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Balibago News Jul-2012

31 Jul 2012 - DFA opens 2nd Pampanga consular office at Marquee

ANGELES CITY -- The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) opened on Monday its second regional consular office in Pampanga at the Marquee Mall here to provide passport servicing to one of the country’s top regions with the most number of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).

The opening of the new facility at the third floor of the said mall was facilitated by DFA assistant secretary for consular affairs Jaime Victor Ledda, DFA undersecretary for international and economic relations Laura del Rosario, Ayala Land Incorporated senior vice president Bobby Dy, Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert Del Rosario and Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan.

31 Jul 2012 - Tańada to lead public forum on FOI in Angeles City

ANGELES CITY - Deputy Speaker Lorenzo “Erin” Tańada III is set to lead a public forum on the Freedom of Information (FOI) bill in Barangay Balibago here on Thursday.

The forum will be held to shed light on how the bill, if enacted into law, would affect government officials, media practitioners and local stakeholders.

31 Jul 2012 - Guv distributes PhilHealth cards

MABALACAT -- Governor Lilia Pineda led other provincial officials and leaders here in distributing PhilHealth cards to indigent residents of this newly converted component city.

The governor was accompanied by Vice Governor Joseller Guiao and City Mayor Marino Morales during the distribution of the health care cards to some 2,147 beneficiaries at the City Hall in Barangay Tabun here.

31 Jul 2012 - 2 women stabbed to death

PAMPANGA -- Two old women were found dead inside their residence in Barangay San Jose Apuan, Lubao town last Monday.

In a report, Senior Superintendent Edgardo Tinio, Pampanga police provincial director, identified the victims as Dominga Decano-Belleza, also known as “Vicky,” 60, and Flavia Decano, alias “Bing,” 50.

31 Jul 2012 - Pag-Ibig Fund cuts interest rate for calamity loans

MABALACAT -- The Pag-Ibig Fund has reduced the interest rate of its calamity loans to help families affected by typhoons and other disasters, said Vice President and Pag-Ibig Board chair Jejomar Binay.

“Pag-Ibig’s calamity loan now carries a yearly interest rate of 5.95 percent, compared to the previous 10.75 percent,” Binay said. “We intend to help ease the burdens of our kababayans living in typhoon-prone areas and those hit by other natural calamities.”

31 Jul 2012 - Former ‘hukbong’ head arrested in Arayat

PAMPANGA -- The former “supremo” of the so-called Hukbong Mapagpalayang Bayan and seven others were arrested by combined police operatives during a raid in Barangay Cupang, Arayat town.

Seized from the suspects were several high-powered firearms and ammunitions.

31 Jul 2012 - Kabalens want Arroyo to seek re-election

PAMPANGA -- Mayors League (PML) Secretary General and this town’s Mayor Eduardo Guerrero said Monday constituents of Representative Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo (2nd district) want her to seek re-election in the 2013 polls.

Guerrero said Arroyo’s constituents are clamoring for her continued service as representative of the second district comprising the towns of Floridablanca, Porac, Lubao, Sta. Rita, Guagua and Sasmuan.

31 Jul 2012 - 2 bodies found in rice field

PAMPANGA -- Two unidentified bodies were found on Monday in a rice field in sitio Tagulod, Barangay Mapanique, Candaba.

This town’s Chief of Police Henry Flores believe the victims, who were both males, were killed somewhere else and then dumped in the area.

31 Jul 2012 - Kapampangan film bags jury prize award

PAMPANGA -- The Kapampangan film "Manenaya" (Waiting) won the Jury Prize Award in the short film category of the recently concluded 8th Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival 2012 awards night.

The awards night was held at the Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo at the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) last Sunday night.

31 Jul 2012 - Thousands of indigents get PhilHealth cards

PAMPANGA -- Governor Lilia Pineda led the distribution of Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) health coverage cards to thousands of indigent beneficiaries here and different towns of the province.

Pineda led the distribution and briefing of some 3,000 beneficiaries in Arayat town and later motored to Sasmuan town to meet with other beneficiaries. The PhilHealth cards entitle the beneficiaries to two years of health coverage.

30 Jul 2012 - Religious images make historic stop at Capitol

PAMPANGA -- The images of the Virgen Delos Remedios and Sto. Cristo Del Perdon were warmly welcomed by Catholic devotees on Monday at Capitol shortly after the flag ceremony.

Arts, Culture and Tourism Office head Arwin Lingat said the stopover of the original images is historic, much that it marks the 60th anniversary of the Cruzada ning Pamanisi at Lugud (Crusade of Penance and Charity), which started in 1952.

30 Jul 2012 - Labor official lauds firm for housing project

PAMPANGA -- Department of Labor and Employment (Dole)-Central Luzon Director Raymundo Agravante commended Hanjin Heavy Industries Corporation-Philippines (HHICP) on Monday for a housing project for its employees.

The housing project dubbed as “The Hanjin Village” sprawls on a 30-hectare property in Castillejos, Zambales and is HHICP’s flagship corporate social responsibility program for its eligible employees, as well as its subcontractors.

30 Jul 2012 - 2nd DFA office in Pampanga allows wider service for Central Luzon

ANGELES CITY -- The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) will open on July 30 its second office in Pampanga, allowing the government agency to handle at least 1,100 passport applicants daily.

Elmer Cato, DFA special assistant for Special Projects under the Office of the Undersecretary for Administration, said the DFA office at the Marquee Mall in Barangay Pulung Maragul here “is configured to accept 500 applicants per day.” He said the main DFA office in Central Luzon is at Robinsons Starmills in the city of San Fernando, Pampanga. It handles at least 600 applicants per day.

30 Jul 2012 - Phl’s AirAsia adds Bali, Bangkok, Phuket, other ASEAN destinations

CLARK FREEPORT -- Philippines’ AirAsia, the country’s newest low cost carrier, today launched its new Fly-Thru service from Clark International Airport to top tourist destinations in Thailand, Indonesia and Singapore.

The new service offers guests more convenient transit process, hassle free luggage check-in and other connecting convenience from Clark airport to Bali, Jakarta, and Surabaya in Indonesia; Bangkok and Phuket in Thailand and Singapore.

30 Jul 2012 -- Philippines’ AirAsia’s Clark-Macau awarded “Route of the Week”

CLARK FREEPORT - Philippines’ AirAsia was recently awarded “Route of the Week” by an international airline website for its Clark to Macau route following its launching last July 19.

According to its website, the “Route of the Week” was given to Philippines’ AirAsia’s Clark to Macau route for the “new air service which best demonstrates drive and entrepreneurship.”

30 Jul 2012 - Mayors back GMA reelection

PAMPANGA -- Mayors League (PML) secretary general and Floridablanca Mayor Eduardo Guerrero said yesterday that 2nd District Rep. Gloria Macapagal Arroyo “should seek her second term in office in next year’s elections” amid alleged “clamor” from her constituents.

Guerrero said that Arroyo’s constituents are “clamoring for her continued service as representative of the second district comprising the towns of Floridablanca, Porac, Lubao, Sta. Rita, Guagua and Sasmuan.”

29 Jul 2012 - Cabalens get P1.49-M Nego Karts

PAMPANGA -- Some 130 workers from the informal sector on Friday received P1.49 million worth of Nego Karts from the Department of Labor and Employment (Dole) regional office under its integrated livelihood program.

Governor Lilia Pineda and Dole regional director Raymundo Agravante led the distribution of the Negosyo sa Kariton (Nego Kart) project and Kabuhayan Starter kits at the Benigno Aquino Hall.

29 Jul 2012 - Medical officers asked for better patient care

PAMPANGA -- Provincial Board Members Tarcicio DC Halili, Salvador Dimson Jr. and Crisostomo Garbo recently urged some 57 medical officers of government hospitals in the province to “improve services, address the concerns and work for better patient care.”

In a meeting at the Benigno Aquino Hall at the Capitol Compound, the medical officers convened as a prelude to the enactment of the proposed unified Provincial Health Act Code by the Committee on Health led by chairman Monina Laus.

28 Jul 2012 - Governor bares P100-M budget for calamity

PAMPANGA -- Governor Lilia Pineda bared that the Provincial Government still has an available calamity fund amounting to more than P100 million.

She said the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC), together with concerned departments, has been preparing for the rainy season for more than a year.

28 Jul 2012 - Groups disappointed over Arroyo’s temporary liberty

PAMPANGA -- Leaders of the fisherfolk alliance Pambansang Lakas ng Kilusang Mamamalakaya ng Pilipinas (Pamalakaya) expressed their outraged over the decision of the Pasay Regional Trial Court (RTC) granting the request of former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo for bail in relation to the electoral sabotage case filed against her in connection with the 2007 senatorial elections.

In a joint press statement, Pamalakaya national chairperson Fernando Hicap and Pamalakaya vice chairperson Salvador France said the decision granting Arroyo’s temporary freedom in exchange for P1 million bail is an indication that President Benigno Simeon Aquino III is ready to forgive and forget the former President for her crimes against the Filipino people.

27 Jul 2012 - Gloria Arroyo may run for new Congress term

PAMPANGA -- Former President and now Pampanga Rep. Gloria Arroyo is considering running for a second congressional term, her spokesperson said Friday.

Elena Bautista-Horn disclosed this in a radio interview, as Arroyo received a warm welcome from her constituents in her home province of Pampanga.

26 Jul 2012 - Clark’s $400-M golf project Environmentalists cry degradation

Angeles City -- Local environmentalists on Thursday slammed national government agencies, including the Clark Development Corp. (CDC), for allowing and “even praising” the $400-million Korean tourism estate project that destroyed trees and scraped portions of a mountain at Clark to pave the way for a 36-hole golf course.

Cecile Yumul, convenor of the Save the Trees Coalition fighting for the retention of hundreds of old trees along MacArthur Highway, said “any man-made mitigation measure is only palliative and temporary and requires millions of budget every time it is destroyed by the power of natural disasters.”

26 Jul 2012 - DFA descends from pedestal, reaches out to provincial folk

ANGELES CITY -- The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has shed its image of being too lofty for the reach of the masses, as it started recently the operation of yet another of its provincial satellite office at Marquee Mall in this city, two months after opening another one 18 kilometers south in the City of San Fernando.

Consul Elmer Cato, DFA special assistant for special projects, said the satellite office here is one of the 16 such offices planned in malls in the provinces.

26 Jul 2012 - Lawyer-CPA joins Tarzan’s 3-man slate

ANGELES CITY -- A product of the Ateneo De Manila University Law School will join the short list of councilors of First District Rep. Carmelo “Tarzan” Lazatin, who announced that the “die is cast” on his plans to run for mayor in 2013.

Atty. Nińo Baltazar Yu Enriquez, who is also a certified public accountant, said in an e-mail to Punto that he had been a “long supporter” of Lazatin having helped him in a number of ways providing opinions on queries that helped his administration as mayor from 1998 to 2007.

26 Jul 2012 - CDC assures safety, legality

CLARK FREEPORT -- The Clark Development Corp. (CDC) defended the $400-million Donggwang Sunvalley Lei-sure Community (DSLC) here, saying the Korean firm’s project is safe and more than 100 non-endemic trees were cut at the project’s “generally grassland” area.

The CDC said the Donggwang Clark Corp. (DCC), developer of the 304-hectare DSLC, was cited by Department Environment of Natural Resources (DENR) for “strict compliance” to environmental laws in connection with the nearly finished erosion mitigating project.

26 Jul 2012 - City hospital has more dialysis machines than both National Kidney Institute

ANGELES CITY-- This city’s Ospital ning Angeles now has more dialysis machines than the National Kidney Institute (NKI) and Philippine General Hospital (PGH) combined.

This was among the major accomplishments cited by Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan in his State of the City Address (SOCA) here the other day.

25 Jul 2012 - Guv: We’re ready for any disaster

PAMPANGA -- Governor Lilia Pineda said the Pampanga Capitol has its disaster response, rescue, and prevention plans in place, in case any disaster strikes this rainy and typhoon seasons.

The governor said although she has been praying no calamity would fall on Pampanga, the Provincial Government through the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (PDRRMC) has prepared contingency plans and measures.

25 Jul 2012 - Angeles SOCA

ANGELES CITY -- Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan, on his second State of the City Address (Soca), said his administration surpassed last year’s performance and added that the best is yet to come for this urbanized city.

While thanking former friends and critics for challenging him to do better, Pamintuan said his administration fulfilled most of his eight-point agenda program under his administration.

25 Jul 2012 - Provincial road collapses anew

PAMPANGA -- The Sta. Ana-Magalang provincial road along the portion of Barangay San Agustin in Sta. Ana town has collapsed again after two days of heavy rains.

The residents said the road was damaged due to strong water current from upstream. Strong rains resulted to the breaching of the Matubig creek here, affecting residents from Barangay San Agustin, San Roque, including San Pablo in the said town.

25 Jul 2012 - Governor bares P100-M budget for calamity

25 Jul 2012 - Disappointment over Arroyo’s temporary liberty

24 Jul 2012 - Sandiganbayan Bars GMA From Leaving

PAMPANGA -- The Sandiganbayan First Division issued Tuesday a hold-departure order against former President and now Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal Arroyo and nine former officials of the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) and the Commission on Audit (COA).

The Sandiganbayan panel also rejected a bid by the Ombudsman to withdraw the original records of the preliminary investigation on the two counts of graft charges and violation of the Code of Ethics for Public Officials filed against the incumbent Pampanga lawmaker.

24 Jul 2012 - CI-AUF to host language confab

ANGELES CITY -- The Confucius Institute at Angeles University Foundation (CI-AUF) in cooperation with the Department of Education is hosting the 5th National Conference on Foreign Languages on July 25-27, 2012 at the AUF Main Campus in Angeles City, it was announced by AUF President Atty. Joseph Emmanuel L. Angeles.

The three-day event will see the gathering of educators, public school administrators, DepEd officials and representatives from Instituto Cervantfes (Spanish), Alliance Francais (French), Japan Foundation (Japanese), Goethe Institut Philippinen (German) and CI- AUF (Mandarin), to discuss plans and issues affecting the implementation of DepEd’s Special Program for Foreign Languages (SPFL).

24 Jul 2012 - SBMA gives bigger space for special school

SUBIC FREEPORT -- The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) recently signed an agreement with the Quiz Bee Early Learning Center, giving it bigger facilities to address the school’s rapid growth.

The Quiz Bee Early Learning Center is run by the Quiz Bee Foundation, which is the proponent of the annual National Quiz Bee, a prestigious scholastic competition participated in by some of the brightest students in the country.

24 Jul 2012 - NBI nabs Fontana golf exec

CLARK FREEPORT -- A top executive of the Fontana Golf Club Inc. here was arrested Friday by government agents for alleged falsification of public documents, authorities announced Monday.

Kwang-Rae Jo, chairman and president of Fontana Golf Club Inc., did no resist when apprehended in his office by agents of the National Bureau of Investigation-Central Luzon Regional Office (NBI-Celro) headed by Atty. Ric Diaz.

24 Jul 2012 - EdPam to deliver 3rd SOCA

ANGELES CITY -- Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan is scheduled to deliver his third State of the City Address (SOCA) at 2:00 pm today at the Marquee Mall activity center here.

The mayor’s report, like most situationers that government executives deliver, will paint a picture of current conditions in the city.

24 Jul 2012 - PNoy not to mention CIA in SONA

ANGELES CITY -- Residents of Pampanga, including members of a group pushing for full development of the Clark International Airport (CIA) as the country’s next premiere gateway, were disappointed after President Aquino failed to mention the CIA in his State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Monday.

Aquino cited the government’s aggressive plans to improve the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) in Pasay City and other provincial airports, including Palawan.

23 Jul 2012 - Boking joins AC councilor in seeking probe of OFW’s death

MABALACAT -- Mayor Marino “Boking” Morales joined a councilor of nearby Angeles City in calling for a thorough investigation of the mysterious death of an overseas Filipino worker (OFW) in Bahrain last July 8.

Morales said the investigation should find out the truth behind the death of 42-year-old Marilyn Pamintuan Bondoc of Barangay Pandan, Angeles City. She reportedly drowned in a swimming pool at the house in Bahrain where she worked as a domestic helper.

23 Jul 2012 - Teen drowns in Pampanga River

PAMPANGA -- Locals on Monday confirmed that a high school student drowned at the Pampanga River in San Simon after he lost his balance and accidentally fell off a boat.

Gerry Santos, a resident from San Pedro this town, identified the victim as Noel Tuazon, 15, a student from the San Pedro High School (SPHS) here.

23 Jul 2012 - ‘No segregation, no collection’ policy implemented

PAMPANGA -- The “no segregation, no collection” policy in garbage is now strictly implemented in Porac.

This was announced by Mayor Condralito Dela Cruz and Vice Mayor Dexter David after they met with Governor Lilia Pineda early morning Monday at Capitol, where it was agreed that the Manuali Transfer Station would be closed this Wednesday.

23 Jul 2012 - Classes suspended due to bad weather

PAMPANGA -- Classes in both private and public schools in some parts of the Pampanga province were suspended on Monday due to bad weather.

Classes at the Saint Andrew Archdiocesan, a Catholic school located near the Municipal Hall here, were suspended as per order by the local government unit (LGU).

23 Jul 2012 - Renal Care Unit celebrates 1st year of service

ANGELES CITY -- Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan and City Councilor Alexander Indiongco led the celebration of the first year of operations of the Angeles City Renal Care Unit (ACRCU) Monday at the Rafael Lazatin Memorial Medical Center (RLMMC) formerly Ospital Ning Angeles (Ona), vowing to further develop the services of the facility.

Pamintuan joined officials and employees of RLMMC in a thanksgiving mass and short program highlighting the humble beginnings of the facility and its great impact to the medical needs of dialysis patients.

23 Jul 2012 - Mall hosts lantern-making seminar for PWDs

PAMPANGA -- SM City Pampanga hosted a two-day lantern-making seminar on Monday as part of its contribution to the empowerment of people with disabilities (PWDs) in line with this year’s celebration of the National Disability Prevention and Rehabilitation Week.

SM City Pampanga public relations officer Rain Cervantes said the first-ever lantern-making seminar is part of SM’s corporate social responsibility program for PWDs within its immediate community. The seminar aims to impart the skills of making the City of San Fernando’s famed “Parul Fernandino” and give the PWDs possible means to earn a living.

23 Jul 2012 - University to host language confab

ANGELES CITY -- The Confucius Institute of Angeles University Foundation (CI-AUF), in cooperation with the Department of Education (DepEd), will be hosting the 5th National Conference on Foreign Languages on July 25-27, 2012 at the AUF main campus in Angeles City.

AUF President Joseph Emmanuel Angeles said the three-day event will highlight the gathering of educators, public school administrators, DepEd officials and representatives from Instituto Cervantfes (Spanish), Alliance Francais (French), Japan Foundation (Japanese), Goethe Institut Philippinen (German) and CI- AUF (Mandarin), to discuss plans and issues affecting the implementation of DepEd’s Special Program for Foreign Languages (SPFL).

23 Jul 2012 - Press group holds State of Media Affairs

ANGELES CITY -- Re-pressed freedoms is how the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) describes the state of the media affairs (Soma) in the country these days as President Benigno

Aquino III delivered his third State of the Nation address (Sona) for 2012 on Monday which was also in time with all its chapters’ nationwide, to include NUJP Pampanga’s commemoration of the 32nd month of the Ampatuan Massacre which happened in November 23, 2009 that killed 32 media workers and 26 civilians.

22 Jul 2012 - Trade department distributes ICC helmet stickers

PAMPANGA -- The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has started the implementation of Import Commodity Clearance (ICC) stickers for motorcycle helmets in Pampanga as part of the implementation of Republic Act 10054.

Republic Act 10054 or the Motorcycle Helmet Law mandates the DTI to facilitate the processing of product standard application and conduct factory/product assessment and ICC application (evaluation, inspection, sampling, issuance/denial,) as well as conduct market monitoring and enforcement of standard with the power to take legal action against violators of the standard.

22 Jul 2012 - Medical mission serves 400 indigents

PAMPANGA -- Some 400 indigents from Barangay Malauili, Masantol were able to avail themselves of free medical and dental services from health volunteers during a medical and dental mission held over the weekend.

The activity was conducted in cooperation of 4th district Board Member Ricardo Yabut.

22 Jul 2012 - Kapampangans want Aquino to address sector issues in Sona

PAMPANGA -- Kapampangans from different parts of the province and abroad said they would like to hear President Benigno Aquino III’s programs for various sector issues here in his third State of the Nation Address (Sona) today, Monday.

In random interviews Kapampangans said they would like to hear about Aquino’s accomplishments and future programs for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), lesbian and gay rights, solutions to the diplomatic relationship with China over Panatag Shoal, economic accomplishments for 2013, the seemingly slow government projects and the economic agenda for 2013.

22 Jul 2012 - Capitol to distribute thermometers in schools

PAMPANGA -- The Provincial Government is planning to distribute digital thermometers in all public schools in the province to further bolster its campaign against dengue.

This came as several of the dengue patients confined in various hospitals are elementary students.

22 Jul 2012 - Vice mayor calls for stronger ties in Porac

PAMPANGA -- Porac's Vice Mayor Dexter David has called for stronger ties between the Municipal Government and Poraqueńos.

At Mayor Condralito Dela Cruz’s State of the Municipality Address before the Municipal Council and various sectoral groups recently, David said the current administration and the “CD Team” is grateful for the support and unity of Poraqueńos but stressed the need for stronger ties and cooperation given the challenges ahead and next year’s polls.

22 Jul 2012 - Pancho Villa security guard murdered

PAMPANGA -- The security guard at the Pancho Villa Mexican restaurant was murdered last night whilst on duty

The Killers took his cell phone and more importantly, his gun.

22 Jul 2012 - Mabalacat now officially Pampanga's 3rd city

PAMPANGA -- The town of Mabalacat is now the 3rd city in Pampanga province, after Angeles and San Fernando.

Mabalacat was officially converted into a component city after a plebiscite held on Saturday, July 21, favored for its cityhood. Out of the 19,542 residents who voted in the plebiscite, 72% or 14,078 residents voted for the cityhood of Mabalacat, according to the Commission on Elections (Comelec).

21 Jul 2012 - Low turn-out of Cityhood voters

MABALACAT -- Bad weather has affected the cityhood referendum in this town Saturday, with a low turn-out of voters.

Lawyer Emmanuel Ignacio, Commission on Elections (Comelec) Central Luzon officer in charge, projected that some 15 to 20 percent of the total registered voters of 85,000 are expected to participate in the exercise.

21 Jul 2012 - Sambo votes ‘yes’ to cityhood

MABALACAT -- Vice mayoralty aspirant Marjorie Morales -Sambo, more popularly known as MMS, cast her "yes" vote for the cityhood of Mabalacat.

Morales, daughter of Mayor Marino "Boking" Morales, said Saturday after casting her vote at the Duquit Elementary School that voting “Yes” will mean better delivery of services and opportunities to Mabalaqueńos.

21 Jul 2012 - PamCham hosts seminar to tackle job mismatch

CLARK FREEPORT -- The Pampanga Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PamCham) hosted over the weekend to address the problems of job mismatch in the market.

The event was part of the 40th Kapihan of PamCham held at the Hotel Stotsenberg here.

21 Jul 2012 - Porac mayor highlights achievements in Soma

PAMPANGA -- Mayor Condralito dela Cruz of Porac highlighted the achievements of his administration during Thursday’s first-ever State of the Municipality Address (Soma) held at the Marisa Function Hall in Barangay Poblacion here.

According to Vice Mayor Dexter David, the event, attended by municipal and barangay government officials, sectoral representatives and residents of the town, aimed at reporting the people of the achievements that the Dela Cruz administration has accomplished halfway through its term.

20 Jul 2012 - Porac’s war on drugs 'successful'

PAMPANGA -- Mayor Condralito Dela Cruz of Porac said on Thursday that the Municipal Government’s war against illegal drugs has gained much ground as he branded it “successful.”

During his State of the Municipality Address held at Marissa’s Hall in this town, Dela Cruz attributed the success of their anti-drug abuse campaign to the unity and cooperation of various groups helping to maintain peace and order.

20 Jul 2012 - Thousands flock to new SM City San Fernando

PAMPANGA -- Thousands of eager shoppers from San Fernando and the neighboring towns of Sto.Tomas, Apalit, Minalin and Macabebe on Friday flocked to SM City San Fernando on its official opening day to get hold of great bargains and discounts.

On Thursday afternoon, the mall located right in the heart of the city bordered by Consunji and V. Tiomico Streets was formally blessed with SM honcho Hans Sy, Governor Lilia Pineda, Mayor Oscar Rodriguez, Provincial Board members and other VIPs in attendance.

19 Jul 2012 - Councilor wants probe on OFW’s death

ANGELES CITY -- Councilor Jesus Sangil asked the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) to investigate the death of a female worker from Pampanga who reportedly drowned in a hotel swimming pool in Bahrain.

Sangil said the family of Marilyn Pamintuan Bondoc, 42, an overseas contract worker (OCW), sought the help of city officials for an investigation to determine if there was a foul play behind her death.

19 Jul 2012 - Trader shot in heist alive and well

PAMPANGA -- The woman trader shot by robbers during an early afternoon heist is alive and well contrary to reports that she died while undergoing treatment at Makabali Medical Center last Tuesday.

Florenda Garcia, who runs GLM Hardware and Construction Supply at 82 Capitol Boulevard in Barangay Santo Nińo San Fernando with his husband, was shot on the left foot by one of two suspected thieves who fled on board a motorcycle after taking some P17,000 in cash and a P3,000 check during the broad daylight hold-up.

19 Jul 2012 - Militant youth sets week of protest for Sona

ANGELES CITY -- The Central Luzon youth have set a week of protest in the region to meet head on President Benigno S. Aquino III’s third State of the Nation Address (Sona) on Monday, July 23.

Led by Anakbayan Central Luzon, the regional chapters of the League of Filipino Students (LFS), Karatula Artist group, College Editors Guild of the Philippines (CEGP), National Union of Students in the Philippines (NUSP) and the Kabataan party-list all condemned President Aquino in his two-year reign that had done nothing for their sector.

19 Jul 2012 - Overwhelming Yes seen for Cityhood

MABALACAT -- “By the grace of God, by the sovereign will of the people, we are now a city!”

So practised last Wednesday Mayor Marino “Boking” Morales of the opening spiel of what could be the most important speech of is his life – the declaration of Mabalacat City – in Monday’s flag-raising ceremony.

19 Jul 2012 - Thousands to join Milo marathon-Angeles leg on July 22

ANGELES CITY -- More than 6,000 runners, athletes from various sports events and enthusiasts will join this year’s Milo marathon here on Sunday morning.

Rosever Pascua, head of the Angeles City Sports Office (ACSO), said at least 6,093 runners have registered as of yesterday (July 19). “Our target is 6,100 so we only have seven more slots but if there are still participants, I think we can ask for more slots from Milo organizers.”

19 Jul 2012 - PNoy gets ‘ocean-deep’ mark from fisherfolk

ANGELES CITY -- In time for Pres. Aquino’s State of the Nation Address (SONA), the country’s biggest fisherfolk’s alliance issued yesterday its own State of the Fisherfolk Address (SOFA) giving the Aquino government an “ocean-deep” failing mark in helping 1.3 million small fishermen nationwide.

“Instead of providing the necessary socio-economic infrastructure for genuine development and increasing fish productivity and incomes, the President, like his predecessors, is hell bent on pursuing projects detrimental to fishing families and the national interest,” said the Pambansang Lakas ng Kilusang Mamamalakaya ng Pilipinas (Pamalakaya) in its SOFA.

18 Jul 2012 - Cops seize P1-M shabu, nab ‘courier’

PAMPANGA -- Joint elements of the Philippine National Police, Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) and Bureau of Customs (BOC) arrested on Tuesday a 52-year-old man in Barangay San Vicente, Apalit who had some P1 million worth of shabu in his possession.

In his report to Senior Superintendent Edgar Tinio, Pampanga Police provincial director, Superintendent Homer Penecilla, Apalit police chief, identified the suspect as Rolando Bonifacio Sunga, a resident of Barangay Sta. Lucia, Masantol town.

18 Jul 2012 - Gulapa to lead Angara’s green architecture projects

CLARK FREEPORT -- Senator Edgardo Angara has tapped the expertise of Kapampangan Architect Adriano “Andy” Gulapa in leading his green architecture projects in Clark and Aurora during a recent meeting at the Peninsula Hotel in Makati.

Joining them during the meeting was Advocacy for the Development of Central Luzon (ADCL) president Sonny Dobles.

18 Jul 2012 - Capitol help sought on ‘dying’ pottery industry

PAMPANGA -- The pottery industry in Sto Thomas is on a downward trend as sales from various clay products have reduced remarkably, said a group of pottery business owners in Barangay Sto. Nino here.

During the recent visit of Governor Lilia Pineda in the area, Faye Mercado, owner of FFM Enterprises, spoke in behalf of other locals engaged in pottery making.

18 Jul 2012 - Guv sets program reducing farm cost for farmers

Governor Lilia Pineda announced Wednesday that she has set programs to help farmers reduce their expenses on agricultural inputs and help them earn more from the proper marketing and selling of their livestock and agricultural produce.

Pineda, in an exclusive interview said that rather than direct financial subsidies in cash or seeds, the Provincial Government has set programs that would improve the overall farming conditions in the province.

18 Jul 2012 - Guv to endorse Mabalacat cityhood

MABALACAT -- Governor Lilia Pineda is reportedly endorsing the town’s cityhood on Thursday, two days before the scheduled referendum on Saturday.

Pineda is expected to speak in a program in front of the old Mabalacat town hall in Barangay Poblacion to personally urge the people here to vote in favor of the cityhood.

18 Jul 2012 - Agriculture office trains Sampaguita growers

PAMPANGA -- Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPA) chief Crispin Guintu recently spearhead a technical training for Sampaguita growers.

This initiative was in line with the Provincial Government’s ongoing Sampaguita livelihood project launched earlier in coordination with the Municipal Agriculturist’s Office in towns where Sampaguita planting is already practiced.

18 Jul 2012 - DILG conducts environment audit in barangay Balibago

ANGELES CITY -- The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Central Luzon office on Tuesday conducted its first environmental compliance audit in Barangay Balibago, this city.

The said village was selected by the DILG for its comprehensive solid waste management program.

18 Jul 2012 - Regional center for child welfare to rise in CSF

PAMPANGA -- The Early Child Care Development Council (ECCDC) and Mayor Oscar Rodriguez led the ground breaking of the National Child Development Center (NCDC) at the Barangay Sindalan Sports Complex here, Tuesday.

ECCDC chair Dr. Teresita Inciong led the ribbon cutting and groundbreaking ceremony with Assistant Secretary Florita Villar of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Evelyn Manalo of the DSWD Regional Office, City vice Mayor Edwin Santiago, and members of the Barangay and the City Council.

17 Jul 2012 - Dengue kills 1 in City of San Fernando

PAMPANGA -- City Health Officer Dr. Eloisa Aquino confirmed Tuesday that a child died of dengue recently in San Fernando.

Aquino did not mention the name and exact age of the child, but said the medical inspection team had validated the report and attended to the victim’s needs.

17 Jul 2012 - Mayor may recommend senator’s son for Liberal Party

PAMPANGA -- Mayor Oscar Rodriguez said on Monday that he is inclined to recommend Meynard Lapid for membership in the Liberal Party (LP) pending documents the latter would have to accomplish.

Lapid is the youngest son of Senator Lito Lapid and brother of former governor Mark Lapid.

17 Jul 2012 - Trader joins group on youth advocacy

PAMPANGA -- A businesswoman joined the Quota International of Pampanga in its program for disadvantaged children, bringing donations for the Special Education (Sped) class of Pampanga High School (PHS) over the weekend.

Angelica “Angie” Hizon, in a statement, said she decided to help Quota as she has the same advocacies with the group.

17 Jul 2012 - SM to open third mall in Pampanga

PAMPANGA -- SM Prime Holdings Inc. (SMPH) will open on Friday its 44th mall in the country.

In a statement, the SMPH said SM City San Fernando is “strategically located right at the heart of the city in line the heritage district.” The 7-story mall is only a few meters from the city hall and the Metropolitan Cathedral of San Fernando.

17 Jul 2012 - CL farmers give PNoy ‘double thumbs down’ rating in time for SONA

ANGELES CITY -- A week before Pres. Aquino’s State of the Nation Address (SONA), farmers in Central Luzon gave him a “double thumbs down” rating on his accomplishments for farmers in the region in a rally here yesterday.

“Aquino has implemented policies and programs that were detrimental to the region’s farmer sector,” said the Alyansang Magbubukid ng Gitnang Luzon (AMGL) during the rally downtown where they burned a life-size effigy of the President.

17 Jul 2012 - Gov goes for Mabalacat City

PAMPANGA -- Gov. Lilia Pineda on Tuesday said Mabalacat local officials and their constituents should capitalize on economic opportunities and developments once the northern Pampanga town becomes a component city.

“Of course, I am supporting Mabalacat’s bid to be city. Perhaps our province is among the few provinces with three cities. I am proud of it,” said Pineda in the dialect.

17 Jul 2012 - Buddy is back

PAMPANGA -- Former three-term Mayor Romeo “Buddy” Dungca categorically announced on Tuesday he would seek his old post in 2013 in Bacolor, with education as his top agenda.

“Winning the war against poverty is anchored on education,” Dungca said as he lambasted present town leaders for neglecting “this basic truth.”

16 Jul 2012 - Financing exec shot

PAMPANGA -- An executive of a financing firm who was shot in front of his house by still unidentified assailants is now in critical condition.

Initial reports provided by police identified the victim as one Edgar Mallari of San Fernando Subdivision in Barangay Sto. Nińo.

16 Jul 2012 - Capitol gives financial aid to 51 villages

PAMPANGA -- The Provincial Government has provided financial assistance to at least 51 villages in Macabebe and Masantol towns, amounting to P255,000, for disaster preparation and other related activities.

The awarding of checks was spearheaded by Governor Lilia Pineda in two separate simple ceremonies attended by municipal and village officials the other day.

16 Jul 2012 - Performing Arts Council launched

PAMPANGA -- The City Government of San Fernando launched on Monday the Performing Arts Council to boost local artist groups, provide a continuing development plan for the arts and preserve local culture.

City Councilor Jimmy Lazatin said the council is tasked to prepare an annual plan on the performing arts program to be integrated in the local development plan.

16 Jul 2012 - Mabalacat police ready for cityhood referendum

MABALACAT -- The town police has finalized security plans for the incoming cityhood referendum on Saturday.

Superintendent Rodney Raymond Louie Baloyo IV, town police chief, said the local police have sufficient number of personnel to secure the plebiscite.

15 Jul 2012 - Pampanga frogs, crickets may leap to Italy, Vietnam

PAMPANGA -- “I strongly suggest that these frogs (Betute Tugak) and sautéed crickets (Gisadong Kamaru) from Pampanga be part of our trade mission in Milan, Italy and in Vietnam next month.”

So enthused Central Luzon Growth Corridor Foundation Inc. (CLGCFI) president and Aurora governor Bellaflor Angara-Castillo during the 2nd quarterly briefing of governors from Central Luzon at the Benigno Aquino Hall at the Capitol Compound over the weekend, when officials and guests were treated to a sumptuous lunch by Pampanga Governor Lilia Pineda.

15 Jul 2012 - Creation of Pampanga Bantay Dagat sought

PAMPANGA -- Board Member Nestor Tolentino recently sought the creation of a Pampanga Bantay Dagat to empower the fishermen in various coastal towns in the province.

This came as a result of the recent consultation with village officials in Macabebe and Masantol towns.

15 Jul 2012 - Constituents urged: Vote ‘Yes’ to cityhood

MABALACAT -- Board Member Crisostomo Garbo asked his constituents to support the town’s cityhood bid and vote “Yes” in the plebiscite scheduled on July 21.

Garbo urged his kabalens to vote in favor of the cityhood during a recent dialogue at the Madapdap Resettlement here where hundreds of residents attended to hear the advantages of the town once it becomes a city.

15 Jul 2012 - Mayor: We’ll make city no. 1!

ANGELES CITY -- Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan challenged Angeleńos over the weekend to make the city the top in terms of health, education, tourism and development.

The mayor spoke before hundreds of city constituents, particularly the thousands-strong Abe Kapampangan Party, during the launch of the City Government’s “MediKalinga Center” in Barangay Santo Domingo, another of his administration’s first endeavor to help the poor and curb poverty.

15 Jul 2012 - 3 suspected robbers nabbed

ANGELES CITY -- Three suspected robbers were arrested at dawn Sunday Bantay Bayan members in Barangay Balibago here after victimizing a woman working inside the Clark Freeport.

The suspects were identified as Alfie Manalang, 25, of North Daang Bakal, Dau Mabalacat town; Eduard De Leon, 22, of North Daang Bakal, Dau, Mabalacat town; and Ericson Natividad, 28, Northville Subdivision, Atlu-Bola, Mabalacat town.

15 Jul 2012 - Water system benefits hundreds

PAMPANGA -- Some 700 families in Barangay Ayala, sitio Dalan Krus in Magalang town are benefitting from the water system project of the Provincial Government recently constructed in Mt. Arayat.

According to Ricardo David, village chief in Ayala, the project utilizes the natural spring in the mountain for the local water consumption of residents in the locality.

15 Jul 2012 - Mayor: Councilor is Mabalacat vice mayor bet

MABALACAT -- Mayor Marino Morales said Saturday morning it will be Councilor Liza Pineda who will be his running mate on the May 2013 polls.

Morales said it is but logical and right for him to support Pineda, who had formalized her intent to run for the vice mayoralty post of Mabalacat.

14 Jul 2012 - Pampanga governor wants incentives for blood donors

PAMPANGA -- The governor of Pampanga said incentives must be given to donors to strengthen blood-letting activities in the province.

“If we want to strengthen blood donation in the country, we must motivate even indigents to participate through incentives,” said Governor Lilia G. Pineda during Monday’s kick-off of the observance of Blood Donor’s Month.

14 Jul 2012 - EdPam rebuts Tarzan: No ‘exorbitant’ taxes

ANGELES CITY -- Mayor Edgardo “Ed” Pamintuan on Wednesday defended the improved collection of locally generated taxes at P504.526 million in 2011, the highest-ever in this city’s history.

In SMS text messages, Pamintuan said “I did not increase taxes” as alleged by Pampanga 1st District Rep. Carmelo “Tarzan” Lazatin, who earlier said his seeking the city mayorship in 2013 was borne by the business sector’s complaints of “high and exorbitant taxes.”

14 Jul 2012 - Planting of bamboo on riverbank urged

PAMPANGA -- An official from the Pampanga Bamboo and Rattan Center (PBRC) urged local officials and residents along the coastal towns to plant bamboo on river banks to prevent soil erosion.

Dr. Carmelito Tarun, PBRC director, explained that bamboo planted along the river embankment could make the soil stronger even if there is strong water current.

14 Jul 2012 - Master painter visits home province this July

PAMPANGA -- Maestro Rafael "Paeng" Maniago is set to visit his home province this July in a bid to bring his talent to Kapampangans who would like to learn of painting through seminars and workshops.

After coming home from the US, Maniago will be spending a two-week vacation in Barangay Sindalan in the City of San Fernando.

13 Jul 2012 - 5 face human trafficking raps, 10 women rescued

MABALACAT, Pampanga -- Five persons, including three women, were arrested and facing human trafficking charges while 10 women were rescued by agents of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group from a night spot in Bgy. Dau, this town.

Arrested were Tita Pormento, 63, owner of Club Fairway; Wilma Gomez, 33, floor manager; Ronnie Bermudo, 41, floor manager; Arsenia Cayanan, 51, assistant supervisor; and Flor Naguit, 50, manager, Antonio Nacpil Jr., Jay Flores, Romero Lagueder, Dexter Dungca Jr., Raymond Fernandez, Recey Gormley, Jovelyn Lapuz, Jennifer Halili, and Joana Joy Mamanao who work as disc jockey, utility men and cashier.

13 Jul 2012 - Frenchman nabbed for human trafficking, voyeurism

PAMPANGA -- A 39-year-old Frenchman was arrested by police for allegedly paying for sex with an underage girl and uploading a video of the act on the internet, the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group said Wednesday.

Geert Maurice Josef Bovoi, alias Wayne, was arrested by CIDG operatives, along with Veronica Catalan, 28, of Mexico, Pampanga, who allegedly acted as the girl’s barowner/manager, CIDG Director Samuel D. Pagdilao Jr. said.

13 Jul 2012 - Vice President supports Mabalacat cityhood

MABALACAT -- Vice President Jejomar Binay, in his letter to Mayor Marino Morales dated June 19, 2012, has expressed support for the conversion of Mabalacat town into a component city.

“I have read in the news that Mabalacat is scheduled for a plebiscite this July for its conversion to cityhood. I would like to congratulate you in advance for the success of this undertaking,” said Binay.

13 Jul 2012 - Binay to cancel Globe Asiatique owner’s passport

MABALACAT -- Vice President Jejomar Binay said he will ask for the cancellation of Globe Asiatique (GA) owner Delfin Lee’s passport if reports that the controversial property developer has left the country to evade arrest are confirmed.

Binay said that aside from cancelling Lee’s passport, the government could also request for Lee to be extradited back to the country.

13 Jul 2012 - City opens dispensary for minor surgeries

ANGELES CITY -- Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan led other city officials in the blessing and inauguration of the Agyu Tamu Medikalinga Center in Barangay Santo Domingo on Friday.

The medical facility will cater indigent patients in need of minor surgeries.

12 Jul 2012 - House asked: Probe killing of Dutch missionary

PAMPANGA -- A resolution was filed Wednesday directing the House of Representatives Committee on Human Rights for a deeper investigation on the killing of Dutch missionary Wilhelmus Geertman.

Representative Rafael Mariano (Anakpawis party-list) introduced House Resolution 2551 seeking the House’s rights committee to investigate the killing of Geertman, executive director of the non-government organization Alay Bayan Luson Inc. (ABI-Luson).

12 Jul 2012 - Village execs to undergo disaster management training

PAMPANGA -- The Pampanga Police Public Safety Company will spearhead a basic disaster management training of village officials, including watchmen here this August.

Superintendent Bernard Perez, public safety company chief, said the training on basic relief operation, including water search and rescue is usually being held at Clark and Subic.

12 Jul 2012 - AirAsia announces Clark flights to Australia, Japan

CLARK FREEPORT -- Philippines’ AirAsia, the country’s newest low cost carrier, has announced that it is now offering Fly-Thru service from Clark International Airport to Gold Coast, Perth, Melbourne and Sydney in Australia and to Osaka-Kansai in Japan starting today.

AirAsia’s Fly-Thru service offers guests seamless transit, hassle free luggage check-in and other connecting convenience.

12 Jul 2012 - P100M set for airport feasibility study

CLARK FREEPORT -- The Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) has set aside P100 million for a feasibility study on the Clark International Airport (CIA).

Clark International Airport Corporation (CIAC) president and CEO Victor Jose Luciano said the move of the DOTC will make Clark International Airport as the “main international airport of the country right after the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA).”

12 Jul 2012 - Kin of murdered man cry for justice

PAMPANGA -- The family, relatives and friends of 24-year-old Raffy “Bidu” Juico, who was brutally killed by still unknown assailants recently, are seeking for justice.

During the funeral march that passed by the Capitol grounds before his burial on Tuesday afternoon, the crowd cried justice for Juico as they sought the assistance of authorities for the speedy resolution of his murder.

12 Jul 2012 - Human rights commission condemns killing of Dutch national

ANGELES CITY -- “It is extra-judicial killing (EJK), plain and simple, and we condemn it to all possible extents,” a top official of the Commission on Human Rights Region (CHR) in Central Luzon said Wednesday of the killong of Dutch national Wilhelmus Geertman last July 3.

Lawyer Jasmin Navarro, Central Luzon Human Rights director, said in an interview that her office has conducted its own investigation and that the local police may stick to their theory of simple robbery with homicide and may file a case to such effect.

12 Jul 2012 - Police nab 2 suspects in gang rape case

PAMPANGA -- Police operatives have finally nabbed two of the suspects in a gang rape case that happened in Barangay San Basilio, San Fernando almost three years ago.

Police operatives nabbed suspects Roel Serrano Wy and Joseph Arellano in two separate follow-up operations in the said barangay, following their being tagged in the August 29, 2009 rape case of a 13-year-old.

12 Jul 2012 - Bicycle ban in Clark not implemented yet

CLARK FREEPORT -- A top official of the Public Safety Department (PSD) of Clark Development Corporation (CDC) clarified Wednesday that the bicycle restriction inside the Freeport is not yet implemented.

PSD chief Nicanor Targa said the new guideline, which will prohibit the entry of bicycles along the MA Roxas Avenue every 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. daily has yet to be approved by the office of the Vice President for Operations.

12 Jul 2012 - National Blood Donors Month kicks off

PAMPANGA -- The regional leg of the National Blood Donors Month officially kicked off at the Bren Z. Guiao Convention Center in San Fernando.

Themed “Every Blood Donor is a Hero,” the launching ceremony was attended by hundreds of delegates and blood donors from Central Luzon.

12 Jul 2012 - Guv distributes tricycle patrol

PAMPANGA -- The Provincial Government has recently distributed another batch of tricycle patrols in Macabebea and in Masantol.

The distribution was spearheaded by Governor Lilia Pineda together with other provincial-elected officials.

11 Jul 2012 - Guv calls for creation of local blood bank

PAMPANGA -- Governor Lilia Pineda urged officials on Monday to network and establish a local blood bank in Pampanga to address shortages in donated blood.

During the regional launching of the National Blood Donors' Month themed "Every Blood Donor is a Hero" at the Bren Z. Guiao Convention Center in the city, the governor emphasized the need for networking with district hospitals here, the creation of blood center and having "on-call volunteers and donors."

11 Jul 2012 - Cyclists assail firm for bike ban

MABALACAT -- A group of mountain and road bikers assailed the Clark Development Corporation (CDC) for implementing a bike ban along the MA Roxas Street during rush hours without prior notice.

Some members of the Kabalen Mountain Bikers Association (KMBA) said they were not allowed to pass by the Clark Freeport main gate last Thursday and Sunday.

11 Jul 2012 - Police still in hot pursuit vs Dutch killers

ANGELES CITY -- Police authorities in Pampanga said Tuesday that they are still in hot pursuit against the suspected killers of Dutch national Wilhelmus Geertman, who was gunned down last July 3.

Two men wearing bull caps barged into the gates of the Alay Bayan Luson Inc. (ABI-Luson) at the L&S Subdivision in Barangay Telebastagan, City of San Fernando, a little past noon of July 3.

11 Jul 2012 - Fishpond owner hits board member for suspending demolition

PAMPANGA -- A village official here who happened to be an owner of some 300 hectares of fishpond is disappointed with Board Member Ricardo Yabut after he asked the Department of Public Works and Highways (DWPH) to suspend demolition of houses in Masantol and in Macabebe.

San Jose Viray said he is not in favor with the decision of Yabut as it would not serve the best interest of the public not only in this town but also in the neighboring towns.

11 Jul 2012 - Farmers host medical mission for Mabalacat village

MABALACAT -- The Butil Farmers party led a medical and dental mission for residents of Macapagal village here over the weekend in cooperation with the Rotary Club of Central Pampanga (RCCP).

Butil Representative Agapito Guanlao said the activity is part of their party's regular socio-civic programs in partnership with non-government groups.

11 Jul 2012 - Wi-Fi services up for Subic establishments

SUBIC FREEPORT -- The Philippine Long Distance Telephone Corporations (PLDT) and its subsidiary SubicTel signed up an agreement recently with 12 Subic merchants to provide them with premium Wi-Fi service.

The project has increased to 125 the total number of establishments currently powered by PLDT's Wi-Fi zones in the Freeport.

11 Jul 2012 - AirAsia offers 100-hour seat sale

CLARK FREEPORT -- The Philippines AirAsia launched Tuesday a special low-fare promotion to international and local tourist destinations to celebrate its first 100 days of operations in the country.

The promo, dubbed as "100 Hours Special Philippines AirAsia 100 Days Into Airvolution," features exciting destinations like Kalibo, Davao, Puerto Princesa at an all-in-fares of P275 (one way) - P0 for the seat, P15 for airport tax, P230 for fuel surcharges and P30 for the value-added tax or vat.

11 Jul 2012 - Gokongwei wins world leadership award

CLARK FREEPORT --- Cebu Pacific chief executive officer and president Lance Gokongwei was cited at the annual Airline Strategy Awards 2012 in London "for leading Cebu Pacific to become the largest and most profitable domestic carrier in the Philippines while positioning it for future international leadership."

The Airline Strategy awards Sunday, hosted by Flightglobal publication, Airline Business, started in 2002. The event recognizes the airline industry's best in leadership, marketing, and innovation.

10 Jul 2012 - Dengue ‘outbreak’ under control

PAMPANGA -- Mayor Lito Naguit of Santo Tomas town said on Monday that the reported dengue outbreak in one of its villages is now under control.

Naguit met with Governor Lilia Pineda in the Capitol Monday morning to clarify that the “outbreak”, reported on national television recently, has been contained by the Municipal Government through the help of the Provincial Health Office (PHO).

10 Jul 2012 - Tarzan pushes for NorthRail completion

CLARK FREEPORT -- Pampanga 1st District Rep. Carmelo “Tarzan” Lazatin has urged the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) to fast-track the construction of the railway connecting Clark to Metro Manila as more airlines began serving local and international flights at the Clark International Airport (CIA).

Lazatin said Transportation and Communications Sec. Mar Roxas should exhaust all means to ensure the completion of the stalled Northrail project.

10 Jul 2012 - EO 79 gives monopoly to big-time miners

ANGELES CITY -- Malacańang’s new mining policy under Executive Order No. 79 merely grants monopoly to existing miners already operating in wide areas within the 78 sites identified as protected for eco-tourism.

No less than 12,000 hectares of such areas are already being mined by big companies, mostly for black sand or magnetite, said Salvador France, vice chairman of the Pambansang Lakas ng Kilusang Mamamalakaya ng Pilipinas (Pamalakaya).

10 Jul 2012 - DPWH pursues demolition of 698 structures along Pampanga River

PAMPANGA -- Forty houses and other illegal structures have recently been demolished along the Pampanga River in Macabebe town, but 698 more structures, including a house costing P5 million, still remain up for demolition.

Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) regional director Antonio Molano Jr. said the demolition operation of his agency is part of compliance with the order of the Supreme Court way back in 2008 for “all concerned executive departments and agencies to immediately act and discharge their respective official duties and obligations” in the cleaning up of Manila Bay.

9 Jul 2012 - Brillante Mendoza Film Festival set in July

ANGELES CITY -- SM City Clark will showcase the award-winning films of independent film director Brillante Mendoza on July 12 and 13 at the mall’s Event Center.

SM City Clark public relations officer Venus Manalang said the project aims to educate and open the minds of every Filipino, the young and old alike, on the so-called indie films and how its story reflects the true face of the society.

9 Jul 2012 - Tourism office to hold tour guiding seminar

ANGELES CITY -- The Department of Tourism (DOT)-Central Luzon, in cooperation with the Angeles City Tourism Office (Acto) and travel agencies in Pampanga, is set to hold a seminar on tourist reception and tour guiding techniques on July 31 to August 03, 2012 at Marlim Mansions Hotel, Diamond Subdivision, Balibago, Angeles City.

This was announced by DOT regional director Ronaldo Tiotuico, who said the skills training program is meant to create a readily available pool of resource persons in the Metro Clark area.

9 Jul 2012 - Mayor issues warning to garbage dumpers

ANGELES CITY -- Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan warned on Saturday residents living along the Sapang Balen creek here who continue to dump garbage and other waste materials into the vital waterway that has been the subject of recent clean-up drives.

“We are urging people who are living along the creek to do their part in proper waste segregation and to make sure that waste materials are not dumped into the creek,” Pamintuan said during the Saturday’s massive clean-up drive along the Barangay Santo Domingo and Pulungbulu sections of the creek.

9 Jul 2012 - 1st semester economy still sluggish

PAMPANGA -- Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc. (PamCham) vice chairman Rene Romero described over the weekend the performance of the local economy during the first semester or past six months of 2012 as still “sluggish.”

At the onset of the year, Romero opined that the local economy would be “shaky” but not “really worrying,” because of external effects of other world economies like that of the US, China and what he branded as the Asean tigers.

9 Jul 2012 - Mayor: I will face the challenge of 2013

ANGELES CITY -- Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan said over the weekend that he will face the challenge of 2013 even as he and his camp hope for “changes” in the next year’s polls.

One of the changes the mayor was referring to was the declaration of incumbent first district Representative Carmelo Lazatin to gun for the mayoralty of this city instead of seeking re-election for the congressional seat.

8 Jul 2012 - World-class resort targets Kapampangan market

PAMPANGA -- A world-class resort in Manila is now targeting the Kapampangan market after its research shows that the Pampanga’s economy is continuously moving up.

Resort World Manila (RWM) Assistant Manager for Sales Lulu Dalisay-Tamayo said they have chosen Pampanga for the initial launching of “Special Bus Program” because of the rich culture of the Kapampangans that manifests openness in terms of entertainment innovations.

8 Jul 2012 - Lewis Grand Group takes over 'The International'

Angeles City -- The Lewis Grand Group is taking over the Restaurant and Bar Portion of 'The International' on A. Santos Road.

The Grand Opening of this new Cuban themed Sportsbar is set for July 28th.

8 Jul 2012 - Pampanga hosts Nat’l Blood Donor’s Month celeb

PAMPANGA -- The Department of Health (DOH), Philippine Red Cross (PRC), and the provincial government of Pampanga headed today’s kick-off ceremony of the National Blood Donor’s Month at the Bren Z. Guiao Convention Center in San Fernando City.

DOH regional director Dr. Leonita Gorgolon asked for the cooperation of more volunteer donors to save more lives.

8 Jul 2012 - Health workers in Pampanga threatened by village heads

PAMPANGA -- Governor Lilia Pineda was incensed to learn that even the health services in the barangay level had been politicized, and hapless barangay health workers (BHWs) are caught in the middle. Her instruction to them, serve the people without condition.

Several BHWs who asked anonymity reported to the governor that there were village officials who threatened them with dismissal if they did not follow their instruction to prioritize their political leaders and those who support their political interest.

8 Jul 2012 - US expats to host coronation of Pampanga patroness

PAMPANGA -- Kapampangans and Latinos will celebrate the feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary and 56th Canonical Coronation Anniversary of Virgen de los Remedios on September 9 at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels in Los Angeles, California.

Vidal Aguas, a Kapampangan expatriate living in the United States, said delegations in their national costumes, from different towns and cities of Pampanga, including representatives of Mexican and Spanish communities, will lead the afternoon procession.

7 Jul 2012 - Dutch missionary's slay premeditated

PAMPANGA -- Disputing police reports, militant groups yesterday claimed the killing of Dutch missionary Willem Geertman here last Tuesday was “premeditated and not just a case of robbery.”

The human rights group Karapatan and Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan) in Central Luzon released a report saying Geertman had been a victim of the military’s “villification and harrassment” since the 1990s.

7 Jul 2012 - Birth Center in Angeles City

ANGELES CITY -- Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan took pride in inaugurating earlier this week the Mother Bless Birthing Clinic (MBBC) in Barangay Cutud, here, as he referred to it as one of his special projects.

“This is one of the great opportunities of delivering good and proper health service to our people here in Angeles especially in making maternal and child care reachable to every family,” said Pamintuan.

7 Jul 2012 - Dengue cases in provinces continue to rise

PAMPANGA -- A dengue outbreak has been declared in Barangay Moras dela Paz, Sto. Tomas in Pampanga due to the continued rise of dengue cases in the area.

Local officials said 33 cases of the illness have been reported in a span of just two weeks.

6 Jul 2012 - Lazatin won't endorse vice mayor, congressman

ANGELES CITY -- First District Representative Carmelo Lazatin said he will not be endorsing a vice mayor and a congressman when he campaigns for the city mayor in next year elections.

Lazatin said his lineup is only set for only three councilor’s seats with his team welcoming the possibility of having Lawyer Bryan Matthew Nepomuceno as among his councilors in the 2013 race.

6 Jul 2012 - Public Works set to demolish houses along river

PAMPANGA -- A total of 698 shanties, houses, and other illegal structures established along the Pampanga River in towns of Macabebe and Masantol are set to be demolished by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).

This came as DPWH started the initial implementation of the Supreme Court‘s decision involving the cleanup of waterways from Pampanga Bay all the way to the mouth of Manila Bay.

6 Jul 2012 - Mayor: Development plan on track

ANGELES CITY -- Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan reported on Thursday that his administration is on track in its development plans for the city stressing that some of his campaign promises to Angelenos have now been realized.

Pamintuan, during his regular breakfast meeting with media men, said that his regular barangay day have benefited a total of 57, 455 beneficiaries from their medical and dental missions from 2010 to the first half of 2012.

6 Jul 2012 - Traders warned on overpricing

PAMPANGA -- An official of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)-Pampanga has warned traders who are overpricing basic commodities.

The office intensified its monitoring system to ensure stable prices of prime goods this rainy season.

6 Jul 2012 - DSWD livelihood program benefits families

PAMPANGA -- Close to 2,000 families in Central Luzon benefited from the Sustainable Livelihood Program under the Self-Employment Assistance-Kaunlaran (Sea-K) program of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

The family-beneficiaries were provided with interest-free capital assistance worth P15,027,000 for the first semester of 2012.

6 Jul 2012 - PamCham hosts discussion on real property rights

PAMPANGA -- The Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PamCham), through its Universal Access to Competitiveness and Trade (U-ACT) Regional Trade Policy Center in North Luzon, held a focus group discussion on Real Property Rights and access to credit for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) over the weekend at Gracelane Hotel here.

The discussion is also led by the U-ACT, the think-tank of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) and in partnership with the Center for International Private Enterprises (CIPE).

6 Jul 2012 - SM Olongapo allows seniors to watch free movies

SUBIC FREEPORT -- Senior citizens in Olongapo City will be allowed to watch free movies at the theaters of SM City Olongapo.

The mall management however said that only the elderly with identification cards duly signed by authorized Senior Citizens Association officials and issued by the Office of Senior Citizens Affairs Office (Osca) shall be entitled to free admission on cinemas.

6 Jul 2012 - Airline offers low fares to local destinations

CLARK FREEPORT -- Philippines’ AirAsia, the country’s newest low cost carrier, announced today an all-in promo fare of only P799 one-way for Clark-Kalibo (Boracay) and Clark-Puerto Princesa (Palawan).

The budget airline also offers an all-in low fare of only P999 one-way for Clark-Davao.

5 Jul 2012 - Geertman’s kin arrive for burial in Aurora town

PAMPANGA -- Members of the family of the Dutch missionary killed here last Tuesday were expected to arrive last night from the Netherlands amid plans to bury the victim in Ma. Aurora town in Aurora.

Roman Polintan, chair of Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan) in Central Luzon, said the the body of Dutch national Willen Geertman, 67, whose killers have remained unidentified, would be motored to Ma. Aurora which Geertman had considered his hometown since he first arrived in the Philippines 47 years ago.

5 Jul 2012 - Road works claim ‘casualties’

PAMPANGA -- A 40-foot container van turned upside-down early morning Thursday after encountering knee-deep potholes in the east-bound lane of the Jose Abad Santos Avenue (Jasa).

The construction of the Lazatin Flyover and road widening works in Jasa is being fast tracked after government officials set the completion deadline on August 18 this year.

5 Jul 2012 - Auto parts trader, family shot by own bro

PAMPANGA -- Kapampangan auto parts trader and Volkswagen specialist Arsenio Tan and members of his family were recently shot to death by his own brother in Quezon City.

Tan is an exclusive distributor of Volkswagen parts in this city and is known for friendly ways in his shop along Barangay Dolores, fronting the Jose Lingad Memorial Hospital in MacArthur Highway.

5 Jul 2012 - Housing authority sets P10-M for land development

PAMPANGA -- The National Housing Authority (NHA) has allocated P10 million for the victims of the 2009 landslide in Barangay San Juan Bańo, Arayat.

According to NHA Project Manager Ines Gonzales, the funds will be used for land development in the area where permanent shelters were constructed and recently awarded to beneficiaries by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

5 Jul 2012 - City council rejects 2 barangay ordinances

ANGELES CITY -- The City Council has disapproved two ordinances -- the bar girl dress code and amusement fee -- which were recently passed by the council of Barangay Balibago here.

During Tuesday’s session, Councilor Willie Rivera moved for the disapproval of Balibago Barangay Ordinances Number 10 (an ordinance imposing amusement fee to recreational establishments) and 11 (an ordinance implementing a dress code to receptionists of night clubs).

4 Jul 2012 - Magalang town sets 1st Kamaru Festival

PAMPANGA -- The local government of Magalang has set its First Kamaru Festival on August 21, 2012 in line with the celebration of the feast of Saint Bartolomew, the town’s patron saint.

The Magalang Tourism Office said the Kamaru Festival is a blend of history and festivities in the municipality.

4 Jul 2012 - PTA officials thank guv for new classrooms

PAMPANGA -- The Parents and Teachers Association (PTA) in Guemasan Elementary School here thanked the Provincial Government through Governor Lilia Pineda for funding the construction of two classrooms in their school.

Jean Venasquez, PTA president, said the two additional classrooms are a big help as they can now accommodate more school kids.

4 Jul 2012 - HLURB to include climate change measures to LGU land use plan

MABALACAT -- The Housing and Land Use Regulatory Board (HLURB) is working with German experts to integrate climate change adaptation and disaster risk reduction planning instruments into Comprehensive Land Use Plans (Clup) of local government units (LGUs).

This was learned in a press statement issued by Vice President Jejomar Binay

3 Jul 2012 - Dutch Expat killed

PAMPANGA -- Wilhelm Geertman had just stepped out of a car and was about to enter his home and office in northern Pampanga province's San Fernando city Tuesday when two men on a motorcycle tried to grab his bag and shot him in the back.Philippine police say a Dutch activist who heads a volunteer disaster relief organization has been fatally shot outside his office in an apparent robbery.

The gunmen fled with the bag, which is believed to have contained about 1.2 million pesos ($27,900) the 67-year-old Executive Director if Alay Bayan Inc had withdrawn after closing a bank account.

2 Jul 2012 - Landslide victims get shelters

PAMPANGA -- Landslide victims of Arayat town in Pampanga received on Monday permanent core shelters from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

Maribel Malang Blanco, a representative from DSWD regional office, Governor Lilia Pineda, along with other local officials, turned over some 57 permanent houses to the landslide victims in Barangay San Juan.

2 Jul 2012 - Electric firm slammed for power rate hike

MABALACAT -- Member-consumers of the Pampanga Electric Cooperative II (Pelco II) assailed the management of said electric firm for the sudden increase in power rates.

With most electric bills increasing by 100 percent this month, the consumers criticized the Pelco II management for not issuing prior notice for the said adjustments.

2 Jul 2012 - Mayor graces Palawan’s ‘Feast of the Forest’

ANGELES CITY -- Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan joined this year’s Pista Y Ang Cagueban (Feast of the Forest) at Sitio Tagaod, Barangay Irawan in Puerto Prinsesa, Palawan last Saturday.

Pamintuan, along with Miss Earth 2011 Olga Alava from Ecuador and the winners of Miss Earth-Philippines 2012 led by the newly crowned Stephany Stefanowitz, were invited by Puerto Prinsesa Mayor Edward Hagedorn.

2 Jul 2012 - Village chief clarifies bar dress code ordinance

ANGELES CITY -- Balibago barangay chief Rodelio Mamac clarified on Monday that Ordinance 11 here only seeks to “prescribe a proper dress code” for door girls along bars in this barangay’s entertainment district, and does not intrude on the attire worn by entertainment workers inside their respective establishments.

“The ordinance only seeks to have those girls who attend to the front doors of their bars to wear proper attire. This is part of our effort to uplift the image of the entertainment district here,” Mamac said in an interview.

2 Jul 2012 - 545 new police recruits take oath

PAMPANGA -- A total of 545 new police recruits took their oath at the Police Regional Office (PRO)-Central Luzon headquarters after yesterday’s flag raising rites.

Superintendent Danilo Florentino, chief of the Regional Police Personnel and Human Resource Development Division (RPHRDD), administered the oath taking held in front of this camp’s administrative building.

1 Jul 2012 - 1st semester quarry income at P155M

PAMPANGA -- The quarry income of P77 million for the first quarter this year more than doubled to push the first semester revenues to P155 million.

The Provincial Government Environment and Natural Resources Office (Penro) headed by Engineer Art Punsalan reported over the weekend that collection for the month of June was posted at P24,920,000 as of 4:30 p.m. Friday, with many more truckers and quarry operations scrambling to beat the deadline.

1 Jul 2012 - Group lauds town’s waste management program

ANGELES CITY -- The Alliance for the Development of Central Luzon (ADCL) has lauded the “effective implementation” of solid waste management program by the Mexico town local government.

Sonny Dobles, president of ADCL, said the Municipal Government is following provisions of Republic Act 9003, otherwise known as the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000.