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Balibago News Jul-2014

31 Jul 2014 - Guiao: We’ll push for Clark’s development

PAMPANGA -- Despite the absence of a clear-cut policy statement on the further development of Clark Freeport and the Clark International Airport during President Benigno Aquino III's recent State of the Nation Address, Representative Joseller Guiao said Thursday that he and other core stakeholders will still push for the development of the premier hubs.

Weeks before Aquino's Sona last Monday, the camp of Guiao wrote Malacańang asking if there would be at least a "mention of a clear policy statement" on the development of Clark.

31 Jul 2014 - Guv supports LMP Visayas island confab in Pampanga

PAMPANGA -- Governor Lilia Pineda expressed full support the other day to the Visayas Island Cluster Conference of the League of the Municipalities of the Philippines (LMP).

The Visayas Island Cluster Conference with themed "Empowering Municipalities: Harnessing LGU Potentials and Opportunities to Attain All-Inclusive Growth, Poverty Reduction and Good Governance" will be held on August 9 to 11 this year at Clark Freeport Zone.

31 Jul 2014 - Bayan: Aquino has no plan for Central Luzon folks

MABALACAT CITY -- The multi-sectoral group Bagong Alyansang Makabayan – Gitnang Luson has warned that the pronouncements of President Benigno Aquino III in his State of the Nation Address (Sona) are detrimental to the interests of Central Luzon people.

The militant organization claimed that these "would clearly transform the region by even depressing the socio-economic state of the people."

30 Jul 2014 - 5 more farmers shot in property dispute

PAMPANGA -- The City of San Fernando Police here said on Tuesday that another five farmers were shot while holding a meeting about the demolition operations being conducted in a farmland at Barangay Maimpis, City of San Fernando.

The farmers, who were brought to the nearest hospital on Monday, were identified as Inocencio Galang, 65; Alfredo Catacutan, 67; Jessie Dela Peńa, 50; Jaime Gulapa, 56; and Jun Jacinto, 44, who was allegedly pistol whipped by a security guard identified as Anthony Gliban, 33, police said.

30 Jul 2014 - Pamintuan reports on ‘fulfilled promises’ on Soca

ANGELES CITY -- An ecstatic Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan reported on the fulfillment of his other major campaign promises Wednesday during his State of the City Address (Soca) where he cited his administration's achievement on the fiscal, social and administrative management of the city.

Number one on the mayor's report is that Angeles City is now one of the few highly urbanized cities that are no longer dependent on the Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA).

30 Jul 2014 - Man dies after being hit by car in San Fernando

PAMPANGA -- Larry Tayag, 52, of Barangay Sto. Nińo, Sapa, Sto. Tomas, died after being struck by a car on Monday afternoon as he crossed the street along the Jose Abad Santos Avenue (Jasa) in San Fernando.

Based on the investigation of police, Tayag suddenly crossed from the right side of the street while Philip Anthony Hernandez, 34, of Mountain View, Mariveles, Bataan, was driving along Jasa.

30 Jul 2014 - Morales lauds Aquino on Sona

MABALACAT CITY – "He was very sincere and down to earth".

This is how Mabalacat City Mayor Marino "Boking" Morales described President Benigno Aquino III when he delivered his State of the Nation Address (Sona) during a joint session of the Congress and the Senate.

30 Jul 2014 - CineKabalen calls for short film entries

PAMPANGA -- A local film festival here is now accepting entries for its short film festival competition.

CineKabalen, formerly known as Sinukwan Film Festival, is a local film festival competition that features digital filmmaking "to promote Kapampangan culture and language."

30 Jul 2014 - Fontana spruces up ahead of APEC

CLARK FREEPORT ZONE -- In preparation for Clark's hosting of the 2015 Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit ministerial meet, Fontana Leisure Parks and Casino, the largest tourism estate inside the Freeport, instituted nine expansion projects, including a makeover of its convention center costing P200-million.

Manuel Sequeira, Fontana chief executive officer, said the projects also include the upgrading of its Clubhouse and Golf Course, acquisition of state-of-the-art facilities and construction of villas and rooms at the Fontana complex.

29 Jul 2014 - 2 robbers slain; 2 policemen arrested in Angeles encounter

ANGELES CITY -- Motorcycle riding criminals were killed while two of their cohort-policemen were arrested during a brief encounter at Marisol Subdivision, Angeles City, on Monday.

Senior Superintendent Eden Ugale, Angeles City police director, identified the fatalities as Crisanto Francisco and Chris Neil Pineda, both residents of Northville, Barangay Cutud, Angeles City.

29 Jul 2014 - Comelec junks case vs village chief

ANGELES CITY -- The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has dismissed a disqualification case filed against Rodelio "Tony" Mamac, incumbent chairman of Barangay Balibago here.

In its resolution dated July 8, 2014, the Comelec First Division stated that the petition of former city councilor Alfie Bonifacio, who opposed Mamac in the barangay chairmanship, was filed beyond the reglementary period as provided by Rules 23 and 25 of the commission’s rules and procedures.

29 Jul 2014 - Pampanga vice mayors get outstanding legislator awards

PAMPANGA -- San Fernando's Vice Mayor Jimmy Lazatin and Angeles City Vice Mayor Vicky Vega Cabigting were among the awardees of the Outstanding Local Legislator Award (OLLA) for 2014 at the New World Hotel in Makati on Tuesday.

The award was presented by Superbrand Marketing International (SMI).

29 Jul 2014 - Pamintuan vows crackdown vs highway robbery

ANGELES CITY -- Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan said he has directed law enforcement agencies in the city to work against criminal elements engaged in highway robbery.

Pamintuan issued that statement during the culminating activity of the Barangay Peacekeeping Action Team seminar at SM City Clark on Tuesday.

29 Jul 2014 - Dad, daughter found dead along Mega Dike

PAMPANGA -- A father and daughter believed kidnapped were found dead along the Mega Dike road in Barangay Del Rosario, City of San Fernando, on Tuesday.

Senior Superintendent Marlon Madrid, Pampanga police provincial director, identified the victims as Ponciano Espiritu, 70, and his daughter Agnes, 37, both of Barangay Del Rosario, City of San Fernando.

28 Jul 2014 - 100 millionth baby born in Arayat town

PAMPANGA -- Atayat saw to the birth of the symbolic 100 millionth Kapampangan baby who was born at 12:40 a.m. on Sunday at Dr. Emigdio C. Cruz, Sr. Memorial District Hospital located in Barangay San Agustin here.

Newborn Jayvie Santos Catli, nicknamed Lucky, was one of the 100 babies nationwide who have qualified to mark the 100-million population of the country.

28 Jul 2014 - SBMA to release S1 revenue shares of contiguous LGUs

SUBIC BAY FREEPORT -- Local government units (LGUs) adjacent to the Subic Bay Freeport zone will be receiving a total of P93.7 million in revenue shares.

This was disclosed by Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) chairman Roberto Garcia, saying that the said funds will be available for the eight adjacent LGUs starting August 4.

28 Jul 2014 - ACWD, CDC ink agreement for P17M water project

CLARK FREEPORT -- The Angeles City Water District (ACWD) recently signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with Clark Development Corporation (CDC) for a P17 million water project in the latter’s 256 square meter property in Little Baguio, Barangay Sapang Bato.

“Provision of potable water supply will greatly improve the hygiene and health of at least 841 families living in the area,” ACWD General Manager Reynaldo Liwanag said.

28 Jul 2014 - RCCP joins thousand narra tree program

PAMPANGA -- The Rotary Club of Central Pampanga (RCCP) has joined hands with the eleven 11 Rotary Clubs of District 3790 in their "Build a Forest of a Thousand Narra Trees" project as they planted Narra saplings at the Fidel V. Ramos (FVR) Megadike portion in Barangays San Juan and San Isidro here.

RCCP president Lourdes David said that the project is part of the community programs of District 3790. The project aims to create mini-forests of Narra (pterocarpus indicus) along the slopes of the dike area. She added that the area is ideal in growing new trees that can provide natural forest filters that clean polluted air.

27 Jul 2014 - Belgium firm, PH partner launch innovative on-line job search

CLARK FREEPORT -- A Belgium-based company and its partner in the country launched here on Saturday an innovative on-line job search designed to allow employers get in-depth and “more personal” information about the applicants.

Frank Aernout, CEO of BeWorkHappy, and his Angeles City, Pampanga-based partner Annielyn Lernout, CEO of BeWorkHappy Philippines Inc., led the launching of the state-of-the-art job recruitment at the Widus Hotel.

27 Jul 2014 - Australian retail chain opens at SM City Pampanga

PAMPANGA -- Australian retail chain Cotton: On opened its first ever store at SM City Pampanga over the weekend.

SM City Pampanga public relations manager Rain Cervantes said the retail chain locally operating under the Bench Group is now in the region’s marathon shopping mall.

27 Jul 2014 - Suspected shabu pusher busted

PAMPANGA -- A suspected 48-year-old shabu pusher was arrested by combined operatives of the Floridablanca Police and Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Central Luzon office in a buy-bust operation in Barangay Poblacion, Floridablanca town, Saturday.

Superintendent Jhoanna Rosales, Floridablanca police chief, identified the suspect as Remigio Guevarra, 48, a resident of Barangay Calantas, Floridablanca.

27 Jul 2014 - Masantol folks benefit from medical mission

PAMPANGA -- Some 4,000 indigent individuals from various barangays in Masantol benefitted from the medical and dental mission conducted by the J.C Binay Foundation Inc. over the weekend.

The "Puso Para sa Bayan" Caravan is aimed at providing health services to poor families in different towns, cities and provinces in the country.

27 Jul 2014 - Sto Tomas' most wanted nabbed

PAMPANGA -- Sto Thomas Police operatives, led by Police Chief Insp. John Clark, arrested a certain Maria Regala who is listed as the 14th most wanted person in the police list here.

Clark said that the suspect was arrested by virtue of the standing warrant of arrest for two counts of qualified theft issued by Regional Trial Court Branch 48 Judge Edgar Chua under criminal case number 17727 and 17728. The court has set a recommended bail of P55, 000 and P32, 000.

27 Jul 2014 - Woman painter to open art gallery in Pampanga

PAMPANGA -- Painter Maria Mila Mabanta dela Fuente will open the first ever home-based art gallery in Guagua on August 16 that features feminists paintings and an assortment of visual art pieces done in varying styles.

Dela Fuente is currently among the few woman painters in the province and her gallery is the first ever gallery in Pampanga that is run by a woman painter.

26 Jul 2014 - PDRRMO sandbagging Arnedo Dike

PAMPANGA -- The local government unit in Apalit in cooperation with the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) said on Friday it is now conducting a series of sand-bagging operations to augment the ongoing construction of the Arnedo dike in anticipation of Typhoon Inday in the next few days.

Last July 24, a portion of the Arnedo dike in Barangay San Vicente of Apalit town, which is estimated at 52.5 meters, breached following strong currents from Pampanga River during the onslaught of the Typhoon Glenda.

26 Jul 2014 - New San Fernando archbishop named

PAMPANGA -- His Holiness Pope Francis appointed on Friday Bishop Florentino Galang Lavarias, now Bishop of the Diocese of Iba, as the new Metropolitan Archbishop of the Archdiocese of San Fernando.

This, as the Holy Father accepted the resignation presented by Archbishop Paciano Aniceto, now 77 years-old, from the pastoral governance of the Archdiocese of San Fernando (Philippines), in accordance with canon 401 § 1 of the Code of Canon Law, which requires the resignation of bishops at the age of 75.

26 Jul 2014 - ACCDO to remain strong, consistent

ANGELES CITY -- With a vision of genuine people empowerment, Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan, through the Angeles City Cooperative Development Office (ACCDO) headed by Ferdinand P. Calma, remain consistent with the promise of strengthening one of the bases of the city’s economy, the cooperative sector.

Pamintuan recognizes the role of the “cooperative movement” in the city’s economic front, which ultimately allows the local government to pursue its desired programs and plans.

26 Jul 2014 - Capitol reorganizes disaster working group

PAMPANGA -- Governor Lilia Pineda and Vice Governor Dennis Pineda on Friday reorganized the province’s disaster preparedness and response technical working group (TWG) to reinforce its capabilities.

Though there were no major damages in the agri-fishery sector and infrastructure and no casualties reported after the onslaught of Typhoon Glenda last week, Governor Pineda, after reviewing Capitol’s plans, said it is necessary to reorganize the TWG to reinforce disaster preparedness and response at all times.

26 Jul 2014 - Motorcycle-riding suspects rob drug store in Angeles

ANGELES CITY -- Motorcycle-riding suspects robbed the Generics Pharmacy located along Rizal Extension, Barangay Cut-Cut, Angeles City, Wednesday.

Senior Superintendent Eden Ugale, Angeles police director, said more than P23,000 in cash collections for the day and two cellular phones were taken by the suspects armed with caliber .45 pistols.

26 Jul 2014 - Fontana infuses P200-M for expansion projects

CLARK FREEPORT -- Fontana Leisure Parks and Casino, considered as the largest tourism estate in Clark, is investing at least P200 million for the expansion of its convention center.

Fontana chief executive officer Manuel Sequeira said that the on-going expansion work at the Fontana Convention Center will add 1,000 seats to its current 500-seating capacity. He was interviewed on Friday during the press conference for the concert of American singer-song writer Stephen Bishop.

26 Jul 2014 - Car hits man, speeds off

ANGELES CITY -- 56-year-old Rico Desierto, 56, a resident of Barangay Malabanias, was hit by a red color sedan car, which sped off along Barangay Anunas, Angeles City, recently.

Senior Superintendent Eden Ugale, Angeles City police director, had asked concerned citizens who saw the red color sedan and if they could recognize or remember its license plate.

26 Jul 2014 - Board member lauds guv for P167-M infra in 4th district

PAMPANGA -- Fourth district board member Ricardo Yabut lauded the administration of Governor Lilia Pineda for providing more than P167-million infrastructure projects in the eight towns of the Fourth district from June 2010 to June 2014.

Yabut said the projects include the construction and renovation of school buildings, multi-purpose covered areas and elevated comfort rooms in public elementary and secondary schools.

25 Jul 2014 - CHR to investigate San Fernando demolition shooting

PAMPANGA -- The Commission on Human Rights Region (CHR) Central Luzon office here said on Thursday that it will conduct an investigation on the shooting incident that happened on a 130-hectare demolition site at Barangay Maimpi, this city, recently.

Lawyer Jasmine Regino, CHR regional director, said that believes that the demolition team violated the rights of the farmers' group when it shot one of their members last week.

25 Jul 2014 - Councilors urged to set disaster readiness plans on climate change

CLARK FREEPORT -- Governor Lilia Pineda has asked councilors in the province to anchor their respective disaster preparedness plan on climate change.

Pineda issued the statement during the disaster preparedness and solid waste management seminar conducted at Oxford Hotel here by the Philippine Councilors' League (PCL) Pampanga Chapter, headed by its president, Porac Councilor Mike Tapang.

25 Jul 2014 - Arnedo dike breached, Apalit villagers asked to evacuate

PAMPANGA -- Residents of Barangay San Vicente, Apalit, are being asked to evacuate following a breach at the village's portion of the Arnedo dike, officials said on Thursday.

The local government unit of Apalit and the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) said that around 431 families will be affected by the deterioration of the Arnedo dike.

25 Jul 2014 - Comelec urges PWDs to register

PAMPANGA -- The Commission on Elections (Comelec) here encourages persons with disabilities (PWD) to register in line with the upcoming 2016 national and local elections.

Last Sunday, the poll body designated a special registration office for PWDs to ascertain their equal access and right to suffrage.

25 Jul 2014 - Search on for symbolic ‘100M Pinoy babies’ in Central Luzon

PAMPANGA -- The Commission on Population (Popcom) and its partners in Central Luzon shall welcome on July 27 the birth of the 100 millionth Filipino through a search for symbolic babies in all seven provinces and the City of San Fernando.

"The search is based on the projections of the 2010 National Census that the country will reach the 100-million mark in population this Sunday at exactly 12:06 a.m.," Popcom Regional Director Eleanor Cura said.

25 Jul 2014 - Morales: Angeles seen as migration zone in 30 years

ANGELES CITY -- City Councilor Maricel "Marang" Morales said that her city is seen to be a major migration zone for nearby cities and towns in the next 30 years.

Morales said this during her speech on Thursday at the disaster and waste summit initiated by the Philippine Councilors League, headed by its president and Porac Councilor Mike Tapang.

25 Jul 2014 - Capitol holds ‘buntis’ congress

PAMPANGA -- More than 1,000 pregnant women from towns in the second district of Pampanga received free prenatal check-ups, vitamins and counseling during the Buntis Congress facilitated by the Pampanga Provincial Government held at the Lubao Gym the other day.

With the battlecry "Ima at anak, e mipayamak quing mabeluan a magpaanak", the Buntis Congress 2014 aims to increase the awareness of the soon-to-be-mothers on the importance of having monthly check-ups to reduce child and maternal mortality rate.

25 Jul 2014 - Ex-official supports gov't program vs malnutrition

PAMPANGA -- Former Second District Board Member Olga Frances "Fritzie" David-Dizon, advocate of child protection and welfare, vowed Thursday to support the feeding program of the Pampanga Provincial Government.

David-Dizon, who recently joined Governor Lilia Pineda in feeding at least malnourished 500 pupils, said that the efforts to properly nurture children should be "sustained and supported by both public and private entities."

25 Jul 2014 - Free seminar on money management held in Angeles

ANGELES CITY -- A retired colonel of the United States Air Force and stockbroker gave a free seminar on Thursday on money management at the Blossom Forth School here.

Willie Davis, who is married to a Filipina and based in the City of San Fernando, gave the talk on what one should learn about money that were not taught in school and the truth about money and “how it really works.”

24 Jul 2014 - Guv to execs: Ensure INC's safety for centennial bash

PAMPANGA -- Governor Lilia Pineda enjoined on Wednesday all local chief executives in Pampanga and the local police to ensure the road safety of the members of the Iglesia Ni Cristo (INC) in Pampanga and those coming from other provinces in Central and Northern Luzon who will attend their centennial celebration.

"All local elected officials in Pampanga are fully supporting the members of the Iglesia Ni Cristo who will attend the Centennial Celebration on July 27 to 29. We are committed to ensure their security and we will provide any necessary assistance," Pineda said.

24 Jul 2014 - Rodriguez agrees with plan to wiretap drug lords

PAMPANGA -- Third district Representative Oscar Rodriguez said on Thursday that he is supporting the plan of the country’s anti-drugs agency to wiretap alleged drug lords to curb the illegal trade.

"Even I am a former human rights lawyer, I am supporting it due to the gravity of the problems on drugs," Rodriguez said in a phone interview.

24 Jul 2014 - DILG exec’s email account hacked

PAMPANGA -- The Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Central Luzon office said on Tuesday that the regional director's e-mail account has been compromised by an unknown hacker.

Florida Dijan, DILG regional director, said the hacked e-mail account sent a letter to her contacts with the subject line "A Sad Trip," indicating that she was allegedly asking for some financial support.

24 Jul 2014 - x

CLARK FREEPORT -- The City Government has acquired a three-hectare property in Barangay Sapang Balen, which will be used as materials recovery facility (MRF).

Mayor Marino "Boking" Morales said that this is in line with the city's solid waste management program, which is provided for under Republic Act 9003 or the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act.

24 Jul 2014 - Mabalacat acquires land for MRF

24 Jul 2014 - Quota Pampanga donates school materials to Sped class

PAMPANGA -- Quota International of Pampanga turned over school materials to the Special Education Class (Sped) of Pampanga High School as it re-affirms its commitment to help the said program with its other needs.

Quota International of Pampanga president Joycel Robles-Panlilio said the donation is part of the yearly commitment of the organization in making sure the program has enough materials and resources to cater to its students.

24 Jul 2014 - Grandson of tocino magnate dies in motorbike accident

PAMPANGA -- Christopher Renz Hizon, 23, a resident of Barangay Dolores of the said city, a grandson of "tocino magnate" Lolita Hizon, owner of Pampanga's Best, died when the motorcycle he was riding collided with a Toyota utility pick-up truck along MacArthur highway in Barangay Quebiawan, City of San Fernando, Pampanga, Wednesday afternoon.

Hizon was riding his motorcycle towards Angeles City while accidentally collided with the pick-up truck (CNS-303) driven by Ceferino Dimabuyu of Barangay Calzadang Bayu, Porac was then maneuvering to the left coming from the opposite lane of the highway to enter Kalayaan Village, police said.

23 Jul 2014 - Angeles qualifies for National Coop Awards

ANGELES CITY -- The Angeles City Cooperative Development Office (ACCDO) bagged the Regional award for the Best Performing Local Government Unit for chartered cities in Central Luzon in the recently concluded Gawad Parangal at the Social Action Center of Pampanga in the City of San Fernando.

"Local Government Units play a crucial role in assisting our cooperatives overcome struggles in their sector. The quick advancement of the cooperative movement is also influenced by how the local administration in a city or municipality supports them," said Marietta Hwang, regional director of the Cooperative Development Authority.

23 Jul 2014 - PDEA wants to wiretap drug lords, financers

PAMPANGA -- The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) reiterated on Tuesday the need to wiretap suspected drug lords and their financers to drastically cut the supply of illegal drugs in the country.

PDEA Director General Undersecretary Arturo Cacdac Jr., in an interview, said "it's difficult" for the agency to pin down big-time drug pushers and those who finance them because "under our law, we can only arrest those who are in the possession of drugs."

23 Jul 2014 - Cops undergo surprise drug tests

PAMPANGA -- Police director Senior Superintendent Marlon Valdez Madrid ordered on Tuesday a surprise drug tests on at least 126 cops, including police chiefs of 19 towns and two cities under his command.

Madrid said personnel of the Pampanga Police Office (PPO) headquarters here and agents of the anti-drug and intelligence units of the towns and cities were also included among those tested by the Regional police crime laboratory.

23 Jul 2014 - Tugade outlines ‘wish list’ for Clark

CLARK FREEPORT -- Clark Development Corporation (CDC) president and CEO Arthur Tugade is “wishing” for three kinds of businesses inside Clark Freeport: a Japanese bank, a Japan carrier and a Japanese restaurant.

Tugade presented his wish list before a 13-man delegation of the Japan Standing Commission on Security headed by Akinori Eto, a member of the House of Representatives, recently at the CDC board room here.

23 Jul 2014 - Porac exec wants mandatory drug testing for LGU officials, employees

PAMPANGA -- A member of the Municipal Council in Porac filed last Monday a resolution seeking to subject local government unit officials and employees to mandatory drug testing.

The resolution proposed by Councilor Rey Lapid, board of director of the Philippine Councilors' League-Central Luzon, aims to identify drug users and to rehabilitate them.

23 Jul 2014 - Drug summit beefs up San Fernando defense

PAMPANGA -- Representatives of barangays of this city gathered on July 22 at the Heroes Hall for an anti-drug summit meant to increase barangays' capacity to combat the drug menace at the grassroots.

The meet, initiated by the Pampanga Provincial Government in coordination with the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the City Government of San Fernando, was attended by officials of barangays Dolores, San Jose, San Pedro, Sta. Lucia, San Nicolas and Sto. Nino.

23 Jul 2014 - Village chief: ‘No segregation, no collection’

MABALACAT CITY -- The chairman of Barangay Dau in this component city said that the "no segregation, no collection" policy will be implemented in their village once their solid waste management ordinance is passed.

Dr. Oscar Aurelio, chief of the commercial village and president of the Liga ng mga Barangay here, issued the statement during the final hearing on the proposed ordinance yesterday.

22 Jul 2014 - Brit arrested

ANGELEIS CITY -- A 73-year-old British national was arrested on child pornography charges, the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) said on Tuesday.

The NBI Cybercrime Division said Douglas Michael Slade was arrested in his home after nude pictures of children were recovered from him during a raid.

22 Jul 2014 - P11.8-M palay lost to ‘Glenda’

PAMPANGA -- The recent onslaught of Typhoon Glenda here has left some P11.8 million in palay damages in Pampanga placing it on top of the four provinces affected by the most powerful typhoon to hit the country since super typhoon Yolanda.

The Department of Agriculture (DA), in its Summary of Progress Damage Report on Rice as of July 21, reported that some 695.47 metric tons of palay have been affected in Pampanga with some 762 hectares of rice farmlands registered as partially damaged. Most of the damaged palay crops are within their maturity stage, according to the report.

22 Jul 2014 - Power supply stabilizing but reserve remains ‘thin’

PAMPANGA -- The National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) Central Luzon office here said Tuesday that the energy supply condition is "stabilizing" but remains tenuous given the persisting thin reserves and unexpected outages.

Based on the data of NGCP, the entire Luzon grid has an expected capacity of 6,826 megawatts with a projected peak demand of 7,345 megawatts. The Luzon grid falls short of 519 megawatts, prompting NGCP to put the area on red alert recently. However, NGCP Corporate Communications Officer Ernest Vidal said that power situation in most areas in Luzon, including Pampanga, has normalized.

22 Jul 2014 - INC delegates asked to visit Clark

CLARK FREEPORT -- The Clark Development Corporation (CDC) has invited members of the Iglesia ni Cristo (INC), who will participate in their centennial celebrations, to visit Clark.

In a statement, CDC president Arthur Tugade asked the INC delegates to visit or book at Clark.

22 Jul 2014 - Top illegal drugs suspect in Floridablanca nabbed

PAMPANGA -- A man considered as the number one illegal drugs suspect on the watch list of the Philippine National Police (PNP) was arrested in a buy-bust operation on Monday in Barangay Pabanlag, Floridablanca.

Inspector Brilliant Mantulac, deputy chief of Floridablanca police, said the arrest was part of their efforts to put an end to the vast illegal drugs operations in the town.

22 Jul 2014 - SBMA earnings up 62% to P738-M

SUBIC BAY -- An increase of 62 percent in earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) during the first semester this year has been recorded here at this Freeport.

This was disclosed by Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) chairman Roberto Garcia, who also cited the added flexibility in the agency's financial program as a result of its efforts to increase its earnings.

22 Jul 2014 - Morales: Education is key to success

MABALACAT CITY -- Mayor Marino Morales said that one of his administration's priority programs is education, which he described as key to "success and better tomorrow."

Morales said that education will solve the problem on poverty.

21 Jul 2014 - Farmer shot while halting demolition

PAMPANGA -- A farmer in San Fernando attempting to stop the ongoing demolition activities at Barangay Maimpis here was shot over the weekend.

A source said that the said demolition at the 130-hectare agrarian reform area started last week by the claimant identified as lawyer Eligio Mallari, a former official of the Commission on Human Rights.

21 Jul 2014 - Man slain in San Fernando

PAMPANGA -- A 58-year-old man who was going to attend a mass was gunned down by an unidentified gunman along the road of Second Block, Barangay Dolores, City of San Fernando, last Sunday.

In a report here, Superintendent Edilberto Pitallano, city chief of police, identified the fatality as Godofredo Quiambao, a resident of Barangay San Vicente, Sto. Tomas, Pampanga.

21 Jul 2014 - Traffic enforcers get thumbs up from Santiago

SAN FERNANDO -- Some 15 traffic enforcers and officers received commendations from San Fernando Mayor Edwin Santiago for their support to the San Fernando Police in its intensified campaign against motorcycle riding criminal suspects operating in the city.

Santiago awarded the commendations to Traffic Management Division chief Renato Pineda, and members Oliver Villanueva, Joey Manalastas, Ariel Magtoto, Jeffrey David, Nelson Clacio, Lito Cruz, Richard Tadeo, Joey Magtoto, Sherwin Gando, Raymark Magtoto, Ronald Palma, Elmer Salangsang, Ramil Antigo and Heintagie Dizon during Monday's flag raising ceremony attended by city government employees and officials.

21 Jul 2014 - Sta. Rita police gets commendations

PAMPANGA -- A grateful Municipal Government of Santa Rita, led by Mayor Yolanda Pineda, awarded five commendations Monday to Sta. Rita police chief Michael Masangkay for five successful high-profile police operations here.

Masangkay, along with his police officers, were awarded certificates by Pineda in simple ceremonies Monday attended by municipal employees.

21 Jul 2014 - ‘Glenda’ victims get aid from SM City Olongapo

SUBIC BAY -- The recent Typhoon Glenda has pounded Olongapo City and other areas in Zambales and Bataan with strong winds, which caused flooding and damage to properties due to the windstorm.

In an effort to help the affected areas, SM Olongapo has dispatched its team to bring relief goods to 1,000 families in Orani and Dinalupihan Bataan.

20 Jul 2014 - Businessmen reiterate call to decongest Metro Manila

PAMPANGA -- The Pampanga Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc. (PamCham) reiterated over the weekend its call for the decongestion and decentralization of the National Capitol Region (NCR) after it experienced massive power blackouts last week due to Typhoon Glenda (Rammasun).

"With what happened during the onslaught of Typhoon Glenda, we felt that we have to reiterate our call for the decongestion and decentralization of Metro Manila or the National Capitol Region. Now we see that threats of storm surges and 7.2 magnitude earthquakes are real. The eggs, so to speak, are still in one basket and that is something that has to be addressed immediately," said PamCham president Jim Jimenez.

20 Jul 2014 - Agency favors Angeles village tax ordinance

ANGELES CITY -- The Bureau of Local Government Finance (BLGF) said that Barangay Balibago may levy reasonable fees and charges on places of recreation that charge admission fees.

BLGF OIC-Executive Director Salvador del Castillo affirmed this in a reply letter to Balibago Chairman Rodelio "Tony" Mamac dated May 30, 2014.

20 Jul 2014 - Security tightened at Betis church after ivory theft

PAMPANGA -- Security at the St. James the Apostle Parish in Guagua has been tightened since the recent return of the two stolen ivory icons inside the church.

Local authorities ordered the full operation of the closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras within and around the church, as well as a night guard for added security.

20 Jul 2014 - Car crash kills 5

PAMPANGA -- A car crash along the Jose Abad Santos Avenue (Jasa) in Bacolor Saturday afternoon killed five people.

Jesus Icban, 51; his wife Justine; their son Jan Clarence; Norma Layug, and Junnel Icban died when a trailer truck crushed their car along the said road at Sitio Balsik in Barangay Cabalantian.

20 Jul 2014 - Freemasons conduct medical mission

PAMPANGA -- Hundreds of indigent residents in this component city benefitted from a medical mission sponsored by the Pampanga Masonic Lodge Number 48, the oldest and grandest Mason organization in the province.

Retired Police Chief Superintendent Nicanor Targa, head of the organization, said they selected families of kutseros (coachman) and tricycle drivers as beneficiaries in their medical and dental mission.

19 Jul 2014 - NGCP: Brownouts due to low energy supply

PAMPANGA -- The National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) Central Luzon office here said Saturday that the long periods of power interruption and recurring brownouts in the province were due to low energy supply and the recent onslaught of Typhoon Glenda (Rammasun).

"Currently, the supply and demand (load) is not balanced. In order to maintain the system during real-time dispatch, the supply and load should be on the same level," said Ernest Vidal, Regional Corporate Communications officer of NGCP.

19 Jul 2014 - HAU to launch book on Opus Dei spirituality

ANGELES CITY -- Holy Angel University will launch the book "Acceptance and Abandonment: Transforming Daily Life," on August 9, at the University's Café Juan.

The book, subtitled "Cion Nepomuceno: Her Legacy of Faith, Love and Joy," is a collection of Nepomuceno’s essays, talks, and correspondence over the years which reveal her deep spirituality and may serve as a guide for readers’ spiritual enrichment.

19 Jul 2014 - New officers for agri-fisheries council take oath

PAMPANGA -- The 15 new officers of the Regional Agricultural and Fisheries Council (RAFC) took their oaths over the weekend before officials of the Department of Agriculture (DA).

The RAFC is a grassroots organization of the National Agricultural and Fishery Council (NAFC) in the regions. It exists in order to encourage people participation in agriculture and fishery development through sectoral representation in agricultural policy making bodies and likewise to use bottom-up, self-reliant farm system approaches that will emphasize social justice, equity, productivity and sustainability in the use of agriculture and fishery resources.

19 Jul 2014 - ‘Glenda’ damage estimated at P10-M

PAMPANGA -- The Province incurred losses amounting to P10 million after the onslaught of Typhoon Glenda, the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) said Friday.

Partial reports of the PDRRMO show that there are 272 families or 428 individuals from four towns are currently seeking shelter in different evacuation centers in the province.

19 Jul 2014 - DPWH joins new Manila BAYanihan brand launch

PAMPANGA -- The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) in Central Luzon supports the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in its advocacy for the sustainable development of Manila Bay.

With the advocacy identity banner "MANILA BAYanihan, para sa Kalinisan" different representatives from Mandamus agencies, local government units and the private sector came together to sign a pact on July 18, 2014 during its media launch declaring their participation in saving and rehabilitating one of Luzon’s major waterways.

19 Jul 2014 - CDC sets 5-month sports festival

CLARK FREEPORT -- The Clark Development Corporation has set a five-month long sports festival, which is expected to attract local and international tourists.

The sports events, scheduled this month until November, will be participated in by local, national and international students, athletes, private and business sectors, said CDC President Arthur Tugade.

19 Jul 2014 - Catapang is new AFP chief

PAMPANGA -- Lieutenant General Gregorio Catapang Jr., who was extensively assigned in Pampanga during his military career, is the new Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief.

Catapang replaced now retired General Emmanuel Bautista.

18 Jul 2014 - Longer ‘instant’ brownouts seen

PAMPANGA -- Kapampangans will have to bear with the two to four hours -- and even up to eight hours -- rotating and unscheduled or "instant" brownouts for at least two weeks more.

This was disclosed Friday by the officials of the Department of Energy (DOE) and the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP), both said that the rotating brownouts were caused by insufficient energy supply and damaged transmission lines caused by the onslaught of Typhoon Glenda.

18 Jul 2014 - Fernandinos okay with city services

PAMPANGA -- The services and programs offered by the City Government here received high satisfaction rating, according to a study conducted by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the City College of San Fernando.

Dubbed as Citizen Satisfaction Index System (CSIS), the study was promulgated by DILG Memorandum Circular No. 2012-13. It is a set of data tools designed to collect and generate relevant citizens' feedback on local governments' service delivery performance and on citizens' satisfaction.

18 Jul 2014 - Pamintuan wants waterways cleared of squatters

ANGELES CITY -- Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan said he has ordered his men to clear waterways of "squatters" which he described as a perennial problem of the City Government.

Pamintuan issued the statement following a recent inspection during the onslaught of Typhoon Glenda where he discovered that scores of families are still living under the Abacan Bridge and other dangerous areas along the river.

18 Jul 2014 - Guv: No Kapampangan shall be deprived of education

PAMPANGA -- Governor Lilia Pineda stressed that she wants every Kapampangan in each barangay to have access to education regardless of age and financial status during a consultative meeting with barangay executives of the second district at the Lubao Gym on Thursday.

The governor appealed for the help of the barangay captains to find all out of school youth (OSY), drop-outs, parents and illiterates and help them get education through the projects and programs of the Provincial Government and the Department of Education (DepEd).

18 Jul 2014 - Dole readies emergency employment for calamity victims

PAMPANGA -- The Department of Labor and Employment (Dole) in Central Luzon has coordinated with its different field offices in the region to mobilize its emergency employment program for individuals affected by the onslaught of Typhoon "Glenda", an official said Friday.

Dole regional director Ana Dione said Labor Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz instructed all Dole regional directors to facilitate the agency's emergency employment program known as the Tulong Panghanapbuhay para sa Ating Disadvantaged Workers.

18 Jul 2014 - Police intensifies anti-hijacking measures

PAMPANGA -- The Philippine National Police (PNP) in Lubao started to further intensify their anti-hijacking measures in the town's bypass road.

The bypass road, which has been considered as a hijacking-prone area, is highly accessible to long and large vehicles such as cargo trucks.

18 Jul 2014 - 4 arrested for stealing wires in Guagua

Four men were arrested for stealing electrical wires in Barangay San Juan Bautista, Guagua on Monday afternoon.

The suspects, Larry, 22; Anthony 19; Yaser, 18; and Noel, 20 were caught in the act of cutting off the wires inside the house of the Viray family.

18 Jul 2014 - Wife of Pampanga village chief found dead

PAMPANGA -- Myrna Garcia, wife of village chief Homer Garcia from Barangay Rizal, Guagua, was stabbed dead on Tuesday morning allegedly by one of the village watchmen.

Esteban said that the 48 year old victim, who sustained multiple stab wounds, was already dead when she was found by her family inside her own room.

18 Jul 2014 - Motorcycle-riding suspects gun down 2 in Mexico

PAMPANGA -- Police are now on a manhunt against four unidentified armed motorcycle riding criminals (MRCrs) who gunned down two persons after robbing them in Barangay Pandacaqui, Mexico, Pampanga, Tuesday night.

Senior Superintendent Marlon Madrid, Pampanga Police acting provincial director, said that he has ordered Mexico police to identify and arrest the killers of Willie Villanueva, 44, and Alvin Ocampo, both of Barangay San Francisco, Magalang town.

17 Jul 2014 - Trader urges RDC: Oppose Sangley airport proposal

ANGELES CITY -- A businessman has asked the Regional Development Council (RDC) in Central Luzon to oppose the plan of the Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC) to build a new airport at Sangley Point in Cavite.

Rene Romero, vice chair of the Pampanga Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (PamCham), said the government will spend US$10 billion, which is a huge amount of taxpayers' money.

17 Jul 2014 - Angeles all set for PH’s ‘most liveable’ city tilt

ANGELES CITY -- The city is now set to compete in the first-ever urban planning competition in the country, dubbed as the Liveable Cities Design Challenge 2014 (LCDC), with Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan at the helm.

The mayor, together with the city’s competition team, has decided to compete under the “APEC Meeting Venue” category and carry out the rehabilitation and modernization of the iconic Abacan River as the city’s entry.

17 Jul 2014 - San Fernando lauded by netizens for disaster readiness

PAMPANGA -- Internet users on social media sites have lauded the San Fernando City Government here for its disaster preparedness during the onslaught of Typhoon Glenda (Rammasun).

This came after Mayor Edwin Santiago's instruction to activate the San Fernando Incident Command System under the city's disaster risk reduction and management office on Tuesday, a day before the storm made its landfall.

17 Jul 2014 - Sto. Tomas 3rd river to undergo desilting

PAMPANGA -- The Third River here in the vicinity of the Federosa Resort will soon undergo desilting, a move that will further mitigate flooding in this fourth district town.

On Thursday, while joining police and fire officials and municipal employees in the clean-up drive after Typhoon Glenda downed trees in major thoroughfares of Sto. Tomas, Mayor Joselito Naguit said the desilting project already has a budget allocated by then Representative Ana York Bondoc-Sagum.

17 Jul 2014 - Kapampangan expats to honor patroness in California

PAMPANGA -- Kapampangans and Latinos will celebrate the 58th Canonical Coronation Anniversary of Virgen de los Remedios on September 7 at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels in Los Angeles, California.

Vidal Aguas, one of the focal persons for the event, said that the delegations in their national costumes, from different towns and cities of Pampanga, representatives of Mexican, Guatemalan and Spanish communities will lead the afternoon procession.

17 Jul 2014 - Rotational power interruption affects Pelco I electric consumers

PAMPANGA -- Electricity consumers of the Pampanga I Electric Cooperative, Inc. (Pelco I) are affected by the rotational electric power interruption implemented by the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP).

The NGCP, the transmitter of electric power supply from power generators and producers to electric cooperatives and companies that distributes electric power to residences and establishments has revealed that there is major shortage of electric power due to the shutting down of some electric power plants.

17 Jul 2014 - SM Pampanga celebrates Children's Book Day

PAMPANGA -- SM City Pampanga joined this year's celebration of National Children's Book Day (NCBD) with a host of storytelling activities inside the mall.

Academy of Performing Arts Leonilyn Sarmiento read the story “Askal Inside” and “Pyesta sa Hardin ni Lola Benita” and another story from Carlo Catu titled “Halimaw” was presented to elementary students from San Lorenzo Ruiz Center of Studies and Schools.

16 Jul 2014 - ‘Glenda’ spares Pampanga

PAMPANGA -- Pampanga officials heaved Wednesday a sigh of relief after Typhoon Glenda just "sideswiped" the province, with zero reported flooding and no major damages to infrastructure and agriculture as well as nil casualties.

Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office executive Director Angie Blanco disclosed that in their initial assessment, no areas in the two cities and 19 municipalities were flooded as of a 12 p.m. report.

16 Jul 2014 - Santiago: ‘Emergency teams remain on alert’

Despite zero flooding and no casualty reported after Typhoon Glenda pummeled this city Wednesday, Mayor Edwin Santiago said that its rescue, response and emergency teams will remain alert for any incidents that the storm-induced Habagat may bring in.

"Our teams and volunteers will remain on alert for any emergency that may crop in the next few days. Our people will keep manning their posts 24/7 and operations at city hall will continue especially in times like this when Fernandinos are threatened by disasters," he said.

16 Jul 2014 - Residents along waterways evacuated

ANGELES CITY -- Heavy rains brought by Typhoon Glenda forced the evacuation of scores of families in Barangay Balibago and other villages here on Wednesday.

The evacuees are temporarily housed at the function room of the Balibago Barangay Hall.

16 Jul 2014 - Top illegal drugs personality in Floridablanca arrested

PAMPANGA -- A man included on the top three drugs watch list of the Philippine National Police (PNP) was arrested in a buy-bust operation last week in Barangay Fortuna, Floridablanca.

The arrest, the Floridablanca police anti-illegal drugs unit said, has effectively boosted the success of their local campaign against the illegal drugs trade.

16 Jul 2014 - Cop faces summary dismissal

PAMPANGA -- The police officer and alleged leader of a robbery and holdup group will be placed automatically for summary dismissal proceedings.

In an interview, Senior Superintendent Ronald Santos, deputy regional director for administration, said that Police Officer (PO) 1 John Paul Tanglao will be placed on summary dismissal proceedings to be conducted by the Regional Investigation Division.

15 Jul 2014 - Central Luzon braces for ‘Glenda’

PAMPANGA -- The Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC) is currently on Blue Alert in anticipation of the effects of Typhoon "Glenda" in Central Luzon.

"Blue Alert means all member-agencies are on preparedness mode and are ready for eventual response and 24/7 operations," RDRRMC Chairperson and Office of Civil Defense Regional Director Josefina Timoteo said.

15 Jul 2014 - Traders to Pangilinan: Consider Clark-Subic connection to Manila

CLARK FREEPORT -- Traders in Pampanga asked tycoon Manny Pangilinan to consider the expansion of the North Luzon Expressway (NLEx) and the construction of a railway system that will connect the freeports of Clark and Subic with Metro Manila.

Levy Laus, chairman emeritus of the Pampanga Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc. (PamCham) and head of the Laus Group of Companies, echoed the appeal of local traders during a business conference organized by the Kapampangan Development Foundation (KDF) at the Holiday Inn Resort here on Monday.

15 Jul 2014 - Korean lauded for assisting 6,889 Kapampangan workers

PAMPANGA -- The Provincial Government led by Governor Lilia Pineda lauded Jongha Ahn, president and inspector general of the Human Resource Department of South Korea, for his assistance in facilitating the placement of 6,889 Kapampangan overseas skilled workers.

In Provincial Board Resolution 3407, the Provincial Board stated that Pampanga recognizes the "whole-hearted" assistance of Jongha for helping the overseas contract skilled workers obtain gainful employment in South Korea that improves "tremendously" their quality of life.

15 Jul 2014 - Pangilinan gives P20-M fund for KDF building

PAMPANGA -- Tycoon Manuel Pangilinan and PLDT-SMART-Foundation (PSF) has given some P20 million to the Kapampangan Development Foundation (KDF), which enabled the latter to buy a three-storey building in this capital city to house its KDF-PSF People with Disability Clinic and Livelihood Center.

Pangilinan turned over the ceremonial checks on Monday to KDF officials led by Benigno Ricafort during the former's birthday celebration here. Pangilinan had lunch with KDF officers and partners.

15 Jul 2014 - CDC hits 1.21B revenue target

CLARK FREEPORT -- The Clark Development Corporation (CDC) has recorded P1.21-billion in revenue and net income of P327 million during the first quarter.

This was disclosed by CDC president Arthur Tugade during a business conference organized by the Kapampangan Development Foundation chaired by Manny V. Pangilinan.

15 Jul 2014 - SM City Clark observes Children's Book Day

CLARK FREEPORT -- SM City Clark joined Tuesday the nationwide observance of the National Children's Book Day (NCBD) in a bid to inspire young children to discover the "joy of reading" and promote reading among students.

SM City Clark Public Relations manager Venus Manalang said the event is held yearly to inspire love of reading and to call attention to children's books.

14 Jul 2014 - Perfect attendance for Pampanga reps

PAMPANGA -- Three Pampanga congressmen have posted perfect attendance in the House of Representatives' first regular session.

Third District Representative Oscar Rodriguez, Fourth District Representative Juan Pablo "Rimpy" Bondoc and Butil Party-list Representative Agapito Guanlao were all in attendance during the 69 sessions of Congress.

14 Jul 2014 - Pagasa warns of floods, landslides

PAMPANGA -- The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration or Pagasa in a news conference warned Monday of floods and landslides in Central Luzon and some areas of Ilocos and Cagayan Valley as a result of Tropical Storm Glenda.

“Glenda” (international name: Rammasun) has intensified before noon Monday, with the provinces of Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Catanduanes, Albay, and Sorsogon now under signal no. 2.

14 Jul 2014 - Central Luzon land transportation offices rated ‘excellent’

PAMPANGA -- The Civil Service Commission (CSC) has given excellent ratings to the Land Transportation Office (LTO) branches in Angeles City, Balanga City (Bataan) and the Capas (Tarlac) Extension Office in the commission's report card survey in the first half of the year.

LTO Angeles City was rated 90.41 percent, Balanga 93.12 percent and Capas Extension Office 94.32 percent in the CSC survey.

14 Jul 2014 - Man shot dead at Capitol

PAMPANGA -- Motorcycle Riding Criminals (MRCs) gunned down a 57-year-old man at the vicinity of the Capitol Compound, Barangay Sto. Nino, City of San Fernando, Saturday.

In a report here, Senior Superintendent Marlon Madrid, Officer-In-Charge of the Pampanga Police Provincial Office, said that Ernesto Maninang, a resident of Barangay Sta. Lucia of the City of San Fernando was watching a "cara-crus" when unidentified armed men on board a motorcycle arrived.

14 Jul 2014 - Guv’s granddaughter tops US golf tourney

PAMPANGA -- Annyka Chanel Pineda-Cayabyab, granddaughter of Pampanga Governor Lilia Pineda, recently bested 20 players from seven countries to rule Future Champions of Golf International junior championships at the Riverwalk Golf and Club in San Diego, California, USA.

Pineda-Cayabyab, daughter of Lubao Pampanga Mayor Mylyn Pineda-Cayabyab, scored 71 under par for two days to win for the first time the grand prize of the tournament formerly known as the San Diego Junior Masters.

14 Jul 2014 - Rotarians urge NGOs to ‘green’ megadike

PAMPANGA -- The Rotary Club of Central Pampanga (RCCP) is now urging fellow non-government groups to take initiatives in greening the sections of the FVR Megadike as a way of battling the effects of climate change.

RCCP president Lourdes David said that the dike's slopes and perimeter are ideal locations for tree planting as these are far from human or construction activities that can lead to the displacement of the trees.

14 Jul 2014 - P1.2-B infra projects in 4th district okay

PAMPANGA -- Capitol has completed P1,179,204,519 worth of infrastructure projects in the fourth district since Governor Lilia Pineda assumed office in June 2010.

Among the projects accomplished through the Provincial Engineer's Office (PEO) headed by Engineer Renato Gutierrez were the construction, repair and maintenance of proposed and existing infrastructure projects such as municipal and barangay roads, bridges, farm-to -market roads, canals, waterworks; and buildings such as schools, hospitals, health and barangay centers, covered courts, multi-purpose halls and other facilities.

14 Jul 2014 - 4 Koreans arrested for on-line gaming

CLARK FREEPORT -- Police arrested over the weekend four Korean nationals for illegal gambling or prohibited on-line gaming during a raid at Building 4121-A, Aquino Avenue.

In his report here to Chief Superintendent Raul Petrasanta, Police Regional Office-3 (PRO3) director, Chief Inspector Melvin Montante, chief of the Regional Intelligence Division (RID3), identified the arrested Korean nationals as Hon Kim, 32, Young Jee Kim, 29, Byoung Ik Kim, 31, all residents of Carmenville Subdivision and Seonghyun Kim, 41, of Sunset Valley Subdivision, all in Angeles City.

14 Jul 2014 - Porac Aetas to get hygiene facilities, water supply

PAMPANGA -- Aeta residents of Planas Tent City here will be the recipients of toilet facilities and water supply from Quota International of Pampanga.

Past President Myra Manabat said that the organization has approved of the plan to implement programs for the community.

13 Jul 2014 - Angeles mayor all out vs crimes

ANGELES CITY -- With crimes of all sorts persisting in the city as the 2015 Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) Summit nears, Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan is going on a full scale battle against criminality.

He said that over the weekend, he requested the City's Legal Office to issue a warrant of arrest for Koreans involved in illegal cyber gambling, right in front of his house in Villa Angelina here.

13 Jul 2014 - Cop, 3 others nabbed for robbery

PAMPANGA -- Four members of the notorious Tanglao crime group, including their leader who is a police officer, were arrested in Barangay Sta. Cruz, Porac, Pampanga, Saturday night after allegedly robbing a British national.

Senior Superintendent Marlon Madrid, officer-in-charge of Pampanga Police Office, identified the arrested policeman as Police Officer 1 John Paul Tanglao, presently assigned at the Regional Public Safety Battalion (RPSB3) and a resident of Barangay San Nicolas, City of San Fernando and his companions were Joey Guiao, 46, of Barangay Sta. Lucia, City of San Fernando; Dennis Bigeras, 36, and Mark Navarro alias Mac-Mac, 25, both of Pulong Maragul, Angeles City.

13 Jul 2014 - Lawmaker vows quality service sans PDAF

PAMPANGA -- First district Representative Joseller Guiao has vowed to provide quality service to his constituents even without the Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF).

During his Barangay Day at Magalang, Guiao said his office became resourceful after the abolition of PDAF or pork barrel due to reports on alleged misuse and its unconstitutionality.

13 Jul 2014 - DA sees 5% increase in rice production

PAMPANGA -- The Department of Agriculture (DA) here said that it expects at least five percent increase in rice yield by the end of the year if there is no calamity that would disrupt production.

DA Regional Director Andrew Villacorta said Central Luzon farmers are set to produce 3,524,558 million metric tons of palay (unmilled rice) in 2014.

13 Jul 2014 - Capitol-run hospitals net P13.2-M from POC

PAMPANGA -- Capitol's provincial and ten other district hospitals earned a net income of P13,212,705.65 out of the P27,049,074.67 P27,049,074.67 gross proceeds from the Point of Care (POC) program of the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) as of July 3 this year.

The Provincial Government has contributed at least P11,635,200 for the PhilHealth enrollment and membership of 4,848 indigent Kapampangans who were admitted in Pampanga public hospitals.

12 Jul 2014 - Capitol-run hospitals net P13.2-M from POC

12 Jul 2014 - Clark exports reach $388-M

CLARK FREEPORT -- The Clark Development Corporation (CDC) has announced that the export volume inside the Freeport has grown to US$388 as of June this year compared to that of same period last year.

The Trade Facilitation Department (TFD) of CDC said that exports increased by $68 million or 21 percent.

12 Jul 2014 - DPB approves P15-M loan for Mabalacat village

MABALACAT CITY -- The Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP)-Clark branch has approved a P15 million loan for Barangay Sapang Biabas here for its developmental projects.

DBP-Clark senior manager Remelyn Pagarigan said the P15 million is divided into two loans, which is P 10.7 million for the construction of farm to market roads and P4.3 million for the purchase of vehicles and equipment.

12 Jul 2014 - Police nab suspects for illegal drugs, theft

PAMPANGA -- Sto Thomas Police operatives here arrested a woman suspect for alleged possession of illegal drugs and another suspect for theft in operations conducted Saturday.

Police chief John Clark said they have arrested suspect Wendy Cayabyab, 23, of Tarlac City in a buy-bust operation in Barangay Moras dela Paz here.

12 Jul 2014 - Policewoman loses gun to Basag Kotse gang

Angeles City -- A policewoman lost her issued service firearm and personal belongings to members of the Basag Kotse gang in Barangay Sto. Rosario, Angeles City, Thursday.

Senior Superintendent Eden Ugale, Angeles City police director, identified the victim as Senior Police Officer-2 Carmen Chona Nucup, 54, presently assigned at Community Police Action Center (Compac) 4 located in Barangay Telabasgan, City of San Fernando.

11 Jul 2014 - Capitol boosts blood stations in hospitals

PAMPANGA -- The Provincial Government is beefing up blood stations established in Pampanga's 11 district hospitals to ensure the availability of any blood type in times of emergencies.

During the bloodletting dubbed "Daya Cu, Saup Cu. Blood Donor Cu, Pagmaragul Cu," at the Benigno Aquino Hall in Capitol led by Governor Lilia Pineda herself, some 275 donors from the Philippine Army, Philippine National Police and provincial government employees volunteered to donate blood to save lives and boosts the various blood stations’ buffer stock.

11 Jul 2014 - 350 San Fernando volunteers hurdle rescue course

PAMPANGA -- Some 350 bantay-bayan and volunteers from the 35 barangays of the City of San Fernando finished the Barangay Rescue Training course on Thursday.

During their graduation at Heroes Hall, Mayor Edwin Santiago led the awarding of certificates of completion to the graduates who underwent training on basic first aid, basic life support and basic firefighting.

11 Jul 2014 - Trader gives bikes to Pampanga cops

PAMPANGA -- A prominent businessman has donated three motorbikes to the Pampanga police office to help them prevent crimes and stop suspects riding-in-tandem on motorcycles.

Senior Superintendent Marlon Valdez Madrid, Pampanga police director, received on Friday the three units of 180cc motorbikes from Erwin Dizon, president of the St. Peter Calungsod Realty.

11 Jul 2014 - Septuagenarian slain inside his nipa hut

PAMPANGA -- 74-year-old Jose Mallari was shot dead inside his nipa hut in Barangay Natividad, Guagua, Pampanga, on Wednesday.

The victim was inside his nipa hut when an unidentified gunman armed with a caliber .45 pistol shot him several times at close range.

11 Jul 2014 - Korean found dead in room

ANGELES CITY -- A Korean national was found dead inside his room at Koi Apartelle in Barangay Balibago on Thursday.

Senior Superintendent Eden Ugale, Angeles City police director, identified the victim as Oh Jinho, 40, presently staying at the said apartelle.

11 Jul 2014 - Rotary Club Metro San Fernando hosts MDS 2014

PAMPANGA -- Rotary Club Metro San Fernando (Pampanga) will host on Saturday, July 12, the Membership Development Seminar (MDS) 2014 at the Mimosa Convention Center at Clark Freeport Zone.

RCMSP president Chris Cura said the MDS aims to rekindle friendship and ignite the passion for service.

11 Jul 2014 - Santa Rita’s most wanted drug personality nabbed

PAMPANGA -- Elements of the Santa Rita Police arrested on weekend the number one most wanted person on their target list of drug personalities, the town's police chief said.

Senior Inspector Michael Masangkay said Allan del Puso was arrested during a buy-bust operation conducted at Barangay San Jose of this town around 9:20 p.m. on July 10.

10 Jul 2014 - No Pecson-Lacson tandem in ’16 polls

PAMPANGA -- Magalang Vice Mayor Norman Lacson denied reports that he will be joining the camp of incumbent Mayor Romulo Pecson as the latter's running mate in the coming 2016 elections.

Lacson was reacting to a statement made by Pecson in reports, saying that he is "wooing" the mayor and that he sent an "emissary" to reunite their forces.

10 Jul 2014 - P18.5-M diagnostic center inaugurated

PAMPANGA -- Patients of the province's provincial and district hospitals now have easy access to affordable diagnostic services as Governor Lilia Pineda opened the P18.5 million Diagnostic Center and Out-Patient-Department (OPD) at the Diosdado P. Macapagal Memorial Hospital (DPMMH) in Guagua.

The facility aims to streamline provincial health services in public hospitals here with patients no longer having to leave hospital premises to avail of basic tests. Some P12.5 million was spent for the DPMMH's Diagnostic Center. It was part of the P25 million used to improve the facilities at the DPMMH, which now has a bed capacity of 100.

10 Jul 2014 - Bar owners urged to observe guests

ANGELES CITY -- Authorities urged bar owners and managers here to observe guests and tourists entering their establishment as the local government is establishing its intelligence network in preparation for the Asia Pacific Economic Conference (Apec) meeting inside the Clark Freeport next year.

During a recent meeting, the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) and Barangay Balibago officials asked the bar operators to be vigilant and report the "behaviors of suspicious-looking guests" as terrorist groups may exploit the international meeting to sow terror.

10 Jul 2014 - PRO3 conducts PNP Modified Scout II

PAMPANGA -- A total of 120 personnel (24 womem) of the Police Regional Office 3 (PRO 3) participated in the opening of the 45 day rigid training on Special Counter Insurgency Operation Unit Training (Scout).

The opening ceremony of the PNP Modified Scout II was held at the Regional Public Safety Battalion (RPSB3) recently.

10 Jul 2014 - Unemployed moms in San Fernando receive livelihood aid

PAMPANGA -- The San Fernando City Government here in partnership with the Department of Social Welfare and Development–Central Luzon recently awarded capital assistance amounting to P205,000 to women organizations under sustainable livelihood program of Mayor Edwin Santiago.

Montesmar Triangulo Bulaklak Group and San Jose Working Moms Association, both received P75,000 while Kababaihang Nagkakaisa para sa Maunlad na Pamilya faction got P55,000. Members of the groups are all plain housewives, which now have the opportunity to earn through small-scale businesses.

9 Jul 2014 - Trader wants north-south railway link extended to Clark

ANGELES CITY -- A tycoon has asked the government to extend the P271 billion North-South Commuter Railway linking Calamba, Laguna in the south and Malolos, Bulacan in the north, to Clark Freeport.

Businessman Rene Romero asked the Regional Development Council (RDC) to pass a resolution requesting the Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC) to consider the railway link to the Freeport and Clark International Airport (CRK).

9 Jul 2014 - Guiao to Aquino: ‘Include Clark in Sona’

PAMPANGA -- First District Representative Joseller "Yeng" Guiao had asked President Benigno Aquino III to include Clark in his State of the Nation Address (Sona) this month.

Guiao's request was contained in a letter he sent to the President last March 14 after he delivered his first privilege speech in the House of Representatives on January 28.

9 Jul 2014 - Pamintuan to CCA students: Be activists of justice

ANGELES CITY – "I am urging our students to be activists. That is, activists for justice and the rule of law, for righteousness, for our environment and for the liberation of our people from poverty, squalor and hunger."

So said Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan recently as he encouraged students from the City College of Angeles (CCA) to become activists of justice and development, during the General Assembly and Induction of Student Council Officers for Academic Year 2014-2015 at the institution's campus in Barangay Pampang.

9 Jul 2014 - DENR-EMB: No mayor’s permits for plants emitting pollution

PAMPANGA -- An official of the Environment and Natural Resources' (DENR) Environment and Management Bureau (EMB) in Central Luzon said plants emitting pollution should not be issued mayor's permits by local government units of San Simon, Sto. Tomas and San Fernando.

Engr. Raldy Pagador, who discussed the current situation of air, water and land pollution in Pampanga to 149 village chiefs of the fourth district in a recently held orientation at the Clark Freeport, disclosed that the DENR-EMB has already issued Notice of Violations (NOVs) to steel smelting plants in San Simon town located along Quezon road.

9 Jul 2014 - Riding-in-tandem-robs trader

PAMPANGA -- hree unidentified armed men on board two motorcycles robbed a businessman at Dolores Homesite, Barangay Dolores, City of San Fernando on Monday.

Superintendent Edilberto Pitallano, City of San Fernando Police acting chief, said businessman Bernard Chan, 54, of the said barangay was about to board his Toyota Innova (RGP-760) when the suspects robbed him.

9 Jul 2014 - San Fernando joins Nutrition Month celebration

PAMPANGA -- The San Fernando City Government through the City Health Office has lined up several activities for this year’s Nutrition Month celebration.

Themed “Kalamidad Paghandaan, Gutom at Malnutrisyon Agapan”, the month-long celebration will highlight activities that give emphasis on the importance of nutrition during calamities and disasters.

9 Jul 2014 - DILG spearheads Q3 earthquake drill

PAMPANGA -- In observance of the National Disaster Consciousness Month (NDCM) this July, the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Central Luzon Office headed by Director Florida Dijan spearheaded the third quarter earthquake drill for year 2014 recently.

Themed “Kahandaan at Kaligtasan ng Pamayanan, Pundasyon ng Kaunlaran,” the drill aimed to gauge the level of preparedness in terms of efficiency of the warning information of the DILG-3’s Disaster Risk and Management (DRRM) team and simulate familiarization exercises for employees during the occurrence of an earthquake.

8 Jul 2014 - Airport workers sacked

CLARK FREEPORT -- Seven contractual employees working at Clark International Airport Corporation (CIAC) were sacked after they were found involved in the illegal collection of travel tax from passengers.

The workers, whose names were withheld, belonged to the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (Tieza), Miascor Ground Handling, and McKleene janitorial services.

8 Jul 2014 - NFA ensures availability of rice in Central Luzon markets

PAMPANGA -- National Food Authority (NFA) Regional Director Amadeo De Guzman ordered his provincial managers to ensure the availability of NFA rice in Region III markets at all times, pursuant to the directive of newly installed Administrator Arthur Juan.

"This order means adding non-traditional channels to make the staple as visible and available as can be to end consumers," De Guzman said.

8 Jul 2014 - Pampanga, Tarlac leaders express support for CGC

CLARK FREEPORT -- Several local leaders in Pampanga and Tarlac have openly expressed support to the establishment of the Clark Green City (CGC) of the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA), which is touted as the country's next metropolis.

Among the supporters, include governors, mayors, and members of the House of Representatives, who recently passed a resolution favorably endorsing the CGC.

8 Jul 2014 - Robbers forcibly enter apartment

ANGELES CITY -- Three armed men forcibly entered an apartment at Mt. View Subdivision, Barangay Balibago, Angeles City, over the weekend and at gunpoint took two laptops (Asus and HP) worth P37,000; one iPhone 5s worth P34,000; one Canon DSLR camera worth US$3,000; one Nike Bag worth P800; assorted jewelries worth P150,000; one iPod; one Nokia cellphone; and P800 cash.

The suspects barged into the rented apartment of Mary Frelyn Mallaley, 44, and Mary Sharmaine Reyson, 19, while they were taking breakfast, poked their guns at the two victims and declared the heist, Ugale said.

8 Jul 2014 - Pangilinan to lead inauguration of new KDF building

PAMPANGA -- Tycoon Manuel Pangilinan is expected to attend the inauguration of the new building of the Kapampangan Development Foundation (KDF) in Bacolor, which is expected to help boost the free medical services offered by the non-government group, a KDF trustee said.

KDF Trustee Sylvia Ordonez said the new building will be inaugurated on July 14 and will be named MVP Building after its donor. The building was donated by Pangilinan and the PLDT-SMART-Foundation (PSF) to KDF.

8 Jul 2014 - 17 Pampanga villages prone to storm surge

PAMPANGA -- The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (PDRRMC) said that at least 17 villages in four towns of Pampanga have been identified as prone to a storm surge.

Angie Blanco, PDRRMO executive director, said the villages were identified during the Hazards Mapping for Effective Community-Based Disaster Risk Mitigation (Ready Project) of the National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC).

8 Jul 2014 - San Fernando, Dole kick-off JobStart PH program

PAMPANGA -- The City Government of San Fernando and the Department of Labor and Employment (Dole) Central Luzon Office on Tuesday kicked off the registration of the JobStart Philippines program at Waltermart Mall here.

JobStart, funded by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Government of Canada, with technical assistance from the Asian Development Bank will run until July 16. It encourages young Fernandinos aged 18 to 24 years old to participate in the program aimed at assisting unemployed youth in looking for decent jobs through lectures on career decisions, technical and life skills, among others.

8 Jul 2014 - Capitol gives ‘binatog’ vendors nego-carts

PAMPANGA -- The Provincial Government of Pampanga distributed negocarts to 11 ambulant "binatog" vendors from Barangay Sto. Rosario in Candaba.

A simple turnover ceremony held at Pampanga Capitol on Monday was headed by Board Member Ricardo Yabut, Public Employment Service (Peso) provincial manager Luningning Vergara, Manpower Training Center officer in charge Francis Maslog and Sto. Rosario barangay captain Domingo Paguinto.

8 Jul 2014 - CSC confers excellence awards to 5 Land Bank branches

PAMPANGA -- The Civil Service Commission (CSC) has conferred the Citizen’s Satisfaction Seal of Excellence Award to the branches of Land Bank of the Philippines in the cities of Balanga, Gapan, City of San Fernando and Malolos (Plaza) as well as in Capas, Tarlac.

The branches, represented by their managers, each received a wall-mountable glass seal and P100,000 cash reward from CSC Commissioner Robert Martinez, Regional Director Myna Macatangay, and Deputy Regional Director Carlos Rabang in a ceremony held recently.

7 Jul 2014 - BFAR: Pampanga PH’s top producer of tilapia, sugpo

PAMPANGA -- Pampanga remains the country's top producer of tilapia and sugpo (prawn) and it is number two in mudcrab production, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) said.

This was announced by BFAR Regional Director Remedios Ongtangco during the two-day orientation on different programs of various line agencies of the National Government held at Golden Pavillion, Fontana, inside the Clark Freeport Zone over the weekend, which was attended by Governor Lilia Pineda, department heads of the Provincial Government and the 149 village chiefs of the fourth district of Pampanga.

7 Jul 2014 - Monday ‘bonding’ for elderly starts at SM Pampanga, Downtown

PAMPANGA -- Senior citizens started Monday their first “bonding” at SM City Pampanga as the City Government here headed by Mayor Edwin Santiago launched “Libreng Sine Para sa Senior Citizens” or the program that allows elders to watch movies for free at any of the mall's six cinemas, as well as four movie houses at SM City San Fernando Downtown.

Councilor Harvey Quiwa, who sponsored the resolution under the Senior Citizens Act, said senior citizens are accorded the privilege and would just have to present their senior citizen’s card or Fernandino Access Card for them to watch any movie of their choice every Monday during a certain film's first screening.

7 Jul 2014 - DHVTSU to host ‘Bangon Bayan’ exhibit

PAMPANGA -- THE Bureau of Communications Services (BCS), an agency under the Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO), will launch its new photo exhibit entitled Bangon Bayan: A Photo Exhibit Celebrating Filipino Resilience on July 9, 2014 at 2 p.m. at the Don Honorio Ventura Technological State University (DHVTSU) in Bacolor, Pampanga.

PCOO Undersecretary for Legislative, Policy and Legal Affairs Jess Anthony Yu will grace the ribbon-cutting ceremony on behalf of PCOO Secretary Sonny Coloma. The photo exhibit will run at the DHVTSU until July 17, 2014.

7 Jul 2014 - Guv to cops: Beat the criminals’ lawyers

CLARK FREEPORT -- Governor Lilia Pineda challenged the graduating class of Pampanga police officers to apply the knowledge and skills they gained in their Criminal Investigation Course (CIC), during the closing ceremony held at Fontana in Clark Freeport, over the weekend.

“Reinforce crime investigation and defeat the lawyers of the criminals who deserve to be in jail,” she told the CIC class 247 -14.

7 Jul 2014 - Taskforce Kaayusan Para sa Kaunlaran launched

PAMPANGA -- San Fernando Mayor Edwin Santiago announced during Monday's flag ceremony the creation of Taskforce Kaayusan para sa Kaunlaran [TKPK], the city’s newest team that will maintain the cleanliness and orderliness along the city’s major thoroughfares.

“Ang grupong ito ang titiyak na malinis ang ating mga kalsada. Trabaho din nila na siguraduhin na lahat ng ating mga batas ukol sa kalinisan at kapaligiran ay naipapatupad,” said Santiago.

6 Jul 2014 - Cops seize stolen statues

PAMPANGA -- The police here were able to recover 12 pieces of religious statues and two alleged relics from a relative of Jeffrey Quintos, the prime suspect in the recent theft of two ivory images at the Saint James the Apostle Parish in Guagua town recently.

Operatives of the Santa Rita Police conducted a follow-up investigation at Barangay San Basilio here for the possible arrest of Quintos' cohorts.

6 Jul 2014 - Arayat, DILG join e-AlkanSSSya

PAMPANGA -- The Municipality of Arayat became the first local government unit in Pampanga to join the Social Security System's (SSS) ‘e-AlkanSSSya’ program.

The memorandum of agreement was signed last month by Mayor Emmanuel “Bon” Alejandrino and SSS Pampanga Branch head Corita Gaduang.

6 Jul 2014 - Capitol donates truck to DSWD

PAMPANGA -- The Provincial Government of Pampanga has turned over a service vehicle to the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in a ceremony held at Travellers Hotel in Subic Bay recently.

DSWD Secretary Dinky Soliman, together with DSWD Central Luzon director Adelina Apostol, received the truck from Pampanga Governor Lilia Pineda.

6 Jul 2014 - Grade 3 textbooks won't be delivered soon

MABALACAT CITY -- Grade three pupils of Mabalacat Elementary School (MES) will have to wait a little longer for the new textbooks in the K to 12 format.

MES Principal Alma Pineda said according to their superintendent, “funds are already available” for the printing.

6 Jul 2014 - Pecson-Lacson for 2016?

PAMPANGA -- Magalang Mayor Romulo “Romy” Pecson has confirmed that a former ally and incumbent official here are wooing him to be his running mate in the 2016 elections.

Pecson, who will seek reelection in the next polls, said the camp of incumbent Vice Mayor Norman Lacson recently sent an emissary to reunite the two officials’ forces.

6 Jul 2014 - Cop falls prey to Akyat Bahay gang

ANGELES CITY -- The Akyat Bahay gang robbed the boarding house of a police officer in Barangay Sto. Domingo, Angeles City and carted away his issued firearms and personal belongings over the weekend.

In a report here, Senior Superintendent Eden Ugale, Angeles City police chief, said Police Officer-1 Richard Labasan, presently assigned at the Angeles City Public Safety Company reported that his boarding house was ransacked by unidentified robbers.

6 Jul 2014 - POPCOM3 to join commemoration of 2014 World Population Day

PAMPANGA -- The Commission on Population Region III (POPCOM3) will join the worldwide observation of the 2014 World Population Day (WPD) this July 11.

In a statement, POPCOM 3 said that they plan to observe the annual WPD by "holding different activities and campaigns that focus on adolescents" as it goes with this year's theme of "Investing in Young People."

6 Jul 2014 - Sto. Tomas police gets computer sets from bizmen

PAMPANGA -- The Sto. Tomas police station has received at least three sets of computers from businessmen here to help in the operations of the station.

Sto. Tomas Municipal Police Station Chief Inspector John Clark said that they continue to strengthen links with local stakeholders. He added that the continuing trust of the local business sector here is manifested in the recent donations to the police station.

5 Jul 2014 - Pampanga execs urged: ‘Regulate frog catching’

PAMPANGA -- Frogs, which are available in large quantities during the rainy season, are being caught for a living usually by farmers and fishermen.

The amphibian specie is considered as exotic food like “betute,” “tinola” and “adobo” that are native Kapampangan foods are also the nemesis of mosquitoes.

5 Jul 2014 - DPWH vows support to LGUs’ lighting project

PAMPANGA -- A top official of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) in Central Luzon has vowed to support the lighting program of local government units (LGus) along the MacArthur Highway.

DPWH Central Luzon Director Antonio Molano Jr said his office has pledged full cooperation with LGUs and agencies concerned over the public clamor for a well-lighted national highway.

5 Jul 2014 - AUFMC inaugurates new cardio imaging system

ANGELES CITY -- The Angeles University Foundation Medical Center (AUFMC) in collaboration with HB Calleja National Heart Institute, blessed and inaugurated the newly acquired GE Innova 2100 IQ (Optima Edition) Cardiovascular Imaging System for the AUFMC Catheterization Laboratory last June 11 in Angeles City.

The event was led by AUFMC president and CEO Atty. Gabriel Martin L. Angeles, HB Calleja, NHI president and CEO Dr. Jan Denton Chua, AUFMC Medical Director Dr. Ma. Lourdes G. Lagunilla, Cardiovascular Institute Director Dr. Edgardo S. Timbol, Section of Cardiology Training Officer Dr. Gabriel Jocson III and Invasive Cardiology Division Chief Dr. Angelito Medina.

5 Jul 2014 - Gov't agencies told to impose price control on agri commodities

PAMPANGA -- House committee on food security chair Representative Agapito Guanlao is calling on government agencies to impose price control on prime agricultural products.

Guanlao said that members of the committee on agriculture and food and the special committee on food security unanimously approved the immediate filing of a Joint Resolution urging government agencies concerned to impose price controls or suggested retail price (SRP) on basic and prime agricultural commodities.

5 Jul 2014 - San Fernando distributes educational aid to 2,000 students

PAMPANGA -- More than 2,000 Fernandino students received grants for their college education from Mayor Edwin Santiago during the distribution of Educational Scholarship Assistance Program (ESAP) held at Heroes Hall on Friday.

"This is in line with our desire to give as many young Fernandinos as possible the opportunity to experience quality education," said Santiago.

4 Jul 2014 - Exec: No politics in ‘hacienda row’

PAMPANGA -- Mayor Condralito Dela Cruz denied Friday that Porac officials "have a hand" in the on-going land dispute in Hacienda Dolores.

The mayor's reaction came after reports that the Philippine National Police (PNP) Headquarters in Camp Crame, Quezon City will now secure and maintain peace and order in the hacienda due to alleged involvement and influence of local politicians.

4 Jul 2014 - Santiago mulls master plan for San Fernando

PAMPANGA -- Mayor Edwin Santiago of this city said Wednesday that he wants a master development plan to sustain the capital's growth.

During a forum with media, Santiago said that the master plan will include three to five-year short and five to 15-year medium term development time frames aligned with public-private partnerships or PPP.

4 Jul 2014 - San Fernando GAD to conduct more women empowerment seminars

PAMPANGA -- The Gender and Development (GAD) Council of the City of San Fernando will conduct more seminars on empowerment to entice Fernandinas to participate more on barangay and government concerns.

GAD focal person Amalia Catacutan said they are strengthening the women sector here by conducting free seminars and trainings especially on their ability to govern.

4 Jul 2014 - PRO3 holds earthquake drills

PAMPANGA -- As part of its continuing efforts to address natural disasters and calamities, the Police Regional Office 3 (PRO3) recently conducted an earthquake drill and simulation to help prepare PNP personnel and other employees for an earthquake, in line with the simultaneous earthquake drills nationwide.

Chief Superintendent Raul Petrasanta, PRO3 director, said the activity was held to understand when there is an earthquake it is safest to drop to the ground, find cover and hold on.

4 Jul 2014 - Drug store held-up by gunmen

Two unidentified armed men held-up recently a drug store along Sto. Rosario Street, Angeles City and carted away at least P150,000 cash.

Senior Superintendent Eden Ugale, Angeles City police director, said Manson Drug Store located at Sto. Rosario Street was about to close when two suspects armed with a gun of an unknown caliber appeared.

4 Jul 2014 - Bus passengers panic due to ticking clock in package

SUBIC BAY -- Passengers and bus personnel panicked after an alleged ticking clock with an alleged bomb suspected to be inside Victory Liner Shipping Section in Olongapo City, recently.

Senior Superintendent Pedrito Reyes, Olongapo City police director, said that Victory Liner Security Supervisor, Officer-In-Charge and a certain Parilla reported to police the alleged bomb.

4 Jul 2014 - Jobstart PH will prioritize young adults

PAMPANGA -- The Public Employment and Services Office (Peso) here said it will give employment priority to young adults in the implementation of Jobstart Philippines.

Emerlinda Dizon, Peso Training and Internship officer, said the top priority of Jobstart is to help individuals aged 18 to 24 land the right jobs and find the appropriate fields for them.

3 Jul 2014 - Lawmaker wants smuggled rice relinquished to NFA

PAMPANGA -- House committee on food security chair Agapito Guanlao has called on the National Government to direct the Bureau of Customs (BOC) to relinquish jurisdiction over about 50,000 metric tons of smuggled rice to the National Food Authority (NFA) to help in abating the rising prices of rice in the market.

Guanlao said the smuggled rice seized some eight months ago could help in the rice sufficiency program of the government.

3 Jul 2014 - Exec: Pelco 2 envisions ‘zero brownout’

MABALACAT CITY -- A top official of the Pampanga 2 Electric Cooperative (Pelco 2) said that the electric cooperative's management is envisioning "zero brownout" in its service areas.

Pelco 2 general manager Amador Guevarra issued the statement during a meeting with members of the city council on Wednesday.

3 Jul 2014 - Dole to help firms comply with labor laws

PAMPANGA -- "Please allow us to help you comply with labor laws." said Department of Labor and Employment Central Luzon (Dole) Central Luzon Regional Director Ana Dione as she met more than 200 company representatives comprised of owners, managers and human resource managers/practitioners from 120 industries in Pampanga during Thursday's orientation on Department Order 131-13, or the "Labor Laws Compliance System (LLCS)," at Max’s Restaurant in Villa Del Sol, this city.

"We've started embarking on the rounds of orientations on D.O. 131-13 here in Central Luzon because this is one of the major policy reforms under the leadership of Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz, wherein reforms were extensively made in the implementation of the Secretary’s visitorial power, specifically, labor inspection," Dione said.

3 Jul 2014 - JobStart PHL in San Fernando starts July 8

PAMPANGA -- The Department of Labor and Employment (Dole) and the City Government of San Fernando are inviting young Fernandinos aged 18 to 24 years old to participate in JobStart Philippines program at Waltermart Mall on July 8 to 16.

JobStart, funded by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Government of Canada, is a program aimed to assist unemployed youth in looking for decent jobs through lectures on career decisions, technical and life skills, among others.

3 Jul 2014 - Provincial board okays forced evacuation law

PAMPANGA -- The Provincial Board (PB) headed by Vice Governor Dennis Pineda has passed an ordinance prescribing the guidelines on the implementation of forced evacuation in the province's two cities and 19 municipalities as a resort when disasters or calamities strike.

Ordinance 605, an act “prescribing the guidelines on the implementation of forced evacuation in any component city or municipality in the Province of Pampanga as a resort when a disaster or emergency has been declared and danger of loss of lives is imminent within their area of jurisdiction providing penalties for non-compliance therefore and for other purposes,” was sponsored by all members of the PB and approved by Governor Lilia Pineda.

3 Jul 2014 - Council wants more negokarts for folks

PAMPANGA -- An official of the Mexico Municipal Social Welfare and Development Council here wants the Municipal Government to allot more funds for the production of more rolling carts or "negokarts" as assistance to the less fortunate and aspiring entrepreneurs of the town.

According to MSWDC officer Jeanette DS Lacson, the project is in partnership with the Department of Labor and Employment.

3 Jul 2014 - 20 nabbed for rebranding NFA rice to commercial grade

PAMPANGA -- At least 20 persons were arrested by police while in the act of switching of government or National Food Authority (NFA) rice into commercial brands in a raid in a warehouse in Barangay Abangan Sur, Marilao, Bulacan, Thursday morning.

Senior Superintendent Ferdinand Divina, Officer-In-Charge of the Bulacan Police Provincial Office, said that combined operatives of the Bulacan Criminal Investigation and Detection Team and Marilao Police swooped down on the warehouse owned by couple Roberto and Regina and Regina Paulenco.

3 Jul 2014 - SM CSF Downtown hosts medical, dental mission

PAMPANGA -- The SM City San Fernando Downtown's yearly medical and dental mission was held early this week led by SM Foundation Inc., and in collaboration with the City of San Fernando Health Office and Watsons.

The mission was held at the 6th level of the said mall with the theme "Gamot para sa Kapwa".

2 Jul 2014 - Church treasures recovered; police arrest suspected thief

PAMPANGA -- Parishioners of Santiago Apostol Parish in Guagua's Betis District here can now breathe a sigh of relief as joint efforts of the Caloocan and Guagua police led to the recovery of the recently stolen century-old images of the Nuestra dela Consolacion y Correa and Sto. Nino and the arrest of one suspect.

Parish Pastoral Council president Banjo Serrano told the Northern Caloocan police led by Police Superintendent Bernard Tambaoan turned over, on the eve of July 1, suspect Jeffrey Quintos; 29, a resident of Barangay San Jose in Macabebe town, after found to be in possession of the stolen Sto. Nino. The suspect was arrested along Bonifacio Monument Circle (Monumento) in Caloocan City. The suspect was allegedly in the act of selling the image.

2 Jul 2014 - Capitol, Mabalacat RPT ‘war’ looms

PAMPANGA -- The Provincial Government and the City of Mabalacat are at loggerheads over the issue of real property tax after the passage of a related ordinance by the city council that challenges the province's control over it.

If push comes to shove, according to a reliable source from Capitol, the province might bring the matter to the court.

2 Jul 2014 - Guv to cops: ‘Perform better’

PAMPANGA -- Pampanga Governor Lilia Pineda met Wednesday the various chiefs-of-police in the different towns of Pampanga urging them to improve their performance particularly in the implementation of anti-drug programs and arrest of suspects.

This came as Pineda said that the local police should give back the Provincial Government's support on their programs with actual results that translate in the resolution of criminal cases and the reduction of crime incidences.

2 Jul 2014 - Angeles council: Stop illegal collection of passway fee

ANGELES CITY -- The city council has asked the executive department of the local government to conduct an investigation regarding the illegal collection of passway fees on quarry trucks along the circumferential road in Barangay Cutcut here.

The city council, through a resolution passed on Tuesday, asked Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan, to stop all stations within the territorial jurisdiction of the city that allegedly exact road users tax.

2 Jul 2014 - Capitol hospitals net P12-M from PhilHealth’s point of care

PAMPANGA -- With the PhilHealth contribution of P10,915,200 of the Provincial Government for its Point of Care (POC) program, sponsoring at least 4,548 indigent beneficiaries, the Capitol’s provincial and 10 district hospitals collected P25,454,802.47, or a total net income of P12,573,612.83.

Michelle Lopez, POC coordinator of the Provincial Government, announced that the provincial board approved anew at least P10-million to enroll more indigent Kapampangan patients who are previously non-Philhealth members, admitted to the hospitals of the Capitol.

2 Jul 2014 - Angeles council to treasurer: Release P1,000 allowance of policemen

ANGELES CITY -- Members of the city council here have asked the city treasurer's office to release the P1,000 allowance given to each personnel of the Philippine National Police (PNP), Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP), and Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) assigned in this city.

This was gleaned in a resolution the city council passed on Tuesday supporting the appeal of the policemen, jail officers, and firemen to the Commission on Audit (COA) to release their monthly allowances.

2 Jul 2014 - CDRRMC: ‘How safe is your house?’

PAMPANGA -- San Fernando's City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council and the City Engineer’s Office launched on Wednesday the survey "How safe is my house?" at the Heroes Hall.

The survey funded by the Japan International Cooperation Agency is a "vulnerability" checklist of assessing the stability and strength of infrastructures such as houses, schools and other buildings when earthquakes hit the city.

2 Jul 2014 - Lazatin champions salary hike for day care workers

ANGELES CITY – "Our day care workers play an integral part in the development of our children and it is only fitting that we show them our sincere gratitude."

Thus, said Councilor Carmelo "Pogi" Lazatin, Jr. during the City Council's Regular Session last July 1 where he filed a resolution calling for a P5,000 increase in the salaries of all day care workers in the city.

2 Jul 2014 - MDRRMO, BFP team up for disaster prevention

PAMPANGA -- The Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council and Bureau of Fire Protection in this town held Wednesday an earthquake and fire drill at Pandacaqui Don Jesus Gonzales High School.

The said event is in accordance with the National Government's directive in conducting simultaneous nationwide earthquake drill for the observance of disaster consciousness month.

2 Jul 2014 - New York-based diplomats cite photo exhibit of local scribe

CLARK FREEPORT -- The celebration of the so-called Filipino-American Friendship day in this former US military facility kicked off Tuesday with a display of images about New York City and the United Nations at the SM City mall here.

This, as top Filipino diplomats based in the Big Apple sent their greetings to the organizers of “I Love New York” photo exhibit of journalist Noel G. Tulabut who has covered the United Nations General Assembly as columnist of Sun.Star Pampanga since 2005.

1 Jul 2014 - Pineda lauds Singson for Cupang dike rehab

PAMPANGA -- Governor Lilia Pineda lauded Public Works Secretary Rogelio Singson for the timely completion of the setback levee here.

The rehabilitation of the breached dike included slope protection with steel sheet piles along the Apalit-Arayat setback levee in the Barangay Cupang section of the Pampanga River.

1 Jul 2014 - ECC reaches out to uniformed men, women

PAMPANGA -- With the need to “stretch the arms of social protection benefit schemes” for workers in Central Luzon, the Employees’ Compensation Commission (ECC), in coordination with the Philippine National Police – Pampanga Police Office and the Department of Labor and Employment (Dole) Regional Office 3, recently held an information campaign on its flagship program Employees’ Compensation Program (ECP) at the Philippine National Police (PNP) - Pampanga Provincial Police Office in the City of San Fernando, Pampanga.

Dole Regional Director Ana Dione reported to Labor Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz, through ECC Executive Director Stella Zipagan-Banawis, that the ECC Regional Extension Unit 3 (ECC REU-3) spearheaded the said information campaign, attended by 50 men and women in uniform of the PNP Pampanga Provincial Police Office.

1 Jul 2014 - PNP to ensure peace, order at Hacienda Dolores

PAMPANGA -- The responsibility in the maintaining peace and order in Hacienda Dolores in Porac, Pampanga, will be handled by the Philippine National Police (PNP) national headquarters in Camp Crame, Quezon City.

This was the recommendation made during a recent meeting held at the Department of Interior and Local Government-National Police Commission center between the Aniban ng Nagkakaisang Mamayan ng Hacienda Dolores (Aniban) and LLL Holdings Inc., the land developer.

1 Jul 2014 - SM CSF Downtown welcomes Little Miss PH Earth

PAMPANGA -- SM City San Fernando Downtown welcomed the homecoming of Little Miss Philippines Earth 2014 Maria Bernadette Datu recently.

Datu returned to SM City San Fernando Downtown, the place where she auditioned for the pageant.

1 Jul 2014 - DENR asks execs: Make Mt. Arayat a ‘no build zone’

PAMPANGA -- The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) called on Governor Lilia Pineda and Arayat Mayor Emmanuel Alejandrino to impose a "No Build Zone" policy along the perimeter of the Mt. Arayat National Park protected area following the recent landslide incidents here.

The recommendation came after the assessment was made by Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (Cenro) chief Engr. Rommel Santiago and Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) chief geologist Engr. Noel Lacadin.

1 Jul 2014 - Capitol nets P177.7-M in quarry fees for 1st semester

PAMPANGA -- The Provincial Government Environment and Natural Resources Office (PGENRO) and Kapampangan A Lulugud At Matapat (Kalam) reported Tuesday that the Capitol has generated P177,720,000 in quarry fees for the first semester of 2014.

Documents furnished by PGENR officer Engr. Art Punsalan show that revenues for the first semester of this year peaked in May with P31,720,000 and March, with collections of P30,680,000. In January, fees were recorded at P29,280,000; P28,720,000 in February; P29,140,000 in April; and closed the semester with P28,180,000 in June.

1 Jul 2014 - Aquino lauds air force

CLARK FREEPORT -- President Benigno Aquino III on Tuesday extolled the performance of the Philippine Air Force (PAF) as colorful and significant for managing to accomplish and discharge their functions despite limited resources.

During the air force's 67th anniversary rites themed "Soar High PAF for Peace, Freedom, and Development" at the Haribon Hangar here, President Aquino cited the contributions of the PAF in international assistance including the wars in Korea and Congo, as well as its successful defense of Zamboanga City against rogue elements.

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