CITY OF SAN FERNANDO – Two hundred thirty eight young Fernandinos were employed and underwent orientation by the City Government of San Fernando as part of the city’s Special Program for Employment of Students (SPES) held at WalterMart over the weekend.

SPES is the city’s annual program which gives students the chance to work and earn a minimum wage for 20 days and at the same time immerse them in their respective fields of study.

This is in line with City Mayor Edwin D. Santiago’s agenda on employment and education.
The City of San Fernando has been partnering with the Department of Labor and Employment since the start because 40% of the salary is shouldered by DoLE while 60% is funded by the city government.

According to Mayor EdSa, the SPES is a great training ground for the students in becoming better Fernandinos.
“At an early age, they will be able to understand how to serve other people, hone their talents and skills and learn how to be an instrument of service,” said Mayor EdSa.

“It is much better for the young generation to be engaged in work for they learn how to be responsible citizens and service providers for their fellow Fernandinos.”

The orientation was also attended by 3rd District Rep. Oscar Rodriguez, Vice Mayor Jimmy T. Lazatin, DoLE Region III Technical Support and Service Division II Chief Alex Inza Cruz, Labor Employment Officer II Camille Galura, and Councilors BJ Lagman, Harvey Quiwa and Jacklyn Calimlim.•Marna Dagumboy-del Rosario

MUKHANG pare-pareho nang nakapag-move on sina Kim Chiu, Maja Salvador at Gerald Anderson dahil kumportable na silang muling magkakatrabaho sa ASAP tuwing araw ng Linggo.

Aware ang marami na sina Kim at Maja ay (dating) mag-bestfriend nung panahong sina Kim at Gerald pa ang magkasintahan.  Nang magkahiwalay sina Kim at Gerald, naging kasintahan ng huli si Maja although sumingit din noon ang pagiging malapit ni Gerald sa pop princess na si Sarah Geronimo na hindi nga lamang nag-progress into a deeper relationship.

Naapektuhan ang pagkakaibigan nina Kim at Maja nang maging girlfriend ni Gerald ang huli pero matagal-tagal na rin itong na-settle. 

Sandali ring naging girlfriend ni Gerald ang nobya ngayon ni Zanjoe Marudo na si Bea Alonzo pero nag-aklas ang mga fans nina Kim at Gerald kaya nauwi rin sa break-up ang relasyon ni Gerald kay Bea.
Sa kabila na parehong naging ex-GF ni Gerald sina Kim at Maja, pare-pareho silang professional pagdating sa kanilang trabaho.

Kim is romantically linked sa kanyang perennial screen partner ngayon na si Xian Lim habang nananatili pa ring single and loveless sina Gerald at Maja.•

NOT so long ago during the juggernaut of AirAsia Philippines at Clark International Airport that inadvertently went kaput, I was privileged to board the inaugural flight to Davao City with no less than Mayor Sarah Duterte among the passengers. The reception in Davao City was upbeat with the tourism and travel agents having vowed to sustain the new route.

The dawn of new domestic routes from the CRK were expected to act as feeder flights to long-haul carriers such as the Emirates Airlines and Qatar Airways. As the number of passengers trickled down, the Davao route had been effectively quashed followed by the other local and international destinations until finally the local airline clipped its wing and transferred its operations in Manila. At about the same time, Emirates Airlines also stopped its daily flights at the CRK. A pall of gloom prevails ever since as the CRK posted over 877,000 passengers last year and with no new flights coming in, passenger volume will continue to spiral down uncontrollably.

With more and more passengers being offloaded on a daily basis at the CRK, travellers will continue to shy away from utilizing the airport. For those who lost precious items or suffered inhumane treatment at the CRK – it’s no longer an airport of choice.

The Francisco Bangoy International Airport is relatively small but according to the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines, it’s the third busiest airport in the country today with an annual capacity of 3 million passengers. The 2nd busiest airport is Mactan-Cebu International Airport with 7 million passengers per year while Ninoy Aquino International Airport remains at the top spot. Mind you, the Clark International Airport which recorded over 1.3 million passengers in 2012 if I am not mistaken landed in the 9th spot and with less passengers in 2014, I presumed it was already overtaken by the Daniel Z. Romualdez Airport (10th busiest) in Tacloban. The other airports ahead of Clark airport in terms of passenger volume are: Iloilo International Airport (4th busiest), Kalibo International Airport (5th busiest), Lumbia Airport in Cagayan De Oro (6th busiest), Bacolod-Silay International Airport in Western Visayas (7th busiest), and Puerto Princesa in Palawan (8th busiest).

To become the alternative airport to the Ninoy Aquino International Airport, there is just a lot of work to be done at the CRK. Since the CRK is not in the crosshairs of the Aquino government to replace the congested NAIA, we can kiss our dreams goodbye for the meantime until a new government banks on the viability of the CRK and junk the proposed Sangley 1, Sangley 2 and the central Manila Bay – all of which are to be reclaimed from the sea.

According to the Airport Council International (ACI), the Kalibo International Airport and the Davao International Airport are two of the most efficient airports not only in the Philippines but in the world. ACI noted that the Davao International Airport ranked 6th while Kalibo International Airport ranked eight citing efficient traffic control and aircraft movement in 2013 effectively handling air traffic from different countries despite their small sizes.
The ACI develops standards, policies and recommends practices for airports; and provides information and training opportunities to raise standards of airports all over the world.•

ANGELES CITY – The Department of Tourism (DoT) is inviting hotel and restaurant owners in Central Luzon to join its first multi-skills workshop for frontline personnel slated this month.

“The October 20 to 22 activity to be held at L Square Hotel in Tarlac is meant to capacitate our frontline personnel in anticipation of the influx of foreign and domestic tourists in time for a more vigorous tourism campaign in 2016,” DoT Central Luzon chief Ronaldo Tiotuico said.

Discussions will center on front office operations, food and beverages, coffee making, housekeeping, sales, and marketing.

“We are charging P2,000 per participant with a discounted rate of P1,500 each if they are sending two participants,” Tiotuico said.

The fee will cover meals, handouts, and certificate of completion.

Those who are interested may contact the secretariat at (045) 982-2981 or 625-8525. The event is a collective effort of DoT, Women in Travel, Tarlac Association of Restaurant and Hotel Owners, Tarlac City Tourism Office, Tarlac Provincial Investment Tourism and Information Office, Tarlac City Tourism Council, and Tarlac Convention and Visitors’ Bureau. • Charlene A. Cayabyab

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO – Farmers in Pampanga and other provinces in Central Luzon have been told to cultivate drought-resistant but high-value crops as alternative to palay, to prevent huge losses brought about by El Nino, top official of the Department of Agriculture 3 said yesterday.

This developed as DA-3 Director Andrew Villacorta said at least P1.3 billion would be needed Region 3 to mitigate the effects of El Niño, which has been projected to stay within 24 months or until next year.

“I submitted to DA the fund requirement amounting to P1.3 billion for Central Luzon farmers, as augmentation fund should severe drought occurs,” Villacorta said.

He said his request had been forwarded to the Department of Budget and Management (DBM).   
In his speech during the turn-over of farming equipment to 72 farmers’ groups held at the Capitol grounds, Villacorta said the funds would be used for irrigation and other related projects aimed at improving the farmers’ yields specially during the El Niño.
He cited Pampanga palay growers for the huge harvest amounting to 4.2 metric tons/hectare, making it to the list of top rice achievers in the country.

“Pampanga was named as among the outstanding rice producers last year because of the farm mechanization program,” said Villacorta.

Farm mechanization is the answer to Asean Integration, he added.

“We have to lower the production including labor costs for us to be competitive with other imported agricultural products,” Villacorta pointed out.•Genaro Macalinao

ANGELES CITY – A Kapampangan foundation opened the first comprehensive Philippine ecclesiastical exhibit over the weekend.

The Foundation for Lingap Kapampangan Inc. (FLKI), formerly known as the Save Pampanga Movement, launched “Obra Sagrada” at the Event Centre of SM City Clark on October 10 and 11, 2015.

Before the opening of the exhibit, a mass was celebrated by Lingayen-Dagupan Archbishop and Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) president Socrates Villegas.

The exhibit, which was supported by the Archdiocese Commission on Church Heritage and the Shopping Center Management Corporation (SCMC), aimed to provide support and raise awareness for Filipino religious artisans.

“Obra Sagrada” showcased the work of more than 20 artists from Pampanga, Bulacan, Bukidon, and Metro Manila, with many representing families who have continued the trade for generations.

The selection of products ranged from vestments to sculptures, altars, retablos, church furniture and fixtures, religious home decor, and restoration, gold leafing and metal smithing work.

One of the exhibiting artisans is Betis-based Wilfredo “Willy” Layug, who created the “Our Lady of Palo” statue for the Papal Visit earlier this year. A recipient of the Presidential Medal of Merit Award for Ecclesiastical Arts, he presented his signature retablos and images finished in the traditional Spanish “estofado” technique for painting.

Among the other noted artists were Santiago Banal; Gener Bautista; Alejandro Carpio; Luisito Cayanan; Renato Cayanan; Rodico de Dios; Rolando Flores, Dom Martin Gomez, OSB; Reggie Honrada; Thomas Joven; Edwin Layug; Nicholas Lugue; Edgar Nucum; Alberto Pangilinan; Lito Ramirez; Francis Sibug; and Anita Sunga. The participating artist groups were Artikles in Wood, Chez les Saints, Kraut Art, and Renaissance Wood Masters.

The exhibit also included some informative talks. On Saturday, Auxilliary Bishop Pablo David talked about “Understanding Iconography,” followed by Father Genaro Diwa’s, “Worship and Christian Iconography.” On Sunday, UST Museum’s Dr. Anna Bautista, and architect and planner, Edgardo Castro talked about on “Appreciating Heritage.”
In addition, “Obra Sagrada’ also made a stop for a special Pampanga Church Tour.

FLKI hopes to make “Obra Sagrada” an annual event that will involve more craftsmen from all over the country.
By creating recognition and continued patronage for local religious artisans both here and abroad, the foundation aims to establish the Philippines as the premier destination for finely crafted and traditionally made religious items in the Asia-Pacific region. •Charlene A. Cayabyab

THE Department of Agriculture needs at least P1.3 billion to somehow ease the effects of El Niño in the region, which is expected to last until next year.

According to DA-3 Director Andrew Villacorta, he has already submitted the DA fund requirement to the Department of Budget and Management, which will be used as augmentation fund should severe drought occurs in the province. Among the projects to be implemented using the funds would be irrigation and other related projects that would improve farmers’ yield.

In this light, Villacorta is urging farmers to use drought-resistant but high-value crops as alternative to palay, to prevent huge losses brought about by El Niño.

Despite the dry spell, however, Pampanga has been cited for its huge harvest of to 4.2 metric tons per hectare last year, making it to the list of top rice achievers in the country.

The accomplishment, Villacorta said, can be attributed to the farm mechanization program, which he said is the answer to Asean integration.

CLARK FREEPORT – The Iglesia Ni Cristo (INC) cited the managing company of this Freeport for its support on the success of their “historic Evangelical Mission” held recently at the Parade Grounds here.

In a statement sent to Clark Development Corporation (CDC), District Minister Bedan L. Ubaldo of the INC, Ecclesiastical District of Pampanga East expressed gratitude for CDC’s support to the evangelical mission.
“With so much gratitude we also appreciate the enthusiastic support of the administrators of the CDC for our religious activity,” Ubaldo said.

“For the organizers, participants, and visitors alike, the experience was spiritually uplifting and remarkably orderly and peaceful,” Ubaldo said.

According to Ubaldo, the Parade Grounds was “big factor” in the overall success  of the most extensive and historical evangelical mission of the INC.

Ubaldo said the Parade Grounds is sufficient and impressive. About 85,000 INC members attended the event held last September 26, 2015.

“The CDC Parade Grounds is no doubt sufficient for monumental events like the INC Evangelical Mission,” Ubaldo said.
“The installed multiple sets of LED park lights and area lights provided a well-lit environment at night, making it even more suitable for our historic Evangelical Mission,” he added.

Underscoring the amenities inside Clark, Ubaldo further said, “the CDC Parade Grounds – with its clean and well-maintained surroundings, fresh air, adequate available parking areas, and nearby international hotels and diners – is one of the best venues in the whole Central Luzon for such large-scale events.”

In the statement, Ubaldo also cited the “competence and patience of the CDC traffic enforcers, security officers and other staff who made sure that the occasion was peaceful and orderly.”

The INC district minister added: “In the future, the INC would consider without hesitation holding the same kind of event at the same venue.”

On September 8, thousands of Marian devotees also flocked to the Parade Grounds here for the 59th Canonical Coronation of Virgen de los Remedios.

Clark has hosted series of tourism events, conventions and global business gatherings that include the successful hosting of the MICECON 4D in 2014 and the 1st Senior Officials Meeting of Asia Pacific and Economic Cooperation (SOM1 APEC) in Clark in January this year.

It can be recalled that CDC also renovated top tourist attractions that include the Clark Museum including the construction of 4D Theater.

CDC also implemented the redevelopment of Parade Grounds that now includes a rubberized jogging path, LED lights and CCTV cameras. It would soon have WIFI signal, along with other selected areas inside this Freeport.•Marna Dagumboy-del Rosario

ANG tindi ng kilig nina Jennylyn Mercado at Sam Milby sa mall tour nila sa Fisher Mall. Posible talagang ma-develop ang dalawa kung gugustuhin nila.

Hindi nga lang makapag-start si Sam dahil patuloy na nali-link si Jen kay Dennis Trillo.
Wala namang reaksyong maibigay si Dennis sa isyung ayaw sumingit ni Sam kay Jen dahil naniniwala siya may namamagitan talaga sa kanila. Pero gaya ni Jen, hindi rin umaamin si Dennis.

Anyway, malulunasan ang pagka-uhaw ng publikong humaling na humaling sa tinaguriang Woman of Desire ng taon na si Jennylyn Mercado! Mapapanood siya sa Ultimate Kilig Movie of The Year, ang “The Pre- Nup” mula sa Regal Entertainment ngayong Oktubre 14.

Huling nasaksihan ng mga manonood si Jen sa 2015 MMFF surprise blockbuster na “English Only, Please!” Hindi lang ganda ng mukha at taglay na alindog ang hinahangaan sa kanya kungdi ang galing niya sa pag-arte sa romantic-comedy film dahil tinaob niya ang kalabang aktres at inuwi ang Best Actress Award ng 2015 MMFF.

Higit na kuminang ang pagiging aktres niya nang siya ang tanghaling Sexiest Woman ng FHM. Taglay niya ang face to love and body to die for kaya siya ang nanaig sa lahat ng nagseseksihan artistang babae na kasabayan niya! Dahil dito, lalong nagnining ang bituin ni Jen kaya naman walang daloy ang dating ng biyaya sa kanyang career!

Sa darating na Oktubre 14, isa na namang pasabog ang hatid niya sa nagmamahal sa kanya. Sa movie, inilabas muli niya ang angking talento sa isang masayang movie na punumpuno ng kilig, sweet moments at nakaka-inlove na mga eksenang first time lang niyang ginawa sa isang movie.

Eh, sa una ring pagkakataon, ang guwapo’t mabait na aktor na si Sam Milby ang karomansahan niya. ‘Yung pagiging tahimik na tao si Sam ay ginising si Jen sa kanilang malalagkit na mga eksena. Saksi ang Central Park, Times Square at matulaing lugar sa New York sa maliligayang sandali ng dalawa.

Pahayag nga ng Kapamilya actor, “Jen is every man’s dream!” Kaya malapit na malapit sa katotohanan ang mga eksena nilang naghahalikan at naglalampungan sa kama, huh!

Eh, wala namang inaaming boyfriend ang Kapuso star. So kung ligawan man siya ni Sam, eh, hindi malayong i-entertain niya ang binata! Kaya nga huwag magtaka na kung sakaling tapos nang ipalabas ang romcom movie nila ay nakikita silang mag-date, ang ibig sabihin lang nito ay nahulog na sa isa’t isa ang loob nila.

Ilang buwan na ring hindi nakatitikim na matinding kilig ang romantic moviegoers. Saktung-sakto ang dating ng “The PreNup” dahil umaapaw talaga ang kilig na dala nina Jen at Sam. Kumbaga, perfect match made in New York City ang nangyari kina Jen at Sam na lalong ikinaganda ng pelikula!

Kasama rin sa cast ng “The PreNup” sina Jaclyn Jose, Gardo Versoza, Dominic Choa, Ella Cruz, Freddie Webb at marami pang iba. Matutunghayan ang non-stop kilig mula kina Sam-Jen sa premiere nito sa Oktubre 13 sa SM Megamall, 7PM.
Ang “The PreNup” ay mula sa direksyon ng premyadong director na si Jun Lana na napapanganga na lang sa kasiyahan sa effortless na pagpapakilig nina Jennylyn at Sam!•

SUBIC BAY FREEPORT – The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) adds another feather to its cap of achievements in the management and administration of the country’s first Freeport. 

After the agency’s record highs for three (3) consecutive years, SBMA chairman and administrator Roberto Garcia announced today that the Freeport garnered two (2) major awards in the recently concluded survey for the Global Free Zones of the Year 2015 awards: overall winner in Asia and overall winner in the sub-region of South and Southeast Asia.

The Subic Freeport also received commendations in the form of bespoke awards for infrastructure developments and reinvestment.  “Some locations, which were particularly outstanding, were acknowledged with honorable mentions and bespoke awards,” Garcia explained.

According to Garcia, the publication received a total of 76 entries from all over the world, which were individually studied by a panel of judges who then nominated their winning and runner-up locations in each region.

“Emerging as overall winner in Asia, as well as in South and Southeast Asia, is a significant indicator of Subic Freeport’s level of competitiveness among other zones in the region,” Garcia said.

Garcia added that the awards also underscore the Freeport’s attractiveness and potential as an investment site and validates the strategies that the Subic agency has undertaken to spur the zone toward further growth.

The survey was conducted by the fDi Magazine, an 11-year old bi-monthly publication of The Financial Times, Ltd. of London, to acknowledge the most promising free zones across the world.  Invited to join were free zones, government entities, and investment promotion bodies, which were asked to complete a short survey, detailing their zone’s attractiveness, facilities, and incentives offered to investors.

Survey questions included growth performance measures for 2013 and 2014; what multinational companies have chosen to locate in the zone and why; which tenants have chosen to undertake recent expansion of their presence in the zone; and what initiatives have been implemented in the last 12 months to increase tenant numbers, including any special incentives, programmes, or facilities catering specifically to small medium enterprises or start-ups.

Also asked were infrastructure developments or facilities upgrades in the last 12 months, as well as major development plans to facilitate future expansion.

Wrapping up, the SBMA chairman pointed out, “These awards also mean that we’re on the right track and doing the right thing, and exerting our best effort as a team”.•Dante M. Salvana

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO — Farm machineries and equipment worth P11,530,272.01 were distributed to 76 farmer beneficiaries of this province during yesterday’s flag-raising ceremony at the Provincial Capitol Grounds.

Gov. Lilia “Nanay” Pineda and Department of Agriculture Regional Office (DA-3) led the distribution of machineries to qualified farmers group, cooperatives and irrigator’s associations.

Some 85 percent or P9,272,597.33 of the amount of the equipment was subsidized by the DA, while the remaining 15 percent or P2,257,674.68 was shouldered by the provincial government.

A total of 52 farmer organizations under the rice program received 10 units of hand tractors with trailers and implements; three mini four-wheel tractors; three rice transplanters (walk behind); one rice transplanter (riding type); one combined harvester with hauler; four rice reapers; 34 shallow tube wells (pumps); and 34 shallow tube wells (engines).

Meanwhile, some 20 shallow tube wells, one four-wheel drive tractor trailing arrow, one mobile thresher, and two cassava granulators were also distributed to 24 farmer organizations under the corn program of DA.

DA-3 director Andrew Villacorta said the distribution of said equipment is under the farm mechanization program of the DA, aimed at helping the farmers cope up with the ASEAN integration.

“Alam po natin na mayroon tayong ASEAN integration kung saan ang bawat bansa ay may competition. Hindi natin mapipigilan ang pagpasok ng produkto na nanggagaling sa ibang bansa and we like to be competitive. We can only be competitive if we can lower the cost of production. Isa sa mga paraan para mapababa ang production is to reduce the labor. Sa paggamit ng iba’t ibang klase ng makinarya, mapapababa natin ang cost ng production,” Villacorta said.

Villacorta also mentioned that Pampanga also qualified as one of the rice achievers in the country in 2014.

“Average production of palay is only 3.9 (metric tons per hectare) but Pampanga has achieved 4.2, that’s above average. Despite of the calamities that hit Pampanga, it was still recognized as one of the outstanding rice producers,” added Villacorta.

Gov. Pineda, for her part, thanked Director Villacorta and farmer organizations for their outstanding efforts in rice production.

“Salamat Director Villacorta at kekayu pung ortelanu mu rin keng sipag yu agyang atin tamung dakal a kalamidad pero keng kekayung tiyaga at malasakit, talagang saludu ku kekayu. Dakal pung dakal a salamat,” said Gov Pineda.

The governor also urged the farmer orgnizations to seek help from the provincial government.

“Atin nemang pondu ing Kapitolyu para kekayu. Sana pu banwa-banwa nung atin yang programa ing DA sana itang 15% share lagi yu nya mu pung anyaran kekami (capitol). Sana pagmalasakitan yu la pu deng bibye ning DA at kapitolyu kekayu,” furthered the governor.•LIEZEL CAYANAN

THE Senate has come a long way as a democratic institution responsible for laws “that oil the wheels of government, strengthen the fabric of society, and promote the welfare of our people and nation,” Senate President Franklin M. Drilon said on the start of the institution’s centennial anniversary.

During his keynote address at the flag rites and launch of the “Centennial Year of the Senate” on Monday morning, Drilon recalled the rich legacy of legislators and national leaders and the priceless lessons they teach on public policy-making and nation building.

“We honor their sterling qualities, monumental work, matchless courage and integrity. Their life and work inspire past and present Senators to pass effective, relevant and timely laws,” he said.

“The men and women who passed through the Senate’s portals kept the institution’s long tradition of fierce independence and remarkable courage to defend the national interest and uphold the countrymen’s civil, political and human rights.” the Senate chief said.

Drilon said the Senate produced generations of lawmakers who held the nation in awe because of their intellectual brilliance and boundless love for the motherland: “Until now, the Filipino people have not forgotten the wit, eloquence, intellect and nationalism of Claro M. Recto, Jovito Salonga, Lorenzo Tañada, to name a few.”
“The Senate has always been a cradle of national leaders, having nurtured in its bosom 10 out of 15 Philippine Presidents – a record which cannot be equaled by any other institution,” he also pointed out.

He noted how Proclamation 1091 signed by President Aquino last August cited the Senate’s “defense and promotion of democratic values, as well as its immense contribution to the nation’s economic development, social justice and political maturity.”

He said that while the Senate is no stranger to controversy or spirit-breaking challenges, these attacks had not diminished the institution’s zeal to serve the country and the people: “We, who belong to this institution, view each crisis as an opportunity for introspection, and reform, that would lead us to a higher level of public service.”
He cited a Pulse-Asia survey conducted last month, which showed that 63 percent of the public expressed satisfaction with the performance of the Senate.

“The Senate has shown, and will continue to show, to our people that it listens and responds to their pressing concerns, and constantly feels their pulse,” Drilon said.

During his speech, Drilon praised the life and achievements of former Senator Joker Arroyo who had passed away recently: “In his lifetime, he dazzled the nation not only with his brilliance but also with his high sense of duty and strong commitment to defend the underprivileged.”

“Joker led a life of integrity, good character, diligence and with profound love for the masses that are dearest to his heart. His passing is the nation’s collective loss. But his life will always be an inspiration to every Filipino.”

The “Centennial Year of the Senate” is a yearlong event to be observed from October 2015 to October 2016. It commemorates the 100th year of the Senate, which was established in October 16, 1916, during the American colonial period.•

BANWANG 1660 anyang dakal a sibabalen Kapampangan deng minalsa laban keng gubyernung Español. Ing naratibu ning milyaring iti, agpang na rin karing misulat a kasalesayan ning España, titimid ya kng nung makananu yang megresulta mula kng metung a protesta laban kng matinding pamanyawad da ring mesabing Español karing mesabing “ indio ”. Ing revolt a iti metung ya karing pekamaulagang petsa keng dake ning amlat at kasalesayan. Iti e mu ken Kapampangan nunge pati na ning bangsang Pilipinas at España kng pangkabilugan ketang panaun ning pan-17ng dilanwa. Ing mesabing pamanalsa meging tanyag ya kng awus da ring kontemporaryung historyador keng bansag a “Maniago’s Revolt”.

Nanu mo ing ulaga na niti keng amlat-kasalesayan? Ing revolt a iti karin la mitakutan deng Español pauli na ning iti sinampa de ring Kapampangan e aliwa karela. Uli na ning deng Kapampangan deng meging kayantabe da ring Español, ila deng sinane ning gubyernung kolonyal ban maging sundalu da at magsilbi bilang mersenaryu. Mupin, anjan pang mesabing mipapaboran la deng Kapampangan kanita kareti kesa karing kalupa dang “indio” anti deng Tagalug, Ilokanu, at Bisaya, mepwersa la pa murin na lakwan da la reng kare-karelang marangle ban magobra at gawang barku para karing Español, nung nu e la mirinan mayap a upa o bayad. Dagdag pa kaniti, uling matas la lawe deng Español karing Kapampangan anya lalu lang mangatakutankanita deti uling pota akwa dong ayagyag deng Kapampangan dng Ilokanu at Pangalatuk ban magrebeldi laban karela. Mismung ing Español a Casimiro Diaz ing sinabi na deng Kapampangan deng “most warlike and prominent people [of the Philippines ], and near to Manila .” Anya nung mikalat ya ing rebelyun lwal ning lalawigan Kapampangan, delikadu ya ing gubyernung kolonyal ning Pilipinas kanita – ing gubyernu tatalnan da ring Español.

Katunayan kasi, maragul a kabilangan da ring sundalus ning kolonyal a gubyernu kanita Kapampangan la kalupa da reng peglusub da karing matwang labwad ning Ternate kanita laban karing pwersang Olandes o Dutch na manyakup mu naman kanita.

Ing Maniago’s Revolt meging dake na ne ning makabang tradisyun daring revolt at rebolusyung Kapampangan. Iti e mu ing meging laban kanita keng kolonyal a gubyernung Español nunge maging karing balang mapanabusung gubyernu mula pa ketang kekaba ning amlat ning bangsa. Mula ketang pekamumunang pamanalsa na penimunan na nitang baintaung lakan (na pemaligwanan dang Bambalito at Tarik Suliman) kayantabe deng 40 karakwa nung nu pakasake la karin deng 2,000 a makidigmang Kapampangan a menibatan kanita karing sibabalen ning Macabebe at Hagonoy ketang kontrobersyal a laban keta kng Bangkusay ning Tondu. Iti mitukyanan ya pang dakal kayabe la keti dng makasalesayang pamanalsa ning Katipunan nang Gat Bonifacio (agpang kng tradisyun tubu yang Balen Masantul), at ing pangabayit ning sosyalismu at komunismu nung nu ya naman ing megbayit karing miyaliwang kimutan da ring hukbu (HUKBALAHAP, HMB, NPA etc.). kng balang pamagsarya karing balang panawun, deng Kapampangan deng maralas a manimunang mamalsa at lalaban. Deng tatalan keng gatilyu ning baril, deng manugit kng bangka ban ibayu o ireporma de ing bili ning sosyo-pulitika ning mabilug a kapulwan. Iti kapilan ya pamu meulit ketang kasu ning mibansagang “1986 People Power” nung nu mityupan yang lalu ing pali ning kimutin anyang me-assasinate ya ing metung a pulitikung Kapampangan – i Ninoy Aquino ning Balen Concepcion, Tarlac.

Nung nanu ing mamye sangkan ban mitawu ya ing mitsa ning pamanalsa keti Kapampangan ban lalu yang mitamban api ning kamalayang pambangsa kng aske ning kapanwalang pangdemokratiku yang masanting at mabayat a kutang.
Kng balen ning Mexico, metung anting pamanagkat pangsin na ingsana apagmasusyan taya pu ing maulagang petsang iti banwaan. Uling kalupa ning Balen Macabebe pagmasusyan de balang a-3 ning Junyu banwaan ing aldo kematayan nang Bambalito – ing bayaning “Tarik Soliman” a linaban keta Bangkusay.

Nung e pu kalabisan, masanting yang lalung ganakan iti nung kng kapanimunan na ning lokal a gubyernu ning Mexico ngeni kambe ning keyang SB at maging kng kasawpan na ning Kapitolyu na ingsana makabalangkas lang metung a kimutan o makapangabit lang marker na mamye dangalan ning pamipuge para kng masibukan a apung Maniago. Alimbawa keti ing nung makapamye lang metung a manimunang dalan o highway, o gusali anting metung a iskwela na makapalagyu kang Maestre de campo Francisco Maniago, o metung a myural o bustu na ning bayaning iti at makanyan la mong mitalakad karing balang iskwela o arapan da ring gusaling pampubliku man o pribadu ning mesabing balen kalupa na nitang pakatalakad keta kng parke ning Luneta kadane da ring aliwa pang pambangsang bayani ning Pinas. Makarine mu rin kasing matutunge lalu na karing makabalu, na daig ne pa ning Luneta at ning gusali ning NHCP ing mismung Balen Mexico at ing kabilugan Lalawigan Kapampangan nung ala metung man makaganaka keng maulagang revolt a iti o marker man a pakatalakad para karing bayani ning pamanalsang iti na meganap ketang banwang 1660 – ing banwang minuna yang migulisak at mitanam keng pusu at kaisipan da ring balang pakatuknang keti mabilug a kapulwan ing konseptu at amanung “balen” na tutulid keng bangsang Pilipinas kanita.
Dumali!•

ACCORDING to the Commission on Elections (Comelec), the government positions at stake in the forthcoming elections are one president, one vice president, 12 senators, 235 district congressmen, 58 party-list representatives, 81 governors and 81 vice-governors, 772 provincial board members, 144 city mayors and 144 city vice-mayors, 1,610 city councilors, 1,490 municipal mayors and 1,490 municipal vice-mayors, 11, 924 municipal councilors, one governor for ARMM, one vice-governor and 24 ARMM assemblymen respectively. These are the posts available and are up for grabs.

Last Monday was the first day of the filing of certificates of candidacy of all political aspirants. The future has been foretold that the next elections will be circus-like. With numerous candidates for a single position, we can expect a variety of strategies, gimmicks and measures from them just to gorge an edge from the others. Those who filed already were old faces in the political circus. Contenders from the UNA party were the first to file their COCs.

The usual suspects in the presidential race who make the election quite entertaining also filed their certificates of candidacy yesterday. One of them is Atty. Elly Pamatong, a self-proclaimed international lawyer who threw his hat again into the political ring. This is the second time that Atty. Pamatong will try his luck and with high probability, he may again be disqualified to run for being a nuisance candidate. For the information of the new voters this coming elections, Atty. Pamatong ran for the governorship of Pampanga. Unfortunately, he lost and was the laughingstock of the province at that time.

Within this week, we will know all the candidates in the next elections and it is up to the electoral body to evaluate their qualifications. The complete line-up of each presidentiable will be known in a few more days. The campaign period will start next year, February 9 for national candidates and March 25 for local elections. Let us ready ourselves and brace the probability that this forthcoming election will be chaotic. With too many choices, I might get demoralized to exercise my right of suffrage. •

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO – The director of the international award-winning film “Ari: My Life with a King” is a Kapampangan and a Fernandino.

Carlo Encisu Catu was recognized by the City Government of San Fernando for his directorial work that won as Best World Film in the Harlem International Film in New York, USA and was also officially selected to join the Vancouver International Film Festival in Canada.

Mayor Edwin D. Santiago handed to Catu during Monday’s flag- raising program at the City Hall a commendation as embodied in a copy of the Sanggunian Panlungsod’s Resolution No. 2015-1122.

Authored by Councilor Harvey Quiwa, the resolution recognizes Catu and signifies the Fernandinos’ pride in his exceptional achievement that has brought honor not only to Fernandinos but to the whole Filipino race.
Said film promotes and preserves local cultures and local languages.

The story revolves around a Kapampangan youth who does not speak and is not interested in learning the native language until he meets the King of Kapampangan poets who then teaches and leads him to use his mother tongue.

While the film was directed by Catu, the Holy Angel University produced the movie as part of its advocacy in instilling the native language among Kapampangans.•Marna Dagumboy-del Rosario

CAMP OLIVAS – Two top drug personalities and seven others were arrested in another “One Time Big Time” operation in the town of Baliwag and in Bulacan.

Sr. Supt. Ferdinand Divina, Bulacan police provincial director, identified those arrested as Manolito Escalona, a resident of Barangay Poblacion, Baliwag, Bulacan; and three others identified as Ricky Justiniano, 39; Raymond Martin, 30, both residents of Little Baguio, Barangay Poblacion, Baliwag; and Alfredo De Jesus, 43, of Barangay San Agustin, San Rafael, Bulacan.

Divina said Escalona was the No. 3 priority target in the Baliwag drug list.
Escalona was arrested in his residence by virtue of a search warrant issued by Judge Ma. Theresa Mendoza, presiding judge of the RTC Branch 17 of Malolos City.

During the search warrant operation, three companions of Escalona (Justiniano, Martin and De Jesus) who were at the house of Escalona tried to escape but were intercepted by a blocking team and subsequently arrested.

Recovered from the house of Escalona were 8 plastic sachets containing shabu, drug paraphernalia and ammos for a caliber 38 firearm.

While in another operation, arrested were Crisanto Nicdao, 36, a resident of Lower Dike, Barangay Poblacion; Jaime Domingo, 38, of Barangay Sto. Cristo, Baliwag; Ferdinand Angeles, 47, also of Barangay Pobalcion; Romeo Abilion, 40, a vendor; and Aldrin Viudez, 21, a tricycle driver, both residents of Barangay San Jose, Baliwag.

Divina also said that Nicdao was No. 6 in the top priority list of illegal drugs personalities of Baliwag Police.
Nicdao was arrested by virtue of a warrant of arrest issued by Judge Mario Pocholo Telan of the Municipal Trial Court of Baliwag for Alarm and Scandal.

But during the operation the authorities caught Nicdao and his group in the act of sniffing drugs.
Confiscated from the group of Nicdao was a plastic sachet containing shabu and paraphernalia.•Froilan E. Magtoto

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO – The City Government of San Fernando through the City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (CDRRMO) distributed copies of an educational book on disaster preparedness to all schools in the city during the flag-raising ceremony on Monday, October 12.

Titled “Paghahanda sa mga Kalamidad at Sakuna,” the book aims to prepare communities for calamities that might affect San Fernando at any time.

According to CDRRM Officer Raymond del Rosario, his office recognizes the importance of education in making communities aware and prepared for disasters.

He said that providing the booklets to schools will offer a bigger chance to educate communities on disaster-preparedness through students and their teachers.

Del Rosario pointed out that students of all ages can actively study and participate in social awareness and also work with teachers and other adults in the community in preparing for and actively responding during and after disasters.

“Mastery of the skills contained in this book will help people to act appropriately should disasters transpire,” said Del Rosario.

On the other hand, City Mayor Edwin D. Santiago reminded everyone to be conscious and active in cooperating with the city government in terms of disaster awareness and preparedness.•Marna Dagumboy-del Rosario

THE Senate has come a long way as a democratic institution responsible for laws “that oil the wheels of government, strengthen the fabric of society, and promote the welfare of our people and nation,” Senate President Franklin M. Drilon said on the start of the institution’s centennial anniversary.

During his keynote address at the flag rites and launch of the “Centennial Year of the Senate” on Monday morning, Drilon recalled the rich legacy of legislators and national leaders and the priceless lessons they teach on public policy-making and nation building.

“We honor their sterling qualities, monumental work, matchless courage and integrity. Their life and work inspire past and present Senators to pass effective, relevant and timely laws,” he said.

“The men and women who passed through the Senate’s portals kept the institution’s long tradition of fierce independence and remarkable courage to defend the national interest and uphold the countrymen’s civil, political and human rights.” the Senate chief said.

Drilon said the Senate produced generations of lawmakers who held the nation in awe because of their intellectual brilliance and boundless love for the motherland: “Until now, the Filipino people have not forgotten the wit, eloquence, intellect and nationalism of Claro M. Recto, Jovito Salonga, Lorenzo Tañada, to name a few.”

“The Senate has always been a cradle of national leaders, having nurtured in its bosom 10 out of 15 Philippine Presidents – a record which cannot be equaled by any other institution,” he also pointed out.

He noted how Proclamation 1091 signed by President Aquino last August cited the Senate’s “defense and promotion of democratic values, as well as its immense contribution to the nation’s economic development, social justice and political maturity.”

He said that while the Senate is no stranger to controversy or spirit-breaking challenges, these attacks had not diminished the institution’s zeal to serve the country and the people: “We, who belong to this institution, view each crisis as an opportunity for introspection, and reform, that would lead us to a higher level of public service.”
He cited a Pulse-Asia survey conducted last month, which showed that 63 percent of the public expressed satisfaction with the performance of the Senate.

“The Senate has shown, and will continue to show, to our people that it listens and responds to their pressing concerns, and constantly feels their pulse,” Drilon said.

During his speech, Drilon praised the life and achievements of former Senator Joker Arroyo who had passed away recently: “In his lifetime, he dazzled the nation not only with his brilliance but also with his high sense of duty and strong commitment to defend the underprivileged.”

“Joker led a life of integrity, good character, diligence and with profound love for the masses that are dearest to his heart. His passing is the nation’s collective loss. But his life will always be an inspiration to every Filipino.”

The “Centennial Year of the Senate” is a yearlong event to be observed from October 2015 to October 2016. It commemorates the 100th year of the Senate, which was established in October 16, 1916, during the American colonial period.•

QUEZON CITY – As early as April 2014, the Department of Agriculture (DA) has started preparing for the impacts of El Niño on the country’s agriculture sector.

“We will seed all (of the) seed-able clouds; we will waste no opportunity,” Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala said.

Cloud seeding is a weather modification method where chemical “nuclei” such as silver iodide or calcium chloride are introduced into the atmosphere to induce condensation, and eventually, precipitation. Moisture collects around these “nuclei” and, upon reaching a certain saturation level, falls as rain.

According to Bureau of Soils and Water Management (BSWM) Director Silvino Tejada, DA has conducted cloud seeding operations in strategic locations nationwide since last year.

Tejada added that the “(the department) has set up water management and conservation measures through its BSWM and regional field offices to ensure that scarce irrigation water supply will be efficiently used and maximized.”
The DA has also released drought-tolerant rice varieties in threatened rice-producing areas.

For long-term adaptation measures, the DA improved the country’s small-scale irrigation systems to make these more resilient to the effects of extreme weather and other calamities. It has also promoted climate- and disaster-smart farming and fishery technologies to cushion the agro-fishery sector against the negative effects of calamities.

While the DA and other government agencies have put in place programs to address the challenges of El Niño, the Agriculture Secretary emphasized that adapting to the effects of this extreme climatic condition, considered to be the worst in 65 years, is a shared responsibility among Filipinos.

Alcala dispelled fears that crops cannot be grown during the El Niño, and cited the Mung bean as an alternative crop, among others, which requires a warm climate during its growing period.

Cloud seeding is only one of the many interventions used by the DA to combat the effects of El Niño. Though this technology is beneficial to many agricultural lands, this may not be required or suitable in some areas. (DA) •

BATAAN – The National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) announced a power interruption in Dinalupihan, Bataan on Thursday (October 15) from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Lorenz Vidal, NGCP Central Luzon Corporate Communications Officer, said the scheduled outage aims to accommodate request of Penelco for pole replacement along Hermosa-Dinalupihan 69kV line.

He said that specific barangays that may be affected are determined by the distribution utility, unless the activity will have an effect on the entire franchise area.

He added normal operations will immediately resume after work completion.

He advised their customers and the general public to take the necessary preparations and precautions for this scheduled interruption.

NGCP is a privately owned corporation in charge of operating, maintaining, and developing the country’s power grid.

It transmits high voltage electricity through “power superhighways” that include the interconnected system of transmission lines, towers, substations, and related assets. • Butch Gunio