Evangelista assures Maglanque of loyalty

CLARK FREEPORT - Incoming Vice Mayor Normita "Babes" Evangelista yesterday assured Mayor-elect Rene Maglanque of her loyalty after seeing her legislative agenda aligned with the priorities of the new mayor.

Evangelista said that the municipal council being the presiding officer will work closely with the executive department to expedite the implementation of various programs beneficial to the people in Candaba.

She made this statement following remarks from critics saying that her political partnership with Maglanque will collapse in few months to come due to personal interest.

"Mag aaway lang ang mayor at vice kapag ang vice  may ambisyon. Sa akin naman wala, gusto lang talaga nating tumulong sa bayan ng Candaba at papasakop tayo kay mayor sa kanyang mga nais gawin at ipatupad sa ating bayan," the vice mayor-elect added.

However,  Evangelista clarified that municipal council shall remain independent to make sure that the affairs of the municipal government are properly taken care of.

"Kapag may nakita naman tayong mali ay pipitikin natin siya ng konti," she stated.

With this, Maglanque stressed the good working relationship between the legislative and executive department would be converted into swift delivery of basic services and more other tangible projects for the people.

"Si Vice Mayor Babes ay parang ate sa atin, kaya talagang maganda ang tandem namin  sa pagtingin sa kapakanan ng aming mga nasasakupan. Sabagay kahit noon  pa namang kampanya sabi nila hindi matatapos ito mag aaway kami pero nakita naman natin na tinapos naming maayos ang kampanya," Maglanque pointed out.  

Guv wants more funds for livelihood programs

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO – The provincial chief executive yesterday bared that she planning to double funds intended for  livelihood assistance under the “Negosyo King Panyulong Program (NPP).”

This came as Governor Lilia Pineda overwhelming gained the support of the Kapampangans last election which sealed her second term in office as such.

Currently, the Provincial Cooperative and Entrepreneurial Development Office (PCedo) headed by Mamerto Gatus acting upon the instruction of Pineda provided loan assistance to small and medium entrepreneurs in the province amounting to some P44-million.

The loan assistance has been given by the provincial government as a start up capital for the initial establishment of community business by the qualified beneficiaries.

Of the P44-million loan assistance given, PCEDO was able to collect at least P38-million making its collection efficient and effective for a sustainable program.

From July 1, 2010 to April 23, 2013, the provincial government through NPP served more than 6,000 small entrepreneurs.

Initially, an ordinary beneficiary is getting a loan assistance of P5,000. However, Governor Pineda wanted to increase the same to further strengthen the economic activities of the former.

The governor believed that the standard of living of the Kapampangan will be improved if they will be given the opportunity to grow with support coming from the local government units and other attached agencies.

NPP is a socialized lending program which serves as capital or additional capital to the economic activities being undertaken by the marginalized sector in a given community.

 

600 inmates to receive health cards

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO - The Provincial Social Welfare Development Office recently facilitated the enrollment of some 600 inmates in the provincial jail to be covered by the Phillipine Health (PhilHealth) Insurance program. 

Elizabeth Baybayan, PSWD officer-in-charge said that the initiative is part of the continuing effort of Governor Lilia Pineda to  bring health programs closer to every Kapampangan including those in conflict with laws.

This  program shall not affect the regular medical and dental mission being conducted by the medical team of Pineda in coordination with employees with the Provincial Health Office.

Under this program, the provincial government has assumed the obligation to pay for the PhilHealth premiums of the beneficiaries so that despite their restriction imposed upon  their  liberty limiting their opportunity to engage in economic activity they could still help their respective families pay for the hospital bills as the need arises.

Aside from this, Governor Pineda is also committed in providing livelihood programs to inmates to make them productive and responsible citizens while serving sentence or waiting court's verdict.

The same will be carried out in cooperation with Provincial Cooperative and Entrepreneurial Development Office (PCEDO).

Inmates shall undergo trainings on different livelihoods to provide alternative sources of income which they can use inside the provincial jail and outside in case they get release order.

Pineda likewise vowed to give education financial assistance program of the province and is willing to grant scholarship to their children.

DepED: no collection policy includes voluntary contribution

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO - The Department of Education (DepEd) yesterday clarified that the no collection policy during enrollment also covers fees which are voluntary in nature.

Education Secretary Armin Luistro, in a statement explained that the initiative is aimed at encouraging parents to enroll their children this new school year.

He said that collection of fees during enrollment will discourage parents from sending their children to school.

Under DepEd Order No. 41 series 2012, collection of fees from pupils in kindergarten up to Grade 4 is absolutely prohibited during the entire year.

On the other hand, some minimal fees may be asked from the parents of students in Grade 5 up to Grade 10 (fourth year high school) so long as they are not compulsory.

But such fees should only be collected starting August, according to the DepEd order.

DepEd also prohibits school officials, teachers and other school personnel from handling Parents-Teachers Association (PTA) funds even for safekeeping.

As this developed, officials running the affairs various public schools in the province are reminded about the existing policy on the matter.

Should there be violation, parents are advised to report the same to DepEd by calling its DETxt hotlines (02) 6361663 and (02) 6331942 or e-mailing action@deped.gov.ph.

Predator threatens fishing industry

MASANTOL - Several small fishermen here the other day are complaining about a distinct specie known in the locality as "kuto" being an emerging threat to the livelihood of most of the residents.

According to them, the kuto- a predator to small fish in the Pampanga River and other controlled fishponds is now hurting the fishing industry in town and other neighboring communities.

"Naaapektuhan na po ang kita naming mangingisda dahil sa mga kutong ito. Maraming isda ang namamatay dahil kinakain ng mga kutong ito," Pedro Lagman, a fisherman here said.

Lagman said that they are not aware as to where this came from. However, some of them believe that the same probably came from the upstream.

Former Vice Mayor Marcelo Lacap Jr. in a previous interview noted that "kuto" can easily out swim fish and like from the river making them easy prey.

"Ang bilis nilang lumangoy, may mabilis pa kahit sa bangus at ibang pang mga isda,"

Lacap stated that the soft portion of  the fingerlings including  stomack "kuto's"  favorite.

As this developed, the affected fishermen are urging to local officials to seriously look into the problem before its too late wherein the population of the "kuto"could be as many as the fingerlings.

If this happens, the fishing industry will die and majority of the residents whose subsistence depends on it will eventually lose livelihood opportunity.

Masantol is close to Manila Bay making it as one of the top producers of shrimps, fish among others in the province.

Maglanque to reach out losing candidates

CANDABA - Mayor-elect Rene Maglanque said first in his agenda after he formally assumed office is to reach out other losing mayoralty candidates to reconcile political differences for the good of this town.

Maglanque added that political season is over and it is about time to move on and  set aside divisiveness created by the recently concluded elections.

"Ang una nating gagawin ay makipag dyalogo sa mga naging kalaban natin upang makapagsimula tayong tama sa ating unang termino. Handa naman tayong makinig sa kanilang suhestiyon lalu na at maganda at makakabuti sa ating mga kababayan," he stated.

He stressed that the town will achieve more in terms of implementation of projects, programs and other worthy undertakings that may improve the standard of living of all Candabenios if the local officials, residents and concerned stakholders will work together.

"Gusto nating burahin yung pagiging regionalistic ng mga tao. Ngayon wala ng taga Kapampangan at Tagalog region pati na sa Poblacion. Lahat tayo ay mga Candabenios. Kailangan nating magkaisa para umunlad tayo," Maglanque pointed out.

The incoming local chief executive explained that he is now the mayor of all Candabenios regardless of whether they supported him or not last elections.

As this developed, outgoing Mayor Jerry Pelayo in a meeting with the municipal employees last Monday urged them to cooperate with the incoming administration of Maglanque.

"Tulungan po natin ang bagong administrasyon. Kapag maganda ang programa suportahan kapag hindi maganda labanan," Pelayo told the employees.

Mom works hard to support children's education

SAN LUIS - A junk shop worker here and mother for nine children is working so hard to earn extra income to send the latter to school and be able to buy school supplies before the formal opening of classes.

Susan Santos, 51, single mom said that ordinarily she is only earning P250 a day  in her job as junk shop worker.

"Mahirap po talaga ang buhay lalu na ang daming kung anak. Kadalasan kulang po ang kinikita ko sa pangangalakal sa pag araw araw na pangangailangan ng aking mga anak sa pagkain, damit at iba. Kaya ngayong papalapit ang pasukan iniisip ko kung paano papasok sa eskwela ang aking mga anak," she said.

Santos told Sun Star  Pampanga that of the nine children,  three of them  were still in elementary, two are in high school and another in preparatory school.

She claimed that despite of extreme poverty she is planning to push for the continuing education of her children saying that this is the only way to change their future.

"Ang gusto kahit ang mga anak ko lang ay magbago ang buhay nila. Huwag silang tumulad sa akin walang pinag aralan kaya hanggang dito lang ang alam kong hanapbuhay," the single mom noted.

Helping Santos in the job as junk shop worker are two of her elder children while her eldest child is already employed as sales lady in a super mall in the City of San Fernando.

During weekends, Santos is also working as laundry woman to augment on the other needs of her family members.

"Kahit ano gagawin ko para sa aking mga anak," she ended.

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Manalo: Do not delay se

CANDABA - The municipal chief of staff here yesterday urged the Department Heads not to delay delivery of basic services to the people.

Leny Manalo in a meeting with various heads and employees in the municipal government said that the current administration of Mayor Jerry Pelayo has until June 30 to serve the Candabenios as duly elected mayor of this town.

He said that the pending transition with the new mayor should not affect the services and operation of the municipal government.

"Gusto ko magpapatuloy parin ang ating serbisyo sa ating mga kababayan hanggang sa last day ni Mayor Jerry at sa pag upo ng bagong mayor ng Candaba. Wala dapat madi-delay sa pagkuha ng clearance, mayor's permit pati na yung sa senior citizen," Manalo told the employees.

He noted in the coming days, he is expecting the transition team of Maglanque to work with them to familiarize with the day to day operation, existing programs, on-going projects and other functions to ensure smooth sail of the new administration.

"Sa akin wala naman masama kung tuturuan natin sila para walang maging problema sa pag upo nila," Manalo stated.

Aside from this, the transition team will also be briefed about the various properties, equipments, titles and the like.

However, the formal turn over of the same will be held after the new set of elected local officials were sworn into office.

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Outgoing Mayor divulges impending completion of major road

CANDABA - Outgoing Mayor Jerry Pelayo yesterday bared that the completion of the construction of two major roads here are pending after he successfully get funding from concerned agencies and officials from the national government.

Pelayo stated that the construction works on the said roads started in 2004  during his first term as local chief executive and funding for their completion were all settled before he formally relinquish the mayor's office on June 30.

"Nasimulan ang paggawa sa panahon natin at sa pagbaba natin bilang mayor ay masaya tayo dahil mayroon ng nakalaan na pondo para matapos na ang paggawa ng malalaking daang ito," Pelayo added.

The mayor is referring to Baliuag-Candaba-Sta. Ana and Candaba-San Miguel roads.

The provincial government through Governor Lilia Pineda earlier allocated some P5-million for Candaba-San Miguel road Magumbali section.

Pelayo also divulged that Senator Pia Cayetano had given another P12-million for the same road to ensure that the remaining unfinished works will be concreted.

This according to him is granted through the initiative of the municipal government under his leadership.

For Baliuag-Candaba-Sta. Ana road, some P39-million has been set aside for Barangay Paligue section going to Barangay Agustin and another P10-million for reap rapping activity.

Pelayo explained that the completion of these roads will signal economic growth in the local market as agricultural produced in  Kapampangan and Tagalog regions can now freely move in and out of Candaba Public Market.

The mayor recalled during his first term, the national government is hesitant in providing funds for the said roads as they projecting a slow return of investment.

"Pero dahil sa pagsisikap natin, sinimulan natin ng pakonti konti at ngayon malapit ng magkatotoo ang pangarap natin na maidugtong natin ang town proper sa ibang mga barangays ng bayan," he stressed.

Aquino vows P1-B for Mt. Arayat National Park - Mayor elect

ARAYAT - Mayor-elect Emmanuel Bonifacio Alejandrino  divulged that President Benigno Aquino III pledged P1-billion as support to the rehabilitation effort of  Mt. Arayat National Park in Barangay San Juan Baño here.

He said that in a previous meeting with Aquino, the latter assured them that the national government will  be helping the concerned local government unit in its attempt to save and bring back the old glory of the national park. 

"Hopefully yung ipanangako ni President Aquino na tulong sa Mt. Arayat National Park ay dumating para maayos natin ito sa darating na panahon," Alejnadrino said.

The new mayor opined that  with the full support of the people  in  Arayat and other groups advocating conservation and protection to environment, the  park could still be made  as a top tourist destination in the province.

"Mag share ang munisipyo, tapos kung ang kapitolyo wala naman sigurong masama kung magtutulong tulong para ibalik ang dating sigla ng ating bundok," he added.

It can be noted that the provincial government expressed its desire to get the management of the park so that the necessary rehabilitation efforts and other improvement could be easily decided.

Governor Lilia Pineda claimed that Mt.Arayat National Park remained to the primary landmark of the province.

With this, she stated rehabilitation needs to be undertaken for the benefit of all the Kapampangan.

It was learned that the management of the park used to be under the local government of Arayat after the local government and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) agreed to turn over its operations to the Department of Tourism-Philippine Tourism Authority (DOT-PTA) in 2000, pursuant to the provisions of Republic Act 7690 declaring Arayat National park as a tourist spot.

However, DOT-PTA subsequently requested the Protected Management Board (PMB) to take over the operations of the 10-hectare resort.

This was aimed at ensuring its continuing development under Republic Act 7586, otherwise known as the National Integrated Protected Areas System but failed.

Gov urges local legislators to make committees functional

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO – Re-elected Gov. Lilia Pineda urged the new sets of Sangguniang Bayan in the 21 municipalities and the provincial board to choose their committee chairmanship based on their area of expertise in order to make their committees functional and proactive that could produce tangible and viable results attuned to the needs of the people.

    She reminded the newly elected and re-elected local legislators in the province to make their committee chairmanship in the council active and functional based on the need of their constituents.

    It was learned that there will be changes in the composition of most of the Sangguniang Bayan and Panlungsod as well as the Sangguniang Panlalawigan and this is tantamount to modification of the committee chairmanship.

    Pineda said she will raise this concern in a meeting with all elected local officials in the province that would be set before their oath taking on June 30.

    “Committee chairmanship plays a pivotal role in the success of the programs of the government. The legislator who will handle the committee should possess genuine desire, show enthusiasm and expertise. For instance, an engineer-councilor should be the chair for the committee on public works, a teacher for education and so on,” the governor explained.

    Gov. Pineda emphasized the importance of public service and tangible accomplishments for elected officials.

    She said, “As legislators, their work is not limited in the session hall. They need to see the actual condition of the people down to the grassroots level to enact appropriate legislation needed by the communities,” Pineda said.

    She added that it is unlikely and improper for elected public officials to be present only during sessions or when there is a release of their allowances and salaries.

    “Public service is not a source of income. It’s a public trust. Once you become an elected public servant, you have to do your work and share not only your time but even resources if so needed,” she stressed.(JL)

NHA allots P14-million for Aeta housing project in Floridablanca

LUBAO  – The National Housing Authority (NHA) in coordination with the provincial government granted P14 million for the construction of 148 housing units intended for the seven aeta sitios in the upland barangay of Nabuclod in Floridablanca town.

Gov. Lilia Pineda in a meeting Tuesday with NHA Project Manager Ines Gonzales, representatives from National Commission on Indigenous People (NCIP), officials of Floridablanca Aeta Ancestral Domain (FAAD) and the Nabuclod Technical Working Group (TWG) said the aeta families are in need of descent and inhabitable dwellings where they can live peacefully without any worry especially during rainy season.

“If you will visit aeta communities in Nabuclod, you will see that most of their houses are not almost fit for human habitation. On this housing project we need to make sure the units are durable and long-lasting,” she told.

Gonzales clarified that the aeta beneficiaries have the sole right to choose and decide on what kind of design and location where they want to build their housing unit that would cost at least P94, 126 each.

“In this project, we based it on the choice of the beneficiaries but we have explained the pros and cons of their decision. For practical reasons, they chose concrete houses in lieu of their style of native houses,” she said.

The Aeta Tribal Council together with the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO) will identify the 148 family- recipients from the seven sitios of the village. Centro, biggest sitio of Nabuclod will be granted 32 recipients; sitio Camatchiles, 3; Tagak, 28;  Balendalag, 16; Malan-ak, 15, Inararo, 13 and Labuan being the smallest in population will have seven beneficiaries.

Elizabeth Baybayan, officer-in-charge of PSWDO said Gov. Pineda instructed them to prioritize homeless aeta families and those who live on damaged houses and no longer fit for habitation.
 

"Extended families are very rampant among aeta communities. Two or more families live in one household. They will be prioritized in this project. The Tribong Aeta Council and PSWDO will identify and validate if the would-be recipients are eligible to receive the unit,” she added.(JPM)

As provincial top cop says elections is generally peaceful Gov lauds effectiveness of police, bantay bayan

LUBAO - Governor Lilia Nanay G. Pineda lauded the local police officers and the 10,000 members of the Bantay Bayan in the 504 barangays of the province for adhering to her call for the conduct of peaceful May 13 midterm elections.

“The partnership of the bantay-bayan, the so-called force multipliers and the members of the local police was effective and it made sense especially during the local elections,” Pineda said.

The commendation was made yesterday during the provincial command conference headed by Police Senior Superintendent Oscar Alabayalde, officer –in-charge of the Police Provincial Office (PPO).

The governors underscored the role of the full trained bantay-bayan in assisting the police authorities in the maintenance of peace and order especially during the elections.

However, Pineda urged the bantay- bayan to continue helping and working the local police not only during the elections  but all throughout the years for the full enforcement of peace and order in the entire province.

She vowed to strengthen more the capabilities of the bantay-bayan and equip them with gears and other paraphernalia to make them more effective and efficient.

During the conference, the chiefs of police had assessed the midterm elections as generally peaceful.

With this, the local police officers said they are bent to recommend the province of Pampanga to remove from the top 15 provinces under the watch list order of the Commission on Election (Comelec) and the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG).

Albayalde indicated that there were reported one vote buying and nine violations of liquor ban but he stressed that there were no casualties reported during the elections.

The provincial top cop said in response to the call of the governor for the continuity of the partnership of the local police and the bantay-bayan, he vowed to strengthen the “Barangay Intelligence Networks or BINs” to effectively implement the apprehension of the unscrupulous and suspicious looking individuals and illegal activities in each and every locality.

He said the police will train at least five bantay bayan in every barangay to be part of the BINs so they could help in curbing the criminality particularly drug related cases and other heinous crimes.

The governor said she will give full support to the undertaking of the local police in maintaining peace and order.

“Ing kaayusan ampo ing kapayapan ing susi ning mumunlad a probinsiya kaya kailangan keni tamu magfocus, (Peace and order is the key to a progressive province, so we need to focus on this)” Pineda pointed out.

Based on the report of the PPO, the province has recorded low crime rate compared to previous years of the same period.(JPM)

Plan to shelve Ibon-Ebon celebration surprises residents

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

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

"Siguro dapat huwag padalos dalos tutal malayo pa naman, pag aralan muna nilang mabuti kung ano ang dapat gawin batay sa kanilang priorities," Loida Batas, a resident here said.

Batas added from a never heard municipality, Candaba was placed in the world map in terms in conservation and protection of environment which was furthered bolstered with the observance of the said celebration.

Maglanque in an interview said the municipal government under the current administration is spending some P5-million pesos for Ibon Ebon celebration.

He believed that the budget allocated for only few days of celebration is too big which according to him is best if given to indigent students who wanted to finish their studies.

"Mayroon pa rin tayong gagawin festival focus sa mga produkto ng Candaba pero at ang pondo natin ay hindi na five million pesos, yung isang milyon pwedi na at iyong savings natin ay ilalaan natin sa education program natin," Maglanque told Sun Star Pampanga

However, the incoming mayor clarified that his plan is still subject to consultation, with the local officials, residents and other stakeholders.

Aeta families to get housing units

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO - Some 148 families from the indigenoues communities in the town of Floridablanca are set to get decent housing units  after the National Housing Aunthority (NHA) vowed to provide fundings.

NHA Project Manager Ines Gonzales recently bared that some P14-million has been allocated in support to the Aetas who for long time had not been getting fair benefits from the government programs compared to those living in ordinary communities.

Gonzales said that the Aeta beneficiaries have the  right to choose and decide on what kind of design and location where they want to build their housing unit that would cost at least P94, 126 each.

However, she explained the beneficiaries had to be informed about the advantages and disadvantages of their preferred unit design but suggested it would be more practical that they chose concrete houses in lieu of their native houses.

This came as Governor Lilia Pineda the other day met with NHA executives, from National Commission on Indigenous People (NCIP), officials of Floridablanca Aeta Ancestral Domain (FAAD) and the Nabuclod Technical Working Group (TWG).

Pineda said that the aetas are indeed in need of descent shelters which can protect their families particularly during rainy season. 

“If you will visit aeta communities in Nabuclod, you will see that most of their houses are not almost fit for human habitation. On this housing project we need to make sure the units are durable and long-lasting,” she told.

The Aeta Tribal Council together with the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO) will identify the 148 family- recipients from the seven sitios of the village. Centro, biggest sitio of Nabuclod will be granted 32 recipients; sitio Camatchiles, 3; Tagak, 28;  Balendalag, 16; Malan-ak, 15, Inararo, 13 and Labuan being the smallest in population will have seven beneficiaries.

 Elizabeth Baybayan, officer-in-charge of PSWDO said Gov. Pineda instructed them to prioritize homeless aeta families and those who live on damaged houses.

Solon aide threatens Sun Star reporter

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO - "Bagya na la ding mikapatad a Mapiles kekami."

Thus said to  the media colleagues of the Mapiles brothers by  certain Maiti, who posted himself as the trusted man of the newly elected 4th district Representative Juan Pablo "Rimpy" Bondoc .

Maiti represented Bondoc during the canvassing of votes for provincial officials and members of the House of Representatives in various districts in  the province.

The statement was made by Maiti shortly after a short confrontation outside the Benigno Hall, Capitol Compound between him and this reporter last May 15 at around 5:00PM involving stories previously published to this paper.

Maiti threatened this Sun Star Pampanga reporter of physical harm and his brother Joel who is currently the Public Information Officer of the provincial government.

 
Actual account

Herbert: Kong Maiti, komusta naka?

Maiti: Ayni, nanu na naman kayang matsura ing isulat mo kanyan kareng boss ku? (This was sarcastically delivered and while looking sharply to Herbert.)

Herbert: Atin kupa wari dapat isulat?

Maiti: Awa sige samasan mu, bagya naka mu.

After the confrontation, what is  more distracting is that Maiti had even called his companion standing at the entrance of the canvassing area and pointed to this reporter saying "ayta itang reporter."

Balance storiesThe recent stories wrote by this writer is about vote buying activities in several villages in the district few days before the election day wherein the name of Maiti's principal was being dragged by the complainants as evidenced by the police blotter in municipal police sub-station in Candaba town.

However, these stories were not allowed to be published without the side of the Bondoc. In fact, some of our media colleagues were able to interview  Bondoc who vehemently denied involvement in the illegal activity.
Bondoc without knowledge of Maiti's actionThis reporter believes that Representative Rimpy is totally without knowledge of Maiti's misbehavior knowing that the former is a decent and professional man.

Rimpy's only mistake is that he trusted an incapable and immature man who cannot deal with independent reporter. Maiti should instead be given clerical works confined only inside the office to avoid dealing with reporter
However,  Rimpy is bound by the action of Maiti who was there to represent his  interest.

Mom, wife ask reporter to quit from writing

The harassment incident that transpired at the capitol ground came to the knowledge of the reporter's mother and wife.

Afraid of this reporter's  life and security, his mom asked him to quit from  his job as  a journalist and instead suggested to ntertain the idea of going back to  previous teaching job.

The wife begged her husband reporter to temporarily file a formal leave of absence for few weeks until the threat fades.

However, this reporter did not heed to the request.

"Hindi naman nila ako pweding busalan o diktahan," the reported ended.

Pampanga real estate booming

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO - The real estate business in the province is now booming with the advent of the top developers in the industry  initiating major projects all throughout Pampanga.

Engr. Joliber Mapiles, a registered real estate broker and president of  Pampangahouses.com - a leading  local real estate website said that among the companies who already invested in the province are Ayala Land Inc (ALI), Robinsons Land Corporation (RLC), Filinvest Land, Fil-Estate and Pro-Friends.

They have  invested in real estate development of residential subdivisions, malls, factories and production plants of consumable goods among others.

He said the presence of these real estate companies is sending a good signal to the business world that the local economy is moving up even beyond expectation.

"This is definitely a great news for our folks in Pampanga. It will open job opportunities such as in the construction, sales and marketing industry," Mapiles added.

He claimed Pampanga moves towards urbanization which later on will  improve attractiveness for residential developers being a promising place for investment.

Recently, Dr. Cid Terosa of the University of Asia and the Pacific, in her study named Pampanga as one of the top 10 provinces in the Philippines in terms of economic and business growth.

Terosa’s study, entitled “Market Potential and Prospects of Philippine Regions, Provinces and Cities,” ranked Pampanga sixth among the Top 10.

He described Pampanga as “ahead of the pack,” based on its index of economic and business activity in 2011.

Aside from this, Mapiles likewise noted that the  province in third in the country with most number of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs)  with about 115,795 migrant workers.

"Pagdating sa market targeted tayo, daang daang libong kaanak ng ating mga kababayan ay nagtatrabaho sa aboad. Siyempre itong mga OFWs nag iisip din sila na magkaroon ng sariling bahay na uuwian sa pagreretiro nila," he stated.

It was learned that Kapampangan OFWs recorded remittances of at least P16.6 billion in 2006 alone.

"Isa pa na dapat nating tignan ay iyong paglaki ng operasyon Diosdado Macapagal International Airport, bilis ng byahe natin going to Manila lalu at bukas na ang Mindanao Avenue sa NLEX pati ng iyong congestion problem sa Maynila. Kaya malaki ang hinaharap ng Pampanga sa real estate business," Mapiles ended.

Police to strengthen intel networks in barangays

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

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

BINs will implement strict measures in the villages and ensure that everyone is identified in the community. It will also help the local police implement the apprehension of the unscrupulous and suspicious looking individuals and illegal activities in the locality.

Under this initiative, Alabayalde stated that at least five bantay bayan in every barangay will be trained as BINs member so that they could be equipped with proper knowledge in performing their additional duties.

They  would also  set the alarm for every newcomer in the area since lawbreakers usually hide in the barangays to escape justice.

Alabayalde clarified that BINs main function  is coordination with the local police to track down wanted persons.

This came as barangays  are not even  spared from  criminality citing the random shootings,  drug trade  and other criminal activities.

BINs will served as first line of defense in the fight against criminality.

As this developed, Governor Lilia Pineda stated that she is fully supporting the undertaking of the local police in maintaining peace and order.

“Ang kaayusan at ang kapayapaan ang susi ng maunlad na probinsiya kaya kailangan nating magfocus dito," Pineda pointed out.

Meanwhile based on the report of the PPO, the province has recorded low crime rate compared to previous years of the same period.

Mayor-elect eyes establishment of community college

MASANTOL - The newly elected local chief excutive in this town is eyeing for the establishment of a community college in the locality.

Mayor-elect Dan Guintu in a previous interview told Sun Star Pampanga that he wanted to bring education closer to the people of Masantol. This according to him will provide opportunity for the families to send at least one child to college education.

"Sisikapin natin na ma-establish natin ang Masantol college para hindi na kailangan pang pumunta sa ibang lugar ang ating mga estudyante. Malaki ang matitipid nila sa pamasahe at titiyakin natin na mababa ding ang kanilang babayaran," he said.

Guintu explained that development and progress will take place when youth in Masantol will be able to get an affordable education.

Aside from this, the new mayor also promised to subsidize expenses by the students in all public elementary and high schools in town.

He believed that primary and secondary education is mandatory to all students and should be given to student free of charge.

"Gagawin nating libre ang pag aaral ng high school and elementary sa buong bayan ng Masantol. Kung mayroon mang dapat pang bayaran ay ang local government unit na ang sasagot nito," Guinto stated.

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Parents prefer to enroll children in public school

APALIT - Barely two weeks before the formal opening of classes, several parents here opted to enroll their children in public schools instead of going back to private schools due to financial difficulty.

According to them, the education of their children remained as top priority but they claim that they could no longer afford to shoulder the cost of education in private schools
increasing amount of tuition fees.

"Lahat naman ng magulang gusto na ang kanilang anak ay mag aral at matapos sa magandang eskuwelahan pero sa hirap ng buhay ngayon ay hindi na namin kakayanin pa na bayaran ang tuition sa pribadong paaralan," Lydia Del Carmen, a mother for two high school students here said.

Del Carmen added aside from the tuition fees in private school, students are still paying so much for the projects, field trips among other school requirements in the academic year.

"Kailangan mag aral ng amin mga anak kaya kahit hindi na sa pribadong paaralan ay ipapasok namin sila. Naniniwala naman kami na maganda din ang kalidad ng edukasyon dito kahit na medyo siksikan sila sa loob ng classrooms," she stated.

Del Carmen's husband is a public utility vehicle driver.

However, another parent here disclosed that if there is a choice, they would still enroll their children to private schools whose main educational program is focus on the individual capacity and talent.

"iba pa rin kasi talaga sa private school, natututukang mabuti ang mga estudyante kumpara sa public dahil sobrang dami na nila sa isang classrooms. Kaya lang, sa hirap ng buhay ay wala kaming magagawa," one of the parents here stated.

Meanwhile, the Department of Education reminded public school administrators to refrain from collecting unauthorized fees or demand contributions from parents as the same is illegal under the existing laws governing public education.

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Pampanga real estate booming

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO - The real estate business in the province is now booming with the advent of the top developers in the industry  initiating major projects all throughout Pampanga.

Engr. Joliber Mapiles, a registered real estate broker and president of  Pampangahouses.com - a leading  local real estate website said that among the companies who already invested in the province are Ayala Land Inc (ALI), Robinsons Land Corporation (RLC), Filinvest Land, Fil-Estate and Pro-Friends.

They have  invested in real estate development of residential subdivisions, malls, factories and production plants of consumable goods among others.

He said the presence of these real estate companies is sending a good signal to the business world that the local economy is moving up even beyond expectation.

"This is definitely a great news for our folks in Pampanga. It will open job opportunities such as in the construction, sales and marketing industry," Mapiles added.

He claimed Pampanga moves towards urbanization which later on will  improve attractiveness for residential developers being a promising place for investment.

Recently, Dr. Cid Terosa of the University of Asia and the Pacific, in her study named Pampanga as one of the top 10 provinces in the Philippines in terms of economic and business growth.

Terosa’s study, entitled “Market Potential and Prospects of Philippine Regions, Provinces and Cities,” ranked Pampanga sixth among the Top 10.

He described Pampanga as “ahead of the pack,” based on its index of economic and business activity in 2011.

Aside from this, Mapiles likewise noted that the  province in third in the country with most number of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs)  with about 115,795 migrant workers.

"Pagdating sa market targeted tayo, daang daang libong kaanak ng ating mga kababayan ay nagtatrabaho sa aboad. Siyempre itong mga OFWs nag iisip din sila na magkaroon ng sariling bahay na uuwian sa pagreretiro nila," he stated.

It was learned that Kapampangan OFWs recorded remittances of at least P16.6 billion in 2006 alone.

"Isa pa na dapat nating tignan ay iyong paglaki ng operasyon Diosdado Macapagal International Airport, bilis ng byahe natin going to Manila lalu at bukas na ang Mindanao Avenue sa NLEX pati ng iyong congestion problem sa Maynila. Kaya malaki ang hinaharap ng Pampanga sa real estate business," Mapiles ended.

Police to strengthen intel networks in barangays

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

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

BINs will implement strict measures in the villages and ensure that everyone is identified in the community. It will also help the local police implement the apprehension of the unscrupulous and suspicious looking individuals and illegal activities in the locality.

Under this initiative, Alabayalde stated that at least five bantay bayan in every barangay will be trained as BINs member so that they could be equipped with proper knowledge in performing their additional duties.

They  would also  set the alarm for every newcomer in the area since lawbreakers usually hide in the barangays to escape justice.

Alabayalde clarified that BINs main function  is coordination with the local police to track down wanted persons.

This came as barangays  are not even  spared from  criminality citing the random shootings,  drug trade  and other criminal activities.

BINs will served as first line of defense in the fight against criminality.

As this developed, Governor Lilia Pineda stated that she is fully supporting the undertaking of the local police in maintaining peace and order.

“Ang kaayusan at ang kapayapaan ang susi ng maunlad na probinsiya kaya kailangan nating mag focus dito," Pineda pointed out.

Meanwhile based on the report of the PPO, the province has recorded low crime rate compared to previous years of the same period.

Alejandrino offers Arayat as another investment hub

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

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

This initiative according to him will open employment opportunities to the residents.

However, Alejandrino admitted that with the current image of the town, some investors are still hesitant whether to put their resources or not as the peace and order situation remain unstable.

As this developed, the new mayor stated that he would focus his first few months in building a strong foundation with the help of various groups operating in different communities.

Alejandrino is planning to call all armed groups and concerned  non-governmental organizations for a table discussion to map out the blueprint of a lasting peace in town.

"Siyempre kailangan munang magpakita tayo ng pruweba sa mga investors para mahikayat natin silang maglagay ng puhunan sa ating bayan, he said.

He believed that peace will come its way when the people including the youth sector were spiritually revived.

"Kailangan natin ay spiritual revival para magtuloy tuloy na ang katahimikan sa Arayat,"

Alenjandrino stressed.

With this, he also sought the assistance of various religious groups in town to further strengthen their values indoctrination among its members particularly the youth.

The new mayor declared that in due time, Arayat will be known as a home of the peace loving people.

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Maglanque pays respect to Guv Pineda

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO - Candaba Mayor-elect Rene Maglanque yesterday had paid respect to Governor Lilia Pineda who successfully sealed her second term as such after getting an overwhelming support from the Kapampangan last elections.

 

Maglanque who run and won under the Liberal Party joined the governor and other provincial officials in a flag raising ceremony held at the capitol ground Monday.

 

He was the first elected mayor in the province to visit Pineda in the capitol as a gesture of respect and readiness to cooperate with the latter's programs in so far as it may benefit the people of Candaba.

Maglanque claimed  that cooperation between local officials both in the municipal and provincial level is primary to achieve more tangible projects for the people.

"Susuportahan natin ang mga programa ni Governor Pineda lalu na at para sa ikabubuti ng ating mga kababayan dito sa Candaba," he told Sun Star Pampanga in an interview. 

The newly-elected mayor believed that party affiliation is not an issue for the local officials for as long as they stand in common ground aiming to uplift the standard of living of the Kapampangan and providing quality and best services for everyone.

He said, he was assured by Governor Pineda of the continuing support from the provincial government in terms of delivery of social services and other projects which are intended for the people in Candaba.

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