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Balibago News Sep-2013

30 Sep 2013 - San Fernando starts new traffic scheme

PAMPANGA -- The City Government of San Fernando on Monday started implementing an improved parking and traffic scheme, initially by ridding the front of city hall of parked government vehicles.

The move, according to Mayor Edwin Santiago, is to avoid traffic snarl, congestion, enhance safety of pedestrians and give the city market and local traders maximum exposure.

30 Sep 2013 - Fernandinos to decide on lifting of tricycle moratorium

PAMPANGA -- Fernandinos and other stakeholders will decide on October 2 whether or not the three-year moratorium on tricycle operations in the city should be lifted or not.

Councilor Ayzel Mary Grace Macalino, chair of the City Council's committee on transportation and communications, will preside over the 9 a.m. public hearing at the mini-convention of Heroes Hall in this city, the first of an expected series of public discussions regarding a proposed ordinance "lifting the moratorium on the issuance of permit to operate on tricycles operating as public convenience within the territorial jurisdiction of the City of San Fernando."

30 Sep 2013 - Dialogue on land dispute ongoing

PAMPANGA -- Porac Mayor Condralito Dela Cruz said Monday they are maintaining open communication with protesting members of the Aniban ng Nakakaisang Mamamayan ng Hacienda Dolores (Aniban) and the LLL Holdings and FL Properties and Management Corp. on the subject of the land dispute in Hacienda Dolores.

Board Member Mike Tapang, for his part, said members of the Municipal Council of Porac moved to call for cessations of hostilities, while there is yet no final decision on the case.

29 Sep 2013 - Casino at Clark padlocked twice

CLARK FREEPORT -- A casino operating at the Oxford Hotel here has remained shut down after it was recently padlocked twice on the same day for alleged failure to pay dues.

The government- owned Clark Development Corp. said it padlocked Monday last week the hotel’s Princess Casino operated by the Community Gaming and Amusement Network Inc. (CGANI) for its failure to pay some P103 million worth of dues.

29 Sep 2013 - Father, son pilot AirAsia in rare historic flight

CLARK FREEPORT – A father and son team of Philippines’ AirAsia (PAA) piloted an Airbus A-320 Clark-Davao- Clark flight at the Clark International Airport (CIA) here today.

Considered “rare” in the airline industry, Capt. Ronaldo V. Cunanan, 64, who will be retiring in November, accompanied his son Daniel “Elmo,” 24, on his first flight as co-pilot of the Airbus A-320.

28 Sep 2013 - P100-M Pandan Road works get green light

ANGELES CITY -- Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan said Friday that he has given his nod to the P100-million widening of the Pandan Road, which stretches from the rotunda along MacArthur Highway in the vicinity of Barangay Sto. Cristo up to the bridge in Barangay Pulung Maragul.

He said he has met with officials of the Department of Public Works and Highways to iron out "kinks" in the project.

28 Sep 2013 - 571 barangays under ‘election areas of concern’

PAMPANGA -- At least 571 barangays in Central Luzon out of the 3,102 have been classified as “election areas of concern” in the forthcoming October barangay elections.

This was revealed during a meeting of the Regional Joint Peace and Security Coordinating Council (RJPSCC) by the Regional Operations and Plans Division-3 last Wednesday.

28 Sep 2013 - Petrasanta is new PRO3 chief

PAMPANGA -- Chief Superintendent Edgardo Ladao, after almost two years' tour of duty as Police Regional Office-3 (PRO3) director, will finally be relieved from his assignment.

Chief Superintendent Raul Petrasanta, chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP) Firearms and Explosive Division (FED) based at Camp Crame in Quezon City, will be installed as the new PRO3 director.

28 Sep 2013 - Outstanding Angelenos to be honored

ANGELES CITY -- Angelenos who have distinguished themselves and brought pride to the city will be honored during Angeles City’s 50th cityhood anniversary in January 2014, with celebrations starting this December.

In a breakfast forum with media over the weekend, Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan announced that already, some 28 outstanding Angelenos have been qualified for the honor roll.

28 Sep 2013 - Rural banks federation holds relief operation

PAMPANGA -- The Pampanga Federation of Rural Banks, Inc. (PFRB) on September 13 held a relief operation for victims of the recent southwest monsoon and tropical storm Maring in Moras de la Paz, Sto. Tomas town.

The association, as part of its corporate social responsibility program, gave grocery packs to 200 families in the area, and was assisted by the barangay chairman and admin officers of the Sto. Tomas town.

27 Sep 2013 - Cunanan: My conscience is clear

PAMPANGA -- Technology Resource Center (TRC) Director General Dennis Cunanan said his conscience is clear and he has nothing to do with the processed with the agency 2007 to 2009 allegedly funded by priority development assistance funds (PDAF) of members of Congress.

"I would like to assure the Office of the Ombudsman and the authorities that I have no plans of evading the charges against me as my conscience is clear," Cunanan said, during a meeting with newsmen in Clark Freeport Friday.

27 Sep 2013 - Angeles to use underground cable system

ANGELES CITY -- Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan said Friday that the City Government, the Angeles Electric Company and various telecommunications firms have agreed to use the underground cable system initially at the Heritage Zone at the city proper.

"The concerned parties and the City Government have initially agreed in our recent meeting to use the underground cable system using a technology which is somewhat costly but is effective and safe. We will start with the Heritage Zone and then gradually move further, to finally eliminate the unsightly wires," he said during a breakfast forum with media men.

27 Sep 2013 - Drug pusher nabbed in Magalang

PAMPANGA -- A suspected drug pusher was arrested in Magalang town during a buy-bust operation, the provincial police office said.

Senior Superintendent Oscar Albayalde, Pampanga police director, identified the suspect as Noel Naquit, 42, a resident of San Nicolas, Magalang town.

27 Sep 2013 - Gun ban starts Saturday

PAMPANGA -- The provincial office of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) said the implementation of the election gun officially starts Saturday, September 28, and will last until November 12.

Lawyer Lydia Pangilinan said that carrying firearms, including hiring security personnel, in public is prohibited the 45-day election period.

27 Sep 2013 - Hundreds flock to San Fernando job fair

PAMPANGA -- Hundreds of new graduates and unemployed flocked Friday to the first job fair under the administration of Mayor Edwin Santiago.

The job fair, held at the atrium of City Hall here, offered more than 1,000 opportunities for local and overseas employment, said City Employment Services Office (CESO) manager Donny Sayre.

26 Sep 2013 - NGCP schedules power interruption

PAMPANGA -- The National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) announced that there is scheduled power interruption Saturday in several municipalities in the fourth district under Pampanga III Electric Cooperative, Inc. (PELCO III).

NGCP served a notice of the scheduled shutdown of transmission facilities of PELCO III in some parts of Pao, Apalit and Macabebe substations.

25 Sep 2013 - HAU renews health coverage of teachers, employees

ANGELES CITY -- Despite the ongoing union strike, Holy Angel University (HAU) has renewed its health/hospitalization insurance for all regular faculty and employees plus two dependents until September 15, 2014.

The chosen insurance provider, Medocare Health Systems Inc. provides every HAU regular faculty/employee plus dependents (spouse, children under 26 years old, parents under 66 years old) the amount of P110,000 per illness per member per year, which means a family of three can potentially get maximum coverage amounting to P330,000 for one illness. If they get hospitalized again for another illness in the same year, they get another coverage of up to P330,000, until the next illness.

25 Sep 2013 - Police: Massacre work of gun-for-hire

PAMPANGA -- The massacre incident at L&S Subdivision, Barangay Telabastagan, City of San Fernando was a handy work of a gun-for-hire.

"With the style of the killings, we could say that the suspects are professional gun-for-hire," the task force said.

25 Sep 2013 - Tesda Specialista Desk now in Tarlac

TARLAC CITY -- The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (Tesda) has opened its hub at the Robinsons Mall in Hacienda Luisita, Barangay San Miguel this city.

This was learned Wednesday from Tesda-Tarlac provincial director Belinda Labutong.

23 Sep 2013 - Lone massacre survivor dies

PAMPANGA -- The lone survivor in last Friday's massacre at the L & S subdivision in Barangay Telabastagan, City of San Fernando died early Monday morning while undergoing treatment at the Sacred Heart Medical Center in Angeles City.

Senior Superintendent Oscar Albayalde, Pampanga police provincial director, said Nicolas Edejer, 42, head of the Edejer family, died around 5 a.m. Monday.

23 Sep 2013 - Calls for justice pour for Edejer family

PAMPANGA -- Friends and ordinary netizens have called on police operatives to bring to justice the suspects behind the death of the Edejer family and three others, who were shot by unidentified armed men in their house at L & S Subdivision in Barangay Telebastagan San Fernando last Friday.

Nicolas Edejer, 42, and his wife Corazon, 47 and son Kenneth Nolan, 19, were shot in their residence last Friday, along with three house helpers and a masseuse.

23 Sep 2013 - Disaster office intensifies monitoring due to bad weather

PAMPANGA -- The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) said Monday it is intensifying its monitoring efforts following the heavy downpour in the province since last weekend.

In a report, PDRRMO chief Angelina Blanco said the local officials in Minalin town, in coordination with the provincial government, spearheaded a sandbagging activity along the Sta. Rita Taildike.

23 Sep 2013 - San Fernando among pilot areas for ‘My First Job’

PAMPANGA -- The City of San Fernando will join the cities of Taguig and Quezon, as well as the municipality of General Trias in Cavite as pilot areas for "My First Job."

The project directed towards employment facilitation for inclusive growth (EFIG) will be implemented next month through the concerted efforts of the Asian Development Bank and Canadian International Development Agency, in cooperation with the Department of Labor and Employment and the Public Employment Services Office (Peso) of the involved local government units.

23 Sep 2013 - PCEDO releases P46M to NKPP beneficiaries

PAMPANGA -- The Provincial Cooperative and Entrepreneurial Development Office (PCEDO) on Monday bared that some P46 million has been released to the beneficiaries of the Negosyo King Panyulung Program (NKPP).

PCEDO head Mamerto Gatus said the program already catered to 6,000 beneficiaries all throughout the province.

22 Sep 2013 - New hospital rates put ‘on hold’

PAMPANGA -- The Provincial Board passed a resolution putting on hold or suspending the implementation of "exorbitant" rates at the Jose B. Lingad Memorial Regional Hospital (JBLMRH), and called for a review if the medical facility "violated rules and procedures" in increasing its fees.

The Department of Health (DOH) Regional Office will also create a task force to review the billing system and the reported "exorbitant rates" at the said hospital.

22 Sep 2013 - San Fernando to become highly urbanized city

PAMPANGA -- Third district Representative Oscar Rodriguez disclosed over the weekend that he has set the ball rolling at the 16th Congress for the conversion of the City of San Fernando from being a component city to a highly urbanized one.

Rodriguez, who chairs the House of Representatives' committee on good government and public accountability, said the conversion is a pre-requisite for it to become a lone district.

22 Sep 2013 - Parish to HAU: Settle conflict

ANGELES CITY -- The Holy Rosary Parish (HRP) has called on Holy Angel University to settle its labor conflict with protesting members of the Holy Angel University Teachers and Employees Union (HAUTEU) to finally end the disturbance caused by the non-resolution of the case.

The labor strike, which has been raging for more than a month, was brought about by the demands of the HAUTEU for increases in their salaries and benefits from the HAU's tuition increases in the last three years. The HAUTEU members set up picket lines around the university which is situated near Holy Rosary Parish church, which is among the biggest in church attendees in the city.

22 Sep 2013 - Angeles village cited for good governance

ANGELES CITY -- A barangay in this city was cited for good governance and anti-corruption practices in a book titled "Husay Balangay" compiled and published by the Local Government Academy (LGA), in cooperation with the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) and other agencies.

Barangay Santo Cristo was one of the 32 barangays all over the country highlighted in the book for best practices on good governance to further improve the delivery of basic service in their respective communities.

22 Sep 2013 - Exec asks CCA to stop tuition fee collection

ANGELES CITY -- A City Councilor here is calling for the halt in the collection of tuition fee at City College of Angeles (CCA).

Councilor Carmelo Lazatin Jr., during a session last September 17 at Lewis Grand Hotel, filed a proposed ordinance amending the CCA's charter.

21 Sep 2013 - 6 dead in massacre

PAMPANGA -- Six persons were killed while another remains in a critical condition when shot by unidentified armed men in their house at L & S Subdivision in Barangay Telebastagan, City of San Fernando around 6 p.m. Friday.

Acting Pampanga Provincial Police Chief Oscar Albayalde identified the fatalities as milkfish trader Corazon Salas-Edejer, 47; Kenneth Nolan Edejer, 19; stay-in staff Nelson Dominico, 17; a female househelp identified only as Kakay, 27, of Sapang Bato, Angeles City; another househelp Teresita Lansangan-Camiling, 40, of Magalang town; and Benigno “Bong” Villanueva Ingar Jr., 52, of Balibago, Angeles City.

21 Sep 2013 - Body retrieved from house of suspected drug pusher

PAMPANGA -- Combined police operatives retrieved the body of a missing man from a septic tank located at one of the houses of a suspected drug pusher who was nabbed over the weekend, police said.

Senior Superintendent Oscar Albayalde, Pampanga police director, identified the suspect as Jesus Herreros Bartolo alias Boy Bartolo, 56, of Purok 7 in Barangay Magsaysay, Guagua town.

21 Sep 2013 - HAU management, workers urged to resolve row

PAMPANGA -- The Department of Labor and Employment (Dole) Central Luzon office has stepped into the month-long dispute between the management of Holy Angel University in Angeles City and the Holy Angel University Teachers and Employees Union (HAUTEU).

In an emergency social dialogue attended by officials of the HAUTEU, HAU, HAU Parents-Teachers Association (PTA), and HAU Student Council (HAUSC) and more than 50 HAU college and high school students, Dole Regional Director Raymundo Agravante, who initiated the talks, said that it is time the contending parties come up with an amicable settlement for the sake of students, parents and the school community.

21 Sep 2013 - FilChi to donate building for Betis woodcraft skills training

PAMPANGA -- The Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc. (FFCCCII) and the San Fernando Filipino-Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc. (SFFCCII) though president Eddi Chua has approved the construction of a classroom building here that will help in the propagation of traditional woodcraft training here.

The move is in response to the request of San Fernando Archbishop Paciano Aniceto, backing the request of the Mandukit Anluagi Ning Sta. Ursula (Masu) and local officials here for a training facility for woodcraft skills that will benefit students and out-of-school youth.

20 Sep 2013 - Education summit held

PAMPANGA -- The City Government of San Fernando on Friday spearheaded an education summit at Heroes Hall in response to the urgent and critical need to improve the quality of basic education.

Together with Department of Education officials led by City Schools Division Superintendent Esperanza Laya, were heads and representatives from the Department of Labor and Employment, Commission on Higher Education, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, teachers, students and other allied stakeholders gathered for the whole day summit themed "Reaching Out and Building a Better Community."

20 Sep 2013 - Police prepare for barangay, SK polls

PAMPANGA -- The Pampanga police office is now preparing to ensure that the upcoming synchronized Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) Elections on October 28 will be safe and orderly.

Senior Superintendent Oscar Albayalde, Pampanga police director, said they will implement a campaign against loose firearms, service of warrants and intensified checkpoint operations.

20 Sep 2013 - PRO-3 distributes 50 new firearms

PAMPANGA -- A total of 50 brand new Glock 17 pistols were distributed to Philippine National Police (PNP) personnel assigned in different provincial and city police offices in Central Luzon.

The firearms were handed to cops Friday morning at the Regional Logistics and Research Development Division (RLRDD) inside this camp.

20 Sep 2013 - Mall guard commended for honesty

PAMPANGA -- SM City San Fernando Downtown's mall manager Lana Erroba commended security guard Raymond Guzman for showing trustworthiness in returning the wallet of a sales engineer.

Billy John Pineda, a sales engineer from Minalin town, accidentally lost his wallet in front of SM City San Fernando Downtown’s mall entrance last September 14, 2013.

19 Sep 2013 - BWSI: Our water is clean

ANGELES CITY -- Officials of the Balibago Waterworks Systems Incorporated (BWSI) led a ceremonial drinking of water on Thursday to show a group of consumers that they only serve clean and potable water.

A group of residents belonging to the Samahang Taga-Balibago Nang Adhikain Ay Kalugusan (Sabak) earlier aired complaints about BWSI’s “dirty water” and dared the water firm’s officials to “drink their own water”.

19 Sep 2013 - Fernandinos laud Oca on natal day

PAMPANGA -- Private-sector representatives lauded on Thursday Rep. Oscar Rodriguez (3rd district, Pampanga) for his good governance practices and advocacies to put Pampanga on the development track.

During a simple breakfast birthday celebration at Heroes Hall, businessman Rene Romero said that Rodriguez “opened the doors to the private sector’s participation and governance.”

19 Sep 2013 - Guv reiterates benefits of PPP

CLARK FREEPORT -- Governor Lilia Pineda reiterated on Thursday to local officials gathered for the “Convergence of Pampanga Legislators” in this Freeport the benefits of public-private partnerships or PPP.

During the “convergence” branded as the first ever of its kind in the country, Governor Pineda said that PPPs “ensure the efficient and effective implementation programs and projects of local government units, particularly those focused on health.”

19 Sep 2013 - Kabalen’s Somalia visit featured on US TV

PAMPANGA -- George Samson, the Kapampangan Chief Executive Officer of World Medical Relief Inc. (WMRI), was recently featured in a leading US television network for risking life in an outreach mission to strife-torn Somalia.

Titled “Mission of Mercy in Danger Zones,” the four-minute news feature was first aired a few days ago on Detroit’s Channel 4 (WDIV, also known as “Local 4”), an affiliate of US television giant National Broadcasting Company (NBC).

19 Sep 2013 - CSF choir wins 4th place in CSC chorale tilt

PAMPANGA -- The City Choir of the City Government of San Fernando won 3rd runner-up in the 2013 Civil Service Commission National Government Choral Competition held at the University of the Philippines (UP) Theatre in Diliman, Quezon City recently.

The 29-member City Choir composed of city hall employees was selected as one of the eight finalists of the group singing contest and was among 18 regional contenders nationwide. The competition is one of the major activities lined up for the 113th Philippine Civil Service Anniversary (PCSA).

19 Sep 2013 - EdPam receives hospital beds from AUFMC

ANGELES CITY -- A total of 30 hospital beds were handed-over to Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan by the Angeles University Foundation Medical Center (AUFMC) led by Atty. Emmanuel Angeles during a turnover ceremony held at the university’s Santa Barbara Campus in Barangay Ninoy Aquino here.

The bed donations will complement the rooms of the soon-to-rise city hospital annex building.

19 Sep 2013 - Japanese minister visits Clark Freeport

CLARK FREEPORT -- The Yokohama Tire Philippines Inc. (YTPI) hosted the assemblage of 11 foreign dignitaries from Japan recently headed by Ichita Yamamoto, Minister of State for Okinawa and Northern Territories Affairs.

It has been reported that the minister’s purpose of visit is to inspect and learn from the Philippines’ conversion of former US military and naval bases for civilian use.

19 Sep 2013 - Tarlac's 1st model police station inaugurated

Tarlac -- Shortly after the celebration of 142nd birth anniversary of General Francisco Macabulos held at the Tarlac Police Provincial Office, a newly constructed model police station -- the very first in the province --located along Namkwang Road, Barangay Abagon this town, was inaugurated.

Provincial Police Director Alfred Corpus, guests and other participants trooped to this town to witness the said inauguration rites.

18 Sep 2013 - Guv wants competent hospital employees

PAMPANGA -- Governor Lilia Pineda instructed the chiefs of the provincial and 10 district hospitals to evaluate the capabilities and competency of their employees to ensure the quality of service of the Capitol-operated medical institutions.

In a meeting, the governor instructed the Provincial Health Officer (PHO) Marcelo Jaochico and Human Resource Management Officer (HRMO) Amelia Bondoc to evaluate again the employees in hospitals especially health care personnel like the nurses, pharmacists, medical technicians and doctors.

18 Sep 2013 - DHVTSU prexy appointed to 2nd term

PAMPANGA -- The first president of the Don Honorio Ventura Technological State University (DHVTSU), the only state university of Pampanga, has been reappointed to a second term by the university's board of regents.

Dr. Enrique G. Baking, whose first term ends in January 2014, got the board's unanimous approval during its special board meeting held at the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) last Tuesday for a second term which ends in 2018.

18 Sep 2013 - Lack of funds hampers barangay elections

PAMPANGA -- The upcoming barangay elections in the province is now being hampered by lack to funds, Commission on Elections (Comelec) officials said Tuesday.

Lawyer Lydia Pangilinan, provincial election supervisor, said only P1.17 billion has been allocated for the conduct of the 2013 barangay elections, which is not enough to cover expenses.

18 Sep 2013 - Angeles mayor lauds villages for outstanding performance

ANGELES CITY -- Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan recognized exceptional villages for their achievements in local justice system, peace and order, and innovative governance as cited by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) during the city hall’s regular Monday flag raising rites.

After being chosen as Angeles’ best lupon for two consecutive years, Barangay Lourdes Northwest (LNW) represented the city in the 2012 and 2013 regional Best Katarungang Pambarangay - Lupong Tagapamayapa Incentives Award (LTIA).

18 Sep 2013 - Students benefit from immunization program

PAMPANGA --Some 1,450 students from the Bahay Pare High School in Candaba here benefited Wednesday from an adolescent vaccination program by the Department of Health (DOH).

Julieta Laurente, school principal, said the project was made possible with the Department of Education and the assistance of the local government unit.

18 Sep 2013 - New Capitol radio program goes on-air

PAMPANGA -- Capitol's new radio program, “Luid Ka, Pampanga!” officially went on air Wednesday over KBP Golden Dove awardee DwRW 95.1 FM in this city.

The debut program featured Jason Samban of the Provincial Government Environment and Natural Resources Office, discussing issues on concerns regarding Pampanga's solid waste management program.

18 Sep 2013 - PhilHealth Express Center soon at SM City Pampanga

PAMPANGA -- A PhilHealth Express satellite office will soon open at SM City Pampanga.

This was gleaned after SM Supermalls recently signed a Memorandum of Agreement with the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) for the opening of satellite offices at the Government Service Centers in selected SM malls.

17 Sep 2013 - Police: 62 villages ‘critical’ for poll-related incidents

PAMPANGA -- The Police Provincial Office (PPPO) said Tuesday that at least 62 barangays in the province have been identified as "critical" or areas of concern in relation to the upcoming barangay elections in October.

Senior Superintendent Oscar Albayalde, acting police provincial director, revealed this figure during a command conference attended by mayors, chiefs of police and concerned barangay captains.

17 Sep 2013 - Greener environment seen with water-based bonsai

ANGELES CITY -- The inventor of an indoor water-based plant launched an exhibit here at the Angeles City Hall to promote his groundbreaking invention that aims to promote a greener and healthier environment at a minimal cost.

Edwin Dela Torre, inventor of the water-bonsai technology, presented his idea to the Angeles City Sped Center during their celebration of the National Disability Prevention and Rehabilitation Week.

17 Sep 2013 - NCIP raises doubts over creation of Aeta task force

CLARK FREEPORT -- The National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) expressed reservations over the proposed creation of a task force that would oversee and implement "peace and order" inside the ancestral domain at Clark’s Sacobia Valley.

NCIP Regional Director Ronaldo M. Daquioag said he is not aware of any existing law that would support the proposed creation of the "Task Force Mata" by the Mabalacat Aeta Tribal Association (Mata), led by its president Robert L. Serrano.

17 Sep 2013 - Guv lauds donor for land

PAMPANGA -- Governor Lilia Pineda on Monday lauded and thanked Kapampangan Dr. Rolando R. Buan, a resident of Wisconsin in the United States of America, for donating one hectare of land where the P10-million Mabalacat City College extension at Barangay Dapdap will rise.

The donation was facilitated by the Hausland’s Fiesta Communities headed by its president, Willie Tan.

17 Sep 2013 - Youth officials ‘takeover’ city hall

PAMPANGA -- "It is important to mold my fellow youth to be leaders at a young age because this will allow our fellow students and Fernandinos make a better City of San Fernando."

Thus said Youth city mayor Jude Paolo Bognot from Pampanga High School as he urged his fellow youth officials to work well in governing the city, side by side with Mayor Edwin Santiago and the 5th City Council headed by Vice Mayor Jimmy Lazatin.

17 Sep 2013 - Angeles crafts executive-legislative agenda

ANGELES CITY -- Local government officials here headed by Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan and Vice Mayor Vicky Vega Cabigting formulated the city's executive-legislative agenda (ELA) and Capacity Development Agenda (Capdev) setting, which will serve as the city's roadmap for development in the next three years.

Those who attended Tuesday's crafting of ELA and Capdev held at Lewis Grand Hotel are members of the City Council, department and office heads of the City Government representatives from different non-government organizations and other city stakeholders.

17 Sep 2013 - 2nd Puregold Fun Run set on September 18

ANGELES CITY -- The 2nd Puregold North Fun Run for a Cause is set on September 18 here and its proceeds are expected to benefit indigent families and senior citizens in Angeles City.

Focal person Arlon Lacson said the event will be participated in by 16 Puregold stores as far as Balanga, Bataan and Harbor Point in Subic.

17 Sep 2013 - SM Pampanga, Clark to give jobs to elderly

PAMPANGA -- For six months starting this October, senior citizens will have the opportunity to showcase their skills, talents and competence as SM City Pampanga and SM City Clark will hire them for casual and part-time work assignments corresponding to their competence.

Light and non-exhausting jobs in the mall like front-line positions with no cash responsibilities, greeters at the mall entrance, female room assistants and cinema ticket booth guides await senior citizens aged 60 to 70 years old for the six-month contract under SM Malls and SM Cares’ "Senior Citizen Community Service Program."

16 Sep 2013 - 2 killed, 9 injured in NLEx mishap

PAMPANGA -- Two passengers, including an elderly, were killed while nine others were seriously wounded over the weekend when the bus they were riding skidded and hit the perimeter fence along Kilometer 68 in the Barangay Del Carmen-San Fernando portion of the North Luzon Expressway (NLEx).

City of San Fernando police and NLEx officials identified the fatality as 77-year-old Eugenia Baltao-Cabrera of Project 8, Quezon City, who was with a still unidentified victim when the Isuzu bus (AVC-342) registered under Viron Transit figured in the mishap around 2 p.m. Friday amid heavy downpour.

16 Sep 2013 - Capitol welcomes initiative on dairy industry in Pampanga

PAMPANGA -- The Provincial Government welcomed the proposal of the National Dairy Authority (NDA) to start a dairy industry in the province.

Governor Lilia Pineda said the Capitol, through the provincial veterinary office (PVET), will support the initiative as it is expected to create economic opportunities beneficial to every Kapampangan.

16 Sep 2013 - Mabalacat college to establish satellite campus

MABALACAT CITY -- The City Government, in cooperation with the Provincial Government and Hausland Realty Corporation (HDC) and Department of Education (DepEd), is set to establish a satellite campus of the Mabalacat City College in Barangay Madapdap here.

The project will be implemented under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP), said Mayor Marino Morales.

16 Sep 2013 - No overcharge on traders’ seminar fee: health execs

ANGELES CITY -- Health officials here belied reports that they are overcharging the seminar fee to businessmen who are set to attend the “Basic Food Safety Certification Course” scheduled this month.

Allan Cunanan, chief of the Environmental Health Services Division of the City Health Office (CHO), clarified that the P2,500 seminar fee will cover the participants’ snacks (morning and afternoon), lunch, training materials, manual, handouts and certificate of attendance.

16 Sep 2013 - Tarlac City to use ‘e-Trike’ soon

TARLAC CITY -- Mayor Ace Manalang has considered the Department of Energy's (DOE) proposal to use electronic tricycles to reduce carbon emission and give convenience to the riding public, particularly in this city.

Manalang said using this kind of transport vehicle is a potential factor in increasing the income of tricycle operators and drivers, because it is battery operated.

16 Sep 2013 - DENR conducts lumber inventory

MABALACAT CITY -- The Department and Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in Central Luzon has ordered the immediate inventory of lumber stocks, logs and flitches of over 400 furniture shops and sash factories in the entire region.

The move is aimed at monitoring the wood industry’s compliance with President Aquino’s Executive Order 23, which calls for a moratorium on the cutting and harvesting of timber in natural and residual forests.

15 Sep 2013 - Fire in Fields Avenue

ANGELES CITY -- A Neon sign in front of Club Asia caught fire in the evening.

The fire could be detained and extinguished without further damage to nearby buildings.

15 Sep 2013 - Support for HAU strike doubles up

ANGELES CITY -- Members of the Holy Angel University Teachers and Employees Union (Hauteu) said that support for their ongoing labor strike has doubled, even as the group plans to hold a bigger rally in front of Holy Angel University (HAU) at 4 p.m. Monday to call on the school administration to give in to the demands of its employees.

The Hauteu also said that HAU is still unbending toward the demands of the protesters.

15 Sep 2013 - AirAsia suspends Clark flights

CLARK FREEPORT -- The Philippines’ AirAsia has announced the suspension of its flights to Davao, Kalibo, Taipei and Hong Kong from Clark International Airport effective October 9, 2013.

Clark-Hong Kong flights, however, will resume from December 20, 2013 to January 6, 2014 to cater to the demands of the Christmas holidays.

15 Sep 2013 - Board to approve calamity code soon

PAMPANGA -- A comprehensive calamity code with specific provisions on climate change will soon be approved by the Provincial Board, said the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (PDRRMO) chief Angelina Blanco.

She said the initiative may be considered remarkable, being the first in the country to integrate concerns on climate change affecting peoples’ lives.

15 Sep 2013 - Sinukwan fest to highlight Pampanga culture, traditions

PAMPANGA -- The 16th Sinukwan Festival set November 22 to November 23 this year promises to highlight more of Pampanga’s culture and traditions, aside from showcasing the resiliency of Kapampangans amid calamities.

Officials of the Foundation for Lingap Kapampangan Inc. or FLKI (formerly the Save Pampanga Movement), the group behind the renowned festival of dances, cuisine, crafts and talent, disclosed this over the weekend.

15 Sep 2013 - Kapampangan group works to keep ancient script alive

PAMPANGA -- A Kapampangan group is doing what schools and other institutions have failed to do in advancing the cause of the Kapampangan language -- stepping up efforts to propagate the ancient Kapampangan writing script "Kulitan."

Jayvie Aybome, one of the organizers, said they are now conducting school training sessions to teach younger Kapampangans about their native script and at the same time encourage the use of the Kapampangan language.

14 Sep 2013 - Clark Green City: Next PH metropolis

CLARK FREEPORT -- A top official of the Bases Conservation and Development Authority (BCDA) on Friday described the Clark Green City as "Smart, Green and Global," and projected it to be the next Philippine Metropolis after Bonifacio Global City.

This was gleaned during the 42nd General Membership Meeting of the Pampanga Chamber of Commerce and Industry held at the Widus Convention Center, Clark Freeport, where BCDA president and CEO Arnel Paciano D. Casanova, presented to PamCham the Master Development Plan of the Clark Green City.

14 Sep 2013 - Board asks DPWH to ‘schedule’ projects

PAMPANGA -- The Provincial Board’s committee on public works on Friday urged the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and its attached agencies to coordinate with each other on the schedule of projects being implemented in various areas in Pampanga.

During a hearing at Capitol, public works committee chairman Board Member Ricardo Yabut stressed that the non-coordination and timing mismatches of projects cause inconvenience to Kapampangans, as well as disruptions in businesses.

14 Sep 2013 - Police launch manhunt vs suspected robber

PAMPANGA -- Police authorities have launched a manhunt operation against one of the four suspects who shot and wounded a project engineer during a robbery in front of San Fernando Elementary School in Barangay Sto. Rosario, City of San Fernando last Thursday.

In a text message, Senior Superintendent Oscar Albayalde, Pampanga police director, said one of the four suspects who carted away P245,000 from Pedro Navarro, a project engineer, has been identified by witnesses.

14 Sep 2013 - Maniago wows mall-goers at SM Pampanga exhibit

PAMPANGA -- Master portrait artist Rafael Maniago once again wowed mall goers at SM City Pampanga during his art exhibit over the weekend that presented the best of his most award-winning works in a rare public exposition.

Maniago, 60, who has carved a niche in the local art scene here and in the United States, is best known for his use of vivid colors and unique abstract and impressionist styles that he uses in rendering lifelike portraits and still-life images.

13 Sep 2013 - Central Luzon police troops sent to Zamboanga

PAMPANGA -- Some 120 troopers from the Regional Public Safety Battalion (RPSB) were sent to Zamboanga City to augment government forces handling the ongoing crisis there.

Chief Superintendent Edgardo Ladao, Police Regional Office-Central Luzon director, said RPSB personnel are among the elite forces skilled with tactical and combat trainings.

13 Sep 2013 - Clark airport prepares for long-haul flights

CLARK FREEPORT -- The Clark International Airport is preparing for the long-haul flights of Emirates Airlines and Qatar Airways next month.

This came despite the temporary suspension of Air Asia Philippines’ local and international flights, according to Clark International Airport Corporation (CIAC) president Victor Jose Luciano.

13 Sep 2013 - San Fernando sets Alay Lakad 2013

PAMPANGA -- The City Government of San Fernando has set its annual Alay Lakad or Walk for a Cause 2013 on November 22.

During a press conference and turn-over of the walk for a cause banner to the 2013 executive committee chaired by private sector representative Engr. Emer Feliciano at Heroes Hall, it was disclosed that the Alay Lakad Foundation is looking at once again raising some P500,000 in donations in an attempt to support more scholars and livelihood projects for the youth under the program.

13 Sep 2013 - DSWD lauded for elders’ pension

PAMPANGA -- Families of a group of senior citizens here lauded the regional office of the Department of Social Welfare Office (DSWD) for the assistance they received from the National Government.

"Nagpapasalamat po kami sa pamahalaan lalu na sa mga taga DSWD dito sa atin na pinangungunahan ni Director Adelina Apostol. Malaking bagay po ang tulong na kanilang ibinigay sa aming mga magulang," Luisina Delos Santos, a granddaughter of one of the beneficiaries here stated.

13 Sep 2013 - Engineer shot, robbed

PAMPANGA -- An engineer was shot and robbed of P245,000 by four motorcycle-riding criminals near the gate of the San Fernando Elementary School in Barangay Santo Rosario, City of San Fernando Thursday.

Pedro Navarro, 43, a project engineer and a resident of Barangay Concepcion, Mexico town, withdrew the cash from and Land Bank of the Philippines Dolores branch before the incident.

12 Sep 2013 - Pamintuan Mansion soon to be ‘museum’

ANGELES CITY -- The National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) said the Pamintuan Mansion will be converted into a museum that will showcase the ingenuity and craftsmanship of Filipinos, and will feature a collection of local photographs, artworks, artifacts and the culinary expertise of the Kapampangans.

NHCP Chairperson Maria Serena Diokno said the Pamintuan Mansion will be called the "Museum of Philippine Social History."

12 Sep 2013 - Cops bust Bonnet Gang

PAMPANGA -- Two motorcycle-riding men who are allegedly members of the notorious Bonnet Gang were caught by elements of the Sta. Rita police on Tuesday, reports said.

Senior Inspection Michael Masangkay, this town's chief of police, identified the suspects as Noel Bondoc Garcia, 31, of B26 Resettlement Area Barangay Palmayo; and John Lee Labrador De Ausen, 30, from Barangay Apalit, both in Floridablanca town.

12 Sep 2013 - Police arrest 2 fake mediamen

PAMPANGA -- Two men posing as media practitioners from a local paper in the province were arrested by police authorities, after trying to extort money from a barangay official here.

Superintendent Johanna Ponseca-Rosales, this town's police chief, identified the suspects as Jaime Pareño Jr., 68, and Crisanto Cepcon, 53, both residents of Sta. Lucia Resettlement Center in Magalang town.

12 Sep 2013 - Development councils mulled as venues for NCF

PAMPANGA -- The Regional Development Council (RDC) of Central Luzon on Wednesday approved a resolution containing a proposal and recommendations on using the development council system as alternative venue for project identification under the New Congressional Fund (NCF) concept.

During the 14th Reconstitution Meeting of the RDC at the Social Action Center of Pampanga in this city, members of the council discussed the initial national pronouncement on the new system replacing the priority development assistance funds of lawmakers, the development council system, previous attempts at the synchronized planning-programming-budgeting system, legal bases of economic planning and how to implement the recommendations.

12 Sep 2013 - Romero, Alvarado up for RDC helm

PAMPANGA -- Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc. vice chairman Rene Romero and Bulacan Governor Wilhemino Sy Alvarado have been officially nominated to the chairmanship and co-chairmanship of the Central Luzon Regional Development Council or RDC III.

During the 14th RDC’s reconstitution meeting at the Social Action Center of Pampanga on Monday, Romero, who is also the chairman of the Central Luzon Competitiveness Council, was voted through secret balloting as the official representative of the private sector, while Alvarado was unanimously chosen to represent the government sector.

12 Sep 2013 - Suspected drug pusher killed in Sta. Ana

PAMPANGA -- A suspected drug pusher was gunned down by unidentified armed men in Barangay San Roque, Sta. Ana town last Tuesday.

In a belated report here, the police identified the fatality as one Oscar Lacanlale Jr., 38, a resident of the said barangay.

11 Sep 2013 - Board to hospital: Explain patient’s death

PAMPANGA -- The Provincial Board's committee on health ordered on Wednesday the management of Romana Pangan Hospital in Floridablanca to submit no later than September 13 official documents, certified true copies of charts, medical findings and sworn statements related to the case of Aichelle Mitch Lopez who died at the hospital last August 16 due to dengue.

"Everyone in the hearing, doctors, nurses and hospital staff, including the mother of the victim, April Joy Calma Lopez and her relatives, has been under oath. For us to properly weigh the circumstances in aid of legislation, we must review all the documents and testimonies so the Provincial Board in plenary could make the necessary recommendations and dispositions immediately," Board Member Crisostomo Garbo, who heads the committee.

11 Sep 2013 - Video of parents’ ‘walk out’ at HAU meeting goes viral

ANGELES CITY -- A video of an alleged "walk out" of parents posted on the Facebook page "We Support Hauteu", a page supportive of the Holy Angel University Teachers and Employees Union (Hauteu), has gone viral after parents allegedly walked out of a meeting inside Holy Angel University on Monday.

It was not yet clear what caused the alleged walk out, but the Facebook page claimed the incident was due to "certain reasons.

11 Sep 2013 - WWF-PH, BPI assess Angeles business adaptability to climate change

ANGELES CITY -- The World Wide Fund for Nature-Philippines (WWF-Ph), together with the Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) Foundation held a business risk assessment through a scenario building exercise Wednesday that tackled envisioned possibilities and opportunities for the city within the context of climate change.

The workshop/conference was attended by representatives from the government, the academe, business sector and other civic groups in a whole day affair at the Hotel Vida Tent, Clark Freeport Zone, Pampanga.

11 Sep 2013 - DOH, DA hold media advocacy workshop on rabies awareness

PAMPANGA -- The Department of Agriculture (DA) and Department of Health (DOH) spearheaded the other day a media advocacy workshop on rabies awareness and prevention held at the Otel Apartelle, Lazatin Boulevard in this city.

The event, according to the organizers, was aimed at enjoining regional and provincial media support in properly communicating relevant messages on rabies elimination and prevention, and responsible pet ownership in the context of risk communication.

10 Sep 2013 - Breached taildike closed

PAMPANGA -- The breached portion of Sta. Rita Taildike has already been closed for the safety of the people, town officials said.

Mayor Edgar Flores said they had done their share, with the help of various officials supporting the "Save Minalin Movement", to strengthen the damaged portion of the taildike.

10 Sep 2013 - BCDA to consider climate change in SCTEx bridge plan

CLARK FREEPORT -- Officials of the Bases Conversion Development Authority (BCDA) will consider climate in the design of the new Pasig-Potrero Bridge along the Subic Clark Tarlac Expressway (SCTEx).

BCDA president Arnel Casanova issued the statement during the opening of the Bailey bridge Clark/Porac segment of the expressway. The old bridge was destroyed by strong water currents brought about by tropical storm Maring last August 19.

10 Sep 2013 - ‘Dual Airport’ program gets AOC nod

CLARK FREEPORT -- The Airline Operators Council (AOC) expressed support to the government's plan to develop both Clark International Airport (CIA) in Pampanga and the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) in Metro Manila under the "Dual Airport" program.

"The AOC supports the principle of the 'Dual Airport' movement in the island of Luzon. We have always expressed concern that the Ninoy Aquino International Airport has reached its maximum capacity with the increasing number of passengers annually," the council stated.

10 Sep 2013 - DA hosts agro-aqua trade fair for farmers’ products

PAMPANGA -- The Department of Agriculture (DA), through its Agribusiness Division here, launched the first "Barangay Food Terminal Agri-Aqua Fair" on Monday at the DA-RFOO3 Compound Grounds to showcase farmer produce to the public.

Attending the opening were Regional Technical Director for Operations Crispulo Bautista, Regional Technical Director for Research and Extension Jennilyn Dawayan, barangay food terminal (BFT) operators, private enterprises and DA employees.

10 Sep 2013 - Senior citizens get pension

PAMPANGA -- The Candaba Municipal Government on Tuesday distributed monthly pensions to some 192 senior citizens held at the Ms. Earth Park in Barangay Mandasig here.

Each of them received support from the municipality amounting to at least P500 per month.

10 Sep 2013 - Maniago to display art at SM Pampanga this September

PAMPANGA -- Master portrait artist Rafael Maniago is set to provide a rare public glimpse of the best of his painting and portrait pieces in a display exhibit at SM City Pampanga Annex 3 from September 13 to 15.

The prolific Maniago, who has been credited for his ability to mimic scenic landscapes and illustrate and paint through different styles and genres, will display 26 of his best portraits and paintings.

9 Sep 2013 - CDC bonuses ‘legal’

CLARK FREEPORT -- The Performance-Based Incentives (PBIs) released to Clark Development Corporation (CDC) officials are "in accordance with applicable laws, rules and regulations."

The CDC maintained that the amount of the PBI that were released to some of its Board of Directors and other officials is in line with GCG Memorandum Circular No. 2012-14 or the Interim Performance-Based Incentive (IPBI) system for appointive Directors/Trustees of GOCCs covered by Republic Act 10149.

9 Sep 2013 - 3 brothers killed in ambush

PAMPANGA -- Three farmers were killed while two others were seriously wounded when they were shot by still unidentified gunmen a few meters away from their house in Ape St., Barangay Sta. Maria in this town Saturday evening, police said.

Chief Inspector Paul Gamido, town police chief, identified the fatalities as brothers Rodel Romero, 46; Angelito, 39 and Pedro, 33, of Barangay Sta. Maria of the said town.

9 Sep 2013 - Pampanga agri hardest hit in Central Luzon

PAMPANGA -- Some 5,241 rice farmers in Pampanga were hit hard by the recent calamities in Central Luzon, the Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation (PCIC) said.

Losses in Pampanga's agricultural sector amounted to more than P22 million, with 7,335 hectares submerged in floodwaters.

9 Sep 2013 - Mabalacat, Magalang indigents get PhilHealth cards

PAMPANGA -- Residents of Mabalacat and Magalang towns received Monday Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) cards as part of the Capitol's initiative to bring health coverage to poor Kapampangans.

Governor Lilia Pineda urged beneficiaries to take care of their health cards for future use.

9 Sep 2013 - Students get financial aid from Capitol

PAMPANGA -- The Provincial Government on Monday distributed financial assistance to some 574 Kapampangan students.

Governor Lilia Pineda said education would provide the capitol scholars better edge in improving their condition of living in the future, including that of their respective families.

9 Sep 2013 - Flood victims get aid

PAMPANGA -- Some 341 Kapampangan families affected by floods spawned by the recent southwest monsoon received over the weekend relief assistance from the Department of Labor and Employment (Dole) Central Luzon Office and its partner tripartite groups.

Dole-Central Luzon extended aid to 103 families from Barangay Bebe Anac in Masantol, 114 families from Barangay Saplad in Minalin, and 113 families from Barangay Sto. Niño in Sto. Tomas.

9 Sep 2013 - Town commends police chief for illegal drugs campaign

PAMPANGA -- Chief Inspector John Clark has been commended by Mayor Annette Balgan for the town's police chief's accomplishments in the anti-illegal drugs campaign in Macabebe.

Clark was presented his certificate of commendation before town officials and employees Monday after the morning ceremonies.

8 Sep 2013 - NFA-Pampanga: No rice shortage

PAMPANGA-- The National Food Authority (NFA) in Pampanga said Saturday that the public need not panic as there is no rice shortage in the province.

"We have enough rice and palay stocks in our warehouses," said NFA Pampanga Manager Elvira Obaña during her recent visit in Candaba town with officials of the Department of Agriculture.

8 Sep 2013 - SCTEX Bailey Bridge opens Sept. 10

CLARK FREEPORT -- The Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) announced the opening of the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEx) Bailey Bridge that will allow motorists to pass through the Clark-Porac portion of the freeway.

BCDA President Arnel Paciano D. Casanova said the Bailey Bridge will be open to traffic at 2 p.m. Tuesday, September 10.

8 Sep 2013 - Mayor asks for probe into Clark mud flow

MABALACAT CITY -- Mayor Marino Morales asked the Clark Development Corporation (CDC) to look into reports that soil erosions at an ongoing construction site is causing mud flow that silts waterways leading to this city.

The mayor at the same time asked government agencies, especially the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), to evaluate the ongoing golf course and leisure park construction inside the Freeport.

8 Sep 2013 - Students laud Capitol, board member for educational assistance

PAMPANGA -- Some 100 students from the fourth district towns of Sto. Tomas, Minalin, Macabebe, Masantol, Candaba, Apalit and Masantol thanked Governor Lilia Pineda and Board Member Nestor Tolentino for giving them the opportunity to study and a chance at a decent life.

Tolentino extended P2,500 each, or a total of P250,000, in educational financial assistance to the students under his “Be a Scholar Today and Become a Leader Tomorrow” program on Friday at the Capitol.

7 Sep 2013 - San Fernando activates sanitation teams

PAMPANGA -- The City Government of San Fernando recently activated the Barangay Sanitation Brigades or BSBs to combat diseases acquired from dirty places.

Some 80 volunteers from the city's 35 barangays are part of the BSBs, which encourages Fernandinos to participate in community-based clean-ups drives, street-sweeping, declogging of canals and proper solid waste management.

7 Sep 2013 - Clark locator holds feeding program at Angeles school

ANGELES CITY -- The undernourished children of the Pineda-Gutierrez Elementary School here are the beneficiaries of the Yokohama Tire Phils., Inc. (YTPI)’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) program, which involves a supplemental feeding program starting from September 4 until November 26, 2013.

Trainees from Yokohama Rubber Co. (YRC), YTPI’s mother company, and Yokohama India (YIN) also participated in the event by immersing with the locals, helping feed the children, and distributing giveaways.

7 Sep 2013 - Truck hijacked by own driver

PAMPANGA -- Police are now hunting down a driver who hijacked a truck loaded with assorted construction materials over the weekend.

Lyndon Ong, 30, of the City of San Fernando reported to police authorities that his yellow Isuzu Elf truck (WEU-600) driven by Aurelio Abajo, 27, of Barangay San Isidro, Bacolor town failed to return to his store.

6 Sep 2013 - City to extend aid to villages for MRFs

PAMPANGA -- The City Government of San Fernando is willing to extend assistance to private villages and subdivisions in the creation of their very own materials recovery facilities (MRFs).

This was disclosed Friday by Mayor Edwin Santiago, who said the City Government could give P50,000 worth of materials to initiate the MRFs and help in solid waste management.

6 Sep 2013 - Mayor lauds seminar for OFWs

PAMPANGA -- Candaba Mayor Rene Maglanque recently welcomed the delegation of the Provincial Action Center for OFW Concerns (Pacoc) and Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) as they conducted values orientation and leadership seminar for Kapampangan OFWs here.

He said he was happy to note that the Provincial Government through Governor Lilia Pineda is looking into the needs and welfare of the Kapampangan overseas Filipino workers.

6 Sep 2013 - 4 drug peddlers nabbed

PAMPANGA -- Four suspected drug pushers were arrested in a buy-bust operation conducted by the town police on Wednesday.

Superintendent Henry Flores, Guagua police chief, said elements of the Municipal Drug Enforcement Unit conducted an anti-illegal drug operation at Barangay San Miguel Betis, which resulted to the arrest of Nico John Del Pilar, 23; Dillon Badio, 24; Jerome Magtubo, 25; and Rolly Gonzales, 30.

6 Sep 2013 - Candaba residents get cash from 4Ps

PAMPANGA -- Thousands of indigent Candaba residents on Friday received cash grant from the national government through the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) under Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps).

Records show that some 4,093 residents were identified as poorest of the poor as a result of the National Household Targeting System for Poverty Reduction (NHTS-PR) carried out by the national government.

5 Sep 2013 - SCTEx bailey bridge complete by mid-September

PAMPANGA -- Joint teams in charge of the construction of a bailey bridge connecting the Pasig-Potrero Bridge in Porac to the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEx), damaged during the height of the southwest monsoon, will be completed by middle of this month.

The construction is jointly undertaken by teams from the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).

5 Sep 2013 - P220-M slashed from DA-3 budge

PAMPANGA -- The Executive Regional Director of the Department of Agriculture (DA) in Central Luzon said Thursday that the budget for the region has been slashed by at least P220-million.

Andrew Villacorta, DA executive regional director, said the deducted budget will be taken against the farm mechanization program previously implemented at the beginning of President Benigno Aquino III's administration.

5 Sep 2013 - Fishermen urged to register with BFAR

CLARK FREEPORT -- The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) has launched its fishermen registration program in Central Luzon during a ceremony at the Hotel Stotsenberg here Thursday.

More than 700 fisherfolk from the region attended the two-day event dubbed National Program for Municipal Fisherfolk Registration (FishR), which also includes a training of project implementers.

5 Sep 2013 - Lazatin proposes creation of housing development fund

ANGELES CITY -- Councilor Carmelo Lazatin, Jr., filed a proposed ordinance seeking appropriation of funds for housing development.

The Housing Program Funds Allocation Ordinance calls for the mandatory allotment 10 percent of the City Government's total annual budget for housing programs for the city’s urban poor.

5 Sep 2013 - Yokohama to host tree planting event

CLARK FREEPORT -- Yokohama Tire Philippines, Inc. (YTPI) will conduct another tree-planting event dubbed the Forever Forest 6, on October 12, 2013 at 6 a.m. within its plant facility at West Plant expansion area.

YTPI, in a statement, said that more than 3,000 seedlings mostly grown from the company's greenhouse are prepared to be planted for Forever Forest 6 project. These seedlings are an addition to the existing 24,700 trees planted from Forever Forest 1 to Forever Forest 5.5.

4 Sep 2013 - Green group blames DPWH for falling trees

MABALACAT CITY -- Environmentalists blamed the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) for the falling acacia trees along the MacArthur Highway, one of which had crushed a car with a family on board.

Cecile Yumul, a broadcaster and head of the Save the Trees Coalition, said the accident in Barangay Mabiga was not the fault of the trees.

4 Sep 2013 - DA distributes palay seedlings

PAMPANGA -- The Department of Agriculture (DA) on Wednesday turned over more than 550 sacks of palay seedlings directly to farmers whose rice fields were submerged in floodwaters.

The distribution was spearheaded by Agriculture Undersecretary for Operations Dante De Lima, Regional Director Andrew Villacorta and other employees of the department.

4 Sep 2013 - Residents laud relief caravan

PAMPANGA -- Flood-affected residents here and in Candaba town lauded the Provincial Government for conducting a relief distribution caravan headed by the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO).

PDRRMO head Angie Blanco and her team distributed some 2,435 packs of the relief goods to flood stricken residents upon the instruction of Governor Lilia Pineda and Vice Governor Dennis Pineda.

4 Sep 2013 - Kapampangans expats to celebrate canonical coronation anniversary of patroness

PAMPANGA -- Kapampangans and other Filipino expatriates here will host their own version of the 57th Canonical Coronation Anniversary of the image of Virgen delos Remedios, in line with the Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary on September 8.

The Ritenians of Southern California (expatriates who come from Sta. Rita town in Pampanga) in cooperation with the Apostolate of Virgen de los Remedios are sponsoring this year’s event.

3 Sep 2013 - Probe on death of dengue patient set September 10

PAMPANGA -- The Pampanga Provincial Board has set for September 10 its probe on the negligence charges against personnel of Romana Pangan District Hospital in Floridablanca town over the death of a four-year-old dengue patient last month.

The investigation will be led by first district Board member Crisostomo Garbo, who heads the committee on health of the Provincial Board.

3 Sep 2013 - San Fernando boosts anti-dengue drive

PAMPANGA -- Amid the rising threats of dengue, which accompanies the rainy season, the City Government of San Fernando has strengthened its drive and implemented added measures to fight the deadly illness.

Mayor Edwin Santiago, who led an inspection of several barangays in this city Tuesday, said the City Government led by the City Health Office is conducting simultaneous sanitation and clean-up drives to prevent any possible outbreak.

3 Sep 2013 - CDC officials hit for P4.4M bonus

CLARK FREEPORT --- Directors of the Clark Development Corporation (CDC) reportedly received P4.4 million in performance-based bonuses for 2012, an issue assailed by some rank-and-file employees of the state-owned firm.

This was gleaned from documents together with a statement from an anonymous letter sender (apparently an employee of CDC), who revealed that some of the directors received as high as P700,000 each.

2 Sep 2013 - CIAC exec: ‘Clark is now the airport of the North’

CLARK FREEPORT -- Clark International Airport Corporation (CIAC) president Victor Jose Luciano said during the Tourism Forum Road Show in Baguio City over the weekend, that "Clark is now the airport of the North."

He addressed participants in the twin presentations at the Rose Bowl Restaurant and Azalea Residences dubbed as "Connecting BLISTT (Baguio, La Trinidad, Itogon, Sablan, Tuba, and Tublay) to Clark-The International Gateway," spearheaded by Regional Director Purificacion Suanding-Molintas of the Department of Tourism-Cordillera Administrative Region.

2 Sep 2013 - Floods leave P341M in damage to crops

PAMPANGA -- The heavy rains and flood caused by the recent southwest monsoon have affected some 33,154 hectares of farmlands and left P341.3 million worth of damage to crops in the Central Luzon.

The Department Agriculture (DA) said some 13,850 rice farmers were affected besides corn, cassava and livestock posting damages of P4.3 million, P 2.2 million and P 1.7 million, respectively.

2 Sep 2013 - Board members urge schools to include martyr’s history in curriculum

PAMPANGA -- Two members of the Pampanga Provincial Board are set to author a resolution seeking to include the history and martyrdom of General Maximino Hizon in the curriculum of public elementary and high schools in the province.

On Sunday, Capitol officials led by 1st district Board member Cherry Manalo and 4th district Board member Ricardo Yabut hosted the 112th death anniversary celebration of the Kapampangan hero, attended by descendants of the martyred revolutionary.

2 Sep 2013 - Layug trains students in art of woodcarving

PAMPANGA -- Presidential medal of merit awardee for ecclesiastical art Maestro Wilfredo Layug is now training 66 students from the Escuela Taller Intramuros, in a bid to keep the traditional woodcarving art alive.

The two-month training is part of a partnership with Escuela Taller Intramuros that has brought in the students for the program. The 66 students are mostly elementary graduates coming from the underprivileged sector of the community.

2 Sep 2013 - OFW family lauds PACOC

PAMPANGA -- The family members of an Overseas Filipino Worker who was arrested in Malaysia lauded the Provincial Action Center for OFWs Concerns (PACOC) for providing them needed assistance.

Albert Yabut was apprehended by Malaysian authorities more than 15 days ago for overstaying and working there without a visa.

2 Sep 2013 - Dole wants more ‘lactating rooms’ in workplaces

CLARK FREEPORT -- The Department of Labor and Employment Central Luzon Office has urged companies and firms in the region to put up more lactating rooms for working mothers pursuant to Republic Act 10028 or the "Expanded Breast Feeding Act of 2009."

The Dole on Monday held an orientation in cooperation with the Clark Development Corporation and attended by some 40 nurses, health practitioners and 30 locators from this Freeport.

2 Sep 2013 - Gapan councilor, wife survive attack

PAMPANGA -- A city councilor, his wife and their companion survived an attack reportedly perpetrated by four armed men inside their residence in Barangay Malimba, Gapan City in Nueva Ecija last Saturday.

In a belated report, Nueva Ecija police director Crisaldo Nieves identified the victims as Danilo de Guzman, 57, a member of the Gapan City Council, his wife Jelieta, 55, and a certain Rizalino Perez, 47.

1 Sep 2013 - Dispute over Clark Aeta lands settled

CLARK FREEPORT -- Officials of Clark Development Corporation (CDC), Mabalacat City Government, and Mabalacat Aeta Tribal Association (Mata) agreed to settle the issue involving the use of ancestral lands by a golf course and water park developer inside this Freeport.

During a meeting initiated by Mabalacat City Mayor Marino Morales and CDC president Arturo Tugade with leaders of tribal communities at the Clark Freeport subzone last Friday, Tugade asked the cooperation of the Aetas, who said they are being harassed and prevented from passing and visiting their territory near the Clark Gate 14 at Sitio Haduan.

1 Sep 2013 - PVC sheet piles over sandbags mulled

PAMPANGA -- Governor Lilia Pineda and the Capitol’s engineers are looking at Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) sheet piles in lieu of sandbags as protective measures in dikes, riverbanks and other flood mitigating infrastructure.

“This could be the solution we are looking for over palliative and more expensive sandbagging,” said the governor over the weekend, when a private sector proponent discussed the merits of PVC sheet piling.

1 Sep 2013 - Mayor thanks Capitol, DPWH for calamity aid

PAMPANGA -- Sto Thomas Mayor Lito Naguit thanked the Pampanga Provincial Government for the assistance this municipality received after the surge of southwest monsoon (hanging habagat) last week.

“It was business as usual for our entrepreneurs, all roads were passable, there was lesser damage to properties and lesser people affected by this year’s habagat,” he said.

1 Sep 2013 - 974 flood victims get PhilHealth cards

PAMPANGA -- Some 974 flood-affected Kapampangans benefited from the recent distribution of Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) cards by the Provincial Government.

Governor Lilia Pineda said the distribution was done to secure the medical needs of the flood victims while they are recovering from losses and damages as a result of the calamity.

1 Sep 2013 - Candaba to assist farmers in getting crop insurance

PAMPANGA -- The Candaba government unit here will help farmers whose standing crops were submerged in floodwaters to get insurance benefits from the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PCIC), said Mayor Rene Maglanque.

Maglanque asked Mario Concepcion, municipal agriculturist, to come up with a final report on the extent of actual agricultural damages for possible assistance.