GIVE it to the provincial government of Pampanga led by Gov. Lilia ‘Nanay’ Pineda to come up with a health program that would benefit everyone – and we mean everyone.

Just yesterday, the Governor led the very first, and probably the biggest, mass deworming of the province’s scavenger folk at the Bren Z. Guiao Convention Center. The activity was actually the province’s pilot project, personally conceptualized by the Governor herself.

The mass deworming was conceptualized because the Governor recognized the vulnerability of scavengers to certain illnesses, due to the nature of their livelihood.

The pills distributed to the 2,400 scavengers in attendance were provided by the Department of Health-Center for Health Development III, while the provincial government provided iron supplements to combat anemia, one of the common effects of helminth infection.

The Governor is known for coming up with innovative health programs for her kabalens – and her kabalens, in turn, are thankful for her utmost concern for their well-being.

During the activity, the scavengers were also warned of the adverse effects of helminth infections, particularly for children, such as stunted growth, weak immune system, poor cognitive development, and malnourishment.

They were also reminded on the importance of proper hand washing, which is the key to prevent common illnesses.•

ANGELES CITY – At least seven public schools here will benefit from the clean and green project of a city councilor here.

The first two recipients of the project – the distribution of trash cans – were the Rafael Lazatin Memorial High School in Balibago and Malabanias Elementary School in Malabanias.

The distribution was led by Councilor Carmelo “Pogi” Lazatin, assisted by city councilorables Tintin Dungca and Carlo Maniago.

“Little gestures are usually appreciated if they can help contribute in making a cleaner city,” Lazatin said. “We encourage everyone, especially the young, to help in making a clean and healthy city.”

Malabanias barangay chairman Rey Gueco and Edna Tongol of the elementary school described as “most welcome” the donations.

In Balibago, teacher Czarina David of the high school accepted the donation.• Charlene A. Cayabyab

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO – Get a fresh start this year by going the great white way in skincare at the Watsons Great White Sale. Recently launched at The Podium, it gives you all the good reasons to make your skin fairer and brighter.

Skin whitening in Asia has a tradition that goes back centuries. Both Chinese and Japanese cultures have proverbs that basically mean “a white skin hides other flaws”. Ancient Chinese considered white skin a symbol of elegance and nobility.

And today, glowing, radiant skin is the result of a good skincare routine, and including protection from the sun and focusing on how to even out the skin tone. Skin lightening creams and skin brightening products do just that, giving skin a smoother, brighter and lessening dark spots caused by sun damage and scarring.

During the Watsons Great White Sale from January 7 to February 24, 2016, up to 50% discount will be applied to hundreds of products at Watsons stores nationwide. As an addition, SMAC members can get a chance to win total of P1,000,000 shopping points for a minimum P500 purchase inclusive of participating products when using their SM Advantage Card.

Guests likewise got a glimpse of the many wonderful ways whitening products can work for them during the event hosted by Bb. Pilipinas 2014 2nd Runner-Up Laura Lehmann. For one’s everyday routine, everyday or the skin pigmentation treatment and beautifully nourished skin there’s Pond’s White Beauty Daily Spot-less Lightening Cream, Olay Regenerist Moisturizing Cream, Nivea UV Whitening Body Serum, and Cetaphil Gentle Cleanser can add a healthy glow to your skin after each use.

The Skin White Body Lotion, ErthOrgins Bar Soaps, L’Oreal Dermo-Expertise Gentle Cleansing Milk, PH Care Naturals with Guava Leaf Extract, and Eveline Hand Creams are also great white ways to go.

For an active day out, there’s Celeteque Facial Moisturizer with SPF 15, Belo Essentials Underarm Whitening Cream, Dove Ultimate WhiteDeo, and Nanomed Whitening Cream.

For sun blemishes, Pond’s Acne Clear White, Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Serum, Celeteque DermoScience Acne Spot Corrector Gel, Quick FX Pimple Eraser, and Quick FX CC Cream are powerful formulas that restore back your skin to its smooth, delicate finish.

For the beauty within, the Great White Sale also has items that are taken orally and work faster within. These include Belo Nutraceuticals Glutathione with Collagen Capsules, Cosmo Skin, Metathione Whitening Capsules, and IVI Premium Collagen Drink that go beyond skin whitening by improving your overall immune system while giving you that youthful look.

Whitening is not only for the skin, but also for the teeth. Improve your winning smile with products like the Close-up Deep Action Toothpaste, and Dazzling White, the dental accessory that provides professional instant teeth whitening.

The Great White Sale is ongoing at all Watsons stores in SM City Pampanga, SM City Clark, SM City Olongapo, SM City San Fernando Downtown, SM City Baliwag and SM City Marilao. For more information, check out the hashtag, #WatsonsGreatWhiteSale.

Watsons is Asia’s leading health and beauty retailer, currently operating over 4,000 stores and more than 1,000 pharmacies in 12 Asian and European markets.

Watsons continually sets the standards in the health, wellness and beauty market, providing personalized advice and counseling in health, beauty and personal care on top of its market-leading product range, making customers LOOK GOOD, FEEL GREAT every day. Since 2009, Watsons has been the No. 1 pharmacy/drugstore brand in Asia. •

MARAMI ang nagsasabi na malaki ang chance ng young star na si Liza Soberano na maging isang successful beauty queen kung nanaisin nito.  In fact, sa isang survey, nasa top 10 ng most beautiful around the world si Liza. Pero sa ngayon ay priority ni Liza ang kanyang showbiz career kung saan maganda ang takbo nito.

After her successful TV series na “Forevermore” with Enrique Gil na nakatambal din niya sa dalawang hit movies, balik ang kanilang tambalan sa isang bagong serye ng Dos, ang “Dolce Amor” na magsisimulang mapanood sa ere ngayong Lunes, February 15.

Speaking of Liza, isa rin siya sa mga strong contender para gumanap sa papel na “Darna” sa pelikula na inatrasan ni Angel Locsin dahil sa kanyang back ailment.•Noel Montes

ORANI, BATAAN – Bataan 1st District Rep. Herminia B. Roman is calling the attention of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) officials following a series of complaints by concerned individuals regarding the reported forest degradation in some parts of Bataan.

In a recent interview with the local press at her district office and official residence here, Congresswoman Roman said she already talked to the DENR-Bataan’s Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer (PENRO) Raul Mamac to heed the complaints of the Magbukun Tribe Aetas in Barangay Bangkal in Abucay town.

“Dapat paimbestigahan ng DENR yung mga nababalitaan kong mga pagpuputol ng mga puno na yan lalo na sa mga protected areas,” Roman said.

“Nabulabog po ang widllife sa amin wala nang mahuling labuyo at baboy ramo kaya apektado ang kabuhayan ng aming mga kabarangay dito dahil sa road project na iyan,” village chief of Bangkal, Amante Inocencio, lamented.

Romeo Buensuceso, a concerned citizen in Bangkal, called the attention of the media and other agencies regarding a road project allegedly inside the Bataan National Park.

“This is a protected area. How come the DENR officials allowed the bulldozers to knock down portions of our mountains here just to create a road for whoever is responsible for this project?” Buensuceso stressed in an interview with Central Luzon Television (CLTV 36).

In Pastulan and Mabiga area in Hermosa town, Aeta villagers along with biking enthusiasts complain about losing their livelihood source and a biking trail in an ongoing solar energy plant project inside an area under the jusisdiction of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA).

Hundreds of trees including centuries old ones were reportedly cut down in some areas of mountainous area inside the said Freeport.

“Yung biking trail namin nawala na sa area na yun dahil sa project na ito. Recently may wildcat din na nasagasaan while crossing the main road near the project nabulabig na rin ang wildlife dito dahil s dami ng punong naputol nila,” former Bataan provincial board member and Subic Freeport businessman Romy Tagle told this reporter. 

The company that is responsible for the project said in recent media reports that they have earlier secured an environmental compliance certificate (ECC) from the DENR even before the project started.

“Napakaraming areas dito like Redondo na dapat pagtayuan niyan solar energy project na iyan bakit sa virgin forest pa inilagay. Sayang ang mga punong naputol,” a businessman who refused to be named added.

“Although Hermosa yan, the area (Subic solar energy project) is under the jurisdiction of the SBMA. Kung ako yung tatanungin dyan ayaw natin nyan, dapat yung mga naputol na puno palitan nila dahil pag nawala yung forest cover dyan kasunod nyan baha apektado mga kababayan ko dyan,” Mayor Danilo Malana of Hermosa reacted.

Meanwhile, an excerpt from a copy of a memorandum from DENR national office dated February 5, 2013 stated that cutting of trees are shall be allowed in “renewable energy projects such as geothermal, hydrothermal, dendrothermal, solar and wind projects…other priority activities of government and government approved projects and programs approved and certified as a priority project of the President.” • MHIKE R. CIGARAL

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO – The characters of the most popular and influential comic strip Peanuts, led by Snoopy, made a visit in time for the “won-dog-ful” love season over the week at SM City Pampanga, SM City Clark and SM City San Fernando Downtown.

In line with this, a wide range of cool Snoopy Collectibles including merchandise and apparel are available at The SM Store starting Feb. 11 until March 11.

A Snoopy Valentine Display, dubbed ‘LOVE is Snoopy’, was also featured at SM City Pampanga located at Global Fashion Wing (near Uniqlo and Cotton On); SM City Clark located at the Mall Atrium; and at SM City San Fernando Downtown located at the 3rd and 4th Floor, where couples and families took selfies.

Completing the ‘LOVE is Snoopy’ experience was a Meet and Greet Snoopy, Charlie Brown and Lucy held at SM City Clark on Feb. 13 and 14, and at the SM City Pampanga on Feb. 14.

They will be back on February 27 and 28 at 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. at the SM City Pampanga, and aficionados may also catch them at SM City San Fernando Downtown on Feb. 20 and 21 at 2 p.m. and 5 p.m.

There is also a chance to be one of the 20 lucky winners of Ride-All-You-Can passes at Sky Ranch Pampanga, for every P1,000 single or accumulated receipt at SM City San Fernando Downtown from February 12 until 29 entitles shoppers to a raffle entry.•

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO – Different and vibrant colors filled the morning of Fernandino runners as the second Rainbow Fun Run in the City of San Fernando was held over the week.

Hundreds of participants from various groups registered for the 3 and 5-km categories to experience a unique and fun-filled activity anchored on healthy living.

During his welcome remarks, Mayor Edwin D. Santiago announced his will to support this kind of activity, since this is also a way to promote health and wellness in the city as stated in his 12-point agenda, which include health programs dubbed as “Epektibong programang pangkalusugan, produktibong mamamayan.”

This year’s winners are: (3k male category) Michael Canlas, 1st place; Reymart Songco, 2nd place; Jerry Vergara, 3rd place; (3k female category) Cherry Ancheta, 1st place; Athena Sahi, 2nd place; Marie Laylay, 3rd place; (5k male category) Redentor Salas, 1st place; Jomari Punay, 2nd place, Jovy Villagamas, 3rd place; (5k female category) Bernadette Dizon, 1st place; Emma David, 2nd place; Karen Guevarra, 3rd place.

The activity is in line with the celebration of the city’s 15th anniversary dubbed as Kaganpan 2016.
Also present in the program were Councilors Harvey Quiwa and Jacklyn Calimlim.• Marna Dagumboy-del Rosario

IMINUNGKAHI kamakailan ni Pampanga Philippine National Police Provincial Director, Senior Supt. Rodolfo Recomono Jr., na maiko-konsiderang isa ang lalawigan ng Pampanga sa mga pinaka-payapang probinsiya sa ating bansa.

Ang nasabing mungkahi ni Sr. Supt. Recomono ay bunsod ng paghahanda ng kapulisan sa pagpapanatili ng kapayapaan at kaayusan ng darating na halalan nitong Mayo ng taong kasalukuyan.

Sa kasalukuyan, mayroon lamang tatlong bayan sa Pampanga ang nasa “election watchlist” ng Commission on Elections, sadyang kakaunti kung ikukumpara sa mga ibang probinsiya sa Gitnang Luzon.

Gayunpaman, ang mga nasabing bayan ay maituturing pa ding mga payapa kung hindi lang sa mga sinasabing naglalaban sa pulitika na kasama din naman sa mga lumagda sa peace covenant ng Pampanga na isinagawa kamakailan.

Kung susuriin, may mga tinatawag na index crimes o petty crimes din ang nangyayari sa Pampanga ngunit ito ay pawang mga krimen na nangyayari sa daan at itinuturing na mga small-time lamang.

Kung ihahambing sa ibang lalawigan sa bansa, tunay na payapa ang lalawigan dahil wala naman nagaganap na armadong labanan at wala namang mga warlord na tinatawag. Wala ring mga gawaing terorismo sa Pampanga kung ihahambing ito sa mga ibang lugar sa bansa.

Ang nasabing kapayapaan ay isang senyales lang ng pagpapaigting ng kapulisan sa kanilang kampanya laban sa krimen, gayundin ang pagtupad ng tama sa kanilang mga tungkulin bilang mga alagad ng batas.

Maliban pa dito, mayroon ding pagkakaisa ang mga mamamayan at mayroon silang mga lider na nag-aadbokasiya sa kapayapaan at kaayusan lalo na sa kanilang mga panunungkulan.

Samantala, marami sa mga Kapampangan ang mayroon ding kooperasyon sa mga alagad ng batas kung kaya nama’y agad na nare-resolba ang ilang mga pangyayaring hindi naaayon sa ating batas sa kriminalidad.

Marami ang sumasang-ayon kay Sr. Supt Recomono sa kanyang mungkahi dahil nakikita naman ang kaayusan at kapayapaan sa mga iba’t-ibang lugar sa lalawigan. May kumpyansa ang nasabing pinuno ng panlalawigang kapulisan na “peace-loving citizens” ang mga Kapampangan.

Kaugnay nito, ang nasabing pahayag ni Sr. Supt. Recomono ay nagbibigay din ng payapang kaisipan sa mga residente ng lalawigan maging ng mga business communities.

Sa pagkakaisa ng mga Kapampangan at  sa pagtupad sa tungkulin ng ating mga alagad ng batas sa Pampanga, saludo po ako.•

HINDI tinipid at halatang ginastusan ang seryeng “Bakit Manipis ang Ulap?” ng Viva/TV5 starring Claudine Barretto, Cesar Montano, Diether Ocampo and Meg Imperial mula sa direksyon ni Joel Lamangan.

Pang-pelikula ang kalidad ng pilot episode na napanood sa advance screening na ginanap last Wednesday night sa SM Aura, Taguig City.

After the screening, bumuhos agad ang positibong feedback sa serye pati na rin ang pagbati kay Claudine sa napakahusay na pagganap bilang Marla.

Maging ang TV5 chairman na si Manny V. Pangilinan ay pinuri ang acting ni Claudine at ng buong cast.

Wala pa ring kupas si Claudine as an actress. Dalawang beses siyang pinalakpakan ng audience, ang isa ay ang wedding scene kung saan ay umiiyak siyang naglitanya at ang isa ay sa crying scene niya with Diether sa bar.

 ’Yun nga lang, siguro ay dapat pang magpapayat nang kaunti ni Claudine dahil marami siyang scenes na mataba siya.

Iisa naman ang obserbasyon ng lahat sa acting ni Diet na hindi mo maintindihan kung ano. Lahat ay takang-taka kung bakit parang hindi siya makaarte nang tama, parang hindi siya at malayung-malayo sa dating mahusay na aktor na kilala namin.

Napaka-stiff ng acting niya at pati boses niya ay hindi namin maintindihan kung inaarte ba or what.
But overall, ang ganda ng pilot episode at kung laging ganito ang magiging kalidad ng mga serye ng TV5, hindi malayong makahabol na talaga sila sa dalawang higanteng network.

Samantala, bukod kay MVP, present din ang ibang bigwigs ng TV5 at Viva Communications bilang suporta sa comeback teleserye ni Claudine tulad nina Viva big boss Vic del Rosario, Veronique del Rosario at ang TV5 CEO and president na si Noel Lorenzana.

Magsisimula nang mapanood ang “Bakit Manipis Ang Ulap?” sa Feb. 15, weeknights at 9.•Noel Montes

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO – Construction of a two-storey building intended as the city police’s headquarters is now in full swing to meet the six-month deadline.

The structure will be the first PNP station within the Government Center in Barangay Maimpis here, a top police official said over the weekend. 

Chief Supt. Rudy Lacadin, director of the Police Regional Office 3 (PRO3), said works are in double time for the immediate completion of the type “A” police station situated at the 1,000-square meter lot within the government center. 

“After the long wait, finally the City of San Fernando will have its own police station building,” said Lacadin during an interview on Friday. 

He said higher police headquarters funded the construction of the CSF police headquarters amounting to P13 million.  
The fund, Lacadin said, had been allocated by the PNP to CSF for quite some time but the lack of available space where the building would be constructed sent high headquarters to momentarily postpone the implementation of the project. 

“Masyadong maliit ang tanggapan ng pulisya sa San Fernando. Halos nagsisiksikan na ang mga tao. Hindi na conducive working place kaya kailangan magpagawa na,” Lacadin told Headline GL.

Lacadin said several police stations in Central Luzon including one in Nueva Ecija, Tarlac and Bulacan are undergoing construction while some are being rehabilitated and repaired.

Aside from construction of police stations, several structures within the regional headquarters are being rehabilitated including the roofing and ceiling of the post gymnasium, chapel and bleachers. 

Lacadin said the post bleacher is being repaired at no cost to the government. He said Tarlac Governor Vic Yap shouldered the expenses. 

All projects are expected to be completed before Lacadin steps down from office on May or before he reaches the mandatory retirement age.•Jess Malabanan

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO – Central Luzon is among the regions in the country to benefit from the world’s first vaccine against dengue, Dengvaxia, which will be distributed next month.

The Department of Health (DoH) recently launched Dengvaxia, which will be commercially available first in the Philippines. Though there was a slight decrease in terms of the number of dengue-afflicted persons in Region 3 in 2015 compared to previous years, the DoH regional office said CL is among pilot areas in the country where dengue vaccine would be introduced.

Citing reports released by the Dengue Surveillance Update from the Regional Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit, from 778 cases reported as of January 16, 2015,  the number went down to 766 in the same period this year.
Among the seven provinces, Pampanga posted the most cases during the period with 237 followed by Bataan with 159; Nueva Ecija–144; Bulacan–96; Tarlac–55;Aurora–45; and Zambales–30.

The better news though, according to DoH, is that there were no recorded fatalities for the two reporting periods.
While there is a decrease in deaths due to dengue, DoH reminded the public to continue working towards the total eradication of the disease in the region by maintaining communities clean and free of mosquitoes.

Other pilot areas where Dengvaxia would be administered include National Capital Region and Southern Tagalog region or Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal and Quezon. 

“We were chosen as beneficiaries following the high number of dengue cases in 2015 which reached 35,694 cases,” DoH-3 said in a statement. 

The administering of the dengue vaccine will be held in March, with Grade 4 public school students as initial beneficiaries.

Dengue is a disease caused by the bite of Aedes aegypti mosquito.These mosquitoes bite during daytime. Headache, fever, muscle and joint pains and skin rashes characterize the disease.

In extreme cases, bleeding of the gums and nose may occur. 

DoH Secretary Janette Garin said the vaccination program will start March specifically for Grade 4 pupils. The vaccine will be given in three doses, with six-month intervals.

It will give the vaccine to over a million students this year but the health department is planning to hold a nationwide vaccination on 2017.

Side effects
Health authorities said the vaccine will have side effects, including fever, headache, muscle pain, weakness, redness and swelling.

The DoH also said that the medical breakthrough is no excuse to stop the fight against dengue. Communities should work towards prevention by cleaning possible mosquito breeding sites.• Jess Malabanan

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO – The Department of Labor and Employment in Central Luzon (DoLE 3) over the week opened its “Assist WELL” Processing Center to offer various services for repatriated overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).

The center was established upon the marching order of Labor Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz under Department Order No. 139-14 series of 2014 otherwise known as the “Assist WELL” program.

The Assist WELL Program, which stands for Welfare, Employment, Legal, and Livelihood, is a package of reintegration assistance or services for repatriated OFWs.

DoLE 3 chief Ana Dione said that the program aims to ensure the successful reintegration of OFWs repatriated from countries experiencing crisis or emergency situations.

“We want our OFWs to start anew here in the country by providing them the necessary assistance or services to reintegrate them with employment or livelihood opportunities by engaging them to go into small but sustainable businesses,” Dione said.

The processing center provides the following services which include stress debriefing/counselling, local/overseas employment referral, livelihood assistance, legal and conciliation services, competency assessment, and training assistance.

The National Reintegration Center for OFWs (NRCO), through its Regional Coordinators, is the DoLE agency tasked to man the Assist Well Processing Centers in the region level.

Aside from the NRCO, other members of the Regional Coordinating Council supporting this program include the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration, Overseas Workers Welfare Administration, and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority.

In Central Luzon, the Assist WELL Processing Center is housed in the DoLE Central Luzon Regional Office at the Diosdado Macapagal Government Center, Maimpis, this city.

Dione also said that the Assist WELL Program services will soon be available in the seven DoLE Field Offices as well as the Public Employment Service Offices.

“Through this initiative, we expect to reach out to more repatriated OFWs residing all over the region and serve them properly and promptly with the assistance they need,” Dione said.

Interested parties may inquire about this program with Labor and Employment Officer Freya Palad, NRCO Coordinator for Central Luzon with telephone number (045) 455-1617 or email at ro3.nrco@gmail.com.•Charlene A. Cayabyab

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO – The Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement has scaled up its humanitarian assistance to tens of thousands of families who have lost their homes and livelihoods after the onslaught of Typhoon “Nona”, including those from Pampanga.  

As of this February, the PRC had reached at least 15,604 families across nine provinces with relief assistance (food packs, safe drinking water, 20-litre jerry cans, sleeping materials, hygiene kits and tarpaulins) in the provinces of Pampanga, Bulacan, Marinduque, Masbate, Occidental Mindoro, Oriental Mindoro, Northern Samar, Romblon and Sorsogon. 

“Following the emergency phase, the Red Cross is now moving into the early recovery phase, which we plan to concentrate in the three most affected provinces: Northern Samar, Sorsogon, and Oriental Mindoro,” explained the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) Chairman Richard Gordon. “In the recovery phase, Red Cross will provide cash grants, shelter repair assistance, and livelihood support based on detailed assessment reports from the ground.” 
During the emergency phase, PRC served ready-to-eat meals to some 19,900 persons in evacuation centres while its social workers provided psychosocial support to 601 people and referral services to persons in evacuation centres through 31 welfare desks. PRC also reached 466 individuals with psychosocial support. 

PRC has also mobilized 872 personnel comprising 136 staff members and 736 volunteers. To support the PRC in monitoring distributions, assessments, and planning for early recovery, the IFRC Country Office has deployed a field delegate, two PMER Officers, and Information Management and Communications support. 

On December 22, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) launched an emergency appeal to seek 3.7 million CHF to support the PRC in providing emergency aid to the most affected and most vulnerable families. So far, the IFRC appeal has supported PRC to provide essential emergency relief to 9,000 families. With its current funding, the IFRC appeal will also be able to support a further 1,200 families with shelter repair assistance (SRA) and livelihoods cash grants for 800 families in the next 12 months. 

“We lost our home and our livelihood,” says Rochelle Andales, one of the beneficiaries from the town of Sta. Clara in Bobon, Northern Samar. “Our family is extremely grateful for all the immediate response and assistance we received from the Red Cross.” 

In cooperation with the PRC, the International Committee of the Cross (ICRC), working in areas affected by armed conflict, will provide food and livelihood support to some 10,000 affected families in Magallanes, Sorsogon, and Laoang, Biri, Palapag, Mapanas and Catubig municipalities in Northern Samar. 

At an earlier stage, the ICRC supported the PRC Northern Samar chapter with 2,000 blankets and tarpaulins for 1,000 families, as well as food assistance to 10,000 families. 

Close coordination is being maintained between the PRC, the IFRC, the ICRC and all Red Cross Red Crescent Movement partners with presence in the Philippines, notably the German Red Cross and the Netherlands Red Cross. Local governments of affected areas are working with the Red Cross regarding strategic planning and operation. 

The typhoon made landfalls over Northern Samar, Sorsogon, Masbate, Romblon, and Oriental Mindoro provinces on 14 and 15 December. According to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), 42 people died while 4 are still missing due to Melor. The typhoon also destroyed 98,371 houses and damaged 181,116 more, with an estimated damage to infrastructure and agriculture amounting to almost PHP 6.5 billion. 

The accompanying Northeast monsoon also caused widespread flooding and landslides, worsening the situation for many farming communities in Luzon that were still recovering from the impact of Typhoon Koppu last October. •

INAMIN ng pinakabagong “Ang Panday” lead actor na si Richard Gutierrez na hindi kaagad nag-sink-in sa kanya na siya ang napisil nina Boss Vic (ng Viva TV) at ng mag-asawang Donna Villa at Carlo J. Caparas na magbida sa pinakabagong serye ng Kapatid Network.  Pero nang ma-realize niya na totoo ang ibinalita sa kanya ng kanyang mom-cum-manager na si Annabelle Rama, doon lamang na-excite nang husto ang partner ni Sarah Lahbati kaya pinaghandaan niya nang husto ang kanyang bagong challenging role lalupa’t tatlong magkakaibang character ang kanyang ginagampanan sa “Ang Panday”.

Bago nagsimula ng taping, araw-araw ay naggi-gym si Richard para maging physically fit at nag-aral din siya ng sword fight at ibang stunts bilang paghahanda. Kaya ganoon na lamang ang pagkagulat ng mga dumalong entertainment media sa grand press launch ng “Ang Panday” na ginanap sa Plaza Ibarra in Quezon City last Tuesday, February 9 nang makita nila ang kakaibang pangangatawan ngayon ng ama ni Zion.

Pinasalamatan ni Richard ang TV5, Viva TV, ang mag-asawang Donna Villa at Carlo J. Caparas, ang director na si Mac Alejandre at mga katrabaho niya sa “Ang Panday”dahil sa napakalaking opportunity na ipinagkaloob sa kanya para maipagpatuloy niya ang kanyang pagiging Primetime Teleserye King.

Ang maganda pa, kapareha  ni Richard ang nakababatang kapatid ng kanyang ex-GF na si Anne Curtis na si Jasmine Curtis Smith na first niyang katrabaho along with Sam Pinto, Bangs Garcia, Christopher de Leon, Epi Quizon, Alonzo Muhlach, Regine Tolentino, John Regala, Carlos Agassi, Empoy, CJ Caparas at marami pang iba.

Samantala, pinalakpakan ang trailer ng “Ang Panday” dahil napaka-impressive ng pagkakagawa nito ni Direk Mac Alejandre at kinamayan siya ng kapwa niya director at may likha ng “Ang Panday” na si Direk Carlo J. Caparas.  At sa sobrang tuwa ng misis ni Direk Carlo J. na si Donna Villa ay nagpa-raffle ito ng cash prize na hindi bababa ng P100,000.

Grinning from ear to ear naman ang mommy at manager ni Richard na si Annabelle Rama dahil sa mga papuring narinig niya about her son at sa pagkakagawa ng “Ang Panday” na magkakaroon  ng screening on February 23 at TV premiere on TV5 on February 28 at 8:30 p.m.•Noel Montes

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO – The provincial government of Pampanga, through the Public Employment Services Office (PESO), will conduct a local recruitment activity tomorrow, Feb. 16.

The activity that will be held at the Benigno Aquino Hall, Capitol compound will start at 8 a.m. and will end at 3 p.m.

According to PESO manager Luningning Vergara, Genesis Transport Services Inc. and Saulog Transit Inc. are in need of 100 drivers and 100 conductors.

Driver applicants must be 28 to 40 years old, at least 5’4 “in height, with at least 3 years’ experience as bus or truck driver, preferably high school graduate, physically and mentally fit, with LTO license No. 3 or 8 restriction, and has a good moral character.

For conductors, applicants must be at least 5’4” in height, 18 to 25 years old, with or without experience as conductor, preferably high school graduate, physically and mentally fit and has good moral character.

Interested applicants are required to bring updated resume with latest picture.•LIEZEL CAYANAN

PAMPANGA now has a dental bus that shall cater to the oral health needs of Kapampangans. This is in addition to the comprehensive medical services that the provincial government, under the leadership of Governor Lilia “Nanay” Pineda, is providing particularly to indigent constituents.

The dental bus was among the first to have been given to selected recipients by the Department of Health (DoH) under a health service program of the European Union.

The DoH meanwhile has chosen the province due to its comprehensive health services programs provided for Kapampangans by the provincial Capitol since Gov. Pineda took the helm of leading the province.

The said dental bus will be a big boost in the health services the government provides especially to far-flung communities where many people cannot afford to go to dentists for their oral health needs.

It has a modern dental chair where tooth extraction, filling and prophylaxis can be done by government dentists and other dental practitioners.

It can be observed that there are many of those who cannot go to dentists due to budgetary constraints and are left with no other recourse except to endure the pain of having tooth problems.

With the latest health mobile facility the provincial government now has, services to the public are served right at the doorsteps of communities. Dental missions will soon be conducted regularly in remote and marginalized barangays.

One of the present provincial administration’s priorities is the health and well-being of Kapampangans. This has been manifested through the improvement of government health facilities such as provincial and district hospitals and rural health centers.

Kapampangans now enjoy having such renovated and refurbished medical facilities that offer services at par with private institutions.

In addition, there are specialty facilities such as the dialysis center, laboratories, birthing clinics and others that were constructed and institutionalized by the provincial government.

There were likewise numerous medical and dental missions conducted, benefiting thousands of Kapampangans who now enjoy the services of the provincial government.

The fact that Kapampangans are now benefiting from the extensive health programs of the provincial government is credited to the thrust of Gov. Pineda in caring for the health and well-being of her constituents.

In a remote barangay that once I have been to, people were very appreciative for the Capitol’s provision on the health care of Kapampangans, not to mention the satisfaction of health workers on the privileges and benefits they are receiving from the administration of Gov. Pineda. 

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CANDABA, PAMPANGA – Some 1,948 farmers affected by recent typhoon“Nona” lauded the provincial government headed by Gov. Lilia “Nanay” Pineda and Vice Gov. Dennis Pineda for the provision of financial assistance amounting to more than P10 million.

Vice Gov. Pineda led the distribution at the Candaba Municipal Extension Hall in Barangay Salapungan on Friday dawn.
The farmer-beneficiaries came from barangays Barangca with 149 farmer-beneficiaries; Cuayang Bugtong with 43; Lourdes, 150; Salapungan, 123; Magumbali, 290; Mandili, 731; Tagulod, 130 and Mapaniqui, 332.

Reynaldo Ramos, barangay secretary and a farmer-beneficiary from Barangay Tagulod, said in behalf of all the affected farmers, he would like to thank the leadership of Pampanga for bringing the agricultural services closer to the people who are in dire need of assistance, especially now after they suffered the wrath of typhoon “Nona” last year.

“Napakalaking tulong ang ginagawa ng mag-inang Pineda lalo na sa mga magsasaka, makakatulong iyong ibinigay nilang tulong pinansiyal para sa pambili ng pataba, fertilizer at iyong iba naman ay pambayad sa mga pinagkautangan, makabangon lang sa pagkalugi namin noong nakaraang taon,” Ramos said.

The provincial government, through the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, has approved the distribution of P17,773,698 in financial assistance to 6,860 farmers affected by recent typhoon “Nona”.

Salenga said Nona submerged 13,897.23 hectares of newly planted and ready-to-harvest palay, corn and vegetables in the six municipalities of the 4th District.

He said Sangguniang Panlalawigan Resolution No. 4136 promulgated on December 18, 2015 stated that the farmer-beneficiaries whose farmlands were devastated by typhoonNona will be given P1, 300 each per hectare, for a maximum of five hectares, to recover from losses.

Just recently, the group of the Vice Governor initially distributed financial aid to 1,862 farmers held inside the Candaba Trade Center.

The Vice Governor said that the elder Pineda wants to provide utmost support to affected farmers, hoping they could restore and recover their livelihood and start a new beginning. 

Mayor Rene Maglanque expressed gratitude to Gov. Pineda, Vice Governor Delta and members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan for the show of concern to the affected farmers.

The PDRRMO head said that upon receiving reports of losses from affected farmers, the Governor and the Vice Governor jointly asked the members of the Provincial Board to immediately approve the needed budget for the provision of financial assistance.

Blanco said with the financial aid, the affected farmers could be eased from their burdens and hardship brought about their huge losses during the recent typhoon in December last year.

Some 3,086-farmer beneficiaries from the three regions of the town – Tagalog, Poblacion and Kapampangan – have now received a total amount of P10,645,065.

The provincial government is also set to give financial assistance to 126 rice farmers from the nine barangays of Magalang who shall receive P309,465; 437 farmers from 16 barangays of Arayat, P990,054 for palay and 289 corn farmers from eight barangays, P479,700; 651 farmers from 11 barangays of Apalit, P1,203,800; 966 farmers from 12 barangays of San Luis, P1,676,350; and 585 farmers from 14 barangays of San Simon, P1,676,350, for a total of P7,308,639.

The Vice Governor was joined by Mayor Rene Maglanque, Fourth District Board Member Ricardo Yabut, Angelina Blanco, head of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC), Edilberto Salenga, head of Office of the Provincial Agriculture (OPA), Apalit Mayor Oscar Tetangco Jr., Arayat Mayor Emmanuel “Bon” Alejandrino, Sto. Tomas Vice Mark Louie Arceo and the staff of the Provincial Treasurer’s Office led by Susan Luna.•Elaine Mercado

BAGUIO – Get a handy guide to Baguio City as the Philippine summer capital celebrates the Panagbenga Flower Festival 2016.

Baguio Guide, a travel app developed by Cebu-based startup InnoPub Media in partnership with Smart Communications (Smart), provides users with useful information and practical tips related to the crowd-drawing festival. It can be downloaded for free on Android mobile devices from the Google Play Store.

“With the Baguio Guide app containing helpful information about the city, travelers can have a more meaningful Panagbenga experience,” said Smart Public Affairs Group Head Ramon Isberto. “This app complements all other travel apps such as the updated versions of the Sinulog and Iloilo Guides, which we released in support of the Sinulog and Dinagyang festivals,” added Isberto.

The app features a list of festival events and highlights for February 1 up to March 6, which includes the Panagbenga closing ceremonies highlighted by a grand fireworks display. The Baguio Guide also contains answers to typical travel questions like where to stay, what to eat, and how to get around the city during the much-anticipated Panagbenga 2016 and is especially useful for first-timers to Baguio. Many of Baguio’s tourist destinations are also GPS-tagged with “check location” links that provide routes and directions via the GPS guide system of the users’ devices.

Within the app are sections that feature helpful information, such as must-try food, must-visit places, and must-do activities in Baguio, as well as a list of Department of Tourism-accredited tour guides and tour operators.

It also has a full directory of important contact numbers – from hospitals and emergency units to police stations – with a “tap to call” feature that allows app users to just click on the number to make the call.

The Baguio Guide is part of the nationwide Digital Tourism program of Smart and InnoPub Media, a campaign that seeks to harness mobile technology in the delivery of tourism, cultural, and historical information. The program was given an Anvil Award of Merit in 2014. •

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO – The Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) has filed charges before the Environment Ombudsman against 10 towns in Central Luzon, including San Simon in Pampanga, for violation of Republic Act 9003 otherwise known as the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act.

The charges were filed against Abucay and Mariveles in Bataan; Paombong and Hagonoy in Bulacan; Cuyapo, General Tinio, Jaen, Bongabon, and San Isidro in Nueva Ecija; and San Simon in Pampanga.

“Aside from filing charges, we have implemented the force closure of dumpsites in Mariveles, General Tinio, Jaen, and San Simon by securing the area to prevent further activities of dumping of wastes,” EMB Regional Director Lormelyn Claudio said.

“These 10 local government units were directed to comply with RA9003 down to the barangay level, ensure the operation of materials recovery facilities, and enact ordinances to compel residents to adhere to the law,” Claudio added.

HGL tried but failed to contact officials of San Simon town for comments on the issue.•

CENTRAL Luzon is very lucky to have been chosen as one of the pilot areas where the world’s first vaccine against dengue, Dengvaxia, will be distributed, starting next month.

Records show that the region had a high number of cases in the past, reason why it was chosen as a pilot area. Cases in 2015 reached 35,694, according to Department of Health officials.

However, there has been a slight decrease in cases in 2015, compared to previous years. There were also no recorded fatalities, the DoH was happy to note.

The administering of the dengue vaccine will be held in March, with Grade 4 public school students as initial beneficiaries. The vaccine will be given in three doses, with six-month intervals.

Over a million students are target as beneficiaries this year, but the health department is planning to hold a nationwide vaccination on 2017.

Health authorities however said the vaccine will have side effects: fever, headache, muscle pain, weakness, redness and swelling.

The Department is still reminding the public to continue working towards the total eradication of the disease in the region, as the medical breakthrough is no excuse to stop the fight against the disease.

Better to work towards prevention rather than depend on the cure.