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Balibago News Dec-2010

30 Dec 2010 - Girl 'pimped' by own aunt

ANGELES CITY -- The parents of a 15-year-old girl who was reportedly "pimped" to a Chinese national filed a complaint against the girl's own aunt Thursday.

Arlene (not her real name), of Mexico town, was reportedly taken by the foreigner to a hotel in Barangay Balibago here last Tuesday, where she was sexually abused in exchange for P1,500.

30 Dec 2010 - Village officials bare waste handling program

ANGELES CITY -- Leaders of Barangay Balibago here recently bared the village's new waste management program.

Balibago chairman Rodelio Mamac said they have procured a P200,000 shredding machine which converts organic waste into fertilizers.

29 Dec 2010 - Women's group gives goods to villagers

MABALACAT -- The Mabalacat Women's League (MWL) organized a gift-giving project that benefited some 400 indigent families here.

Nina Manipon, wife of Mayor Marino Morales, together with MWL President Adelaida Santos, led the distribution of at least P300,000 worth of rice and grocery items to families in the 27 villages here.

29 Dec 2010 - Thousands get gift packs from Capitol

CLARK FREEPORT -- Some 2,000 residents from nine barangays in the towns of Porac and Mabalacat received gift packs from the Provincial Government on Wednesday.

The beneficiaries came from Barangays Madapdap, Calumpang, Marcos Village and Macapagal in Mabalacat and from Barangays Diaz, Camias, Pasbol, Sapang Uwak and Planas in Porac.

29 Dec 2010 - Health department bans 'piccolo'

PAMPANGA -- The health department on Tuesday banned the use of firecracker "piccolo" following the high number of recorded fireworks-related injuries.

Based on the latest Kampanya Kontra Paputok Surveillance, the Department of Health (DOH) found out that 48 percent (162 injuries) of the total 173 fireworks-related injuries were caused by piccolo. The other six were from stray bullets, and five from firecracker powder ingestion.

In Central Luzon alone, at least 15 recorded firework-related injuries were caused by piccolo. The region ranked second to the National Capital Region (NCR) in terms of the highest number of piccolo victims.

29 Dec 2010 - Local price monitoring team formed

ANGELES CITY -- Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan issued an order that seeks to establish a local price coordinating council to avoid unreasonable prices this holiday season.

"An active local price coordinating council will ensure the availability of basic goods to consumers and prevent unreasonable price increases," Pamintuan said.

Pamintuan created the Angeles City Price Coordinating Council (ACPCC) under Executive Order Number 45.

28 Dec 2010 - ‘Toy gun’ robber nabbed

ANGELES CITY -- Police apprehended a 21-year-old man who allegedly held up a woman using a toy gun Monday night.

Jeffrey Gauani Soriano of Buno Resettlement, Matatalaib in Tarlac City, is considered “notorious” because of his involvement in several robbery incidents here and in nearby Mabalacat town, said Police Station 4 Commander Luisito Tan.

28 Dec 2010 - Biz group officials see better 2011

PAMPANGA -- Officials of the Pampanga Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PamCham) on Tuesday said they see a promising year ahead for the business sector here.

PamCham president Rene Romero said Pampanga can take advantage of its potentials in the “business triangle of Central Luzon” with the implementation of a comprehensive business, investment, and development plan for the province.

He said Pampanga lies within the heart of the Clark, Subic and Tarlac corridor, making it a perfect location for business and investment for industries anchored on import and export, logistics, manufacturing and business process outsourcing.

27 Dec 2010 - Police guns sealed

PAMPANGA -- Nearly 700 policemen assigned to the regional headquarters had their guns sealed with masking tape last Monday.

Sr. Supt. Noli Talino, chief of directorial staff of police in Central Luzon, signed his name on the sealed guns of 687 policemen, to ensure that they will not fire their guns during the celebration of the New Year.

27 Dec 2010 - Town’s cityhood to bring good governance

MABALACAT -- Mayor Marino Morales said the upcoming transformation of his town into a city will bring “good governance,” which he defined as a government that is responsive to the needs of the public.

Aside from good governance, Morales said cityhood will also help the local government unit become more efficient and effective in the delivery of social services to Mabalaceños since its resources will grow bigger.

27 Dec 2010 - Public warned against the use of firecrackers

ANGELES CITY --- The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) warned the public against using firecrackers, which has turned out to be the major cause of accidents and fire incidents during the Christmas and New Year celebrations.

The BFP prohibits the testing of firecrackers in retail stores along the streets, designating places - usually open ones - where the firecrackers can be set off.

27 Dec 2010 - Man stabbed dead in Mabalacat

MABALACAT -- A 45-year-old man was stabbed to death along 16th Street in Mawaque Resettlement Center here at dawn on Sunday.

The victim, identified as Sonny Pascual, 46, of the resettlement site, was reportedly stabbed several times on the body by a lone attacker around 1 a.m.

26 Dec 2010 - Aquino eyes Pampanga airport development: mayor

CLARK FREEPORT -- President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino is planning the full development of the Diosdado Macapagal International Airport (DMIA).

Mayor Oscar Rodriguez of this city said the President has expressed interest in developing the airport in Clark and its support infrastructures like the NorthRail project, which has been hampered by funding problems.

Rodriguez said the President understands the importance of the airport that is slowly becoming the country’s premier gateway.

26 Dec 2010 - Mayor donates to libel fund

MABALACAT -- This town’s local chief executive supports the fund drive against libel undertaken by Kapampangan journalists, and even donated P5,000 to the cause.

Mayor Marino Morales was the first non-media person to contribute.

23 Dec 2010 - New prexy for investors association named

CLARK FREEPORT -- The Clark Investors and Locators Association (Cila) elected a new president while their former top official will function as chairman of the board of directors for 2011.

Mark Cupitt of Marlin Metalcrafters is the new Cila president, taking the reins from Jeannie Del Rosario-Ng, who will assume board chairmanship next year.

22 Dec 2010 - McArthur Highway ‘belongs to everyone’

ANGELES CITY -- A former city councilor said the McArthur Highway is more of a community-driven road that belongs to the people in general.

Green Youth Brigade Louie Reyes's statement was made after a businessman issued a statement saying "there would be no investors if a certain area has no good road networks".

It (McArthur Highway) is more of a community-driven road and does not just belong to the investors alone. It belongs to you and me. It belongs to everyone. It belongs to the community, Reyes said.

22 Dec 2010 - Carjackers shoot trader dead

PAMPANGA -- A businessman died after unidentified armed men shot him and took his brand new car in front of his house in Arayat town Monday night.

Senior Superintendent Petronio Retirado, Pampanga police provincial director, identified the fatality as Arsenio Pangilinan, 56, of Purok 1, Barangay Baliti.

Investigations said that Pangilinan and his family came from a party prior to the incident.

22 Dec 2010 - Governor honors partners in health program

PAMPANGA -- Governor Lilia Pineda honored provincial partners in the Philippine Health Promotion Program at Bren Z. Guaio Convention Center recently.

Pineda bestowed the Healthy Places Awards to various institutions, establishments and communities that have been consistent in implementing healthy standards in their day-to-day activities.

22 Dec 2010 - Cops probe ‘break-in’ at customs office

CLARK FREEPORT -- Police are now investigating an alleged “attempted robbery” incident at the Bureau of Customs Fort in Clark.

According to Senior Superintendent Danilo Bautista, Angeles City police director, unidentified suspects forcibly entered the Customs office last Sunday dawn but took nothing.

Nothing seems to be missing, Bautista said.

21 Dec 2010 - Cory Aquino statue in Clark pushed

CLARK FREEPORT -- Officers of the Clark Development Corporation (CDC) have urged the influential Metro Clark Advisory Council (MCAC) to place a memorial statue of the late President Corazon "Cory" Aquino inside the Clark Freeport.

In a letter to MCAC, CDC co-chair Marino Morales and CDC Public Relations manager Angelo Lopez proposed the construction and installation of a monument within the Clark Freeport Zone that will serve as a tribute to the late President.

21 Dec 2010 - Pawnshop's security alarm scares burglars away

ANGELES CITY -- Suspected members of an acetylene gang reportedly failed to rob a Cebuana Lhuiller branch in Barangay Balibago, this city, after the establishment's burglar alarm went off and scared them away.

Police Station chief Luisito M. Tan, said the robbery attempt Sunday night was foiled when the pawnshop's security alarm, which is equipped with an image sensor, was triggered.

21 Dec 2010 - 44 out-of-school youths finish skills training

CLARK FREEPORT -- At least 44 out-of-school youths from two barangays in Mabalacat and Bamban towns have completed a skills training spearheaded by the Clark Development Corporation (CDC).

Benigno Ricafort, president of the CDC, said 16 participants completed a nine-day basic massage therapy course while another 28 finished a course on food and beverage handling.

20 Dec 2010 - CDC nets $1.23B in exports

CLARK FREEPORT -- For the first time in its 17-year history, the Clark Development Corporation (CDC) has posted at least $1.23 billion worth of exports in a span of 10 months.

The exports accomplishment comprises more than 30 percent of the projected regional exports for 2010.

Exports in Clark are expected to grow three times higher in the next 24 months, as major semi-conductor companies reach their full operating capacity.

20 Dec 2010 - DPWH won 2010 Outstanding Regional Office

PAMPANGA -- The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Regional Office here was hailed as this year’s Outstanding Regional Office besting 16 other regions in the country in the implementation of programs and infrastructure projects.

DPWH regional director Alfredo Tolentino, who was also adjudged as this year’s Best Regional Director, confirmed this.

20 Dec 2010 - Low crime rate in Angeles City

ANGELES CITY -- The city police has recorded a low crime volume this year compared to last year.

City police director Danilo Bautista said the crime rate, particularly during the Christmas season, is “very low”.

18 Dec 2010 - Cebu Pacific acquires 2 new aircraft

CLARK FREEPORT -- THE Cebu Pacific (CEB) said it is ready for more competition with international low-cost carriers in Pampanga and the region following its acquisition of additional two aircrafts this month.

"We are lean-and-mean efficient, with a very young fleet of Airbus aircraft and a highly motivated team. This year, our financial performance ranks among the best in the world. We are ready for more competition in our own country and in theirs," said CEB vice president for marketing and distribution Candice Iyog.

18 Dec 2010 - SEAIR starts Clark-Singapore flights via Pampanga airport

CLARK FREEPORT -- The South East Asian Airlines (SEAIR) has commenced its regular Clark-Singapore flights last Friday, signaling the start of more international operations at the Diosdado Macapagal International Airport (DMIA).

"We at the Clark International Airport Corporation welcome this development because their first regional international flight to Singapore via the DMIA will be the start of the bigger operations of SEAIR," Clark International Airport Corporation (CIAC) President and CEO Victor Jose Luciano said.

17 Dec 2010 - Yugoslavian nabbed for allegedly raping minors

ANGELES CITY -- – A Yugoslavian national has been arrested in Angeles City, Pampanga province for allegedly raping 5 minors, police said.

The suspect was identified as 53-year-old Steve Hidosan.

The victims’ parents, in a complaint filed before local police, said they were wondering why their children always had a lot of money with them.

17 Dec 2010 - 2 nabbed for gun, drugs

ANGELES CITY -- Two men were charged for illegal possession of firearms and violation of illegal drug laws, police said Thursday.

The suspects Walfredo Gundam, 27, and Jericho Celso, 19, both natives of Barangay Pulung Maragul, Angeles City, were immediately brought to the community police assistance center (Compac) in Barangay Telebastagan after police found them in possession of a revolver.

17 Dec 2010 - Return of rape suspect delayed

ANGELES CITY -- A hold-up in processing the deportation documents of an Angeleño university professor arrested abroad for rape has delayed his expected arrival here on Thursday.

A report from the Interpol showed that the deportation documents of Allan Atienza Ocampo, 50, a former English professor at the Holy Angel University (HAU), were yet to be signed by the Jeddah governor.

16 Dec 2010 - Singaporean nabbed for importing shabu

ANGELES CITY -- A Singaporean national importing shabu was nabbed by agents of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Pasay City on Wednesday.

The suspect, identified as Soh Kiam Hwee, 36, was arrested by elements of the elite Special Enforcement Service (SES)-PDEA upon receipt of an intelligence report that the suspect will come from Bangkok, Thailand, on board Thailand Airways International Flight No. TG0620.

16 Dec 2010 - Architects hold exhibit for local development, infrastructure sector

PAMPANGA -- The United Architects of the Philippines (UAP) yesterday hosted a regional exhibit of the top architects in Central Luzon in a bid to promote renewed interest in the local infrastructure sector and promote the artistry of architects in the region.

The event, held at Wilcon Depot here, was attended by United Architects of the Philippines (UAP) National President Ramon Mendoza, UAP District Director Menchie Manalo and UAP-Angeles City Chapter Past President Andy Gulapa and some 46 top architects from Luzon. Top investors and companies, along with their representatives, visited the exhibit which lasted for a whole day.

16 Dec 2010 - Foreigner shot in broad Daylight

ANGELES CITY -- A welll known Foreigner, William Miller, was shot 6 times around lunch time today.

16 Dec 2010 - Tax bureau nets P12-B collection

PAMPANGA -- The Bureau of Internal Revenue in Central Luzon (BIR-3) announced Wednesday its P12.23 billion tax revenues collection from January and November this year with 40 percent of the collection coming from Pampanga alone.

BIR Regional Director Romulo Aguila Jr. said their office had exceeded their 2010 goal of P11.7 million by some 11.79 percent. This in turn registers a P1.4 billion in excess versus the collection goal for 2010.

16 Dec 2010 - Steel pipe maker expands operation in Clark Freeport

CLARK FREEPORT -- A Chinese company, engaged in steel pipe manufacturing, is expanding its operation in this Freeport, the Clark Development Corporation announced Wednesday.

With this new operation, CDC president Benigno Ricafort and HLD Clark Metal Pipe Co. Inc. president Zhen Wei Feng signed a contract that will allow the company to lease another four hectares of open space for its additional production line.

16 Dec 2010 - Technology center to spearhead PH’s global competitiveness

MABALACAT -- The Technology Resource Center (TRC) is all set to spearhead the country’s drive towards global technological competitiveness and self-sufficiency in line with President Benigno Aquino III’s economic vision.

TRC is a government-owned and controlled corporation more popularly known for its role in disseminating a variety of livelihood technologies through hands-on training and the publication of its education booklets and VCDs.

16 Dec 2010 - 2 killed in SCTEx crash

MABALACAT -- Two persons, including a Danish national, were killed in a road accident which transpired along the Subic Clark Tarlac Expressway (SCTEx) here on Tuesday.

Police identified the fatalities as Steffen Finn Almind, 42, Danish national, of 4-5 Maria Clara Street, Josefaville Subdivision Angeles City and Santiago Garcia Jr., 49, of Hacienda Dolores, Porac, Pampanga.

15 Dec 2010 - Electronics remains top dollar earner

CLARK FREEPORT -- Semi-conductor materials or electronics remain to be the top dollar earner of Central Luzon, a group of exporters said.

Randy Viray, president of the PhilExport in Central Luzon, said the electronics industry is still the top dollar earner as it maintains its position as the top export product in the region.

15 Dec 2010 - Jail syndicate busted

The Provincial Government has successfully busted the “untouchable” syndicate of inmates operating inside the Pampanga Provincial Jail for more than a decade.

Governor Lilia Pineda ordered a crackdown on reported extortion, proliferation of illegal drugs, and prostitution between men and women inmates inside the provincial jail.

14 Dec 2010 - ‘Tourist police’ group formed

ANGELES CITY -- Investors and tourists here need not worry over cheaters, because Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan has posted “tourist policemen” in areas frequented by city visitors.

The 38 volunteering “policemen” or tourist guards (not from the Philippine National Police) were presented to the public on Monday during the flag raising rites here.

14 Dec 2010 - DTI: Philippines has ‘low usage’ of free trade agreements

CLARK FREEPORT -- An official from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) said the country has a low usage of Free Trade Agreements (FTA) opportunities compared to its neighbor countries.

Undersecretary Adrian Cristobal Jr., who heads the DTI-International Trade Group, said an intensive information campaign is needed to help Filipino exporters in expanding their businesses.

14 Dec 2010 - Professor bares plan to save trees

ANGELES CITY -- A college professor has bared a road perspective which is expected to save full-grown acacia trees along the MacArthur Highway otherwise known as the Manila North Road particularly in the City of San Fernando.

Architect Edgar Salas, an Architecture professor at Holy Angel University, said the trees lined up along the lateral portions of the national highway will be spared from the road widening program of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) if service strips or service roads are constructed.

15 Dec 2010 - 'Operation Goodwill' brings holiday cheer to Angeles kids

ANGELES CITY -- Personnel from the III Marine Expeditionary Force (III MEF) on Tuesday distributed toys, clothes, and household items at the Bahay Bata Children’s Home in Barangay Cauayan this city.

According to US Marine Brigadier General Mark Brilakis, Deputy Commanding General of the III MEF, the activity is part of their “Operation Goodwill” this Holiday Season.

14 Dec 2010 - AUF to hold Awit-Paskuhan 2010 finals

ANGELES CITY -- THE Angeles University Foundation Center for Culture and the Arts (AUF-CCA) is set to hold the grand finals of the Awit-Paskuhan Inter-High School Choir Competition 2010 on December 16, 3 p.m. at the AUF St. Cecilia’s Auditorium.

Now on its second year, Awit-Paskuhan 2010 will see the following schools compete: Holy Angel University, OB Montessori, Narciso School, Angeles City National High School, St. Catherine Academy, Systems Plus College Foundation, FG Nepomuceno Memorial High School, Royal International School and Mary Help of Christians School.

14 Dec 2010 - Airport reaping rewards from air access policy

CLARK FREEPORT -- A top official of a business group here recently said that the liberal air access policy has transformed the Diosdado Macapagal International Airport (DMIA) from a sleepy and idle airport into one of the fastest-growing and busiest regional airports today.

Metro Angeles Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc. president Francisco Villanueva Jr. said the Clark Freeport, through this policy, has been reaping the benefits in the form of locators like SIA Engineering, Gate Gourmet and the Global Logistics Gateway, whose investments amount to at least $300 million.

14 Dec 2010 - Climate change could lead to 'washout' of towns

PAMPANGA -- An economic official has recently agreed with the result of a study conducted by some experts in global warming stating that coastal towns adjacent to Pampanga River are in danger of being totally washed out.

Remigio Mercado, regional director of the National Economic and Development Authority (Neda) in Central Luzon, said that if the pattern of climate change and greenhouse effect will not change, the water level will increase several meters higher and would affect flood-prone towns Macabebe, Masantol and Sasmuan among others.

14 Dec 2010 - Foundation hosts lantern festival in Angeles City

ANGELES CITY -- The Kuliat Foundation Inc., in cooperation with this city's tourism office, will host once again this year's "Ing Lubenas ning Pasku (A Lantern Festival)," which will be held Tuesday, 6:30 p.m., in front of the Holy Rosary Parish Church here.

Organizers said this is in line with KFI's continuing mission to perpetuate the observance of the Christmas Novena.

14 Dec 2010 - Why no biz awardee in Moka?

PAMPANGA -- The business sector in Pampanga is asking Capitol why no entrepreneur or businessman was recognized during Saturday's Most Outstanding Kapampangan Awards (Moka) unlike in the past years.

On Monday, several businessmen forwarded the names and accomplishments of the awardees in other categories, their queries as to why no businessman nominated for the awards was chosen.

13 Dec 2010 - Technology company to run government techno projects

MABALACAT -- The Technology Resource Center (TRC) will spearhead the country's drive towards global technological competitiveness and self-sufficiency.

This was announced by TRC Director General Dennis Cunanan during a meeting with local newsmen at a Techno-Center in Mabalacat town on Monday.

13 Dec 2010 - International donation to city due January 5

ANGELES CITY -- An international medical assistance organization is extending aid to the city and has already turned over the documents of the first shipment of medical equipment to Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan on Monday.

George Samson, chief executive director of the World Medical Relief, Inc. (WMRI), personally handed to Pamintuan the list of medical equipment due to arrive at the Manila South Harbor on January 5.

12 Dec 2010 - 90-T jobs generated in Central Luzon

The Department of Labor and Employment (Dole) in Central Luzon has already generated nearly 90,000 jobs across the region in less than one year.

During the "Ulat sa Bayan" report recently, Dole Regional Director Ernesto Bihis said around 89,343 jobseekers have been placed in wage employment as of October.

12 Dec 2010 - Rape suspect to arrive soon

ANGELES CITY -- After his arrest in Saudi Arabia, a Pampangeño university professor who is facing a rape case, is expected to arrive in the country reportedly this week.

The parents of one of the victims of Arnel Atienza Ocampo said in an interview that he is due to arrive Thursday at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport.

12 Dec 2010 - Hospital promotes heart-friendly foods

ANGELES CITY -- As part of their thrust to promote public health education, The Medical City (TMC) held cooking demonstrations and a public forum on heart-healthy food over the weekend.

The cooking demo entitled "Eat Your Heart Out" at the Marquee Mall was part of TMC's Guilt-Free Gourmet Series, a road show that featured various health issues in relation to healthy eating habits.

12 Dec 2010 - Tollway company asked to improve road lighting

CLARK FREEPORT - An official of the Clark Freeport Zone has raised apprehensions over the lack of proper lighting systems along major stretches of the North Luzon Expressway (NLEx) and the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEx).

Angelo Lopez, Jr., manager of the Public Relations Department of the Clark Development Corporation (CDC), stressed that traveling at night "entails risks but the stakes are higher due to the lack of proper lighting" along the NLEx and SCTEx.

12 Dec 2010 - Officials urged to stop issuing permits on inalienable lands

PAMPANGA -- A Provincial Board (PB) member has urged the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) here to stop the issuance of permits and clearances to alleged owners of lots classified as inalienable land by the Provincial Government.

Board member Nestor Tolentino said on Sunday that there have been reports on the increase in the number of informal owners of lots classified inalienable especially near dikes, as well as along protective armors of streams, riverbanks and other tributaries.

12 Dec 2010 - Seair to start Clark-Singapore flights at DMIA

CLARK FREEPORT - The South East Asian Airlines (SEAIR) will start on December 16 its regular Clark-Singapore-Clark flights signaling additional international operations at the Diosdado Macapagal International Airport (DMIA).

"We (Clark International Airport Corporation) welcome this development because it will start the bigger operations of SEAIR with their first regional international flight," Clark International Airport Corporation (CIAC) president and CEO Victor Jose Luciano said.

11 Dec 2010 - One of Pampanga's most wanted man nabbed

PAMPANGA -- The third most wanted person in the province of Pampanga was arrested in Barangay Buas, Candaba on Wednesday.

Police Superintendent Wilson Santos, town chief of police, identified the suspect as Bernardo Manarang Quinto, 51, a resident of Barangay Pansinao, this town.

The police learned that the suspect allegedly made his own daughter his own sex slave since she was in grade 4. The last incident of incest rape was reportedly committed between midnight and 1 a.m. of March 17 this year.

11 Dec 2010 - Police conduct safety seminar for mediamen

PAMPANGA -- The Regional Police Community Relations Division 3 led by Senior Superintendent Walter Castillejos conducted recently a seminar on "Personal Security Measures for Media Practitioners."

The seminar was facilitated with the help of Chief Inspector Redentor Agcio of the Regional Intelligence Division 3.

11 Dec 2010 - Resource center joins Rotary Club for livelihood project

ANGELES CITY -- Technology Resource Center (TRC) director general Dennis Cunanan has partnered with the Rotary Club of Balibago for the establishment of a furniture making project that will benefit local residents.

Rotary Club of Balibago president Roger Santos bared this during Wednesday's joint meeting with other Rotary clubs at Graceland Restaurant here.

10 Dec 2010 - Angeles inks sisterhood pact with Koror, Palau

ANGELES CITY -- The Angeles City Government has forged a sister cityhood agreement with Koror State Government of the Republic of Palau.

Angeles City Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan and Koror Governor Yositaka Adachi signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) to establish the ties between the two cities.

Pamintuan, together with members of the City Council, warmly welcomed the delegates from Koror during the signing rites held at City Hall in Barangay Pulung Maragul here.

9 Dec 2010 - Mayor commends local water district for 3rd award

MABALACAT -- Mayor Marino Morales has commended the Mabalacat Water District (MWD) for having been recently awarded by the Philippine Association of Water Districts Incorporated (PAWD).

The PAWD has conferred the MWD with the "Top Water District Performer Award" in Large Category for the third time in a row during the Third Southeast Asian Water Utilities Network (Seawun) Convention held last December 1 to 3 at the Marriott Hotel Manila in Pasay City.

9 Dec 2010 - Lawmaker gets P86M for infrastructure

ANGELES CITY -- A lawmaker has secured some P86 million worth of infrastructure projects to be implemented next year in the city, including the construction of the Leoncia Bridge along the circumferential road in Barangay Santo Domingo.

This was announced by First District Rep. Carmelo Lazatin, who said that public works secretary Rogelio Singson has approved the funding of the vital bridge amounting to P46 million.

Lazatin said he has appropriated counter funds of P20 million which will be used for the construction of the approaches of the vital bridge which connects Barangays Santo Domingo and Cutcut.

9 Dec 2010 - Low-cost flight airline starts operation

CLARK FREEPORT -- Another low-cost flight airline has joined the growing number of airline carriers at the Diosdado Macapagal International Airport (DMIA) as the first Airbus of South East Asian Airlines (SEAIR) has started its operation here.

SEAIR will initially offer low-cost jet flights between Clark and Singapore beginning December 16. Additional routes will be added in the coming months.

8 Dec 2010 - Open skies for Phl secondary airports

CLARK FREEPORT -- President Aquino is set to issue this month an executive order enforcing an open skies policy nationwide except Manila, thus opening the country’s secondary airports to foreign airlines.

Tourism Secretary Alberto Lim and Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima confirmed this during Aquino’s visit here for the launching of the first SeaAir Airbus plane and the groundbreaking of the Medical City in this freeport.

8 Dec 2010 - Medical City to spur growth of Clark

MABALACAT -- Mayor Marino Morales is confident The Medical City Clark (TMCC) to be constructed in the Freeport will generate a lot of employment for his people and economic activities for the town.

Morales described the establishment of a world-class hospital in Clark Freeport as a "significant development" in his town.

8 Dec 2010 - City's foundation day events beneficial

ANGELES CITY -- More than the usual street parties, the City Government has celebrated its 181st Foundation Day through activities that benefited ordinary Angeleños.

The city's celebration started with an exhibit at the city library of the history of Angeles City's 33 villages.

8 Dec 2010 - Local water district bags award for the 3rd time

MABALACAT -- THE Philippine Association of Water Districts Inc. (PAWD) has conferred the Top Water District Performer Award in the Large Category to the Mabalacat Water District (MWD) during the Third Seawun Convention held December 1 to 3 at the Marriott Hotel Manila in Pasay City.

General Manager Francis Dimaliwat said the MWD, now a Hall of Famer, had been cited as the top-performing water district for the third consecutive year because of its exceptional and remarkable performance in the water district operation and management for the year 2008.

8 Dec 2010 - 'Pasko sa Clark' kicks off December 16

CLARK FREEPORT -- The much-awaited "Pasko sa Clark" will kick off on December 16 and will feature a variety of family-oriented activities.

Celebrating the Yuletide Season inside the sprawling Clark Freeport is nowhere synonymous with grand celebrations or unabashed merrymaking but rather a showcase of skill, talent, culture, and heritage.

8 Dec 2010 - AUFMC opens cardiac catheterization lab

ANGELES CITY -- THE Angeles University Foundation Medical Center (AUFMC), in collaboration with HB Calleja National Heart Institute, recently blessed and inaugurated the AUFMC Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory.

The first and only cardiac catheterization laboratory in Central Luzon, the new facility features a Philips Allura Machine for cardiac and interventional imaging, and will offer diagnostic cardiac services, as well as interventional radiology procedures.

8 Dec 2010 - Mabalacat mayor holds talks on city's name

MABALACAT -- This premier town in the northern part of Pampanga may just end up with a new name as its cityhood status breezes through the final stages of deliberation in Congress.

Mayor Marino Morales has begun his consultative meetings with various sectors and stakeholders of the town to append the name to "Mabalacat Clark" when it finally becomes a city.

8 Dec 2010 - Hog farm found with 'violations'

ANGELES CITY -- City officials were dismayed to see during an ocular inspection on Monday that a piggery farm in Barangay Cutcut here has allegedly violated environmental laws.

During an inspection at the Kennon Farm, members of the City Council noted the presence of worms at the site.

8 Dec 2010 - Aquino breaks ground for world-class hospital

CLARK FREEPORT -- In his first visit to Pampanga after the elections, President Benigno Aquino III has led the ground-breaking ceremonies of a world-class tertiary hospital complex here on Tuesday.

Aquino, also the guest of honor and speaker, headed the ground-breaking rites of The Medical City (TMC) Clark to be established at the Global Gateway Logistics City (GGLC).

8 Dec 2010 - 2 men electrocuted

ANGELES CITY -- Two men died while two others were injured after being electrocuted while trimming trees crossing power lines at Sunset Valley Mansions (SVM) subdivision in Barangay Cutcut here on Monday.

Daniel Dulnuan, 43, and Lucas Mahiwo, 28, died instantly while their two other companions sustained serious injuries when electricity went back around 1:10 p.m. last Monday.

6 Dec 2010 - SM Food Retail Group opens Mabalacat Hypermarket

MABALACAT -- The SM Food Retail Group opened its 18,000 sq. meter Hypermarket facility in Barangay Mabiga here Tuesday bringing its market one-stop-shop services closer to consumers of Pampanga and nearby provinces.

Super Shopping Market Inc. president Herbert Sy, SM Hypermarket Executive Vice President Robert Kwee, SM City City Clark mall manager Ana Datu and Gov. Lilia Pineda led the ceremonial ribbon cutting attended by SM Supermall officials and their sister companies.

6 Dec 2010 - Employees to get P40T bonus

PAMPANGA -- Governor Lilia Pineda announced Monday the lump sum release P40,000 bonus for all the Provincial Government's 2,051 regular and casual employees.

Pineda made the announcement during the opening rites of the 439th Pampanga Day celebrations at the Capitol Monday morning.

6 Dec 2010 - Angeles City conducts cleanliness drive

ANGELES CITY - City officials led by Acting Mayor Vicky Vega-Cabigting yesterday spearheaded a clean-up drive along Santo Rosario and Santo Entierro Streets.

Dubbed as "Agyu Tamu Clean Up Drive 2010," the cleanliness drive started after the flag raising ceremony at the Museo ning Angeles.

6 Dec 2010 - Hacienda Club opened it's Doors last night

The new club is located in the compound behind Casino Filipino on McArthur Highway, just minutes away from Fields Ave, and is expected to open on weekends.

Hacienda is perhaps the biggest club in the city and will surely be the new number one dance club in town.

5 Dec 2010 - Sweepstakes office to make public Grand Lotto revenues

PAMPANGA -- A full accounting of the Grand Lotto revenues will be made available to the public as soon as sales reports are finalized, Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) chairman Margarita Juico said on Friday.

Juico’s announcement came in light of the recent record breaking P741 million 6/55 Grand Lotto draw prize. A lone winner from Ologapo City won the prize money last week.

5 Dec 2010 - Tire company workers plant 6,000 trees

CLARK FREEPORT -- Employees of the Yokohama Tires Philippines Inc. (YTPI), together with their families, have planted over the weekend some 6,000 plants of 35 varieties inside the tire manufacturing plant's lot area here.

The tree-planting activity is part of YTPI's Forever Forest 3 project, launched three years ago in line with its environmental protection program.

5 Dec 2010 - Pampangeño adjudged one of most outstanding lawmakers anew

ANGELES CITY -- For three straight years, Pampanga First District Representative Carmelo Lazatin was chosen as one of the 30 most outstanding congressmen in 2010 by the Congress Magazine and Global News Network (GNN).

This was revealed by GNN and Congress Magazine's editor-in-chief Frank Grego during a courtesy call held at Lazatin's congressional office last December 1.

4 Dec 2010 - CDC remits P159-M dividends to government

CLARK FREEPORT -- The state-owned Clark Development Corporation (CDC) has turned over dividends amounting to P159 million to the Bureau of Treasury (BOT) at the Department of Finance in Manila on Thursday.

CDC president Benigno Ricafort said the amount represents the Unappropriated Retained Earnings of the CDC as of December 31, 2009 of P639.66 million.

4 Dec 2010 - Ocular inspection of hog farms set Monday

ANGELES CITY -- An ocular inspection of piggery and poultry farms in this city has been set on Monday, in the light of several complaints regarding the dangers of the existence of these farms here.

The schedule was finalized during a City Council hearing on Friday, which was attended by representatives of the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), some owners and operators of hog and poultry farms in the city and the media.

4 Dec 2010 - Nepomuceno-owned farms 'obeying environmental laws'

ANGELES CITY -- Councilor Bryan Nepomuceno, inhibiting himself during a City Council hearing Friday on the piggeries issue, represented his family and answered allegations that their farms have contributed to air pollution in the city.

In defense of his family and their business, Nepomuceno told members of the City Council that their farms have been instituting measures on proper solid waste management, aside from the fact that they have complete documents and permits to run their business.

4 Dec 2010 - Village hosts first 'Balibagan' party

ANGELES CITY -- The mardi gras (street partying) did not end during the citywide "Tigtigan Terakan keng Dalan" (TTKD) because one village here will do it again, officials said.

"It could be smaller as compared to the TTKD, but the concept is the same," Balibago village chief Rodelio Mamac said.

4 Dec 2010 - Angeles to celebrate 181st Foundation Day

ANGELES CITY -- The city is set to celebrate its 181st Foundation Day on December 8.

With the theme "Kuliat Ya Kanita, Angeles Ya Ngeni: Balikdan taya ing milabas, isulung taya ing bukas!" the whole day event opens at 8 a.m. with a tree planting activity at the Taug Dike.

3 Dec 2010 - Professor in rape case collared in Jeddah

ANGELES CITY -- A college professor who was accused of raping his student several times was reportedly arrested in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia last November 26.

Arnel Atienza Ocampo, 50, married, a former professor of Holy Angel University (HAU) is now under the custody of Jeddah authorities.

2 Dec 2010 - Females dominate jobs in Clark

CLARK FREEPORT – Jobs inside the sprawling Clark Freeport is reportedly dominated by the female gender, the Clark Development Corporation (CDC) report stated.

In a report submitted by the CDC-Customer Service Department, some 50.60 percent or 29,964 employees in Clark are female while 49.40 percent or 29,253 employees are male.

2 Dec 2010 - Homeless Woman killed when hit by car

ANGELES CITY -- The pilot-husband of young actress Sunshine Dizon was charged by the city police with reckless imprudence resulting to homicide after his car hit and killed a 60-year-old Badjao grandmother along the MacArthur highway in Barangay Balibago here at about 11 p.m. last Monday.

City police director Senior Supt. Danny Bautista identified the suspect as John Timonty Tan, 24, a resident of 221 Sto, Nino in Guagua, Pampanga. Police investigators said Tan is the husband of Dizon, known as one of the actress mainstays of television network GMA 7.

2 Dec 2010 - Clark corporation declares P319-M dividends

CLARK FREEPORT -- The state-owned Clark Development Corporation (CDC) announced that its Board of Directors has approved the declaration of dividends amounting to P319.83 million.

CDC president Benigno Ricafort said the amount represents 50 percent of the unappropriated retained earnings of CDC as of December 31, 2009 of P639.66 million.

2 Dec 2010 - P193T cash remains unclaimed

ANGELES CITY -- No one has yet claimed the P193,000 cash money found in an office table at City Hall.

Juliet Quinsaat, city treasurer, said no one has approached her office to claim the lump sum since it was found.

1 Dec 2010 - Mabalacat folk benefit from medical mission

MABALACAT -- More than 500 residents here have benefited from a medical mission sponsored by the Multi-Sector Alliance of Mabalacat (MSAM) on Tuesday.

The MSAM, a federation consisting of Samahang Bisaya ng Mabalacat, tricycle drivers' associations, women's organizations, urban poor organizations, and others, has tied up with the Philippine Air Force (PAF), Rotary Clubs of Mabalacat and Dau for the project.

1 Dec 2010 - Coordination among authorities needed

ANGELES CITY -- Coordination between the city police and officials from the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) and villages is important whenever an incident occurs in the city.

This was the statement of Acting Mayor Vicky Vega-Cabigting during an emergency meeting with fellow officials at the Angeles City Hall on Tuesday.

1 Dec 2010 - Clark, Tesda renew ties for manpower development

CLARK FREEPORT -- The Clark Development Corporation (CDC) and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (Tesda) have renewed their partnership in providing skills training and employment to job seekers in Pampanga.

CDC president Benigno Ricafort and Tesda Provincial Director Ben-Hur Baniqued signed Wednesday a memorandum of agreement (MOA) here before local and national officials.

1 Dec 2010 - Bolt-cutter gang neutralized

ANGELES CITY -- A robbery syndicate called Bolt-Cutter Gang has been neutralized following the arrest of its members in Barangay Balibago here over the weekend.

The suspects Conrado Alarcon, 54; Salvador Cabangbang, 25, and Jennifer Sai, 28; all residents of Barangay Pampang, this town, were arrested in a hot pursuit operation conducted by Bantay Bayan members in the said village.