By Noel G. Tulabut
My Palm Notes

SECURITY in Clark is not that perfect. As it is with other major places of interest in the country.

But it has greatly improved through the years. Clark Freeport is an enclave when it comes to security, peace and order. The fenced area, known as the Clark Air Base proper, is well guarded by elements from Clark Development Corporation (CDC), some private security agencies and with assistance from various units of the Philippine Air Force contingents assigned in Clark.

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For example, CDC has trained and employed elite security personnel known as the Special Reaction Unit (SRU). Members of SRU are primarily oriented for counter terrorism measures and close quarter battles. They can be deployed in a jiffy to any potential security threat such as robbery, hijacking, hostage crises and the like. Of course they are also trained to help solve petty crimes such as domestic scandals and snatching. Although that particular tasks are being delegated to various units of CDC's Public Safety Department.

CDC executives led by president Benny Ricafort, VP Frank Madlambayan, and PSD manager Colonel Nick Targa, together with Director Max Sangil, have been meeting more often to discuss how security measures inside Clark can be further improved.

I want to congratulate too PSD traffic chief Ruben Lusung for his no non-sense performance, keeping traffic in and around Clark flowing good and less stressful.

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Kaboom Kaboom (formerly known as Boom Na Boom) is one great spectacle for the whole family. There's enjoyment for everyone. For Dads, they can relax with either a bottle of beer or cup of coffee while listening to live bands. For Moms, there's tiangge where good buys from clothes, accessories and shoes can be had for reasonable prices. Of course, for the kids there are different kinds of rides from the most thrilling (like roller coaster) to the most popular (bump cars).

What people find to be so unique with this carnival fair near the main gate is that it is well kept, clean and spacious. There are also regular shows by Manila-based comedians like Wally, Jose and other artists from big television networks. Jimmy Santos is a known habitué of the carnival since last year.

Well, I better stop promoting this wholesome fun for the whole family before being misconstrued and being misunderstood again.

I'm just here to write something good not for Clark but for the family and everybody.

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Leading wireless services provider Smart Communications Inc. (Smart) formally launched its partnership with the Rural Bankers' Association of the Philippines (RBAP), to provide its mobile commerce services to 696 RBAP-member banks all over the Philippines.

The collaboration between Smart and RBAP will utilize the award-winning Smart Money platform to extend fast, secure and accessible mobile-based communication and financial solutions to the growing network of rural banks in the country.

Smart Money is the world's first reloadable electronic wallet card linked to a mobile phone. Through Smart Money, RBAP clients may transmit funds all at the speed of text message.

The Smart-RBAP partnership will enable rural bank depositors and borrowers to perform Smart SIM-based financial transactions, including loan disbursement and payments, with just a few clicks on their SMART mobile phones. The very first engagement for the partnership is to accredit rural banks as Smart Money Centers, enabling them to convert electronic cash in the Smart Money wallet, into physical cash and vise versa. Smart and RBAP also agreed to cooperate in developing additional products and services to address the diverse requirements of RBAP member rural banks and their customers.

The partnership is envisioned to complement the successful launch and roll-out of Smart's Microfinance Program which aims to provide seamless and efficient mobile commerce solutions for Microfinance Institutions (MFIs) and the varying needs of clients coming from lower income segment of Philippine society.

For more Philippine news, visit Sun.Star Pangasinan.

(December 3, 2008 issue)
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