Balloon festival in Lubao, Pampanga excites Bataan execs

www.headlinegl.com
VOLUME II • NO. 176
FEBRUARY 28 - MARCH 02, 2014
FRIDAY - SUNDAY
‘Biggest
International
Event’
The Most Widely Distributed Local Newspaper in Central Luzon
Premier
hotels, restos
at Clark, AC
prepare for
thousands
of tourists
By JOEY PAVIA
CITY OF SAN FERNANDO
– “It’s one of the biggest international events in Luzon and
we are glad it will push through
in Lubao, Pampanga.”
Thus said Hotels and Restaurants Association of Pampanga (HARP) President Mitch
Otsuru of Angeles City when
asked about the staging of the
Philippine International Hot
Air Balloon Festival 2014 this
PREMIER HOTELS... pagE 7
PIBFI chairman:
Venue at world--class
theme park, wakeboard
“We decided to transfer the venue in
view of the air traffic situation in aviationrelated activities at the Clark International Airport where around 10 international
and domestic airlines now operate and
flying in and out from various destinations around the world,” said Noel Castro,
Jr., chairman of the newly established
Pilipinas International Balloon Festival
Inc. (PIBFI) which will henceforth manage and operate ballooning events.
“Flying hot-air balloons at an altitude
pibfi chairman... pagE 7
COLORS OF LIFE.
Hot Air Balloons of different
shapes and colors are the main
attractions of the upcoming Philippine International Balloon Festival
2014 this coming April 10 to 13 at
Barangay Prado Siongco, Lubao,
Pampanga. Prominent companies
in the country such as Smart Communications Inc. are expected to
sponsor participants of the annual
event previously held at the Clark
Freeport. A world-class theme park
and wakeboard are now under
construction in a 250-hectare
property where the balloon festival
will be held for four days.
PHOTO BY RIC GONZALES
Mabalacat City’s
Caragan fest
Boking, VM Halili to join
Aeta chieftain--inspired
celebration today
story on pagE 8
Balloon festival in Lubao, Pampanga
excites Bataan execs, businessmen
By MICHAEL R. CIGARAL
DINALUPIHAN, Bataan -- Local officials here
and the business sector
are awaiting the hosting of
Lubao town of the Philip-
pine International Balloon
Festival 2014 this coming
April 10 to 13.
The said event, considered as the biggest aviation
sports event in the Philippines, will feature multi-
colored hot air balloons
with more than a hundred
pilots from around the
world at the new venue
situated in a 250-hectare
property in Barangay Prado Siongco in Lubao, where
a world-class theme park is
now under construction.
Dinalupihan
Mayor
Maria Angela Garcia, in a
statement sent to Headline
Gitnang Luzon said, “The
BALLOON FESTIVAL... pagE 7
2NEWS
Headline
Gitnang Luzon
FEBRUARY 28 - MARCH 02, 2014
Angeleños reminded
to segregate waste
BY Charlene A. Cayabyab
ANGELES CITY -- The city’s environment
and natural resources office (CENRO) has urged
Angeleños to segregate their waste in light of the
full implementation of the “no garbage segregation, no collection” policy on March 1.
The new garbage policy is expected to cut
back the city government’s expenses on solid
waste management, according to Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan.
Pamintuan said the city spends around
P100 million every year for sending tons of
garbage to the Metro Clark Sanitary Landfill in
Capas, Tarlac.
The new policy has been relayed to all the
village officials in the city as early as January
this year, Pamintuan said.
Based on the CENRO information poster,
biodegradable wastes will be collected during
Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays
and Sundays. Meanwhile, residuals will be collected during Tuesdays and Fridays.
For non-biodegradable wastes, the city government has encouraged local residents to recycle reusable materials.
The city has eight oversized trucks that will collect only segregated garbage starting Saturday. •
REUNITED. Artist Peter De Vera (left), consultant of Pampanga Gov. Lilia Pineda, discusses with former Second District Board Member Olga
Frances “Fritzie” David-Dizon his plans on how to improve the popularity of tourism sites in the province, including the centuries-old churches of
Lubao, Sta. Rita and Guagua. They both worked together for successful staging of the annual Miss Pampanga beauty contest in 2012.
--Leo Villacarlos
BCDA okays SCTEx P111.3-M repair
BY Marna Dagumboy-del
Rosario
CLARK FREEPORT -- A top
official of the Bases Conversion
and Development Authority
(BCDA) the other day confirmed
that the P111.3-million heavy
maintenance works along the
Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway
(SCTEX) is now approved and is
now open for bidding.
BCDA President and CEO
Arnel Paciano D. Casanova in a
statement is inviting construction companies to submit their
bids for the P111.3 million maintenance works.
“We are inviting experienced
and financially capable construction companies to submit
bids for the 2014 Heavy Mainte-
nance Works along the SCTEX,”
Casanova said.
He said the heavy maintenance works will be done to ensure that the road condition of
the SCTEX will not deteriorate
and at the same time provide
motorists the comfort and convenience of smooth travel.
Casanova said the approved
budget for the project consists of
Republic of the Philippines
Province of Pampanga
Municipality of Lubao
OFFICE OF THE BAC CHAIRMAN
Invitation to Bid
To conduct Public Bidding for the Sale and Disposal of Various unserviceable vehicle which causes eyesore
to the public, decided to auction the said items.
The Municipality of Lubao is inviting bidders to bid the various unserviceable vehicle as follows :
ITEM & DESCRIPTIONAPPRAISED VALUE
Toyota FX / PN: SEE-900
26,400
Hyundai Mini-Dump Truck / PN: SAU-285
38,400
Isuzu Elf Mini-Dump Truck / PN: SEL-849
38,400
Isuzu Elf Mini-Dump Truck / PN: SBH-147
38,400
Isuzu Dump Truck Vio / PN: TBF-439
120,000
Isuzu Dump Truck Vio / PN: SGR-856
120,000
4-Wheel Tractor Kubota / EN: V4300-IAE101422
120,000
Backhoe PC20 / EN: 21774
42,000
Hyundai Pick-Up Close Van / PN: SCZ-855
30,000
Kia Besta Ambulance / PN: SEZ-774
30,000
Kia Besta Ambulance / PN: SFJ-674
30,000
TOTAL
Schedule of Activities :
• Publication of Invitation to Bid
• Issuance of Bid Documents
• Site Inspection
• Deadline of Submission
• Opening of Bids
• Notice of Award
-
-
-
-
-
-
February 28 , 2014 – March 03, 2014
March 03, 2014
March 06, 2014 @ ( 9:00am to 4:00pm)
Not later than 12:00noon of March 13, 2014
March 13, 2014 @ 2:00pm
March 19, 2014
The complete set of Bid Tender Documents shall be issued to all interested parties by the BAC Secretariat,
Municipal Building, Lubao, Pampanga with telephone number 971-6276 local 109 upon application and payment
of a non-refundable fee of P 1,000.00 per set.
The Municipality of Lubao reserves the right to reject any or all bids without offering any reason, to waive any
formality or technicality, and to award to any bidder whose proposal is deemed most advantageous to the Municipality of Lubao. The Municipality of Lubao neither assumes any obligation for any loss whatsoever that may
be incurred by the bidders in the preparation of their respective bids nor does the Municipality of Lubao guarantee
that an award will be made.
For inquiries, interested parties may contact the Secretariat.
WILHELMINA V. TIONGCO
Head, BAC Secretariat
HEADLINE Gitnang Luzon: February 28 & March 03, 2014
ENGR. DANILO C. AQUINO
BAC Chairman
two programs of works. Lot 1 involves asphalt pavement resurfacing while Lot 2 involves bridge
revetment, slope and drainage
repair. The approved budget for
Lot 1 is P98,947,280.45 while
Lot 2 is P12,450,730.97.
Meanwhile, Chairperson of
the Bids and Awards Committee (BAC) for SCTEX Project
and Infrastructure Atty. Regina
Salve R. Lapuz said prospective
bidders must have a valid license
for applicable category from the
Philippine Contractors Accreditation Board (PCAB) for General
Engineering on Roads, Highways, Pavements, Railways, Airport Horizontal Structures and
Bridges. The PCAB license must
be valid and effective at the time
SCTEX REPAIR... Page 3
CL medical group forms
Regional Lab Network
BY Marna Dagumboydel Rosario
CITY OF SAN FERNANDO -- Medical
professionals
from
both private and public hospitals recently
formed the Regional
Laboratory Network or
RLN which is aimed at
improving the delivery
of health services in the
entire region.
The medical group
consists of directors
and chiefs of hospitals,
pathologists, and medical technologists of
Level 2 and 3 government and private medical workers.
It seeks to strengthen the capabilities of
member-laboratories
through resource and
data exchange, conduct
of trainings, conduct of
consultation meetings.
According to Department of Health
(DOH) Regional Director Leonita Gorgolon,
the RLN will support
each member by providing laboratory services, among others.
“RLN will play a
vital role to each member, particularly during calamities such as
typhoons and earthquakes. It doesn’t mean
that if a specific hospital was devastated, it is
on its own,” Gorgolom
said.
“I am very happy
because I know that we
are committed to make
insurgence and criminality free.
The graduation rites
was held at the Bren Z
Guiao Sport Complex
here on Tuesday.
According to Sr.
Supt. Oscar Albayalde,
Pampanga Provincial
Police Director, there
were 124 graduates in
the SCOUT Training
and 39 graduates in the
SWAT training.
The graduates have
undergone 45 days of
rigorous training, Albayalde said.
Albayalde said the
graduates also displayed
their newly acquired
skills such as VIP security protection, raid, tactical explosive entry and
other building entry at
the start of the program
led by its company commander Supt. Bernardo
Perez of the Pampanga
Provincial Public Safety
Company.
Also present during the graduation
ceremony were Chief
Supt. Wendy Rosario,
Central Luzon Police
Deputy Regional Director for Administration;
Sr. Supt. Manuel and Sr.
Supt. Flynn Dongbo of
the Police Regional Office 3. •
MEDIAL GROUP... Page 3
Gov commends SCOUT, SWAT graduates
By Froilan E Magtoto
CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga -- Governor Lilia
“Nanay” Pineda on Tuesday commended the
spirit of graduates of the
police Special Counter
Insurgency Operations
Unit Training (SCOUT)
and Special Weapons
and Tactics Training
(SWAT).
Pineda, the guest of
honor and speaker of the
graduation
ceremony,
said the new graduates
will surely be of great
help in making the province of Pampanga safe,
NEWS 3
Congress seeks change of Subic, Clark Freeport law
Headline
Gitnang Luzon
FEBRUARY 28 - MARCH 02, 2014
BY REY GARCIA
SUBIC BAY FREEPORT –
Times have changed in business and economic activities since the passage of the
law creating Subic and Clark
Freeport Zones.
The Special Congressional
Committee on Bases Conversion sought to amend and institute legislative reforms on
Republic Act 7227 or the Bas-
es Conversion and Development Act of 1992, the law that
created this Freeport zone
and Clark Economic Zone.
In a public hearing held
at the Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center,
Committee chairperson Rep.
Conchona Cruz-Gonzales of
Citizens’ Battle Against Corruption (CIBAC) Party List
said that after more than 20
years since the passage of RA
Arayat council
backs Cudia
ARAYAT, Pampanga -- The
Sangguniang Bayan of Arayat, in a
resolution, has shown its support to
Philippine Military Academy Cadet
Aldrin Jeff Cudia, who was recently
dismissed for allegedly violating the
academy’s Honor Code.
Also in the said legislation is the
“request for President Benigno
Simeon Aquino III to reconsider
the plight of Cudia and cause him to
be allowed to graduate at the
PMA and be commissioned as an officer of the Armed Forces of the Philippines”.
Vice Mayor Ramon Changcoco,
in an exclusive interview, said it is
but proper and fitting that they support their kabalen in one way or the
other while the re-investigation takes
place.
“Kami po ay todo suporta kay Cadet Cudia na aming kababayan dito
sa Arayat, lalo na’t mukhang may kalabuan ang mga alegasyon laban sa
kanya, bagama’t nakabinbin pa ang
panibagong imbestigasyon sa kanyang kaso”, said Changcoco.
Cudia is from Barangay Gatiawin
of this town. He came from a poor
family of former soldier parents who
had a hard time raising finances
for their children’s education. His
parents had at one time sold their
wedding rings and other household
things to support their children’s
schooling.
He is set to graduate salutatorian
this coming March 16 during the
premier military institution’s commencement exercises of the “Siklab
Diwa” Class of 2014. He was accused
of lying when he said to his professor
that his instructor from his previous
class told them to stay for a while, a
matter that is the subject of the ongoing re-investigation.
(Dencio Pacheco)
7227, legislative modification
is needed to adopt in current
times.
Gonzales told both foreign
and local inventors during
the hearing that the committee has already started to
build the framework for the
legislative changes by gathering information and recommendations from among the
stakeholders, local government officials and authorities
tions, she will sponsor a bill
seeking amendments of RA
7227 to make it more beneficial for thousands of Freeport
workers, local and foreign investors, Freeport authorities
and more importantly, to all
local governments surrounding the Freeport zones.
Subic Bay Metropolitan
Authority (SBMA) Chairman
and Administrator Roberto
of both Clark and Subic.
Aside from Gonzales, the
hearing was attended by
Bataan 1st district Rep. Herminia B. Roman, Zambales
2nd district Rep. Cheryl
Deloso-Montalla, Tarlac 3rd
district Rep. Noel L. Villanueva and Butil Partylist Rep.
Agapito H. Guanlao.
Deloso said that as soon
as committee completed its
public hearing and consulta-
FREEPORT LAW... Page 7
COMMITTEE HEARING. SBMA Chairman and Administrator Roberto V. Garcia presents Subic Freeport position before Congressional Committee
members (from 2nd to left) Butil Partylist Rep. Agapito H. Guanlao, Zambales 2nd district Rep. Cheryl Deloso-Montalla, chairperson Rep. Conchona CruzGonzales, Bataan 1st district Rep. Herminia B. Roman and Tarlac 3rd district Rep. Noel L. Villanueva. Also in photo is BCDA Executive Vice President Aileen
Anunciacion R. Zosa (left). (STORY ON PAGE 8) - -contributed photo
Pilar tree-hopping adventure to open soon
PILAR, Bataan -- A TreeHopping Adventure adjacent
to the breathtaking Dunsulan Falls below the historic
Mount Samat in this town
will open soon, in addition to
the present tourist attraction
here, the 540-meter zipline.
Michael Landicho, Zipline
and Tree-Hopping Adventure
team leader, identified to local
press here the six legs passing
through six century-old trees
starting at the landing pad of
the zipline.
These are the Jacob Ladder, Monkey Trail, Surfing
Zipline, King and Balance
Swing, Hanging Bridge with
rappelling.
“Each leg will have an
emergency exit, especially for
beginners who cannot hurdle
all the six legs,” Landicho
said.
He said that the project
is already undergoing finishing touches and will be ready
by March as desired by Pilar
Mayor Alice Pizarro.
MEDICAL GROUP from Page 2
sure that we provide quality service. In fact this has
been a commitment when
we had our International
Organization for Standardization certification
last December 18, 2013, so
we are committed to abide
the quality, affordability,
accessibility and based on
the statutory requirements,” Gorgolon added.
Meanwhile, DOH consultant Dr. Tomas Maram-
ba confirmed that the
formation of a National
Health Laboratory Network (NHLN) is in process
now.
“The NHLN shall work
on the promotion of laboratory services that meet
local and international
quality standards and provide safe working conditions for medical staff, patients and the community
as well,” Maramba ended.•
Arjhay Cagimbal said he
felt good while going from one
tree to another using various
features in the Tree-Hopping
Adventure. He was equipped
with a harness for safety.
“All you need to do is to
relax and don’t be afraid. Just
enjoy our beautiful surroundings here,” Cagimbal said
when asked what he would
advise tree-hoppers.
The municipal government of Pilar funded the project for P2.7 million and will
operate it like the zipline.
Mayor Pizarro said the
investment will be easily recovered like what happened
to the zipline. In just eight
months, the P1.8 million that
Pilar spent for the zipline was
recovered, she said.
The mayor said environmentalists need not to worry.
“This is environment-friendly
and we have safety measures
so that we will not damage or
hurt the trees,” Pizarro said.
(Michael R. Cigaral)
Youths get education, trainings
LIMAY, Bataan -- Out-of-school youth as
well as interested individuals in this town are
regularly receiving skills trainings, in coordination with Technical Education and Skills
Development Authority (Tesda) and Philippine Women’s University Balanga campus.
According to Barangay Lamao Captain Restituto “Bart” Reyes, they have been
providing trainings on cosmetology, physical
therapy, small engine mechanic, and baking.
He said that ever since he became
village chief more than three years ago, he
has prioritized the provision of opportunities
for out-of-school youth in his village to get
education.
He said that he fully supports and
encourages the conduct of the Alternative
Learning System (ALS) program of the Department of Education in Lamao.
“I want out of school youths in our
village finish elementary and secondary
education through the ALS program and
even have opportunity to finish college,” he
pointed out.
Reyes said they are able to enrol about
100 youths in Lamao under ALS program
every year.
He said he wants Lamao folks learn
skills that they can use to earn a living.
“In fact, a number of youths we have
trained are already working abroad,” Reyes
said. (Butch Gunio)
SCTEX REPAIR from Page 2
of submission of the bid.
Atty. Lapuz said interested
bidders may purchase the Bidding Documents at the BCDA
Corporate Center, 2nd Floor
Bonifacio Technology Center,
31st Street corner 2nd Av-
enue, Bonifacio Global City,
Taguig City starting February
19, 2014 to March 17, 2014 not
later than 12:00 pm for a nonrefundable fee of P50,000 for
Lot 1 and P25,000 for Lot 2.
The Bidding Documents may
also be viewed at the BCDA
website, www.bcda.gov.ph.
She said that a Pre-Bid
Conference will be held on
March 05, 2014 at 10:30 am
for Lot 1 and 12:00 pm for Lot
2 at the BCDA Corporate Cen-
ter. Interested bidders’ queries will be entertained and
discussed during said conference.
Deadline for submission
of bids is on March 17, 2014 at
12:00 pm.•
4
Headline
Gitnang Luzon
FEBRUARY 28 - MARCH 02, 2014
LESSONS OF LIFE
The Voice of an Environmentalist
BY COOLCHANGE
Palabra de honor
A
T BATIAWAN, SUBIC, ZAMBALES (February 25). I GOT a
call from my boss. It’s unusual
because she hasn’t called for many
months. The last time she called, I was
scolded. When she does, it’s all related
to work.
“What happened to our friend?,” she
said, referring to the agreement between
us to fill up a vacant post.
“I didn’t call you anymore because it
crashed down even before it took off,” I
answered back.
“Well, you should have brought our
cute friend to the employer,” she said,
raising her voice a bit.
“How could I bring our friend when
there was no clear instructions yet and,
besides, I called cute in front of the big
boss and he was asked if he would take
the offer,” I reasoned out.
Cute said “yes” considering the compensation is big – almost triple compared
to his or her present monthly . Cute even
added this:” I will resign later.”
May I also point out that cute said “all
yes” when the job was offered for the first
time.
The impossible demand came after
the “forging” of the agreement between
men. Not even Tom Cruise or alwayssmiling Marni Castro of City of San Fernando, Pampanga could solve the problem arising from the failure to follow the
golden rule.
There are things we should wholeheartedly accept in this journey called
life, including the truth about ourselves.
Only enchanting Mariah Carey can demand a contract, so to speak.
I have made many mistakes and I will
make more. But I always want to fulfil my
promise. You may not be satisfied with
what I did or gave but what’s important
was I gave it my very best shot. Let’s call
a spade a spade. There’s no such thing
as half-truth or half-committed. It’s either
yes or no.
Ask Delta Pineda on how to fulfil a
promise and you will make it. This is the
golden rule and my favorite: “A man’s
word is his honor.” Sometimes, you must
learn to sacrifice all you have in order to
gain a decent existence. The journey of
life is not easy but it helps to hold on to
“Palabra de Honor”. •
HEADLINE Gitnang Luzon is a Daily Regional Newspaper
Editor-in-Chief: JOEY PAVIA
Layout Artist: JP Manalang
Photojournalist: Leo villacarlos
Reporters: CHARLENE CAYABYAB /
MARNA D. DEL ROSARIO
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Account Executive: caren m. garcia
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
L
ET me borrow Napoleon Hill’s hensive National ICM Program (NICthoughts: “We begin to see, there- MP) that will account for all sectoral,
fore, the importance of selecting local and transboundary initiatives unour environment with the greatest of der a common agenda of goals, targets,
care, because environment is the men- outputs and measurable outcomes, intal feeding ground out of which the food cluding the establishment of a national
that goes into our minds is extracted.”
ICM coordinating mechanism. The NICWhat do we really need to know? MP is also expected to provide direction,
How do we live a better life from the land support and guidance to local governand water we occupy, learn from the ex- ment units (LGUs) and stakeholders in
pert?
the development and implementation of
Dr. Josefino Bascug is
their local ICM programs.”
a civil and environmental
engineer, a rural and urban
planner, a sustainable studies scientist, water resource
management expert and hydrologist . To highlight his
expertise, he had trainings
in the USA that concerns
the environment. He was
once the Regional ICRM
Facilitator in the conduct of
Biodiversity Conservation On a Roll
Research and Scientific As- Rolylyn Hensonsessment. I had the privilege Dado
of squeezing insights from
Dr. Bascug on renewable
environment for our cause, which I will Thanks to the Department of Tourism as
share here.
well for promoting Ecotourism that re“The Philippines has more than three ally is beneficial. Also, a paper presented
decades of experience in coastal man- by the Department of Tourism-Region
agement, beginning in 1978 when the III Office summarizes a strategy in decountry first defined its coastal zone. veloping the tourism potential of a lowly
The 1980s saw the proliferation of com- community of Sta. Juliana in Capas, Tarmunity-based coastal resources man- lac as a consequence of a unique advanagement, which focused on the estab- tage – its proximity and accessibility to
lishment of localized marine protected the volcano.
areas to arrest the degradation of coastal
It records the progress made by the
habitats and the decline in fisheries. The community from a sleepy barangay deimplementation of a series of donor-as- pending on agriculture and debris left
sisted programs on coastal management by Mt. Pinatubo’s 1991 eruption to a
during the 1990s provided the founda- relatively progressive center of tourism
tion for ICM, while the legal and policy activity as a result of its prominence as
framework for coastal management was the gateway to the crater.
established with the passage of the 1991
This is the first attempt made by the
Local Government Code and the 1998 tourism regional office in generating
Fisheries Code. The Local Government economic livelihood and enhancing the
Code in particular, assigned jurisdic- quality of life of people thru travel and
tional responsibility for coastal manage- tourism.
ment from the central government to
The regional tourism office hopes to
local governments, and is considered to institutionalize the success story of its
be one of the major driving forces for the ecotourism cum livelihood project and
development of ICM in the country.
replicate the same initiative in commuThe progression from single sector nities similarly situated. It brings to life
to a more integrated, multi-sector, and the need to gain insights into the values,
ecosystem-based approach to managing motivations and aspirations of would-be
coastal and marine resources has been beneficiaries of any tourism initiative. It
notable in the recent years (White et al. is an exercise in formulating plans and
2006). The shift from a single-sector to programs for the enhancement of the
an integrated and multi-sector approach tourism potential of a community thru
can be attributed to the increasing rec- a system whereby the host community
ognition of the multitude of interacting develops its own set of institutions and
issues and conflicting uses that cannot methodologies to effectively carry out its
be addressed by one sector or through own plan of action.
narrowly focused approaches.
The end product of this paper is the
The issuance of Executive Order 533 formulation of a Tourism Development
by the President of the Philippines on 6 Strategy that the community can impleJune 2006, declaring ICM as the nation- ment on their own for a five- year period.
al strategy and policy framework for susBackground
tainable development of the coastal and
The community of Brgy. Sta. Juliana,
marine resources, is considered to be a some 20 kilometers west of Capas, Tarmajor milestone in the history of ICM lac, is one of the less developed commudevelopment in the country. EO 533 sets nities in Tarlac not only because of its lack
the direction for improved coastal man- of social and economic infrastructures
agement by providing a framework and but because of the fact that the commuan operational path towards the effective nity figured quite tragically during the
implementation of ICM programs at the catastrophic eruption of Mt. Pinatubo in
central and local levels of government.
1991. The community which lies precariEO 533 specifies that ICM will be ously close to the deadly O’ Donnell river
adopted as a national management pol- channel was for quite awhile in danger of
icy framework to ensure the sustainable being wiped out by surging lahar flows
development of the country’s coastal and from the upper reaches of the volcano.
marine environment and resources. To This predicament put on hold any or all
realize this goal, ICM programs will be proposed infrastructure development
implemented by responsible national for the area including a school buildand local agencies – with the participa- ing, roads and telecommunication. On
tion of relevant civil society groups and account of this predicament, the comNGOs, academia and the corporate and munity experienced economic fluctuaprivate sectors – in all coastal and ma- tions and general decline over the years
rine areas, and will address the inter- following the catastrophic event. People
linkages among associated watersheds, became economically dependent on
estuaries and wetlands, and coastal seas. scavenging volcanic debris from Mt. PiEO 533 stipulates that the Depart- natubo like pumice rocks and charcoal
ment of Environment and Natural Re- debris. Farmers turned to gathering root
sources (DENR), in consultation with crops for sale to traders coming from the
other concerned agencies, sectors and local town market. Meanwhile local resistakeholders, is responsible for spear- dents are wary about the dangers of an
heading the development of a compre- avalanche.
“What do we really need to know?
How do we live a
better life from
the land and water
we occupy, learn
from the expert?”
In the early months of 1999, Brgy. Sta.
Juliana which has a population of about
3,000 including some 500 indigenous
people figured quite prominently in the
local news that it is slowly becoming a
jump-off point for people who dared
to trek up to the crater of Mt. Pinatubo.
Initial reports reaching the Department
of Tourism – Central Luzon Regional
Office in June indicated that a growing
number of local and foreign tourists constantly passed by the local community
on their way to the volcano crater. The
report added, however, that local residents maintain a wouldn’t-care-less attitude towards the growing number of
visitors. Visitor assistance, if at all, was
non-existent. Apparently, people are
unaware of the social and economic benefits that tourism can bring.
From this on-site exploration and
other information gathered from various
sources a five-year tourism development
strategy was prepared for implementation effective March 2000.
The concept of tourism as an economic vehicle was virtually unknown
for most of the local population. People
live closely to their local environment
– gathering pumice rocks for sale to
“denim-stone-washed” traders, harvesting banana crops (“Puso”), charcoal and
fishing (called “Imelda” by residents) in
a nearby lake. Back in the ‘70s up to the
‘90s people especially the Aetas spent
their time gathering spent or unexploded shells and other scraps left by U.S. jet
fighters under the so-called Cope Thunder military exercise during the heydays
of Clark Air Base. Such pieces of debris
are sold to local traders downtown at an
agreed price.
The tourism regional office initiated
an investigation to identify the tourist
potential of the community and community’s level of awareness about tourism in general and its accompanying net
benefits. The results of investigations
and feed-back from consultations with
the local community as well as members
of the travel trade sector assisted the regional office in:
* developing the mindset of the community in so far as tourism and its net
benefits to the community is concerned;
* developing appropriate objectives
and strategies for the future direction of
Sta. Juliana’s tourism industry;
* recommending ways to organize
tourism promotion and marketing;
* identification of specific tourism
related proposals for development, improvement or funding;
* broadening community involvement in tourism activities;
* promoting tourism development
opportunities and benefits to the local
community and prospective investors
within and outside the area; and
* preparing long term planning policies.
The quality of the final strategy was
enhanced by involvement of the local
community. The regional office looked
to the members of the community (Aetas
and non-Aetas) for information on community values and community assets in
order to begin the work of creating appropriate marketing and promotional
positioning for Sta. Juliana including
physical infrastructure development if
necessary.
Organizations Involved and Initial
Activities undertaken
When the regional office visited the
community in June of 1999, organizations existing then were the local barangay council, Sanggunian Kabataan (SK),
the traditional organizations of the Aetas
(council of elders, federated associations
etc) and a loosely managed Mothers’
Club. Among the activities organized by
these organizations are a local fiesta in
February, Miss Sta. Juliana Beauty Pageant, basketball league, among others.
To begin with, the tourism regional
office undertook preparatory measures
to introduce the community to their fuON A ROLL...Page 7
Headline
Gitnang Luzon
FEBRUARY 28 - MARCH 02, 2014
VP Binay
O
NE of the most visible political personalities put into
the limelight today is Vice
President Jejomar Binay. No, he is
not involved in scams, fiddles, corruption cases or dirty politicking,
but he gives his services to the people he took an oath
to serve in the first
place.
Since the day he
assumed office, he
has accomplished
tasks that are way
beyond his duty
as the second-incommand in the
Philippine bureaucracy. He has been
seen in many instances where he Alvin H. Arceo
directly attends to
the needs of Filipinos in many parts of the country.
One province that he frequents
is Pampanga. He has established
ties not only with local political
leaders here but with the Kapampangans whom close to his heart.
He was seen recently gracing
the birthday of Governor Lilia “Nanay” Pineda, personally extending
his greetings to the mother of the
province -- a fitting tribute to an
equally loved leader of the Kapampangan kingdom.
The national political leader has
likewise joined provincial officials
in touring a public market and in a
boodle fight, a manifestation of his
“personal touch” to serve Kapampangans.
Recently, VP Binay distributed some 630 Certificates of Lot
Awards (CELAs) to families in
Floridablanca town who are longtime informal residents of land belonging to the Philippine National
Railways. They are beneficiaries of
the socialized housing program of
the Housing and Urban Development Council by virtue of Execu-
tive Order 48, released in 2001.
The elated families would finally call as their own the land they
are staying in because of the government’s housing program for the
homeless. Thanks to VP Binay who
spearheads pro-poor programs.
Since holding the position of the Office of the
As of this
writing
“Ngunit aminin
natin na ang opinyon ng ibang tao,
lalo na ‘yong mga
negatibong opinyon, ay nagmumula
sa katotohanan“
Vice-President, he has distributed houses and lots for the poor
who are fortunate beneficiaries of
the national government’s banner
program on socialized housing. In
Pampanga alone, many homeless
families have benefited.
***
Aside from the housing programs that he attends to, VP Binay
is also the favorite savior of distressed Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) who need the support
and assistance of the Philippine
government because of their social
living conditions outside the country, or those who are faced with
predicaments with their abusive
employers.
VP Binay is the champion of
OFWs. He sees to it that the conditions of the “Bagong Bayanis”
(modern-day heroes) are taken
cared of even if they are outside
the country.
The very recent among those he
is helping is Kapampangan Joselito
Zapanta, who is now in death row
Breathing and women-ism
after killing his Sudanese landlord
in Saudi Arabia.
Zapanta has been sentenced by
the Middle East country court for
the crime he committed after having an altercation with his victim
on the OFW’s rentals. The family
of Ibrahim asked for blood money
in exchange for the life lost.
Since Zapanta faced the most
trying situation in his life, VP Binay has been beside him.
In fact, he has been helping all
our kabalens who have suffered
the anxiety of being near death
while waiting for execution. VP Binay has tremendously helped Zapanta in raising the blood money
demanded by the family of the Sudanese national.
Recently and after many gruelling months raising the amount to
save Zapanta, the national government, through the intercession of
VP Binay, has raised an additional
P30 million from various donors.
With the diplomatic negotiation
efforts of our country, the Saudi
government likewise donated 1
million SAR to add up to the money being raised, to which VP Binay said that might be substantial
enough to soften the hearts of the
Sudanese family.
***
VP Binay is the champion of
the masses, the homeless and the
OFWs who have nothing to rely on
and cling to except government officials who have a heart for them.
Kapampangans are among those
who need the Vice-President for
their needs.
We hope he won’t tire in helping
others especially Kapampangans.
***
This writer welcomes other
views, comments, and reactions.
You may send your messages to
0918-5734634. •
todayinhistory
Gorbachev calls for nuclear weapons
February 28, 1987
In a surprising announcement,
Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev
indicates that his nation is ready
to sign “without delay” a treaty
designed to eliminate U.S. and Soviet medium-range nuclear missiles from Europe. Gorbachev’s
offer led to a breakthrough in
negotiations and, eventually, to
the signing of the IntermediateRange Nuclear Forces (INF)
Treaty in December 1987.
Gorbachev and President Ronald Reagan had been wrestling
with the issue of nuclear arms
reduction in Europe since 1985,
when they first met face-to-face to
discuss the matter. A subsequent
meeting in 1986 started with high
hopes for an agreement, but the
discussions broke down when
Gorbachev linked the issue of the
elimination of U.S. and Soviet
INF in Europe to U.S. termination
of its development of the Strategic
Defense Initiative (the so-called
“Star Wars” anti-missile defense
system). However, both Reagan
and Gorbachev faced pressures
to reach a settlement. Reagan was
under assault by “no-nuke” forces
both in the United States and in
western Europe. By late 1986 and
early 1987, he was also faced with
the fallout from the Iran-Contra
scandal, when his administration had become involved in illegal arms dealings with both Iran
and the Contra forces in Central
America. Gorbachev wanted to
achieve a cut in nuclear armaments, both to bolster his prestige
on the world stage and to provide
some much-needed relief for a
Soviet economy sagging under
the burden of massive military
expenditures.
In February 1987, Gorbachev
announced that the Soviet Union was willing to proceed with
negotiations on the INF Treaty.
This time, he suggested that “the
problem of medium-range missiles in Europe be singled out
from the package of issues and
that a separate agreement on it
be concluded, and without delay.”
In other words, he was dropping
his insistence on including SDI
in the negotiations. The timing of
Gorbachev’s offer was interesting
to many observers in the United
5
States. Some suggested that it
was not coincidental that his
statement was released just days
after a high-level presidential review board had issued a stinging
report critical of the Reagan administration’s involvement in the
Iran-Contra scandal. Perhaps,
they concluded, Gorbachev felt
that Reagan would be anxious for
a settlement. The two men met in
December 1987 and signed the
INF Treaty, by which the Soviets
eliminated about 1,500 mediumrange missiles from Europe and
the United States removed nearly
half that number. --HISTORY
B
REATHING is the most primal of man’s instincts. Breathing means you are alive. It
means you have life, be it a vegetative life, a
life of a robot, or be it a life full of vibrancy.
When you are born, you start breathing without
being taught how to, and you continue to do so till
you die. You do so through pain, suffering, grief and
hurt. You do so through smiles, laughter and tears
of joy.
Breathing drives us on
and on. It symbolizes that life
never stops, that life moves
on — always; you are but a
tiny blip on the time scale.
Yet each breath you take,
coupled with that of others, is
the driving force behind life’s
ongoing journey. It is life in
itself.
So effectively, life keeps
you going, and at the same Towards
time, you keep life going. the Light
Beautiful, isn’t it?
ABEL SOTO
Every day I wake up, pass
through the daily routines,
the motions that make up
our day; my moods change.
Mercurial is the word.
It is all in the mind, or so
they say. But for those who
find themselves in the centre of the mood swings, it is
not so. It is in the body, in
the blood rushing through
your ears, in the irregular —
sometimes fast, sometimes
slow — beating of the heart.
It is in the infrequent nerve
twitches, the pangs of hunger, the shrieks of pain, the
tugging of the gut — an inexplicable phenomenon, the
neediness of the groin, the
oily-dry smoothness of the skin, the ridges of goose
bumps, the batting of eyelids. It is in every breath
you take.
Yes, it is also in the air around you, the people
surrounding you, the place you’re in, and the situation.
But, I’d like to look inside me, for therein lies the
answer, lies the antidote.
So, what do you do? You clear your mind; sift
through the junk of memories and experiences you
collected; you understand how that has really made
you feel — every minute of the feeling, its roughness, ridges and smooth softness. And you understand how these have changed you.
You get overwhelmed by some larger-than-life
feelings; sometimes under-whelmed by the surprising lack of impact or effect by something you purportedly loved.
You break your own ground rules — the rules of
your core values of life. You pull the rug from under
your own feet. You rearrange the blocks of your life,
even the building blocks. You may scream and run
away from the painful consequences of omitting
something that you loved. You may have tears of joy
streaming down your face. Or, you may be perfectly
still.
But above and beyond all that — you breathe. You
breathe life, love, happiness, freedom, joy and hope,
together with death, hurt, sorrow, and helplessness.
You just breathe. Breathe in. Breathe out. And let
go.
“Personal enemies of internet users would
simply post
malicious imputations, stories,
activities, pictures or videos
of the latter in
order to malign,
harass or cyberbully him.”
***
Now let’s talk about women-ism.
It’s time to change the way we look at women.
We may not be able to change a billboard. But we
can change ourselves. We can change what we give
our attention to and condone. We can change what
we regard as ideal, and what we believe “normal” is.
This writing argues that the revolution of seeing
women differently is simply looking around at the
women in our everyday lives. The ones who “sweat
through their femininity, build things for others
who can’t, [are] mothers who want to learn from
their children… who aren’t afraid, who revolutionize ideas, who fight for our country.”
And what’s the best part of all this? That how we
should start “seeing” women is not for what they
look like– but what they do.
Oh well…? Unless you’re looking at women the
way you should not be looking at them…•
Gitnang Luzon
FEBRUARY 28 - MARCH 02, 2014
Crossword puzzle
zzles.com for hints and solutions!
1
2
3
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5
6
17
28
24
31
33
43
34
40
52
41
45
44
48
13
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54
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64
59
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66
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68
69
70
71
60
61
65
V468NF
Down
1. Russian vehicle
2. Old salts
3. “Step___!”
4. Leaf’s
central
vein :
1. Humphrey
: Rick
:: Ingrid
5. Opposite NNW
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6. Female G.I.
2. Madison7. “___
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thatinEnds...”
8. Pouting face
3. Mineral9.inNatural
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4. Like the11.
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12. Income: Fr.
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13. Ticked off
18. London
5. Municipal
councillockups
member:
22. White House VIP
Abbr.
24. Licentious
25. Opening bridge bid,
24. Winery
vessels
informally
6. Fed. medical agency
36. Snarl
7. WWII army member
37. Oxen connector
8. The 'A' in A.D.
39. Close associates
9. Fax feature
41. Touches
10. Judicious
44. Compass doodles
Down
27. Humdrum
25. Didn't
go straight
28. Theater award given by
27. Ship's
Theprison
Village Voice
29. Norse
28. Green
flavorgod, stepson of Thor
30. Devour hungrily
FightSeasons'
venues "Walk
29. The31.
Four
35. Follow along
Like ___"
36. Boat speed unit
30. Product
for clogs
37. Japanese
native
39. Views one’s existence
31. Muddle
41. Normandy town in W.W. II
35. Subfighting
shop
| Cinema
1 me"
"Fine by
11. Out, as a candle SM PAMPANGA46.
Pompeii
49.
"Not
too
___"
PG | 1 hr 44 ms
12. Highest peak in Crete:
11:40 AM | 2:00 PM | 4:20 PM |
Abbr.
50.
Fort
Courage
bunch
6:40 PM | 9:00 PM
13. 13 of them were Innocent
51. Turns aside
18. Drug agents: Var.
52. ___ risk (chance)
22. We: Fr.
10
18
23
51
9
1. Bohr’s subject
5. Wise man in a truban
10. Grammy winner ___ Anthony
14. Sari wearer
15. Hairdresser’s shop
16. Celebrity hairstylist Jose
17. Group that makes contracts 19. Sinew:
Comb. form
20. Ad ___ (to the stars): Lat.
21. Hissers
23. City in Kansas
26. Eats away
27. Back-to-back baseball games
32. Coin in Kiev: Abbr.
33. Curse
34. Alaskan cruise port
38. Good for what ___ you
40. Dinner-and-a-movie events 42. “___ Get
a Witness” (Marvin Gaye hit)
43. Kentucky’s ___ College
45. Stunted
47. Condition: Suffix
48. It’s on San Francisco Bay
51. Ukrainian bay
54. Making the mouth pucker, say
55. Yankees manager of the
‘70s between two Billy Martin
stints and of the ‘80s between
two Gene Michael stints
58. Clancy’s Jack and actress Meg
62. ‘The Time Machine’ people
63. Golfer Palmer, familiarly
66. Women’s fitness magazine
67. Made a home, as bees
68. Mount from which Moses
viewed the Promised Land
69. 90’s singer Brickell
70. Politico Mo of Arizona
71. Estonia and Latvia, formerly: Abbr.
16
20
27
8
15
14
"
7
Across
Puzzle ID: #C896JS
SM PAMPANGA | Cinema 2
53. Wonder-workers
Vampire Academy
R-13 | 1 hr 45 ms
6:40 PM | 9:00 PM
44. Peer Gynt’s mother
46. Word in a closing
56. Fight
stopper
49. Chinese
liquor
50. Ancient
Indo-Europeans
57. Preppy
shirt
label
51. Like a dog that might go on
59. Fit
chills
theof
drug
Slentrol
52. Distributed charity
60. Hoax
53. “Christ Stopped at___”
56. Egg-shaped
61. Ambulance
personnel,
57. Popular PBS science series
briefly
59. Agreeable responses
64. Air
___ (U.S.
60.Force
Cornhusker’s
state: Abbr.
61. Cheapplane)
digs: Abbr.
president's
64. No. with an area code
65. Above,
an ode briefly
65. Goodincholesterol,
SM PAMPANGA | Cinema 5
Starting Over Again
PG | 2 hrs 10 ms
12:15 PM | 2:50 PM | 5:25 PM | 8:00 PM
SM PAMPANGA | Cinema 6
Starting Over Again
PG | 2 hrs 10 ms
10:40 AM | 1:15 PM | 3:50 PM | 6:25 PM
| 9:00 PM
SM CLARK |cinema 1
Starting Over Again
PG | 2 hrs 10 ms
10:35 AM | 1:15 PM | 3:55 PM |
6:35 PM | 9:15 PM
LAST ISSUE ANSWERS
6
Headline
HOROSCOPE
AQUARIUS (JAN. 20 - FEB. 18)
Shared effort on your part goes a long way toward a positive resolution. A peaceful negotiation now will allow
you the freedom to go forward with your own plans and avoid a slowdown. Someone understands how you
feel and is helpful to you in many ways. Good practical job-related thoughts and ideas are available now. Very
few could resist your magnetic attraction. A volunteer effort to help with a social affair may go too far and
drain the budget. Be careful what you volunteer to help with--decorations, food, etc. Tell others what your
situation is--they will understand. There is a chance to understand those around you and to have a special time
with a loved one. A sense of support and harmony makes this a happy time.
ARIES (MAR. 21-APR. 19)
This is a great day to put what you have learned into practice. Tensions are high around you and taking an
attitude of patience and understanding will benefit you and those around you immensely. By the noon break,
work takes a different route and matters concerning long-range and long-distance come into play. Become
attentive when it comes to dreams versus realities. There is a time and place for everything to work in your
favor. For now, just keep on plugging away at those responsibilities and know that you will see some rewards
for your efforts soon. There will be opportunities to enjoy some fun social surroundings but, for this evening,
you may want to enjoy some quiet time with your loved ones. Music is relaxing.
CANCER (JUN 22- JUL 22)
Your need for mind-challenging subjects can be fulfilled as you read and discuss universal matters with others.
You may join people that are talking about clean cars and clean air and new trends and methods of air pollution control that may help the company for which you work to progress in business. Through winning trust, you
can generate clear, new directions for a group, company or city. Your generous spirit may stimulate you to prizewinning causes. This could be community relations, education or homeless problems. A desire to break free of any
restraints or restrictions will move you to grow and prosper. A friend may give you some constructive advice today.
Once your abilities are acknowledged, others may boost you into a position of distinction.
SM CLARK |Cinema 5
Starting Over Again
PG | 2 hrs 10 ms
3:00 PM | 5:40 PM | 8:20 PM
SM CLARK |Cinema 6
ABNKKBSNPLAko?! The Movie
G | 1 hr 30 ms
12:40 PM | 2:45 PM | 4:50 PM | 6:55 PM
| 9:00 PM
SM CLARK |IMAX
RoboCop
PG | 2 hrs 10 ms
11:10 AM | 1:45 PM | 4:20 PM | 6:55 PM
| 9:30 PM
SM PAMPANGA | Cinema 2
3 Days To Kill
R-13 | 1 hr 55 ms
11:00 AM | 1:30 PM | 4:00 PM
SM CLARK |Cinema 2
Pompeii
PG | 1 hr 44 ms
11:20 AM | 1:45 PM | 4:10 PM | 6:35
PM | 9:00 PM
SM CITY SAN FERNANDO
Downtown | Cinema 1
ABNKKBSNPLAko?! The Movie
G | 1 hr 30 ms
11:00 AM | 1:00 PM | 3:00 PM | 5:00 PM |
7:00 PM | 9:00 PM
SM PAMPANGA | Cinema 3
Homefront
R-13 | 1 hr 40 ms
4:20 PM | 6:40 PM | 9:00 PM
SM CLARK |D-Cinema
RoboCop
PG | 2 hrs 10 ms
10:30 AM | 1:10 PM | 3:50 PM
SM CITY SAN FERNANDO
Downtown | Cinema 2
Starting Over Again
PG | 2 hrs 10 ms
10:20 AM | 1:00 PM | 3:40 PM
| 6:20 PM | 9:00 PM
SM PAMPANGA | Cinema 3
The Book Thief
PG | 2 hrs 10 ms
10:50 AM | 1:30 PM
SM CLARK |D-Cinema
3 Days To Kill
R-13 | 1 hr 55 ms
6:25 PM | 9:00 PM
SM PAMPANGA | Cinema 4
ABNKKBSNPLAko?! The Movie
G | 1 hr 30 ms
12:40 PM | 2:45 PM | 4:50 PM | 6:55 PM
| 9:00 PM
SM CLARK |Cinema 4
Homefront
R-13 | 1 hr 40 ms
4:20 PM | 6:40 PM | 9:00 PM
SM CLARK |Cinema 4
The Book Thief
PG | 2 hrs 10 ms
10:50 AM | 1:30 PM
LAST ISSUE solution
SM CITY SAN FERNANDO
Downtown | Cinema 3
The Book Thief
PG | 2 hrs 10 ms
11:10 AM | 1:50 PM
Pompeii (2014)
PG | 1 hr 44 ms
4:30 PM | 6:45 PM | 9:00 PM
MARQUEEMALL | Cinema 1
Starting Over Again
PG | 2 hrs 10 ms
11:10 AM | 1:45 PM | 4:20 PM | 6:55
PM | 9:30 PM
MARQUEEMALL | Cinema 2
ABNKKBSNPLAko?! The Movie
G | 1 hr 30 ms
1:10 PM | 3:10 PM | 5:10 PM | 7:10 PM |
9:10 PM
Robinsons Starmills |Cinema 1
Pompeii
PG | 1 hr 44 ms
12:00 PM | 2:10 PM | 4:20 PM | 6:30 PM
| 8:40 PM
Robinsons Starmills | Cinema 5
The Book Thief
PG | 2 hrs 10 ms
11:00 AM | 1:30 PM | 4:00 PM | 6:30 PM
| 9:00 PM
Robinsons Starmills |Cinema 2
Homefront
R-13 | 1 hr 40 ms
12:00 PM | 2:10 PM | 4:20 PM | 6:30
PM | 8:40 PM
Robinsons Starmills | Cinema 6
3 Days To Kill
R-13 | 1 hr 55 ms
11:30 AM | 1:50 PM | 4:10 PM | 6:30 PM
| 8:50 PM
Robinsons Starmills |Cinema 3
ABNKKBSNPLAko?! The Movie
G | 1 hr 30 ms
10:50 AM | 12:40 PM | 2:30 PM | 4:20 PM
| 6:10 PM | 8:00 PM
Robinsons Angeles | Cinema 1
ABNKKBSNPLAko?! The Movie
G | 1 hr 30 ms
12:30 PM | 2:20 PM | 4:15 PM | 6:10 PM
| 8:00 PM
Robinsons Angeles Cinema 3
3 Days To Kill
R-13 | 1 hr 55 ms
12:15 PM | 2:45 PM | 5:15 PM | 7:45 PM
Robinsons Starmills |Cinema 4
Starting Over Again
PG | 2 hrs 10 ms
11:00 AM | 1:30 PM | 4:00 PM | 6:30 PM
| 9:00 PM
Robinsons Angeles Cinema 2
Starting Over Again
PG | 2 hrs 10 ms
12:15 PM | 2:50 PM | 5:25 PM | 8:00 PM
Robinsons Angeles Cinema 4
Pompeii
PG | 1 hr 44 ms
12:30 PM | 2:40 PM | 4:50 PM | 7:00 PM
MARQUEEMALL | Cinema 3
The Book Thief
PG | 2 hrs 10 ms
1:15 PM | 3:55 PM | 6:35 PM | 9:15 PM
MARQUEEMALL | Cinema 4
Pompeii
PG | 1 hr 44 ms
12:20 PM | 2:30 PM | 4:40 PM | 6:50
PM | 9:00 PM
( Cinema schedules are subjec t to change wi thou t prior not ice.)
CAPRICORN (DEC. 22 - JAN 19)
Focus on your work and set an example for others. Having and appreciating things of beauty and value play big
roles in your life. At the noon break, you may be picking up some supplies for the weekend chores. This could be
polishing, repairing, fixing up old furniture or appliances, etc. You are determined to save money. This evening
you may enjoy a good movie or a book, or feel like escaping from day-to-day realities for a while. You can
appreciate an imaginative approach and you value shared ideas. You may be discussing continued education
with your family this evening. You realize that you can only go so far in the workplace and added education can
advance you in the future directions you desire. This evening is for love.
GEMINI (MAY 21-JUN 21)
You are working at top form--you may have little patience with anything that restricts your movements today. You
need to flex your mental muscles! There are some possibilities of gaining insight, speed or answers to some long-time
search you have been conducting. You enjoy making your own way and finding solutions to whatever quandaries you
may have. You may be sought after for your advice and counsel regarding some business as well as personal issues.
You are able to get at what is beneath and behind a matter. Try to separate what works for you now and what keeps
you from your future goals--sifting through one thing at a time. Helping those who cannot help themselves is a strong
focus for you this weekend.
LEO (JUL 23 - AUG. 23)
Careful now, emotions may be touchy. You and others are speeding through the day making phone calls and trying to beat the clock. There is a lot of energy but be aware that this may bring about short tempers or things said in
haste. Challenge is the best cure for a sluggish creative mind and today is a great time to test your inventive mind.
Regardless of the clock, there is just so much a human can do. Be sure to take you prearranged breaks and stretch
occasionally, as if you were a cat. Do not dwell on mistakes--focus instead on what is needed. Frustrations may
make you stop and change things, but if you are not able to move past the frustration, you may miss an important
opportunity to progress and move forward. Laugh!
LIBRA (SEP. 23 - OCT. 23)
You will begin to see some benefits from your hard work today. You will be feeling a sense of support and harmony
from those around you. Saying and writing things with style counts for a lot now and this tends to bring out the
social butterfly in all of us. Today is a great time to be with others and to work together. Your management and
directional abilities are in high focus. Neighbors or brothers and sisters will likely bring all kinds of good experiences your way. This is a great time to be with others in an environment of goodwill. Romance at the drop of a hat
is part and parcel of the cycle you have just begun. Winning the hearts of others can be a challenge you are eager
to accept--and the thrill of the chase might be most of the fun.
PISCES (FEB. 19 - MAR. 20)
Your stress level will go up if you accept more than your fair share of work today. A sense of testing the limits can
result in a frustrating and stressful day; easy does it--communicating is good. Thinking all of this through does not
slow you from remaining courteous and positive. You may be able to enjoy and value your own life situation. Lively
discussions with friends concerning political issues may have you deciding to write the editor of a newspaper and
express your feelings. Your creative ideas are supported and you may feel more confident about your abilities in
the artistic arena of your life. A visitor in your home this afternoon may compliment you on your tastes or belongings. Create a new way to rejuvenate your energies.
SAGITTARIUS (NOV. 22 - DEC. 21)
There may be an increase in travel, or you may be involved in getting more money on the job through some outof-town trips. Down-to-earth dealings with all your contacts will win you friends. You may have your mind on
other things than your work today, but there are some financial and business opportunities in surprising places.
Use your own powers of deduction while making choices today. You are a kind person who is committed to caring
for your fellow human beings. You have made a promise that needs keeping this afternoon, even if you have to
write yourself a note and tape it to the car window. Take care of your health and consider healthy creamy soups
for lunch instead of large meals.
SCORPIO (OCT. 24- NOV. 21)
Pay attention to the little details today. These are the areas that often are overlooked when preparing for meetings, presentations or interactions with customers. Little details can be the missing link to success. New beginnings have a positive start. A friend or relative has a problem but you will see the real cause. Help reveal the truth
by teaching this person to face fears. Budget problems are decreasing and honest discussion among interested
parties will help to end the frustrations in this area. This could mean guiding a young person in economic affairs.
Choose an inexpensive activity that you consider fun and invite your loved one or family. Perhaps a game of charades or a board game will do nicely. Laughter ends this positive day.
TAURUS (APR. 20-MAY 20)
Positive things happen when you do a little detective work. You can uncover a truth that will help someone get out
of trouble. Your mind is quite clear. Ideas are flowing and come with ease. Whatever you seek to accomplish today
will have positive results. Travel is on the horizon and you will frequently find yourself looking through maps and
pamphlets for more information along this line. You may be teaching or instructing a young person in matters of
importance this evening. It could be that you are tutoring a student. If you are not romantically involved, you will
find a special someone soon. If you are romantically involved, you will discover ways to grow closer to your loved
one. There are opportunities now to create memorable times.
VIRGO (AUG. 23-SEP.22)
Easy does it today; others may cut you off or make it difficult for you to express yourself this morning. This, however, is of short duration. Wait a while--you will be able to handle these difficulties one at a time. There is support
for your ideas. Extend your awareness beyond yourself. Respect, status and achievement are achievable through
patience. This afternoon an advertisement has you repulsed and shocked--perhaps implying to viewers that loose
morals are acceptable if you are the owner of a particular product. You and a friend may create some attentiongetting letters that just could possibly help change the buying preferences of others. You may decide to send these
letters to the editor or several different news sources.
Headline
Gitnang Luzon
FEBRUARY 28 - MARCH 02, 2014
on a roll from Page 4
BALLOON FESTIVAL from Page 1
holding of this year’s hot air balloon
festival in Lubao, Pampanga, is most
welcome for us in the nearby areas
such as Dinalupihan and Hermosa in Bataan. Bataeños will have a
chance to enjoy this unique experience, and we certainly look forward
to a spill-over from the influx of
tourists, both foreign and local, who
are traditionally drawn in droves by
this exciting four-day event. It will
mean a lot of business for the commercial and tourist establishments
not only in Lubao but in the contiguous towns of Dinalupihan and Hermosa, among others, as well.”
The lady mayor also congratulated the provincial and municipal governments of Pampanga and Lubao,
and the organizers for this one-of-akind promotion.
“This will put on the tourism
map western Pampanga and Bataan. Bataan will benefit especially
the municipalities along Manila bay
side and Bataan National Park, the
Tagaytay of Central Luzon heretofore unknown to many. It is only a
short drive from Lubao. Aside from
ecotourism, we can also promote
historical/cultural tourism with the
2nd World War battle sites and old
churches,” said former Bataan congressman and former Bases Conversion Development Authority Chairman Felicito Payumo.
Payumo is presently the chairman of the board of a company that
owns Sinagtala Resort and Wellness
Farm, a prime and rising tourist
destination in Bataan located in Barangay Tala in Orani adjacent to the
RQP Farms owned by the Pinedas of
Lubao.
“The holding of the Philippine
International Balloon Festival 2014
in Lubao is definitely a shot in the
arm of the tourism industry not only
of the town of Lubao but the whole
of Pampanga and nearby parts of
Bataan as well, particularly Dinalupihan, Hermosa and Orani. Even
Subic could be a beneficiary of the
event,” businessman and former Dinalupihan municipal councilor Jules
Moncupa told this reporter.
Moncupa, the younger brother
of East West Bank Chairman Antonio Moncupa, further added, “The
benefits of the event in the tourism
industry could only materialize if
a conscious and concerted effort
among local governments and stakeholders is properly designed. I hope
somebody takes the lead towards
this end.”
The former councilor operates
Monsan Music Bar, a leading night
spot in Dinalupihan located along
the right side of Olongapo-Gapan
Road going to SBMA, just a few minutes’ drive away from Lubao.
Bataan Chamber of Commerce
and Industry Inc. President Amanda
Battad said, “This activity will be a
big advantage to the host town and
nearby provinces. Through a trade
fair we can showcase our products
from different provinces. Aside from
visiting Lubao, tourists can have
side trips to Bataan.”
Battad is the owner of Amanda’s
Marine Products that exports world
class processed fish like tinapa
(smoked fish), bagoong (shrimp
paste) and tuyo (dried fish) to major
cities in the United States and other
countries.
“This is a unique spectacle where
residents of the neighboring provinces could be attracted to. The viral
effect it will generate may create a
good atmosphere for local businessmen,” quips Greg Refraccion, a correspondent of a national daily and a
PR man. •
The venue is situated in a 250-hectare property in Barangay Prado Siongco, Lubao, where a world-class theme
park is now under construction.
The venue is bruited to host the larg-
est wakeboard park in Southeast Asia
coupled with some 57 international
standard villas and a championship
golf course. (used with permission
from the author).”•
PIFBI CHAIRMAN from Page 1
of 4,000 feet may inconvenience airlines especially if launched during peak
hours, thus the decision to move out of
the 25-kilometer no-fly zone for balloons,” Castro added.
PREMIER HOTELS from Page 1
coming April 10 to 13 at Barangay Prado Siongco, Lubao.
A world-class theme
park and wakeboard are
now under construction in a
250-hectare property where
the balloon festival will be
held for four days.
The annual event was previously held at the Clark Freeport in Pampanga and it first
was staged in 1994 to spark
economic activities and lift
the morale of local residents
affected by the series of eruptions of Mt. Pinatubo beginning 1991.
Otsuru said the HARP
and Department of Tourism
(DOT) regional director Ron-
nie Tiotuico said they tried
to revive the balloon festival
when negotiations failed for
its staging in February this
year. It was hosted for more
than 10 years by the group of
Capt. Joi Roa, top honcho of
the Philippine International
Hot Air Balloon Foundation.
Noel Castro Jr. is the
chairman of the newly established Pilipinas International Balloon Festival
Inc. (PIBFI). His group
will handle the ballooning
events and related activities in the area, which is almost three kilometers away
from Barangays Layac and
Daang Bago, Dinalupihan
town, Bataan and about 12
kilometers from the City of
San Fernando, Pampanga’s
capital city.
Lubao, hometown of Pampanga Gov. Lilia Pineda, is
at least 30 kilometers away
from the Clark International
Airport. But the highways
and access roads leading
to Prado Siongco, Lubao
from Clark and other areas
in Pampanga Bataan and
Zambales “are in very good
condition,” said Second District Board Member Salvador
Dimson Jr. of Barangay San
Vicente, Lubao.
Otsuru, owner of Yu Fu In
Japanese Restaurant in Bali-
bago, Angeles City and Don
Don Tei at the SM City Clark,
said they have about “active”
50 members of HARP.
“We collectively have more
than 5,000 rooms to offer
and they are not enough for
the thousands of guests of the
balloon festival,” said Otsuru.
HARP’s members include
the prominent hotels in Clark
and Angeles City, including Widus Hotel-Casino, Fontana Leisure Parks, Holiday Inn Resort,
Mimosa Leisure Estate, Grand
Lewis Hotel and ABC Hotel.
Last year, it was estimated
that at least 66,000 local and
international tourists attended the event daily. •
fiber optic loop from Page 8
markets by the touch of a finger,” Pangilinan said.
After ‘graduating’ from the Senate,
Pangilinan engaged in organic farming
and natural agriculture in his farm in
Batangas. He said his entry into Metroworks is consistent to his advocacy of
promoting modern technology among
the people.
“Eventually, our objective is to pro-
vide access to information and technology to the widest number of our people.
Access to information empowers the
people and actually bridges the divide
between the rich and the poor,” he
added.
Microworks ICT Corporation is part
of the group of technology-oriented
companies organized by Angeles-based
businessman Dennis Anthony Uy, that
includes Converge ICT Solutions Inc.,
ComClark Network and Technology
Corp., among others.
Metroworks, the infrastructure
arm of Converge, is also currently laying down eight underground fiber optic
“rings” in Metro Manila. Each “ring”
will be the backbone for fiber optic connection for local governments, communities, offices and homes. •
position paper that several government agencies such as Maritime
Industry Authority, Philippine
Reclamation Authority, Department of Environment and Natural
Resources have made more than
“minimal interference with SBMA’s
operations of Subic Freeport.
“This bill, thus, intends to put
back in place such character of Subic
Freeport with the SBMA as the government’s independent or autonomous steward in its management
and development,” Garcia said.
Likewise, the SBMA said that
while RA 7227 envisioned Subic
Freeport as self-sustaining, industrial, commercial, financial and investment center, it did into bestow
upon SBMA any form of constant
and stable source of funding.
The SBMA has no share from the
preferential tax paid by Freeport
locators unlike the LGUs affecting and contiguous to the Freeport
zone, which likewise receive Internal Revenue Allotments from the
national government.
The SBMA proposed that out of
the 3 percent being remitted to the
national government, the SBMA
should get one percent of the five
percent tax on gross income earned
by Freeport locators. The SBMA
also sought amendment on the
composition of the members of its
Board from former base workers to
representatives of business sectors.
For her part, Roman said that
the share of LGUs from this profit should be distributed fairly as
she insisted that Bataan province
covers almost three-fourth of the
whole Freeport Zone but has been
receiving less amount than other
areas particularly, Olongapo City. •
FREEPORT LAW from Page 3
V. Garcia cited potential amendments that would further enhance
the investment promotion capabilities of Subic Freeport and ensure the long-term viability of the
SBMA.
Garcia said that the bill will be
seeking to reinforce and reaffirm
the powers granted to the SBMA by
the law as the operating and implementing arm of the government.
“The amendment should also
seek to reinforce SBMA’s capability to fulfill its mandate of creating
a self-sustaining economic hub in
Central Luzon,” Garcia said.
Garcia cited section 13(b) which
stated that the Freeport was designed to ensure free f low or movement of goods and capital to attract
investors with the least governmental intervention.
At present, the SBMA said in its
7
ture direction. Weekly meetings were held with
key members of existing social and political institutions. Orientation seminars were held to let
people become aware of what tourism can do for
them.
Media campaign was launched to introduce
the project to the public. Appeals were made to
the travel trade sector in Pampanga in November
and March to be part of a community-based project.
Initially, the tourism regional office gathered
support from the private sector to kick-start the
tourism project. Holy Angel University donated
15 computers to the local community. The school
also took part in the conduct of training for mountain guides. The Association of Travel Agencies of
Pampanga contributed funds for the billboards
and directional signage including the completion
of their basketball court. Soon Holiday Inn Resort
Clark Field took part by donating sets of uniforms
for mountain guides, beddings and kitchen utensils.
Meanwhile, tourism was slowly becoming a
way of life of local residents as local and foreign
visitors start coming in droves. A “Kabuhayan sa
Turismo” project was organized together with the
private sector to give meaning to all these initiatives.
To establish an impact on the tourism public, the tourism regional office organized the 1st
Mt. Pinatubo Millennium Trek on November
30, 1999 to seek the support of some 150 participants in helping build better quality of lives. Some
P100,000 was gathered as a common fund. Then
on January 30 the 2nd millennium trek gathered some 50 participants with a contribution of
P40,000 for local tourism conservation projects.
Companies like Laus Group of Companies and
Romac Services and Trading Corporation contributed their resources.
Then in the year 2000, the regional tourism office launched its 2nd Mt. Pinatubo Trek
on November 30, 2000 with the same purpose
of generating public awareness on the need to
protect and preserve the natural and social environment. Immediately following the ecotourism
event of the year, some P104,700 was donated by
participating trekkers to the crater of the volcano.
The amount will hence be utilized to finance construction of mountain rest areas and multi-purpose center for the benefit of people hiking up the
heights of the mountain.
On December 6-8, 2000, Regional Director
Ronaldo P. Tiotuico was officially invited to the
International Conference on Sustainble Tourism
in Small Islands in the Asia-Pacific Region in Gloria Resort, Sanya, Province of Hainan, People’s
Republic of China. Director Tiotuico made a case
presentation of the ecotourism initiatives undertaken for local communities close to Mt. Pinatubo. The conference was sponsored by the World
Tourism Organization and United National Environment.
Headline Gitnang Luzon set forth its mission to protect the environment and to promote the
best of what Region III can offer and contribute.
The beauty of Region III is that, it is here where
you can find the Monasterio de Tarlac, Casa Mexico, Mount Arayat, Hot Air Balloon Festival, Mt. Pinatubo Crater, and the Triboa Bay Mangrove park
to name a few.
With this we can proudly say It’s Really More
Fun in the Philippines, most especially Region III.
•
barging operations from Page 8
national airports in Clark Freeport Zone and
Subic Bay Freeport Zone and a seaport managed
by Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority.
The Freeport boasts of its deep harbor
points, deeper than those in Subic or Manila
ports, where barging operations can be located.
Custodio said that it would promote and generate more businesses in both sides of Manila
Bay and will further expose the Freeport to the
strategic areas comprising the West Philippine
Sea.
Major investments inside the Freeport includes garments/textile manufacturing while
the rest are engaged in the production of bags
and rubber products, electronics and other world
class products.
Among the largest investors in the FAB are
Mitsumi Philippines Inc., Desktop Bags Philippines Inc., Dong-In Entech K-1 Inc., and Dunlop
Slazenger Philippines Inc.
The Freeport Area of Bataan, which covers a
total land area of 1,742 hectares, offers tax incentives such as up to eight-year income tax holiday
and duty-free importation of capital equipment
and the only Freeport in the Philippines authorized to sell real property. •
BUSINESS
VOLUME II • NO. 176 • FEBRUARY 28 - MARCH 02, 2014 • FRIDAY - SUNDAY
Not only a crowd-drawer
4th Caragan Festival seen to attract investors
BY Charlene A. Cayabyab
MABALACAT CITY -- With
about 30,000 people expected to
witness the 4th Caragan Festival
here, Mayor Marino “Boking”
Morales said the event will be an
additional factor for investors to
come to the city.
During his monthly press briefing at the Bale Balita in Clark Freeport, Morales said investors have
started to put up their businesses
at Barangay Poblacion, including a
Jollibee store. The mayor said other
fast food chains have started to find
spots for their stores.
Meanwhile, the city government has allotted P2 million for
the festival, which is the biggest
street dancing competition in
the city, according to Vice Mayor
Christian Halili.
Jun Magbalot, chairman of
the 2014 Caragan Festival, said
the budget includes prizes for
the winners of the street dancing
competition and preparations for
the festival.
Peace and order
To ensure peace and order during the Caragan Festival, Morales
said he has instructed the local police to heighten their anti-criminality
measures.
Aside from the local police, department heads and other staff from
the municipal hall were also tasked
to participate in anti-criminality efforts and traffic management.
The street dancing competition will open today (Friday) from
Barangay Mabiga up to Xevera
Municipal Hall where the awarding ceremonies will be held.
The Caragan Festival, held
every fourth week of February, is
part of the month-long celebration of the city’s fiesta.
The festival is named after
the first chieftain of Mabalacat
called “Garagan” an Aeta married to a Mabalaquena named
Laureana Tolentino. The ethnic
Aeta group ruled over Mabalacat
until they dwindled in population as modernization sets in.
It was Mayor Marino Morales
who initiated the festival as part
of rebuilding efforts after the
Mount Pinatubo eruption, the
pullout of the US forces at the
former Clark Air Base and other
disasters that struck the city. •
Barging
operation
proposed
for Bataan
Freeport
By Michael R. Cigaral
fic as opposed to the traditional excavations
where roads and pavements are ripped apart
and dug up, usually causing massive traffic
build-up aside from permanent damages to
the roads and other infrastructure.
To demonstrate the efficiency of microtrenching, Pangilinan said the first seven kilometers of underground cables completed
in three days of work will be inaugurated on
March 6 (Thursday).
“Through the cooperation of the current
leadership and management of the Clark
Development Corporation (CDC), we wish
to turn Clark as a model intelligent business
and industrial haven linked to the world’s
MARIVELES, Bataan -This province’s premiere investment hub, the Freeport Area of
Bataan (FAB), is looking for investors for a new cargo port facility
that will handle cost-efficient and
faster delivery of goods from FAB
to Manila.
Authority of the Freeport
Area of Bataan (AFAB) Chairman
and Administrator, Atty. Deogracias Custodio, said investors have
the option to develop and operate a smaller basic cargo port for
barging services for almost P900
million or a bigger port worth
P1.54 billion.
“Right now with this present
situation in Metro Manila, we
cannot rely on nearby transport
systems. We want to have our
own port operations to meet the
required frequency of our locators. We can even go to as far as
ASEAN countries like Singapore,
Hong Kong, etc., via these operations if we did get to have our own
barging operations,” Custodio
told Headline Gitnang Luzon.
The barging operations will
provide an alternative route that
would cut cost and delivery time
and it will service more than 70
locators inside FAB and around
the Mariveles area, he said.
FAB is only 45 minutes to an
hour away from Manila by sea.
Among its numerous logistical
advantages within Central Luzon
and nearby areas includes inter-
fiber optic loop... Page 7
barging operation... Page 7
PRETTY FACES. Students of Mabiga Elementary School wait for their turn to perform during the first day of Caragan Festival of Mabalacat City held on Wednesday in
honor of this town’s first Aeta Chieftain . Mayor Marino “Boking” Morales says the city government sees the importance of supporting cultural activities to uplift the morale
of the people and promote tourism. The main event is on Friday. - -LENY MANALO
70-km underground fiber optic loop for Clark underway
CLARK FREEPORT ZONE – A 70-kilometer underground fiber optic loop is now
being constructed at the Clark Freeport zone
that will provide access to locators to an allweather and speedy broadband and communications facility, which is expected to
boost further the competitiveness of Clark
as a global investments area.
“Once completed, the facility will serve
as the backbone and distribution network of
a wide array of broadband services and applications that are particularly useful to the
business process outsourcing companies located at Clark, as well as other enterprises
that need reliable, weather-proof and fast
access to information,” said former Senator
Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan, chair of Metroworks ICT Construction Inc., which is building the P80-million network.
Pangilinan said that the laying down of
the underground fiber optic cables is in itself
another technological innovation.
He said Metroworks is pioneering the
use of micro-trenching technology, a stateof-the-art method of concrete trenching that
involves the digging by machine of only twoinch wide and eight-inch depth trenches
which are immediately filled up with cement
almost at the same time that the cables are
laid.
According to him, micro-trenching
causes very minimal inconvenience to traf-
TESDA launches mobile training centers in CL
By Rudy Andal
MANILA — Technical Education and Skills Development
Authority (TESDA) directorgeneral Joel Villanueva announced yesterday that their
mobile training center program
will be strengthened, particularly in Central Luzon, to reach
out to communities and disadvantaged youth.
Sec. Villanueva told Headline Gitnang Luzon yesterday
that he instructed TESDA re-
gional director Ted Gatchalian
to implement the mobile training center program by bringing
the programs and courses to
different barangays in Pampanga, Bulacan and other parts
of Central Luzon.
“We innovate to educate
especially our disadvantaged
youth through these mobile
learning centers,” Secretary
Villanueva claimed.
“In the coming months,
we hope that this bus journeys
through more communities
bringing with it the promise of
alternative technical vocational
education,” he added.
Villanueva also said they
will reach out to the communities and bring the TESDA
programs to the youths if they
cannot enroll to the TESDAaccredited schools.
According to Villanueva,
the TESDA mobile training bus
is equipped with multi-media
equipment, computers, tools,
training chairs and other supplies needed for training stu-
dents on short courses.
On the side of the bus, collapsible tents will be set up to
serve as practical work area
and assessment venue. Graduates of the courses are required
to undergo competency assessment and be certified as TESDA specialista.
For the Mobile Training
Plus, TESDA prioritizes visits to sites that are remote and
hard to reach by public services, regularly stricken by natural
calamities, and areas with less
fortunate beneficiaries who
cannot afford transportation
expenses.
Villanueva said the park
and train program complements the classroom trainings
given by TESDA through its
partner institutions.
He said it also showcases
the strong public-private partnership between the agency
and private donors, which
provide the vehicles that were
converted into mobile learning
centers. •