CITY OF SAN FERNANDO – The Department of Environment and Natural Resources Region 3, led by Regional Director Francisco Milla Jr., reminded politicians to be careful and ensure that their campaign materials are put up only within designated common posting areas and not on trees.

“We will not hesitate to remove posters found nailed or stapled to trees,” Milla said. “In fact, campaign period or not, we are empowered by law to remove, without due notice, any sort of poster attached to trees in a way that is damaging to the plant.”

The DENR 3 director further explained that nailing or stapling the tree opens it up to the possibility of infection by pathogens. “The tree’s bark is like a human being’s skin and acts as a first line of defense against disease. When you pierce it with a nail or a staple, it opens up the whole tree to diseases.”

“I have already instructed all PENROs and CENROs to disseminate information on the rules on campaign materials,” Milla stated. “Our officers have also been instructed to monitor that these rules are followed.”

Commission on Elections (Comelec) Resolution 6166 deputized a task force, which includes DENR, DPWH, MMDA and other agencies, to remove campaign posters found in public places outside designated posting areas.

Meanwhile, Republic Act 3571 imposes a penalty of prison correctional (6 months + 1 day) to the minimum of prison mayor (6 years + 1 day) to whoever is caught destroying or injuring of planted or growing trees along public roads, plazas, parks, school premises or in any public ground.• Marna Dagumboy-del Rosario

SUBIC BAY FREEPORT – Subic Bay Freeport and Clark Freeport are two of the country’s ideal sites for investors to be promoted for development during next month’s investment roadshow to be held in New York City by the top Philippine financial officials.

The delegation led by BSP Governor Amado Tetangco Jr., and Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima will hold a Philippine Business and Investment Forum on March 3, 2016, considered the last selling mission under outgoing President Benigno Aquino’s administration aimed to lure multinational companies to consider the Philippines as its next site expansion into the ASEAN Region.

Among those asked to make strong presentations on their respective turf includes SBMA chairman Roberto V. Garcia who will bat for the full utilization of the port of Subic modern container cargo terminals, and as chairman of the Subic Clark Alliance for Development Council (SCADC) for the development of Subic–Clark corridor into a world-class logistics hub.

The forum, a project initiative of Philippine Ambassador to the USA Jose Cuisia Jr., aims to present vast opportunities still remained untapped in the Philippines. Garcia, for his part, will showcase the enormous potentials of the Port of Subic and its readiness to handle cargo for distributions to the member of the Asean Economic Community (AEC) and its readiness to be converted into a feeder vessels hub in the region.•Dante M. Salvana

ORANI, BATAAN – More than 2,400 persons from all walks of life participated in the 16th Water Dragon Run here recently, an annual activity of the Orani Water District (OWD) for the preservation and maintenance of its 28-hectare watershed area in Barangay Tala in this town.

“This is our 16th year and 5th so far for the reforestation of our watershed area. The participation here is free while their contributions will be used in our reforestation activities this coming August,” Benigno “Benny” Andres, general manager of Orani Water District, told Headline Gitnang Luzon.

Andres added that aside from reforestation activities for their aquifer – an area of rock underneath the surface of the earth which absorbs and holds water – they are now into development of springs as support for their water preservation and storage efforts.

“This is also one way of showing our unity with our consumers at least once a year. And aside from that, we are also getting ready for El Niño and we need to protect our watershed area not just because for our water needs but it’s everyone’s responsibility to protect and preserve our environment especially our natural resources,” Dr. Edmund “Boyet” Castaneda, OWD Chairman of the Board said.• Mhike R. Cigaral

AYON kay Xian Lim, marami siyang mga bagay na hindi makakalimutan habang ginagawa niya noon ang “Everything About Her” kasama si Gov. Vima Santos at Angel Locsin.

“Ang hindi ko makakalimutan na nangyari sa akin while doing ‘Everything About Her’ ay ’yung mga patay na oras namin habang nagsi-share si Ms. Vilma about her experiences in life. I think, ’yon ’yung pinaka-hindi ko makakalimutan, kasi ang dami niyang sinasabi sa akin tungkol sa mga napagdaanan niya and at the same time yung sinasabi niyang pakikitungo rin sa tao.

“She was saying na ’yung pakikisama is very important talaga. Sabi ko nga, grabe kasi hindi siya selfish na i-share ’yon. Ako naman, five years pa lang naman ako dito pero parang ’yung binibigay niya sa akin (advice) na ‘anak, dapat ganito, dapat ganyan.’ Napakalaking bagay talaga sa akin nu’n,” pagre-recall pa ni Xian.

Idinagdag din ng aktor na maituturing niyang highlight ng kanyang career ang makatrabaho sina Vilma at Angel.
“Ay sobra, oo naman. Ito na siguro ’yung highlight ng career ko. He-he-he!” sey pa niya.

Muling mapapanood si Xian sa bagong teleserye ng ABS-CBN at Star Creatives na “The Story of Us” kasama si Kim Chiu. Role naman ng isang fisherman na tour guide at the same time ang gagampanan niya dito. • Noel Montes

CLARK FREEPORT – Members of a 4×4 club have publicly criticized the management of the Puning Hot Springs for barring a public road that leads to an Aeta community. 

Pampanga Chamber of Commerce and Industry Vice Chairman Rene Romero, Pampanga Off-Roaders Club Inc. (Porci) head Engr. Marni Castro, Land Rover Club president Atty. Robby Limjoco and other 4×4 club officials here said they were repeatedly barred by staff of the resort when they tried to access a public road going to Sitio Target.

The said road happens to be also the road being used by tourists who go to the resort, Romero said.
Romero said they were ferrying with them tourists and pilots of the 20th International Hot Air Balloon Festival when they were repeatedly barred by staff of the resort. He said they were surprised that the management of the resort seems to have jurisdiction over the said road.

“It was a very big surprise for us. We actually communicated with the management of the resort about what happened,” Romero said, but lamented that the answer of the resort over the incident was not to their liking. 

Limjoco said they were surprised after they were barred access, saying while resort has 4×4 vehicles that ferry regular tourists, others should not be barred from accessing any public road.

Romero said they understand the investments of the Koreans in terms of maintaining the route, but they believe that Filipinos should not be deprived of the vital access roads.

The groups said that one investor should not dictate how people would use public roads and the Sacobia riverbed.• Marna Dagumboy-del Rosario

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO – The city government has given recognition to Fernandino students who have distinguished themselves in different competitions held in Central Luzon.

During the Flag raising activity held at the City Hall, Mayor Edwin D. Santiago has awarded certificates of recognition to these students who have responded to “the city’s call for excellence of turning ordinary into extraordinary.”

“This emulates our administration’s battle cry: Fernandino First! The achievements of our youth represent our efforts in the government,” said Mayor Santiago.

Among the recipients are four students from the City College of San Fernando [CCSF] who bested other representatives from 11 colleges and universities in the Inter-Collegiate Quiz Bee held at the Jose Feliciano Colleges, Dau, Mabalacat City last January 29.  They are Reine David and Roger Lasi, both Education Math Majors; Banjo Somera, English Education Major; and Adrian Quiambao, Bio Science Major.

Other CCSF students who received citations are Gideon Ramos, Business Administration student, for winning 2nd place in a solo singing contest, and Limarah Gutierez, Information Technology student, for earning the 3rd spot in a declamation contest during the recently concluded Association of Local Colleges and Universities Region 3 Meet.

Student-athletes who bagged awards during the Central Luzon Regional Athletic Association Meet 2016 were also recognized. These are [Elementary Level] Ivory Jade Guevarra, who was named as the most outstanding swimmer and a qualifier for the Palarong Pambansa 2016; Sophia Syyap, gold medalist; Allison Abilay, bronze medalist; Adrienne Elejandrino, bronze medalist; [Secondary Level] Kelly De Guzman, silver medalist; and Rolly Dela Cruz, bronze medalist.•

CAMP OLIVAS – Central Luzon police director Chief Supt. Rudy Lacadin handed a cash reward amounting to P1 million to members of the Bulacan PNP for the early solution of Judge Wilfredo Nieves’s gunslay.

The cash reward was received by former Bulacan Police Director Senior Supt. Ferdinand Divina and his team during simple rites held here.

Divina is presently the Chief of Staff of Police Regional Office 1 (PRO1) stationed in San Fernando City in La Union.
Lacadin said his policy is not limited to recognition for outstanding accomplishments but also giving cash incentives to those who perform their jobs.

“The reward system will serve as morale boosting and motivator for all police units in the region and for them to work hard,” said Lacadin in his speech during the Monday Flag Raising ceremony held in this regional police headquarters ground.

Nieves was slain during an ambush along the MacArthur Highway in Barangay Tikay, City of Malolos last year. He was on his way home when fired by the suspects. One of them was arrested during follow-operations.

Divina tagged the Dominguez carnapping group as responsible behind Nieves’s ambush-slay.
One of the alleged suspects, Arnel Janoras, 43, who reportedly admitted participation in the ambush, was himself killed less than 48 hours after his arrest.

Janoras, according to his police, tried to grab the service firearm of one of his police escorts while in handcuffs inside a mobile car, also along MacArthur Highway in Brgy. San Pablo, Malolos.

 The Bulacan police said the case can now be considered closed although many, including the family and friends of the slain RTC judge, do not agree with the police’s conclusion.

Meanwhile, Lacadin said his campaign against criminals led to the death of at least 51 lawless elements including members of robbery hold-up gangs, illegal drugs personalities and other underworld characters.

Lacadin’s “unusual” method in running after hoods earned praises from all sectors of society including Interior and Local Government Secretary Mel Senen Sarmiento, who personally lauded Police Regional Office 3 (PRO3) during one occasion held at the PNP National Headquarters.

“We cannot allow criminals to reign and discredit the police organization in Region 3, hindi tayo papayag na insultuhin nila ang ating justice system sa pamamagitan ng pagpatay ng huwes, piskal at ibang inosenteng mamamayan. Kailangan tayo ang manaig at ipakita na nangingibabaw ang batas dito sa Region 3,” said Lacadin.

He warned criminals to leave Central Luzon or suffer the same fate with other lawless elements who have been “neutralized.”

“Habang ako ang nandito sa Region 3 titiyakin ko na walang puwang ang mga criminal sa lipunan,” said Lacadin.•JESS MALABANAN

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO – The city government recently introduced a job search kiosk (JSK), the latest innovation in seeking for a job, adopted from the Department of Labor and Employment (DoLE).

JSK is a touch-screen, automated type machine (ATM) type equipment which stores information of thousands of job opportunities from in and out of the country.

Mayor Edwin D. Santiago received this brand new machine from DoLE Pampanga Chief Arlene Tolentino, during the flag raising ceremony held on Monday.  

Accordingly, San Fernando is the first recipient of a systematically upgraded JSK among the 22 cities and municipalities in Pampanga.

“This innovation marks another milestone in our governance.  With this machine, Fernandinos are ensured of a functional job matching and skills registry system; moreover we are helping employers who want to hire more manpower from the city,” said Mayor Santiago.

For her part, Tolentino explained that the system is aided by the Bureau of Local and Employment (BLE) PHILJOB.NETicon. “This feature gives a comprehensive list of job openings from various local and overseas companies,” she said.

She underscored that the opportunity to work abroad is also made easier through the collaboration of Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) which sets a list of available careers from all over the world.  
“These features are all found in our machine,” added Tolentino.

JSK is also equipped with complete, accurate details including the job description, amount of wage, and the number of available positions for a certain Job Title.  Applicants may also verify the authenticity of each agency and recruitment firm.

Together with DoLE, the city government has also tied up with various government agencies to ease job hunting as well as facilitate job matching. Aside from securing jobs, applicants may also avail themselves of online services from the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), National Reintegration Center for OFWS (NRCO), Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) and National Wages and Productivity Commission (NWPC).

Interested Job seekers may look for the JSK machine anytime at the PESO in the City Hall.
Witnessing the turnover were Vice-Mayor Jimmy Lazatin, Councilor Angie Hizon and Public Employment Service Office (PESO) Manager Donny Sayre.• Marna Dagumboy-del Rosario

AS early as 2007, one of the biggest chain of malls spearheaded the Waste Market Fair wherein shoppers and tenants are given the chance to exchange garbage and other waste materials into cash. A joint project of SM Supermalls, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, and the Philippine Business for the Environment, the Waste Market Fair makes it possible for one to transact business with recycling companies and exchange recyclable items for cash, while promoting the environmental advantages of recycling and proper waste disposal.

Used materials such as paper scraps, cartons, newspapers, notebooks, and bond papers; used ink and toner cartridges, electronic wastes such old CPUs, keyboards, computer monitors, and other electronic appliances; used lead batteries for cars, trucks, UPS, and rechargable lamps; used PET bottles and other plastic products; and aluminum and tin cans can be sold at the Waste Market Fair which is being conducted until now.

Similarly, it was in 2013 when local government units started banning the use of plastic bags with the aim of drastically decreasing our heavy reliance on these materials, which directly contribute to pollution and other ecological problems such as global warming, among others. The Quezon City government has implemented two ordinances that aim to regulate the use of plastic bags and establishing an environmental fee of P2.00 per bag and encourage customers to use reusable bags when shopping. Among the most notable efforts along this line is the town of Los Baños in Laguna where non-biodegradable materials such as plastic bag sheets are being made into durable building materials such as hollow blocks, corrugated roofing sheets and thick tiles. Mayor Caesar Perez has established the Los Baños Ecological Waste Processing Center (EWPC) which is now regarded as a model for solid waste management.

Marikina, one of the other cities and towns making the same eco-friendly moves, has sought the passing of a resolution banning the use of plastic bags in its local market.

Here in Pampanga, the City of San Fernando is one of the leading local government units which started implementing a ban on plastic bags through the Plastic-Free Ordinance, a series of city ordinances which were implemented starting on September 2014. It was in June 2015 when the total ban on the use of plastic bags as primary and secondary packaging materials has been implemented. The Plastic Bag and Styrofoam Ordinance of Angeles City has also been approved by the Angeles City Council to regulate the use and distribution of plastic bags and polystyrene foam in the city.

Republic Act 9003 or the Solid Waste Management Act of 2000 sets guidelines regarding waste reduction through composting, recycling, re-use, recovery and other processes before disposal in recovery and treatment facilities. The said law also ensures proper segregation, collection and disposal of solid waste. While most LGUs have taken bold moves to implement this act, it is unfortunate that this law is being taken for granted in other parts of the country. It is high time that other LGUs follow suit, unless they want to be included in the list of towns which violate RA 9003 and incur raps filed by the Environmental Management Bureau or EMB. It is not enough that only a few or some of us properly manage our waste—it is a must that everybody contributes their own efforts in saving our environment for our sake, and for the sake of the next generation. •

OLONGAPO CITY – Newly appointed City Director Sr. Supt. Jerry Tait Sumbad of the Olongapo City Police Office has declared an all-out war against illegal drugs in an interview with some local media recently.
He discussed plans and programs to fight against the increasing incidence of illicit drug trade, including “Oplan Lambat Sibat”.

Before his assumption into office, Sumbad conducted a dialogue with the Association of Barangay Captains of Olongapo City, Olongapo City Ex-Os Association, Precinct Commanders and members of the Olongapo City Police Office within the past few weeks.

He reiterated that no one is above the law, and that illicit trafficking of drugs and the presence of criminal groups should be the primary concern of every Olongapeño. He encouraged the community to be vigilant at all times and encouraged their active participation in the battle to suppress illegal activities in the city.•Dante M. Salvana

MANILA – Amid persistent news reports that overseas Filipino workers could face retrenchment in the Middle East due to falling oil prices in the global market, senatorial candidate Martin Romualdez said today the government should actively seek ways to generate more employment at home.

“We are often told that the economy is doing very well compared to our neighbors. But the fact that no less than 10 million Filipinos are working abroad because of the lack of jobs here, and another 10 million unemployed at home, tells us that the claimed economic growth is not benefiting our labor force at all,” Romualdez said.

 The lawmaker pointed out that employment generation is one of the key responsibilities  of government.
 He cited the constitutional provision that the State “shall afford full protection to labor, local and overseas, organized and unorganized, and promote full employment and equality of employment opportunities for all.”

 Romualdez also said the fundamental law guarantees the “right of the family to a living wage and income.” 
 The three-term congressman from the First District of Leyte is a lawyer and president of the Philippine Constitution Association. 

 Romualdez is running for a Senate seat on  a platform of compassionate governance which he describes as “genuine malasakit for the well-being of the people, particularly for those living on the edge of poverty.”•

OLONGAPO CITY – SM Security personnel received Certificates of Commendation from Olongapo City Mayor Rolen Paulino for showing good deeds to customers.

The first batch of SM “Honesto” awardees for 2016 were recognized during the flag raising ceremony of the city government on Monday, February 15, 2016 at the Rizal Triangle Covered Court.

The city’s “Honesto” campaign started in the administration of Paulino that recognizes honest Olongapeños who return lost valuable items and money.

Security In-Charge Jayson Pamoleras, Red Eye II security guard, found inside the Cinema a wallet containing assorted IDs and money (in Saudi Riyal) with approximate value of P10,710 on January 13, 2016.

SG Alvin John P. Dela Peña, Red Eye II security guard, recovered P2,000 cash from BDO ATM machine located at the Perimeter Area along RM Drive on October 20, 2015.

SG Ronnie Jun Manalo, Red Eye II security guard, found one (1) unit of cellphone inside the cinema ladies restroom on April 8, 2015.

Mayor Paulino reiterated that such acts of kindness can never be replaced by any material things.
“Keep up the good work at sana dumami pa ang Honesto sa Olongapo,” he added. (PR-SMOL)•

MANILA – A house caretaker from Zambales has claimed his P7,150,756 prize which he won in the Jan. 30 Lotto 6/42 Draw, according to the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office.

The 50-year-old bettor got his winning numbers, 15- 10- 19- 28- 07- 26, from the death anniversaries of family members and relatives.

The lone winner, who has been lotto betting for six years, plans to buy a house and lot, invest in business and save for future needs.

PCSO General Manager Atty. Jose Ferdinand Rojas II, turned over the prize check to the winner at charity agency’s main office in Mandaluyong City on Feb. 15.•

ONLY a few people know that Clark Freeport is host to one of the biggest assembly vehicle plants in the Philippines today.

Before, the Foton brand was not taken seriously. Actually, it was a laughingstock in the automobile industry because they associated it with a Chinese brand which is no longer in the Philippine market today. But Foton is quite different and made its own name in the auto industry since its arrival in 2007.

Now, Foton has 64 variants and their assembly plant is now in Clark, hoping to produce 12,000 various variants within the year once fully operational.

United Asia Automotive Group Inc., the company which owns Foton, has just rolled out its first sports utility vehicle during the assembly plant’s inauguration in Clark recently.

The rolling out of the first SUV was even witnessed by no less than Pampanga Gov. Lilia ‘Nanay Baby’ Pineda and Clark Development Corporation President Arthur P. Tugade, who was cited by UAAGI President Rommel Sytin for making Clark an investment haven and creating a sound business atmosphere which many investors are very thankful for.

Nanay Gov also praised Foton because of the quality of the vehicles deployed in various barangays in Pampanga last year. Until now, the Foton units are being used as barangay service vehicles which ferry residents to varius destinations in the province, especially during emergencies.

The Sytin brothers – Chairman Dominic and President Rommel – are envisioning manufacturing their own line of commercial vehicles to be marketed locally and exported to the ASEAN region.

Tugade also expressed gratitude to Foton: “In behalf of the CDC board & family, we really salute Foton for committing to become the premier commercial vehicle brand focused on providing exceptional products and services.”

Foton, established in the country in 2007, is now one of the fastest selling vehicles in the Philippines today, just nine years in existence.

From 100 units per year when it started, Foton sold more than 4,000 units last year, President Sytin said.
Foton has always been attractive to the local and international markets, said President Sytin as the after sales program of UAAGI is also among the laudable services being provided to their local market, assuring customer satisfaction on the product produced by Foton.

The story of Foton should be emulated by CDC because despite the strong presence of Japanese & Korean-made vehicles, including some American and European brands, Foton has stood the test of time because the Sytin brothers saw a vision, not only for Clark, but for the entire Filipino people.

Foton was able to penetrate the discriminating taste of brand consciousness of the Filipinos and is now among the established brands in the Philippines today—nine years after bringing the new China-made vehicle in the country.

•••

Tourism Commonality
CDC’s Tugade admits that the success of the recent 20th Hot Air Balloon Fiesta held in this Freeport would not be possible with out the cooperation of the Philippine Air Force (PAF), the private sector and the government agencies.
Held from Feb. 11 to 14, the Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta’s (PIHABF) success is a testament of the “tourism commonality” in partnership with the Tourism department, organizers, locators and the PAF.

The hot air balloon fiesta has been CDC’s flagship tourism project and has been flocked by thousands of local and foreign visitors since the festival started in 1994.

The spectacular show was highlighted with 20 regular huge hot dirigibles and six special-shaped ones which awed visitors every time the balloons would fly out of Clark Freeport. Sans the traffic, the festival was again patronized by many, especially those who are not from Pampanga.

The four days were full of flying activities – including hot air ballooning, aerobatic exhibitions, skydiving, motorized paragliding exhibition, aviation formation, search and rescue flight demonstrations, and balloon bursting, microlight and ultralight flying, among other aviation spectacles.

Another attraction of the event was the Fiesta Fly Market where local food, refreshments, and all kinds of merchandise, local goods, balloon fiesta souvenirs were sold during the four-day event, including the static display of the military hardware from the Philippine Navy, Army, Coast Guard and PAF.

The success of the festival cannot discount the fact that it was indeed the oneness of all the sectors who made the event possible, exciting and fun. Indeed, more fun in Clark!•

Alang matsura keng pamaninum alak,
Pablasang pati na pin ing Dios anak,
Malino sasabian na ning Santong Sulat,
Ing iti metung yang maulagang sangkap

Keng pamakiparang-tau ning ninu man,
Neng ating pusyun o engradeng kasalan,
Kalupa kanitang karin king Canaan,
Kepaltan alak keng metung a kasalan.

A nu’ sinabi ra kang Jesus kanita
Ing ala nang alak, inia inutus na
Ing katmuan dong’ danum ding tapayan ngana
At iti yang gewa nang alak kanita.

Pero waman e na penabilin Jesus
Ing itamu e ta’ magpalasing lubus,
Sana, ing nanu mang bage e makatanud,
E tamu pabusten lulual karing asbuk.

Ding biasa, parating mapili lang bina
King nanu mang bage yapse na ning dila,
Inia nung kapilan la reti tutukba
Karin la maingat bubugnus salita.

At uling madalas impun na at sepu
Ning alak, ing maling impresyun ding tau,
E ta’na makitua nung waman ing palsu
Yang keta madalas pipilit dang ustu.

(Atin yang kasuglung)

DINALUPIHAN, BATAAN – The municipal government here led by Mayor Maria Angela “Gila” Garcia on Friday gave recognition to top 100 real property taxpayers and top 100 investors/businessmen of this town.

With the increasing number of local businesses here, Mayor Garcia along with town officials recognized their pivotal role in accelerating the growth of the local economy.

The program was held during the celebration of Chinese New Year at the Dinalupihan Civic Center to honor and recognize these contributors who are the catalysts in the renewed interest in doing business in the municipality, and who are partners in the upward trend of local tax collections that redound to the benefits of our constituents.

Various stakeholders including heads of branches of banks, government agencies and local organizations in Dinalupihan participated.  

“We recognize our top investors for their continuing support to our economy and progress,” Mayor Garcia told newsmen.   
The activity is geared towards energizing further these stakeholders in doing business in the locality, establishing camaraderie and defining corporate social responsibilities and good governance.• Mhike R. Cigaral

ANGELES CITY – The city government led by Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan has formally opened and inaugurated the Intensive Cardiac Care Unit (ICCU) at the Ospital ning Angeles (ONA) on Tuesday.

The program began with a ceremonial ribbon-cutting, headed by the mayor, followed by the inauguration and blessing of the facility. The ICCU is the first publicly owned and operated cardiac unit in Central Luzon.

According to Pamintuan, the ICCU is another milestone achievement of the city government which was accomplished through public-private partnership for development. This time, the mayor collaborated with his long time friend, Dr. Rey Albert Franco, a cardiologist from the United States; and Engineer Geromin T. Nepomuceno, Jr. of the Angeles Electric Corporation who funded the said facility through his foundation.

“We believe that this is a major breakthrough in public service – as such, we know that this facility will cater to countless Angelenos who suffer from heart ailments,” Pamintuan said.

Meanwhile, Franco said the new center is timely and beneficial, as most people today die primarily of heart failures. In 2014, the Philippine Heart Association stated that cardiovascular disease is still the country’s top killer, with over 170,000 people, or about 19 individuals per hour, dying from it per year.

“People are dying primarily not because of kidney problems, but because of heart failures. As a way of giving back to the Angeleños, I offered the mayor my services cheap — and by cheap, I meant free,” Franco said who will serve as consultant and act as the head of the cardiology department.

The new cardiac unit sports state-of-the-art equipment and three electronic beds. 
Witnessing the inauguration were ONA Director Dr. Antonio Dizon, hospital staff, members of the city council, and other city government and barangay officials.

During the short program, Mayor Pamintuan, together with Franco and Nepomuceno, recalled what inspired them to establish the unit.

Pamintuan then shared his fruitful experience with the private sector — on how they were very much willing to extend their support to his various programs and projects.

“Gerry (Nepomuceno), together with his foundation, has always been very supportive of the city’s endeavors. He has helped accomplish various projects for Angeles, including the removal of spaghetti wires in various areas and, recently, the donation of a fire truck to the local government,” Pamintuan said.

Meanwhile, Nepomuceno said that, as private individuals, this is their own way of giving support to elected officials, especially to the present administration.

“My father passed away because of a heart attack, and I want to extend my help to Angeleños who can suffer the same fate,” Nepomuceno recalled, adding that Pamintuan’s social welfare programs and projects also served as an inspiration for the establishment of the heart facility..

For his part, Franco said that one of his missions in life is to give back to the Angelenos as a way of fulfilling his promise to his hometown.

“The Philippines is suffering not only from heart ailments, but also from “brain drain”. That’s why after studying and practicing in the states, I decided to go back here in Angeles and help out the less fortunate. And thus, the mayor and I came up with this facility,” he said. “is an honor for us to be given the opportunity to help and give back.”

Pamintuan shared how grateful he was for the support extended by the people involved.
“We were all visionaries when we were young. We were dreamers. But now, we’ve woken up and are fulfilling the dreams for the betterment of our community,” he said. •Charlene A. Cayabyab

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO – Ninety-four Fernandino couples exchanged marriage vows during the annual ‘Kasalang Balen’ held February 14 at the Heroes Hall.

This year’s event was organized by the City Community Affairs Division in collaboration with the City Civil Registry.
Mayor Edwin ‘EdSa’ Santiago, solemnizing the wedding ceremony, stressed that marriage is a key component in nation-building.

“Marriage is the pre-requisite for building a family, which is considered as the smallest unit of society,” he said.
The mayor furthered that the activity is also aimed at ‘helping less fortunate Fernandinos to legitimize relationships with their beloved partners’.

Aside from the venue, the city also provided wedding rings, cakes, food packages and souvenirs.
City Civil Registrar Rimando Umali said that mass weddings also help reduce the number of illegitimate children in the city.

“Out of more than 5,000 children born in San Fernando every year, only 55% of them are legitimate because most of the parents (of the remaining 45%) are not yet married,” Umali explained.

Also present in the event were Cong. Oscar ‘Oca’ Rodriguez; Vice-Mayor Jimmy Lazatin; Councilors Jack Calimlim, Angie Hizon, BJ Lagman, Harvey Quiwa and Noel Tulabut; and Kaganapan 2016 Chairperson Alex Magsino and Vice-Chair Robbie Hizon.

The ‘Kasalang Balen’ culminated Kaganapan 2016, which marked San Fernando’s 15th Cityhood Anniversary.•Marna Dagumboy-del Rosario

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO – The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) led the celebration of 2016 Adoption Consciousness Week in Central Luzon on Monday.

The activity, which is an inter-agency event for the very first time, seeks to educate the public about the legal process of adoption, its laws and guidelines, and forms of alternative family care.  

DSWD 3 chief Gemma Gabuya said this year’s celebration, which carries the theme, “A Child Finds Worth in Legal Adoption,” aims to emphasize that there is no distinction between an adopted and biological child because their rights are the same, as well as to advocate for the pro-active approach to the prevention of direct entrustment of children for adoption. 

“Through this, we want to discourage prospective adoptive parents to go through independent entrustment or direct placement of children without undergoing the legal process of adoption. In this way, we also aim to remove the stigma connected with being an adopted child,” Gabuya said. 

To show force and unity in advocating for the program on adoption consciousness, the week-long celebration commenced with a motorcade from the government center in Barangay Maimpis to Waltermart where a program was held. 
During the program, adoptive and foster parents and children shared their experiences.

Close to 100 children and adoptive and foster parents, as well as representatives from national government agencies, non-government institutions through ABSNET, and other stakeholders attended the event.

Aside from this, DSWD will also set up Adoption Helpdesk on February 20-21 in select malls across the region to respond to inquiries of the public on adoption and foster care laws in an effort to increase the number of adoptive and foster parents. • Charlene A. Cayabyab

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO – Uplifting the morale and drive of the San Fernando PNP in performing their respective tasks, Mayor Edwin D. Santiago commended some of its personnel for their relentless anti-crime efforts.

During last Monday’s Flag raising ceremony (February 15), Mayor Edwin D. Santiago, Vice Mayor Jimmy T. Lazatin, Councilor Angelica O. Hizon, Chief of Police Supt. Jean S. Fajardo presented a city resolution giving recognitions to 25 PNP personnel for a successful police operation which resulted in the arrest of alleged drug pushers, and the seizure of shabu, drug paraphernalia and assorted firearms, hand grenades, ammunitions and cash money.

“This intensified campaign against drugs which resulted to the arrest of suspects is another major accomplishment of our PNP as they collared a group that victimizes our peace loving populace particularly our youth,” said Mayor Santiago.

Vice Mayor Lazatin noted that “the PNP truly deserves the commendation and recognition especially among the duly elected leaders of the City as the chosen representative of the people in governance.”

The recipients of this commendation are Chief insp. Jan Carl Nacpil Gopez, Insp. Wemerra Jean D. Saldia, Insp. Richard M. Rosario, SPO2 Honorato Oñate Maraña, SPO1 Rufino A. Peralta Jr., SPO1 Rogelio Javier, PO3 Dennis Oñate Maraña, PO3 Nida Bartolo Kabiling, PO3 Marlon Rimando Nerona, PO2 Ryan Nelson Reyes Moran, PO2 Gamaliel Tiongson Paderan, PO1 Zeus De Guzman Bugarin, PO1 Peter Latimer Asegurado Lingat, PO1 Jahnel Fajardo Chou, PO1 Dave DV Santos, PO1 Andrei Cabi Andres, PO2 Ed Millan David Panlilio, PO1 Jose Emmanuel Coteng Rivera, PO1 Joseph Pelayo Gamboa, PO1 Reny Almandres Merindo, PO1 Rhuel Arellano Salamanca, PO1 Allen Jay Simbe Solmerin, PO1 Reynaldo Asuncion Sumira Jr., and PO1 Donnielee Torres.

Six members of BPAT were also recognized for helping the PNP in different operations against robbery and theft. They are Resty Sison and Ricardo Villar of Barangay Calulut; Ricky Lapuz and Edgar Guinto of Barangay San Jose; Edwin Pineda and Ricardo Casimiro of Barangay San Pedro.

Meanwhile, Mayor Santiago also received a deed of donation of eight base radio units from Councilor Angelica O. Hizon to be used by the city police force in its operation.•Marna Dagumboy-del Rosario