Balibago News Mar-2017
31 Mar 2017 - SM City Tarlac joins nationwide simultaneous quake drill
PAMPANGA -- In line with the NDRRMC’s quarterly NSED, SM City Tarlac participated in the countrywide concurrent quake drill with a real-life scenario of an earthquake.As disasters such as earthquake can hit anytime and anywhere, this quarter, the drill was conducted at exactly 2:00 p.m.
31 Mar 2017 - SM Pampanga, mall goers join nationwide earthquake drill
PAMPANGA -- SM City Pampanga and mall goers participated in the Nationwide Simultaneous Earthquake Drill (NSED) that aimed to keep mall goers, tenants and mall officials alert in case of an earthquake that may affect the mall.The event is a quarterly National Distaste Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC)-led activity that seeks to educate the public on disaster preparedness against earthquakes and to showcase government capability on disaster response.
31 Mar 2017 - DA holds Q1 assessment on accomplishments
PAMPANGA -- The Department of Agriculture Regional Field Office III (DA-RFO III) conducted its first quarter assessment for physical and financial accomplishments Friday.This was in a bid to report the accomplishments of the programs and projects implemented in the region.
31 Mar 2017 - Anakpawis: ‘Stop killing farmers’
MABALACAT CITY --- Hundreds of farmers from Luzon and Mindanao, who were joined by Anakpawis Party-list Representative Ariel “Ka Ayik” Casilao at the protest in Mendiola Bridge, Manila, have aired their call to stop the killing of farmers across the country.The farmers, who demand justice for the victims, claimed that the slaying are usually perpetrated by government forces and private armed groups of landlords.
30 Mar 2017 - Ex-mayor gets 20 years for graft
ANGELES CITY---A former mayor of this city was meted a sentence of at least 12 years to a total of 20 years imprisonment for two counts of graft over the unlawful donation of a city government vehicle to a non-government organization in June 2010.The Sandiganbayan’s Fourth Division found ex-mayor Francis “Blueboy” Nepomuceno guilty of one count each of violating Sections 3(e) and 3(g) of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, for giving unwarranted benefits to a private party--- Kapanalig Angeles City---and of binding the city government to a grossly disadvantageous contract concerning the donation of a Mitsubishi Adventure (SHL 124) owned by the city government, which was acquired at the cost of P786,000.
29 Mar 2017 - Village officials undergo drug testing
MABALACAT CITY -- In support of President Rodrigo Duterte's fight on illegal drugs, the chairwoman and officials of Barangay Duquit here voluntarily subjected themselves to the random drug testing conducted by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) last Tuesday at the Barangay Hall.Chairman Marjorie Morales-Sambo told Sun.Star Pampanga that all barangay officials including tanods, barangay health workers, teachers, lupon tagapamayapa, garbage collectors, street sweepers and other village servants went through the voluntary drug testing.
29 Mar 2017 - DepEd: ‘No collection’ policy still in effect
The Department of Education (DepEd) Division of Pampanga reiterated that the “no collection” policy is still in effect in all public schools.In an interview at “Pampanga Kaluguran da ka” aired over at RW95.1 FM, Dr. Leonardo “Ding” Zapanta, Pampanga schools superintendent, reminded parents that schools are not allowed to collect fees especially this graduation season.
28 Mar 2017 - Negosyo Center opens in Mexico
PAMPANGA -- The seventh Negosyo Center in the province opened in Mexico, Pampanga on as the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Pampanga Provincial Office and the Municipality of Mexico signed a Memorandum of Agreement for the operation of the center.The Mexico Negosyo Center is also the 33rd center to be opened in the region.
28 Mar 2017 - DA celebrates end of Women’s Month with programs
PAMPANGA -- The Department of Agriculture (DA) Central Luzon marked the end of the celebration of the Women's Month this March with dances an aerobic exercise on Tuesday.With a theme "We Make Change Work for Women", it aims to promote the equality of women based on the implementation of R.A. 9710 of 2009 or the Magna Carta of Women of the Philippine Constitution.
28 Mar 2017 - 334 Lubao residents in cash-for-work program
PAMPANGA -- Some 334 residents of this town, mostly former drug-dependents, are now part of the local government’s cash-for-work program.The beneficiaries, which came from the 21 barangays of the town, have been given their protective equipment to be used for their employment under the “Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantage Workers Program” (Tupad).
28 Mar 2017 - Cop from San Fernando is Gwapang Pulis 2017
PAMPANGA -- A 37-year old beauty from the City of San Fernando was hailed on Monday as the first “Gwapang Pulis.”PO3 Lerma Pineda-Castro who is assigned at the Office of the Regional Police Community Relations Division and who represented the Regional Headquarters, bested the 11 other candidates coming from the nine provincial police offices/city police offices (PPOs/CPOs), Regional Support Unit (RSU) and Regional Public Safety Battalion (RPSB).
28 Mar 2017 - Pampanga awards P385,000 worth of grant to 63 Aeta scholars
PAMPANGA -- The local government of Pampanga distributed on Monday P385,000 financial educational assistance to 63 Aeta scholars.Twelve Aeta college students received P10,000 each while 51 of them were given P5,000 each.
27 Mar 2017 - All-women police battalion formed
PAMPANGA -- To highlight the culmination of Women’s Month, Chief Superintendent Aaron Aquino, Police Regional Office III (PRO-3) director, has formed a battalion-strong all-women police force.The battalion strength of an “all-women” police force paraded during the flag raising ceremony at the PRO-3 parade grounds here on Monday.
27 Mar 2017 - All-women police battalion formed
PAMPANGA -- To highlight the culmination of Women’s Month, Chief Superintendent Aaron Aquino, Police Regional Office III (PRO-3) director, has formed a battalion-strong all-women police force.The battalion strength of an “all-women” police force paraded during the flag raising ceremony at the PRO-3 parade grounds here on Monday.
27 Mar 2017 - Public hospital employees mull mass resignation
PAMPANGA -- The medical staff of Candaba Municipal Infirmary are set to file mass resignation before the Office of the Mayor of this town.This was disclosed by former town councilor and Candaba Municipal Infirmary Medical Consultant Agerico Tecson.
27 Mar 2017 - San Fernando gets highest Jobstart placement rate
PAMPANGA -- The City of San Fernando’s Public Employment Service Office (PESO) was recognized by the Department of Labor and Employment (Dole) for having the highest job placement rate for the JobStart Philippines Program.Dole Pampanga Labor and Employment Chief Arlene Tolentino presented the certificate of recognition to Mayor Edwin “EdSa” Santiago, Vice-Mayor Jimmy Lazatin, and PESO Manager Donny Sayre during Monday’s flag raising ceremony.
26 Mar 2017 - Mayor claims receiving ‘death treats,’ blames ‘opponents’
PAMPANGA -- FORMERLY-suspended Guagua Mayor Dante Torres received a death note on Monday barely a few days after he resumed office following a three-month suspension meted by the Ombudsman.The death threat was discovered by one municipal employee---Allan Mendoza---tucked under the windshield of his car.
26 Mar 2017 - Drug pusher nabbed in San Simon town
PAMPANGA -- A suspected drug pusher was arrested recently by authorities of this town.Chief Inspector Charlmar Gundaya, chief of police in this municipality, said the suspect identified as Ma. Cristina Yabut is a native of Masantol town and is currently residing in Tondo, Manila.
25 Mar 2017 - ‘Sizzling Sisig’ declared cultural heritage of Angeles
ANGELES CITY -- The local government headed by Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan has proclaimed “Sizzling Sisig” as an “Intangible Cultural Heritage” of this highly urbanized city.The 17th Sangguniang Panlungsod chaired by Vice-Mayor Bryan Matthew Nepomuceno unanimously approved, in its final reading, Ordinance No. 405, Series of 2017, stating “Sisig Babi as an Intangible Heritage of Angeles.”
25 Mar 2017 - DBM to gov’t offices on 2017 budget: ‘Use it or lose it’
PAMPANGA -- Department of Budget and Management III (DBM-3) Director Elisa Salon on Friday reminded government offices to fast track their 2017 budget implementation so as to avoid any further complications.“It is either use it, or lose it. This is according to the conditional veto of the President that if the appropriations for this year are not utilized, these will be automatically reverted to the national treasury,” she said.
25 Mar 2017 - 100 Fernandino couples renew marriage vows
PAMPANGA -- Some 100 Fernandino couples renewed their marriage vows in a mass ceremony hosted by the Local Government of San Fernando, through its Gender and Development and City Social Welfare and Development Office on Thursday.CSWD Officer Iris Biliwang said the married couples who participated are beneficiaries of the “Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program” or 4Ps in the city.
25 Mar 2017 - More than 24,000 pledges eyed to support indigent students
PAMPANGA -- Some 24,140 pledges to support working-youths are set for this year’s Special Program for the Employment of Students (SPES) in Central Luzon, the Department of Labor and Employment (Dole) said Friday.This figure was based on the SPES pledges submitted by the different Public Employment Service Offices (PESOs) operating all over the region.
25 Mar 2017 - 29 farm owners graduate from climate smart farm business school training
PAMPANGA -- Twenty-nine farm owners and LGU representatives from Ilocos Region, Cagayan Region and Central Luzon graduated from the training on Climate-Smart Farm Business School implemented by the Agricultural Training Institute Regional Office III in partnership with Villar Social Institute for Poverty Alleviation and Governance (SIPAG) Foundation at Orotel, City of San Fernando City recently.The graduation ceremony was attended by the Senate Committee on Agriculture and Food Chairperson and the managing director of the Villar SIPAG Foundation Senator Cynthia Villar who also served as the guest speaker.
25 Mar 2017 - 110 skilled professionals, athletes enlist for military training at Tradoc
PAMPANGA -- Around 110 skilled professionals and athletes were recently welcomed by the Philippine Army Training and Doctrine Command (Tradoc) to undergo six months of rigorous military training at the School for Candidate Soldier.They include basketball, volleyball and badminton players, marathoners, musicians, computer programmers, researchers, welders, electricians and drivers.
25 Mar 2017 - CDO issued vs MSC
ANGELES CITY -- The Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 58 has issued a preliminary injunction stopping the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart (MSC) to enter into a new lease contract with the Archdiocese of San Fernando involving the three-hectare property the Chevalier School is presently occupying in Barangay Santo Domingo, this city.The cease and desist order (CDO) stemmed from a case filed by the Chevalier School Employees Union (CSEU) against the Chevalier School, Incorporated and MSC.
24 Mar 2017 - Pinoys urged: ‘Shine a light on climate action’
PAMPANGA -- The World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) is urging every Filipino to “shine a light on climate action” by joining Earth Hour tonight.WWF-Philippines Climate Change and Energy Unit Head and Earth Hour Pilipinas National Director Angela Consuelo Ibay said in a statement to Sun.Star Pampanga that switching off lights from 8:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. sends an even stronger message to take action on global warming.
24 Mar 2017 - Mayor calls for unity after three-month suspension
PAMPANGA -- Mayor Dante Torres has called on both supporters and his opponents in government to unite and work for the common good of the people.Torres said that political mudslinging hinders the town's development and progress. He added the he will look into the programs set while he was suspended.
24 Mar 2017 - Neda: P8.3T fund allotted for Central Luzon in 6 years
CLARK FREEPORT -- National Economic and Development Authority Region III (Neda-3) Director Severino Santos announced the other day that a total of P8.3 trillion has been allotted for Central Luzon in the next six years based on the Philippine Development Plan (PDP) during the Central Luzon Bloc (CLB) conference with agency regional officers held here.It was learned that the PDP is the first of four development plans crafted until 2040 and coincides with the term of the President and contains the advancement priorities for the said coming years.
24 Mar 2017 - Smelting plant in San Simon gets DENR nod
PAMPANGA -- The controversial Real Steel Corporation is officially back in business after securing a Permit to Operate from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.This was learned from Real Steel Corporation General Manager Melody Arellano on Thursday.
24 Mar 2017 - Suspended Guagua mayor to return to officek
PAMPANGA -- This town's Mayor Dante Torres, who was earlier meted a three-month suspension by the Office of the Ombudsman, is expected to resume his functions Friday.It can be recalled that the Office of the Ombudsman in Manila has ordered the three-month suspension of Torres for grave misconduct and gross neglect of duty.
24 Mar 2017 - PH 'rice granary' heading towards industrialization
PAMPANGA -- Central Luzon, the country's rice granary, is now moving towards industrialization, a reality that will have adverse effects on the region and country's food sufficiency, said the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).The PSA's 2015 Gross Regional Domestic Product, based on the 2002 Census of Agriculture (CA 2002), reported that Central Luzon is among the three regions in the country that have become predominantly industrial, along with Cordillera Administrative Region and Calabarzon (Region 4A).
23 Mar 2017 - Mayor wants circumferential road to ease traffic in Porac
PAMPANGA -- Mayor Condralito dela Cruz is hoping that the planned Angeles to Porac Circumferential Road would be realized to help ease traffic congestion in the town through the creation of the said alternate road.Dela Cruz told Sun.Star Pampanga that the plan has been forwarded to the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) through Clark Development Corporation for funding and approval of the Office of the President.
23 Mar 2017 - Capitol recognizes PMA topnotcher
PAMPANGA -- The Provincial Government of Pampanga recognized a Kapampangan topnotcher from the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Salaknib (Sangalang ay Lakas at Buhay Para sa Kalayaan ng Inang Bayan) Class of 2017.2LT Carlo Emmanuel Manalansan Canlas, who landed in the top five spot, received the recognition during the Women’s Month Celebration and flag raising ceremony held at the Capitol grounds, Monday.
23 Mar 2017 - Notorious drug pusher surrenders to police
PAMPANGA -- A suspected notorious drug pusher from Minalin town voluntarily surrendered to local authorities here recently.The suspect identified as Arjan Mandap Lopez, 45, turned himself in to this town’s top cop Police Chief Inspector Romwald Basa together with his family.
23 Mar 2017 - P200,000 worth of shabu seized in Angeles drug sting
PAMPANGA -- Agents of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency Region III (PDEA-3) on Tuesday seized some P200,000 worth of methamphetamine hydrochloride or shabu from a suspected pusher in a buy-bust operation conducted in Angeles City.PDEA-3 Director Juvenal B. Azurin identified the suspect as Joey A. Avilar Jr., 28, who is included in the agency's target list and is known to be a supplier of shabu in Angeles City and City of San Fernando, Pampanga.
22 Mar 2017 - LGUs prepare for Holy Week
CLARK FREEPORT -- The local government units of the City of San Fernando and Angeles City are now preparing for the influx of tourists and visitors during the observance of the Holy Week next month.The tourism officers of Angeles City and City of San Fernando revealed this during the monthly talk show of the Pampanga Press Club (PPC) dubbed News @ Hues at Park Inn by Radisson Clark on Tuesday.
22 Mar 2017 - BIR sets drive vs ‘tax cheats’
PAMPANGA -- The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) disclosed Wednesday that it will intensify its drive versus “tax cheats” to step up local collection in Central Luzon.This, as BIR RR4 Regional Director Jethro Sabariaga said that the bureau is on track with its overall 20 percent growth rate in collection and that it is expected to achieve its 2017 target of P31-billion for the whole year.
21 Mar 2017 - Councilor urges Angelenos to join Earth Hour
ANGELES CITY —- Opposition Councilor Carmelo “Pogi” Lazatin, Jr. has urged his constituents, including the village chiefs, to join the observation of the 2017 Earth Hour on March 25.“Sa taon pong ito, sana po ay pangunahan ng ating masipag na barangay chairmen ang ating Earth Hour,” Lazatin said.
21 Mar 2017 - Alejandrino wants deeper probe on death of stepson
PAMPANGA -- Arayat Mayor Emmanuel “Bon” Alejandrino has called for a deeper investigation on the death of his stepson and two other barangay officials who allegedly engaged in a shoot out with police authorities.On Saturday early morning. Alejandrino, who is the stepfather of Barangay Cupang Chairman Melvin Guevarra, said that a serious investigation must be conducted to prove the legitimacy of the police operation which killed Guevarra, Jack Pineda and Barangay councilmen Aldrin Luriz and Fermin Bato and 70 year-old John Doe.
21 Mar 2017 - Top cop insists police ops 'legit'
PAMPANGA -- Police Regional Office III Director Aaron Aquino on Tuesday stressed that the operations conducted by police authorities in Arayat town against suspected members of gun-for-hire group is “legitimate.”Aquino said that joint elements of Pampanga Police, Pampanga Public Safety Company and Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) proceeded to the house of Barangay Cupang Chief Melvin Guevarra to serve a search warrant against him and one Jack Pineda.
20 Mar 2017 - EMB vows to inspect smelting plants in San Simon town
PAMPANGA -- The Environmental Management Bureau III (EMB-3) vowed to visit all smelting plants in this town which were reportedly violating environmental laws.This was disclosed by EMB-3 Clearance and Permitting Division Chief Dennis Celestial, saying their agency is bound to address the complaints aired by affected residents here.
20 Mar 2017 - Family of slain village chief doubts police ops
PAMPANGA -- The family of Barangay Cupang, Arayat, Chairman Melvin Guevarra expressed doubt over the legitimacy of the police operation that killed the public official and four others last Saturday morning.Guevarra’s daughter Marjorie narrated the “sketchy” turn of events before the alleged shootout happened which led to the death of their father.
19 Mar 2017 - New DA director to ‘pursue’ national objectives
PAMPANGA -- The newly-appointed regional director of Department of Agriculture (DA) Regional Field Office in Central Luzon (RFO III) has committed to help in rice self sufficiency by 2019.RFO regional director Roy Abaya said the DA national office has given a marching order of making food available and affordable for all by increasing rice production. This could also be achieved through expanded adaptation of use of high breed seed.
19 Mar 2017 - 109 families get new home
PAMPANGA -- More than one hundred families living in different danger zones in the province were recently relocated to their new home in Barangay Tinajero in Bacolor.The 109 families are beneficiaries of the National Housing Authority’s (NHA) relocation program in the province.
19 Mar 2017 - Lazatin expresses support to SOGIE bill
ANGELES CITY --- Pampanga First District Representative Carmelo “Jon” Lazatin II has expressed support to House Bill 4982 otherwise known as the Sexual Orientation or Gender Identity or Expression (Sogie) Equality Act.Lazatin said the SOGIE bill will protect members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community from any from of discrimination.
18 Mar 2017 - Robbery suspect shot dead in Sta. Ana town
PAMPANGA -- A jeepney driver facing robbery charges was shot dead by still unidentified suspects in front of the parish church in this town on Friday.The victim identified as Agustin Anicete, 32, was killed by suspects riding-in-tandem while buying buko juice in the poblacion area.
17 Mar 2017 - Arayat in CSC’s top 10 ‘best’ LGUs
PAMPANGA -- The local government here was included in the Civil Service Commission (CSC)’s top 10 Best Local Government Units (LGUs) in the country.Garnering a score of 94.75 percent, Arayat town placed seventh in the prestigious awards.
17 Mar 2017 - 15 drug suspects arrested in Bulacan, Pampanga
PAMPANGA -- A total of 15 drug personalities were arrested this week in Bulacan and Pampanga in a series of buy-bust operations conducted by police operatives and Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency III (PDEA-3) as part of the continued “Double Barrel Reloaded” being implemented by the Police Regional Office III (PRO-3).Confiscated from the arrested suspects in Bulacan were 20 pieces of plastic sachets of shabu worth P200,000 while in Pampanga, a total of eight sachets of shabu with still undetermined value were recovered from them.
16 Mar 2017 - Mabalacat cops arrest 9 suspected drug pushers
MABALACAT CITY -- At least nine suspected drug pushers and users were arrested by the Mabalacat police in several separate operations conducted from March 7 to 13.The local police resumed the anti-drug drive after President Duterte has okayed the revitalization of Philippine National Police’s anti-drug crackdown now coined as ‘bloodless’ Oplan Double Barrel Reloaded last March 7.
16 Mar 2017 - Mayor disapproves entry of ‘dirty’ industries
PAMPANGA -- Amid the continuous arrival of big investors in San Fernando City, Mayor Edwin D. Santiago stood his ground in preserving the “conservative culture” of this capital city through regulation of investors.Santiago said that he will not allow the city’s culture and heritage by the fast-paced development.
16 Mar 2017 - House Speaker wants former Tieza execs charged
PAMPANGA -- House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez, in his surprise appearance before the House Committee on Good Government and Public Accountability on the second hearing Wednesday on the sale of the Philippine Christmas Village (Paskuhan) to Premier Central Incorporated, has called for charges to be filed against former Tieza manager Mark Lapid and the Tieza board of directors involved in the sale.Alvarez also said that representatives should also lead filing of charges against Lapid and his board adding that he will also be willing to be among the complainants.
16 Mar 2017 - 'Grander' Lubao balloon fest set
PAMPANGA -- The annual hot air balloon festival here will showcase 35 balloons and this year integrate a grand music festival to delight crowds who will be attending the four-day “summer skies with amazing sights and sounds” fiesta.Dubbed under the new name “Lubao International Balloon and Music Festival (LIBMF) 2017”, the event will again be staged for the fourth time at Pradera Verde in Barangay Prado Siongco, considered the “Ballooning Capital of the Philippines,” from April 6 to 9.
15 Mar 2017 - Officials eye construction of quarry road in mega dike
PAMPANGA -- Central Luzon officials are bent in proposing the construction of a potential quarry road that will be used mainly by heavy trucks in a form of an overlay bridge along the mega dike.This was discussed recently in a sit-down conference headed by Regional Development Council (RDC) Chairman Angeles City Mayor Ed Pamintuan, together with National Economic and Development Authority Regional Director Severino Santos and other local officials.
15 Mar 2017 - NHCP honors PH’s ‘first’ socialist mayor
PAMPANGA -- The National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) and city government here unveiled Tuesday the national marker recognizing the martyrdom of Fernandino Vivencio Cuyugan.Coinciding with his 122nd birth anniversary, the kin and fellow Fernandinos of Cuyugan witnessed the presentation of the marker at the hero’s ancestral house in Barangay Del Pilar here.
15 Mar 2017 - Mayor: Federalism requires massive preparationk
PAMPANGA -- San Fernando Mayor Edwin Santiago recently stressed that the implementation of federalism in the country requires massive preparation.According to him, the national government must gear up localities in all aspects, especially financial, if change in the government system will be pursued.
14 Mar 2017 - House panel sets Paskuhan hearing on Wednesday
PAMPANGA -- The House Committee on Good Government and Public Accountability will hold the second hearing on the sale of the Philippine Christmas Village (Paskuhan) to Premier Central, Incorporated this coming Wednesday at the House of Representatives.The Committee had confirmed the invitation of former officials of officials of the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (Tieza) who were requested to attend along with former Tieza manager Mark Lapid as well as officials from the City of San Fernando and other provincial line agencies.
14 Mar 2017 - 155 ‘erring’ cops start reformation
PAMPANGA -- At least 155 erring Philippine National Police (PNP) personnel in Monday started reformation through character and aptitude trainings.Chief Superintendent Aaron Aquino, Police Regional Office III (PRO-3) director, said the policemen were allegedly involved in illegal drugs, extortion and other illegal activities.
12 Mar 2017 - DTI opens Negosyo Center in San Jose Del Monte
PAMPANGA -- The rising city of San Jose Del Monte in Bulacan hosted the formal opening of the newest Negosyo Center to be established in Central Luzon.DTI Undersecretary for Regional Operations Group Zenaida Maglaya led the opening of the center in ceremonies held at the government express center inside a mall in San Jose Del Monte. The center is the 450th Negosyo Center to be established in the country.
12 Mar 2017 - Capitol distributes P30.1-M to kabalen elderly
PAMPANGA -- With the awarding Friday of P100,000 each to 27 elderlies, aged 95 years old and above, a total of P30,100,000 has been given to 301 elderly-beneficiaries since the enactment of the provincial ordinance.Governor Lilia Pineda personally gave the incentives to the beneficiaries as the lady governor reminded the respective relatives to use the cash incentives in buying food, medicines and other supplies for the own comfort of the elderly.
12 Mar 2017 - Pampanga parishes, schools display anti-death penalty posters
PAMPANGA -- Different parishes and Roman Catholic-run schools in Pampanga have displayed anti-death penalty posters as the Roman Catholic Church in Pampanga is urging its parishioners to continue to denounce the passage of the death penalty bill by the House of Representatives.The posters have been in place just before the "Pampanga Walks for Life" last February 25 which was participated by the Catholics from the different towns and parishes of the Archdiocese in Pampanga. Posters have also been placed in Catholic run institutions.
11 Mar 2017 - Capitol joins global celebration of Kidney Day
PAMPANGA -- The provincial government joined the annual Global Celebration of Kidney Day with a theme, “Kidney Disease and Obesity” through the provision of awareness seminar attended by dialysis patients.The celebration was made possible through the joint efforts and cooperation of the Provincial Health Office (PHO), St. Theresa Dialysis Center and other Pharmaceutical companies.
11 Mar 2017 - Guv inaugurates covered court in Macabebe
PAMPANGA -- Governor Lilia Pineda, together with Board Member Olga Frances David-Dizon, Macabebe Mayor Annette Flores-Balgan and former Apalit Mayor Oscar “Jun” Tetangco led the blessing and inauguration of the newly-constructed covered court in Barangay San Jose here.The ceremony started with a holy mass with San Roque Parish priest Reverend Father Paul Sahagum as the celebrant.
11 Mar 2017 - Tourist arrivals in Clark up by 42,622
CLARK FREEPORT -- Clark’s world-class tourism facilities and services continue to attract foreign and local visitors as seen in the increase in last year’s tourist arrivals here by 2.27 percent or 42, 622.In the 2016 Annual Report, the Tourism Promotions Division of CDC (CDC-TPD) stated that Clark registered a total of 1,916,700 tourists in 2016 compared to 1,874,078 in 2015.
10 Mar 2017 - Clark airport sets record
CLARK FREEPORT -- The Clark International Airport (CRK) recently set a record of being the first airport in the country to be ISO 9001:2015 certified airport.Alex Cauiguiran, president and chief executive officer of the Clark International Airport Corporation (CIAC), said the airport passed a quality management system audit conducted by TUV Rheinland, an international certification body of the airport’s passenger facilitation process.
10 Mar 2017 - 22 Tokhang surrenderees ‘positive' on drug test
PAMPANGA -- Some 22 drug surrenderees from this town recently tested positive in the one-time-big-time drug examination conducted by the local government and police.This was despite the commitment forged by self-confessed drug users and pushers to disengage themselves from their illegal vices in exchange for free reformation program.
10 Mar 2017 - 5 stolen vehicles found inside Subic Freeport
SUBIC BAY FREPORT -- Five stolen vehicles believed to be part of the so-called rent-a-car scam, were found inside a yard of an import-export company here last Wednesday.Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) administrator and CEO Wilma Eisma said the recovery of the vehicles was the result of days of surveillance and due diligence by SBMA law enforcers, with the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) and the Philippine National Police (PNP).
10 Mar 2017 - Groups to host mangrove reforestation in Masantol
PAMPANGA -- Filipino and Japanese non-government organizations will be planting dozens of saplings along the Pampanga Bay portion of Masantol in a bid to save the mangrove population and promote awareness on mangrove forests this coming week.Spearheading the event will be the Rotary Club of Central Pampanga (RCCP), Mirai Ni Kibou Foundation, Rotary Club of Ashikaga East Japan and Quota International of Pampanga.
10 Mar 2017 - Blessed Ivan Merz Center hosts exposition of Papal relics
PAMPANGA -- The Blessed Ivan Merz Center is hosting the exposition of the relics of Roman Catholic Popes since the time of Saint Peter to Pope Francis at the SM City Trade Hall of SM City Pampanga here.The free admission exposition is ongoing until March 13. The exposition includes sacred relics of Popes who have been canonized as saints as well as memorabilia items of the recent visit of Pope Francis to the Philippines.
10 Mar 2017 - De Lima pushes courthouses’ transfer outside LGU buildings
MABALACAT CITY -- Senator Leila de Lima has filed a measure seeking to transfer the courthouses from buildings or facilities owned and maintained by local government units (LGUs) to prevent any possible conflict and insulate court officials from partisan politics.In filing Senate Bill (SB) 1346, De Lima said the three co-equal branches of the government must equally be capable to exercise their respective mandates without sacrificing their independence.
10 Mar 2017 - PNPAAA3 to hold two-day shootfest
ANGELES CITY -- The Philippine National Police Academy Alumni Association 3 (PNPAAA-3) in Central Luzon will hold a two-day shootfest this coming May 13 and 14 at Mountain Clark Firing Range in Angeles City.Police Superintendent Jorge Antonio Bustos, president of PNPAAA-3, told Sun.Star Pampanga that the purpose of the shootfest is to raise funds to build an alumni building that would house the alumni office and accommodate newly assigned police officers to Central Luzon.
10 Mar 2017 - Angeles gov’t issues 3,000 fare matrix for passenger trikes
ANGELES CITY -- The City Government led by Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan distributed a total of 3,000 fare matrix to tricycle drivers on Thursday, to serve as guide to commuters on the standardization and regulation of transportation flat rates of passenger tricycles in the city.Ordinance 338 or the Fare Matrix Ordinance is primarily intended to ensure that the riding public is being charged accurately and fairly.
10 Mar 2017 - Final round of ‘Dengvaxia' set April
PAMPANGA -- The Department of Health (DOH)-Central Luzon is set to administer the third and final round of anti-dengue vaccine to grade four students in Central Luzon next month.This was disclosed by DOH Regional Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit Head Jessie Fantone during a recent meeting with media.
10 Mar 2017 - Capitol, Zonta Club observe Women’s Month
PAMPANGA -- The Pampanga government in partnership with Zonta Club of Pampanga and Department of Tourism – Central Luzon joined forces in the celebration of Women's Month this March.Zonta Club of Pampanga has partnered with different agencies and organizations to promote and foster women empowerment since its chartering in June of 2012.
10 Mar 2017 - Clark Green City to positively impact entire nation – BCDA
CLARK FREEPORT -- Seen as a hub of economic growth, the Clark Green City (CGC) project is expected to positively affect not only the lives of the people within Central Luzon, but the entire nation as well.Around 1.12 million residents and 800,000 workers are expected to reside upon its full development.
9 Mar 2017 - Angeles councilor asks trike drivers to improve services
ANGELES CITY -- Councilor Amos Rivera asked tricycle drivers in the city to find ways on how to improve their services to the riding public.Rivera issued the statement during the ceremonial distribution of the new tricycle fare matrix at the city hall on Thursday which was attended by several associations belonging to the Federation of Tricycle Operators Drivers Association headed by Federico Punzalan.
9 Mar 2017 - Pelco 2 asked to relocate poles for road clearing
MABALACAT CITY -- Officials here have asked the Pampanga Electric Cooperative 2 (Pelco 2) to relocate electric poles in line with the city government’s road widening operations.Vice-Mayor Christian Halili said they are planning to invite in their council session Pelco 2 officials for a dialogue regarding the issue and coordination of the local government’s programs to solve the traffic problem.
9 Mar 2017 - Angeles City council urges DOTr to release P2.9B funds to CIAC
ANGELES CITY - The City Council here has passed a resolution requesting for the immediate transfer of the P2.9 billion funds from the Department of Transportation (DOTr) allotted to the Clark International Airport Corporation (CIAC) for the further development of Clark Airport.The resolution which was approved during Tuesday's regular Sanggunian Panlunsod session presided by Vice-Mayor Bryan Nepomuceno was sponsored by Councilor Alex Indiongco, Edu Pamintuan, Jericho Aguas, Jay Sangil and Carmelo Lazatin, Jr. and was seconded by councilors Jae Flores, Alfie Bonifacio, Joseph Ponce, Dan Lacson, and Lito Ganzon.
9 Mar 2017 - Reformation center eyed for rogue cops
PAMPANGA -- Police Regional Office III (PRO-3) Director Aaron Aquino is formulating another technique in transforming rogue policemen linked in different illegal activities in Central Luzon.Instead of the usual practice of sending the scalawags to Mindanao to face rebels and terrorist groups, Aquino said he is establishing a reformation center for his subordinates who are and will be involved in illegal activities.
8 Mar 2017 - Arroyo lauded for ‘no’ vote
PAMPANGA -- Netizens from around the country lauded former President now Pampanga Second District Representative Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo for her firm vote against the reimposition of the controversial death penalty bill in the country. Mrs. Arroyo is the only lawmaker from the province who voted “no” during the third and final reading of House Bill 4727 on Monday.First District’s Carmelo “Jon” Lazatin II, third district’s Aurelio “Dong” Gonzales Jr. and fourth district’s Juan Pablo “Rimpy” Bondoc all voted yes.
8 Mar 2017 - BCDA chief: EO 14 to allow full development of Clark airport
CLARK FREEPORT -- A top official of the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) has said President Duterte’s Executive Order Number 14 will allow for the efficient development of Clark International Airport.BCDA President and Chief Executive Officer Vince Dizon issued the statement a few days after President Rodrigo Duterte signed EO 14, which reverted the Clark International Airport Corporation (CIAC) from the Department of Transportation (DoTr) to BCDA.
8 Mar 2017 - Contractors warned on fake PCAB email
PAMPANGA -- Contractors in the region who are applying for their Philippine Contractors Accreditation Board (PCAB) licenses are being warned by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) because of a bogus email address (support@dti.ciap.gov.ph) asking contractors to attend ISO trainings as a prerequisite to their PCAB license application.In the bogus email, a fake PCAB Resolution 434 purportedly signed by all its members and Chairman is also attached. The Resolution requires that PCAB applicants to complete a mandatory five day ISO 9001:2015 seminar as a requirement for the filing of a new contractor’s license.
8 Mar 2017 - New PAMAWD officials take oath
PAMPANGA -- The new officers of the executive council and board of directors of the Pampanga Association of Water Districts Inc. (PAMAWAD) formally took their oath at the Fortune Seafood Restaurant on Tuesday.The oath was formally administered by Pampanga Provincial Administrator Andres Pangilinan, Jr. who represented Governor Lilia Pineda who was unable to attend the event due to some urgent commitments.
8 Mar 2017 - PAMAWD chair calls for sharing of resources, best practices
PAMPANGA -- Newly minted Pampanga Association of Water Districts (PAMAWD) chairman Engr. Ferdinand Caylao has called on water utility members to share their resources and best practices with each other, particularly with emerging small water utilities in Pampanga.PAMAWD is the association of all water utilities in the province which aspires for better customer service and explore mutual cooperation in bringing water resource issues and concerns to a higher platform. PAMAWD serves 199,469 households throughout the province.
7 Mar 2017 - Mabalacat City farmers get P1M-worth fertilizers, seeds
MABALACAT CITY -- Some 179 farmers here benefitted from the 566 bags of hybrid yellow corn seeds and fertilizers distributed by the City Agriculture Office (CAO).The distribution of 380 bags of urea, 38 bags of muriate of potash and 190 bags of complete fertilizer was led by CAO Head Lourdes Balatibat and City Agriculture and Fishery Council Chairman Bong Manalo at the city hall recently.
7 Mar 2017 - Menro: Smelting plant non-operational
PAMPANGA -- The Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office (MENRO) of this town on Tuesday refuted the claims that the closed smelting plant continues to operate despite the cease and desist order served against it.In an interview, MENRO head Melchor Tayag clarified that Real Steel Corporation is only conducting dry-run activities to test the newly installed technologies aimed at addressing complaints against them.
7 Mar 2017 - Floridablanca officials clear public market of obstructions
PAMPANGA -- Mayor Darwin R. Manalansan and the Sanggunian Bayan here have paved the way for the clearing of walkways from obstruction in the town’s public market.Manalansan, who personally inspected on Monday the old and extension public market, directed Market Administrator Gilbert Lintag to provide the right of way for market goers as well as parking areas for customers.
7 Mar 2017 - 2 Kapampangans in top 10 of PMA Class Salaknib 2017
PAMPANGA -- Two Kapampangans are in the roster of the women-dominated top 10 graduating cadets of the Philippine Military Academy Class Salaknib 2017.The Kapampangan topnotchers of Class Salaknib (Sangalang ay Lakay at Bukay Para sa Kalayaan ng Inang Bayan) or "to save" in Ilocano, have been announced on Monday by the PMA as Cathleen Jovi Santiano Baybayan of the City of San Fernando at rank 4 and Carlo Emmanuel Manalansan Canlas of Lubao town at rank 5.
6 Mar 2017 - San Fernando celebrates 2017 Women's Month
PAMPANGA -- The City Government of San Fernando will be highlighting the celebration of the 2017 Women's Month with a series of activities designed to promote awareness and the health of women in this capital city.Point person for this year's activity Dr. Leticia Yap told media men that the this year's celebration is also anchored on the 106th anniversary of the International Women’s Day, with the theme #BeBoldForChange and which challenges the world to step up to take bold action that truly drives the greatest change for women.
6 Mar 2017 - NBI Angeles branch now open
ANGELES CITY –- The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has formally opened its newest branch in this highly urbanized city on Monday through the initiative of Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan.The said branch aims to cater on the increasing demands of clearances and other documents issued by the agency.
6 Mar 2017 - Pampanga top cop vows more focused drug stings
PAMPANGA -- Philippine National Police (PNP) Pampanga Provincial Office Director Joel Consulta on Monday assured Kapampangans of a more focused and serious anti-drug campaign in the province as Oplan Double Barrel resumes in Pampanga under the “Tokhang Reloaded” program.Consulta made the statement after PNP Chief General Ronald Dela Rosa announced Monday that the PNP will resume the war against prohibited drugs dubbed as “Oplan Double Barrel Alpha Reloaded.”
5 Mar 2017 - Rape suspect's body found hanging on tree
PAMPANGA -- The body of a 33-year old rape suspect was found hanging in a mango tree in Barangay San Francisco, Lubao town on Friday.Police said the body of Joel Manacmul, 33, was already in the state of decomposition when found by a farmer.
5 Mar 2017 - 5 Chinese minors found in drug lab to be repatriated
CLARK FREEPORT – Magalang Mayor Malou Lacson said the five Chinese children who were found inside a suspected drug laboratory last year will be sent back to their country.Lacson disclosed this during the weekly forum of the Capampangan In Media Incorporated (Cami) last Friday.
5 Mar 2017 - Tieza officials involved in Paskuhan sale summoned
PAMPANGA -- The House Committee on Good Government and Public Accountability has requested officials of the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) who took part in the sale of the Philippine Christmas Village (Paskuhan) to Premier Central Incorporated to appear in a hearing set this week.The committee, chaired by Surigao del Sur Second District Representative Johnny Pimentel, is expected to come up action on the sale after Pampanga Third District Representative Aurelio “Dong” Gonzales, Jr. filed House Resolution 654 that called for the investigation of the sale.
3 Mar 2017 - Cop t-estifies in Fernandez drug case
ANGELES CITY -- Police operative PO2 Jayson Dimaculangan on Wednesday took the witness stand to testify on the drug case of actor Mark Anthony Fernandez.Dimaculangan is the second police officer to testify on the case of the actor, who is facing a case on transportation of illegal drugs after he was arrested in Angeles City in October last year for alleged possession of about a kilo of marijuana.
3 Mar 2017 - Mighty Corporation: P2-B worth of cigarettes siezed not fake
PAMPANGA -- Mighty Corporation, the owner of the alleged P2-billion worth of cigarettes seized by the Bureau of Customs (BOC) and later by the Bureau of Internal Revenue in a raid Wednesday in warehouses at San Simon Industrial Park in San Simon town, has denied that the cigarettes are fake.In a statement, Mighty Corporation spokesperson Executive Vice President Oscar Barrientos said that the manufacture “is not in the business of producing fake cigarette products.”
2 Mar 2017 - Ping De Jesus is new CDC chairman
CLARK FREEPORT -- President Rody Duterte on Wednesday officially signed Ping De Jesus' appointment as the newest Clark Development Corporation (CDC) chairman.De Jesus, a native of Bacolor town and a Kapampangan, served for a year at the Department of Transportation (DOTR) during the stint of former President Noynoy Aquino.
2 Mar 2017 - Apalit town conducts waste management summit
PAMPANGA -- The local government here recently conducted a waste management summit in order to address the growing household trash in the town.Led by Mayor Peter Nucom, village chiefs of 12 barangays and civic groups participated in the said conference held at the Sangguniang Bayan session hall.
2 Mar 2017 - BIR takes over seized cigarettes
PAMPANGA -- The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) has taken over the jurisdiction of the seized P2-billion worth of alleged fake cigarettes discovered in warehouses inside the San Simon Industrial Park in San Simon town after a raid by operatives of the Bureau of Customs (BOC) on Wednesday.BIR Regional Director Jethro Sabariaga said that the bureau had taken over the padlocks of the BOC. The BIR also seized 41 master cases of cigarettes for further testing, reporting and turn over to the BIR national office. Majority of the items are still inside the warehouses.
2 Mar 2017 - San Fernando supports CFSEZ development
CLARK FREEPORT -- The City Government of San Fernando presented a resolution to the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA), Clark Development Corporation and Clark International Airport Corporation (CIAC) to express its strong support for the development of Clark Freeport and Special Economic Zone (CFSEZ).Mayor Edwin D. Santiago, Vice-Mayor Jimmy T. Lazatin, together with the members of Sangguniang Panlungsod presented a copy of Resolution No. 2017-018 to BCDA President Vivencio Dizon and CIAC President and CEO Alex Cauguiran during the Clark Development Stakeholders’ Roadshow on Wednesday at the Royce Hotel, Clark Freeport Zone.
1 Mar 2017 - CIAC pushes for release of P2.8-B airport funds
CLARK FREEPORT -- The Clark International Airport Corporation (CIAC) is pushing for the release of the P2.89 billion intended for the development of Clark International Airport (CRK).CIAC head Alexander Cauguiran has underscored the urgent need to implement Clark airport’s development program as the number of flights and passengers have increased over the past three years ago.
1 Mar 2017 - 15 nabbed for illegal gambling
PAMPANGA -- As the Police Regional Office III (PRO-3) commences its war against illegal gambling, some 15 personalities were arrested recently in a series of operations conducted in different towns in the province.In Magalang, operatives of the local police collared nine suspects caught in the act of playing or betting in a card game known as “monte” in Sta. Lucia Resettlement Center in Barangay San Isidro.
1 Mar 2017 - P2-B worth of fake cigarettes seized
PAMPANGA -- Operatives of the Bureau of Customs (BOC) from Metro Manila and Pampanga conducted a surprise inspection of warehouses inside the San Simon Industrial Park which resulted in the discovery of suspected fake cigarettes worth some P2-billion.BOC agents swooped down on warehouses at Block 3 Lot 19, Block 9 Lot 6 and Block 8 Lot 15. The four warehouses yielded hundreds of alleged fake cigarette products bearing the name of Mighty Corporation as well as its product, Marvel.