Skip to main content.
Home First Page Previous Page Next Page Last Page

Balibago News Dec-2015

30 Dec 2015- Aquino asked to help bring home Zapanta's body

PAMPANGA -- The family of the Kapampangan overseas Filipino worker (OFW) who was executed in Saudi Arabia on Tuesday is asking the National Government to help them bring back the body of their kin.

Mona Zapanta, mother of executed Joselito Zapanta, is requesting for the immediate action of President Benigno Aquino to talk to the Saudi Arabian government for the possible return of her son's body to the Philippines.

30 Dec 2015 - Capitol vows to assist Zapanta family

PAMPANGA -- The Provincial Government of Pampanga vowed to provide assistance needed by the family of the Kapampangan overseas Filipino worker (OFW) who was recently executed in Saudi Arabia.

Eliza Muñoz, head of the Pampanga Action Center for OFW Concerns (Pacoc), said that Governor Lilia Pineda has instructed the assessment of the needs of Joselito Zapanta's family, particularly during this time of grief.

30 Dec 2015 - Hostage taker shot dead inside fast food restaurant

ANGELES CITY -- A 39-year-old man who had taken a nine-year-old boy as hostage inside a nearby fast-food chain Tuesday night was shot dead by a police officer.

Chief Inspector Dederick Relativo, Police Station 4 chief, said the boy was saved when Senior Inspector Dante Cabungcal shot the suspect -- Carlos Dadia Rongcales, a native of Samar, Leyte -- on the right shoulder.

30 Dec 2015 - CSF mayor calls for unity amid Asean integration

PAMPANGA -- Mayor Edwin Santiago has called for unity among Fernandinos in light of the upcoming Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) integration.

During the 119th commemoration of the death of and martyrdom of Dr. Jose Rizal, Santiago urged Fernandinos to replicate the unity shown by Filipino heroes during the times of colonization to achieve their same goal.

30 Dec 2015 - Maglanque wants government to upgrade dams

PAMPANGA -- Candaba mayor Rene Maglanque has asked the National Government to start considering the upgrade of the dams in the country to lessen flooding.

Candaba, a low-lying municipality in the province, had experienced severe floodings brought by typhoons "Lando" and "Nona" this year alone.

29 Dec 2015 - Porac exec wants stricter regulation of Pinatubo route

PAMPANGA -- Porac mayor Condralito Dela Cruz bared Tuesday that the Municipal Government is now aiming to implement stricter regulations on tourists who would like to access the Mt. Pinatubo crater lake through this town for safety and monitoring reasons.

This came after Dela Cruz led the rescue of 29 mountaineers from Climbers Philippines who were earlier reportedly "trapped" in the crater network.

29 Dec 2015 - Cop in Clark shootout tests negative for gunpowder burns

ANGELES CITY -- The police officer who was killed in an alleged shootout with security personnel of Clark Freeport on December 24 at the parking lot of a mall here tested negative for gunpowder burns.

This was learned from investigators of the Angeles City Police Station 4, which are handling the case slain Police Officer 1 Jomar Batul.

29 Dec 2015 - NHA completes construction of 2,050 houses in Pampanga

PAMPANGA -- The National Housing Authority (NHA) has completed the construction of some 2,050 houses in Pampanga this year for informal settler families living in danger zones such as creeks, rivers, and esteros as well as those displaced by natural calamities.

NHA Project Manager Ines Gonzales said that the agency has built 300 houses in San Fernando Heights in Barangay Malpitic in the City of San Fernando; 500 in Angeles Ville in Barangay Sapalibutad in Angeles City; 500 in Dr. Igmedio Bondoc Ville in Sto. Nino, Sto. Tomas town; 500 in Guagua Ville in barangay Lambac, Guagua, and 250 units in San Guillermo Village in Barangay Tinajero, Bacolor town.

28 Dec 2015 - 7th Dukit Woodcarving Festival held

PAMPANGA -- Wood carvers in Guagua hosted the 7th year of the "Dukit Festival" on Monday to promote woodcarving and attract tourist attention into the different artistic disciplines of the woodcarving industry here.

The event held at Sta. Ursula Betis here was participated by the best woodcarvers of the district.

28 Dec 2015 - Developer eyes Pampanga as housing hub

ANGELES CITY -- A property developer here said that Pampanga is now ready to become a housing hub considering the influx of investors including the entry of major players in the real estate and property development industry.

Wilfredo “Willy” Tan, president and chief executive officer of Hausland Development Corporation (HDC), said that a lot of big developers have acquired properties in the province.

28 Dec 2015 - Pamintuan bares plans, projects for 2016

ANGELES CITY -- The local chief executive of this city recently announced his plans and projects for 2016.

Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan has revealed more milestone projects to come, which includes a state-of-the-art command center and a public cemetery.

28 Dec 2015 - Regional offices host lantern exhibit, parade

PAMPANGA -- Regional offices of the national government here under the Central Luzon Association of Regional Officers (CLARO) recently conducted their first Lantern Exhibit and Parade.

The event was participated by officers of the offices based inside the Diosdado Macapagal Government Center Barangay Maimpis.

27 Dec 2015 - Public reminded: Avoid using illegal firecrackers on New Year revelry

PAMPANGA -- Authorities are cautioning the public against using illegal firecrackers during the New Year revelry.

The Philippine National Police (PNP) has launched Oplan Aksyon Paputok Injury Reduction (APIR) to remind people of safe ways to celebrate New Year.

27 Dec 2015 - Drug pusher killed in police operation

ANGELES CITY -- A suspected drug pusher was killed and another was arrested in two separate police operations in Barangays Sapang Bato and Malabanias in Angeles City.

Senior Superintendent Sidney Villaflor, Angeles City police chief, identified the slain suspects as Romy Malonzo of Barangay Sapang Bato and Jayson Castro, 27, of Barangay Capaya.

27 Dec 2015 - Vendors given 2 days to sell firecrackers

PAMPANGA -- Vendors in Masantol town are allowed sell firecrackers only on December 30 and 31.

The selling period was approved by the town council.

26 Dec 2015 - Wife, frat cry justice for slain policeman

CLARK FREEPORT -- Relatives and friends of Police Officer 1 Jomar Batul are crying for justice for the policeman who was killed in a shooting incident at the parking lot of a mall here on Thursday.

In a post in Batul's Facebook account, the policeman was described as simple, silent, loyal, and loving person.

26 Dec 2015 - San Simon folks celebrate Christmas in floods as part of dam erodes

PAMPANGA -- Residents of Barangay San Pedro celebrated their Christmas in floodwaters as a part of Arnedo Dike was partly damaged on Thursday due to typhoons "Nona" and "Onyok".

Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (MDRRMO) head Benjamin Santos said that the part of Arnedo Dike was partly damaged due to erosion when the floodwaters were just subsiding.

26 Dec 2015 - Prices in Pampanga, 3 other provinces ‘frozen’

PAMPANGA -- Prices of basic commodities in the provinces of Pampanga, Aurora, Bulacan and Nueva Ecija have been “frozen” by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).

The said freeze in the prices of basic and prime goods is in effect in areas in Central Luzon, which were severely battered by tropical disturbance “Nona” earlier this month, following the declaration of state of national calamity by President Benigno Aquino III.

26 Dec 2015 - Emirates adds Dubai-Cebu-Clark route

CLARK FREEPORT -- The Emirates airline company has added a new Dubai-Cebu-Clark route starting March 30, 2016.

This was gleaned in a recent letter of Emirates Senior Vice President for Aeropolitical and Industry Affairs Salem Obaidalla to Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) Director Victor Jose Luciano.

26 Dec 2015 - CLARO holds first lantern exhibit, parade

PAMPANGA -- The Central Luzon Association of Regional Officers (CLARO) recently conducted its first Lantern Exhibit and Parade, which was participated by national government agencies whose offices are based at the Diosdado Macapagal Government Center in this city.

"We would like to further the spirit of love and unity among our agencies and at the same time promote collaboration among Gender and Development focal point systems," CLARO president and Department of the Interior and Local Government Regional Director Florida Dijan said.

26 Dec 2015 - SSS releases P3.88-B in maternity, sickness claims

PAMPANGA -- The Social Security System (SSS) released a total of P3.88-billion and P1.65-billion for maternity and sickness claims, respectively, for the first nine months of 2015.

The SSS, in a statement, said that they have posted corresponding double-digit growths of 21 percent and 18 percent in benefit payments which is due to the increase in number of availing members this year.

23 Dec 2015 - Clark pushed as alternative to decongest Metro Manila

CLARK FREEPORT -- The Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) is pushing Clark Freeport and Clark International as viable alternatives to decongest Metro Manila.

During the recently weekly Pandesal Forum at the Kamuning Bakery Cafe in Quezon City, BCDA president and Chief Executive Officer Arnel Paciano Casanova said plans to ease the traffic congestion in Metro Manila must be included in the programs of governance of presidential candidates which may include the transfer of other key industries and major public offices in other regions like Central Luzon which has the necessary infrastructure and socio-economic system.

23 Dec 2015 - BIR to start intensified tax campaign in 2016

PAMPANGA -- The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) Revenue Region 4 is set to intensify its tax campaign program this 2016.

This, as BIR Regional Director Jethro Sabarriaga said that they expect to be assigned a collection goal of P28-billion this coming year.

23 Dec 2015 - Capitol provides Christmas packs to flood victims

PAMPANGA -- The Provincial Government of Pampanga headed by Governor Lilia Pineda provided Christmas packs to the Candabeños who were severely affected by the back flooding caused typhoon "Nona".

Instead of relief operations, the government opted to call it "gift-giving" as a way of uplifting the spirits of the victim.

23 Dec 2015 - San Simon under state of calamity

PAMPANGA -- San Simon town has been declared under a state of calamity on Monday due to floods caused by storms Nona and Onyok, according to their official Facebook page.

Floods affected some 9,525 families from Barangay San Pedro, Barangay San Juan, Barangay San Miguel, Barangay San Jose, Barangay San Nicolas and Barangay Sta. Cruz, which are all near the Pampanga river.

22 Dec 2015 - Uncertified Christmas lights confiscated

PAMPANGA -- As people scrambled for Yuletide decorations three days before Christmas, combined teams from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)Pampanga Office, Philippine National Police and Business Permits and Licensing offices of the City of San Fernando and Angeles City on Tuesday confiscated some P180,000 worth of uncertified Christmas lights.

The combined team of authorities enforced the Products Standards Law and the Consumer Act of the Philippines that led to the confiscation of the uncertified lights in the two cities.

22 Dec 2015 - Pamintuan distributes vehicles to barangays, local police

ANGELES CITY – The local government here, through Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan, began the distribution of multi-purpose vehicles to this city’s barangay captains and local police in a short ceremony yesterday at the city hall .

A total of 19 vehicles were donated, 15 of which were given to the barangay captains, while four were donated to the Angeles City Police Office.

22 Dec 2015 - More families enjoy GLF 2015 with CLTV36’s wider coverage, live stream

PAMPANGA -- Families all over Metro Central Luzon, North Luzon and Metro Manila and even the worldwide audience, witnessed the Giant Lantern Festival (GLF) 2015 through the full live telecast of CLTV36, the official media partner of the this city’s grandest festival.

This was made possible with the new transmission tower of CLTV36 in Clark Freeport Zone, which was provided by the Italy based DB Elettronica Telecommunications S.p.A, a world leader in design and new technologies on the radio and TV industry.

22 Dec 2015 - Elders celebrate Christmas despite heavy rains

PAMPANGA -- Heavy rains did not stop the members of the Office of the Senior Citizens Affairs (OSCA) here in celebrating Christmas on Saturday at Barangay San Nicolas here.

Some 1,000 elders participated in a Christmas party led by OSCA president Orlan Viray, Mayor Danilo Guintu and some officials.

21 Dec 2015 - Apalit Council: Village secretary's case not neglected

PAMPANGA -- Members of the Municipal Council of Apalit stood by their statement that they did not neglect the sexual harassment complaint brought before them by a village secretary here.

The SB shrugged off Barangay Tabuyuc Secretary Michelle Lagman's allegations that their office did not pay attention to her complaint against her village chief Emilio Manlapaz.

21 Dec 2015 - Lazatin launches website

ANGELES CITY -- Reelectionist City Councilor Carmelo “Pogi” Lazatin, Jr. launched on Monday a website in a bid to keep the constituents in Angeles City updated of his activities at the City Council.

Lazatin said the manner in which the citizens acquire information about the government and its officials has changed due to widespread access to the internet.

21 Dec 2015 - Giant Lantern Festival 2015 a huge success

PAMPANGA -- Despite of the gloomy weather over the weekend, thousands of spectators flocked the annual Giant Lantern Festival held at Robinson Starmills to witness the showdown of kaleidoscope of colors dancing over the tune of Christmas carols.

This year, 11 battled for the prestigious title and bragging rights. Competing are barangays Sto. Niño, Telabastagan, San Jose, San Juan, Calulut, San Nicolas, Del Pilar, Sta. Lucia, Dolores and new competitors barangays Pandaras and Sindalan.

21 Dec 2015 - San Luis under state of calamity

PAMPANGA -- The local government here has declared a state of calamity over the weekend after several families and livelihood have been affected by Typhoon "Nona."

According to Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Officer (MDRRMO) Ernesto Bondoc, 12 of the 17 barangays here are still submerged in up to four feet of floods brought by the descent of water from Nueva Ecija.

21 Dec 2015 - SM Clark donates 3 houses to Typhoon Yolanda victims

CLARK FREEPORT -- SM City Clark has formally turned over to SM City Cares three houses for their Typhoon Yolanda housing project.

During a simple ceremony yesterday, SM Cares consultant Elena Horn said that SM Supermalls is committed to build 1,000 houses for Yolanda victims.

21 Dec 2015 - Fontana hosts unity investment business meeting

CLARK FREEPORT -- Fontana Hot Spring Leisure Parks successfully hosted the stakeholders meeting of Unity Investments Holdings Limited (UIHL) recently at the Convention Center Gallery 1 attended by some 350 international guests.

UIHL is an investment company incorporated in the Cayman Islands whose shares are listed at the stock exchange of Hong Kong Limited under Chapter 21 of the Listing Rules since 27 October 1999 and investing in securities constitutes its ordinary course of business.

20 Dec 2015 - Ex-DILG chief: Privatize Clark airport

CLARK FREEPORT -- Former Department of Interior and Local Government secretary Rafael Alunan III has pushed for the privatization of Clark International Airport (CRK).

Alunan, in a press conference on Saturday, said it is necessary to maximize the potential of CRK by making it the country’s premier gateway to ease congestion in Metro Manila and flight traffic at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport.

20 Dec 2015 - Laus eyes creation of Metro Central Luzon

PAMPANGA -- Chamber of Commerce and Industry chairman Levy Laus said that the development of the region into Metro Central Luzon would greatly help in the initiative of decongesting Metro Manila.

Laus said that the branding would greatly help in promoting the region as a premier destination and in making the region an ideal place for investment.

20 Dec 2015 - Barangay Dolores wins giant lantern competition

PAMPANGA -- Barangay Dolores is now a step away from claiming the Hall of Fame award as it bested on Saturday other participants of the Giant Lantern Festival for the second year in a row.

The village's lantern, which emerged as the brightest and most colorful, received the GLF 2015 championship award.

20 Dec 2015 - Rodriguez lauds Roxas' clear vision for Clark airport

CLARK FREEPORT -- “Mar has a good and clear vision for Clark airport.”

Thus said Pampanga Third District Representative Oscar Rodriguez when he emphasized over the weekend how important Clark International Airport, Pampanga and the countryside are to Liberal Party (LP) standard bearer Manuel Roxas II.

20 Dec 2015 - Apalit folk fear 'wet' Christmas

PAMPANGA -- Some 6,846 families here are worried of celebrating Christmas under flood as the water level at the Pampanga River threatens to spill over if rains continue this week.

Lorie Henson, Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management officer, said the river in their area is only one meter and 20 centimeter away from overspilling.

20 Dec 2015 - Floodwaters in San Simon to last until Christmas Day

PAMPANGA -- San Simon residents long with some towns in the fourth district of the province may celebrate Christmas with floodwaters due to typhoon Nona and typhoon Onyok.

Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (MDRRMO) chief Benjamin Santos said in a phone interview that the flood might last until Christmas.

20 Dec 2015 - RDC 3 approves P1.57B social services rehab plan

PAMPANGA -- The Central Luzon Regional Development Council (RDC) recently approved the P1.57 billion social services rehabilitation plan for areas damaged by Typhoon Lando.

Implementing agencies include Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and Department of Education (DepEd).

20 Dec 2015 - Tarzan hits appointment of Flores as CIAC veep

ANGELES CITY -- Former Pampanga congressman and Angeles City Mayor Carmelo “Tarzan” Lazatin has expressed objection to the appointment of businessman Jojo Flores as vice president of Clark International Airport Corporation (CIAC).

Lazatin said the CIAC board of directors, including CIAC president and chief executive officer Emigdio “Dino” Tanjuatco, should have checked Flores’ performance in his previous government position.

19 Dec 2015 - Rodriguez: Railway system final

PAMPANGA -- Third District Representative Oscar Rodriguez disclosed Saturday that plans for the railway system linking Metro Manila to North Luzon has been finalized and included in the 2016 national budget.

“The plans for that are now final and the railway system from Metro Manila to Malolos City in Bulacan will be expanded up to the north after the BCDA [Bases Conversion and Development Authority] volunteered to construct the link from Malolos to North Luzon,” Rodriguez said.

19 Dec 2015 - Cancer, dialysis patients get Christmas gifts from guv

PAMPANGA -- Some 710 dialysis and cancer patients from the different towns of the second district received food packs and P1,000 each from Governor Lilia Pineda as part of her Christmas gift giving for ill patients of the province.

Some P710,000 was given out during the event. The governor also distributed 10 kilos of rice, packs of hotdogs, fresh chicken and goody packs to the patients.

19 Dec 2015 - Candaba under state of calamity

PAMPANGA -- The local government has declared a state of calamity on Friday after the continuous onslaught of heavy rains in the town that affected families and livelihood.

After carefully assessing the damages of the back flooding from Nueva Ecija due to Typhoon "Nona", the Sangguniang Bayan here placed the municipality under state of calamity to help the victims.

19 Dec 2015 - Suspect in killing of Koreans nabbed

MABALACAT CITY -- Police arrested recently the alleged leader of a notorious gun for hire gang believed responsible in the killing of several Koreans in Angeles City during a raid in his residence in Villa Teodora, Barangay Dau, Mabalacat City, Pampanga.

In a press conference on Friday, Senior Superintendent Timoteo Pacleb, Deputy Regional Director for Operations (DRDO), identified the arrested as Victor Rivera, a resident of San Bernardo Street of said village.

19 Dec 2015 - CIAC ex-official joins Capas town mayoralty race

CLARK FREEPORT --- A former mayor here and official of the Clark International Airport Corporation (CIAC) has joined the mayoralty race in Capas town, Tarlac province. Reynaldo Catacutan, former CIAC vice president, said the Commission on Elections (Comelec) in said town has accepted his certificate of candidacy for mayor as a substitute candidate of his brother Roberto Catacutan under the administration’s Liberal Party.

18 Dec 2015 - Giant lanterns to shine on Saturday

PAMPANGA -- Rain or shine, the most awaited Giant Lantern Festival or “Ligligan Parul” will push through on Saturday, said this year's festival chairperson Ernesto Cunanan.

According to Cunanan, the executive committee and their partners are ready in case it rains.

18 Dec 2015 - Pampanga villages in floodwater after 'Nona'

PAMPANGA -- Floodwater coming from the upper regions of Luzon has brought flooding in some 27 low-lying villages in five Pampanga towns, according to the Pampanga Provincial Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO).

Most of the flooded barangays are in towns of Pampanga's fourth District. Among the flooded areas include parts of Arayat, San Simon, Candaba, Macabebe and Apalit. In Candaba town alone, some 12 barangays are now in floodwater.

18 Dec 2015 - 12 Candaba barangays still flooded

PAMPANGA -- Despite the sunny weather on Friday, 12 barangays in Candaba are still submerged in chest-deep waters spawned by Typhoon Nona’s rains.

As a result of continuous downpours the past days, water from the upstream part of the region is now descending to the Pampanga River, affecting the municipalities along the riverside.

18 Dec 2015 - Teachers celebrate Christmas with mayor

PAMPANGA -- Some 300 public school teachers here were joined on Friday in their Christmas party by Mayor Danilo Guintu and some officials at the Barangay San Nicolas covered court.

"It is my obligation to attend every party in Masantol, not because election season is coming but I want to show the happiness in the season of Christmas," Guintu said.

18 Dec 2015 - Macabebe conducts bloodletting project

PAMPANGA -- The Municipal Health Office (MHO) here together with the Philippine Red Cross conducted a bloodletting project on Thursday at the municipal hall.

"Around 50 persons participated in the event but only eight persons have donated blood," said Municipal Health Officer Dr. Jocelyn Yabut.

18 Dec 2015 - CSF water district donates water pumps

PAMPANGA -- The City of San Fernando Water District on Friday turned over two sets of shallow tube pumps to this city's Vice-Mayor Jimmy Lazatin in a bid to augment the water supply needs in two villages here.

The pumps, including water pipes, were formally turned over in simple ceremonies at the water district's main office in downtown San Fernando.

17 Dec 2015 - GLF 2015 to go live video streaming

PAMPANGA -- The much awaited Giant Lantern Festival (GLF) 2015 will be an unforgettable night. Spectators the world over would not miss it this time by watching a live streaming of the competition and so much more.

The live video streaming can be viewed at www.cityofsanfernando.gov.ph on December 19 at exactly 6:30 p.m.

17 Dec 2015 - 2,000 drug suspects arrested in 2015

PAMPANGA -- The Pampanga police said that more than 2,000 drug personalities in the province were arrested from January to December 14 this year.

These arrests are said to be from anti-illegal drug operations such as buy-bust operations and house raids.

17 Dec 2015 - Angat Dam reaches spilling level

PAMPANGA -- The Angat Dam in Bulacan has reached its spilling level for the first time this year, ending a series of supply problems.

Typhoon “Nona” has managed to make the dam reach 213 meters above sea level.

17 Dec 2015 - PGKM dares new CIAC veep

ANGELES CITY -- An advocacy group calling for the full development of Clark International Airport (CRK) has challenged the newly-appointed vice president of the airport.

Ruperto Cruz, a prominent businessman here who also heads the group, questioned the credibility in the aviation industry of businessman Jojo Flores, the new Clark International Airport Corporation (CIAC) vice president for operations.

17 Dec 2015 - Neda board approves P23-B NLEx-SLEx connector road

MABALACAT CITY -- The National Economic and Development Authority (Neda) Board has approved the P23 billion road project that will connect the North Luzon Expressway (NLEx) and the South Luzon Expressway (SLEx).

The connector road is one of the five projects approved on Wednesday by the Neda Board chaired by President Benigno Aquino III.

16 Dec 2015 - Arayat on alert over possible landslides

PAMPANGA -- The Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO) here has been put on alert and is keenly monitoring the situation in Mount Arayat as Typhoon "Nona" continues to dump rain in Pampanga and several parts of Central Luzon.

MDRRMO head Ricky Mallari said their team is on standby at the area of Barangay San Juan Baño if any disaster, like a landslide, occurs.

16 Dec 2015 - Coffee table book on Giant Lantern Festival launched

PAMPANGA -- The many traditions surrounding the Giant Lantern Festival and the proud giant lanterns of this city are now preserved for posterity as the Giant Lantern Festival Foundation and the Giant Lantern Festival Committee 2015 launched the second edition of coffee table book titled “Parul.”

Giant Lantern Festival Executive Committee 2015 led by engineer Ernesto Cunanan and the souvenir program committee spearheaded by engineer Ferdinand Caylao came up with a coffee table book as a lasting souvenir for tourists, lantern enthusiasts and for the city.

16 Dec 2015 - Tanjuatco assures support for Clark airport development

ANGELES CITY -- Clark International Airport Corporation (CIAC) head Emigdio “Dino” Tanjuatco III has assured that the state-owned corporation is working hard for the airport’s full development and operation.

Tanjuatco issued the statement during a Christmas party with Pampanga-based newsmen at Rib Eye Restaurant here on Monday.

16 Dec 2015 - Kapampangans finish LTC courses

PAMPANGA -- Some 556 students graduated from the various training courses of the Lubao Training Center (LTC) recently as the province bats for more skills training for Kapampangans.

The training courses were made possible through the support of the Municipality of Lubao in partnership with the Pampanga Provincial Manpower Training Center (PMTC).

16 Dec 2015 - Japanese firm delivers Clark-made aircraft interior parts to Boeing

CLARK FREEPORT -- A Japanese firm manufacturing aircraft interiors and components is set to deliver its products to industry giant Boeing one month after starting their operations inside this Freeport.

Hermie Flores, Planning Purchasing Materials and Logistics manager of Jamco Philippines, Inc. (JPI) said the firm officially started its production only last November and started shipping out floor panels for Boeing 777 on December 9.

16 Dec 2015 - Classes in Macabebe suspended due to Typhoon Nona

PAMPANGA -- Classes from pre-elementary to high school both in public and private schools here were suspended on Wednesday due to Typhoon "Nona."

Macabebe Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (MDRRMO) head Jomel Cruz said that at about 6 a.m., the municipal government announced that classes would be suspended.

16 Dec 2015 - Central Luzon police conduct sealing of firearm muzzles

PAMPANGA -- The Police Regional Office III (PRO-3) on Monday conducted the sealing of firearms muzzles that aims to prevent illegal discharge of firearms by members of the police force during the celebration of Christmas and New Year’s Eve.

Chief Superintendent Eduardo Garado, deputy regional director for administration, said all the provincial and city police offices in the region simultaneously conducted the sealing of firearms muzzles.

15 Dec 2015 - Media barred anew from covering Lee trial

PAMPANGA -- Members of the local media here were once again barred from covering the trial of detained real estate developer Delfin Lee.

Office of the Clerk of Court lawyer Gino Capati met on Monday Pampanga newsmen at the entrance to the Regional Trial Court (RTC) building at the Capitol Compound here and reiterated RTC Branch 42 Judge Ma. Amifaith Fider-Reyes’s order not to allow the media inside the building.

15 Dec 2015 - Daycare workers, PWDs get goody packs, financial aid

PAMPANGA -- Almost P10-million worth of cash and goody packs were distributed to 1,220 persons with disabilities (PWDs) and 652 Day Care Workers in the province during the 444th Aldo Ning Kapampangan held Friday at Bren Z. Guiao Convention Center, this city.

Governor Lilia Pineda personally handed out P7,000 each to the day care workers with a total amount of more or less P4.5-million and P2,500 each to the PWDs with a total of P3.2-million.

15 Dec 2015 - Mabalacat village acquires P24-M worth of equipment

MABALACAT CITY -- A barangay here has acquired a firetruck, an ambulance, dump trucks, back hoe, pay loader, service vehicles, shredders, and other equipment amounting to a total of P24-million.

Dr. Oscar Aurelio, Dau Barangay chairman, said the funds used in the acquisition of the vehicles are part of the P38-million loan with the Development Bank of Philippines.

15 Dec 2015 - Masantol ready for ‘Nona’

PAMPANGA -- The Municipal Government of Masantol prepared some 1,000 packs of relief goods for possible victims as Typhoon "Nona" started bringing in rains to the Pampanga coastal town on Tuesday.

"We already prepared some 1,000 packs of relief goods, but if it will not be used for victims, maybe we will just give it to indigent residents here as a Christmas gifts," Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction Management Officer (MDRRMO) Jess Manansala said.

15 Dec 2015 - Bacolor farmers get farm machinery

PAMPANGA -- The local government in Bacolor, together with the Department of Agriculture (DA), awarded several farm machinery to local farmers on Monday as aid to their livelihood.

As the government aims to strengthen agricultural workers and cascade common service facilities to the grassroots, farmers from the 17 barangays here received 11 hand tractors, four shallow tube wells and two threshers.

15 Dec 2015 - Outstanding Kapampangan cites importance of health services

CLARK FREEPORT -- Sr. Eloisa L. David, O.S.B., a native of Porac, Pampanga, shortly after she received the Most Outstanding Kapampangan Award (MOKA) in the field of social service at the Holiday Inn Clark on December 11, highlighted the importance of health and social services in nation building.

David, who celebrated her 73rd birthday one day before the highlight of the founding anniversary of the province, issued the statements after she was asked on why she and Governor Lilia Pineda are both passionate in delivering health services to the people.

14 Dec 2015 - San Fernando eyed as alternate government center

PAMPANGA -- As the clamor for the decongestion of Metro Manila grows, the national government is now looking at the City of San Fernando in Pampanga as an alternative government center.

According to Mayor Edwin Santiago, who attended the meeting of the National Economic and Development Authority and other government agencies at the Regional Government Center in Maimpis Village, this city on Monday, the government is now heeding the long-standing call of the private sector led by the Pampanga Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. to start relocating some of the offices of national agencies in Metro Manila to other places in the countryside for safety and development reasons.

14 Dec 2015 - Barangay secretary won’t settle case vs village chief

PAMPANGA -- The Apalit barangay secretary who filed a case against a barangay captain here said that she will not agree to a settlement offered to her by officials.

Barangay Tabuyuc Secretary Michelle Angela Lagman, 32, has filed a case of acts of lasciviousness under the Republic Act 8353 or Anti-Rape Law of 1997 before the Office of the Ombudsman against Barangay Tabuyuc Captain Emilio Manlapaz, 67.

14 Dec 2015 - LGUs urged to prepare for Clark airport development

CLARK FREEPORT -- Local government units (LGUs) around the Freeport should prepare for the impending development of Clark International Airport (CRK), which is being pushed as the country’s next premier gateway.

Thus stressed businessman Rene Romero, vice chairman of the Pampanga Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc. (PamCham).

14 Dec 2015 - Guv taps 3,828 purok leaders for anti-illegal drugs war

PAMPANGA -- In an effort to intensify the anti-illegal drugs campaign throughout the province, Governor Lilia Pineda enjoined Pampanga’s zone (purok) leaders to forward pertinent information on any unscrupulous, particularly drug-related, activity to her office or the provincial police office as it happens in their respective areas.

The governor said this as she convened the 3,828 purok leaders at the Bren Z. Guiao Convention Center yesterday for the Year-end Assessment on the Peace and Order Program in the Barangay, also attended by officials from the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), and the Provincial Police Office.

14 Dec 2015 - 'Lantern industry remains bullish'

PAMPANGA -- World famous lantern maker and designer Roland Quiambao said Monday that lantern-making remains a strong industry with sales at all time high this latter part of 2016.

Quiambao said that this could be attributed to the upcoming election in 2016 and positive economic growth in Central Luzon that has given consumers more purchasing power.

14 Dec 2015 - Duterte to push for use of Clark airport

CLARK FREEPORT -- Presidential candidate Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte said he will push for the utilization of Clark International Airport if he wins the nation's top post.

According to Duterte, the national government must maximize the existing infrastructures instead of spending money on building another one.

13 Dec 2015 - Castro files DQ case vs Boking

MABALACAT CITY -- Former Vice Mayor Noel Castro has filed before the Commission on Elections (Comelec) office here his second disqualification case against Mayor Marino “Boking” Morales who is seeking another term in the 2016 polls.

Castro, one of the mayoral candidates here, filed the disqualification complaint on December 10, two days after Morales filed his certificate of candidacy (COC) as substitute to Aksyon Demokratiko's Wilfredo “Willie” Feliciano, who withdrew from the race.

13 Dec 2015 - Lazatin: CIAC lacks clear lease process

ANGELES CITY -- Former Angeles City mayor and congressman Carmelo “Tarzan” Lazatin has reiterated that there is no clear process in the leasing of an idle property owned by the Clark International Airport Corporation (CIAC).

Lazatin, chairman of the Amalgamated Builders and Contractors Inc., which operates the Stotsenberg Hotel and Casablanca Casino in Clark, was reacting to the statement of CIAC head Emigdio “Dino” Tanjuatco there is no favoritism in CIAC.

13 Dec 2015 - Porac mayor asked to show detailed expenses

PAMPANGA -- A councilor in Porac has filed a resolution asking Mayor Condralito dela Cruz to show detailed expenditures in connection with their 2014 and 2015 budgets.

Councilor Regin Clarete said the move will show that the executive department is really for transparency.

13 Dec 2015 - David to Tapang: Stop misleading people

PAMPANGA -- Porac Vice Mayor Dexter David on Sunday lashed back at mayoral aspirant councilor Mike Tapang and allies in the town council to stop misleading the people with political maneuvers aimed at advancing their political agenda.

"They have been questioning the executive department on its use of funds and have been asking for the detailed expenditures," David said adding that Tapang had already been repeating the same since he had expressed his intention to run for mayor. He added that Tapang has been asking the wrong way for documents.

13 Dec 2015 - Binay condemns media killings

CLARK FREEPORT -- Vice President Jejomar Binay has condemned the increased attacks on media practitioners.

"Freedom of the press is vital in a democracy. The rising cases of media practitioners being killed or pressured because of their jobs shows government’s failure to keep its people safe,” Binay said.

13 Dec 2015 - DPWH, DILG to construct regional evacuation centers

MABALACAT CITY -- Permanent evacuation centers with green design will be constructed in every region starting next year, said Senator Loren Legarda, chairperson of the Senate committee on finance.

Legarda introduced a provision in the proposed 2016 national budget to fund four permanent evacuation centers or buildings in every region in the country.

13 Dec 2015 - Santiago wants lantern-making a year-round enterprise

PAMPANGA -- San Fernando Mayor Edwin Santiago said lantern-making in the Christmas Capital of the Philippines should grow as a year-round industry.

Santiago said that he is hopeful that the Christmas lights industry will not only be seasonal.

13 Dec 2015 - Masantol folk receive nego-karts from Dole

PAMPANGA -- The Department of Labor and Employment (Dole), together with the local government unit, distributed 30 nego-karts to indigent residents on Wednesday.

Aside from the nego-karts, the beneficiaries also received seed capital and equipment for their businesses, Masantol Public Employment Services Office (Peso) Manager Ronald Pangilinan said.

12 Dec 2015 - 12 most outstanding Kapampangans recognized for exceptional feats

CLARK FREEPORT -- Twelve Kapampangans who excelled in their respective fields and gave honor to the province and its people were given recognition and conferred 2015 Most Outstanding Kapampangan Awards (MOKA) during ceremonies held at Holiday Inn here on Friday.

The MOKA is the main highlight of the weeklong 444th Founding Anniversary of Pampanga known as “Aldo Ning Kapampangan”, celebrated by Kapampangans led by the provincial government.

12 Dec 2015 - Arayat lass is Mutya ning Kapampangan 2015

PAMPANGA -- A young pretty lady dubbed “beauty and brains” from the town of Arayat, Noriza Mae Valerio, was crowned as 2015 Mutya ning Kapampangan during the coronation night on Thursday at the Bren Z. Guiao Convention Center in this city.

Candidates who landed in the top five were Karla Carmina Joven Canlas of Bacolor, first runner up; Mirjan Hipolito of Angeles City, second runner up; Roxanne Sarmiento of City of San Fernando, third runner up; and Bianca Leana Mae De Leon of Mabalacat City, fourth runner up.

12 Dec 2015 - 1st Clark ambassador, ambassadress named

CLARK FREEPORT -- The winners of the first ever Mr. and Miss Clark were crowned Saturday in a pageant held at the historic Parade Grounds here.

The Tourism and Promotions Department of Clark Development Corporation (CDC-TPD) named two Mabalaquenos as the Freeport’s ambassador and ambassadress of beauty and goodwill.

12 Dec 2015 - Romualdez: Decongest Metro Manila, develop Clark airport

CLARK FREEPORT -- Leyte Representative Martin Romualdez has reiterated his idea to decongest Metro Manila and immediately develop Clark International Airport (CRK).

During the Most Outstanding Kapampangan Awards (Moka) at the Holiday Inn here Friday night, Romualdez said he supports the popular call for developing the regions in order to decongest the mega city of Manila.

11 Dec 2015 - Central Luzon workers get pay hike

PAMPANGA -- Workers in Central Luzon will soon get higher pay after the National Wages and Productivity Commission (NWPC) approved on Wednesday the newest wage order for the provinces of Bataan, Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, Pampanga, Tarlac, and Zambales.

Labor Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz said in a statement that Wage Order No. RB III-19, which raises by P15 per day the minimum wage for workers in the six provinces and P20 per day in Aurora has been unanimously approved.

11 Dec 2015 - Masantol senior citizens receive medical assistance

PAMPANGA -- Some 360 elders here received on Friday P3,000 worth of medical assistance from the government.

Office of the Senior Citizens Association president Orlan Viray said that the budget came from the Department of Social Welfare and Development Office for the elders’ medicines.

11 Dec 2015 - Angeles supermarket robbed

Unidentified robbers who are suspected members of the “Daga-Daga” gang carted away more than P1 million cash from a warehouse of a supermarket in Angeles City recently.

Senior Superintendent Eden Ugale, Angeles City police director, said Jhon Edrhin Enage, on duty guard of Super 8, a supermarket located along MacArthur Highway in Barangay Sto. Domingo, Angeles City reported to Police Station 1 that the establishment was robbed.

10 Dec 2015 - CSF identifies 'healthy places'

PAMPANGA -- The City Government of San Fernando, Pampanga recently announced the winners of the Search for Healthy Places 2015.

The Healthiest Eating Places Award were given to Ichiban Mix Buffet along Jose Abad Santos Avenue (Large Category), Cookbook Restaurant in Barangay Sindalan (Medium Category), and Teresita Razon Halo-Halo and Palabok Main Branch (Small Category).

10 Dec 2015 - De Lima opposes house arrest for Arroyo

ANGELES CITY -- Former Justice Secretary Leila de Lima said she is not in favor of granting house arrest for former President and now Pampanga Second District Representative Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, who is now detained at the Veterans Memorial Medical Center in Quezon City.

De Lima issued the statement to Pampanga reporters three days after the Supreme Court granted a Christmas season furlough to Arroyo.

10 Dec 2015 - CSF offers GLF heritage tour

PAMPANGA -- Local and foreign tourists can now explore the historical City of San Fernando for a cheap price.

In line with the forthcoming Giant Lantern Festival (GLF), the City Tourism and Investments Promotions Investment Office here together with its private partner Fernandino Student Tour guides (FeST) will provide the tour of some of the century-old landmarks in the city at P899 minimum package.

10 Dec 2015 - DA distributes seeds to typhoon-stricken farmers

PAMPANGA -- The Department of Agriculture recently distributed certified seeds to victims of Typhoon "Lando" in Candaba.

Farmers from Barangay Mandili here received 346 certified palay seeds as part of the ongoing replenishment program of the agency.

10 Dec 2015 - Quarry collections hit P1.7B

PAMPANGA -- The Provincial Government has reached a collection of P1,708,458,722 in quarry revenues for the period of July 2010 to November 27 of this year with the Pampanga Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO) hoping to reach more than P2 billion in collection by the middle of Governor Lilia Pineda's last term.

The province's quarry collection was recorded at P1.5 billion as of Novermber 27 while weighing scale fees in and out of the province was recorded at P86 million and P4 million, respectively.

10 Dec 2015 - 1,200 scavengers join Pampanga Day fest

PAMPANGA -- Laughter and cheers filled the Bren Z. Guiao Convention Center recently as 1,200 scavengers convened for the Aldo ding Mangangalakal.

The event was led by Governor Lilia Pineda with the Public Employment Services Office and Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Offices as part of the week-long festivities slated for the 444th founding anniversary of the province.

10 Dec 2015 - CIAC hit for ‘runaround’ on buildings lease plan

ANGELES CITY -- Owners of a premier casino-hotel at the Clark Freeport assailed the Clark International Airport Corporation (CIAC) for its alleged runaround in connection with the leasing of three buildings inside the aviation complex.

Former Angeles City Mayor and Congressman Carmelo “Tarzan” Lazatin, chairman of the Amalgamated Builders and Contractors Inc. which operates the Stotsenberg Hotel and Casablanca Casino in Clark, said CIAC Marketing Officer Jesus Abelardo Punzalan did not allow the corporation to operate idle buildings beside the hotel.

9 Dec 2015 - Pineda: Politicians welcome in Pampanga

PAMPANGA -- Governor Lilia Pineda assured Wednesday that the presence of national candidates for 2016 elections in some events of the 444th Aldo Ning Kapampangan here “does in no way reflect any political affiliations or commitment on the part of the provincial government.”

Pineda said that she is not out to endorse anybody but merely giving candidates a chance to meet Kapampangans and factor the provincial concerns in the national agenda.

9 Dec 2015 - CLTV 36 widens reach with new Clark Tower

CLARK FREEPORT -- The Laus Group-run CLTV 36 has widened its reach and its programs can now be seen to as far as La Union in the north and Metro Manila, Rizal and parts of Cavite in the south, after switching on Wednesday its new 10,000 watts transmitter and 68.50 meters high Clark Tower in this Freeport.

The broadcast equipment for the Clark Tower was provided by Italy-based DB Elettronica Telecommunications S.p.A, a world leader in design and new technologies in the radio and TV industry.

9 Dec 2015 - Arroyo still hopeful for house arrest - lawyer

MABALACAT CITY -- The family of former president and now Pampanga Second District Representative Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo expressed hopes that the Supreme Court will grant their motion for her house arrest.

This was according Arroyo’s counsel Laurence Arroyo after the high tribunal granted the former president furlough during the Christmas season.

9 Dec 2015 - CLTV 36, CIAC launch ‘iChoose Clark’

CLARK FREEPORT -- The Clark International Airport Corporation (CIAC) and Central Luzon Television 36 (CLTV 36) launched on Wednesday the “iChoose Clark” television program which is part of the promotional campaign for Clark International Airport (CRK).

In line with the project, a memorandum of agreement (MOA) was signed by CIAC president and Chief Executive Officer Emigdio “Dino” Tanjuatco III and Laus Group of Companies Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Levy Laus.

9 Dec 2015 - Capitol hosts jobs fair for Kapampangans

PAMPANGA -- The Provincial Government of Pampanga hosted a job fair on Tuesday as part of this year's celebration of the 444th Aldo Ning Kapampangan.

The Pampanga Provincial Information Office reported that some 629 job applicants flocked to the job fair at Benigno Aquino Hall organized by the provincial government in partnership with the Department of Labor and Employment (Dole).

9 Dec 2015 - CCSF beats other Central Luzon schools in teachers board exam

PAMPANGA -- The City College of San Fernando (CCSF) bested other universities and colleges in Central Luzon on the Licensure Examination for Teachers (LET) on elementary and secondary education last September.

CCSF ranked first in the elementary education with an overall percentage of 71.43 percent and 88.64 percent in the secondary level.

8 Dec 2015 - Boking replaces Aksyon mayoral candidate

MABALACAT CITY -- Marino “Boking” Morales is running for mayor after all.

Replacing Aksyon Demokratiko’s Willie Feliciano, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) office here accepted on Tuesday the certificate of candidacy of Morales in what he described as “surprising twist widely accepted by the electorate.”

8 Dec 2015 - Artist stages exhibit at Museo ning Angeles

ANGELES CITY -- A female artist has staged her fifth exhibit which features colorful artworks of flowers, koi and birds.

The exhibit of Christina “Tiinz” Taruc opened at the Museo ning Angeles on Monday.

8 Dec 2015 - Barangay secretary files raps versus village chief

PAMPANGA -- An Apalit barangay secretary has filed a case of Acts of Lasciviousness under Republic Act 7610 or Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act against a village chief before the Office of the Ombudsman recently.

Barangay Tabuyuc Secretary Michelle Angela Lagman, 32, has filed raps against Barangay Tabuyuc Captain Emilio Manlapaz, 67, who allegedly embraced her tight and tried to kiss her during a three-day seminar held in a hotel at Baguio City around September this year.

8 Dec 2015 - Non-working holiday in Pampanga on December 11

PAMPANGA -- December 11, Friday, is a non-working holiday in Pampanga as the province ends its five-day celebration of the 444th founding anniversary of the province.

This is in line with the Proclamation No. 2226, Series of 1982 that states that the Pampanga Day (known locally as Aldo Ning Kapampangan) aims to preserve, maintain and hand down to prosperity the beauty and richness of Pampango culture, the heritage, as well as its arts and literature, and to honor with a fitting ceremony the illustrous Kapampangans who have distinguished themselves in different areas of endeavor.

8 Dec 2015 - Drug suspects arrested in Minalin

PAMPANGA -- Police arrested two drug suspects in a buy-bust operation at Barangay Sta. Rita here on Sunday morning.

The suspects were identified as Ryan Manlapaz, 35, resident of Barangay San Nicolas and Eric Nuqui, 42, a resident of Barangay San Francisco.

8 Dec 2015 - CSF all set for Ligligan Parul 2015

PAMPANGA -- The San Fernando city government is all set for the Giant Lantern Festival (GLF) 2015 on December 19 at Robinsons Starmills Pampanga.

Barangay Pandaras and Sindalan are joining Barangays Sto. Niño, Telabastagan, San Jose, San Juan, Calulut, San Nicolas, Del Pilar and Sta. Lucia and 2014 grand champion Barangay Dolores in battling for the prestigious title.

7 Dec 2015 - Porac officials fight over town budget

PAMPANGA -- Local officials here are now divided because of several issues regarding the municipal government’s budget which includes the Christmas bonus of employees.

The dispute broke out between the groups of Mayor Condralito “Carling” Dela Cruz and Councilor Mike Tapang, the city council’s majority floor leader.

7 Dec 2015 - De Lima supports development of Clark airport

ANGELES CITY -- Former Justice Secretary Leila De Lima said she is convinced that the Clark International Airport (CRK) must be developed as the country’s next premier gateway.

De Lima, now a senatorial candidate under the ruling Liberal Party, stated this during a press conference at the residence of former Angeles City Councilor Ireneo “Bong” Alvaro at the Royal Garden Subdivision here.

7 Dec 2015 - Festival of floats mark opening of 444th Pampanga Day celebration

PAMPANGA -- This year's opening event for the Aldo Ning Kapampangan (Pampanga Day) is a celebration like no other as the province's 22 municipalities and cities exhibited various floats representing their town's celebrations, unique character and culture.

The event was part of the civic military parade that started at Lazatin Boulevard and ended in front of the Pampanga Capitol where Governor Lilia Pineda and guest of honor Teofisto de Lara Guingona III led the opening program for the kick-off of the celebrations.

7 Dec 2015 - Macabebe MHO conducts HIV Summit

PAMPANGA -- The Macabebe Municipal Health Office (MHO) conducted a Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Summit recently at Barangay San Francisco here.

MHO head Dr. Josephine Yabut said that topics related to HIV, drugs and alcohol were discussed to the participants during the activity.

7 Dec 2015 - Pampanga, Dole start distribution of P2.4-M livelihood trailer units

PAMPANGA -- Governor Lilia Pineda and officials of the Department of Labor and Employment Central Luzon(Dole-3) headed by Director Ana Dione on Monday started the distribution of one of the Negosyo Trailer units to target beneficiaries in Pampanga.

Governor Pineda led the turnover of one of the units to the overseas Filipino group based in Lubao town. The turnover was held during the kick-off event for the Pampanga Day celebrations here and attended by Senator Teofisto Guingona III and Lubao Mayor Mylene Pineda-Cayabyab.

6 Dec 2015 - 'Next president has no choice but develop Clark airport'

ANGELES CITY -- A businessman in Pampanga said that the next administration has no choice but to develop Clark International Airport (CRK) because of congestion problem in Metro Manila.

Rene Romero, owner of the Romac Manpower Services and vice chair of the Pampanga Chamber of Commerce and Industry Incorporated (PamCHam), said that “whoever the president will be, there is no choice but to make Clark as one of the country’s main gateways.”

6 Dec 2015 - 4 Angeles structures declared important cultural properties

ANGELES CITY -- The ancestral houses of Angel Pantaleon de Miranda and Jose Narciso, Camalig of Juan Nepomuceno, Deposito of Jose Pedro Henson and the Holy Rosary Parish Church have been declared as important cultural properties by the National Museum of the Philippines.

This was done through Museum Declaration 9-2015 and Republic Act 4846 or the “Cultural Properties Preservation and Protection Act.”

6 Dec 2015 - Pampanga Day celebration kicks off

PAMPANGA -- The provincial government of Pampanga officially starts the 44th Aldo Ning Kapampangan today, Monday, with a host of events like civic military parade, culinary and festival presentations.

The events of the day will be followed by a joint creative flag raising ceremonies and the lighting at six in the evening at the Pampanga Capitol compound.

6 Dec 2015 - Bacolor exec: Implement integrated irrigation program

PAMPANGA -- Vice Mayor Ananias Canlas, Jr. of this town said he will push for the implementation of an integrated irrigation program in the third district.

Pampanga, particularly its third district, needs additional irrigation considering that 40 percent of livelihood in the province comes from agriculture, according to Canlas, who is running for third district board member.

6 Dec 2015 - Mexico council cited for good performance

PAMPANGA -- The Department of Interior and Local Government Region III (DILG-3) recently cited the Sangguniang Bayan (SB) of this town for its good performance in terms of ordinances and resolutions passed.

The town's council bested more than 100 towns in the region for the Most Outstanding SB award in the category of first to third class municipality.

6 Dec 2015 - Pampanga, Bulacan to get water supply from Angat Dam

PAMPANGA -- Some 77,000 hectares of rice lands in Pampanga and Bulacan are set to receive water from Angat Dam as the National Water Resources Board lifted its close-tap policy for non-domestic use because water level in Angat Dam was said to have improved.

The dam is reported to dispense with water allocation of 15 cubic meters per second. This is expected to improve the chance of farmers in the said areas to cope with the El Niño now affecting the current dry cropping season.

5 Dec 2015 - BCDA, French firm forge pact for Clark Green City

CLARK FREEPORT -- The Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) has forged a memorandum of understanding (MPU) with Vivapolis, an urban development organization in France, for the Clark Green City project.

President Benigno Aquino III witnessed the MOU signing held on Tuesday at the Hotel Scribe in Paris.

5 Dec 2015 - Foodies, art enthusiasts troop to 2015 Duman fest

PAMPANGA -- Food lovers and art enthusiasts trooped to this year’s Duman Festival yesterday at Sta Rita's famed EcoPark area with performances from bands, comedians and theater artists entertaining people who visited to sample native Kapampangan cooking and delicacies.

Arti.StaRita started the festival in 2002, which originated from the long standing tradition of pounding and winnowing unripe glutinous rice (lacatan) and turning it into a light pale gold or green delicacy called "duman."

5 Dec 2015 - ‘Pampanga Eye’ becomes biggest lantern of hope

PAMPANGA -- Skyranch's “Pampanga Eye” inside SM City Pampanga has been transformed into the “biggest lantern of hope" on Friday night as the mall staged an impressive Grand Pyro Musical Show with the giant observation wheel as main backdrop for the fireworks attractions that drew hundreds of spectators.

Pampanga Mall Manager Engr. Junias Eusebio said that the event is one of SM's Christmas treat for mallgoers this season and is a tribute to Pampanga's lantern industry’ as the malls ushers in a spirit of hope for the season.

5 Dec 2015 - Apalit MSWDO conducts orientation for PWDs

PAMPANGA -- The Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office (MSWDO) conducted an orientation for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) on Friday at the municipal covered court here.

MSWD Officer Harley Cortez said that the PWD members also held the election of officers during the orientation.

5 Dec 2015 - Aquino hit for ‘peddling’ Clark Green City in France

CLARK FREEPORT – The Anakpawis Partylist denounced what it described as “peddling” of President Aquino of the 36,000-hectare Clark Green City project in Tarlac city to Vivapolis, an umbrella organization of public and private French stakeholders on urban development.

This, after a memorandum of understanding (MOU) was signed on Tuesday at the 21st Conference of Parties (COP21) United Nations summit on Climate Change in Paris, France.

4 Dec 2015 - Central Luzon has highest number of dengue cases

PAMPANGA -- The Department of Health (DOH) said Thursday that Central Luzon still has the highest number of recorded dengue cases in the country as of October this year.

The DOH disclosed that Central Luzon reported a total of 25,049 cases which form part of the total 142,227 dengue cases which were recorded from January 1 to October 31, 2015.

4 Dec 2015 - DILG thanks partners for productive 2015

CLARK FREEPORT -- The Department of Interior and Local Government Region III (DILG-3) extended their gratitude to all their partners for a productive year during the 2015 DILG Regional Congress.

Despite several challenges the region faced, DILG R-3 thanked their fellow national government agencies and private organizations by awarding them plaques of recognition.

4 Dec 2015 - Sun.Star Pampanga, CLTV 36 recognized for advancing regional development

CLARK FREEPORT -- Laus Group-run Sun.Star Pampanga and CLTV 36 were recognized on Friday by the Department of Interior and Local Government-Central Luzon for advancing development in the region.

Being the only daily newspaper in the region, DILG thanked Sun.Star Pampanga and CLTV 36 for their support in bringing the latest news to people Central Luzon.

4 Dec 2015 - 10-hour power interruption to hit some Pampanga areas on Dec. 9

PAMPANGA -- Some areas in Pampanga province will experience a 10-hour power interruption on Wednesday, December 9.

Based on the advisory issued by the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP), the 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. power interruption will affect areas being serviced by Pampanga II Electric Cooperative Inc. (Pelco II) and San Fernando Electric Light and Power Company (Sfelapco-Floridablanca).

4 Dec 2015 - ‘People love beautiful things’

ANGELES CITY -- “People always love to see beautiful places and things.”

These were the words of Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan when he showed to media the nine parks glittering with Christmas lights and decors along the old Philippine National Railway (PNR) track.

3 Dec 2015 - Guv to lead 'Aldo Ding Katutubo' today

PAMPANGA -- Governor Lilia Pineda is set to lead today, Friday, this year's Aldo Ding Katutubo (Aeta Day) in recognition of indigenous peoples in various Aeta communities in the province.

Pineda, will come as early as 5 a.m. to the Barangay Planas Tent City for the Aeta community in Porac town.

3 Dec 2015 - Capitol's medical, dental mission benefit 619 inmates

PAMPANGA -- Some 619 inmates of the Pampanga Provincial Jail benefited from the medical and dental mission on Thursday organized by the provincial government as part of the incoming 444th Pampanga Day celebration or “Aldo Ning Kapampangan.”

The medical mission was sponsored by the Provincial Health Office headed by Dr. Marcelo Jaohico with the cooperation and support of the chiefs of the 11 provincial and district hospitals run by the provincial government.

3 Dec 2015 - Fun-filled events to highlight Clark Festival 2015

CLARK FREEPORT -- Fun-filled activities will highlight the Clark Festival 2015 on December 5 to 6 at the Clark Parade Grounds, Clark Development Corporation (CDC) announced.

The CDC Tourism Promotions Department (TPD) said the celebration will feature one the country’s top performers, the Aegis Band, and the coronation night of the first ever Mr. and Miss Clark, among other activities capped by music and entertainment.

3 Dec 2015 - Thousands register for Clark jobs fair

ANGELES CITY -- Thousands of job seekers registered in the recent Clark Freeport Job Fair of Clark Development Corporation (CDC) held at the Ayala Marquee Mall here.

Some 656 applications pre-qualified to the 9,107 job vacancies posted by 57 locators inside the Freeport.

2 Dec 2015 - Pag-Ibig urged to process Xevera residents' claims

PAMPANGA -- Homeowners in a controversial residential development project in Pampanga have asked Pag-Ibig Fund officials to resolve their claims of legal ownership for the housing units they acquired five years ago.

In a letter furnished Sun.Star Pampanga, officials of the Homeowners Association of Xevera Subdivision in Tabun, Mabalacat City, which has more than 1,700 affected home buyers, cited several reasons of the urgent need for Pag-Ibig to start processing their respective housing loans.

2 Dec 2015 - Alejandrino wants changes to DILG's CLIP program

PAMPANGA -- Mayor Emmanuel Alejandrino is proposing a minor revision to the Department of Interior and Local Government's Comprehensive Local Integration Program (CLIP) which is being adopted by the provincial government.

CLIP is a program for rebels who want to surrender, including those who gave up their arms since 2011. It covers regular members of the New People’s Army (NPA) who have expressed the desire to abandon armed struggle and become productive members of society.

2 Dec 2015 - CSF intensifies campaign vs HIV/Aids

PAMPANGA -- Cases of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) are increasing in the city and in the country, which, according to the City Health Office, is a cause for alarm.

During a forum held at the Heroes Hall on Tuesday, Dr. Renely Tungol, program head for the city’s campaign against STI/HIV-Aids, explained to college students the need to intensify measures against the deadly virus especially now that most of the victims belong to the younger age bracket.

2 Dec 2015 - 2 Kapampangan films featured in Dhaka

PAMPANGA -- Two Kapampangan films will be featured in the 2016 Dhaka International Film Festival in Bangladesh.

The Dhaka International Film Festival (DIFF) is a biennial film festival held in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Established in 1992, the festival was initially organized on annual basis, but became a biennial event since 1995.

2 Dec 2015 - Group condemns US 'refusal' to turn over Pemberton

MABALACAT CITY -- Anakpawis party-list condemned the reported refusal of United States embassy officials to turn over convicted killer Lance Corporal Joseph Scott Pemberton to Philippine authorities.

The party-list stated that the Olongapo Regional Trial Court decided that the US serviceman is guilty of homicide in the slay of victim Jennifer Laude and ordered his imprisonment for six to 12 years.

2 Dec 2015 - San Luis conducts bloodletting project

PAMPANGA -- The local government unit here conducted a bloodletting project on Wednesday at the Rural Health Unit (RHU) I.

Some municipal officials and employees, department heads, barangay health workers, barangay captains and RHU staff participated in the activity in cooperation with the Philippine Red Cross.

2 Dec 2015 - Cops arrest drug suspect in San Luis

PAMPANGA -- Police arrested a drug suspect in a buy-bust operation on Monday evening at Barangay San Jose here.

Police said that the suspect, identified as Oliver Alvarez, 24, a resident of the said barangay was monitored for around three months and was arrested at about 11:30 p.m. that day.

2 Dec 2015 - MCC tops teachers licensure examination in Pampanga

MABALACAT CITY -- The Mabalacat City College (MCC) ranked first in this year’s Licensure Examination for Teachers (LET) on elementary education, besting other universities and colleges in Central Luzon.

MCC graduates posted a passing rate of 70.49 percent in the LET September 2015 in the elementary level.

2 Dec 2015 - P700,000 worth of illegal drugs seized in several raids

PAMPANGA -- Simultaneous raids by agents of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency Region III (PDEA-3) in Caingin, Bocaue, Bulacan and Tarlac City, Tarlac resulted in the arrest of 31 drug personalities including the seizure of a total of 200 grams of shabu amounting to P700,000 on Monday.

PDEA Regional Director Gladys Rosales said that the implementation of the first search warrant in Caingin, Bocaue, Bulacan against Ferdinand Y. Javier alias “Angko” resulted in the dismantling of a drug den and the arrest of the suspect and five others including Ronaldo J. Castillo, 34; Rodelio J. Castillo, 32; Ricardo C. Ramos, 35; Silvestre A. Senar, 50; and Emelita J. Lapi, 45.

1 Dec 2015 - Arayat top cop won’t stop mayor’s request

PAMPANGA -- "It is Mayor Bon [Alejandrino]’s right to choose his own chief of police."

Thus said Arayat Chief of Police Superintendent Allan Palomo, reacting to the statement of Alejandrino that he wants him removed from his post.

1 Dec 2015 - Villanueva: Tesda tech-voc adopts to industrial trends

CLARK FREEPORT -- The technical and vocational education and training (TVET) has adopted to industrial trends.

This was disclosed by former Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (Tesda) Director General Joel Villanueva during a forum at Hotel Stotsenberg here yesterday.

1 Dec 2015 - Buddy Dungca wants better health services, programs in Bacolor

PAMPANGA -- Former town mayor Romeo “Buddy” Dungca, Jr. said he plans to bring better infrastructure and livelihood projects here if he wins in the May 2016 elections.

Dungca is running with vice mayoral candidate Diman Datu with councilor aspirants Cynthia David, Nilo "Pogi" Caballa, Armyn Manahan, Efren "Steekie" Blanco, Renz Canlas, Joel Samia and Darwin Angeles.

1 Dec 2015 - Sabariaga: Construction of BIR building on schedule

PAMPANGA -- New Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) Revenue Region 4 (RR4) Regional Director Jethro Sabariaga assured the more than P600-million new BIR Building Project in Barangay Sindalan here is underway.

Sabariaga said that one contractor has passed the pre-qualification proceedings. He added that the contractor is also the one who completed the BIR building project in Kalinga. The BIR is also set to proceed with the formal qualification and bidding process.

1 Dec 2015 - CSF strengthens program for OSYs

PAMPANGA -- The city government here continues to strengthen programs for the out-of-school youths (OSYs).

The City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) said the OSYs are given serious attention since they are the ones prone to committing crimes due to lack of education.

1 Dec 2015 - Apalit holds youth development session

PAMPANGA -- The Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office here conducted a youth development session for children of Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) beneficiaries.

The activity held on Saturday at the covered court of San Vicente Elementary School aims to educate the youth about the use of illegal drugs and also to understand adulthood.

1 Dec 2015 - Philippine court to issue verdict in US Marine's murder case

SUBIC BAY -- A Philippine court is expected to deliver its verdict Tuesday in the emotion-charged case of a U.S. Marine accused of murdering a transgender Filipino after discovering her gender when they checked into a hotel, officials said.

Philippine police were readying heavy security for the ruling in Olongapo City, northwest of Manila, in the case involving U.S. Marine Pfc. Joseph Scott Pemberton. Left-wing activists said they plan to hold protests in the city, where Pemberton is accused of strangling to death Jennifer Laude after they met in a bar in October last year.