Aetas get housing units

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO -- Some 148 families from the indigenous communities in Floridablanca town will receive housing units from the National Housing Authority (NHA), an official said.

NHA Project Manager Ines Gonzales recently said that some P14 million has been allocated for the Aetas, which for long time had not been getting fair benefits from government programs.

Guv happy on Pampanga as investors’ choice

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO -- Re-elected Governor Lilia Pineda on Friday expressed happiness over the continuous choice of local and foreign businessmen to invest in Pampanga.

After leading the opening of UNIQLO, Japan’s biggest fashion brand retailer, at SM City Pampanga, the governor vowed the usual full support to such big ventures.

Hundreds join 2nd livelihood run

CLARK FREEPORT -- More than 350 runners and fitness enthusiasts on Thursday joined the Department of Labor and Employment (Dole)’s 2nd “Pulayan para Queng Cabiayan” (livelihood run) held at the parade grounds of the Clark Development Corporation (CDC).

The fun run anchored on the theme “Manggagawang Pilipino: Handa sa Hamon ng Makabagong Panahon,” aimed to raise funds for the Industrial Peace Council.

Folks cry over plans to shelve Ibon-Ebon fest

CANDABA -- Local folks here were surprised with the recent pronouncement of incoming Mayor Rene Maglanque about his plan to abolish the celebration of Ibon Ebon Festival.

They said that the celebration may probably not able to help boost the local economy but it was able to send the message of cooperation and unity among the participating groups from all villages in town.

Writers start working on CSF’s history

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO -- Some 100 Fernandino writers gathered on Thursday at the Ninoy Aquino Amphitheater of Heroes for the “Seminar on Writing Local History” which signaled the start of documenting the history of San Fernando.

The writers were composed of students from the City College, local historians, barangay volunteers, and members of the Multi-Sectoral Governance Council (MSGC).

Cops nab man wanted for rape, homicide

CAMP OLIVAS -- Macabebe town’s number two most wanted person was recently arrested in his residence in Barangay Sto. Rosario, Macabebe town, reports said.

Senior Superintendent Oscar Albayalde, Officer-In-Charge of the Pampanga Police Provincial Office, identified the suspect as Nikael Lagman, who has been charged with rape with homicide.

Japan’s UNIQLO opens Pampanga branch today

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO -- Japan’s premier global fashion brand UNIQLO has arrived in Pampanga and will open its fourth store at SM City Pampanga today, with Governor Lilia Pineda expected to lead the ribbon-cutting and opening rites in the morning.

During the pre-opening press conference and VIP shoppers’ night, Katsumi Kubota, UNIQLO chief operating officer, said the store, located at the Ground Level of Annex 3 in SM City Pampanga, will provide access not only for Kapampangan “fashionistas” but to every shopper from North Luzon who has a “flair for quality apparel with a unique fashion sense.”

Oca to meet high expectations ‘head on’

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO -- Third District Congressman-elect and outgoing Mayor Oscar Rodriguez disclosed yesterday that he will meet “head on” the high expectations and challenges ahead poised my Kapampangans, including political leaders and stalwarts.

Rodriguez is highly regarded by Kapampangan officials like Governor Lilia Pineda and Vice Governor-elect Dennis Pineda, provincial lawmakers, and even mayors outside of the third district as the “vital link” of Pampanga to the House of Representatives and even Malacañang for very important programs and projects.

AC to boost historical, cultural attractions

ANGELES CITY -- The city's historical landmarks and cultural attractions will soon get a major boost as the City Government prepares for a better re-branding of the overall tourism program and marketing of this city.

Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan said this is part of the overall development plan for the city's tourism attraction stressing that Angeles City is not all about bars and entertainment but also has its share of cultural and heritage landmarks that can attract local tourists.

SM City Clark holds fire, earthquake drills

ANGELES CITY -- The SM City Clark, in cooperation with the Angeles City Fire Department, conducted fire and earthquake drills Thursday.

Ana Datu, SM City Clark mall manager, said this is part of their disaster preparedness program.

Groups host meetings on Pampanga satisfaction surveys

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO -- Groups led by the Pampanga Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PamCham) and the Universal Access to Competitiveness and Trade (UACT) held group meetings regarding the results of a series of focus group discussions and business satisfaction surveys on Real Property Rights and Access to Credit for Small Businesses conducted in Pampanga by UACT in 2011 & 2012.

Pro-Friends: Reaching out beyond homes

MEXICO, Pampanga -- “More than creating communities and transforming lives, we reach out beyond every house we build in our desire to make life for Filipinos better. And now, we come to Pampanga with that social responsibility in mind.”

Worker killed in bunker tank blast

CAMP OLIVAS -- A worker was killed while another one is in serious condition when the bunker tank of an asphalt plant exploded in Barangay Paligui, Apalit town on Tuesday.

In a report, Superintendent Homer Penecilla, chief of police of Apalit, identified the fatality as Ernesto Alvares, 60, of Subic, Zambales.

Group asks EdPam for probe on watershed destruction

ANGELES CITY -- A group of environmentalists is urging Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan to conduct an investigation regarding the destruction of watershed areas in the city.

Sonny Dobles, head of the Alliance for the Development of Central Luzon, said the re-elected mayor ordered for an investigation to determine the cause of environmental problems like flooding, depletion of water supply, and others.

C. Luzon has 11 newbie lawmakers

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO -- Central Luzon will have 11 first termers to the House of Representatives during the 16th Congress, election results from Comelec show.

The region has a total of 21 representatives.

Chinese, Malaysians nabbed in raid

CAMP OLIVAS - Operatives of the Anti-Cybercrime Group arrested 78 persons, including Malaysians and Chinese nationals, during a raid at 17 villas of the Fontana Resort inside Clark Freeport, reports said.

In a text message to this reporter, Senior Superintendent Elmo Sorona, head of the Anti-Cybercrime Group, said that during the raid, his men arrested 45 Chinese nationals, 21 Malaysians, and 12 Filipinos.

Police to strengthen intel network in villages

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO – A high-ranking official from the Pampanga Police Provincial Office (PPPO) the other day divulged his plan to strengthen "Barangay Intelligence Networks” or BINs.

Senior Superintendent Oscar Alabayalde, PPO officer-in-charge, said BINs could be a big help in protecting the interest of various communities in matters of peace and order.

AUF, SM City Clark to stage Flores de Mayo tilt

ANGELES CITY -- The Angeles University Foundation (AUF), in cooperation with SM City Clark, will stage its annual Search for the Reyna Ning Flores de Mayo 2013 at the mall’s Event Centre on May 25.

AUF president lawyer Joseph Emmanuel Angeles said a total of 21 young ladies from different towns and cities of Pampanga will compete wearing original creations of local designers. 

Schools share best practices in Career Guidance

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO – Some institutions in Central Luzon have shared their best practices in guiding high school students towards the path to take after graduation.

Representatives from Bulacan Provincial Public Employment Service Office (Peso), University of the Assumption (UA), and Pampanga High School (PHS) gave tips to over 250 guidance counselors and coordinators from public and private high schools in Central Luzon that graced the inaugural Regional Career Guidance Advocacy Congress of Department of Labor and Employment (Dole).

Capitol braces for rainy months

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO -- The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) in Pampanga has started preparation and disaster risk management meetings to prepare the province for the coming rainy season.

PDRRMO chief Lulu Alingcastre said the province has started initial preparation works in time for the rainy months, asking the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) on the status of engineering works on structures damaged by heavy rains and typhoons last year.

International Candle Light Memorial on Aids observed

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO -- City Hall employees lit up symbolic candles and wore red ribbon pins during the International Candle Light Memorial on Aids at the flag ceremony held Monday at the City Hall grounds.

Dr. Renely Tungol, City of San Fernando rural health physician, said Fernandinos should be more cautious and responsible with their lifestyles, and be kept up to date on information about Aids or acquired immune deficiency syndrome.

Guiao to ‘hit the ground running’

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO -- First district Congressman-elect and outgoing Vice Governor Joseller Guiao will “hit the ground running” as he buckles down to work after his plan to take a short break with his family abroad.

In an interview over dwRW 95.1 FM’s “Talakayan” with veteran broadcaster Perry Pangan, Guiao said he will start the series of consultative meetings related to his proposals and advocacies.

Pamintuan: Angeleños are victors

ANGELES CITY -- A week after the elections, re-elected Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan said the real winners are the Angeleños.

“Wagi ang Angeleños!” Pamintuan told City Government workers during Monday’s flag raising rites at the City Hall compound.

Maglanque pays courtesy call on Pineda

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO -- Candaba Mayor-elect Rene Maglanque paid a courtesy call on Governor Lilia Pineda, who successfully sealed her second term, after getting overwhelming support from the Kapampangans in the last elections.

Maglanque, who ran and won under the Liberal Party, joined the governor and other provincial officials in a flag-raising ceremony held at the Capitol grounds on Monday.

Councilor will remain ‘independent-minded’

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO -- Re-elected City of San Fernando Councilor Noel Tulabut said over the weekend that he will remain "independent-minded" even as the Magsilbi Team gained the majority at the City Council, 7-3.

Tulabut said that he and fellow re-elected councilors Dein Henson and Lito Ocampo, along with newcomers Tino Dizon, Harvey Quiwa, Jack Calimlim and comebacker Nelson Lingat, could work very well with Team Fernandino's Angie Hizon, Ayzel Macalino and BJ Lagman on the floor.

Mayor offers Arayat as another investment hub

ARAYAT, Pampanga -- The newly elected mayor here is offering Arayat to would-be investors as a potential alternative investment hub, being the gateway to the province of Pampanga.

Mayor-elect Emmanuel Bonifacio Alejandrino said he is willing to provide tax incentives for a period of five years to any investor who is willing to establish a business within the locality.

Fishermen see job loss in government tourism projects

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO -- The tourism program of the National Government in coastal towns in several provinces, including Pampanga, is seen to affect the livelihood of fishermen all over the country.

The Pambansang Lakas ng Kilusang Mamamalakaya ng Pilipinas (Pamalakaya) stated that more people will join the ranks of unemployed and underemployed once the Philippine government pursues its projects in tourism development areas across the country.

Man drowns in Bataan beach

CAMP OLIVAS -- A man drowned while another is in critical condition after being swept by strong water current at a resort in Morong, Bataan over the weekend.

In his report here, Senior Superintendent Ricardo Zapanta, Bataan police provincial director, identified the fatality as Edgardo Bautista, 54, of Barangay Balite, Malolos City in Bulacan.

Bukas Kotse Gang strikes in NLEx

CAMP OLIVAS -- Members of the so-called “Bukas Kotse” gang managed to cart away several personal belongings from a vehicle parked at the Mega Station along the North Luzon Expressway in Barangay San Felipe, City of San Fernando, over the weekend.

In a belated report here, victim Ephraim Bustos, 25, of Barangay Cacutud, Arayat town, parked his Honda Civic (RHN-158) in front of KFC at the Mega Station around 5:17 p.m. of Saturday.

Rodriguez not keen on House Speaker post

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO -- Third district Representative-elect Oscar Rodriguez said recently that he is not keen on becoming speaker of the House of Representatives in the 16th Congress.

The speaker of the house is the fourth highest political official in the country who is elected by a majority vote of the estimated 287 members at the commencement of each Congress. He or she presides over sessions and decides on all questions of order (subject to appeal by any member), including signing of all acts, resolutions, memorials, writs, warrants and subpoenas issued by or upon order of the House, plus appointing, suspending, dismissing or disciplining House personnel and exercising administrative functions.