DAR completes land distribution in Luisita
Transcription
DAR completes land distribution in Luisita
BCDA, Turkish group forge trade, investments accord business pagE 10 2012 NUTRITIONAL GUIDELINES FOR FILIPINOS www.headlinegl.com USE IODIZED SALT TO PREVENT IODINE DEFICIENCY DISORDERS VOLUME II • NO. 95 OCTOBER 22, 2013 TUESDAY PAID ADVERTISEMENT BY NATIONAL NUTRITION COUNCIL - REGION 3 The Most Widely Distributed Local Newspaper in Central Luzon Xevera housing units for Capitol employees KAPAMPANGAN CUISINE. Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan and his wife, Herminia, relish the taste of the adobong camaru (stir fried crickets) served at the Pamangan Fiestang Kapampangan held Sunday at the Museo ning Angeles. The one-day event showcased an array of traditional Kapampangan dishes from restaurants, catering services and culinary schools in Angeles City. --Contributed photos By Joey Pavia CITY OF SAN FERNANDO – Gov. Lilia Pineda and the Pag-IBIG Fund are partnering for the acquisition of properties in two subdivisions in Pampanga with some 10,000 housing units. XEVERA... pagE 9 CL cops chief sees peaceful elections By Joey Pavia CITY OF SAN FERNANDO – Chief Supt. Raul Petrasanta, newly assigned Central Luzon police director, has expressed optimism that the upcoming October 28 barangay elections in the region will be peaceful. Petrasanta, who paid a courtesy call to Pampanga Gov. Lilia Pineda at the Capitol on Monday, said they “will try to maintain peace and order through peace covenants.” Petrasanta said that their “other option” is to ask the some 10,000 police force in Central Luzon to guard the villages especially at areas where election-related violence may occur. peaceful election... pagE 9 DAR completes land distribution in Luisita By Charlene A. Cayabyab MABALACAT CITY -The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) announced the completion of distribution of Certificates of Land Ownership Award (CLOAs) to farmers in Haci- enda Luisita. “The land in Luisita is now theirs,” agrarian reform secretary Virgilio de los Reyes said in a statement. De los Reyes made the statement over the weekend after distributing all CLOAs to farmers in Barangay Mapalacsiao in Hacienda Luisita. Mapalacsiao is the last of the 10 barangays in the Luisita estate to receive their CLOAs in compliance with the Supreme Court ruling. luisita... pagE 9 Herbert Mapiles writes 30 By Marna Dagumboy-del Rosario CITY OF SAN FERNANDO -- A reporter of a local daily newspaper in Pampanga had succumbed to cardiac arrest on Monday dawn. Herbert Mapiles, 33, brother of provincial information officer Joel Mapiles, passed away at around 2:30 a.m. yesterday. The younger Mapiles started his stint as SunStar Pampanga reporter on April 1, 2010. After graduating Mass Communications at the New Era University, Quezon City, he took up his law studies mapiles... pagE 9 2NEWS Headline Gitnang Luzon OCTOBER 22, 2013 CL grads among CPA board topnotchers By Joelyn G. Baluyut CITY OF SAN FERNANDO –Four of the topnotchers in the October 2013 Certified Public Accountants (CPA) Board Examination are Central Luzon graduates. Aljon Quito Santos from Holy Angel University (HAU) in Angeles City placed third with a rating of 92.57 percent; while James Paul Mariano Sevilla from Baliuag University (BU) in Bulacan was ranked sixth with a rating of 91.71 percent. Gieno Lee Dayrit Ilagan also from HAU ranked eight (91.43 percent), and Laurence Paulo Sulit Tiquia from BU landed on the tenth spot (91.14 percent) Jackson Castillejos Apostol from University of Saint LouisTuguegarao topped the CPA board exam (93.86 percent), followed by Loraine Juliano Santos, University of Santo Tomas (92.86 percent). In an interview, Santos said his secret in being on the top 10 is through “studying strategically and prayers.” The Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) released the result of the exam on October 21 wherein 4,246 of the 10,396 examinees passed. ● PRO-3 awards scholarship grants r t - By Marna Dagumboy-del Rosario - f t s e - n PEACE AND ORDER. Police Chief Supt. Raul Petrasanta (2nd from right), newly appointed Central Luzon police director, discusses with Gov. Lilia Pineda (2nd from left) the measures to maintain peace and order in Pampanga during a meeting at the Provincial Capitol on Monday. Also in photo are Vice Governor Dennis Pineda and Senior Supt. Oscar Albayalde. --Photo by GVJJR Live-in couple arrested in anti-drug operation By Michael Cigaral BALANGA CITY -- Live-in partners Manuel Trinidad, 35, and Ana Marcelo, 43, were arrested last Friday in an anti-drug buy-bust operation by the City Police in Barangay Puerto Rivas Lote, this city. The arresting officer, Police Officer 1 Eddie Boy Tubaran said that during their operation, four sachets of suspected shabu and one piece of 1,000-peso bill were confiscated from Marcelo while another sachet of the same illegal drug was seized from Trinidad. The arrested couple and pieces of evidence were brought to the Balanga City police station. Cases of possession and selling of illegal drugs or the Violation of Republic Act 9165 otherwise known as The Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 are being prepared against the said couple. ● Zambales town’s most wanted falls By Froilan E. Magtoto CAMP OLIVAS -- The number one most wanted person in San Felipe, Zambales was arrested on Saturday. Report reaching this camp identified the arrested person as Roy Benson, 51, a resident of Barangay San Jose, Castillejos. Police said Benson was also an erstwhile number one most wanted person in the whole province of Zambales for the month of October 2013. A warrant of arrest was issued by Judge Avelino Lazo of the Regional Trial Court Branch 75 in Olongapo City for Robbery and Homicide against Benson, police said. There was no bail recommended for the temporary liberty of the accused. Authorities said Benson was apprehended in his hideout in Sitio Palayan, Barangay San Rafael, San Marcelino, Zambales at about 10 a.m. Benson was brought to the San Felipe Police office for proper documentation and disposition. ● Guard accidentally shoots bro while cleaning firearm By Froilan E. Magtoto CAMP OLIVAS -- A minor working as a security guard on Saturday accidentally shot his half-brother while cleaning his gun in Olongapo City. Want to broaden your business horizon? The suspect was identified as Miguel Digma, 17, a security guard of Bermonds Security Agency and resident of Barangay Sta. Rita, Olongapo City. Police said Digma was cleaning his issued caliber .38 service gun LET US HELP YOU! around 5 p.m. when he accidentally fired the gun, hitting his 13-year old half brother, John Allan Vijuan in their residence. Police said the suspect was brought to the police station and the service firearm was confiscated. ● CALL US : (045)435-0938 • 436-1576 EMAIL US : headlinegitnangluzon@gmail.com VISIT US : 2nd Floor , U2 Bldg., MacArthur Hiway, Dolores, City of San Fernando (P) CAMP OLIVAS – Central Luzon police director, Chief Supt. Raul Petrasanta distributed scholarship grants to two students during flag raising ceremonies at this camp yesterday. The scholarship grant is a program of the PRO3 Scholarship Foundation Incorporated which has been providing financial assistance to intended beneficiaries of PRO3 Uniformed and NonUniformed personnel who are on their Elementary, High School and College levels. The recipients of the scholarship grants are Harriet Mae C. Domingo, daughter of Supt. Maylyn C. Domingo and Marceli Villaflor, daughter of Supt. Sidney Villaflor. The following financial support shall be given to the grantees every school year depending on their academic standing: Elementary level--P10,000; High School level--P15,000; and College level--P20,000. PRO-3 officers and the Board of Trustees have been exerting efforts to generate funds from local and international sources to maintain and carry out the programs of the foundation. Educational assistance is a demonstration of the PNP’s support to the welfare of its members and their dependents. ● Republic of the Philippines Local Civil Registry Office Province of Pampanga Municipality of Lubao NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC In compliance with the publication requirement and pursuant to OCRG Memorandum Circular No. 2013-1 Guidelines in the Implementation of the Administrative Order No.1 Series of 2012 (IRR on R.A. 10172), Notice is hereby served to the public that Lougene Fernando Aplino has filed with this Office, a petition for correction of entry of sex from “Male” to “Female” in the Certificate of live Birth of Lougene T. Fernando born on September 24, 1978 at Lubao, Pampanga and whose parents are Nardo Fernando and Divinia Talibsaw. Any person adversely affected by said petition may file his/her written opposition with this office not later than November 6, 2013. (Sgd) CECILIA M. BERNAL Municipal Civil Registrar HEADLINE Gitnang Luzon: October 22 & 29, 2013 Headline Gitnang Luzon OCTOBER 22, 2013 Pampanga towns receive free collapsible shelters BY JENNA LUMBANG CITY OF SAN FERNANDO -- The International Organization for Migration (IOM) donated to the four towns in the province collapsible shelters that can be used as evacuation centers during disasters. Maribel Blanco, chief of the administration division of the Department of Social Welfare and Devel- opment (DSWD) Central Luzon, said IOM chose Pampanga to be one of the beneficiaries of their emergency and post-emergency operations assistance. The identified recipients of the collapsible shelters are the flood-prone towns in the Fourth District--Masantol, Minalin, Macabebe and Sto.Tomas. “Our office conducted survey on the most affect- ed areas of the last Habagat. We submitted the result to IOM and the final decision came from them,” said Blanco. Blanco described the collapsible shelters as ideal during disasters. Each unit has cubicles that can accommodate 70 to 100 families. They can be assembled in covered courts or in any covered and spacious areas. “The collapsible shelter units offer more privacy to the evacuees. They are ideal during disasters and emergencies,” she added. IOM is an intergovernmental organization in the field of migration. It is dedicated to promoting humane and orderly migration by providing services and advice to governments and migrants. It also assists countries during disasters and calamities. ● OATH TAKING. Vice Governor Dennis Pineda (5th from right) takes oath as the new president of the National Movement of Young Legislators (NMYL) Central Luzon. Together with him are the new set of officers of NMYL, DILG Pampanga Provincial Director Myrvi ApostolFabia and DILG Region 3 Assistant Regional Director Abraham Pascua. --Contributed photo Group bristles against Bataan nuke power plant By Michael Cigaral MORONG, BATAAN -- The Nuclear Free Bataan Movement (NFBM) is opposing the government’s plan to lease the mothballed Bataan Nuclear Power Plant (BNPP) located in this town to Korean companies. Hanjin and Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO) recently expressed interest in leasing the BNPP reservation in order to build coalfired power plants. KEPCO reportedly plans to build a 300-megawatt coal-fired power plant in this area where the nuclear plant is located. “Although we welcome news that there are new investments coming into the country, plans to make it into a coal plant is still bad news,” retired priest and NFBM Chairman Monsignor Antonio Dumaual said in a press statement. Dumaual insisted that coal power is neither renewable nor clean and has already proven disastrous in terms of environment and health of host communities. “We believe that only a few will profit in exchange for the suffering of many,” Dumaual lamented. The NFBM chairman also claimed that the communities hosting these plants are suffering from the noxious fumes and chemicals emitted. “We want to send a clear message that the move to renewable energy should be the government’s track given the poor state of the environment due to climate change. Bataan is experiencing more areas being flooded and higher floods every time there is a heavy downpour. More coal plants would be courting a possible environmental nightmare of disastrous proportions,” Dumaual concluded. ● Kapampangan movie joins Metro Manila film festival By Joelyn G. Baluyut CITY OF SAN FERNANDO -- A Kapampangan film on woodcarving tradition of Betis, Guagua town joins this year’s 39th Metro Manila Film Festival entry under the New Wave Full Feature section. Titled “Dukit,” the film directed and produced by award-winning screen- play writer Armando “Bing” Lao, delivers the story of a man who “creates god and his personal battles against his own demons.” Focusing on the wood- carving tradition of Betis, “Dukit” is a tribute to the town’s century-old woodworking tradition, their faith to their God and patron saint Santiago, their MMFF ...Page 9 NEWS 3 Bataan school head scolds journalists By Michael Cigaral BALANGA CITY - “I have no time for media interview and I don’t have anything to explain. I don’t know anything about it. I have a lot of friends in the media! I have my right to remain silent!” Those were just some of the furious words uttered in Filipino by a high-ranking nun, Sister Minda C. Posadas, school directress of a private school in Balanga, against four Bataan journalists who visited her at her office last Thursday past 3 p.m. The local newsmen dropped by to get Posadas’ side as the school principal in a child abuse incident involving a male teacher here that allegedly happened on Wednesday afternoon. The newsmen said they politely introduced themselves only to be treated shabbily by the Catholic school executive. Greg Refraccion of the Philippine Daily Inquirer; Ernie Esconde of GMA 7, Philippine News Agency, Punto Central Luzon and Manila Times; Ben Medina, publisher of Bataan Today, a local newspaper, and the public relations officer of the provincial government; and this reporter were accompanied by a female staff of the said school when they entered Posadas’ office. The journalists, upon entering the directress’ office, immediately tried to introduce themselves as members of the press, but, before they could even say anything, the principal allegedly “burst” into her loud voice. Another person, apparently a teacher sitting in front of the principal, and the female staff that accompanied the members of the press, were stunned by their boss’ behavior. The journalists brought with them a copy of a guardian’s complaint, and when this correspondent was about to hand-over a copy to the principal for her to know the purpose of the visit, Posadas declined to accept the document and issue a statement. Zenaida Soriano is the guardian and grandmother of a nine-year old boy in Frade 3 of the said school who was reportedly hit by a thick mathematics book thrown at him by his teacher named Lomer Gonzales. According to the medical report released by Dr. Ernesto Lopez of the Bataan General Hospital the boy sustained injuries on his right leg. The boy told journalists here that Gonzales repeatedly poked his index finger on his forehead several times. “I am paying large sum of money to this Catholic school. My grandson does not deserve to be treated this way,” Soriano told newsmen. Meanwhile, Medina, who immediately got irked with Posadas’ grungy behavior said, “You know, as a nun, you don’t deserve that sisterly robe you are wearing right now. With the way you treated us today, I will give you a book about good manners and right conduct!” “I have been covering Bataan province for many years and this is the first time I felt demeaned by a nun who is a person propagating God’s words,” veteran journalist Refraccion lamented. Posadas in return, during the heated argument, butted in, “I know Ces Drilon and other ABS-CBN and GMA 7 reporters. Please excuse me, I am not angry and that’s the way we talk in Pangasinan. When we talk, we appear like we are furious. Don’t tell me this (argument) will find its way in your newpapers!” Diocese of Balanga Bishop Ruperto Santos in a text message sent to Headline Gitnang Luzon upon learning about the incident said, “It is a private school and school head ...Page 9 4 Headline Gitnang Luzon OCTOBER 22, 2013 EDITORIAL Wishful thinking May Central Luzon Police Director, Chief Supt. Raul Petrasanta be correct in saying that he sees a relatively peaceful holding of barangay elections in the region this October 28. Petrasanta, installed as regional director of Central Luzon only a few days back, is optimistic despite the fact that 6,195 barangays, or 14.74 percent of the 42,028 barangays nationwide were declared by the Philippine National Police (PNP) as election watchlist areas (EWAs) in connection to the upcoming barangay polls. In a meeting with Pampanga Gov. Lilia Pineda, Petrasanta said they “will try to maintain peace and order through peace covenants.” Peace covenants have been conducted in many elections in the past and many candidates have signified their intention to be bound by the covenant but, sadly, there are places that really are prone to election-related violence, with or without the peace covenants. Petrasanta said that their “other option” is to ask the some 10,000 police force in Central Luzon to guard the villages especially at areas where election-related violence may occur. But, in reality, this “other option” should be the first option in maintaining peace and order in communities. Covenants could be good ways to keep the election candidates behaving properly but these are not assurance that everybody will abide by what they have signed. At the end of the day, police visibility in areas of concern and, maybe, even in those places that are considered peaceful, would determine a violencefree election. We want to believe that Petrasanta, with his last name considered, would be guided by the Divine to ensure that everybody in the region will be safe during and after the barangay elections. We hope that everything is not just wishful thinking but promises fulfilled. HEADLINE Gitnang Luzon is a Daily Regional Newspaper General Manager: Atty. Gerome n. Tubig Asst. Manager: atty. rOWENA S. CUNANAN-MUNDO Editor-in-Chief: albert lacanlale Layout Artist: JP Manalang Photojournalist: Leo villacarlos Reporters: CHARLENE CAYABYAB / MARNA D. DEL ROSARIO Administrative Staff: sherylin l. rivera Marketing Head: ELAINE MAPILES Marketing/Circulation: Marlo franco Account Executive: caren m. garcia/ joan d. montemayor Publisher: I.N.I. Newspaper Email: headlinegitnangluzon@gmail.com Website: www.headlinegl.com DISCLAIMER: Views expressed by columnists are their own and do not necessarily reflect the editorial position of HEADLINE Gitnang Luzon or its internet website: www.headlinegl.com. The publisher does not knowingly publish false information and may not be held liable for the views of its columnists exercising their right to free expression. All rights reserved. Subject to the conditions provided for by law, no article or photograph published by HEADLINE GITNANG LUZON may be reprinted or reproduced, in whole or in part, without its prior consent. Office Address: 2nd Floor, U2 Building, MacArthur Highway, Dolores, City of San Fernando, Pampanga, 2000 Tel. Nos. (045) 435-0938 Vote Team Pinoy “Vote Team Pinoy in every barangay and realize a dream never too wild for a nation that can still rise as one.” N o! No! Not Team PNoy. The President has nothing to do with it. What I mean by Team Pinoy is what barangay officials should be in the service of the country. As of 2013 there is a total of 42,028 barangays throughout the Philippines and if you multiply that with the number of officials to be elected on October 28 per barangay, which is one barangay captain (capitan) or chairman and seven barangay councilmen (kagawad), you will get a total of 336,224 members of Team Pinoy. When the first Spaniards arrived in the Philippines in the 16th century they already found well-organized villages called barangays. The name “barangay” originated from “balangay”, a Malay word meaning “sailboat”. Why named after a “sailboat”? The “balangay” was a big boat that had to be manned by a team from early communities that greatly depended on fishing for their source of protein. The identification of organized communities according to the “balangay” they were using was very likely for reference purposes in a seafaring society. It was the late President Marcos who adopted the name “barangay” to refer to the smallest political unit in the country that was known before as the barrio council. He described it as part of the Philippine participatory democracy or, more specifically, baranganic democracy. The use of the name “barangay” remained even after he was deposed in 1986. The Local Government Code of 1991 says that it is the declared policy of the State that the territorial and political subdivisions of the State shall enjoy genuine and meaningful local autonomy to enable them to attain their fullest development as self-reliant communities and make them more effective partners in the attainment of national goals and that the barangay is the smallest local gov- ernment unit tasked to carry out that from devising the most creative effort broad policy. Toward this end, the to achieve that. I then realized the law State shall provide for a more respon- already anticipated a too-cooperative sive and accountable local govern- relationship when commission of ment structure instituted through a wrongdoings and omission of what has to be done at the expense system of decentralization of the good of the people and whereby local government the country are overlooked units shall be given more and outrightly condoned. powers, authority, responThe barangay system was sibilities, and resources. envisioned to help in decenAnd that resources will tralizing government funcamount to some P68.3 biltions and services to benefit lion in Internal Revenue every citizen of the country Allotment for 2014 accordwithout political delineation. ing to Sen. Ralph Recto It is some sort of an assurwho considered it “necesance that governance will be sary frontline expense.” felt up to the remotest area of “The barangays are our the country. first responders. Whether But Team Pinoy has more it is a fire or a youth rum- Leny Manalo to offer. Team Pinoy knows ble or domestic quarrel or a theft, the first distress call is sent to the barangay and not only his immeand responded by the barangay,” Rec- diate neighbors. That is basic requireto said in a recent statement. He add- ment for anyone wanting to serve. It ed that “when there is trouble in the knows the people and the pressing neighborhood, you don’t call the Army, needs of the community. It is also you call the tanods,” and “even in the committed to learning more. With field of education, the first school chil- this it can prepare better plans and dren go to are the daycare centers run organize a more workable schedule of by the barangays, while on the road, outputs. Team Pinoy can definitely do the there are more barangay traffic aides than police.” That is how important work because it has the experience and necessary skills to conduct orthe barangay government units are. Now, hold your breath. Team Pinoy ganized activities, implement projects will see to it that the billions of pesos and effectively represent the barangay to be released as barangay IRA do not in any meeting, assembly or forum. Team Pinoy can lead and lead well. suffer the same fate as the lawmakers’ pork barrel. Sounds incredible? Just It can unite the entire barangay and vote for Team Pinoy and we might will not promote further division afeven surprise ourselves as one Fili- ter the votes were counted and winners duly proclaimed. It will lead by pino nation. Team Pinoy is not be beholden example in all opportunities and with to any political party. This is not a the consent of the majority in carrychoice. This is the law. This is in ef- ing out projects and activities for the fect the justification for the separate barangay. What is best offered by Team Pinoy IRA of the barangays over which mayors practically do not have con- is how it values honesty and integrity trol. But like any government budget in public service. It will definitely proit is always not enough and the may- mote transparency in governance. It ors remain the immediate sources for promises not only accomplishments paying expenses outside the barangay but dedication to the sworn duty of IRA. I really wondered before why every elected official made before God. Vote Team Pinoy in every barangay they ever stipulated in law the nonpartisanship of the barangays when in and realize a dream never too wild for reality a city or municipal mayor has a nation that can still rise as one. This to have a set of cooperative barangay is not gut feel. This is undying faith in officials and nobody could stop him the Filipino.● gut feel Headline Gitnang Luzon OCTOBER 22, 2013 Reaching out O n Wednesday last week, Pampanga Governor Lilia Pineda, together with Lubao Mayor Mylyn Pindea-Cayabyab and Dr. Leonita Gorgolon, Department of Health Region III director, visited Olongapo City to reach out to leptospirosis patients still confined at the James L. Gordon Memorial Hospital (JLGMH) in that city. *** As of their visit, there were at last 69 patients who were recuperating at the said medical facility brought about by leptospirosis due to massive floods that hit Olongapo and neighboring city of Subic in Zambales province a couple of weeks ago. At least 12 have died due to the infection. *** In the city, a closed mine was said to have been the source of the deadly disease. The closed mine has been said to be the lair of thousands of rats that spread the Leptospirosis disease when the city was flooded. Others blamed a dumpsite that houses the rodents. iWrite tomas m. garcia “The governor said that the province of Pampanga always gets help when it is stricken by calamity or crisis” *** Leptospirosis as per my research is caused by bacterium Leptospira. It is transmitted by the urine of an infected animal such as rats and enters the human body through cuts, wounds, abrasions and in some cases through skin pores. It is contagious and deadly, too, say experts. *** Part of the reaching out effort of Governor Lilia and Mayor Mylyn is their distribution of medicines and supply of blood of different types. Leptospirosis patients at the medical facility badly needed the same and such support is in time for their dire health needs. *** The governor said that the province of Pampanga always gets help when it is stricken by calamity or crisis. Government and private entities are always on the rescue to the province and that it’s high time to return help such as to the neighboring Olongapo City. *** When Mt. Pinatubo erupted in 1990, Pampanga received much help and other assistance from various government agencies, local government units and private groups. When floods inundated Pampanga, help from different sectors likewise pour in. These may be the reasons why the province is always ready to lend a helping hand in times of others’ needs. *** Mayor Rolen Paulino of the city of Olongapo was much thankful for the help extended by Governor Lilia and Mayor Mylyn. He was overwhelmed by the act of kindness and concern for Leptospirosis victims of the city. It was a goodwill that was much appreciated. *** Helping others knows no boundaries. Olongapo City may not be a part of the province of Pampanga but a neighboring local government unit that is in distress. The disease-infected people of Olongapo City may not personally know or even met Governor Lilia and Mayor Mylyn but somehow received their care and benevolence. *** For other opinions, comments, suggestions or adverse reactions, you may reach iWrite at 0919-5107665. ● It’s now or never I have mentioned in one of my previous columns how special Bohol is to me, and this is why it is twice as hard for me to see how the 7.2-magnitude earthquake last October 15 devastated what I call my “second home.” Seeing most of the province’s historical infrastructures and natural resources in rubbles makes it quite appalling for all of us to endure; but knowing that hundreds were killed and thousands were injured and left homeless is even more heartbreaking. This is why I realized how far our country is lagging behind progressive countries in Asia like Japan, Hongkong, Singapore, Korea and Brunei, in terms of adapting and implementing preventive measures in what we should consider as critical infrastructures. In the US, this term not only pertains to buildings and structures, but it concerns to any facility, system, or function which provides the foundation essential for the survival of the nation. As an ordinary citizen, I am left pondering on this question: what exactly is our government doing that is directed to the survival of our nation? Truthfully, I cannot find an answer to this question, and this is the sad reality that all of us Filipinos must face. One reality of many sad realities: Why is it that while knowing that there will be more or less twenty typhoons that will arise each year, problems in flooding, landslides, and evacuation remain among our perennial problems during the rainy season? Temporary solutions, relief operations, and evacuation are only short-term actions, and what we need are long-term plans and projects to avert these kinds of problems every year. Another reality of many sad realities: Why is it that after several devastating earthquakes in the past such as the Mindanao and Northern Luzon earthquakes in 1976 and 1990, respectively, we cannot even feel that there was, and there is something being done to prevent and make us prepared for such natural disasters and tragedies. Take for example what hap- ties, and this very same research work was adapted in California and incorporated in the building code and regulations. Although we do not have the high technology equipment and facilities that can aid us in preparation for such disasters, we do have the human resources who are credible and capable of undertaking researches and studies that may be of very good use in disaster prevention and mitigation. Sad to say, our pool of highly competent scientists and engineers are being able to contribute to other countries abroad because they are not paid very well in our country. I believe it’s time that each and every one of us do what is necessary to help in the survival of our Brainwaves nation. The earthquake in Michelle CatapBohol and Cebu claiming Lacson hundreds of lives and depened in Bohol and stroying millions worth of Cebu last week. Since properties is Mother Naexperts said that there is no par- ture’s way of sending the call that all ticular way of knowing the instance of us must heed – the call for change. of an earthquake, people were left We, citizens, must change our helpless and shocked when the ways and start following regulaOctober 15 earthquake equivalent tions and yielding to authorities to 32 Hiroshima bombs occurred. to ensure our safety in all kinds of Boholanos are left with inhabit- dangers. We must change how we able homes, wrecked churches, col- choose our leaders to ensure that we lapsed bridges, cracked roads, and put the right people in positions to damaged buildings. The govern- lead us and our nation for the better. ment can do site visits, relief opGovernment officials and authorierations, and evacuations after the ties must change their selfish ways earthquake, but these catastrophes and start thinking that it is their duty should have never happened in the to serve the public and not themfirst place if everybody did their job selves. They must start this change right. so that everything that the public deAnother reality of many sad re- serves to have – properly built roads, alities: Why is the valuable research bridges, transportation, education, and findings of our fellow citizens to health programs, and other essential help us prepare and plan for these needs will be thoroughly given to us, kinds of natural calamities is ig- the Filipino people. nored and taken for granted? It is Let us all listen to this call NOW, very dismaying to know that the re- for we may never have the chance search conducted by a seismic was again to do what is right when it’s taken for granted by local authori- all too late for us to change. ● “Sad to say, our pool of highly competent scientists and engineers are being able to contribute to other countries abroad because they are not paid very well in our country.” 5 Kaligtasan sa panahon ng lindol K amakailan ay tinamaan ng isa sa mga pinakamalakas na lindol sa bansa ang Kabisayaan, partikular na ang Bohol at Cebu. Hindi tulad ng bagyo o ibang natural na kalamidad, ang lindol ay nangyayari na lamang nang walang babala. Wala itong oras o lugar na pinipili. May mga pagkakataon na nasa trabaho ang magulang at nasa eskwelahan naman ang mga anak. Sa kabila nito, may mga pamamaraan na maaring gawin upang mabawasan ang tyansa na masaktan o mapinsala ang inyong mga anak sa lindol. Ang mga aktibidad na ito ay napapaloob sa konsepto ng pagiging handa, at ang paghahanda ay ginagawa bago magkaroon ng paglindol. Kapag pinag-uusapan ang preparasyon para sa lindol, ipaliwanag sa mga bata ang kahalagahan ng pag-aaral kung ano ang dapat gawin bago, sa kasalukuyan, at pagkatapos ng lindol. Bago mangyari ang hindi inaasahan, maaring gawin itong mga sumusunod na bagay na maaring magbigay proteksyon sa sarili, pamilya at sa ariarian. Una, mas maganda kung mayroong emergency kit o medical kit sa inyong pamamahay. Siguraduhing matibay ang pagkakalagay sa mga shelves sa mga dingding. Ilagay ang mga malalaki at mabibigat na kagamitan sa mga lower shelves. Ang mga bagay na babasagin katulad ng bote, sala- children’s min, china wares, ay ilipat sa mga health M. mababang lugar, o ipasok sa mga Michelle Pelayo, M.D. closed cabinets na may latches o saraduhan. Ganito rin ang dapat gawin sa mga pesticides at insect sprays. Iwasang maglagay ng mga letrato o photo frames at salamin sa taas ng kama, sofa o kung saan umuupo ang mga tao. Mainam rin na lagyan ng brace ang mga overhead light fixtures at top heavy objects. Kung may depektibong electrical wiring o kung may tumatagas na gas connections, ipaayos kaagad ito sa mga professional. Sumangguni na rin sa mga eksperto kung mas makabubuti na magpainstall ng flexible pipe fittings upang maiwasan ang gas o water leaks. Suriin ang mga dingding at kisame at kung may napansin na may malalalim na cracks, ipagawa kaagad ito sa mga eksperto at ipasilip kung may senyales ba ng structural defects. Alamin ang mga safe spots sa bawat silid ng bahay na may matitibay na mesa. Ipakita at ipaliwanag sa pamilya ang mga lugar na ito sakaling magkaroon ng lindol. Wala ring masama kung magsagawa ng earthquake drill sa sarili ninyong tahanan kasama ang lahat ng miyembro ng pamilya. Dumapa, magtake-cover mula sa matibay na mesa o furniture, at manatili sa mas ligtas na lugar. Iba naman ang pamamaraan sa oras ng pananalasa ng lindol. Ayon sa mga eksperto, importanteng malaman ang tinatawag na DROP procedure o duck, cover and hold on. Kung kayo ay nasa loob ng bahay o establisyimento, protektahan ang mukha at ulo habang ginagawa ang DROP procedure at umiwas sa mga glass windows at mga light fixtures and furnitures. Huwag gamitin ang doorway maliban na lamang kung personal mong alam na matibay ang pagkakagawa nito. Manatili sa loob hanggang matapos ang pag-uga ng lupa at kung ligtas nang lumabas. Payo ng mga eksperto na huwag lumabas ng struktura habang lumilindol. May mga pagaaral kasi na kadalasang nagkakaroon ng injury ang mga taong nasa loob ng establisyimento kapag sila ay palipatlipat ng pwesto o lugar o kung kaagad silang lumalabas. Tandaan rin na huwag gumamit ng elevator. Ayon sa mga nagsasagawa ng mga earthquake drills, kapag nasa labas kayo sa oras ng paglindol, manatili sa labas at umiwas sa mga buildings, poste, at mga kawad ng kuryente. Manatiling nasa labas malayo sa mga establisyimento at bakod na maaring bumagsak o sa posibilidad na magkaroon ng falling debris at salamin. Kung nasa loob naman ng sasakyan na umaandar, iparada sa ligtas at open area ang sasakyan na may distansya palayo sa mga buildings, poste, puno, at iba pa na maaaring bumagsak. Sa oras na matapos ang paglindol, magmasid sa lugar at suriin kung ligtas na para gumalaw. Kung nasa loob ng bahay o building, lumabas na habang pinoprotektahan ang “ Kung kayo ay nasa loob ng bahay o establisyimento, protektahan ang mukha at ulo habang ginagawa ang DROP procedure at umiwas sa mga glass windows at mga light fixtures and furnitures.” children’s health... Page 9 Gitnang Luzon OCTOBER 22, 2013 Crossword puzzle zles.com for hints and solutions! . 1 2 3 4 5 6 17 9 10 21 28 24 26 30 31 33 38 43 34 40 39 52 41 45 44 48 13 22 25 29 32 12 19 18 23 11 1. Lies 5. __ or lose... 10. “Street Signs” network 14. Twelfth Jewish month 15. It’s connected to the left ventricle 16. Caesar’s hour 17. Concern for one facing a deadline 19. Fired shock jock Don 20. Garden wall in Guadalajara 21. Fellow crew member 23. Lump of cream, for example 26. Leather worker 27. Inauguration highlight 32. Paid performer 33. Mountebank 34. Eagle’s home 38. A shade of beige 40. Masked swordsman who left his mark 42. Perform in a glee club 43. “__ Rainbow”: Rolling Stones 45. Doughnut, e.g. 47. Pleasure, to Parisians 48. Brig, for one 51. Hoard 54. Alphabetic quartet 55. Newborn 58. Was broadcast 62. Cuba, to Cubans 63. Not fitting 66. Slimmer’s regimen 67. Actresses Irene and Meg 68. ‘Just do it’ sloganeer 69. Irish-Gaelic 70. “Sure!,” slangily 71. Play ___ (do some tennis) 16 20 51 8 15 14 27 7 Across Puzzle ID: #W044DV 35 36 37 42 46 49 47 50 54 53 55 56 57 58 64 59 62 63 66 67 68 69 70 71 60 61 65 Z012IY Down 1. Boba ___ (character in “Star Wars” films) 1. Visitors 2. toRussian Jesusgold medalist ___ Kulik 2. Vidi, in English 3. Jounce 4. “Jingle Bells” conveyance 3. Currency in Capri 5. Bygone Mideast inits. 4. ___ on (exaggerates) 6. Franc fraction 7. Ospreys’ cousins 5. Braz. neighbor 8. The seven-year problem 6. Eggs, biologically 9. Papeete’s island Passageways for Santa 7. Cassidy 10. portrayer William 11. “___ can serve two 8. Peter Fonda's golden role 35. Mrs. Peel portrayer Diana 56. “Green Darkness” author masters...”: Matt. 6:24 Regarding,60. in legal 12. 28.Beast Jacob's wife before 36. Rachel LonghornSeton State school 57. Would-be D.A.’s hurdle 13. One checking out a place memos near "TheaLast 59.border Hitting stats 37. “Rome of Hungary”the Mex. in29. planning crime Days of Pompeii" Sommer of “Deadlier 39. 100-mem. group 18. girlSpanish heat 61. Houston 60. player, informally 22. Walk back and forth with 41. Owned jointly by you and Than 30. Try this first 64. Jerry Lewis hosts its the Male” me nervous energy telethons annually: Abbr. 61. Mosquito repellent 24. Wizard___”element 44. Water, for Cato 31.“The Antiseptic ingredient 46. Have a chair65. by, ___ as a table 25. Colombia’s capitol favor: please (Sp.) 35. Company's icon 64. Chapel Hill campus, for 49. Bullish trend 27. Unlocks, in poetry short 28. Louis sight 36.St.Milk, in Marseille 50. Suriname’s region 65. Suffix meaning “to some 51. Mean-spirited 29. Raced (through) 37.Hullabaloo ___-ball (arcade game) extent” 52. Odin, Balder, etc. 30. 53. Field mice 31. or Jose 1960's hit sitcom 39.Mel Campy 9. Baggage carrier 41. Work on glass, say 10. Learned 44. Item in an actor's hand 11. Medieval rabbinical writer 46. Teasdale and Roosevelt 12. Bay window 49. Intl. assn. for learning 13. Bushels 50. Gutta- __ 18. Maze options 51. Offspring 22. Ugandan tyrant Idi ___ 52. Split to bond 24. 6-3, 5-7 and 6-4, e.g. 53. Diminishes in intensity 25. Safe place 56. Couples Down SM PAMPANGA57. | Cinema 1 27. Diner sandwiches, for (2013) Place for cogitation Carrie R-13 | 1 hr 45 ms59. Go over 212 degrees short 11:40 AM | 2:00 PM | 4:20 PM | 6:40 PM | 9:00 PM SM PAMPANGA | Cinema 2 Getaway (2013) PG-13 | 1 hr 35 ms 11:00 AM | 1:00 PM | 3:00 PM | 5:00 PM | 7:00 PM | 9:00 PM SM PAMPANGA | Cinema 3 Mr. Go (2013) PG-13 | 2 hrs 15 ms 11:20 AM | 2:05 PM SM PAMPANGA | Cinema 3 Ambushed (2013) R-16 | 1 hr 40 ms 4:40 PM | 6:50 PM | 9:00 PM SM PAMPANGA | Cinema 4 Escape Plan (2013) R-13 | 1 hr 55 ms 11:20 AM | 1:45 PM | 4:10 PM | 6:35 PM | 9:00 PM SM PAMPANGA | Cinema 5 She’s The One (2013) PG-13 | 1 hr 50 ms 12:00 PM | 2:30 PM | 5:00 PM | 7:30 PM SM PAMPANGA | Cinema 6 She’s The One (2013) PG-13 | 1 hr 50 ms 11:00AM|1:30PM|4:00PM|6:30PM|9:00PM LAST ISSUE ANSWERS 6 Headline SM CLARK | IMAX Cinema Gravity (2013) PG-13 | 1 hr 45 ms | in 3D 2:15 PM | 4:40 PM | 7:05 PM | 9:30 PM SM CLARK | Cinema 2 Gravity (2013) PG-13 | 1 hr 45 ms 10:40 AM | 12:30 PM | 2:20 PM SM CITY SAN FERNANDO Downtown | Cinema 1 Cloudy With A Chance Of Meatballs 2 MTRCB Rating: GP 12:20 PM | 2:30 PM | 4:40 PM | 6:50 PM | 9:00 PM SM CLARK | Cinema 2 She’s The One (2013) PG-13 | 1 hr 50 ms 4:30 PM | 6:45 PM | 9:00 PM SM CITY SAN FERNANDO Downtown | Cinema 2 Kung Fu Divas MTRCB Rating: PG-13 11:00 AM | 1:30 PM | 4:00 PM | 6:30 PM | 9:00 PM SM CITY SAN FERNANDO Downtown | Cinema 3 Gravity MTRCB Rating: PG-13 11:00 AM | 1:00 PM | 3:00 PM | 5:00 PM | 7:00 PM | 9:00 PM SM CLARK |Cinema 4 Mr. Go (2013) PG-13 | 2 hrs 15 ms 3:40 PM | 6:20 PM | 9:00 PM SM CLARK |Cinema 4 Ambushed (2013) R-16 | 1 hr 40 ms 10:50 AM | 12:55 PM SM CLARK |Cinema 5 Escape Plan (2013) R-13 | 1 hr 55 ms 12:00 PM | 2:15 PM | 4:30 PM | 6:45 PM | 9:00 PM SM CLARK |Cinema 6 Carrie (2013) R-13 | 1 hr 45 ms 11:40 AM | 2:00 PM | 4:20 PM | 6:40 PM | 9:00 PM HOROSCOPE AQUARIUS (JAN. 20 - FEB. 18) You are at your most practical when it comes to dealing and working with others. You know just what to do and can act without haste. Outside the workplace, there are wonderful topics that grab your interest. There may be some hesitance to study these things because you think you might not be able to stay focused on the everyday responsibilities. Plan ahead and you will enjoy periodic studies that will bring you wondrous opportunities to expand your knowledge. Hobbies, talents and adventures are yours to enjoy. You can do anything you want to do in this life if you have determination and focus; of course, a little positive thinking is also good. Your love life this evening can heat up in one of two directions. A candlelight dinner will help you decide. ARIES (MAR. 21-APR. 19) You are favored today. Good luck and positive actions are in the forecast. If you are not sure about the small print in any contract or negotiations you should make every attempt to understand what you are signing or obligating yourself to now. People or ideas could be deceiving. You may want to pay particular attention to the possibility of being misled. This is, however, another one of your best overall days--you are lucky. There is much energy and drive available to you for starting something new or taking care of business. You could be in the limelight, especially with superiors or in relation to your work. You may find that you enjoy your job or the responsibility it entails more than usual. Instead of you asking the questions, others are seeking your advice. CANCER (JUN 22- JUL 22) Details that demand your attention can become stressful. You know the right steps to accomplish the end result that is needed and physically there are tricks to lower the stress level. For example, look away occasionally and during your breaks get some sort of exercise. Right now, the key to career moves involves attending to a neglected resume and gathering copies of your work that will be impressive. At home this evening, give yourself time to think about new projects before diving in with the attitude of full speed ahead. Friendships are a fun way to enjoy some relaxation. You have good friends in that each person takes a turn at a desired activity and although tonight may not be your turn, a fun time can be had by all. SM CLARK | Cinema 1 She’s The One (2013) PG-13 | 1 hr 50 ms 10:35 AM | 12:50 PM | 3:10 PM | 5:30 PM | 7:45 PM SM CLARK |D-Cinema Cloudy With A Chance Of Meatballs 2 (2013) GP | 1 hr 40 ms | in 3D 12:40 PM | 2:45 PM | 4:50 PM | 6:55 PM | 9:00 PM LAST ISSUE solution MARQUEEMALL | Cinema 1 Carrie (2013) R-13 | 1 hr 45 ms 12:30 PM | 2:45 PM | 5:00 PM | 7:15 PM | 9:30 PM MARQUEEMALL | Cinema 2 Getaway (2013) PG-13 | 1 hr 35 ms 1:15 PM | 3:15 PM | 5:15 PM | 7:15 PM | 9:15 PM MARQUEEMALL | Cinema 3 Gravity (2013) PG-13 | 1 hr 45 ms 12:50 PM | 2:55 PM | 5:00 PM | 7:05 PM | 9:10 PM MARQUEEMALL | Cinema 4 She’s The One (2013) PG-13 | 1 hr 50 ms 12:40 PM | 2:50 PM | 5:00 PM | 7:10 PM | 9:20 PM Robinsons Starmills |Cinema 1 Carrie (2013) R-13 | 1 hr 45 ms 12:30 PM | 2:45 PM | 5:00 PM | 7:15 PM Robinsons Starmills | Cinema 5 Getaway (2013) PG-13 | 1 hr 35 ms 1:00 PM | 3:00 PM | 5:00 PM | 7:00 PM Robinsons Starmills |Cinema 2 Escape Plan (2013) R-13 | 1 hr 55 ms 12:15 PM | 2:45 PM | 5:15 PM | 7:45 PM Robinsons Starmills | Cinema 6 Cloudy With A Chance Of Meatballs 2 (2013) GP | 1 hr 40 ms 12:00 PM | 2:00 PM Robinsons Angeles | Cinema 3 She’s The One (2013) PG-13 | 1 hr 50 ms 12:30 PM | 2:50 PM | 5:10 PM | 7:30 PM Robinsons Starmills |Cinema 3 Ambushed (2013) R-16 | 1 hr 40 ms 12:45 PM | 2:50 PM | 4:55 PM | 7:00 PM Robinsons Starmills | Cinema 6 Passion (2013) R-16 | 1 hr 45 ms 4:35 PM | 6:45 PM Robinsons Angeles Cinema 4 Gravity (2013) PG-13 | 1 hr 45 ms 1:00 PM | 3:10 PM | 5:20 PM | 7:30 PM Robinsons Starmills | Cinema 4 She’s The One (2013) PG-13 | 1 hr 50 ms 12:30 PM | 2:45 PM | 5:00 PM | 7:15 PM Robinsons Angeles | Cinema 1 Getaway (2013) PG-13 | 1 hr 35 ms 1:00 PM | 3:10 PM | 5:20 PM | 7:30 PM Robinsons Angeles | Cinema 2 Carrie (2013) R-13 | 1 hr 45 ms 12:45 PM | 3:00 PM | 5:15 PM | 7:40 PM ( Cinema schedules are subject to change without prior notice.) CAPRICORN (DEC. 22 - JAN 19) Your creative side is active today and ideas for making the workplace more productive could be made into a presentation for higher-ups to read. If you are in a business where you can take the lead with your ideas, more power to you! Perhaps you could schedule an astrological reading to learn about the future opportunities coming up. This is the best time to ask for a loan, especially if the loan is used to update an old home or property or to invest. Having and appreciating things of beauty and value plays a big role in your life now. Provided you do not spend it all on the fancy things that catch your eye, this can be a financially favorable period. You develop an eye for that which is lasting and worthwhile. This evening is a good time to relax. GEMINI (MAY 21-JUN 21) You will be reaping the rewards of your hard work today, even if it is only the good feeling that comes when you do your best. Everything external and business-oriented should prosper, provided that honesty and truth are your guides. You are reaching a peak regarding outward success. It is a good thing if you decide to become more prompt in your scheduling. It is no longer acceptable or fashionable to be late to dinner, appointments or the office meeting. You can become too strict with yourself so give credit where credit is due and make corrections when necessary. Eventually, you will have formed a new and important habit. A garden grown in pots is exciting for the winter and a nursery would have just what you need. LEO (JUL 23 - AUG. 23) You will be pleased at the progress you have made already this week. Congratulations are in order for choosing your next move instead of reacting too quickly. You can expect a little boost, some extra support. You will have lots of physical and mental energy to do whatever you set out to accomplish. Investments that seem too good to be true are--so hang onto your checkbook. Someone you care about--a child or lover perhaps--may have difficulty distinguishing fantasy and reality. A flash of insight will help you to guide this person in the right direction. If any decisions are to be made regarding an emotional situation, it can be successfully made now. A pet store would be a fun way to find the right animal for you; fish can be fun and relaxing. LIBRA (SEP. 23 - OCT. 23) Don’t decline an assignment because you think you may not have enough experience to succeed--you have talent. As you stop to analyze a project, you will know just what to do. Later today, someone with a different set of values than your own may want your attention. Life could be terribly dull if everyone believed the same way. As life progresses, we continuously and conscientiously try to progress ourselves--take time to find a favorite charity to help. Your positive attitude brings a great deal of support from others. An open mind and a positive outlook is your key to success. Welcome any opportunity to help others, answers will be easy for you to find. You and your mate are having more fun in your relationship these days. PISCES (FEB. 19 - MAR. 20) Refuse an offer to invest in a get-rich-quick plan today. Be wise and invest in the long-term investment. Making peace with the past is essential now--it’s the only way you can get to the future you want. People who cannot help themselves depend on you to do their work. Teach them to be independent and they will respect you more. Meditation brings self-awareness and that can set you free from being a prisoner of your own thoughts. You may have entered a forgetful and lazy phase. Although this will pass, it is essential to make lists and check off the items each day. This will bring some focus into your day, as well as feelings of accomplishment. This is a good day, one with good feelings that come with knowing you are on the right path. SAGITTARIUS (NOV. 22 - DEC. 21) A vacation is favored today. You could begin this vacation now or just make plans for a vacation very soon. Perhaps go on a tour or on a cruise adventure. If you are working, making a good impression and putting your best foot forward takes on greater importance. Appearances and style may count more than substance. It may be time to update your wardrobe. After work this afternoon you could look through fashion magazines and drop by a couple of clothing stores to check out the styles and colors. Romance, the arts and others of life’s pleasures are high on your list of activities this winter. It begins this evening as you will want to share some sweet time with your lover. You enjoy the company and you feel like showing your gratefulness. SCORPIO (OCT. 24- NOV. 21) This can be a rather busy day; however, this is a positive sign of good business. You have good practical job-related ideas and when the time is right you will be able to communicate these to superiors. You may find that both your personal growth and your career depend on your perseverance. You will benefit from analytical insights, getting to the heart of things and biding your time for the right opportunity to express your ideas. This afternoon you may want to catch up on your reading and could find concentration difficult. Find a place to read that you can call your own private reading place. Make sure there is good lighting and remove any distractions. In no time your book will be halfway finished and dinnertime will be upon you.. TAURUS (APR. 20-MAY 20) People and business projects are easily manipulated today and this could result in resentments or changes of plans later. Try to give propositions and ideas time to develop before you push for an outcome. There is, perhaps, a sense of challenge or blockage just now. You may not find the support that you think you need. Some sort of temporary obstacle may appear. You may feel frustrated. This challenging day will create opportunities for you to use your skills to solve problems and feel successful. This could be a touch-and-go time when it comes to your emotions and the environment in which you find yourself. You may be up against it for a while, as things get tight and progress is slowed. All of these things are temporary--patience will prove a benefit. VIRGO (AUG. 23-SEP.22) Astrology has been around for a very long time; today you might consider the gift of a birthday horoscope reading for a friend of yours. This is always a fun gift and certainly helps the friend have new insight for his or her future. A positive attitude will gain you much today. There are opportunities to go in many directions but if you stay focused you will progress faster. This afternoon the planets are in the best place to help you complete projects and enjoy your accomplishments. Planning may also be good. You are coming into a creative phase now, one in which you want to be admired and appreciated for who you are. This evening, a loved one becomes a focal point in your life. Romance grabs your attention. Headline Gitnang Luzon OCTOBER 22, 2013 SHOWBIZ 7 Jennylyn Mercado sobrang nasaktan sa hiwalayan nila ni Luis Manzano N akakalungkot man, it’s true. Kumpirmadong break na sina Jennylyn Mercado at Luis Manzano at kinumpirma ito ng mismong manager ng aktres na si Becky Aguila nang makausap namin siya sa telepono kahapon. Last Monday (Oct. 14) lang naganap ang break-up at kung anuman ang dahilan, ayaw nang sabihin pa ni Tita Becky dahil hindi raw dapat sa kanya manggaling kundi kina Jen at Luis mismo. Ang tanging masasabi niya, totoong break na ang dalawa and Jen is in pain right now. Humihiling nga kami na baka puwedeng makausap si Jen, pero ayon sa manager, hindi pa ready ang aktres para magsalita. “She’s not okay right now. She’s hurting, she’s in pain. Siyempre, masakit naman talaga ’yun dahil love na love niya si Luis, eh,” she said. Maging siya, nagulat sa biglaang split-up at ikinalungkot niya raw talaga ito. “Napaiyak pa nga ako ’coz sobrang nanghihinayang ako sa relasyon nila. I didn’t expect it. They seemed perfectly fine; everything seemed to be perfect. They were a happy couple. Nakita ko kung paano rin alagaan ni Luis si Jen and viceversa. Nakakalungkot talaga,” say ni Tita Becky. Gusto ring linawin ng manager ang tsikang kumakalat that Jen is dating Dennis Trillo at ’yun umano ang reason ng breakup. “It’s not true. Common sense naman, may boyfriend si Jen, bakit siya makikipag-date kay Dennis? It’s not true. Walang third party sa part ni Jen,” paglilinaw niya. Nakatakda rin sanang umalis sina Jen and Luis for a Halloween vacation through the invitation of Gov. Vilma Santos. Pupunta sana sila ng Japan kasama ang buong pamilya ng aktor. Pero dahil sa nangyari, hindi na ito matutuloy. Kahit umiiyak ang puso ni Jen ngayon, good news naman daw na magaganda ang mga trabahong dumarating sa aktres. Sa pagtatapos ng Anak Ko ’Yan sa November 18, dalawang bagong shows ang kapalit--isang drama series at isang cooking show. Kasalukuyan pang pina-finalize ang mga makakasama ni Jen sa serye ng GMA-7 at ’yung CDO Cooking Show naman ay mapapanood sa GMA News TV. “Jen is strong, marami nang pagsubok na dumating sa buhay niya. Alam kong kakayanin niya itong bagong pagsubok na ito. Masakit man, she has to move on for Jazz’s sake and I will always be here for her,” say pa ng talent manager.● jennylyn mercado Mall show ng Juan dela Cruz cast dinumog M istulang may malaking rally sa Trinoma mall last Sunday dahil sa kapal ng tao na pumunta at sumaksi sa huling Juan Fun Day para sa teleseryeng Juan dela Cruz na magtatapos na this week. Maging kami ay hirap na hirap talagang makalapit man lang sa Activity Center ng Trinoma kung saan ginanap ang Juan Fun Day at kinailangan talaga namin ng katakut-takot na powers para makapasok. Lahat ng palapag ay puno ng taong nakapalibot para masilip at mapanood ang buong cast ng JDC habang nagso-show sa ground floor. Of course, present ang halos lahat ng main cast sa pangunguna ni Coco Martin kasama ang mga leading ladies na sina Erich Gonzales at Shaina Magdayao. Naroroon din si Neil Coleta, Arron Villaflor, John Medina, William Lorenzo , Louise Abuel, John Regala, Zsa Zsa Padilla, Slater Young, Gina Pareño at Eddie Garcia. At hindi lang ang main cast ang dumating. Kumpleto rin ang lahat ng gumanap ng tikbalang, aswang at manananggal. Matutuwa ka and at the same time ay mabibingi sa lakas ng tilian ng mga tao lalo nang lumabas na si Coco. At nakakatuwang makita ang mga tatay na isinasampa sa balikat nila ang kanilang mga Charee Pineda kayang pagsabayin ang showbiz at pulitika S obrang revealing ang sex scenes ni Charee Pineda kay Gary Estrada sa kanilang teleserye sa GMA 7. Tuloy, some people are saying na natsansingan ni Gary si Charee. “Si Tito Gary is a real gentleman,” pagtatanggol ni Charee. “Never na nagtouch ang lips namin at lahat, daya lang.” Bakit pumayag siyang magkontrabida gayung bida sa siya sa ABS’ “Angelito, Batang Ama”? “Very happy. kasi GMA7 gave me a warm welcome at happy naman ako dahil very challenging ang role ko as Agatha. I’m glad when viewers tell me naiinis sila sa character. That means, they appreciate my acting. Yung iba, sabi lang sa’kin, wag mo nang masyadong apihin si Lovi.” Naging leading lady nga siya ni JM de Guzman sa Angelito, which was cut short dahil sa drug problem ni JM, alam ba niya ito? “Close ako kay JM but he’s not the type who shares what he feels. Tinatanong ko siya, okay charee pineda... Page 9 anak para lang makita ang JDC cast. Ngayong linggo na ang finale week ng JDC at taos-pusong nagpapasalamat ang buong cast dahil sa loob ng 9 na buwan na pagsasaere nito ay hindi bumibitiw ang manonood at nanatiling no. 1 sa ratings game. ● 8 SCI-TECH Headline Gitnang Luzon OCTOBER 22, 2013 NSA ‘hacks’ Mexican president’s e-mail account The National Security Agency eavesdropped on the Mexico government by systematically infiltrating an e-mail server and hacking the e-mail account of a former Mexico president, according to a classified documents reviewed by Der Spiegel. The e-mail domain, which was also used by other members of Mexico’s cabinet, contained “diplomatic, economic and leadership communications which continue to provide insight into Mexico’s political system and internal stability,” according to a 2010 report provided to the German newspaper by NSA whistleblower Edward Snowden. The hack of former president Felipe Calderon’s e-mail was conduct- ed by an agency department called Tailored Access Operations and proved to be “a lucrative source” of information, the newspaper said the documents revealed. During two weeks during the summer of 2012, the foreign surveillance agency reviewed the cell phone communications of then-presidential candidate Enrique Peña Nieto and “nine of his close associates,” according to a internal agency presentation reviewed by the newspaper. Software was used to identify the candidate’s most relevant contacts, which were also singled out for surveillance. In all, the agency intercepted 85,489 text messages, some of which were sent by Peña Nieto, who is Mexico’s current president. The process “might find a needle in a haystack,” the analysts noted, adding that it could be done “in a repeatable and efficient way.” The NSA declined to comment on the specific allegations included in the report. “We are not going to comment publicly on every specific alleged intelligence activity, and as a matter of policy we have made clear that the United States gathers foreign intelligence of the type gathered by all nations,” the NSA said in a statement Sunday. “As the president said in his speech at the U.N. General Assembly, we’ve begun to review the way that we gather intelligence, so that we prop- erly balance the legitimate security concerns of our citizens and allies with the privacy concerns that all people share.” President Obama, who has defended the NSA’s surveillance programs as a necessary tool to confront terrorism, outlined four initiatives in August to address concerns among Americans and foreigners regarding the legality of the agency’s activities. Among those initiatives are “appropriate reforms” to the Patriot Act and a focus on increasing the public’s confidence in the oversight conducted by the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court, which provides judicial review of intelligence activities.--CNET India’s Mars spacecraft integrated with rocket BANGALORE -- India’s Mars spacecraft, whose launch has been delayed by almost a week, has been integrated with launch vehicle, Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) said on Sunday. “The spacecraft’s integration with the launcher is completed,” ISRO spokesman Deviprasad Karnik told Press Trust of India (PTI), a day after the decision to postpone the launch of the Mars Orbiter Mission on board the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV-XL) was announced. A decision on the new date of launch from the spaceport of Sriharikota in Andhra Pradesh would be taken on Tuesday, he said. The launch window for the MOM mission was earlier slated from Oct 28 to Nov 19. ISRO decided to defer the launch due to bad weather in the South Pacific Ocean, where two Indian ship-borne terminals were moving slowly to reach its intended location, about 300 nautical miles from the Fiji Island. The two ships SCI Yamuna and SCI Nalanda leased from the Shipping Corporation of India to study the crucial period when the rocket ejects the spacecraft into space - left for the South Pacific Ocean in mid-September from Visakhapatnam. The American NASA/ JPL (Jet Propulsion Laboratory) is also providing communications and navigation support to this mission with their deep space network facilities.(PNA/ Bernama) motoring Honda PHL donates P 1-M for Bohol victims Honda Philippines will be donating Php 1,000,000 for the victims of the Bohol earthquake that happened last October 15. The statement is as follows: “The Honda Group of Companies in the Philippines has expressed its sincerest sympathy to the victims of the earthquake that has stricken the island province of Bohol in Central Visayas Region. Through Honda Foundation, Inc., Honda Motor Co., Ltd.’s (Japan) local subsidiaries will provide (1) million pesos to help assist in the recovery and relief efforts of the province. The Honda Group of Companies in the Philippines, composed of Honda Philippines, Inc. (Manufacturer and distributor Honda motorcycles and power products), Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. (Manufactuer and distributor of Honda automobiles), Honda Parts Manufacturing Corp. (Manufacturer of automobile component parts) and Honda Trading Philippines Ecozone Corp. (Trading company), is one with the nation in continuously praying for the immediate healing of the victims and their families and the recovery of the affected areas.” --AUTOINDUSTRIYA PSLV-C25 third and fourth stages being placed on top of the second stage at the Moible Service Tower. (Image Courtesy: ISRO) Experts: Stem cell therapy, only ‘an experimental treatment for diabetes’ MANILA -- The use of stem cell therapy (SCT) is limited to cure only a number of conditions and diseases and this does not include diabetes. According to a public advisory from the Philippine Society of Endocrinology & Metabolism (PSEM), stem cell therapy is regarded as only “an experimental treatment for both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes”. “There is as yet, no conclusive evidence that SCT is effective and safe for diabetes and as such, it cannot be made available to individuals with diabetes as a standard treatment like the usual drug prescriptions,” the PSEM said. “SCT can only be given to individuals with diabetes under controlled conditions such as under experimental protocols of clinical trials,” it added. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has earlier released three indications in which the use of stem cell therapy (SCT) may be considered standard of care. These are for a) hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, b) corneal resurfacing with limbal stem cells, and c) skin regeneration with epidermal stem cells (for burns). “SCT provides medical practitioners an innovative approach to restore health and offers the patients alternative choices,” the FDA said. However, it noted that “the promise of stem cell therapy must be backed by sci- ence- and evidence-based medicine, before it can be part of the standard health care.” The FDA also said that any clinical use of stem cell therapy for diabetes outside of clinical trials is considered illegal. “Patients receiving stem cell therapy under clinical trials should not pay for these experimental treatments and must sign an informed consent form that explains the procedure, its benefits and possible harms,” the FDA said. Both medical groups will also be holding a joined health forum to further discuss SCT use in diabetes at Annabel’s Restaurant, Quezon City next Tuesday (Oct. 22) at 9:30 a.m. (PNA) FOR SMARTPHONES & TABLETS! You can grab our Digital Edition Copy via www.headlinegl.com & click Cover Today Headline Gitnang Luzon OCTOBER 22, 2013 NMIS, Tarlac LGU sign pact on P120-M project BAMBAN, Tarlac -- The National Meat Inspection Service (NMIS) and the municipality of Bamban on Monday signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) for the construction of a poultry dressing plant and slaughterhouse in a five-hectare land in the village of Anupul here. Town Mayor Jose Antonio Feliciano said the P120-million project would be of great help to small and medium scale poultry enterprises not only of this town but also those in the nearby and adjacent municipalities in the province as well as the province of Pampanga. He said the project also aims to cre- ate job opportunities that would uplift the socio-economic condition of the residents in this rising agro-industrial town. He said the NMIS and Bamban officials agreed that majority of the workers in the proposed plant will come from this town. “Our dream of making significant changes in our town is starting to be realized. We have formulated plans to improve the delivery of basic services to our constituents,” he said. NMIS Executive Director Dr. Minda S. Manantan said construction of the “AAA” dressing plant will most likely start next month or before year-end. She said they are now inviting contractors and fabricators of slaughterhouse equipment to apply for accreditation with the NMIS as pre-requisite of public bidding. She reiterated that only the bids of NMIS-accredited contractors shall be considered for post qualification evaluation by the Bids and Awards Committee (BAC) and the Technical Working Group. Similarly, Livestock Development Council Executive Director Manuel R. Jamin, a co-signatory to the MOA, said the project will be financed by the Department of Agriculture (DA) through the National Livestock Program. ● (PNA) XEVERA from Page 1 Pineda on Monday called a meeting with Pag-IBIG officials led by Juanito Eje, task force head of the PagIBIG business development sector, to discuss thousands of acquired and foreclosed properties at the Xevera Subdivisions in Bacolor town and Mabalacat City. Pag-IBIG is also known as Home Development Mutual Fund (HDMF) and its board is headed by Vice President Jejomar Binay. Pineda wants the units to be available for some 2,743 workers of the Pampanga provincial government. “We have to help the government recover from its investments. We can also help our workers have their own houses, especially those who don’t have theirs yet,” said Pineda in the meeting at the executive house of the Capitol. Eje said Pag-IBIG Funds welcomes the planned partnership with the Pampanga provincial government. He said “it’s better because we can verify well the beneficia- ries and determine those who are really qualified to avail.” Eje said the Pag-IBIG and the provincial government could also work together for the creation of a collection unit . Eje said “we are open to options and negotiations” in dealing with the Pineda administration. Pineda was asking for a discount from Pag-IBIG should they acquire properties and units in bulk. Atty. Joseph Quiboloy, department manager III of the loans orientation department of Pag-IBIG office in Pampanga, disclosed that there are 9,957 housing units in two Xevera subdivisions. He added that as of yesterday, 2,468 units already belonged to Pag-IBIG. Quiboloy said 323 units at Xevera-Bacolor belonged to the housing agency, while the rest are in Mabalacat City. Engr. Elmer Tugade, department manager III of the business development division, also joined the meeting. ● peaceful election from Page 1 Petrasanta said that they will work with the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to limit violence before and during the elections. “So far, there are no untoward incidents related to the election in Central Luzon. I am confident that the elections will be generally peaceful,” he said. Pineda urged Petrasanta to keep a close coordination with the local government units to maintain peace and order in Pampanga. She added that the police “have always been their partner in crime prevention and during rescue operations.” For his part, Vice Gov. Dennis Pineda assured Petrasanta that the provincial government “has several programs on peace and order.” He also cited the province’s commitment in eradicating the illegal drugs problem. Vice Gov. Pineda said “we are ready to host a police office that will fight the drug menace.” He said they also have a project that will help improve “the mobility of the police” by providing them with new vehicles. Petrasanta, who assumed his post late last month, said he hopes that the cooperation of the police with the province “will not stop for the benefit of the people.” ● luisita from Page 1 DAR said this was done on schedule despite the damage caused by typhoon “Santi” to the area, including barangay covered courts where the CLOA distribution activities were previously held. About 663 out of the 745 farmer beneficiaries (FWBs) received certified true copies of their CLOAs during a turnover ceremony at the Barangay Mapalacsiao hall. Data from DAR showed that a total of 5,718 CLOAs were distributed to FWBs out of a total of 6,189 ready for distribution, or 92.39 percent of the CLOAs registered to date. CLOAs of other FWBs are still being registered with the Registry of Deeds or are still not generated pending the signing by some FWBs of their application to purchase and farmers undertaking. De los Reyes said that these figures will increase as FWBs who were not able to receive their CLOAs during the scheduled distribution activities in the barangays have actually been going to the DAR provincial office to get their certified true copies. After the distribution of certified true copies of the CLOAs, De los Reyes said the DAR is preparing to transfer the FWBs in their lots. “We will be installing them in their lots as we progress with the ‘monumenting’,” de los Reyes said. He explained that it is quite impossible to do this at this time when many of the lots are still planted with sugarcane. De los Reyes, however, assured the FWBs that this will be done when harvesting starts this month so that they will be able clear the area where the “mohons” (concrete monuments) will be placed. De los Reyes also assured the farmer-beneficiaries of the DAR’s continuing support, saying that even now the department is engaged in testing and determining soil samples to be used as the definitive reference in the customized interventions and menu of support services to be offered to the FWBs, in recognition of the kinds of crops the FWBs may want to plant. The DAR began the distribution of CLOAs on September 30 in Barangay Pando. In the subsequent weeks, it distributed certified true copies of CLOAs to FWBs in Barangays Motrico, Lourdes, Parang, Mabilog, Bantug, Cutcut, Asturias, Balete, and Mapalacsiao. ● mapiles from Page 1 in June 2001 to March 2005. Mapiles was described as a good provider to his wife Jenalyn and son Kelvin James, 1. The writer from the Fourth District is also a public relations officer of Candaba Mayor Rene Maglanque. He was described by his colleagues in Pampanga media as quiet and a devout family man. “A good man taken at his prime, our first impulse is to ask God why? But faith comes in and the total acceptance of His will. My prayers and sympathies,” Punto columnist Cesar Lacson said in his post on Facebook. Mapiles’ remains lie in state at the Mapiles residence in Barangay San Agustin, Candaba town. Details of the interment have yet to be released as of press time. ● SCHOOL HEAD from Page 3 under the Saint Joseph College of Quezon City. I can mediate and also inquire. Surely the parents will also ask me (about the child abuse incident). I will attend to it.” Dr. Rolando Pozon, the Department of Education City Division Superintendent-in-charge of Balanga received Soriano’s com- plaint but did not promise anything to resolve the case because, according to him, it is a private school and the case should be settled by the principal and the complainant. Soriano said that she is set to file a criminal complaint in court against her grandson’s teacher, Gonzales. ● mmff from Page 3 devotion to the church and the willingness of the few remaining woodcarvers to retain the woodcarving tradition in spite of this modern generation. The film, set in Betis, stars famous Presidential Merit Awardee for Ecclesiastical Art Willy Layug, Bor Ocampo, Raquel Villavicencio, Mark Grisworld, Thea Lelay, Bambalito Lacap, Rhea Lim, and Grace Martinez. Among the other finalists include “Island Dreams” by Aloy Adlawan and Gino M. Santos; “Maestra” by Joven Tan; “Mga Anino ng Kahapon” directed by Alvin Yapan; and “Sakasaka” by Toto Natividad. All films will be shown from December 18 to 24 at Glorietta 4 and SM Mega Mall cinemas. ● 9 charee pineda from Page 7 ka ba? And he says, ok lang ako. Ayoko namang piliting mag-open up siya sa akin. Recently, I wrote him sa email, pero hindi siya sumagot. I don’t know kung nabasa niya or baka wala siyang access sa internet. Nanghinayang talaga ako nang maputol ang show namin but I’m wishing him the best.” Charee is a new councilor in Valenzuela City and someone wrote that the people there complain about her because she wear sexy outfits during the sessions of the city council. “Hindi totoo ‘yan kasi I know naman what proper clothes to wear sa sessions namin every Monday. Usually, I wear smart casuals at hindi ‘yung suggestive clothes na sinasabi nila. Alam ko naman kung saan ako lulugar.” So how is it being a councilor and an actress at the same time? “Enjoy ako. Noong una, akala ko, mahirap pagsabayin. But I have experience na rin kasi as Sangguniang Kabataan chairman din ako before. It’s nice to have another life after showbiz work.” How about her lovelife? Is it true she’s playing beautiful music with Cong. Sherwin Gatchalian? “Not at all. I just broke up with my non-showbiz boyfriend. Sa sobrang busy ko ngayon as an actress and a councilor, wala na akong time sa ganyan.” ● food safety from Page 10 who are outside evacuation centers are also still being provided with relief goods. A total of P25,297,222.10 worth of relief assistance was provided to the affected families coming from DSWD (P13,411,170.18), local government units (P11,546,051.92) and nongovernment organizations as well as other government organizations (P340,000.00). Around 109,652 houses were damaged with 19,589 totally destroyed and 85,566 partially damaged. ● moringa from Page 10 data on the health benefits of the vegetable. At present, MPFI has already 40 members since its foundation in 2009. Arellano said only about 50 hectares of moringa plantation is available in the country with only about one million trees existing. He said these plantations are in Bacolod and the Ilocos region. MPFI’s main objective is to promote the health and wealth benefits derived from the “miracle tree” with the pool of information coming from scientists, universities and practitioners. According to Arellano, the annual moringa congress is usually held in the month of November and MPFI is vigorously lobbying for a law declaring moringa as the national vegetable and November as the moringa month. Tan is hoping that this year’s congress would be able to identify and mobilize more resources and partners to further moringa researches and development, product standardization, propagation-production, human resource development, processingmanufacturing, funding, promotion and marketing. ● children’s health from Page 5 ulo. Asahan pa rin ang mga aftershocks. Alamin ang kalagayan ng inyong kapamilya lalo na ang mga anak. Kaagad na tumawag ng tulong kung may nasaktan. Manatiling nakaiwas sa mga nasirang mga istruktura. Kung hindi niyo kasama ang anak, kaagad na makipag-ugnayan sa eskwelahan. Kung magbubukas naman ng cabinet, kailangang mag-ingat sa pagbukas, baka may mahulog na mga bagay. Linisin ang bahay lalo na kung may mga nahulog o nabuhos na mga medisina o gamot, mga bleaches o liquid detergents, gasoline at iba pang mga flammable liquids. Manatili sa labas kung may naaamoy na gas o fumes ng kemikal. Alamin rin kung may nasirang electrical wires at sewage lines. Ipasuri sa mga eksperto. Sa panahon ng kalamidad, importanteng alam ng bawat miyembro ng pamilya ang numero ng mga kinauukulan para sa emergency katulad ng bumbero, pulis, hospital at disaster risk reduction and management office. Mainam rin ang regular na pagpapacheck ng bahay mula sa mga eksperto katulad ng engineering office o Bureau of Fire Protection, pati na rin sa local DRRMO at sanitary office para na rin sa kaligtasan ng buong pamilya at ng tahanan. Kung may katanungan, suhestiyon o opinion tungkol sa kalusugan ng mga bata, maari kayong magtext sa 0932-884-0630. ● BUSINESS VOLUME II • NO. 95 • OCTOBER 22, 2013 • TUESDAY BCDA, Turkish group forge trade, investments accord By Marna Dagumboy-del Rosario CLARK FREEPORT -- The Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) and one of the biggest business and industrialist organizations in Turkey have agreed to work together to foster mutual cooperation that will pave the way for direct and mutually beneficial trade and investment opportunities between each other. BCDA President and CEO Arnel Paciano D. Casanova said he recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Hittite Industrialists and Businessmen’s Association (HITITSIAD) chairman Teyfik Akpinar towards the establishment of effective platforms for cooperation and expand channels of exchanges for joint business ventures in both the Philippines and Turkey or even in a third country. “Our aim is to learn from each other. For instance, we will identify the best practices that we can adopt to ensure a long-term investment relationship with each other,” Casanova said. He said the forged agreement will also promote inbound and outbound trade missions between BCDA and HITITSIAD. “The inbound and outbound missions will not only strength- en appreciation of actual business and industry conditions but enable the speedy facilitation of potential investment agreements between HITITSIAD and the BCDA administered zone,” Casanova said. Casanova said the more than 150-member firms of HITITSIAD are potential investors and locators in the BCDA-administered economic zones and the country in general. The BCDA-administered freeports and special economic zones are the Clark Freeport Zone, Poro Point Freeport Zone, John Hay Special Economic Zone, and Bataan Technology Park which is located at the Mo- rong Special Economic Zone. He also stressed that the inbound and outbound trade missions that will take place between the Philippines and Turkey will pave the way for business matching that will eventually result in HITITISIAD member firms to locate and do business in the Philippines. “Of course, we are not limiting the HITITSIAD firms to BCDA-administered freeports or special economic zones. If their business is more appropriate to be located in other freeports in the country, by all means we will endorse them to the appropriate freeport,” Casanova added. He said what is important is to attract investments that will create jobs for the Filipinos towards inclusive growth for the country. Casanova noted that since last year, the BCDA has strengthened its business relations with Turkey through various inbound and outbound missions in cooperation with the Turkey Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (TCCP). The MOU signing with HITITSIAD was through the TCCP led by its president Irfan Karabulut. “We laud the TCCP for the investment opportunities it is opening up for the country,” Casanova said. ● Clark to host moringa congress in November By Charlene A. Cayabyab OCULAR INSPECTION. Clark International Airport Corporation President and CEO Victor Jose I. Luciano confidently tours Tigerair Philippines President and CEO Linda Oliva Ramos inside the new International Passenger Terminal Building. --Photo by Leo Villacarlos Bataan mall joins Food Safety Awareness Week CITY OF SAN FERNANDO --The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office - 3 is already processing the financial assistance to be given to the families of the casualties of typhoon Santi which heavily battered Central Luzon recently. Secretary of Social Welfare and Development Corazon Juliano-Soliman said that the families will receive P10,000 each as aid. She personally spearheaded on October 14 the distribution of relief packages in the municipalities of Cabiao and Jaen, where she also visited the wake of Irish Balingit. Balingit, who is one of the three casualties in the province, would have turned 16 that day. A huge mango tree fell on their house when Balingit and her family were sleeping during the onset of the storm. Meanwhile, based on the 6 a.m., October 18 DSWD monitoring report, 42 evacuation centers remain open in Nueva Ecija, Pampanga, Tarlac, Zambales, and Bulacan serving 1,605 families with 6,931 persons while 16,061 families or 80,757 persons CLARK FREEPORT -- This freeport is set to host the 5th National Moringa (malunggay) Congress in November. Some 500 participants are expected to join the malunggay congress to be held at the Hilltop Function Hall of Mimosa Leisure Estate from November 21 to 22. Clark Development Corporation President Arthur Tugade will give the welcome address during the two-day event. CDC hopes that the congress will provide more awareness on the health benefits of moringa, popularly known as malunggay. The event is hosted by Moringaling Philippines Foundation, Inc. (MPFI). MPFI is a network organization which serves as the moringa supply chain in the Philippines among farmers, producers, manufacturers, health enthusiasts, suppliers, exporters and consumers. In a press briefing, MPFI Board of Director Bernadette Arellano said Dr. Jed Fahey, a world-renowned moringa scientist from Johns Hopkins of USA, will be the keynote speaker for this year’s congress. Fahey is expected to share the latest scientific studies on moringa during the congress. The event will be participated by businessmen, educators, students and consumers from all over the country. MPFI President Honorio Tan said they established the foundation to reach out to existing moringa farms and gather more information, including statistics on moringa, given government’s lack of information food safety... pagE 9 moringa... pagE 9 TESDA, construction firm tie-up for skills trainings By Butch Gunio BALANGA CITY -- The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) has a tie up program with construction firm, EEI Corporation. Engr. Rolly San Juan, Provincial Training Center Orion Administrator, said their tie up with the construction company is already running for four years. EEI is a reputable construction company with projects abroad. The company’s workers are deemed highly skilled. In the tie up, San Juan explained, EEI shoulders equipment, supplies, trainors’ honorarium, and trainees’ al- lowance. The trainee gets P250 a day allowance. TESDA takes care of the venue, power consumption, and other equipment. San Juan said EEI spends P160,000 per trainee. The trainee will only spend for medical clearance. “The trainees will even have a chance to work on EEI projects abroad,” San Juan said. “EEI offers very good opportunities for trainees,” he added. TESDA Director Joel Villanueva, thru Region 3 Director Ted Gatchalian, has urged both young and adult in Central Luzon to avail the agency’s training program for training opportunities. ●