holy angel university strike continues
Transcription
holy angel university strike continues
business news BFAR to launch registration program for CL fishermen news pagE 3 www.headlinegl.com Group opposes Balibago water firm certification By Charlene A. Cayabyab VOLUME II • NO. 56 AUGUST 28, 2013 WEDNESDAY The Most Widely Distributed Local Newspaper in Central Luzon ANGELES CITY -- A group of concerned residents here expressed opposition to the application for Certificate of Public Conveyance (CPC) of the Balibago Water System Inc. (BWSI). BWSI filed its CPC application before the National Water Resources Board (NWRB), which would allow it to continue its services despite the expiration of its franchise in June. In a letter to the NWRB dated August 22, 2013, the Samahang tagaBalibago na ang Adhikain ay Kalusugroup opposes...pagE 7 Apalit mayor elected PML prexy By Marna Dagumboy-del Rosario CITY OF SAN FERNANDO -- Apalit Mayor Oscar Tetangco, Jr. has been elected yesterday as the new president of the Pampanga Mayors League (PML). During an interview, Tetangco called for unity among the PML members, adding that uniting local chief executives has challenged him into running for the league’s top post. “Masaya tayo dahil nakuha natin ang tiwala ng ating mga mayors at lalo na ang suporta ng ating gobernador. Nakita rin pml prexy... pagE 7 ‘MOTHER’ FOR ALL. Governor Lilia Pineda prepares to hand-over a pack of relief goods to an elderly in one of the relief operations of the Provincial Government in the Fourth District over the weekend. --Photo by Ric Gonzales ‘No deal!’ Holy Angel University strike continues Check gates proposed to prevent dike breach BACOLOR, Pampanga -- To mitigate the impact of flash floods during times of calamities, Bacolor Mayor Jomar Hizon proposed the construction of check gates at the ring dike. “This proposal came to mind during the height of the recent Typhoon Maring enhanced by the Southwest Monsoon, which caused erosion on some portions of the tail dike due to flash floods,” Hizon check gates... pagE 7 By Joey Pavia ANGELES CITY–The Holy Angel University Teachers and Employees Union (HAUTEU) is on the 14th day of strike today, affecting the operations of one of the biggest universities in Central Luzon with some 19,000 students. no deal...pagE 7 Floods persist in Pampanga, Bulacan CITY OF SAN FERNANDO -- The heavy rains have stopped for days, but most of the villages in the low-lying and coastal towns of Pampanga and Bulacan are still submerged to floodwater. Latest data from the Regional Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC) showed that a total of 179 villages in the two provinces are still under water despite the imfloods... pagE 7 STRUGGLE. Students show support to the striking members of the HAUTEU led by its spokesperson, Veronica Pangilinan (3rd from left), near a mock-up coffin at the main gate of the Holy Angel University in Angeles City on Tuesday. --Photo by Joey Pavia 2NEWS Headline Gitnang Luzon AUGUST 28, 2013 Bataan solon moves to rectify IRA shortfall By Michael Cigaral ‘TULONG KAPATID’. Businessman Manuel V. Pangilinan controlled, managed, and/or affiliated companies with provide assistance to victims of typhoon Maring in the City of San Fernando over the weekend. In photo are Gilas Pilipinas players, TV5 personalities and MVP group officers; Pampanga Third District Rep. Oscar Rodriguez; Mayor Edwin Santiago, Vice Mayor Jaime Lazatin and Councilor Angie Hizon. --Contributed photo Villanueva unveils assessment center for tourism in Zambales By Butch Gunio IBA, Zambales -- Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) Director General Joel Villanueva led the unveiling of the agency’s Assessment Center for Tourism here recently. Gov. Hermogenes Ebdane Jr. and Vice Gov. Ramon Lacbain II joined Villanueva in the unveiling of the center located at the TESDA compound in Barangay Palanginan, this town. Also present were former congressman Jun Omar Ebdane, Iba Vice Mayor Jun Farin, TESDA-3 Regional Director Ted Gatchalian, and TESDA-Zambales provincial director-in-charge, Virgie Bondoc. “Despite the bad weather, we did not pass on this opportunity to unveil Zambales’ Competency Assessment Center for Tourism, that will boost our efforts in upASSESSMENT CENTER... Page 7 FOR SMARTPHONES & TABLETS! You can grab our Digital Edition Copy via www.headlinegl.com & click Cover Today Barangay polls bump-off slated ‘Tigtigan, Terakan’ By Joey Pavia ANGELES CITY – The “Tigitigan, Terakan keng Dalan,” an annual street festival in Barangay Balibago, which attracted some 80,000 people in 2012, will be moved to December, Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan said on Tuesday. Pamintuan said the street party was held annually on October since he started it 20 years ago to liven up the businesses affected by the eruption of Mt. Pinatubo in 1991. Pamintuan said the street dance will be held on December 8. He has yet to give other dates of the event usually held for two days. Pamintuan cited the upcoming Barangay and Sangunniang Kabataan elections as the primary reasons for moving the original date of the festival from October to December. The barangay election is set on October 28. Last year, the street festival was held on October 28 to 29. ● DOLE-3 holds job fairs for flood-hit workers CITY OF SAN FERNANDO--The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) regional office here will conduct job fairs in selected areas in Central Luzon next month to help workers who were displaced by the recent storm which enhanced the southwest monsoon. Raymundo Agravante, DOLE regional director, said the move is part of the DOLE’s employment facilitation strategies to reach displaced workers in the local communities. “There are many workers who were severely affected by the floods in Central Luzon. The DOLE, in cooperation with Public Employment Service Office (PESO) and the concerned local government units (LGUs), will conduct job fairs in selected areas in the region to facilitate the employment search of jobseekers,” he said, adding that priority will be given to victims of the recent calamity. The one-day job fair will be held in the following areas: Old Capitol compound, Burgos Street, Cabanatuan City, Nueva Ecija on September 2; Tarlac City Plazuela, Tarlac on September 4; and the municipal auditorium in Guagua, Pampanga on September 17. “This is part of our post-calamity efforts to help displaced workers find decent job,” he said. He asked job applicants in the flood-hit areas in the region to visit their local PESO and register for the job fairs. Likewise, he advised job seekers to prepare their application documents for the job fairs, such as curriculum vitae or bio-data, police and NBI clearances, birth certificates, employment certificates, diplomas, transcript of records, training certificates, and other relevant documents. The job fair is in addition to the emergency employment program or Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged Workers (TUPAD) that the DOLE is implementing in the region to help flood-hit workers in the region. Through the TUPAD program, flood displaced workers are being given an opportunity to perform community works in exchange for a stipend allowance equivalent to existing minimum wage rates for a minimum number of days. So far, the DOLE has identified some 1,450 flood-displaced workers in Pampanga as beneficiaries of the TUPAD program. Of this number, Agravante said 417 displaced workers were prioritized as “they are already engaged in emergency rehabilitation works, such as sandbagging operations in the towns of Macabebe, Masantol, Minalin, Sto. Tomas, San Simon, Apalit, Sta. Ana, Floridablanca, Guagua, Lubao, Bacolor, and City of San Fernando.” He said the displaced workers will be employed for 10 days with a daily wage of P336. The partner LGUs, on the other hand, will provide the beneficiaries the necessary tools, safety/protective gears, hauling equipment, gasoline and seedlings that they will use for work. Aside from sandbagging activities, the workers will also render works such as clearing debris, de-clogging of canals, sewers and drainage and waterways, cleaning and repairing of public buildings and other infrastructures, like schools, barangay halls, public markets, roads and bridges. “Through these two initiatives, we hope we could be able to help the flood-affected families in the region,” he added. ● (PNA) BALANGA CITY -- Bataan Second District Rep. Enrique “Tet” Garcia, Jr. confirmed Monday morning that he is set to file this week a petition for mandamus before the Supreme Court against the national government and reverse the shortfall on the Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA) shares of local government units. “I am asking the Supreme Court to compel the national government to give the LGUs their just share in the national taxes as mandated by the Constitution. The Local Government Code requires the national government to give the LGUs a fixed percentage of the national internal revenue taxes as their IRA--30 percent in 1997 and onwards,” Garcia said. Garcia, in an interview with local newsmen here, reiterated that he is doing this not only for the province of Bataan, where he served as governor for the last nine years, “but for the benefit of the local government units all over the country – the provinces, cities, municipalities, and barangays.” Garcia added, “This is a duty imposed by the Constitution and the law. But I would say that the national government is fulfilling this duty halfheartedly, instead of fully and faithfully performing it. The national government computes the IRA not on the basis of the gross national internal revenue collections in the computation of the IRA. Moreover, the collections of the Bureau of Customs, of VAT and excise taxes, which are clearly internal revenue taxes, are not being included in the computation.” The solon explained that it resulted to a huge IRA shortfall which started in 1995 and will continue to accumulate until the error in the computation of the IRA is rectified. He also confirmed he wrote a letter to President Benigno Aquino III about this and told the Chief Executive that in three years alone (2009, 2010 and 2011), there is a shortfall in the IRA distributed to the LGUs in the aggregate amount of P233.1 billion. Reckoned from 1995 up to 2013, the shortfall will easily reach more than a trillion pesos. Unfortunately, Garcia said, he did not receive any response from the President. Presently, Garcia explained, the LGUs are being unfairly looked down upon for their perceived failure to deliver essential government services to the people; for their failure to provide adequate health services and employment, and to address poverty. “I submit that it is grossly unfair to expect much from the LGUs when their capability to RECTIFY IRA... Page 3 Headline Gitnang Luzon AUGUST 28, 2013 BUSINESS 3 BFAR to launch registration program for CL fishermen CITY OF SAN FERNANDO --The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) will launch in Central Luzon its simplified National Program for Municipal Fisherfolk Registration (FishR) on September 5. “FishR is aimed at developing a standardized registry sys- tem among municipal fisherfolks nationwide. It is anchored on Section 19 of Republic Act 8550, otherwise known as the Philippine Fisheries Code,” explained Lanie Lamyong, BFAR regional information officer. The agency targets to solicit the support of all local government units (LGUs) with coastal SM Clark promotes breastfeeding among future parents By Charlene A. Cayabyab ANGELES CITY--A shopping mall here, on Tuesday, conducted a breastfeeding seminar among future mothers in a bid to promote its benefits. SM City Clark (SMCK) conducted the “Breastfeeding: Close to Mothers” seminar among female students of the Clark International Science and Technology College. Some male students also attended the seminar. The seminar was led by Dr. Rowena Mangubat, resident OB-Gyne at the Angeles University Foundation Medical Center. Mangubat discussed the importance of breastfeeding saying that more than feeding an infant, it serves as a bond for the mother and child. Mangubat also cited SMCK and other SM malls for establishing a breastfeeding station in their respective malls. “We have to breastfeed our children at least every two hours regardless of where we are. So, it’s good to find a breastfeeding station at a shopping mall,” Mangubat said. Mangubat added that breastfeeding is the best source of nutrition for a healthy infant. For working mothers, Mangubat said, breast milk can be stored for a maximum of eight hours in a refrigerator. SM Supermalls have been known to promote breastfeeding as part of their corporate social responsibility. ● areas, lakes and other similar bodies of water to reconcile their registration system used at present and align them with FishR’s simplified system. “The information we will obtain from this project will be of great help in the implementation of relevant programs to assist LGUs in the develop- ment, administration, management, protection and care for fisheries resources; as well as with the establishment of a Comprehensive Fishery Information System,” Lamyong furthered. This information will serve as BFAR’s basis for providing technical or economic assis- 4,000 new jobs await Bataan residents by Michael Cigaral HERMOSA, BATAAN -More than 4,000 new jobs await residents of this town and nearby municipalities in a span of several months. Former Bases Conversion Development Authority (BCDA) Chairman Felicito Payumo confirmed to newsmen here that the first locator inside the Hermosa Economic Zone Industrial Park, the Sumi Philippines Wiring Systems (SPWS), a Japanese company which presently employs 3,000 workers, is now in its expansion stage and will need another 3,000 factory workers. Payumo is one of the brains behind the 500-hect- are industrial park located in Barangay Palihan of this municipality. Palihan is the entry point in Bataan to the Subic-ClarkTarlac Expressway (SCTEx). The former Bataan solon added that another foreign investor, which manufactures medical kits and gadgets, will be building its factory in the said economic zone this year and will employ 1,000 workers. Meanwhile, two foreign firms, Black and Decker and Nippon Steel, reportedly signified interests to have their expansion projects here but Payumo stated that they are still on the stage of negotiations with the said companies. ● tance and other programs or projects for the community of fishermen and implementing ecosystems-based approach to fisheries management. FishR shall cover all municipal fisherfolk, and fishworkers based in a municipality or city, as well as fishery operators. ● (PIA 3) rectify ira from Page 2 undertake good governance is being severely undermined. We need to sufficiently empower the LGUs not only for the sake of the country and our people but for the national government itself,” Garcia said. The Bataan solon cited a paper written for the Local Government Center, University of the Philippines College of Public Administration and Ford Foundation Philippines, where LGUs are being regarded by many citizens as the government. “If local governments fail and are unresponsive to the basic needs of the people, then government to these people is a failure, regardless of the grandiose plans and visions (the national government) has.” Garcia also said that he is filing the petition for mandamus with the Supreme Court banking on its earlier pronouncements on local autonomy, which he quote: “Our national officials should not only comply with the Constitutional provisions on local autonomy but should also appreciate the spirit and liberty upon which these provisions are based. Where the law, the Constitution in this case, is clear and unambiguous, it must be taken to mean exactly what it says, and courts have no choice but to see to it that the mandate is obeyed.” ● 4 Headline Gitnang Luzon AUGUST 28, 2013 EDITORIAL What’s our beef with ‘Pork’? For the past few weeks, we have been pushed to near nausea upon hearing the word “pork” or that general term used to refer to the allocation which congressmen, senators and top executives of our nation use to fund their pet projects. People are calling for its abolition in the light of controversies of misuse of the fund and the alleged practice of our government officials in amassing millions--if not billions-of pesos from the government money directly to their personal bank accounts. Many now think that it is only the Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) that is encumbering every Filipino who religiously pays taxes even against a meager salary. Many believe that to abolish pork would mean killing the root of corruption that has saddled Juan dela Cruz for a long time. We all know that government money is needed for the state to provide us the services we all deserve. But, we cannot let the corrupt ones to manage our funds because these people who we entrusted with our money end up richer why we remain poor--if not poorer. By scrapping the PDAF, however, does not mean instant savings for the government and more services for us. After the fund had been removed from the hands of greedy congressmen, who, then, will be the most competent people to handle it? The various departments of the national government? The local government units? We have become so busy hating the pork barrel that we forgot that corruption in government does not only revolve around the PDAF. We forgot that wherever the dust of money is, there will surely be “termites” running after it. We cannot let go of the fact that even a simple clerk in an office can make money, no matter how measly, from any government fund. At the end of the day, it is not the PDAF (or whatever name it will adopt after this noise) that poses the problem, but the people who control its release. Removing pork does not kill obese and greedy politicians, who could look for other sustenance to survive. HEADLINE Gitnang Luzon is a Daily Regional Newspaper General Manager: Atty. Gerome n. Tubig Asst. Manager: atty.rOWENAS.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 Fed-up na sa PDAF P wedeng sabihing matagumpay ang “One Million March” na ginanap noong Lunes sa Rizal Park kung tuluyan nang mawala ang pork barrel ng mambabatas. Andyan na ang momentum. Kung kailangan ang isa, dalawa, tatlo at higit pang “One Million March” para mawala nang todo ang pork barrel, kailangan, ang mamamayan ay hindi mag-atubiling maglunsad nito. *** Fed-up na ang mamamayan sa PDAF. Marami tayong kakilala na mga congressmen na nagsi-yaman dahil binusog nila ang sarili sa SOP nila sa mga proyekto. Sa gamot na binibili nila ay mahigit sa 50 percent ang kickback. Sa mga imprastraktura ay umaabot sa 30 percent. Halos iyong kalahati ng sitenta milyones na pork barrel nila kada taon ay naibubulsa nila. Mayroon pa rin sila sa kung tawagin ay “insertion”. Dinadaan *** ni Pangulong Noynoy sa rhetorics ang tungkol sa pork barrel. Sa totoo lang, hindi niya kayang tanggalin ang pork barrel ng mga mambabatas, dahil pag ginawa niya yoon bubuweltahan siya at tatanggalin din nila ang kaniyang pork barrel na bilyon-bilyong piso. Naniniwala ba kayo na walang nagkakwarta sa pork barrel ng Malacanang? *** Sa ilalim ng batas, ang executive budget o annual budget ay preparasyon ng Malacañang at ito ay dadalhin sa kongreso para bubusiin ng mga mambabatas. Mayroon silang kapangyarihan na magbawas ng gastusin ng alinmang sangay ng pamahalaan kasama na ang palasyo, subali’t hindi pwedeng magdagdag. Sa kanilang kapangyarihan, pwede nilang bigyan ng zero budget ang alinmang ahensiya. Malaking kapangyarihan ito na kahit ang pangulo ng bansa ay kailangan niya itong respetuhin. *** Isa pang kinatatakutan ng Malacañang ay “power of impeachment”. Kapag nagalit ang karamihan sa mga mambabatas at kunwari ay nag-file ang isang kagawad nito, malamang kaysa hindi, aabot ito sa senado. Natatandaan niyo ba noong na-impeach si Chief Justice Renato Corona? Sinabihan lang ang mga congressmen na dadagdagan ang kanilang pork barrel pag pumirma sa impeachment article, animo’y mga baboy ang marami sa kanila na sunudsunurang pumirma kahit hindi pa binasa ang kalamnan nito. Iyong hindi pumirma tinanggalan. Iyan ba ang daang matuwid ni Pnoy? *** Bakit naman binaboy ng mga raliyista ang pagdalo ni Corona sa One Million March? Ang tunay na baboy ay iyong bumaboy sa kaniya. Pinatalsik siya ng senado hindi sa pork barrel kung hindi sa maling pagsumite niya ng Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth (SALN). • toda max Max Sangil “Marami tayong kakilala na mga congressmen na nagsi-yaman dahil binusog nila ang sarili sa SOP nila sa mga proyekto.” Gov Pineda’s call during calamities “Since we experience floods every year, the government, including local government units, might want to consider the massive desilting of rivers and the re-channeling of waterways to proper places such as the Manila Bay. ” L ast week, Pampanga Governor Lilia Pineda has called on mayors in flooded towns in the province to efficiently use their municipalities’ calamity funds to truly address their constituents’ needs during times of calamities. The call was timely as hundreds of barangays remain inundated as of last week due to typhoon Maring and the monsoon rains. *** Each local government unit in the whole country has its own calamity funds comprising of five percent of the Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA) they receive from the national government. The calamity fund has to be used solely by the local government unit concerned during times of calamities in mitigating its effects and in rehabilitating the damages brought by any calamity to lives and properties in an area. *** The calamity fund should not be used for abuse as it is an emergency fund that can only be utilized “when the need arises” and not when local officials merely wanted it to be used. It can and should be used in times of emergencies as a contingency means for the welfare of the constit- uencies of our local officials. including the one in Minalin town. *** *** Pa mpa nga With the call is the was one of the governor’s assurance provinces that that the provincial were badlycapitol is always ready affected by to help in rescue opthe onslaught erations, relief and reof heavy rains habilitation efforts of last week. The municipalities and baprovince sufrangays. Since the affered from termath of the deluge floods espethat flooded a number cially in lowlying areas ATTY. GEROME TUBIG of barangays, the governor never stopped brought about in visiting typhoonby the oversaturation of the soil with affected areas, mostly under floodwaters and the breach of floodwaters as of this writing. some flood protection dikes atty. kap... Page 7 ATTY. KAP 5 Headline Gitnang Luzon AUGUST 28, 2013 Neminem N o one should remain nobody. It’s ridiculous how most of us flaunt the notion that those degree holders in college are always better than those who are not. This misconception is an open disgrace to the creators of excellence that came before us. It is a direct insult to the intellect of great thinkers and workers who redefine success. So, if you think the same way, you should run now and save a face, for I will list down Outside a squad of big names that were Looking In high school and Mark Lendle L. Toloza college drop-outs but succeeded in life: Bill Gates, Al Pacino, Mark Zuckerberg, Kobe Bryant, Steve Jobs, Johnny Depp, Robert de Niro, Princess Diana, Ringo Starr, Robert Downey, Jr. and Marilyn Monroe. And these are just some of those standing on the frontline of thousand names and beyond. Don’t get it twisted, the truth that I want to elevate here is not a question of having a college diploma as a gateway to success. If you think that education is the key, so do I. A fact to complement this is that even I want my younger brothers and my daughter to finish their formal education, and have a college diploma in the future. For this will open many doors of opportunity for them. One must pursue his education, there is no discussion on that. But, the issue that I cannot even stomach is when people act like having a college diploma is the only barometer to success; like it’s the only mark of a knowledgeable person; like Mga OFW sa Egypt it’s the criterion of credibility and the only touchstone of competency. That is stupidity in it’s purest form. That mentality should go like a darn dirt that should be flushed out, then, after some good wiping and sanitizing, gone. It’s true, we need the expertise of professionals to rebuild a competitive country. But we should not undermine those high “Meanwhile, more and more college drop-outs with intrinsic abilities are like winter clothes in summer months of a tropical country--they remain unused and unnoticed.” school and college drop-outs with potential just because they do not have a diploma. Otherwise, we will have a nation that does not produce leaders, but a breeding ground of superficial individuals full of bravado and lacking substance. Kabayans, let us realize the fact that there are out-of-school youth, college dropouts and undergraduates who are intellectual, talented and full of innate abilities but many are just stagnating. Some of them abandoned and failed to pursue their formal education due to financial incapability, self-destructive attitude, poor emotional quotient, external and environmental factors or lifechanging events like early marriage and college pregnancy. Please, don’t propose an argument to me that all college graduates are competent. I can scribble down hundreds of legitimate college graduates who, until now, cannot even solve a simple algebraic expression or con- struct a decent essay less of spelling errors, or grammatically unsound statements. Some of them survived just by eliminating or minimizing number of absences in each schoolyear; others participated in extracurricular activities to improve their grades; and a few used the power of charm to form friendship with classmates and teachers. Meanwhile, more and more college drop-outs with intrinsic abilities are like winter clothes in summer months of a tropical country--they remain unused and unnoticed. Let us build up, and not tear down undergraduates with potential, abilities and skills competent enough to kickstart the rise of our country, positioning itself to honor and pride that we long deserve. I propose building scholarship programs not only for those financially incapacitated students, but also for those talented, skilled and brilliant individuals to finish their studies and capitalize their strengths. I also suggest adding up subjects for personality development, solidifying E.Q. and good attitude, character building, and self-discipline lessons to our curriculum, just like what Japan and other powerful countries are doing. These are what we really need. My fellow Filipinos, let us recognize what’s beyond the tangible. Let us judge not by the diploma alone. Let us choose substance over superficial and potential over praise. But, still, there are some who like to downplay the potential of their rivals and their dire move is to question their opponent’s capability based on the educational resumè; fronting as the better person after they declared their educational merits. For them, let my squad of big names shout in unison: “Wow! That’s cute!” • A million march away from pork L erty alleviation programs of every ast Monday was a truly a his- its search for Janet Napoles. Billions of pesos were squandered district. toric day to remember. It was C ont r ac t s on i n f r a s t r uc t u r e s the Million People March Day. by a few individuals and no one, as in, It was the main discussion on every no one was held accountable. Ficti- should be black and white. No more corner of the country and even in the tious non government organizations under the table scheme to eradicate corruption. social media as hundreds of thou- who received humongous There should be a resands people marched to voice their funds were disclosed and vamp in our budgetary outrage over the graft-taint“I could foresee that in the system. No more pork ed priority development asbarrel to both the legissistance fund ( PDAF) also next national election, there lative and the executive known as the pork barrel. departments of the govIt was the first in the his- would no be more candidates ernment to prevent cortory of the Philippines that in the House of the Represenruption. I could foresee Filipino people demanded tative except, of course, to that in the next national the total abolition of the pork some nationalistic and paelection, there would no barrel in the streets. Filipinos be more candidates in the all over the globe expressed triotic individuals who want House of the Representatheir support to the cause by to serve the country without tive except, of course, to protests and slogans. Priests, vested interests.” ELLEZ J. DAVIO some nationalistic and celebrities, militant groups, patriotic individuals who private citizens and students want to serve the country joined the rally to express without vested interests. their sentiments over the controver- nobody was held liable to date. We should vanguard ourselves Even the richest man in the world sial pork barrel. Discoveries upon discoveries of the does not own 28 houses and more than from the rotten political aspirants to protect our integrity as Filipinos. A scam were laid down to the public in 400 accounts as Janet Napoles has. She could be in the list of the country free of corruption is a counthe past weeks. Still, we could not get hold of the primary suspect of the Forbes magazine as one of the rich- try of fairness and honor. I wished I was there to express my scam, for she is missing in action as est women in the planet with such of the moment. And the sad truth, no- assets and money. She enjoyed the position and to witness the historic body knows where Janet Napoles is. comfort of being affluent at the ex- event. I was invited by my fellow Peyups to join the rally but, unfortuSpeculations that some govern- pense of the Filipino people. Personally, I am in favor of the nately, I was confined to my obligament high officials were behind her disappearance are somewhat authen- scrapping of the pork barrel to avoid tions as a mother. I may not be visibly present, but tic. Pictures of her rubbing elbows corruption. Instead of handling the with top government officials is proof funds to one representative of each my faith to the cause is very much thereof that she was a prominent per- district, it should be directed and re- appreciated by them. Now, is the sonality in Congress--the reason why channeled to the basic social servic- time to catch the big monster that is the long arm of the law seems futile in es like education, health, and pov- eating our pork on our table. • Now We Know! K ung makailang beses lang, nanawagan muli ang ating bansa sa mga kababayan nating nasa bansang Egypt na umuwi na dito sa Pilipinas upang makaiwas sa mga kaguluhang nangyayari doon. Nanawagang muli si Secretary Albert Del Rosario ng Department of Foreign Affairs sa mga Pilipino na nandoon sa nasabing bansa, na lumisan na at samantalahin ang “repatriation program” ng ating gobyerno na pagpapauwi sa ating mga Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW). Samantala, hinikayat ni Del Rosario ang mga kababayan natin doon na kung maaari ay manatili muna sila sa loob ng kanilang bahay na tinitirhan o sa kanilang mga establisyimentong kinalalagyan habang pino-proseso ng mga tauhan ng ating pamahalaan ang pagpapauwi sa kanila sa ating bansa. Matatandaang nagsimula ang mga sunud-sunod na karahasan sa nasabing bansa noong nakalipas na buwan nang mapatalsik sa kaniyang puwesto si dating Pangulong Mohamed Morsi sa isang kudetang naganap na kung saan kulang lamang sa isang libo ang mga namatay. Bunsod ng mga kaguluhan mula noong ibinaba sa kaniyang puwesto si Morsi, ang ating embahada sa nasabing bansa ay patuloy na nakikipag-ugnayan sa ating mga kababayan doon na kung maaari ay Ka Dencio Pacheco magsiuwi na sa ating bansa bago pa mahuli ang lahat. “Kagaya ng iba Mayroong tinatayang 6,000 pa nating mga mga Pilipino ang nasa Egypt at OFW sa iba’tkaramihan sa kanila ay nagtatrabaho bilang mga “skilled workers” ibang parte ng at ang iba ay bilang mga kasambadaigdig, sila hay. Kagaya ng iba pa nating mga ay nagtitiyaga OFW sa iba’t-ibang parte ng daigna maghanapdig, sila ay nagtitiyaga na maghanbuhay sa mga ap-buhay sa mga malalayong lugar upang kumita para sa kanilang malalayong mga pamilya dito sa Pilipinas. Tilugar upang nitiis nila ang hirap ng trabaho, ang lungkot at kung minsan ang kumita para sa pagma-maltrato ng ilang mga kanilang mga “employer” upang mayroon lapamilya dito sa mang maipakain sa kanilang mga naiwan sa ating bansa. Pilipinas” Kasalukuyang nasa “state of emergency” ang Egypt dahil na rin sa kabi-kabilang mga kaguluhan at away ng mga taga-suporta ni Morsi at ng mga tauhan ng pamahalaan nila. Kahit may mga panganib sa kanilang mga buhay, ayaw lisanin ng ating mga OFW sa nasabing bansa ang kanilang mga trabaho. Kunsabagay, hindi rin natin sila masisisi sa bagay na ito dahil mas pipiliin nilang manatili doon kaysa naman sa magutom ang kanilang mga pamilya na naririto sa Pilipinas. Kung mayroon lamang mga disenteng trabaho dito ang ating mga kababayan na kung saan ay magkakaroon sila nang sapat na kita para sa kanilang mga pamilya, natitiyak kong hinding-hindi na sila lalayo para lamang kumayod at magbanat nang mga buto sa ibang bansa. Sa kabila nang mga panawagan ng ating pamahalaan na sila nga ay umuwi na sa ating bansa, wala namang sapat at angkop na programa ang ating pamahalaan para sa kanila sakaling magpasya silang umuwi na nga dito. Ang tanong ay kung may madadatnan kaya silang mga trabaho dito na maaari silang kumita nang sapat na halaga sakaling sila ay magpasya nang manatili sa ating bansa? Marami na rin sa ating mga OFWs ang umuwi na dito sa Pilipinas pero ninanais pa rin nila ang bumalik sa kanilang mga banyagang “employers” dahil wala man o di sapat ang oportunidad para kumita dito sa ating bansa. Wala ring mga programa ang ating pamahalaan para sa mga nagbabalak na umalis nang bansa upang mahikayat ang mga magagaling na mga propesyonal nating mga kababayan na manatili na lamang sana dito para maghanapbuhay. Kung ating mapapansin, marami sa ating mga duktor, inhinyero at arkitekto ang nagpupumilit na makapagtrabaho sa ibang bansa sa dahilang hindi nila nakakayanan ang murang pasahod o maliit na kita nila sa Pilipinas. Sayang nga naman ang kanilang galing at panahon kung hindi ito matutumbasan nang sapat na kita dito sa atin. Magiging epektibo at magkakaroon nang tugon ang ating mga kababayan sa Egypt at sa iba pang mga bansa sa panawagan ng pamahalaan na sila ay umuwi na sa Pilipinas kung matitiyak sana nito na may magandang trabaho silang naghihintay dito. Kung makakasiguro Walang Biro! walang biro!... Page 7 Gitnang Luzon AUGUST 28, 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 35 36 37 60 61 42 46 49 47 50 54 53 55 56 57 58 64 59 62 63 65 66 67 68 69 70 71 B058ID Down 1. Trots 2. “Leaving on___Plane” 3. First ___ (ship officer) 1. Visitors to Jesus 4. ___ Islands (Bahamas group) 2. Vidi, in English 5. Suffix with musket or ballad 3. Currency6.in Capri Injure 7. Square-rigger 4. ___ on (exaggerates) 8. Nondairy topping 5. Braz. neighbor 9. Woman’s shoe 10. February stone 6. Eggs, biologically 11. “___ luego” 12. U.S.S.R. collective 7. Cassidy portrayer William 13. Set aside for later use 8. Peter Fonda's golden role 18. Regarding Poet Millay 9. Baggage22. carrier 24. Butcher’s side Down 25. It can be 1 through 12 27. ___ ringer 28. Jacob's wife before Rachel 28. “Me here!” 29. "The 29.Last StyleDays of Pompeii" girl 30. Cornhusker’s city Getty Villa site 30. Try31. this first 10. Learned 35. Suffix meaning “collection” 31. Antiseptic 36. Pupil’selement pony 37. Like a Playmate of the 35. Company's icon Month 39.in Seaweed-filled 36. Milk, Marseille sea 41. River of Hades 37. ___-ball (arcade game) 44. Tilled 46. 1988 Olympics site 39. Campy 1960's hit sitcom 49. Stable scene 41. Work on glass, say 50. Abridgments 51.in “Good buddies” hand 44. Item an actor's 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 SM PAMPANGA | Cinema 1 53. Diminishes in intensity 24. 6-3, 5-7 and 6-4,The e.g.Mortal Instruments: City of Bones56. Couples 25. Safe place MTRCB Rating: PG-13 10:40 AM | 1:15 PM | 3:50 PM for | 6:25 57. Place cogitation 27. Diner sandwiches, PMfor | 9:00 PM short Across 13 22 25 29 32 12 19 18 23 11 16 20 51 8 15 14 27 7 Puzzle ID: #W044DV 52. Whether ___ 1. Window’s support 5. Form into an arch 10. Cries from creative people 14. Town near Santa Barbara 15. Country’s Steve 16. Mini-___ (convenience store) 17. Union: third stage 19. “____ Perpetua,” Idaho motto 20. Ale holder 21. Enterprising one 23. Mount from which Moses viewed the Promised Land 26. Fill the lungs 27. Hellish literary work 32. High season, on the Riviera 33. Hopkins of “Gimme a Break” 34. Brand of running shoe 38. Sale tag words 40. Mares’ young 42. Freight charge deduction 43. Alice’s cat 45. Signed I.O.U.’s 47. Veto, slangily 48. Popular lullaby 51. Eccentric one 54. Wife: Lat. 55. Most encompassing 58. Range of the Rockies 62. River in Austria 63. Quick-changers 66. Aussie bounders 67. Gossip columnist Joyce 68. Chimney passage 69. Houston player, informally 70. Tantamount 71. Bar overdoers Necessity State for an organ 60.53. Longhorn school transplant near the Mex. border 56. The N.B.A.’s O’Neal, 61.familiarly Houston player, informally Cologne thathosts soundsits 64.57. Jerry Lewis improper telethons annually: Abbr. 59. ___ contendre Carpenter’s metal piece 65.60. ___ favor: please (Sp.) 61. “____ Death,” Grieg passage 64. “Oh, give ___ home...” 65. Schubert’s “The ___ KIng” LAST ISSUE ANSWERS 6 Headline SM CLARK | Cinema 1 The Conjuring MTRCB Rating: R-13 11:40 AM | 2:00 PM | 4:20 PM | 6:40 PM | 9:00 PM SM CITY SAN FERNANDO Downtown | Cinema 2 The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones MTRCB Rating: PG-13 12:30 PM | 3:20 PM | 6:10 PM | 9:00 PM SM PAMPANGA | Cinema 3 Planes in 3D MTRCB Rating: GP 12:20 PM | 2:30 PM | 4:40 PM | 6:50 PM | 9:00 PM SM CLARK | Cinema 2 The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones 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 R.I.P.D. MTRCB Rating: PG-13 12:00 PM | 2:15 PM | 4:30 PM | 6:45 PM | 9:00 PM SM PAMPANGA | Cinema 4 The Conjuring MTRCB Rating: R-13 11:40 AM | 2:00 PM | 4:20 PM | 6:40 PM | 9:00 PM SM CLARK |D-CINEMA Planes in 3D MTRCB Rating: GP 12:40 PM | 2:45 PM | 4:50 PM | 6:55 PM | 9:00 PM SM PAMPANGA | Cinema 4 Ang Huling Henya MTRCB Rating: PG-13 11:00 AM | 1:30 PM | 4:00 PM | 6:30 PM | 9:00 PM SM PAMPANGA | Cinema 5 Ekstra MTRCB Rating: PG-13 11:20 AM | 1:45 PM | 4:10 PM | 6:35 PM SM PAMPANGA | Cinema 6 R.I.P.D. MTRCB Rating: PG-13 10:40 AM | 12:40 PM | 2:40 PM | 4:40 PM SM PAMPANG| CINEMA 6 The Butler MTRCB Rating: PG-13 6:25 PM | 9:00 PM SM CLARK |Cinema 4 The Butler MTRCB Rating: PG-13 10:40 AM | 1:15 PM | 3:50 PM Percy Jackson: Sea of Monsters MTRCB Rating: PG-13 6:40 PM | 9:00 PM SM CLARK |Cinema 5 Ang Huling Henya MTRCB Rating: PG-13 10:40 AM | 1:15 PM | 3:50 PM | 6:25 PM | 9:00 PM SM CLARK |Cinema 6 R.I.P.D. MTRCB Rating: PG-13 12:40 PM | 2:45 PM | 4:50 PM | 6:55 PM | 9:00 PM HOROSCOPE AQUARIUS (JAN. 20 - FEB. 18) Your inner resources and emotions are accented. This could not only mean you have control over yourself in touchy situations but you can expect a sense of support and goodwill from others. This is a good day to get things done. You have good eye-hand coordination, particularly today. Any sustained effort will make almost any task run well. You may feel like exercising or getting outside from time to time--it would certainly give you a good break. Lovers, children and other people dear to your heart are emphasized this evening. Perhaps a picnic dinner at a nearby park would bring the family together in a positive atmosphere. Everyone may feel like doing something different afterwards. New insights are possible with someone older this evening. ARIES (MAR. 21-APR. 19) Don’t be surprised if you are not in top mental gear today; these days occur occasionally. You could find yourself struggling to communicate. Take the time to write a grateful list. Hard words or confusing information or thoughts will not remain in your energy field for long. You will find that your hesitation to ask questions has vanished and your timing is greatly improved by the afternoon. Others will follow your example as you begin to see everything as steppingstones to a better you. You could be an excellent teacher in areas requiring discipline. You value order and place a high premium on hard work. You will have a guardian angel blessing you in all you do with family matters this evening. Relax, enjoy and listen to the musical sounds of their voices. CANCER (JUN 22- JUL 22) You may tend to ignore the law today--watch your speed and fasten your seatbelt. Your sense of direction may need more attention than usual as you seem a bit distracted. You have a way of making yourself known as you are greatly motivated to encourage others and to help whomever to move forward. Your outward seriousness about things is obvious but occasionally, like today, you can exhibit a great sense of humor. For some reason, today seems to be one of those days when you and a co-worker friend could exchange jokes much of the day long. There are things that test your patience but they will only last a short time. This evening you may decide to involve yourself with some genealogy study. You will have a helper in this research. SM CITY SAN FERNANDO Downtown | Cinema 1 The Conjuring MTRCB Rating: R-13 11:20 AM | 1:45 PM | 4:10 PM | 6:35 PM | 9:00 PM 59. Go over 212 degrees LAST ISSUE solution MARQUEEMALL | Cinema 1 The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones MTRCB Rating: PG-13 1:15 PM | 3:55 PM | 6:35 PM | 9:15 PM MARQUEEMALL | Cinema 2 Planes MTRCB Rating: GP 12:40 PM | 2:50 PM | 5:00 PM | 7:10 PM | 9:20 PM MARQUEEMALL | Cinema 3 The Conjuring MTRCB Rating: R-13 12:10 PM | 2:30 PM | 4:50 PM | 7:10 PM | 9:30 PM ( Cinema schedules are subject to change without prior notice.) CAPRICORN (DEC. 22 - JAN 19) You value hard work and effort and will go about completing your designated tasks as quickly as possible today. You like to get down to the bare bones--to what is essential. You may find yourself being put to good use by your friends this afternoon. All of this should go rather smoothly. You may be tempted to overextend yourself today with regard to physical exercise or new business. Your energy is high and opportunities are many, but do not act rashly. Impulsive action could lead to accidents or overspending. Expand your experiences but stay clear of reckless behavior. There are opportunities to understand those around you this evening and interaction with others is good. A sense of support and harmony make this a happy time. GEMINI (MAY 21-JUN 21) You could discover that you are appreciated for your ability to get things accomplished. Because of this, someone may seek you out for your ideas regarding business matters. You are able to cut through the formalities and get at what is beneath. You possess an architect’s vision for what needs to be done and how to do it right to make it last--an expert or true builder. Others sense that you know just what tool to use and how and when to use it when it comes to problem-solving--a sense of the right path or dharma. You may even wonder why you do not exert this energy on yourself from time to time. There may be some insights to this quandary and you may find yourself making lists of things you want to change now. You are energized this evening. LEO (JUL 23 - AUG. 23) You could be most persuasive with others today. In a meeting, you will be able to gain the attention of higher-ups and help to make some positive changes in the workplace. Others listen to your views. It is natural for you to put your practical and management abilities to work. You can make a career out of your keen organizational skills and you have clear insight into how things work. You might consider a consulting profession of your own some day. It is something you could do in little steps until you see if you like the idea. Supervising and taking charge is your trademark. You tend to think along lines that are practical and conservative, always coming up with sound and productive ideas. Love, creativity and self-expression fulfill your needs. LIBRA (SEP. 23 - OCT. 23) You appear perhaps more charming and refined than usual. Now is the best time this month to request a raise, look for a new position, find a job or otherwise make yourself known. Take an opportunity to write out your goals. You have great psychological insight into life problems. You may consider some volunteer work in aiding, counseling or helping others understand difficulties. You can be fiercely tenacious. You always manage to come across as intense and personal when communicating and presenting yourself to others. Others are fascinated by the way you present yourself. It is easy for you to work with people from all walks of life. You could consider a job in management, perhaps teaching or athletic training or coaching. PISCES (FEB. 19 - MAR. 20) Considering that your weekend was so full, this day is welcomed! Accomplishments and the completion of any projects or routine work are anticipated before the day even begins. This afternoon you may enjoy your friends and some light social involvement. Careful--you may find yourself more than a little interested in spending your money. You are nourished in great measure by the atmosphere and conditions you are able to set up. Now is the time to work on a budget--and this is what you may want to tell your friends when you finally realize you would rather see your bank account increase instead of decrease. By clarifying your budget, you will avoid many financial difficulties later. You enjoy the company of loved ones this evening. SAGITTARIUS (NOV. 22 - DEC. 21) This is a great time to work with others. You may be asked to perform or oversee certain tasks today. Your executive abilities are in high focus. This could be an action-filled day when time seems to slow down as you encounter some of your more vulnerable areas. This kind of intensity points to inner change and growth. You have the green light for moving forward in your career decisions. You have plenty of drive and enthusiasm that should be easy to channel. You feel a love of order and an appreciation for responsibilities. In addition, mystical, metaphysical and occult subjects appeal to you. You will probably seek out contact in one of these areas to gain a greater understanding of life’s mysteries. One of your favorites is the art of meditation. SM CLARK |IMAX The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones MTRCB Rating: PG-13 12:30 PM | 3:30 PM | 6:30 PM | 9:30 PM NOW SHOWING Robinsons Starmills |Cinema 1 Ekstra MTRCB Rating: PG-13 12:00 PM | 2:20 PM Robinsons Starmills | Cinema 4 Planes MTRCB Rating: GP 12:00 PM | 2:00 PM | 4:00 PM | 6:00 PM Robinsons Angeles | Cinema 2 The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones MTRCB Rating: PG-13 12:20 PM | 2:45 PM | 5:10 PM | 7:40 PM Robinsons Starmills |Cinema 1 Ang Huling Henya MTRCB Rating: PG-13 5:00 PM | 7:40 PM Robinsons Starmills | Cinema 5 R.I.P.D. MTRCB Rating: PG-13 11:40 AM | 1:45 PM | 3:50 PM | 5:55 PM | 8:00 PM Robinsons Angeles | Cinema 3 Percy Jackson: Sea of Monsters MTRCB Rating: PG-13 12:50 PM | 3:10 PM Robinsons Starmills |Cinema 2 The Conjuring MTRCB Rating: R-13 12:30 PM | 2:50 PM | 5:10 PM | 7:30 PM Robinsons Starmills | Cinema 6 The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones MTRCB Rating: PG-13 12:00 PM | 2:40 PM | 5:20 PM | 8:00 PM Robinsons Angeles Cinema 3 Ekstra MTRCB Rating: PG-13 5:20 PM | 7:30 PM Robinsons Starmills | Cinema 3 R.I.P.D. MTRCB Rating: PG-13 1:30 PM | 3:35 PM | 5:40 PM Robinsons Angeles | Cinema 1 The Conjuring MTRCB Rating: R-13 12:30 PM | 2:50 PM | 5:10 PM | 7:40 PM Robinsons Angeles Cinema 4 R.I.P.D. MTRCB Rating: PG-13 1:00 PM | 3:10 PM | 5:20 PM | 7:30 PM SCORPIO (OCT. 24- NOV. 21) You may find yourself very appreciative of your career and practical skills. You might enjoy solving puzzles and problems and finding solutions. Be very attentive to times and dates today as there is some possibility of misunderstanding. There is some inner peace and harmony that comes with doing a job successfully but you tend to enjoy teaching others and watching for the success of those you teach. This afternoon there is an opportunity to trade work with your fellow co-workers so that each of you learn each other’s job for those times of vacation or absences. Your understanding of people and the ability to put sensitive situations into perspective are unique and valuable gifts. There is a chance to understand those around you. TAURUS (APR. 20-MAY 20) Everything points to you--moving forward. You could feel great support from those around you as you find a first in the way of accomplishment. Something you did not think you could do will be successfully accomplished. A little smile may appear on your face for the rest of this day. The afternoon is promising for working in groups. Your management abilities shine and you could be asked to organize or supervise some work process. You like work and career. This is an inspiring period, be it creative, personal or in the business world. You like radical approaches and may find yourself in support of whatever is a new wave product or advanced breakthrough. Swimming or some other form of exercise is helpful for your relaxation this evening. VIRGO (AUG. 23-SEP.22) This is a high-cycle day when you may find yourself signing contracts, making arrangements and scurrying around on time schedules. You may find yourself serving to guide someone younger than you in important matters. You may perceive how to proceed with plans and decisions with regard to your life situation. You could find that you are appreciated or valued for your feelings and your ability to respond quickly and get things done. More than one person will pay you compliments today on your speedy abilities. Put your mind to work and take care of any details that you may have, for mental discipline should come easily. After work you will receive a door prize or gift from some unexpected source. You could be enjoying friends at a coffee house. Headline Gitnang Luzon AUGUST 28, 2013 no deal from Page 1 Veronica Pangilinan, HAUTEU spokesperson, stressed that they will continue their strike at the Holy Angel University (HAU) until the union’s demand be granted by the management. The strike started on August 15 at the school whose board of directors is led by business tycoon Manuel “Manny” Pangilinan. “We will go on until we get what we want,” said Pangilinan who was interviewed at the tents just outside the HAU main gate. Pangilinan said the issue is not the low salary of the more than 600 workers of the HAU but “transparency.” walang biro! from Page 5 Pangilinan cited Republic Act 6728, or the law requiring 70 percent of incremental proceeds (IP) from tuition fee increase (TFI) should go to: the improvement of salaries, wages and benefits of teaching and non-teaching personnel; 20 percent for physical improvement; and, 10 percent for return of investment. Pangilinan said the HAU had increased tuition fee at least five times since 2007. She said that the HAUTEU led by its president, Dr. Edmond Maniago, “basically wants the report on where the increases and money go.” “They gave us a report but it was not supported by documents,” said Pangilinan. She said the operations at the HAU had been affected even if the management tapped “substitute” teachers to replace the striking teaching force. “Some students just go out of the classrooms after reporting to school because they have no teachers. Some of the substitute teachers are not qualified to teach and this fact forces the students not to report to class,” said Pangilinan. Pangilinan said the 385 members of the HAUTEU had hoped the union and the management would settle the difference and avoid the strike. She said that 304 of its members voted “yes” to the strike, while 24 disagreed during the voting on December 7. “We waited longer or about eight months to give settlement a chance. We also considered some of our members and their families who may go hungry because of the policy ‘no work, no pay’,” said Pangilinan. Headline Gitnang Luzon tried but failed to get the reaction of the HAU management, which has yet to issue official statements since the strike started. ● PML PREXY from Page 1 natin ang malasakit at tulong ng bawat mayor kaya tinanggap na natin ang hamong ito na pamunuan ang PML,” Tetangco said. He also vowed to surpass the plans and programs of then PML president and former Candaba mayor Jerry Pelayo. Tetangco also appealed to each PML member to set aside political differences and work as a team especially in times of disaster. “’Di lang natin tatapatan ang mga ginawa ng dating pamunuan ng PML, hihigitan pa po natin yun. Sa lahat ng ating mga mayor, kalimutan na muna ang political party ng bawat isa, ang importante magtulung-tulong tayo bilang isang pamilya,” the mayor stressed. During the election, the group appointed Vice Governor Dennis Pineda as PML chairman emeritus for his contributions for the past six years of being the chapter president of the local chief executives in Pampanga. Other elected officers are Mayors Eduardo Guerrero (Floridablanca), secretary; Annette Balgan (Macabebe), treasurer; Dante Torres (Guagua), auditor; Condralito dela Cruz (Porac), business manager; and Edgardo Flores (Minalin), public relation officer. The board of directors are Mayors Roy Manalastas (Mexico); Rommel Concepcion (Sta. Ana); Venancio Macapagal (San Luis); Joselito Naguit (Sto. Tomas); and Danilo Guintu (Masantol). Meanwhile, Lubao Mayor Mylyn Pineda-Cayabyab was elected PML Executive Vice President (EVP); Magalang Mayor Romulo Pecson, VP for First District; Sta. Rita Mayor Yolanda Pineda, VP for Second District; Bacolor Mayor Jose Maria Hizon, VP for Third District; and Candaba Mayor Rene Maglanque, VP for Fourth District. ● CHECK GATES from Page 1 said. In his proposal, four check gates will be installed at the ring dike, which include one each at the Sto. Tomas section, Sta. RitaMinalin, Mesalipit-Bacolor and City of San Fernando section. “In the event of flash floods, check gates will be opened to gradually release floodwaters to lessen the pressure and prevent damage on the structure,” he added. Aside from preventing flash floods, the said project also aims to provide irrigation to farmers and aquaculture industries in the town and neighboring areas. The said proposal gained approval in a meeting of var- ious local chief executives and government engineers. In addition, Hizon revealed that in case the proposal will materialize, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) will provide funding for the project. Meanwhile, DPWH Regional Director Antonio Molano said that the agency is considering Hizon’s pro- posal, but they should first consult LGUs surrounding the dike before it can be implemented. He also said that about P139 million is allotted for urgent projects like this one. Other similar projects include upgrading of dikes, widening of Gugu River, and repair of Sta. Ursula Bridge. ●(PIA 3) FLOODS from Page 1 proved weather condition. In Pampanga, a total of 111 barangays in the towns of Apalit, Masantol, Macabebe, San Simon, Guagua, Minalin, Candaba, Sto. Tomas, San Luis, Mexico, Sta, Ana, are still under one to four foot-deep water due to slow recession of water in the Pampanga river and other allied rivers, aggravated by high tide. Likewise, 68 villages in the towns of Calumpit, Hagonoy, Obando, Paombong and Malolos City remained under water due to high tide and the effects of backfloods coming from higher towns of Bulacan, Pampanga, Nueva Ecija and some parts of Tarlac. As of 8 a.m. Tuesday, there are still some roads in Pampanga that are not passable to all types of vehicles, including the Baliwag-Candaba-Sta Ana road and the Candaba-San Miguel road. The Apalit-Macabebe-Masantol road is hardly passable to heavy vehicles while the Sto. Tomas-MinalinMacabebe road is hardly passable to light vehicles. The Manila North Road-TulaucSto. Domingo road is only passable to heavy vehicles while the San SimonBaliwag road is hardly passable to light vehicles. Meanwhile, three additional casualties were reported in the region due to Habagat, bringing the total death toll to 11 with still one missing. The latest reported fatalities were identified as Archie Camueda, 37; Nazareth Duldulao, 15; and Rafael Clemente, 43, all from Olongapo City. The still missing person, on the other hand, was identified as Michael Silverio, 21 of Purok 5, San Pedro, Floridablanca, Pampanga. The affected population by the onslaught of Habagat, on the other hand, reached to 423,193 families or 1,888,067 persons in 75 municipalities of Bataan, Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, Pampanga, Tarlac and Zambales. At least 188 houses were totally damaged and 277 partially destroyed. ● (PNA) group opposes from Page 1 gan (SABAK) expressed its opposition to the continued operation of BWSI citing numerous complaints from residents in the service areas of the local water company in Barangay Balibago, Pulung Maragul and other areas. “The water is not potable, despite the insistence of the BWSI that it is. The water stinks, has solid residues and is murky,” said the letter signed by four of the group’s convenors, including its spokesperson Danilo Consumido. The other signatories were Avelina Aguas, Mario Velasco and Lorenzo Manalastas. It also cited and provided copies of the tests conducted on water samples in several service areas of the BWSI 7 conducted by the Local Water Utilities Administration (LWUA). The test results indicated the water is not fit for human consumption. The group also presented the statement and resolutions signed by more than 1,800 consumers complaining against the water quality and service of the BWSI. “We need not emphasize that water is very essential to life. But the water being served to us by the BWSI is actually a threat to life,” the letter said. The group also expressed concern over the long-term effects of heavy metals that may be present in the water on the health of its consumers. It added many households in the service areas of BWSI are forced to buy purified water for drinking, putting added pressure on their family budgets. SABAK said it intends to oppose the grant of a new franchise to the BWSI once the deliberations are conducted. The CPC is a temporary permit to allow the company to service its costumers even as its application for franchise is being heard. The BWSI claims to serve some 15,000 households mostly in Barangays Balibago, Pulung Maragul, Malabanias and other areas north of Angeles City. ● Be heard! Send us your comments & opinions mail US: 2nd Floor, U2 Building, Dolores, McArthur, Hi-way, City of San Fernando, Pampanga EMAIL US: headlinegitnangluzon@gmail.com lang sila na matutumbasan nang ating pamahalaan ang kanilang mga kinikita, sigurado tayong mag-uunahan pa sila sa pag-uwi sa ating bansa. Ang pagtatrabaho sa ibang bansa na malayo sa pamilya at may lungkot at nakaambang panganib ay wala pong biro. *** Kung kayo po ay may mga reaksiyon, suhestiyon o iba pang opinion, maaari po kayong mag email sa myonecadence@yahoo.com. • atty. kap from Page 4 *** Meanwhile, Governor Pineda has likewise called on the convening of a technical working group that will look into finding long-term solutions to floods in the province. It can be recalled that millions of pesos worth of damages were incurred including the destruction of floodmitigating structures due to the huge volume of floodwaters. *** Governor Pineda has said that there is a need to craft a “more responsive rehabilitation plan” for Pampanga’s waterways that can contain bigger volume of water especially during the rainy season. She emphasized that efforts should not be merely to temporarily address flooding problems in the province. *** Pampanga mayors, on the other hand, are in support of the plan in finding “permanent solutions” to Pampanga floods as they pointed out those temporary efforts are made futile and are a waste of public funds each year. They said that engineering interventions and ideas of “flood experts” should be tapped to address the province’s problems during heavy and continuous rains. we experience inundations year after year. Since the eruption of Mt. Pinatubo, rivers and other waterways became silted with sand and garbage that make them overflow during rainy seasons. Some waterways, meanwhile, had their courses “naturallyaltered” thus flooding those areas that were not flooded before. *** Since we experience floods every year, the government, including local government units, might want to consider the massive desilting of rivers and the re-channeling of waterways to proper places such as the Manila Bay. The solution lies in the proper containment of massive volume of water and its proper channeling to where it should be. *** It’s good that we have local governments in Pampanga that are working for the Kapampangans even in times of calamities. We have, too, the harmonious working relationship of local officials that is truly needed during this time of the year. We are regularly faced by floods and rains, yet we always bounce back from these.● *** Long-term flooding solutions in Pampanga are very necessary as ASSESSMENT CENTER from Page 2 grading the skills of the Zambalenos,” said Villanueva. “With the implementation of the K to 12 Basic Education Program, we need more assessment centers and competency assessors to answer the needs of millions of grades 11 and 12,” he explained. The testing center offers assessment in housekeeping and food and beverage servicing for technical-vocational students, industry workers and overseas Filipino workers. Gatchalian said the center was built in 2012 with funding assistance from the Provincial Government of Zambales as part of its commitment to empower Zambales folks thru relevant technical education and skills development. In the same event, Villanueva turned over to Ebdane the ceremonial key to the TESDA mobile training bus equipped with tools and equipment. “If our young and unemployed kababayans cannot go to the TESDA training centers, TESDA will reach them thru this Mobile Training Plus Program (MTPP),” the TESDA director general said. ● FEATURE VOLUME II • NO. 56 • AUGUST 28, 2013 • WEDNESDAY A broken escayola rebulto of Mother Mary which was left as a debris of the houses that were swallowed by the rampaging river in Valdez last August 20. Life goes on for this tricycle driver however high the tide is in Limjoco Street, City of San Fernando. Catching fish at the rotunda--Monumento Fernandino, City of San Fernando, Pampanga The People of Pangpang: Kalesa became a primary mode of transportation where motorized vehicles cannot pass through. Resiliency of the Human Spirit O It’s playtime in San Jose, Gandara! n the eve of typhoon Maring, I already prepared my camera systems to set them on “floody” battle which I already anticipated the soonest I heard on the news that a strong typhoon will hit the country. I remember last year that I got maimed and got off guard when power shortage impeded me to charge my batteries and, as it turned out, I missed a lot of “photographable” moments which I later on regret. My half-charged camera then only got some few shots and never witnessed all the compelling instances that happened around Pampanga during that ferocious “Habagat” August of 2012. My urge to shoot was not really to see the province suffering from this natural calamity. My urgency was actually coming from the idea on capturing how Kapampangans deal with situations in “decisive moments” and how human spirit is best represented and shown that is lifereaffirming. In fact, the Kapampangans have been in a long-standing endurance against different types of calamities and floodwater, not to mention their survival against the rampage of lahar after the eruption of Mt.Pinatubo in the early ‘90s. The Kapampangans, as history tells, were the people of “pangpang”, the people near or by the water or river, which simply defines that water has been a way of life and part of the culture of this uniquespeaking race, which now only has 2 million in population. On the first hour of the morning of August 20, while the rain continued to sink the lowland areas of the province, I got news from a friend reporter that a saddening incident happened in the upper Pampanga. In his text, he said the ravaging Gumain River swallowed the entire 7 houses along Sanchez Street, Barrio Valdez, Floridablanca, leaving only debris of dilapidated concrete walls and wood. In an hour, I was able to arrive on the scene. One resident narrated that a night before, the rising level of water became ferocious that signaled the evacuation of the families housed in their shelters. No casualties were recorded but a fallen tree blocked the road, which also cut the electricity. I never saw any remorse from the people, but smiles and “hellos” greeted me while going around the area. Some even wanted me to photoshoot them for a possible publication, which will make you feel that hope is a burning characteristic of these people—despite the fact that seven families lost their homes in a blink of an eye. The volunteer crew even joked about the fallen tree and said that they have now a wood to start building new houses for the lost ones—an optimistic view that shows an uncompromised resiliency and that indeed, “Life Goes On”. I stacked a lot of images and sorted some of the best photos of the day, starting from Floridablanca to Guagua, where you can see kids on a frolic play under the rain and floodwater up to the town of San Fernando where a group of young boys tried to capture fish within the Monumento Fernandino; and a tricycle driver doing his regular battle to earn an income while his bike is half-sunk. The photos in this article are not just merely photos but “pictures” of hope and life-reaffirmation that speak for them--no more, no less. • Clearing the San Juan Bridge. A man helps to cut in pieces a fallen tree which impeded the road of Valdes in Floridablanca in the aftermath of typhoon Maring. Happiness in times of calamity. A whole line of townsfolk fishing on a local river.