark

CLARK FREEPORT -- The $40-million Clark Solar Power, the very first renewable energy project inside Clark Freeport was inaugurated yesterday by officials of the Clark Development Corporation (CDC, Bases Conversion Development Authority (BCDA), Sindicatum Group and Mabalacat Solar Philippines, Inc. (MSPI).

CDC president Arthur Tugade, BCDA president Arnel Casanova, Sindicatum Group (the mother company of Sindicatum Renewable Energy) president Robert Driscoll and MSPI chairman Jose P. Leviste, Jr. launched the multi-million dollar facility located in a leased 25-hectare property inside the Freeport and is expected to produce 22.325-MW power in an effort to provide alternative power supply to the growing power needs of the locators.

12 Mar 2016 - 15,650 folks in Apalit, Magalang receive free PhilHealth

PAMPANGA -- A total of 15,650 residents from Apalit and Magalang received their free health insurance under the "Alaga Ka" program of the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) last Thursday.

Governor Lilia Pineda said there is much reason to thank President Benigno Aquino III for his health agenda on universal health care which includes the provision of free hospitalization for the poor in government hospitals and accredited private health facilities.

12 Mar 2016 - Solo parents trained on disaster preparedness

PAMPANGA -- The San Fernando City Government here conducted on Saturday a seminar and training exclusively for solo Fernandino parents on disaster preparedness at Heroes Hall.

The Basic Disaster Preparedness Seminar and Training for solo parents from the city's 35 barangays was facilitated by the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWD) in cooperation with the City Environment and Natural Resources Office (Cenro) and City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO).

12 Mar 2016 - Angeles council approves resolution for dev’t permit of public cemetery

ANGELES CITY -- The City Council here recently passed a resolution approving the application for a development permit of the public cemetery in Barangay Sapalibutad.

First City Councilor Jericho G. Aguas, chairman of the Committee on Landed Estate said that the committee together with Councilor Bryan Matthew Nepomuceno, vice chairman of the Committee on Laws and Rules, have jointly recommended for the approval of the "Resolution approving the application for development permit of the public cemetery located at Lot 22-A , Psd-03-204090, covered under TCT No. 045-2014001861, consisting of 15.733 square meters, located at Barangay Salapungan, Angeles City, owned by the City Government of Angeles."

12 Mar 2016 - Tarlac meat processors get new equipment from DTI

PAMPANGA -- A set of new equipment was provided by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Central Luzon to meat processors from Concepcion, Tarlac in turnover ceremonies held at the Concepcion Municipal Hall recently.

DTI Tarlac Provincial Director Agnes Ramirez and Concepcion Mayor Andres Lacson signed the Memorandum of Agreement for the use of the equipment to upgrade the production of meat products by local meat makers.

12 Mar 2016 - Apalit bizman supports Marcos

PAMPANGA -- A known businessman here who believes in the ability of Vice-Presidential aspirant Senator Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. manifested support for him.

Jaime Tetangco, a known Apaliteño businessman, said that he supports the senator even if he and Marcos are not "close."

10 Mar 2016 - Guv to media: Criticize erring public officials

ANGELES CITY -- Pampanga Governor Lilia Pineda told members of the media to do their job as watchdogs of democracy and criticize erring public officials.

Pineda stressed this during her speech at the 67th anniversary and induction ceremonies of the Pampanga Press Club (PPC) at The Encore of Century Hotel in Balibago this city on Wednesday.

10 Mar 2016 - CGIC gets 3-year certificate of authority

PAMPANGA -- The Laus Group-owned Corporate Guarantee and Insurance Company (CGIC) was granted on Tuesday a three-year Certificate of Authority by the Insurance Commission.

CGIC president Gilbert Fernandez said that this is the first time the Insurance Commission granted an insurance firm a three-year Certificate of Authority.

10 Mar 2016 - Public reminded on fire safety

PAMPANGA -- The Bureau of Fire Protection in the City of San Fernando and the city government have reminded the public to be alert and vigilant to avert fire incidents.

Mayor Edwin Santiago said that in line with the observance of Fire Prevention Month this March and just about every day, the city government in partnership with BFP is very strict in the implementation of the Fire Code among business establishments and households.

10 Mar 2016 - Guv wants PhilHealth used for preventive measures

PAMPANGA -- Governor Lilia Pineda recently urged the beneficiaries of Philippine Health Insurance Corporation's (PhilHealth) “Alaga Ka Para sa Maayos na Buhay” (Alaga Ka) program to use their medical insurance for preventive measures.

Pineda has been providing greater access to healthcare services to every Kapampangan families, especially indigents.

10 Mar 2016 - Romualdez: Modernize Subic, Clark airports

ANGELES CITY -- Leyte Representative Martin Romualdez has underscored the need to modernize the Subic Bay and Clark international airports to address the worsening air traffic congestion at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA).

Romualdez, a lawyer and president of the Philippine Constitution Association (Philconsa), said the national government should prioritize the full development and utilization of the two airports in Pampanga and Zambales.

9 Mar 2016 - 'No instructions yet from Arroyo'

PAMPANGA -- Former Candaba mayor Jerry Pelayo of this town clarified Wednesday that Second District Representative Gloria Macapagal Arroyo has not yet given any instructions to support presidential hopeful Jejomar Binay.

This came as news reports stated that the detained former president has already instructed her political allies to support the presidential bid of the vice president.

9 Mar 2016 - Rodriguez downplays attacks on Korina Sanchez

PAMPANGA -- Liberal Party Pampanga Chairman and Third District Representative Oscar Rodriguez recently downplayed the issue on the alleged involvement of the party's standard-bearer's wife, Korina Sanchez-Roxas in the distribution of checks and farm equipment from the Department of Agriculture (DA).

Sanchez-Roxas, wife of presidential candidate Manuel Roxas II, was criticized by the opposition for giving out some P900-million worth of checks and farm equipment during an official event of the DA in Tagum City, Davao del Norte, Kidapawan City, North Cotabato and San Fernando.

9 Mar 2016 - Guiao: Next president should push Clark airport development

CLARK FREEPORT -- First District Representative Joseller “Yeng” Guiao said Wednesday the next president of the country should push for the full development of the Clark International Airport.

Guiao said Clark can contribute a lot to the country's economic progress in terms of job generation, tourism growth, business expansion in the countryside and poverty alleviation.

9 Mar 2016 - 13,812 indigents from 2 towns benefit from ‘Alaga Ka’

PAMPANGA -- Some 13,812 indigent residents from Arayat and Sta. Ana benefitted from Philippine Health Insurance Corporation's (PhilHealth) “Alaga Ka Para sa Maayos na Buhay” (Alaga Ka) program that provides member data record (MDRs) at no cost.

With the goal of providing indigent families with greater access to healthcare services, Governor Lilia Pineda along with PhilHealth personnel recently distributed 10,047 MDRs in Arayat and 3,765 MDRs in Sta. Ana respectively.

9 Mar 2016 - ALE founder: Empower the cause of laborers

MABALACAT CITY -- Former Sasmuan Mayor Catalina Bagasina, who is the founder of the Association of Laborers and Employees (ALE) Partylist, has underscored the empowerment of laborers in the country.

During a recent visit in this city and in nearby Angeles City, Bagasina said the party-list group aims to empower and advance the cause of laborers including “formal and informal workers.”

9 Mar 2016 - Use of eco bags pushed

PAMPANGA -- The City Government of San Fernando under the stewardship of Mayor Edwin Santiago, encourages the public to use environment-friendly bags instead of non-biodegradable materials such as sando and plastic bags.

In line with this, women entrepreneurs who underwent trainings under the city’s livelihood programs shall receive assistance in producing eco bags, which will be made from 100-percent recyclable material.

9 Mar 2016 - Clark hospital to conduct free burn care workshop

CLARK FREEPORT -- The Medical City Clark has set a free burn care workshop on March 18 in line with the observance of Fire Prevention and Awareness Month.

The management of the state-of-the-art hospital has invited company nurses and doctors, emergency room nurses, general medicine practitioners, primary care physicians, paramedics, and health workers.

9 Mar 2016 - Woman lawmaker elated over empowerment

PAMPANGA -- Councilor Angie Hizon of this city stressed Tuesday the importance of being an empowered woman and how it affects society.

Breaking the stereotype of the need for masculinity in promoting peace and order, Hizon stepped up and accepted the challenge of heading this city's Committee on Peace and Order and Public Safety in her term as a legislator.

9 Mar 2016 - San Fernando council among top 12 cities in local legislation

PAMPANGA -- The City Council of the City of San Fernando was named among the 12 component cities nationwide as best in local legislation.

Interior and Local Government Secretary Senen Sarmiento awarded the plaque of recognition to the city during the 2016 End-Term National Assembly of the Philippine Councilors' League (PCL) held in Iloilo City last March 7 to 9.

9 Mar 2016 - Centenarian priest gets P100-Th from Capitol

PAMPANGA -- A 99-year-old priest from Bacolod, Barangay San Vicente, received the P100,000 cash incentive awarded to senior citizens in time for the latter's 100th birthday in July.

Governor Lilia Pineda gave the cash incentive to Fr. Odon Santos through the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO).

9 Mar 2016 - Dole holds temporary office at Medical City in Clark

CLARK FREEPORT -- The Department of Labor and Employment (Dole) announced Tuesday that the Dole Clark Satellite Office (CSO) is now open to serve clients within the Clark Freeport Zone (CFZ).

The Dole CSO at the moment is holding its temporary office at the second floor of Medical City Clark-Ambulatory Center, Jose Abad Santos Avenue, Berthaphil Center 3 Compound, Clark Freeport.

8 Mar 2016 - San Fernando execs assure support systems for abused women, kids

PAMPANGA -- Officials here assured Tuesday of support services for abused women and children in the city and young people in conflict with the law.

This was said by Mayor Edwin Santiago and other city officials during the press conference for the month-long events for the International Women's Month celebrations.

8 Mar 2016 - DPWH set to relocate electric posts in drainage systems

PAMPANGA -- The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) First District Engineering office said that it is set to relocate the electric posts of Pampanga III Electric Cooperative, which are in the middle of drainage systems being constructed at the evacuation road project in Barangay San Gabriel, Macabebe town.

DPWH Assistant District Engineer William Bustos said that there was “coordination” already between stakeholders like Pampanga III Electric Cooperative and the Mayor's Office regarding those affected in the construction of the said evacuation road.

8 Mar 2016 - San Fernando water utility celebrates 39th year with loyalty awards

PAMPANGA -- The City of San Fernando Water District (CSFWD) celebrated its 39th Founding Anniversary the other day by honoring its employees who have rendered considerable years of service to the water utility and its concessionaires.

CSFWD General Manager Jorge Gumba said the event aimed to honor the contributions of the employees in making the programs and services of the water district for its consumers successful.

8 Mar 2016 - Romualdez: Give women better health care

MABALACAT CITY -- The government should exert greater efforts to make family planning and related health care services accessible to women, especially those in the rural areas.

Senatorial candidate Martin Romualdez said this today following a report by the Commission on Population that maternal mortality in the country remained high, mainly due to delays in accessing health care.

7 Mar 2016 - Pangilinan wants El Niño areas under state of calamity

PAMPANGA -- Liberal Party senatorial candidate Francis "Kiko" Pangilinan yesterday urged the national government to put El Niño affected towns and cities under a state of calamity.

This, he said, as the dry spell continues in the country when it started September last year, affecting some 85 percent of areas in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao.

7 Mar 2016 - Robredo makes no promises, just wants to be a supportive veep

PAMPANGA -- Unlike other poll candidates, Liberal Party vice-presidentiable Leni Robredo made no promises to Kapampangans on Monday, saying she "does not want to fool Filipino voters."

During her visit here, Robredo stressed that Filipino voters nowadays are smart and know how to gauge candidates they are meeting.

7 Mar 2016 - Fernandinos get PhilHealth coverage

PAMPANGA -- Some 4,734 Fernandinos from 35 barangays here received Monday their Member Data Record (MDR) as part of the health coverage under the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) in two separate distributions led by Governor Lilia Pineda, City Mayor Edwin Santiago and First District Representative Oscar Rodriguez.

Pineda led the first round of distribution at the Bren Z. Guiao Convention Center, which was also attended by Rodriguez and the Liberal Party's vice presidential candidate Leni Robredo and senatorial aspirant Risa Hontiveros.

7 Mar 2016 - Australian businessman eyes Clark as PH’s Silicon Valley

CLARK FREEPORT -- Australian businessman and newspaper columnist Peter Wallace has underscored the potential of Clark to become the Silicon Valley of the Philippines.

Wallace stressed this during the 51st General Membership Meeting of the Pampanga Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PamCham) held at the Fontana Leisure Parks and Casino here recently.

7 Mar 2016 - Improved village road inaugurated

PAMPANGA -- San Fernando mayor Edwin Santiago led the blessing and inauguration over the weekend of the newly improved road in a village in Barangay San Jose, City of San Fernando.

Work on the 271-meter concreted road was completed within three months.

7 Mar 2016 - Morales: Segregate household waste

MABALACAT CITY -- Mayor Marino Morales has urged his constituents to help the City Government in its solid waste management program through segregation.

Morales made the statement when he, together with other city officials, distributed eight mini-dump trucks to various barangays here.

7 Mar 2016 - Calara 'hurts' by wastes, pollution of Pampanga river

PAMPANGA -- Former fourth district board member Nelson Calara, who is seeking re-election, said that he is “hurt” by waste and pollution of the Pampanga River.

Calara, who is also a former chairman of the Provincial Board’s Committee on Environment and Natural Resources, said that factories which keep throwing their wastes into the Pampanga River must be monitored and supervised.

6 Mar 2016 - DA targets 3.8M metric tons amid El Niño

PAMPANGA -- The Department of Agriculture (DA) is still hoping to achieve its target of P3.8-million metric tons in palay production this year even if the El Niño phenomenon is still in effect in Central Luzon.

The prevailing dry spell brought about by the El Niño phenomenon and the expected reduction of rain fall will definitely have an effect on the cropping productions, the DA said.

6 Mar 2016 - Lazatin vows to craft laws for less-privileged people

ANGELES CITY -- Councilor Carmelo Lazatin has vowed to craft laws for the less-privileged members of the society after a visit and consultation with vendors of the Pampang Public Market.

Lazatin said he visited the busiest public market here on Saturday to “further understand the plight of vendors and situation of consumers.”

6 Mar 2016 - 30 receive NegoKarts in Arayat town

PAMPANGA -- Some 30 Arayat residents recently received NegoKarts under the Department of Social Welfare and Development's Sustainable Livelihood Program.

The beneficiaries, who are members of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program, were also awarded start-up materials for food processing and initial capital.

6 Mar 2016 - 40,000 set for Mt. Arayat greening

PAMPANGA -- Some 47,000 plants are set to be planted on the slopes of Mt. Arayat by local government here.

The mountain, which serves as one of the province's landmarks, is currently under the "Save Mt. Arayat Movement" preservation project of the provincial and local government.

6 Mar 2016 - Clark airport head lauded for efforts on Routes Asia

ANGELES CITY -- An advocacy group has lauded Clark International Airport Corporation (CIAC) head Emigdio Tanjuatco III for his effort to convince foreign airlines to consider Clark airport as their next destination.

The Pinoy Gumising Ka Movement, headed by businessman Ruperto Cruz, praised Tanjuatco for hosting the visit of representatives of seven foreign carriers that participated in the Routes Asia 2016 scheduled at the SMX Convention Center on March 6 to 8.

6 Mar 2016 - Porac mayor challenged on quitting mayoral race

PAMPANGA -- A municipal councilor here said that he will quit the mayoralty race if their incumbent mayor will be able to prove that there was no single irregularity in the disbursement of local government funds.

Councilor Mike Tapang, who is running against incumbent Mayor Condralito “Carling” Dela Cruz, issued the statement during the Pampanga Press Club’s recent media forum at the Widus Hotel and Casino.

5 Mar 2016 - Porac mayor challenged on quitting mayoral race

PAMPANGA -- A municipal councilor here said that he will quit the mayoralty race if their incumbent mayor will be able to prove that there was no single irregularity in the disbursement of local government funds.

Councilor Mike Tapang, who is running against incumbent Mayor Condralito Dela Cruz, issued the statement during the Pampanga Press Club’s recent media forum at the Widus Hotel and Casino.

5 Mar 2016 - 12,000 Candaba indigents get free PhilHealth MDRs

PAMPANGA -- Some 12,571 marginalized families in Candaba town on Friday received Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) Member Data Records (MDR) in five separate venues.

Governor Lilia Pineda led the distribution of MDRs early at the Salapungan Covered Court where she met with two batches of PhilHealth beneficiaries and was joined by board members Ric Yabut and Gerome Tubig, Mayor Rene Maglanque, Vice-Mayor Babes Evangelista, Apalit Mayor Jun Tetangco, Sto. Tomas Vice-Mayor Louie Arceo, other local officials and the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office led by Elizabeth Baybayan.

5 Mar 2016 - ‘Do not be deceived by political strategies’

PAMPANGA -- Former Masantol mayor Peter Flores, who will seek a comeback in the upcoming polls, told voters on Saturday “not to be deceived by political strategies of rival candidates.”

Flores said he hopes that voters will not be deceived by varying political strategies and to have their own principles and beliefs.

5 Mar 2016 - Ex-con, cohort slain in firefight with cops

PAMPANGA -- An ex-convict from the National Bilibid Prison (NBP) and his alleged cohort were killed in a brief firefight with policemen in a simultaneous raid in Pampanga, on Saturday.

Senior Superintendent Rodolfo Recomono, Pampanga Police Provincial director, identified the fatalities as Alvin Calma, an ex-convict from NBP and his cohort Jermin Calilung, both of Guagua, Pampanga.

5 Mar 2016 - Cebu Pacific launches new cabin crew uniforms

CLARK FREEPORT -- Cebu Pacific Air (CEB), the Philippines’ largest airline, highlights these colors in its newest cabin crew uniforms, just in time for its 20th anniversary.

Designed by one of the most celebrated Filipino couturiers, the new look is bright and cheery, yet polished and streamlined.

5 Mar 2016 - Private schools take up challenge, vow to embrace K to 12

PAMPANGA -- During the Coordinating Council of Private Educational Associations (Cocopea) 6th National Congress last February 18, COCOPEA Chairperson Br. Jun Erguiza said that COCOPEA will see to it that the K to 12 Program will be “embraced entirely and whole-heartedly.”

“It (K to 12 Program) is challenged in all forms and confronted with resistance from all sides. COCOPEA is very much up to the challenge and committed to making sure that this reform is embraced entirely and whole-heartedly,” Erguiza said.

5 Mar 2016 - Pangilinan is new PPC prexy

PAMPANGA -- The Pampanga Press Club (PPC) will hold its 67th anniversary with the induction of a new set of officers and members on March 9 at The Encore, Century Resorts in Balibago, Angeles City.

Broadcaster Diosdado Pangilinan of dwRW 95.1 will be inducted as new PPC president for 2016 to 2018.

5 Mar 2016 - 3,300 register in Clark Animo Run 7

CLARK FREEPORT -- At least 3,300 runners have registered in the Clark Animo Run 7 of Dela Salle Alumni Association (DLSAA) Pampanga Chapter set in this Freeport on Sunday.

Rafael Angeles, President of DLSAA, said that this year’s event is the biggest since 2009.

5 Mar 2016 - Eastwalk Commercial Center opens in Sto. Tomas

PAMPANGA -- The Eastwalk Commercial Center had opened on Saturday along MacArthur Highway, Barangay Moras Dela Paz here.

Vice Mayor and board member aspirant Mark Louie Arceo said the commercial building, which is owned and managed by his family, will benefit mostly Tomasians through job opportunities it will generate, adding that it will also give more joy to residents here.

5 Mar 2016 - Lyndale Academy now an ESC-certified school

PAMPANGA -- The Lyndale Academy (LA) High School Department in the City of San Fernando, Pampanga passed certification procedures by the Fund for Assistance to Private Education (FAPE) after the visit last March 2, 2016.

With this certification, Lyndale Academy Inc. is now an Education Service Contracting (ESC)-Certified School effective School Year 2016-2017.

4 Mar 2016 - DPWH: Arnedo Dike rehab needs careful, comprehensive study

PAMPANGA -- The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Central Luzon said Thursday that rehabilitating Arnedo Dike needs careful and comprehensive study.

DPWH Regional Director Antonio Molano Jr. said that they are still conducting a feasibility study about the said dike to avoid "waste of money" for its rehabilitation.

4 Mar 2016 - Kapampangan artist gets top Papal award

PAMPANGA -- Kapampangan sculptor and ecclesiastical artist Wilfredo “Willy” Tadeus Layug has been honored by the Roman Catholic Church with the “Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice” (For the Church and the Pope) or “Cross of Honor” medal--the highest medal that can be awarded by the Papacy--for his contributions in making last year’s Papal visit a success.

Layug is the first and only Kapampangan so far to be honored with the gold medal, which was established by Pope Leo XIII on July 17, 1888 to commemorate his golden jubilee and was originally bestowed on men and women who aided and promoted the jubilee, and by other means assisted in making the jubilee and the Vatican Exposition successful.

4 Mar 2016 - Angeles council approves tax incentives for historical structures

ANGELES CITY -- The city council here approved Tuesday an ordinance granting tax incentives to owners of historic and cultural edifices and structures located in the city.

Authored by Councilor Jericho Aguas and co-sponsored by councilors Maricel Morales and Edgardo Pamintuan Jr. the said ordinance will grant tax incentives based on zero assessment level for the purpose of real property taxation to owners of historic and cultural edifices and structures within the city.

4 Mar 2016 - San Fernando to ban smoke belching vehicles

PAMPANGA -- In a bid to continuously protect the environment, the city government here is set to implement the anti-smoke belching ordinance this April.

Ordinance 2016-001 is the city's adaptation of Republic Act 8749 or the Clean Air Act of the Philippines which aims to promote and protect the environment while attaining sustainable development.

4 Mar 2016 - San Fernando to seek extension of permit to prune trees

PAMPANGA -- The City Government here, through the City Environment and Natural Resources Office (Cenro), will seek an extension of their existing permit to prune trees along some of the major roads of the city from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.

This was disclosed by Cenro head Anele David as they continued the pruning of 583 trees situated along the stretch of MacArthur Highway and Lazatin Boulevard.

4 Mar 2016 - Partylist hits Palace for GOCC bonus

MABALACAT CITY -- A partylist group has condemned the statement issued by Malacanang that the performance based bonus of Government Owned and Controlled Corporation (GOCC) employees is in accordance with the standards being implemented by the Governance Commission for GOCCs (GCG).

The Anakpawis issued its statement following the GCG approved the request of performance-based bonus for Social Security System (SSS) executives amounting to millions of pesos.

4 Mar 2016 - Cops arrest top 2 most wanted in Lambat Sibat

PAMPANGA -- Masantol police arrested the top two most wanted drug personality during a Lambat Sibat operation Wednesday evening at Barangay Sta. Lucia Matua.

The suspect who was arrested around 6:45 p.m. was identified as Melvin Mendoza, 36, a resident of the said barangay.

4 Mar 2016 - Hairdressers get starter kits from Dole

PAMPANGA -- Graduates of the Porac Manpower Training Center will now be able to earn a living.

This, as Department of Labor and Employment (Dole) Pampanga Field Office Head Arlene Tolentino handed over to Mayor Condralito Dela Cruz and Vice-Mayor Dexter David a check amounting to P500,000 for the funding of Public Employment Service Office assisted Kabuhayan Starters Kit.

3 Mar 2016 - 7 airlines eye Clark airport

CLARK FREEPORT -- Clark International Airport Corporation (CIAC) President Emigdio Tanjuatco III announced recently that seven airlines have expressed interest in looking at the sprawling Clark International Airport (CRK).

Tanjuatco also revealed that 17 airlines participating in the Routes Asia 2016 to be held at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City on March 6 to 8, 2016 are set to visit the Clark airport on March 5.

3 Mar 2016 - BFAR set for possible fish kill repeat in Pampanga

PAMPANGA -- The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) assured the fisherfolk of measures to prevent another fish kill in the province.

It could be remembered that massive fish kill was experienced in the province July last year, which affected some 4,000 registered Kapampangan fisherfolk.

3 Mar 2016 - Edukasyon.ph reaches out to OFW kids on Senior High

PAMPANGA -- With the recent educational shift to K-12, The Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO) featured Edukasyon.ph to help the 27,500 students and their OFW families in searching for the right Senior High Schools for their children. Edukasyon.ph is a free website platform that gives choice, convenience, and advice on education to career options around the Philippines.

“We understand how difficult it is for OFW parents to involve themselves in the education planning of their children especially now that there’s Senior High School (SHS).

3 Mar 2016 - Search for outstanding agri-fisheries chairpersons, coordinators launched

PAMPANGA -- The efforts of people in the agriculture and fisheries sector will have a chance to be recognized as the Philippine Council for Agriculture and Fishery (PCAF) recently launched the first-ever search for the outstanding Agricultural and Fishery Council (AFC) chairpersons and coordinators.

The PCAF is the advisory body of the Department of Agriculture (DA).

3 Mar 2016 - Guv, PhilHealth distribute 4,028 MDRs in Bacolor, San Fernando

PAMPANGA -- Governor Lilia Pineda and Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) officials distributed members data record (MDRs) to some 4,028 indigent residents from Bacolor town and Northville-Calulut in the City of San Fernando.

The distribution is aimed at providing help for the poorest of the poor, which is being carried out by the Department of Health (DOH), PhilHealth and the provincial government headed by Gov. Pineda.

3 Mar 2016 - Mayor: Prepare for economic boom

Pampanga -- Magalang Mayor Romulo Pecson said the Municipal Government is preparing for the impending economic boom in the Metro Clark area.

The reelectionist mayor said that local officials are anticipating the spillover of economic progress in Clark and the adjoining cities of Angeles and Mabalacat.

2 Mar 2016 - Dry spell will not affect Pampanga

PAMPANGA -- Contrary to the first forecast released by the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa), this province will not be directly affected by the ongoing El Niño phenomenon in the country.

This was disclosed by Department of Agriculture (DA) Central Luzon Director Andrew Villacorta during the El Niño Summit cum dialogue with stakeholders held at the Bren Z. Guiao Convention Center here on Tuesday.

2 Mar 2016 - CIAC chief optimistic on airport project continuity

CLARK FREEPORT -- Clark International Airport Corporation (CIAC) president Emigdio “Dino” Tanjuatco yesterday expressed optimism on the continuity of the P15-billion airport project recently approved by the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA).

Tanjuatco issued the statement during a media forum at the Widus Hotel and Casino here dubbed Talk Widus hosted by the Pampanga Press Club.

2 Mar 2016 - Guv asks SUCs in CL to hire qualified teaching personnel

PAMPANGA -- Governor Lilia Pineda urged Wednesday executives of state colleges and universities (SUCs) and the Department of Education (DepEd) in Central Luzon to hire competent and qualified personnel for the vacant teaching and non-teaching positions during the regular meeting here of the Sectoral Committee on Social Development (SCSD) of the Regional Development Council (RDC).

This, as SUC heads disclosed that some 6,000 allocations for permanent teachers were created by the national government

2 Mar 2016 - Angeles bet apologizes for tarps hanged on trees

ANGELES CITY -- A candidate for councilor here has issued a public apology for his campaign tarpaulins hanged on trees in Barangay Pampang here.

Louie Reyes, a former councilor in this city, said that he immediately ordered his supporters to remove the posters upon learning about the incident.

2 Mar 2016 - DA awards P40M projects in Pampanga

PAMPANGA -- Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala and Governor Lilia Pineda led the formal turnover of more than P40-million worth of projects to several municipalities on Tuesday.

More than P14-million was awarded to the Dampe Mamatas Farmers' Association of Floridablanca for the construction of a water impounding facility in said barangay, as well as P3.6-million for a tramline in Sitio Nabuclod, Barangay Camachile of the same town.

2 Mar 2016 - Apalit village to represent Pampanga in LTIA 2016

PAMPANGA -- Apalit Barangay Balucuc here will represent the province of Pampanga for the second time in Central Luzon's Lupong Tagapamayapa Incentives and Awards (LTIA) 2016.

LTIA is a program under the Department of Interior and Local Government created by law and established in 1997 to function as the barangay justice system or “Katarungang Pambarangay.”

2 Mar 2016 - Poe: 'We are for devolution of powers to LGUs'

ANGELES CITY -- Presidential candidate Senator Grace Poe denied Tuesday reports that she has no stand on the decentralization of powers and functions from the national government to the local government units.

During a press conference at Fortune Restaurant here, Poe said that her political team is for the local autonomy and devolution of powers to local governments.

1 Mar 2016 - Capitol to address farmer groups’ needs amid El Niño

PAMPANGA -- The Provincial Government of Pampanga headed by Governor Lilia Pineda promised to address the needs of farmer irrigator associations in Pampanga amid the ongoing El Niño, which is foreseen to last until June 2016.

This was the assurance made by Capitol during the El Niño Summit held at the Bren Z. Guiao Convention Center yesterday that was attended by the officers and members of the 90 irrigator associations of Pampanga.

1 Mar 2016 - CDC economic performance highest in 2015

CLARK FREEPORT -- The financial performance of Clark Development Corporation recorded the highest in 2015 since the state-owned firm started managing the Freeport in 1993.

Based on unaudited financial statements for the year 2015 submitted to CDC president Arthur Tugade, CDC posted the highest revenue of P1.554- billion, highest net income of P697-million and highest cash position of P2.33-billion last year.

1 Mar 2016 - Rodriguez sees ‘scenarios’ for presidential race

PAMPANGA -- Third District Representative Oscar Rodriguez said Tuesday that his choice for president in the coming 2016 presidential race here is "sure," alluding to Liberal Party standard bearer Manuel Roxas II who is running for president, adding that he sees possible scenarios for the coming race.

Rodriguez, an LP stalwart and congressional reelectionist, said that he sees a possible disqualification among those who are running and even a possible one-on-one contest for the presidential seat.

1 Mar 2016 - Central Luzon poultry farms not yet affected by Avian pest

PAMPANGA -- The Department of Agriculture (DA) here said that there are no substantial reports that the airborne Newcastle disease virus (NDV) has affected commercial poultry farms in Central Luzon (CL).

This, despite the outbreak of NDV or Avian pest, a highly contagious and often severe disease affecting birds and fowl in CL resulting in thousands of deaths of backyard chickens and game fowl.

1 Mar 2016 - Korina Sanchez visits Pampanga to campaign for husband

PAMPANGA -- Broadcast journalist Korina Sanchez-Roxas visited this city on Tuesday to campaign for her husband, Liberal Party standard-bearer Mar Roxas.

Sanchez-Roxas, who has been roaming the country in the past few months to seek support for Roxas' bid, was the special guest of honor in the Department of Agriculture's El Niño Summit held at the Bren Z. Guiao Convention Center.

1 Mar 2016 - Poe, Escudero support call to decongest Metro Manila

PAMPANGA -- Senators Grace Poe and Francis Escudero pledged to support the call to decongest Metro Manila by implementing major programs and projects in the countryside, if elected as president and vice-president respectively.

Poe and Escudero, who roamed the province on Tuesday for a series of campaign sorties, said that they will focus on developing the countryside, particularly Pampanga, to decentralize the nation's capital.

1 Mar 2016 - 5,733 benefit from Fil-Am group's medical mission

ANGELES CITY -- Some 5,733 residents in Barangay Balibago and other villages here recently received free medical and dental care from volunteer doctors belonging to the United American Pilipino Group of Maryland and Virginia, USA.

The Filipino-American group, in cooperation with the Gawin Ang Tama group of Village Chief Tony Mamac, conducted the two-day medical mission at the barangay hall of Balibago on Feb 26 and 27.

1 Mar 2016 - New audit office to rise at Capitol

PAMPANGA -- Governor Lilia Pineda led the groundbreaking of the new Provincial Satellite Auditing Office (PSAO) of the Commission on Audit (COA) here at the Capitol grounds the other day.

The planned facility will house nine audit teams under the local government sector.

1 Mar 2016 - Pupul ning Banua extols Angeleño artists

ANGELES CITY -- The local government here lauded local artists with the Pupul ning Banua awards 2016, held February 26 at the Plaza Angel in Barangay Sto. Rosario, Angeles City.

Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan said that Pupul has been conceptualized to recognize Angeleños who have been making strides in the field of cinema, music, fashion, visual arts, and literature, among others, in the past year.