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Balibago News Feb-2013

28 Feb 2013 - Politicians told: Take a break, help sick kids

PAMPANGA -- Councilor Jimmy Lazatin urged Thursday his fellow politicians to “take a break from campaigning and help the sick.”

Speaking before children stricken with leukemia and cancer, and their parents during SM City San Fernando Downtown’s “Love is for Kids,” Lazatin said the sick, especially children, should be given attention and assurance that leaders and those aspiring for various posts in the May polls are looking after them.

28 Feb 2013 - Pineda to Panlilio: Show proof

PAMPANGA -- Vice gubernatorial candidate Dennis Pineda has challenged former governor Eddie Panlilio to provide evidence that he owns the Bonifacio Global City (BGC) batching plant.

Pineda, son of Governor Lilia Pineda, was reacting to a statement made by Panlilio in a television program accusing the young Pineda as manipulator of various construction projects in the Provincial Government.

28 Feb 2013 - PamCham holds stress management session

PAMPANGA -- Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PamCham) recently conducted its “De-Stress to Impress, Performance at its Best” lecture to help participants cope with and manage work related stresses.

The 12th learning session, which was held at the Mary the Queen Academy of Pampanga audio-visual room, was facilitated by Rechelle Guzman, HR practitioner and academician who have conducted numerous seminars, trainings and workshops for various institutions and organizations in Central Luzon.

28 Feb 2013 - Farmers: DAR scheme in Luisita to sow chaos

MABALACAT CITY -- Farmers belonging to various groups in Central Luzon asserted that the scheme being implemented by the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) would sow chaos in Hacienda Luisita.

Earlier, DAR officials released the list of 6,212 farm-worker-beneficiaries (FWBs) and hinted essentially the implementation of provisions in the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program Extension with "Reforms" (Carper).

27 Feb 2013 - Guiao bats for Clark authority

CLARK FREEPORT -- The need to finally convert Clark Freeport into an “authority” gained momentum during the media forum with the Kambilan Party Speakers’ Bureau Wednesday at the Max’s Restaurant here.

Congressional candidate and Vice Gov. Joseller “Yeng” Guiao declared that his first order of business once elected into Congress is to file a bill that will convert Clark Freeport into an authority similar to the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) in Olongapo City, the Cagayan Economic Zone Authority (CEZA) in Casambalangan, Santa Ana, Cagayan and the APECO in Casiguran, Aurora.

27 Feb 2013 - Tarzan opens Cutcut road, breaks ground for barangay hall

ANGELES CITY -- Pampanga First District Representative Carmelo “Tarzan” Lazatin on February 28 led the inauguration of the newly-constructed road in Barangay Cutcut here as well as the groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of the road in Leen Street and the rehabilitation of the village’s barangay hall.

Lazatin led the ribbon cutting ceremony in Sitio Mali with members of Team Lazatin, Councilor Bryan Nepomuceno, Carmelo “Pogi” Lazatin, Jr., Atty. Nino Enriquez, and Max Sangil.

27 Feb 2013 - PNoy, LP to storm bailiwick of GMA

PAMPANGA -- After senatorial candidates of the United Nationalist Alliance (UNA) stormed Pampanga towns Wednesday last week, Pres. Aquino is slated to lead today his Liberal Party candidates in rallies in this province still reputed to be the bailiwick of former Pres. Arroyo.

The office of Sen. Franklin Drilon released yesterday noon the President’s itinerary indicating that the President and the senatorial candidates will first visit Genuino Park in Candaba for “watermelon eating” together with local officials to be followed by a rally.

26 Feb 2013 - P8.5-M rural health units open in Apalit

PAMPANGA -- Two Rural Health Units (RHU) were inaugurated in Apalit on Tuesday in a bid to help address the health and birthing needs of locals of this town.

Department of Health (DOH) Central Luzon Director Dr. Leonito Gorgolon led the turnover of the P8.5 million RHUs and birthing stations to the Municipal Government of Apalit.

26 Feb 2013 - Cops to assess threat vs Gonzales

PAMPANGA -- Police authorities are assessing the alleged death threat received by Pampanga Representative Aurelio Gonzales.

Superintendent Ricardo David, San Fernando chief of police, said he has dispatched a team of policemen to conduct an in-depth investigation of the said threat.

26 Feb 2013 - DENR: No posting of campaign ads on trees

PAMPANGA -- Officials of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) appealed to political parties and candidates to avoid nailing campaign materials on trees.

Maximo Dichoso, executive director of the DENR in Central Luzon, said candidates should stick to environment-friendly campaigning to ensure clean and orderly elections in the upcoming polls.

26 Feb 2013 - Folks 'empowered' in Edsa rites: officials

PAMPANGA -- Marginalized Fernandinos took center stage on Monday as the City Government of San Fernando marked the 27th anniversary commemoration of the Epifanio Delos Santos Avenue (Edsa) People Power Revolution themed "Relive the Spirit of Edsa, Empower the People."

Starting with an "Edsa Walk" led by Mayor Oscar Rodriguez and soldiers from the Philippine Army, Philippine National Police personnel, college students, Dominican sisters, city officials and employees from four points that converged at City Hall, the rites were highlighted by two new initiatives -- first being a package of new benefits for the marginalized sector and the second, a new milestone for the City College.

26 Feb 2013 - Guv tells fishermen: Find alternative source of living

PAMPANGA -- The Provincial Government urged Tuesday fishermen in Pampanga to find an alternative means of livelihood to support their respective families.

Governor Lilia Pineda said the Pampanga River and other major waterways are already heavily silted, making fishing an unstable source of living for residents in the coastal barangays.

26 Feb 2013 - Butil, Pineda extends aid to farmers, fisherfolk

PAMPANGA -- The Butil Farmers Party and Governor Lilia Pineda extended Tuesday various form of assistance to some 600 farmers and fisherfolk here during the Farmer Assistance Program of the Provincial Government held at the Lubao Gym.

The beneficiaries came from Pampanga's coastal villages in Sasmuan and Lubao towns.

25 Feb 2013 - American found dead in condo

ANGELES CITY -- An American was found dead inside the Elyseah Condotel located at Josefa Subdivision, Barangay Malabanias, Angeles City, over the weekend, reports said.

According to a report, Senior Superintendent Jose Hidalgo, officer-in-charge of the Angeles City police, identified the victim as Keith Carpenter, 60, an American tourist who had complained about vomitting and stomach pain a few hours earlier.

25 Feb 2013 - DSWD fetes Pampanga governor

PAMPANGA -- The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) regional office cited Monday Governor Lilia Pineda as "The Most Supportive Local Chief Executive Officer" in Central Luzon.

During the traditional Monday flag raising ceremonies at Capitol, DSWD regional administrator Maribel Blanco handed over to Pineda the award, plus another plaque of recognition to Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office chief Beth Baybayin for being the outstanding social welfare officer in the region.

25 Feb 2013 - Residents laud DPWH for funding dike rehab

PAMPANGA -- Residents in Barangay Cupang here lauded the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) for funding the construction of a slope protection for the Cupang section of the Arayat-Apalit setback levee.

DPWH executives recently said that the project was given a P124-million budget to jumpstart the implementation, after it was awarded to LR Tiqui Construction.

25 Feb 2013 - Congressional candidate in Pampanga gets death threat

PAMPANGA -- Representative Aurelio Gonzales Jr. (3rd district, Pampanga) received five live M16 bullets in an apparent death threat coursed through his former security aide over the weekend.

Gonzales said the live ammunitions were received by his former aide, SPO1 Angel Pesayco, at his residence in St. Jude Village in San Fernando last Saturday, February 23, prompting him to secure his family.

24 Feb 2013 - American in FBI watchlist arrested

ANGELES CITY -- An American national believed to be involved in international child pornography was arrested by agents of the Philippine National Police Criminal Investigation and Detection Group during a raid in Angeles City on Thursday.

James Mont, 47, was arrested inside an apartment no. 1315 in Surla St., Balibago, Angeles City which was raided on the strength of a search warrant for violation of Republic Act 9208 or the Anti-Human Trafficking in Persons Act of 2003 issued by Judge Angelo C. Perez of the Cabanatuan City Regional Trial Court Branch 27.

24 Feb 2013 - 12 hurt in NLEX nine-vehicle collision

PAMPANGA -- At least 12 persons were injured in a nine-vehicle collision along the stretch of the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) in Barangay San Jose, City of San Fernando over the weekend.

Senior Superintendent R’Win Pagkalinawan, Pampanga police provincial director, identified the injured as Ritsmond Castelo, Clarie Amor Laciste, Karen Pineda, Allan Lagat, Clarinjda May Laciste, Elvira Pineda, Nicha Colangco, Daniel Reyes, Celia Gregorio, Felicisma Reyes, Jun Haber, and William Chua.

24 Feb 2013 - ‘Twin airport’ system proposal gets support

CLARK FREEPORT -- Officials of various aviation firms have expressed support to the twin airport system for the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) and Clark International Airport (CIA).

Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) and the Clark International Airport Corporation (CIAC) proposed the system for the two airports.

24 Feb 2013 - DENR: Mt. Arayat Nat’l Park co-management possible

PAMPANGA -- The chief of the Community Environment and National Resources Office (Cenro) of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) recently stated that co-managing the Mt. Arayat National Park with the Provincial Government is possible.

Cenro chief Rommel Santiago suggested to the Pampanga Provincial Government to make a formal request to the Protected Area Management Board (PAMB) showing a clear intent to manage the said park.

23 Feb 2013 - Cops foil robbery; 9 suspects nabbed

At least nine suspected members of a notorious robbery-holdup gang were arrested by operatives in Barangay Balibago, Angeles City Sunday dawn in Mountain View Subdivision as they were planning to rob the house of lawyer Jhonatan Javate, 48, of Melba Street in Mt. View, Angeles City.

Senior Superintendent Elmo Sarona, regional officer of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group, said the identities of the arrested robbers "are not yet available" pending the investigation.

23 Feb 2013 - Councilor willing to relinquish post

Councilor Jimmy Lazatin said he is willing to relinquish his post as chairman of the 4th City Council’s Committee on Good Governance and Ethics following disagreements on the appointment of a new city engineer vacated by Engineer Nelson Lingat.

After the council’s session on Wednesday, the vice-mayor wannabe told his move was to preserve the integrity of the august body.

23 Feb 2013 - UNA bets have ‘solid platforms’

ANGELES CITY - Vice-mayoralty aspirant Mark Allen Sison said Wednesday the United Nationalist Alliance (UNA) bets like him have solid platforms in governance they would implement once given the mandate by the people of Angeles City.

Sison told after a meeting with his supporters in Villa Dolores that like senatorial bets led by Nancy Binay who made their rounds in the city recently, he is keen on working for the welfare of various sectors, including senior citizens.

22 Feb 2013 - Binay: I’m black and proud to be black

ANGELES CITY -- “I’m not offended at all,” Nancy Binay said during the campaign sorties of UNA at the Pampang Market, Angeles City.

“Black is beautiful, and she is beautiful,” Councilmens’ League of Angeles City Vice President Roy Ogurida said during the UNA rally at Angeles City.

22 Feb 2013 - Cops meet with junkshop group members

PAMPANGA -- Deputy Provincial Director for Operations Supt. Ricardo S. Pangan recently met with members of the Pampanga Junkshop Federation to discuss the Anti-Fencing Law of 1979.

Pangan, who represented Sr. Supt. R'Win Pagkalinawan, OIC of the Pampanga police, met with the federation led by Jesus Tim Dela Cruz, President of PJF, at Bale Katimawan, Pampanga PPO last February 22.

22 Feb 2013 - Abducted NZ woman rescued

MABALACAT CITY -- A woman from New Zealand, who as reportedly kidnapped last January 28, was rescued in Barangay Duquit, Mabalacat, Pampanga on Wednesday.

Pampanga Police Officer-In-Charge R’Win Pagkalinawan said Jessica Margaret Horton, a New Zealand national, was rescued by combined Mabalacat Police and Anti-Kidnapping Group (AKG) of Camp Crame in a secluded resort owned by a certain Nelson Lavado Carunungan of Sitio Pila, Barangay Duquit, Mabalacat town

21 Feb 2013 - Bayan Muna wants leaders to unite

PAMPANGA -- Stalwarts of the Bayan Muna party-list-Pampanga Chapter urged their local leaders to unite and elevate the group's cause to the national level.

Bayan Muna provincial chairman Juanario Maniago issued the statement during the group’s provincial assembly themed “Bayan Muna: Kampeon ng Maralita at Api, Sulong sa Tagumpay sa 2013” at Hilaga (formerly Paskuhan Village) in this city the other day.

21 Feb 2013 - AirAsia introduce new hotlines

CLARK FREEPORT -- Philippines’ AirAsia, the low cost carrier with the youngest fleet, announced on Friday significant changes in its customer call center.

Starting February 25, Philippines’ AirAsia’s new customer hotline number will be 742ASIA or 742.27.42 “To provide optimum customer care service for our guest, AirAsia is launching two new significant innovations. We have a new customer hotline that is easy to remember and we are also rolling out our cash payment partner with 7-Eleven store for our passengers who want to avail of our online promo and other privileges but would like to pay in cash instead of using their credit cards,” AirAsia Inc. Commercial head Freddy Herrera said.

21 Feb 2013 - DPWH allots P4.6-B for Pampanga Delta

Officials from the Department of the Public Works and Highways (DPWH) recently told the Provincial Government that some P4.6-billion has been set aside for the Pampanga Delta Phase II project.

The project will start from Barangay Bebe Anac in Masantol town going to the municipality of Apalit.

21 Feb 2013 - Group to Ombud: Probe 10 LGUs in dump violations

ANGELES CITY - The Alliance for the Development of Central Luzon (ADCL) has asked the Office of the Ombudsman to conduct an investigation on the alleged violation of environmental laws by some local government units (LGUs) in Pampanga.

The ADCL, together with the Environmental Management Bureau, conducted an inspection in various towns and cities in the province.

21 Feb 2013 - Development plans for Clark airport definite

CLARK FREEPORT -- The Clark International Airport Corporation (CIAC) said the National Government has clear plans to develop the Clark International Airport.

The government-owned and controlled corporation issued the statement following reports that the government had been “indecisive” about the development of the airport which is being eyed as the country’s premier gateway.

21 Feb 2013 - Probe on violation of environmental laws urged

ANGELES CITY --- The Alliance for the Development of Central Luzon (ADCL) has asked the Office of the Ombudsman to conduct an investigation on the alleged violation of environmental laws by some local government units (LGU) in Pampanga.

ADCL president Alfonso Dobles Jr. said 10 LGUS -- including City of San Fernando, Angeles City, Mabalacat City, Guagua, Porac, MInalin, Masantol, Apalit, Santo Tomas, and Macabebe -- were found using and operating illegal dumpsites to dispose solid waste in their respective jurisdictions despite their mandate to close down dumpsites as mandated under the Republic Act 9003 or the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act.

21 Feb 2013 - Cops nab 5 men, seize guns

PAMPANGA -- Five persons were arrested while several high-powered firearms were confiscated during a checkpoint along MacArthur Highway in San Fernando City Thursday.

City’s police chief Ricardo David identified the arrested persons as Ivan Gopiao, a resident of Dolores Homesite, City of San Fernando; Dennis Daleda; Paulo Trinidad; Rolly Geronimo; and Arman Italyo -- all residents of Talababa Tabing Dagat, Bacoor, Cavite.

21 Feb 2013 - UNA visits San Fernando

PAMPANGA -- Senatorial bets of Vice President Jejomar Binay’s United Nationalist Alliance (UNA) visited this city before folks at Sitio Trianggulo in Barangay Sto. Nińo on Wednesday evening.

San Fernando was the last leg of the sortie as the motorcade moved from Angeles City, Mabalacat and Magalang.

21 Feb 2013 - P1-M road projects inaugurated

ANGELES CITY -- The road projects in Mayon Street and San Angelo Street in Barangay Malabanias here were inaugurated last Thursday, February 21.

“The roads in Barangay Malabanias are very busy since they’re close to Clark and the entertainment district, resulting in the roads being easily worn out by vehicles,” Representative Carmelo Lazatin (1st district, Pampnag) said.

21 Feb 2013 - Angeles City dads pass ordinance vs discrimination

ANGELES CITY -- The City Council approved on third and final reading an anti-discrimination ordinance promoting equal opportunities for all during its session held Tuesday at the City Hall.

The measure, known as the Anti-Discrimination ordinance, was passed amid reports that members of some sectors in the city were being discriminated because of the way they act, appear and their being considered members of minority groups.

21 Feb 2013 - Government urged to make agreement with rebels

PAMPANGA -- Senatorial candidate Juan Miguel Zubiri called on the National Government on Thursday to take the cause of the New People’s Army (NPA) and come up with "a sort of agreement" with the rebel group.

"The government should not only give a hand of reconciliation and development to the MNLF and would not look into the cause of the NPA," Zubiri told during the United Nationalist Alliance (UNA) sortie in Angeles City.

20 Feb 2013 - Hot Air Balloon Fest kicks off tomorrow

CLARK FREEPORT -- The 18th Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta (PIHABF) will kick off here Thursday and will run until Sunday, February 24, 2013.

Events director Joy Roa said the festival, which is all set for another weekend of everything that flies, is an annual air show which will be held at the Omni Aviation Complex here.

20 Feb 2013 - Girl found dead in ex-boyfriend's house

PAMPANGA -- The body of a woman was found inside the house of her former boyfriend at Purok 5 Sitio Virgen Delos Remedios in San Agustin, Betis over the weekend, reports said.

According to police, village councilman Dante Sarmiento called the Guagua Police Station for police assistance regarding the discovery of the body of victim Lhaylannie Endozo at the house of suspect Rowel Niric.

20 Feb 2013 - UNA express support for local bets, Team Lazatin

ANGELES CITY -- The United Nationalist Alliance (UNA) expresses support for local candidates and for the Team Lazatin of mayoralty candidate Representative Carmelo Lazatin (1st district, Pampanga).

Lazatin is running for mayor against incumbent Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan.

20 Feb 2013 - Clark Development firm lifts Targa's suspension

CLARK FREEPORT -- Top officials of the Clark Development Corporation (CDC) have lifted the suspension of Public Safety Department (PSD) chief Nicanor Targa, who was allegedly involved in a robbery incident in 2012.

The lifting of Targa's 30-day suspension was gleaned in a memorandum dated February 15, 2013 and signed by CDC President Arthur P. Tugade and Vice President for Operations Franco Madlangbayan.

20 Feb 2013 - AUF Repertory stages 'Our Town'

ANGELES CITY -- The Angeles University Foundation Repertory Theater is currently staging its adaptation of Thornton Wilder's "Our Town" at the school's auditorium.

Prof. Emeritus Tony Mabesa, director of the play, said "Our Town" is staged in two translations: the classic and beautiful "Doon Po Sa Amin" by the venerable icon of Philippine Theater, Onofre Pagsanghan, and the newly commissioned Kapampangan translation, "Karin Keng Kekami" by artist Marco D. Nepomuceno.

19 Feb 2013 - Cops nab Chavit Wanted in killing of ex-wife, her lover

ANGELES CITY -- A columnist of a local newspaper wanted for the murder of his ex-wife and her lover was finally collared by the police in Mindanao over the weekend.

Bernie Chavit, who wrote a column in the Central Luzon Times and reportedly a grandson of lawyer Homobono Adaza, was nabbed in the municipality of Buenavista, Agusan del Norte at 5 p.m. on Sunday by members of the Caraga Regional Intelligence Division (RID).

19 Feb 2013 - Overhaul looming at CDC

CLARK FREEPORT -- A major overhaul looms at the Clark Development Corp. (CDC) which runs this freeport, after all its 11 vice presidents and assistant vice presidents tendered “courtesy resignations” to give newly appointed president and chief executive officer Arthur Tugade a freehand after their appointments expire at the end of this month.

Some of the executives have already opted for irrevocable resignations, while others are in wait for the outcome of the CDC board meeting in the first week of March to know their fate.

19 Feb 2013 - UNA sweeps thru Pampanga today

ANGELES CITY -- Senatorial candidates of the United Nationalist Alliance (UNA) will sweep through four destinations in Pampanga today as part of their campaign sorties for the May elections.

The media office of UNA said the candidates are to assemble at Marquee Mall here at 7:30 a.m. today and then leave in a motorcade at 8 a.m. to the Angeles City market where they are to hold a boodle fight breakfast at 9 a.m.

18 Feb 2013 - Bulaon relocatees to get titles soon

PAMPANGA -- Thousands of relocatees at the Bulaon Resettlement Center here who were displaced during the onslaught of lahar in 1995 are bound to get their respective land titles soon.

It was learned about this over the weekend, after Governor Lilia Pineda, Mayor Oscar Rodriguez, Bulaon village chief Zenaida Bundalian and National Housing Authority (NHA) project manager Inez Gonzales conducted a dialogue with members of the Bulaon Resettlement Center Homeowners Association led by Jake Sawal regarding their queries about the land titles that have not been turned over to them the past years.

18 Feb 2013 - Guv sets programs for Pampanga gay community

PAMPANGA -- Governor Lilia Pineda is set to implement wellness and development programs for the gay community in Pampanga in a bid to empower the sector.

Pineda said she is very much interested in providing programs for the gay community through Rosas, which is a gay organization that originated in Sta. Rita town.

18 Feb 2013 - SM workers told: Protect, respect PWDs

ANGELES CITY -- An official from the National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA) has urged employees of SM City Clark to protect and respect persons with disabilities (PWDs), or persons with special needs.

Carmen Zubiaga, executive director of the NCDA and a person on wheelchair, said it is important for the mall employees to have knowledge on how to handle properly persons with physical and mental disabilities.

18 Feb 2013 - Porac town hosts 5th Farmers' Day

PAMPANGA -- Hundreds of farmers from this mountainside town attended the 5th Farmers Day event sponsored over the weekend by the Municipal Government, in coordination with Butil Farmers Party and the Provincial Government.

The event, aimed at providing an avenue to address farmers' issues here, was also a chance to give back farm-related assistance to farmers and farmer cooperatives given seeds, farm implements and other related inputs.

17 Feb 2013 - Traders eye 'growth' with road project

PAMPANGA -- Traders in Candaba said the completion of the Candaba-San Miguel road is a welcome development and is expected to bolster the town's economy in the coming years.

They said that for so long, Candaba has not achieved so much in terms of economic growth due to its geographic characteristics.

16 Feb 2013 - Clark locators deplore hot air balloon parking

CLARK FREEPORT -- Business locators inside the Industrial Estate 5 (IE5) or the Premiere Industrial Park in this freeport have raised serious concern on the plan to use the area as a parking lot for the coming Hot Air Balloon Fiesta.

The business locators especially SMK Electronics (Philippine) Corp. and Yokohama Tire Philippines, Inc. said dust that will surely be kicked-off into billows from the thousands of vehicles that will park in their area during the event will pose a serious problem for their factories which are “strictly controlled facilities.”

16 Feb 2013 - CDC president raffles off cash to Clark security, orders stop to wage increases

CLARK FREEPORT -- Bribery charges have surfaced against the head of the Clark Development Corp. (CDC) for reportedly raffling off a total of P20,000 in cash to personnel of the Public Safety Department (PSD) recently.

CDC President and CEO Arthur P. Tugade allegedly called the 211-man PSD personnel to a meeting during an impending strike of the Association of Concerned CDC Employees (ACCES) here recently and joined them for lunch in a “boodle fight.” All personnel were made to come including the employees on leave, according to a report.

16 Feb 2013 - New hospital icon of unity

PAMPANGA -- Local officials opened over the weekend the newly renovated Ricardo P. Rodriguez Hospital or Bulaon District Hospital.

Pampanga Governor Lilia Pineda, City of San Fernando Mayor Oscar Rodriguez, Bacolor Mayor Jomar Hizon opened the P15-million, fully equipped and state-of-the-art hospital at the Bulaon Resettlement Site.

15 Feb 2013 - Governor worried for Arnedo folk

PAMPANGA -- Governor Lilia Pineda said she is worried for the residents of San Simon following the decision of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to abandon the Arnedo Dike.

The governor said almost all the barangays here were located inside the Arnedo Dike, which is now deteriorating due to strong current of water from Pampanga River, particularly during rainy season.

15 Feb 2013 - Use of public schools in politics not illegal

ANGELES CITY -- Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan said the use of public schools for political activities is not illegal.

The mayor issued the statement in reaction to the comments of Congressman Carmelo Lazatin’s camp saying Pamintuan’s Partido Abe Kapampangan is illegally using public schools for political gatherings.

15 Feb 2013 - Binay lauds expanded anti-trafficking law

Vice President Jejomar Binay said Friday the Expanded Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act signed by President Benigno Aquino III will support the government’s efforts to be included in the Tier 1 listing of the United States’ Global Trafficking in Persons (GTIP) Report.

“I am very grateful that President Aquino supports our efforts to curb human trafficking in the country and I thank him for strengthening our laws against this menace,” Binay said.

15 Feb 2013 - Groups assert Geertman’s case as extrajudicial killing

ANGELES CITY -- Several groups asserted that the case of Dutch non-government organization (NGO) executive director Wilhelmus Geertman is not a case of robbery with homicide but an extra-judicial killing.

The organizations, namely, Alyansa ng mga Magbubukid sa Gitnang Luson (AMGL, Farmers’ Alliance in Central Luzon), Anakpawis Partylist-Central Luzon and Justice for Willem Geertman Movement (J4WGM), issued their joint statement in reaction to a resolution issued by the Office of City Prosecutor of the City of San Fernando, Pampanga dated December 27, 2012.

15 Feb 2013 - Lazatin hits ABE for using schools

ANGELES CITY -- Representative Carmelo Lazatin (1st district, Pampanga) has requested the Department of Education (DepEd) to investigate reports that the Partido Abe Kapampangan (PAK) of Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan is using public schools as venues for their political meetings and other events.

In a letter addressed to DepEd Secretary Armin Luistro, Lazatin revealed that he has received reports that PAK used the facilities of Pandan Elementary School, Sapalibutad Elementary School, and Northville Elementary School for their events, particularly their “bingo” games and formal political assemblies.

14 Feb 2013 - Ex-PhilHealth execs deny irregularities

PAMPANGA -- Former PhilHealth president Reynaldo Aquino and former senior vice president for operations Tito Mendiola denied reports of irregularities during their respective terms, saying these are merely "vicious tactics" of their political rivals.

Aquino, who attended the 18th year media thanksgiving event of the PhilHealth here, said all his programs and projects for the health insurance institution were all aboveboard.

14 Feb 2013 - Lawmaker: Wong’s accusations ‘pure politics’

PAMPANGA -- Representative Anna York Bondoc-Sagum labeled as "all politics" the accusation of Mayor Leonora Capule-Wong against her younger brother for alleged "credit grabbing" on various government-funded projects in San Simon.

She said instead of focusing their attention on the issue, the local government unit and her office should work together to ensure that much needed projects and programs be given to their constituents.

14 Feb 2013 - 180 couples say 'I Do' on Hearts’ Day

PAMPANGA -- Some 180 couples from across the third district towns of Bacolor, Mexico, Sta. Ana, Arayat and the City of San Fernando said “I Do” on Thursday in grand mass wedding rites officiated by Mayor Oscar Rodriguez at the Mini-Convention Center of Heroes Hall.

The “Kasalang Balen” is actually a part of “Kaganapan 2013” or the 12th Cityhood Anniversary of San Fernando, but was held here upon the request of Vice President Jejomar Binay, where the City Government partnered with the Home Mutual Development Fund or Pag-Ibig, for the tying of the knot of the couples.

14 Feb 2013 - Guv welcomes inclusion of Pampanga in top provinces

PAMPANGA -- Governor Lilia Pineda has welcomed the inclusion of Pampanga in the list of top 10 provinces in the Philippines in terms of economic and business growth.

Pineda said this is the result of the consolidated efforts of all the local government officials, with the full cooperation of the business sectors and other private groups.

14 Feb 2013 - PhilHealth coverage of Pampanga now at 86%

PAMPANGA -- The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation’s (PhilHealth) coverage of Pampanga beneficiaries now stands at 86 percent.

PhilHealth Branch A manager Arsenia Torres bared this during 18th anniversary celebration -- themed “Synergy for Universal Health Care” -- of the state-owned health corporation at its regional office, jived with “Heart to Heart with the Media” press conference and thanksgiving lunch.

14 Feb 2013 - DPWH to fund construction of Candaba-San Miguel road

PAMPANGA -- An official from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) said that some P111 million will be allocated for the construction of the Candaba-San Miguel road.

The road project includes the remaining 2.5-kilometer stretch to link the villages in the Kapampangan region of Candaba to the town proper, said Pampanga 1st Engr. Rico Guilas during a recent meeting with the Provincial Government.

14 Feb 2013 - Police now probing hijacking incident

PAMPANGA -- Police are now investigating a hijacking incident that occurred near the Cosmos Bottling Company in Barangay San Isidro, City of San Fernando.

Superintendent Ricardo David, city chief of police, said they are conducting an in-depth investigation on the incident, which allegedly involves an Isuzu Wing van (BVU-133) that was taken by unidentified armed men on Wednesday afternoon.

14 Feb 2013 - Holy Rosary Parish launches ‘I Love HRP Campaign’

ANGELES CITY -- The Holy Rosary Parish (HRP) is celebrating the Love Month with the launching of the “I Love HRP Campaign” on February 17 in all masses at the parish church, more popularly known as Pisamban Maragul.

The campaign is a creative way of getting parishioners to know their parish, appreciate their heritage and express their love through service.

14 Feb 2013 - Top cop orders police chiefs to be vigilant

PAMPANGA -- A ranking police officer has ordered his chiefs of police to be more vigorous and vigilant in operations conducted in their respective areas of responsibility, particularly this coming May 13 elections.

Senior Superintendent R’Win Pagkalinawan, Pampanga Police Provincial Office officer-in-charge, reminded his 21 police chiefs to intensify their efforts on police operations, such as implementation of search and arrest

13 Feb 2013 - LGUs hit for burning, dumping waste

ANGELES CITY -- An environmentalist here has assailed barangay and city officials who allowed the burning and dumping of waste at an illegal dumpsite in Barangay Cuayan here.

Sonny Dobles, an environmentalist and spokesperson of the Alliance for the Development of Central Luzon (ADCL), said that according to sources, garbage being dumped comes from several areas here and in nearby City of San Fernando.

13 Feb 2013 - Lazatin hits Pamintuan for politicking state anti-poverty program

ANGELES CITY -- Representative Carmelo Lazatin (first district, Pampanga) appealed to President Benigno Aquino III on Monday to look into reports that leaders from Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan's Partido Abe Kapampangan (PAK) have been scaring off his supporters to be removed as beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) if they continue to support him.

The 4Ps is a program initiated by the National Government through the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). It seeks to improve the lives of poor Filipino families by investing in the health and education of poor households, especially children between the ages of 0 and 14 years.

13 Feb 2013 - Pamintuan thanks Japanese for donating classrooms

ANGELES CITY -- Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan praised a Japanese organization after they turned over a newly constructed two-storey four-classroom building at Pineda-Gutierrez Elementary School in Barangay Tabun here.

After a series of meetings with Mother Laura Gertrude Seland Foundation in partnership with Japan's Overseas Development Assistance (ODA) and Rural Asia Solidarity Association (RASA) and Aichi Rescue, the classrooms that will house some 700 students of the elementary school were completed last December 2012.

13 Feb 2013 - Soroptimist Int'l of Magalang gets 'Best Volunteer' award

PAMPANGA -- The Soroptimist International of Magalang has been given the "Best Volunteer" (Panata Ko) Award by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) regional office for its continuous support to the promotion of the rights and welfare of women and girls, especially in difficult circumstances at Haven-Pampanga.

For more than 13 years now, the Soroptimist International of Magalang has provided skills training and regular sharing of resources; helped in tapping resources for the computer literacy program of the residents and for the conduct of medical and dental mission; and for its participation in other activities at the center that contributed to the upliftment of the well-being of the residents.

13 Feb 2013 - Biz strategist projects stable growth for 2013 economy

PAMPANGA -- BDO's Chief Market Strategist Jonathan Ravelas projected stable growth for the Philippine economy in 2013, with interest rates remaining low to encourage growth and peso to trade within the 39.50/43 range ending at P42 at year end.

Ravales, in a recent talk before members of the Pampanga Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PamCham), noted that the country's fiscal position would continue to improve with deficit remaining at 2.0 to 2.5 percent of GDP.

13 Feb 2013 - PCCI lauds PamCham for exemplary performance

PAMPANGA -- The Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCC) lauded the Pampanga Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc. (PamCham) for its consistent and exemplary performance that has propelled the chamber movement as a key factor in nation building.

PCCI president Atty. Miguel Varela, who spoke before PamCham's recent general membership assembly at the Clark Freeport, noted that "while relatively young, PamCham since its inception in 2003 has become a stalwart of the chamber movement" courtesy of its dedicated and committed leaders and members who have made the local chamber a highly respected business organization in North Luzon and the entire country.

13 Feb 2013 - Luciano to workers: Work harder for development

CLARK FREEPORT -- Clark International Airport Corporation (CIAC) President and Chief Executive Officer Victor Jose Luciano asked workers to work harder for the full development of the airport, which is now geared as the country's next premier gateway.

Luciano issued the statement during the celebration of CIAC's 18th anniversary.

12 Feb 2013 - Pampanga ranked top growth driver

PAMPANGA -- This privince is now among the country's leading growth drivers, after it was ranked by the University of Asia and the Pacific (UA&P) as among the top 10 provinces in the Philippines in terms of economic and business growth.

According to a study by Dr. Cid Terosa, UA&P School of Economics, titled “Market Potential and Prospects of Philippine Regions, Provinces and Cities,” Pampanga ranked sixth in the top 10 list, aptly described as “ahead of the pack,” with a rating of 0.3983 based on its index of economic and business activity in 2011.

12 Feb 2013 - DENR gives Pampanga P35M for reforestation

PAMPANGA -- The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in Central Luzon has allotted at least P35 million to intensify the reforestation of denuded forestlands and watersheds in Pampanga.

In a statement, DENR director for Central Luzon Maximo Dichoso said the department has earmarked a total of P357 million for Central Luzon alone, to boost the National Greening Program (NGP) of President Benigno Aquino III and further increase the forest cover of the region as primary shield against strong typhoons and flooding.

12 Feb 2013 - Ex-mayor faces graft before Ombudsma

PAMPANGA -- Mayor Arturo Naguit formally filed graft charges against former mayor Edgardo Flores of Minalin before the Office of the Ombudsman over the construction of the P7.9-million evacuation center in 2010.

In his complaint affidavit filed recently, Mayor Naguit said the center was constructed using public or government funds from the National Housing Authority (NHA) that were intended for the construction of an evacuation center for Minalin constituents.

12 Feb 2013 - Dredging of Pampanga River 43% done

PAMPANGA -- HE Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) said Monday that the P50 million dredging of the rivers in Pampanga Pasac-Delta is 43 percent finished.

The project involves Pampanga Pasac-Delta's 2,500 linear meters, completing at least 700 linear meters since the project started.

12 Feb 2013 - Kuliat Foundation to host 'museological' training

ANGELES CITY -- The Kuliat Foundation Inc. (KFI) will hold a “museological” training on March 12 at the Museo ning Angeles in a bid to provide museum handlers and cultural enthusiasts with proper museum practices.

KFI president Rosalie H. Naguiat said this one-day seminar presents practices in museums that are often neglected or overlooked.

12 Feb 2013 - City employees told: ‘Love your work’

PAMPANGA -- Hundreds of employees of the City Government of San Fernando were urged to enjoy their work and focus on enjoying it.

During the celebration of Employees Day here, which is a part of Kaganapan 2013, Mayor Oscar Rodriguez took off from where Fr. Dines Pineda ended in his homily during the Holy Mass at City Hall, advising the workers to stay focused and have faith in God.

11 Feb 2013 - DPWH: Bridge projects will be completed on time

PAMPANGA -- Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Regional Director Antonio Molano Jr. assured motorists and businessmen on Monday that the four bridges being constructed along west Jose Abad Santos Avenue from Bacolor to Lubao will be finished in June 2013.

Molano made the statement amid complaints of slow work, dust and ill-effects on businesses.

11 Feb 2013 - City of San Fernando Council named best in region

PAMPANGA -- The City Council here was named "Most Outstanding Sangguniang Panlungsod" in the provincial and regional levels under the component city category for three consecutive terms.

The 4th City Council headed by Vice Mayor Edwin Santiago received the award from 2006, 2009 to 2012. It also received the Hall of Fame from the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the Philippine Councilors' League (PCL).

10 Feb 2013 - Pamintuan, Lazatin vow peaceful, fair polls

ANGELES CITY -- Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan and Representative Carmelo Lazatin (1st district, Pampanga) and their respective political allies in the upcoming 2013 elections signed a peace covenant over the weekend at the Holy Rosary Parish Hall here, with each vowing to make the conduct of their respective campaigns here fair and peaceful.

Just before the signing, the Commission on Elections, Philippine National Police and sector groups here led the unity walk that toured major thoroughfares of this city and was joined by students and supporters of Lazatin and Pamintuan's Partido Abe Kapampangan.

10 Feb 2013 - Capitol spent P625 million for infra

PAMPANGA -- The Capitol, under the helm of Governor Lilia Pineda, has spent at least P625 million for various infrastructure projects in her 30 months in office.

Engineer Noli Pangan of the provincial engineering office, who spoke in behalf of the governor, reported this during the induction of the new officers of the Philippine Institute of Civil Engineers Inc. over the weekend at Fortune Seafood Restaurant in this city.

10 Feb 2013 - Bacolor scholars get P1M from Gonzales scholarship program

PAMPANGA -- Representative Aurelio Gonzales Jr. (3rd district, Pampanga) led Sunday the distribution of a P1-million assistance for 350 indigent college scholars here who are currently enrolled in various universities and colleges in Pampanga.

Gonzales held the distribution at the Bacolor Covered Court here, attended by hundreds of parents and student beneficiaries.

9 Feb 2013 - Motorists, bizmen hit DPWH for slow works

PAMPANGA -- Motorists and businessmen using the stretch of the Jose Abad Santos Avenue (Jasa) in San Fernando are complaining over the slow pace of construction of at least four bridges here, spawning long traffic and vehicular congestion.

Motorists and commuters are calling on the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to hurry construction and abide by their promise to finish the projects this 2013.

9 Feb 2013 - Council to make San Fernando IT hub

PAMPAGNGA -- The Information and Communications Technology Council of San Fernando is ready to transform the city as Central Luzon’s information and technology or “IT hub.”

Council president Jim Jimenez made the disclosure during the 1st City ICT Conference at Heroes Hall, where he said the council created by Mayor Oscar Rodriguez in 2007 is now initiating steps that will make the city a central technological hub with ready resources and an expert manpower pool of “techies.”

9 Feb 2013 - Magalang indigents get Philhealth cards

PAMPANGA -- Vice Governor Joseller “Yeng” Guiao and Gov. Lilia Pineda led the distribution of Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (Philhealth) membership cards to 360 indigents.

The Philhealth cards aim to provide families with the opportunity to avail of medical services in Philhealth-accredited hospitals and service providers here.

9 Feb 2013 - NTC partners with CL radio groups

PAMPANGA -- The National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with radio groups in Central Luzon for collaboration during calamities.

“We have agreed to work together in providing real time information of disaster occurrences to facilitate decision making and appropriate response action,” NTC Regional Director Azor Sitchon said.

8 Feb 2013 - More villages enroll in Star Barangay program

PAMPANGA -- Another batch of villages in the City of San Fernando has enrolled in the City Government’s Sukatan ng Tagumpay ng Aktibo at Responsableng Barangay, or Star Barangay program.

City Planning Officer Engr. Fernando Limbitco said the barangays of Telabastagan, Lara, Del Pilar, Quebiawan, Malino, San Nicolas, Pandaras, Baliti, Sta. Teresita, Pulung Bulu and Del Carmen are already being processed under the program’s “Masigasig” stage, or the initial phase of the localized version of the Performance Governance System (PGS).

8 Feb 2013 - Mayor hits congressional bet

PAMPANGA -- Mayor Leonora Capule Wong of San Simon lambasted Friday fourth district congressional candidate Juan Pablo Rimpy Bondoc for allegedly grabbing the credit on various government-funded projects.

She said the public deserves to know the truth about the details of the projects being carried out in the municipality and funded by the National Government.

8 Feb 2013 - Board member preps up gender, development plan

PAMPANGA -- Third district Board Member Trina Dizon said Friday that plans are underway for the implementation this year of Capitol’s Gender and Development (GAD) Plan.

Dizon convened and presided over a hearing of the Committee on Women, which was attended by representatives from various groups and sectors at the Provincial Board session hall to map up plans for the implementation of the Gender and Development Code, projected to leap-off the drawing boards in time for Women’s Month in March.

8 Feb 2013 - x

ANGELES CITY -- The Angeles University Foundation (AUF) has registered the highest passing rate among Physical Therapy (PT) schools in Central Luzon, based on the results of the recently concluded PT board examination.

AUF earned a passing rate of 78.57 percent for first-timers in the February 2013 Physical Therapy Licensure Examination, according to the Professional Regulation Commission.

8 Feb 2013 - Poll bets asked to take up reclamation issues

PAMPANGA -- National and local candidates running in the May 2013 elections are asked to take up the controversial issues surrounding the reclamation of coastal waters along Manila Bay.

In a press statement, Anakpawis party-list vice chairperson Fernando Hicap lamented that only a few candidates in the May 2013 midterm elections have taken up the reclamation issues in favor of small fisherfolk and coastal dwellers, while a huge number of candidates, including Manila Bay-based politicians, are not keen to discuss their views to the public.

8 Feb 2013 - Guns seized from village exec, trader

PAMPANGA -- Several high-powered firearms and assorted ammunition were confiscated from a barangay chairman and a businessman in two separate operations in Paniqui, Tarlac last Thursday.

Tarlac Police Provincial Director Alfred Corpus said personnel from Tarlac Provincial Public Safety Company raided the houses of Charles Chan, barangay chairman of Samput, and businessman Ruperto Monte, both of Paniqui town.

7 Feb 2013 - Guv seeks biz group’s ‘help’

CLARK FREEPORT -- Governor Lilia Pineda bared on Thursday her administration’s accomplishments in the last 30 months before officials and members of the Pampanga Chamber of Commerce Inc.

She also sought the assistance of the chamber in “showing the country and the whole world that Pampanga is peaceful,” contrary to the province’s being in the “watchlist” this coming May polls.

7 Feb 2013 - 6th Ibon-Ebon Festival kicks off today

A host of tourists, including Vice President Jejomar Binay and national officials are expected to grace this year’s 6th Ibon-Ebon Festival today in Candaba that capitalizes on the town’s migratory birds and rich agricultural sector for its tourism attractions.

Mayor Jerry Pelayo told that senators and wildlife tourists will grace the 2 p.m. opening at the Miss Earth Park here that will be highlighted by cultural performances, art exhibits and agricultural fare for tourists and local residents.

7 Feb 2013 - Sta. Ana’s most wanted man found dead

A notorious member of a robbery/hold-up gang who ranks No. 1 in the list of most wanted persons in Sta. Ana town was found dead in Barangay San Roque, Arayat town.

Chief Inspector Paul Gamido, chief of Police of Sta. Ana, identified the slain hood as Jose Sonny Lacanlale, 40, alias Biringkul, who was believed to have been summarily executed before he was dumped in that town.

7 Feb 2013 - New PamCham members, directors inducted

CLARK FREEPORT -- Twelve new members and the set of Board of Directors were inducted into the Pampanga Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc. (PamCham) during the group’s 41st General Membership Meeting at the Widus Convention Center in this freeport.

The new members who were sworn into the chamber by chairman emeritus Levy P. Laus and president Marco Antonio Jimenez include Arnold Manaloto of MDK Printing, Allen Laxamana of Bank of Makati, Jeff Pradhan of Peregrine Development International Incorporated, Peter Coyuito of First Life Financial Co. Inc., Jonathan Lintag of the City College of San Fernando, John Paul Miranda of Information Technology Business Solutions, Peter Henson of Kokoburi Restaurant, Amiel Aquino of Aquino Loans Assistance, Salvador Pantig of Bluecab Enterprises, Carlos Manalili of Sumisho Motor Finance, Armando Menta of Macrologic Diversified Industries, and Rey Maria Chumera of GHL Systems Philippines Inc.

7 Feb 2013 - Village leader condemns arrest of flyer distributors

ANGELES CITY -- An official of the Councilmen’s League of Angeles City (CLAC) has condemned the arrest and alleged harassment of 10 flyer distributors by personnel of Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan.

Roy Ogurida, Barangay Cutcut councilman and CLAC vice president, in a statement read on a local radio show, criticized the “Martial Law-like” arrest and reported physical harassment of 10 individuals on February 3 by personnel of the Angeles City Entertainment Promotion Office (ACEPO).

7 Feb 2013 - More pregnant women get free screenings

PAMPANGA -- Dozens of indigent pregnant women from various districts of Pampanga were taken to the Escolastica Romero District Hospital here to avail themselves of free pre-natal checkups and medicines, among other health services.

Governor Lilia Pineda said she would be sponsoring the cost for the caesarian section procedures of the women recommended to undergo such by government doctors.

7 Feb 2013 - Man arrested for robbing, raping ex-girlfriend

ANGELES CITY -- Nineteen-year-old suspect Jayvee Garcia was arrested by police operatives here after allegedly raping his former girlfriend in an urban barangay here.

Police reports reveal that the suspect allegedly robbed and raped his former girlfriend last February 4. The victim is a minor according to police reports.

6 Feb 2013 - San Fernando among top PH 'trailblazers'

PAMPANGA -- The City of San Fernando continues to make it to the roster as one of the most progressive cities, as it was named sixth among the country’s Top 20 Trailblazing Cities.

This was disclosed by Levy P. Laus, Pampanga Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc. chairman emeritus and Laus Group of Companies chairman and chief executive officer, who said the city was included in the list by the University of Asia and the Pacific Economic and Business Club.

6 Feb 2013 - Guards foil attempt to ‘sneak in’ drugs at jail

PAMPANGA -- Jail guards and intelligence agents of the City of San Fernando Police on Tuesday afternoon foiled an attempt by a suspected pusher and relative of an inmate to sneak in prohibited drugs inside the Pampanga Provincial Jail.

The suspected shabu (methamphetamine hydrochloride) and some cash was neatly concealed inside a toothpaste tube placed in a bag of groceries and toiletries.

6 Feb 2013 - Jasa footbridge hailed

PAMPANGA -- The newly opened P19-million pedestrian footbridge along Jose Abad Santos Avenue (Jasa) in San Fernando has been hailed for being the only one of its kind in the country.

“This is one of the best footbridges that I have ever seen,” Regional Director Antonio V. Molano Jr. of the Department of Public Works and Highways said, hailing the unique design of the new facility.

6 Feb 2013 - Guv eyes development thru education

PAMPANGA -- Governor Lilia Pineda expressed belief that sustainable development in the province could only be achieved when the people are educated.

Pineda said the demand for quality and affordable education for the Kapampangans is getting bigger.

6 Feb 2013 - Council approves Collective Negotiation Agreement

ANGELES CITY -- THE City Council approved a resolution supporting the Collective Negotiation Agreement (CNA) of the City Government and the Association of Government Employees for a New and Dynamic Angeles City (Agenda).

Councilor Jesus Sangil said the City Government and Agenda has a standing CNA effective for three years starting May 11, 2011.

6 Feb 2013 - Pelayo backs Nunag for PB post

PAMPANGA -- Mayors' League (PML) president Jerry Pelayo has backed the candidacy of Kenneth Nunag, who is now aspiring for a seat in the Provincial Board.

Nunag is a veteran public servant in Apalit town who has been elected as a member of the Municipal Council for three consecutive terms.

5 Feb 2013 - Bill converting Pampanga college into state university okayed

ANGELES CITY -- The Senate has approved on third and final reading its counterpart measure of the bill that seeks to convert Pampanga Agricultural College (PAC) into a state university.

The House of Representatives has been waiting for the Senate counterpart of the bill for ratification. The House version was authored by Representative Carmelo "Tarzan" Lazatin (1st district, Pampanga) and co-authored by Representative Juan Edgardo Angara (lone district, Aurora).

5 Feb 2013 - New footbridge along Jasa to be guarded

PAMPANGA -- The new footbridge along the midsection of Jose Abad Santos Avenue (Jasa) in Barangay Dolores San Fernando will closely be watched and guarded to safeguard its integrity and prevent unscrupulous parties from using it other than the purpose it was constructed for, officials said.

The world-class P19-million footbridge was formally opened Tuesday by Undersecretary Rafael Yabut and Regional Director Antonio Molano Jr. of the Department of Public Works and Highways, Mayor Oscar Rodriguez, Pampanga Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc. chairman emeritus Levy P. Laus and president Jim Jimenez, volunteer Engr. Marni Castro, City Administrator Ferdinand Caylao and other sectoral officials.

5 Feb 2013 - DENR alarmed over turtle threat to fishery

PAMPANGA -- Environment authorities here expressed alarm over the proliferation of turtles, which is now threatening the population of fish and other aquatic animals in Central Luzon region.

A growing population of the invasive Chinese softshell turtle (Pelodiscus sinensis), prompted Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) authorities to create a task force to look into the animal's distribution, feeding habits and reproductive characteristics.

5 Feb 2013 - Ex-village leaders hit Lazatin for black prop

ANGELES CITY -- An officer of the organization of former barangay officials has vehemently criticized Representative Carmelo "Tarzan" Lazatin (first district) for "continuously employing black propaganda, lies and deceit."

Pepito Julian, president of the Cooperative of Former Barangay Officials of Angeles City and former chairman of Barangay Mining, said "it is another product of dirty politics Lazatin has employed in desperation over his impending and irreversible defeat come May 13, 2013 mid-term elections."

5 Feb 2013 - Ravales to lead PamCham economic briefing

PAMPANGA -- Chief Market Strategist Jonathan L. Ravelas of Banco De Oro Unibank Inc. will lead the economic briefing of the Pampanga Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PamCham) on February 7 at the Widus Covention Center inside Clark Freeport.

Ravales will keynote as part of 41st General Membership Meeting and induction of new members and officers of the chamber that is expected to be attended by hundreds of members of PamCham from all over the province.

4 Feb 2013 - Mayor 'orders' arrest of flyers distributor thru text: Rival

ANGELES CITY -- Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan has allegedly ordered the arrest of 10 individuals distributing flyers of a joint affidavit of village officials hitting the mayor for the job order employees issue here.

Pamintuan denied, however, such move, saying the camp of his rival, Representative Carmelo Lazatin, is becoming so desperate that it is resorting to all sorts of tactics to boost their “sagging image.”

4 Feb 2013 - Lazatin supporters file raps vs Pamintuan personnel

ANGELES CITY -- Ten individuals, who are supporters of Representative Carmelo Lazatin, have filed illegal arrest and physical injuries against personnel of Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan.

Lazatin's supporters were arrested and allegedly harassed and threatened by Pamintuan's allies and men led by Jesse Eres, head of the Angeles City Entertainment Promotion Office (Acepo).

4 Feb 2013 - Girl from New York crowned Miss Mabalacat City

MABALACAT CITY -- A New York-schooled lass has been crowned Miss Mabalacat City last Sunday, during an elaborate coronation night that was not only star-studded but also presented the most impressive 17 finalists ever in the pageant's long history.

An aspiring commercial model and nursing student Arlyn Anunciacion from Barangay San Francisco here was crowned the first-ever Miss Mabalacat City, seven months after the town's conversion into a component city of Pampanga.

4 Feb 2013 - Mayor, DOST forge pact for disaster preparedness

ANGELES CITY -- Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan recently forged a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) for the installation of automatic rain gauges (ARG) that will help the city in its disaster preparedness program.

Pamintuan expressed support to the project and guaranteed the help of the City Government for the installation and safekeeping of the ARG.

3 Feb 2013 - Allied courses in DHVTSU eyed to serve local needs

PAMPANGA -- Mayor Joselito Naguit of Sto Thomas said Monday that he will ask the Don Honorio Ventura Technological State University (DHVTSU) to offer courses that will serve the needs of local industries and sectors in the fourth district.

He said this would greatly help in the full development of industries here that require skilled graduates in the areas of management and entrepreneurship.

3 Feb 2013 - Board member pushes for ‘Public Health Act’ approval

PAMPANGA -- Third district Board Member Monina Laus said Monday that she is pushing for the approval of the "Public Health Act."

This came as she expressed optimism that the same will get approved on the first quarter of this year.

3 Feb 2013 - Dentists celebrate Dental Health Month

PAMPANGA -- The Philippine Dental Association (PDA) Pampanga Chapter has started the "Dental Health Month" celebration in a simple ceremony held at the Provincial Capitol on Monday.

Dr. Josemarie Sandico, PDA-Pampanga Chapter president, said the celebration is aimed at strengthening public awareness on the importance of good oral health.

2 Feb 2013 - New poet laureate crowned

Pampanga has a new poet laureate in the person of Januario “Naring” Maniago from Bacolor.

Maniago was crowned Poet Laureate by Romeo Rodriguez and Mayor Jomar Hizon during the commemoration of the 146th birth anniversary of the first Kapampangan poet Juan Cisostomo Soto on Friday.

2 Feb 2013 - 3 more campuses to rise in Pampanga

PAMPANGA -- Governor Lilia Pineda is now looking at setting up at least three more satellite campuses of the Don Honorio Ventura Technological State University (DHVTSU) in Pampanga to effectively provide access to affordable education to the indigent students of the province.

And with the current state of finances of the Provincial Government, Pineda said the province can even afford to open five satellite campuses if the need arises.

2 Feb 2013 - Social service mission for pregnant women held

PAMPANGA -- Vice Mayor Larry Trinidad and Gov. Lilia Pineda led the town-wide medical mission for pregnant women here, as part of the Provincial Government’s initiative of combating child and maternal deaths in the province.

Trinidad told that close to 150 pregnant women from all over the town availed of free medicines, vitamins and pre-natal checkups at the Dr. Emigdio Cruz, Sr. Memorial District Hospital (formerly Arayat District Hospital) in Barangay Lacquios attended by Board Members Olga Frances “Fritzie” David-Dizon, Trina Dizon and Monina Laus.

2 Feb 2013 - 6 Rob Gang Suspects nabbed

ANGELES CITY -- Six alleged members of the dreaded “Dan Muslim Gang,” involved in armed robbery, carnapping, and house burglaries in Central Luzon, were arrested by police before noon on Thursday in Balibago, Angeles City.

Chief Inspector Cleoncio Senense, Pampanga Criminal Investigation Detection Team (CIDT) chief, identified the arrested as Gerardo A. Reyes, 39; Philip E. Roque, 37; Reynaldo M. Manalang, 49; and Oliver N. Arsadon, 32, all of Porac town; Bobby A. Costal, 42, of Mabalacat City; and Jolito delos Reyes, 45, of Angeles City.

2 Feb 2013 - Pampanga river cleanup seeks record as world’s biggest

PAMPANGA -- Aspiring to set a Guinness world record, the city government in this Pampanga capital mobilized 20,000 volunteers on Friday for what it dubbed the biggest waterways cleanup in the country.

Volunteers from the city government, regional government offices, military and police, students and out-of-school youth, senior citizens and workers from private companies were sent to a 17-kilometer stretch of the San Fernando River and its tributaries to chart the record-breaking feat, according to Michael Quizon Jr, officer in charge of the environment and natural resources office (Enro) here.

2 Feb 2013 - 'Neighborhood watch’ eyed vs criminality

PAMPANGA -- Police authorities in Pampanga are planning to create a barangay and community-based “neighborhood watch” in the province to help curb criminality.

Pampanga Provincial Police Director R'win Pagkalinawan, in a dialogue with this city's homeowners association, said “peace and order is not the sole responsibility of the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the local government units but of the entire community.”

1 Feb 2013 - Angeles City allocates P6.5 million for scholars

ANGELES CITU -- The City Government of Angeles has allotted a total of P6.5 million for scholars this 2013.

The funds will be used on tuition and miscellaneous fees of existing and new scholars, both at the City College of Angeles and several private universities and colleges.

1 Feb 2013 - Quarry collections reach P26 million

PAMPANGA -- Quarry revenues in 2013 opened P6-million higher than collections the same month in 2011 when it was posted at P20.3 million, and a bit more than the income of P25.8 million in January 2012 as it was recorded at P26.2 million this month.

Documents obtained from the Provincial Government Environment and Natural Resources Office (Penro) showed that the 30-day collection of P26,215,000 last January -- which brought total revenues from quarry operations to P675,997,500 -- was a clear indication of the growing demand of Pampanga's quarry materials.

1 Feb 2013 - Guv to buy loose firearms

PAMPANGA -- An army general suggested to Governor Lilia Pineda on Thursday to buy loose firearms to prevent groups from using them in unlawful activities.

Brigadier General Gregorio Pio Catapang Jr., commander of the 7th Infantry (“Kaugnay”) Division, said the campaign against the proliferation of unlicensed firearms was intensified as part of the continuing effort of the government to ensure the holding of safe and fair elections next year.