By Albert B. Lacanlale
CITY OF SAN FERNANDO --- A local power distributor here has become the first private electricity provider to purchase clean and renewable energy from AboitizPower.
Yesterday, AboitizPower signed an agreement with local power firm San Fernando Electric Light and Power Company for the supply of renewable energy fro three years starting December 26, this year.
Cleanergy, the AboitizPower brand of alternative and eco-friendly power, will be sourced from AboitizPower’s Tiwi-Makban geothermal facilities and Hedcor-Irisan hydroelectric plant in Benguet.
Austin Herrick, president of AboitizPower wholly-owned subsidiary AP Renewables, Inc., AboitizPower senior vice president for trading & Marketing Luis Aboitiz, SFELAPCO president Michael L. Escaler signed the power supply contract in the presence of SFELAPCO SVP/general manager Jose T. Lazatin at a local restaurant in this city.
For the first nine months that end on Sept. 25, 2010, when SFELAPCO’s contract with the National Power Corporation expires, its power demand will be around 70 megawatts (MW), 25 MW of which will be supplied by AboitizPower. In the succeeding 27 months until Sept. 25, 2012, AboitizPower will be SFELAPCO’s exclusive bilateral energy supplier, during which the maximum contract demand is expected to reach 90 MW.
This is aside from the 10 percent supply sourced from the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market (WESM), according to Aboitiz.
A privately-owned distribution utility, SFELAPCO has a total energy requirement aver of 35 million kilowatt hours (kWh) per months for its 80,000 residential, commercial and industrial customers in the towns of Floridablanca, Bacolor, Guagua, Lubao, Sto. Tomas and in this city.
With the government’s zero-rate value added tax privilege for renewable power as outlined by the Renewable Energy Act of 2008, customers of SFELAPCO will initially receive a five-to-six percent deduction in the VAT imposed on their electricity consumption by January 2010 and the whole 12 percent come October 2010.
The government tax deducted, customers may enjoy up to 40 centavos reduction in every kilowatt hour they consume. SFELAPCO’s charges P7.47 for every kilowatt hour.
“We believe that as a distribution utility, it is our primary duty to serve our customers well and at the same time to treat our environment well. By going green, we achieve both goals simultaneously,” Escaler said.
SFELAPCO will derive 100 percent of its power requirement from AboitizPower after their contract with the National Power Corporation expired on September 25, 2010.
Saturday, November 21, 2009
Liberal Party embraces Panlilio
By Raymond C. Garcia
CITY OF SAN FERNANDO --- With his latest inclusion in the Liberal Party (LP) of Presidential aspirant Senator Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III, Governor Eddie Panlilio can now be classified as a “full pledge politician.”
Recently, Panlilio led the latest batch of LP recruits who took their oath before the party’s presidential and vice presidential standard bearers Sen. Aquino and Sen. Manuel Roxas III, respectively.
This latest development in Panlilio’s “political career” drew some comments among laity as well as on some priests in the Archdiocese regarding the real and on-going pans of the priest-turned-governor in the coming days.
Some are asking if Panlilio is already at the brink of taking a big leap in his life if ever he decides to run again for public office and leave the priesthood while others are asking if the governor already had the approval of his immediate superior Pampanga Archbishop Paciano Aniceto about his plans.
Cannon lawyers said that should Panlilio decides to run for public office again, he should first prioritize to get a dispensation from the Holy See.
Joining Panlilio during the said oath taking were former Interior and Local Government Secretary Joey Lina, Misamis Oriental Mayor Ruthie Guingona, Pasay City Vice Mayor Antonio Calixto and former Laguna vice governor Edwin Olivares.
According to reports, Roxas said the LP has further strengthened its organization for the 2010 elections by recruiting new members known for their clean record as elected public officials.
He furthered by saying that the continuing expansion of the party proves that the forces seeking honest, clean and upright leadership is growing.
Lina served as President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s interior secretary until his resignation in 2004. He also once served as governor of Laguna.
Panlilio is an active proponent of reforms and good governance as governor of Pampanga, Ms Arroyo’s home province.
Guingona is the wife of former Vice President Teofisto Guingona, who has led the opposition to Ms. Arroyo, particularly after the “Hello Garci” wiretapping scandal of 2004.
Last week, Pangasinan Rep. Victor Agbayani, North Cotabato Rep. Bernardo Piñol Jr., Alaminos, Pangasinan Mayor Hernani Braganza and 125 local officials from different parts of the country took their oath as Liberals.
CITY OF SAN FERNANDO --- With his latest inclusion in the Liberal Party (LP) of Presidential aspirant Senator Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III, Governor Eddie Panlilio can now be classified as a “full pledge politician.”
Recently, Panlilio led the latest batch of LP recruits who took their oath before the party’s presidential and vice presidential standard bearers Sen. Aquino and Sen. Manuel Roxas III, respectively.
This latest development in Panlilio’s “political career” drew some comments among laity as well as on some priests in the Archdiocese regarding the real and on-going pans of the priest-turned-governor in the coming days.
Some are asking if Panlilio is already at the brink of taking a big leap in his life if ever he decides to run again for public office and leave the priesthood while others are asking if the governor already had the approval of his immediate superior Pampanga Archbishop Paciano Aniceto about his plans.
Cannon lawyers said that should Panlilio decides to run for public office again, he should first prioritize to get a dispensation from the Holy See.
Joining Panlilio during the said oath taking were former Interior and Local Government Secretary Joey Lina, Misamis Oriental Mayor Ruthie Guingona, Pasay City Vice Mayor Antonio Calixto and former Laguna vice governor Edwin Olivares.
According to reports, Roxas said the LP has further strengthened its organization for the 2010 elections by recruiting new members known for their clean record as elected public officials.
He furthered by saying that the continuing expansion of the party proves that the forces seeking honest, clean and upright leadership is growing.
Lina served as President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s interior secretary until his resignation in 2004. He also once served as governor of Laguna.
Panlilio is an active proponent of reforms and good governance as governor of Pampanga, Ms Arroyo’s home province.
Guingona is the wife of former Vice President Teofisto Guingona, who has led the opposition to Ms. Arroyo, particularly after the “Hello Garci” wiretapping scandal of 2004.
Last week, Pangasinan Rep. Victor Agbayani, North Cotabato Rep. Bernardo Piñol Jr., Alaminos, Pangasinan Mayor Hernani Braganza and 125 local officials from different parts of the country took their oath as Liberals.
Smart unveils WiMax in Floridablanca school
FLORIDABLANCA, Pampanga --- Paguiruan is a sleepy barangay at the outskirts of Floridablanca in Pampanga. It's no surprise that while the poblacion is teeming with Internet shops and wireless antennae, this small community remains digitally isolated.
But all that is about to change.
Through Paguiruan High School's partnership with leading wireless services provider Smart Communications, this once Internet dead spot is now at the mainstream of the broadband revolution.
Paguiruan High School (PHS) is a recipient of the Smart Schools Program (SSP), Smart's flagship ICT in education initiative. Under SSP, PHS will be connected to the Internet via WiMax - the first in SSP's network of 270 schools.
WiMax or Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access is a telecommunications technology that enables high-speed wireless Internet access to a wider area. Smart is rapidly rolling out its WiMax network to cover unserved areas and provide Internet connectivity to places that were once inaccessible.
"It has been our vision to provide Internet for all Filipinos - no matter where they are or what device they're using," said Orlando Vea, Smart's chief wireless advisor. Through WiMAX, Vea said Smart intends to replicate the success it achieved in cellular phones in the field of wireless broadband Internet.
"What better way to start blanketing the country with broadband access than by connecting the public school system," he said. "Our WiMax deployment in Paguiruan is only the beginning."
Smart School Partner
Apart from connectivity, PHS will receive a Smart Teacher's Learning Resource Center (STLRC) consisting of two computers, two webcams, a printer and scanner. As an SSP partner, the school will also be given access to online content via the Smart Schools website www.smartschools.ph and receive teacher training in computer literacy, ICT integration in the classroom, troubleshooting and maintenance, leadership and website development.
"For the past year, our computer classes only involve learning clerical skills. But now that we have Internet connection, the students have more opportunities to learn," said PHS principal Jesusa Agustin.
She added that the school has incorporated computer education in the Technology Livelihood Education (TLE) subject of students from first year to fourth year.
"We have just attended basic Computer Training (from DepEd) and this is our chance to apply what we learned," said PHS ICT coordinator Chito Ramos. Using the computer, Ramos said their classes can now be more interactive. "Now, we can better meet the needs of our students."
For his part, Smart's Public Affairs Group head Ramon Isberto believes that ICT can really help in education - not only for the students, but more importantly for the teachers. "Our teachers need to learn, too. That's why the main clients of the SLTC are the teachers. It's a learning facility for them so they can better help their students."
SMART's initiatives to help promote ICT in education via the Smart Schools Program are part of the company's "Internet for all" advocacy. The program also supports the objective of the Department of Education and the Commission on Information and Communications Technology's Internet Connectivity Project. It is implemented through the Philippine Business for Social Progress, with the support of the Department of Education.
But all that is about to change.
Through Paguiruan High School's partnership with leading wireless services provider Smart Communications, this once Internet dead spot is now at the mainstream of the broadband revolution.
Paguiruan High School (PHS) is a recipient of the Smart Schools Program (SSP), Smart's flagship ICT in education initiative. Under SSP, PHS will be connected to the Internet via WiMax - the first in SSP's network of 270 schools.
WiMax or Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access is a telecommunications technology that enables high-speed wireless Internet access to a wider area. Smart is rapidly rolling out its WiMax network to cover unserved areas and provide Internet connectivity to places that were once inaccessible.
"It has been our vision to provide Internet for all Filipinos - no matter where they are or what device they're using," said Orlando Vea, Smart's chief wireless advisor. Through WiMAX, Vea said Smart intends to replicate the success it achieved in cellular phones in the field of wireless broadband Internet.
"What better way to start blanketing the country with broadband access than by connecting the public school system," he said. "Our WiMax deployment in Paguiruan is only the beginning."
Smart School Partner
Apart from connectivity, PHS will receive a Smart Teacher's Learning Resource Center (STLRC) consisting of two computers, two webcams, a printer and scanner. As an SSP partner, the school will also be given access to online content via the Smart Schools website www.smartschools.ph and receive teacher training in computer literacy, ICT integration in the classroom, troubleshooting and maintenance, leadership and website development.
"For the past year, our computer classes only involve learning clerical skills. But now that we have Internet connection, the students have more opportunities to learn," said PHS principal Jesusa Agustin.
She added that the school has incorporated computer education in the Technology Livelihood Education (TLE) subject of students from first year to fourth year.
"We have just attended basic Computer Training (from DepEd) and this is our chance to apply what we learned," said PHS ICT coordinator Chito Ramos. Using the computer, Ramos said their classes can now be more interactive. "Now, we can better meet the needs of our students."
For his part, Smart's Public Affairs Group head Ramon Isberto believes that ICT can really help in education - not only for the students, but more importantly for the teachers. "Our teachers need to learn, too. That's why the main clients of the SLTC are the teachers. It's a learning facility for them so they can better help their students."
SMART's initiatives to help promote ICT in education via the Smart Schools Program are part of the company's "Internet for all" advocacy. The program also supports the objective of the Department of Education and the Commission on Information and Communications Technology's Internet Connectivity Project. It is implemented through the Philippine Business for Social Progress, with the support of the Department of Education.
Fresh Options owner wins P1.3-M IBM challenge
ANGELES CITY --- Red Dragon Farms (RDF), a home-grown medium scale company that operates Fresh Options meat shops and engaged in commercial livestock production, was adjudged winner for IBM’s Business Reality Challenge in the country.
IBM will provide RDF a suite of free hardware, software and consulting services worth US$30,000 (roughly P1.29 million) needed for the company’s business expansion plans.
Pia Azarcon, IBM Philippines country manager for ibm.com/midmarket, turned-over the check representing the Information Technology (IT) firm’s assistance to RDF to its president and general manager Robert Lo recently.
The IBM Business Reality Challenge is an ASEAN-wide contest developed to assist small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) who are keen to improving productivity and profitability while reducing costs through the efficient use of IT.
The IBM challenge ran from May to June 2009 wherein SMBs were asked to describe in 100 words or less, their biggest IT challenges and how the prize will help build a smarter business for them.
Approximately 100 SMBs nationwide took part in the IBM challenge but, Azarcon said, RDF was chosen because it has grown significantly despite the lack of efficient IT system. The award, she said, is hoped to further boost the firm’s capability for expansion and growth.
“Red Dragon’s first enterprise-level IT system will enable the company to work faster and smarter that its competitors. It will allow them to get fast and accurate reports to improve management decision and have better systems management and controls for overall operational efficiency,” Azarcon said.
RDf is a major player in the commercial and agricultural sector and operates a feed mill, 12 poultry farms, two swine farms and 45 meat shops in the City of San Fernando.
IBM will provide RDF a suite of free hardware, software and consulting services worth US$30,000 (roughly P1.29 million) needed for the company’s business expansion plans.
Pia Azarcon, IBM Philippines country manager for ibm.com/midmarket, turned-over the check representing the Information Technology (IT) firm’s assistance to RDF to its president and general manager Robert Lo recently.
The IBM Business Reality Challenge is an ASEAN-wide contest developed to assist small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) who are keen to improving productivity and profitability while reducing costs through the efficient use of IT.
The IBM challenge ran from May to June 2009 wherein SMBs were asked to describe in 100 words or less, their biggest IT challenges and how the prize will help build a smarter business for them.
Approximately 100 SMBs nationwide took part in the IBM challenge but, Azarcon said, RDF was chosen because it has grown significantly despite the lack of efficient IT system. The award, she said, is hoped to further boost the firm’s capability for expansion and growth.
“Red Dragon’s first enterprise-level IT system will enable the company to work faster and smarter that its competitors. It will allow them to get fast and accurate reports to improve management decision and have better systems management and controls for overall operational efficiency,” Azarcon said.
RDf is a major player in the commercial and agricultural sector and operates a feed mill, 12 poultry farms, two swine farms and 45 meat shops in the City of San Fernando.
Angelenos cheer as Pacquiao wins 7th division belt
ANGELES CITY --- Angelenos trooped to the Pampang Public Market here on Sunday to witness the historic win of Filipino ring icon Manny Pacquiao over the Puerto Rican champion Miguel Cotto.
Secretary Edgardo Pamintuan, Subic-Clark Alliance for Development Council (SCADC) Chairman and CEO, who sponsored the free public viewing of the fight in Las Vegas, Nevada in the USA, joined thousands of market vendors, stall owners, jeepney drivers and passersby to cheer for Pacquiao’s seventh title in different weight divisions.
Two wide screen television sets were set up at the Pampang Public Market to allow the people to get free live viewing of the fight.
Seated amidst hundreds of his constituents, Pamintuan cheered, jeered, clapped, shouted and jumped every time Pacquiao hit Cotto with his lightning speed attacks to the face and body.
With the cooperation of the officers of the Pampang Market Vendors’ Association, the venue was prepared hours before the actual fight in order to accommodate the greater number of people.
At fight time, almost three hundred people packed the venue but in spite of the heat and noise, no one really minded and took notice because everyone is there to support, cheer and pray for Pacquiao.
According to Allen Antonio, one of the leaders of the market vendors, this is the first time that such an event was held inside the market compound.
Joining Pamintuan are Vice Mayor Vicky Vega, Councillor Jay Sangil, officers of the markets vendors’ association and other barangay officials.
During the last Pacquiao fight with Ricky Hatton, something similar was set up outside but it was then too hot and too bright for the audience to really appreciate the fight.
This time, the two well-placed TV sets, plus the booming sound system, made it a rare treat for those who watched a live show for the first time. Conspicuously installed at the venues are tarpaulins bearing the pictures of Pamintuan standing side by side with Pacquiao.
Pamintuan also arranged for similar venues where people could watch the Pacquiao-Cotto live for free in the covered courts of Brgy. Pulung Bulu, Malabanas and other venues, including the Angeles City Jail.
Secretary Edgardo Pamintuan, Subic-Clark Alliance for Development Council (SCADC) Chairman and CEO, who sponsored the free public viewing of the fight in Las Vegas, Nevada in the USA, joined thousands of market vendors, stall owners, jeepney drivers and passersby to cheer for Pacquiao’s seventh title in different weight divisions.
Two wide screen television sets were set up at the Pampang Public Market to allow the people to get free live viewing of the fight.
Seated amidst hundreds of his constituents, Pamintuan cheered, jeered, clapped, shouted and jumped every time Pacquiao hit Cotto with his lightning speed attacks to the face and body.
With the cooperation of the officers of the Pampang Market Vendors’ Association, the venue was prepared hours before the actual fight in order to accommodate the greater number of people.
At fight time, almost three hundred people packed the venue but in spite of the heat and noise, no one really minded and took notice because everyone is there to support, cheer and pray for Pacquiao.
According to Allen Antonio, one of the leaders of the market vendors, this is the first time that such an event was held inside the market compound.
Joining Pamintuan are Vice Mayor Vicky Vega, Councillor Jay Sangil, officers of the markets vendors’ association and other barangay officials.
During the last Pacquiao fight with Ricky Hatton, something similar was set up outside but it was then too hot and too bright for the audience to really appreciate the fight.
This time, the two well-placed TV sets, plus the booming sound system, made it a rare treat for those who watched a live show for the first time. Conspicuously installed at the venues are tarpaulins bearing the pictures of Pamintuan standing side by side with Pacquiao.
Pamintuan also arranged for similar venues where people could watch the Pacquiao-Cotto live for free in the covered courts of Brgy. Pulung Bulu, Malabanas and other venues, including the Angeles City Jail.
Fresh Options owner wins P1.3-M IBM challenge
ANGELES CITY --- Red Dragon Farms (RDF), a home-grown medium scale company that operates Fresh Options meat shops and engaged in commercial livestock production, was adjudged winner for IBM’s Business Reality Challenge in the country.
IBM will provide RDF a suite of free hardware, software and consulting services worth US$30,000 (roughly P1.29 million) needed for the company’s business expansion plans.
Pia Azarcon, IBM Philippines country manager for ibm.com/midmarket, turned-over the check representing the Information Technology (IT) firm’s assistance to RDF to its president and general manager Robert Lo recently.
The IBM Business Reality Challenge is an ASEAN-wide contest developed to assist small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) who are keen to improving productivity and profitability while reducing costs through the efficient use of IT.
The IBM challenge ran from May to June 2009 wherein SMBs were asked to describe in 100 words or less, their biggest IT challenges and how the prize will help build a smarter business for them.
Approximately 100 SMBs nationwide took part in the IBM challenge but, Azarcon said, RDF was chosen because it has grown significantly despite the lack of efficient IT system. The award, she said, is hoped to further boost the firm’s capability for expansion and growth.
“Red Dragon’s first enterprise-level IT system will enable the company to work faster and smarter that its competitors. It will allow them to get fast and accurate reports to improve management decision and have better systems management and controls for overall operational efficiency,” Azarcon said.
RDf is a major player in the commercial and agricultural sector and operates a feed mill, 12 poultry farms, two swine farms and 45 meat shops in the City of San Fernando.
IBM will provide RDF a suite of free hardware, software and consulting services worth US$30,000 (roughly P1.29 million) needed for the company’s business expansion plans.
Pia Azarcon, IBM Philippines country manager for ibm.com/midmarket, turned-over the check representing the Information Technology (IT) firm’s assistance to RDF to its president and general manager Robert Lo recently.
The IBM Business Reality Challenge is an ASEAN-wide contest developed to assist small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) who are keen to improving productivity and profitability while reducing costs through the efficient use of IT.
The IBM challenge ran from May to June 2009 wherein SMBs were asked to describe in 100 words or less, their biggest IT challenges and how the prize will help build a smarter business for them.
Approximately 100 SMBs nationwide took part in the IBM challenge but, Azarcon said, RDF was chosen because it has grown significantly despite the lack of efficient IT system. The award, she said, is hoped to further boost the firm’s capability for expansion and growth.
“Red Dragon’s first enterprise-level IT system will enable the company to work faster and smarter that its competitors. It will allow them to get fast and accurate reports to improve management decision and have better systems management and controls for overall operational efficiency,” Azarcon said.
RDf is a major player in the commercial and agricultural sector and operates a feed mill, 12 poultry farms, two swine farms and 45 meat shops in the City of San Fernando.
Rebs gun down gov’t spy
By Raymond C. Garcia
STA. ANA, Pampanga --- The Rebolusyonaryong Hukbong Bayan (RHB) has admitted being behind the murder of a government intelligence agent in Barangay San Agustin here, recently.
The fatality, identified as one Emiliano Montoya was killed around 12:35 am on November 7. He suffered two fatal gunshots in the head and chest.
A very reliable source said, “Kinwa de itang tau king bale kaibat dela de ketang kadwang tete king San Agustin tsaka de karin berilan (They took the victim from his house to a nearby bridge in Barangay San Agustin where they shot him).”
Other sources said Montoya was hiding at the ceiling of their house when the group came to get him. For some reason, he decided to show himself to the group.
The source also said Montoya admitted he had been serving as an intelligence officer of the Philippine Air Force 710th Special Operations Wing 730th Combat Group for five years up to his death.
“Minamin ya na intelligence nya pin nitang Philippine Air Force Special Operations Combat Group at madakal nya naman kanu tinip kareng kayabe da (The victims has admitted being an agent and that he already had tipped some of his former comrades to authorities),” the source furthered.
STA. ANA, Pampanga --- The Rebolusyonaryong Hukbong Bayan (RHB) has admitted being behind the murder of a government intelligence agent in Barangay San Agustin here, recently.
The fatality, identified as one Emiliano Montoya was killed around 12:35 am on November 7. He suffered two fatal gunshots in the head and chest.
A very reliable source said, “Kinwa de itang tau king bale kaibat dela de ketang kadwang tete king San Agustin tsaka de karin berilan (They took the victim from his house to a nearby bridge in Barangay San Agustin where they shot him).”
Other sources said Montoya was hiding at the ceiling of their house when the group came to get him. For some reason, he decided to show himself to the group.
The source also said Montoya admitted he had been serving as an intelligence officer of the Philippine Air Force 710th Special Operations Wing 730th Combat Group for five years up to his death.
“Minamin ya na intelligence nya pin nitang Philippine Air Force Special Operations Combat Group at madakal nya naman kanu tinip kareng kayabe da (The victims has admitted being an agent and that he already had tipped some of his former comrades to authorities),” the source furthered.
CEB dangles P999 seat sale for Christmas travels
CLARK FREEPORT --- Asia’s third-largest low-cost carrier Cebu Pacific (CEB) allots more than 50,000 seats in the latest P999 ‘Go Lite’ seat sale to any domestic destination from November 17-19, 2009, for travel from December 1-31, 2009.
With CEB’s extensive domestic network, passengers can choose among any of its 32 destinations in the Philippines. This includes flights from Manila to Kalibo (Boracay), San Jose, Tuguegarao, Legazpi, Iloilo, Bacolod, and Busuanga (Coron), and direct flights from Cebu to Puerto Princesa, Clark, and Legazpi.
Those with check-in luggage will just add P100 upon booking.
“CEB’s seat sales with travel periods in 2010 have been quite successful, but we also received a lot of requests for December travel this year. We are happy we can accommodate this request, and encourage our passengers to book weekday flights or be flexible about flight times to easily avail of the seat sale,” said CEB VP for Marketing and Distribution Candice Iyog.
“Aside from the seat sale, we also offer year-round low fares to 14 international destinations from Manila, Clark and Cebu. This includes flights from Cebu to Hong Kong, Singapore, Incheon and Pusan; and, from Clark to Hong Kong, Singapore, Macau and Bangkok,” she added.
She encouraged passengers to book and buy through www.cebupacificair.com or reservations hotlines (02) 7020-888 or (032) 230-8888. Those without credit cards can still book their flights with seat sale fares online and pay via CEB partner banks.
High-quality low-cost carrier CEB is the Philippines’ leading carrier, with one of the youngest aircraft fleets in Asia. It flies to 20 direct domestic destinations from Cebu and five direct domestic destinations from Davao.
With CEB’s extensive domestic network, passengers can choose among any of its 32 destinations in the Philippines. This includes flights from Manila to Kalibo (Boracay), San Jose, Tuguegarao, Legazpi, Iloilo, Bacolod, and Busuanga (Coron), and direct flights from Cebu to Puerto Princesa, Clark, and Legazpi.
Those with check-in luggage will just add P100 upon booking.
“CEB’s seat sales with travel periods in 2010 have been quite successful, but we also received a lot of requests for December travel this year. We are happy we can accommodate this request, and encourage our passengers to book weekday flights or be flexible about flight times to easily avail of the seat sale,” said CEB VP for Marketing and Distribution Candice Iyog.
“Aside from the seat sale, we also offer year-round low fares to 14 international destinations from Manila, Clark and Cebu. This includes flights from Cebu to Hong Kong, Singapore, Incheon and Pusan; and, from Clark to Hong Kong, Singapore, Macau and Bangkok,” she added.
She encouraged passengers to book and buy through www.cebupacificair.com or reservations hotlines (02) 7020-888 or (032) 230-8888. Those without credit cards can still book their flights with seat sale fares online and pay via CEB partner banks.
High-quality low-cost carrier CEB is the Philippines’ leading carrier, with one of the youngest aircraft fleets in Asia. It flies to 20 direct domestic destinations from Cebu and five direct domestic destinations from Davao.
Coops urged for more benefits to members
CITY OF SAN FERNANDO---When Pampanga observed the Cooperative Month Movement in October with a culminating program entitled 8th Cooperative Recognition Day, the emphasis was on the importance of continuing and long-term benefits for cooperatives and their members.
All the speakers and guests in the culminating program held last October 30 at the Benigno Aquino Jr. Hall inside the provincial capitol compound urged the cooperatives leaders to explore ways and means to further strengthen the cooperative movement in the province.
Ralph Recto, former senator and director-general of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), was keynote speaker in the program. He called on cooperatives to confront all issues, both economic and political.
He said they should be wary of politicians who would use them for their own agenda even as he urged them to strengthen their ranks as they “play a vital role in countryside development”.
Chito Dayrit, chairperson of the Provincial Cooperative Development Council (PCDC) said a “strong coop movement alongside adequate financial and logistical support from government would boost cooperative strength for Pampanga.
Governor Eddie T. Panlilio, for his part, lauded cooperatives in Pampanga for their support to local communities and pledged his administration’s consistent support for their continuous development.
He also proudly shared with the guests and audience the good news that Pampanga has been adjudged as the Outstanding Provincial Cooperative Development Council in Central Luzon , and therefore, “especially deserving of our support”.
Mamerto Gatus, head of the Provincial Cooperatives and Entrepreneurial Development Office (PCEDO), disclosed that the provincial government has been providing continuing financial assistance and trainings to cooperatives.
He also encouraged the leaders of cooperatives to avail themselves of the insurance packages which the Cooperative Insurance System of the Philippines (CISP) presented to them as these “will provide benefits for their members”.
During the culminating program, the CISP gave out 15 life insurance cards worth P15,000 each. These cards were good for a period of one year and these were raffled off to members of cooperatives.
Gatus revealed that in the next meeting of the PCDC, they would encourage coop members to get life and accident insurances as these will ensure a more secure future for them.
All the speakers and guests in the culminating program held last October 30 at the Benigno Aquino Jr. Hall inside the provincial capitol compound urged the cooperatives leaders to explore ways and means to further strengthen the cooperative movement in the province.
Ralph Recto, former senator and director-general of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), was keynote speaker in the program. He called on cooperatives to confront all issues, both economic and political.
He said they should be wary of politicians who would use them for their own agenda even as he urged them to strengthen their ranks as they “play a vital role in countryside development”.
Chito Dayrit, chairperson of the Provincial Cooperative Development Council (PCDC) said a “strong coop movement alongside adequate financial and logistical support from government would boost cooperative strength for Pampanga.
Governor Eddie T. Panlilio, for his part, lauded cooperatives in Pampanga for their support to local communities and pledged his administration’s consistent support for their continuous development.
He also proudly shared with the guests and audience the good news that Pampanga has been adjudged as the Outstanding Provincial Cooperative Development Council in Central Luzon , and therefore, “especially deserving of our support”.
Mamerto Gatus, head of the Provincial Cooperatives and Entrepreneurial Development Office (PCEDO), disclosed that the provincial government has been providing continuing financial assistance and trainings to cooperatives.
He also encouraged the leaders of cooperatives to avail themselves of the insurance packages which the Cooperative Insurance System of the Philippines (CISP) presented to them as these “will provide benefits for their members”.
During the culminating program, the CISP gave out 15 life insurance cards worth P15,000 each. These cards were good for a period of one year and these were raffled off to members of cooperatives.
Gatus revealed that in the next meeting of the PCDC, they would encourage coop members to get life and accident insurances as these will ensure a more secure future for them.
Successful CLASSIC hosting lauded
By Raymond C. Garcia
CITY OF SAN FERNANDO --- As the curtains were rolled down on the recent Central Luzon Amateur Schools Sports Invitational Championship (CLASSIC), University of the Assumption Sports Director May Flores expressed her delight over the tournament’s outcome.
Flores, who was the brain behind the birth of CLASSIC said: “This year, the organizers would like to extend their appreciation to the outcome of the third of CLASSIC.”
“With this recent season, no participating went home zero. Lahat po ng mga sumali sa lahat ng mga kompetisyon ay may pinagwagiang premyo,” Flores said.
She also said that this only showed that every school and team that participated in the said competition prepared as what was revealed through a balanced competition among the participating teams.
“Scattered yung mga winners and walang team na nagdominate. This only showed na tumaas na ang level of competition dito sa ating region,” said Flores.
In basketball men, Bulacan State University (BSU) emerged as this season’s champion while Tarlac State University (TSU), UA, and Holy Angel University (HAU) finished second third and fourth, respectively.
In the women’s division, TSU brought home the championship trophy at the expense of runner up HAU. UA placed third.
The basketball juniors division was dominated by Infant Jesus Learning Center under the tutelage of coach PJ del Rosario, son of former Pampanga Dragons head coach Aric del Rosario. UA finished second while HAU placed third.
Meanwhile, in volleyball men’s division, UA capped the tournament at the expense of BSU, the reigning (State Colleges and Universities Athletic Association) SCUAA champions. HAU finished third while Pampanga Agricultural College (PAC) finished fourth.
In the women’s division, HAU placed first while UA and BSU finished second and third respectively.
Friday, November 6, 2009
EDITORIAL: Curiously Korean
Koreans are beginning to view the Philippines, the Clark Freeport Zone especially, as a viable tourism and investment destination. It seems that our neighbors from South Korea have already outnumbered the Chinese, who, not so long time ago, are one too many in every corner of the country.
Go to the golf courses and you will hear Koreans shouting the “fore” and still many of them you meet at every turn in malls and other social places.
The US$40-million project of the Donggwang Clark Corporation which will rise in Clark within the next 18 months is another testament of the Koreans’ fondness of the Philippines. Is it because of our climate or the ease of doing business they like about us we do not know but we’ll take the investments as welcome development for the country wanting more economic stimulants.
If this DCC will make true its promise, then the building alone and its cutting-edge facilities are enough to attract both tourists and more investors to the Freeport.
Our only inhibition about projects funded by foreigners is that we have less information on the integrity of such firms. Are they well-funded and trustworthy enough to give justice to the time spent with them by our government officials, among them the President of the Philippines?
We have heard of several stories about some foreigners, not only Koreans, who attempt to launder money from their countries to the Philippines by floating that they have legal investments in the country. There are also some who would only have their pictures taken with top officials of the land and have these photos brought back to their countries to fool their governments into awarding them financial grants for their bogus businesses.
We do not mean to downgrade the better judgement of the people who are responsible in bringing the DCC in Clark but we hope that this company would really start operation and deliver all its promised investment for the Freeport and for the rest of the Filipinos.
Go to the golf courses and you will hear Koreans shouting the “fore” and still many of them you meet at every turn in malls and other social places.
The US$40-million project of the Donggwang Clark Corporation which will rise in Clark within the next 18 months is another testament of the Koreans’ fondness of the Philippines. Is it because of our climate or the ease of doing business they like about us we do not know but we’ll take the investments as welcome development for the country wanting more economic stimulants.
If this DCC will make true its promise, then the building alone and its cutting-edge facilities are enough to attract both tourists and more investors to the Freeport.
Our only inhibition about projects funded by foreigners is that we have less information on the integrity of such firms. Are they well-funded and trustworthy enough to give justice to the time spent with them by our government officials, among them the President of the Philippines?
We have heard of several stories about some foreigners, not only Koreans, who attempt to launder money from their countries to the Philippines by floating that they have legal investments in the country. There are also some who would only have their pictures taken with top officials of the land and have these photos brought back to their countries to fool their governments into awarding them financial grants for their bogus businesses.
We do not mean to downgrade the better judgement of the people who are responsible in bringing the DCC in Clark but we hope that this company would really start operation and deliver all its promised investment for the Freeport and for the rest of the Filipinos.
Agyu Tamu by ED PAMINTUAN: Atching Monet, Gloria Q and dewdrops
==== Ang daglit naming pagkikita-kita at maikling pagkukwentuhan ay parang mga patak ng hamog sa katanghalian na nagbigay sariwa at muling bumuhay sa mga magagandang alaala ng masayang pagsasamahan ng lumipas na mga panahon===
Matagal na kaming di nagkikita ni Atching Monet, isa sa mga kaibigan ko sa Malabanias na kasa-kasama ko sa paglilingkod simula pa nuong ako ay mangampanya at mahalal na mayor ng Angeles City hanggang nuong 1998 nang ako ay tumakbo sa pagka-representante ng unang distrito ng Pampanga. Nagkita kami nang bumisita ako kay Gloria Q. na isa ding matagal nang kaibigan na balita ko’y may hinanakit sa akin. Si Gloria ay purok lider na pinagtitiwalaan at mahal ng mga tao sa kanyang purok. Nasa kampo siya ng isang pulitiko na balitang tatakbo sa pagka mayor ng siyudad.
Mainit ang pagsalubong sa akin ni Atching Monet bagama’t parang aksidente lamang ang aming pagkikita, kasi nga si Gloria talaga ang bibisitahin ko sa pagpunta ko sa Malabanias. Masayang inakap niya ako pagkat matagal na raw niya akong nami-missed, laluna daw ngayon na parang nawalan sila ng ama sa siyudad dahil sa ang kasalukuyang namumuno ay di malapitan para dinggin ang kanilang karaingan at problema. Sa laki ng tuwa ko, na-kiss ko siya sa bibig (lips to lips kiss of warm friendship and pure joy, without malice of any kind ito kasi naman medyo “oldie” na talaga si Atching Monet at wala ng ngipin sa harapan, kaya nagkatawanan kami ng halikan ko siya).
Sabi ni Atching Monet: “Pero ngayon mayor nagkaron uli kami ng pag-asa kasi nabalitaan namin na babalik ka muli para maging mayor namin dito.” Ipina-laminate niya at naka-display sa kanyang bahay ang Torrens Certificate of Title (TCT) na nagpapatunay na siya na ang may-ari ng lupa na kinatitikiran ng kanyang bahay---na nakuha nila dahil sa Land for the Landless Program nuong ako’y mayor ng
siyudad Angeles. Malaki ang pamilya at kamag-anakan ni Atching Monet at marami din siyang kasamahan sa kanilang lugar ang nabiyayaan ng programa sa lupa nuong panahon ko. Tulad ni Atching Monet tinanggap nila ako ng buong init at nagpahayag sila ng masayang pag-asa na magkaroon uli sila ng isang ama na malalapitan at kakalinga sa pangangailagan nila at ng kanilang lugar, gaya nuong mga nakaraang araw ng aming pagsasama-sama at pagtutulungan.
Ganun din ang kinahantungan ng pagkikita naming muli ni Gloria nang bisitahin ko siya nitong nakaraang Linggo sa kanilang lugar sa may Abacan bridge, dakong likuran ng Robinsons Mall. Oo, sabi niya, may tampo talaga siya sa akin, pero ngayong pinuntahan ko siya at nagkausap kaming muli, wala na siyang hinanakit sa akin at siya, sampu ng kanyang mga kasamahan at kapwa lider sa kanilang purok, ay sasama nang muli sa akin. Si Gloria, kaya pinagtitiwalaan, ay totoo sa kanyang salita. Alam ko na ang salitang kanyang binibitawan ay nanggagaling sa kanyang puso. Kaya masaya ako nang sabihin niya na wala na siyang tampo sa akin at kami ay magkasama nang muli.
Sa totoo lang, talaga din namang maganda at masaya ang pinagsamahan namin ni Gloria at ng kanyang mga tao. Sa tingin ko, na-miss lang nila ako, gaya rin ng pagkaka-miss ko sa kanila. Bagama’t dahil sa aming mga ginampanang trabaho at responsibilidad ako ay napalayo kina Gloria at Atching Monet, hindi naman ako talaga lumisan, at kahit sandali ay hindi nawalay sa aking pananaw at diwa ang siyudad Angeles at ang aking mga kaibigan at kasamahan. Ang sabi nga: You will only appreciate the awesome wholeness and beauty of the mountain when you behold it from a distance. And then you will come back to the mountain to experience the myriad wonders of its mysteries.
Ang daglit naming pagkikita-kita at maikling pagkukwentuhan ay parang mga patak ng hamog sa katanghalian na nagbigay sariwa at muling bumuhay sa mga magagandang alaala ng masayang pagsasamahan ng lumipas na mga panahon. Hindi lamang si Atching Monet at Gloria at mga kaibigan sa Malabanias kundi ako man ay nagkaron ng sariwang pag-asa sa muling pagkabuhay ng magaganda at masasayang araw ng pagkakaibigan.
As the great poet Khalil Gibran rhapsodized in his immortal poem of long ago on “Friendship”: “And in the sweetness of friendship let there be laughter and sharing of pleasures. For in the dew of little things the heart finds its morning and is refreshed.” Dewdrops are water droplets condensed from the air, pure and refreshing, that Nature has made to fall in the night, in that darkening portion of a dying day, to make each coming new day begin with a refreshing beautiful morning.
At tunay na ganyan ang naging epekto ng maliliit na insidenteng ito ng pagkikita-kita na mistulang maliliit na patak ng hamog sa katanghalian ng buhay ng mga magkakaibigan na pansumandaling nagkahiwalay sa ordinaryong pag-agos ng buhay, at ngayon ay muling pinagbuklod ng magaganda at masasayang munting alaala.
*****
Good day to you all, kind readers. See you again next week.
Agyu tamu, Mabuhay!
Matagal na kaming di nagkikita ni Atching Monet, isa sa mga kaibigan ko sa Malabanias na kasa-kasama ko sa paglilingkod simula pa nuong ako ay mangampanya at mahalal na mayor ng Angeles City hanggang nuong 1998 nang ako ay tumakbo sa pagka-representante ng unang distrito ng Pampanga. Nagkita kami nang bumisita ako kay Gloria Q. na isa ding matagal nang kaibigan na balita ko’y may hinanakit sa akin. Si Gloria ay purok lider na pinagtitiwalaan at mahal ng mga tao sa kanyang purok. Nasa kampo siya ng isang pulitiko na balitang tatakbo sa pagka mayor ng siyudad.
Mainit ang pagsalubong sa akin ni Atching Monet bagama’t parang aksidente lamang ang aming pagkikita, kasi nga si Gloria talaga ang bibisitahin ko sa pagpunta ko sa Malabanias. Masayang inakap niya ako pagkat matagal na raw niya akong nami-missed, laluna daw ngayon na parang nawalan sila ng ama sa siyudad dahil sa ang kasalukuyang namumuno ay di malapitan para dinggin ang kanilang karaingan at problema. Sa laki ng tuwa ko, na-kiss ko siya sa bibig (lips to lips kiss of warm friendship and pure joy, without malice of any kind ito kasi naman medyo “oldie” na talaga si Atching Monet at wala ng ngipin sa harapan, kaya nagkatawanan kami ng halikan ko siya).
Sabi ni Atching Monet: “Pero ngayon mayor nagkaron uli kami ng pag-asa kasi nabalitaan namin na babalik ka muli para maging mayor namin dito.” Ipina-laminate niya at naka-display sa kanyang bahay ang Torrens Certificate of Title (TCT) na nagpapatunay na siya na ang may-ari ng lupa na kinatitikiran ng kanyang bahay---na nakuha nila dahil sa Land for the Landless Program nuong ako’y mayor ng
siyudad Angeles. Malaki ang pamilya at kamag-anakan ni Atching Monet at marami din siyang kasamahan sa kanilang lugar ang nabiyayaan ng programa sa lupa nuong panahon ko. Tulad ni Atching Monet tinanggap nila ako ng buong init at nagpahayag sila ng masayang pag-asa na magkaroon uli sila ng isang ama na malalapitan at kakalinga sa pangangailagan nila at ng kanilang lugar, gaya nuong mga nakaraang araw ng aming pagsasama-sama at pagtutulungan.
Ganun din ang kinahantungan ng pagkikita naming muli ni Gloria nang bisitahin ko siya nitong nakaraang Linggo sa kanilang lugar sa may Abacan bridge, dakong likuran ng Robinsons Mall. Oo, sabi niya, may tampo talaga siya sa akin, pero ngayong pinuntahan ko siya at nagkausap kaming muli, wala na siyang hinanakit sa akin at siya, sampu ng kanyang mga kasamahan at kapwa lider sa kanilang purok, ay sasama nang muli sa akin. Si Gloria, kaya pinagtitiwalaan, ay totoo sa kanyang salita. Alam ko na ang salitang kanyang binibitawan ay nanggagaling sa kanyang puso. Kaya masaya ako nang sabihin niya na wala na siyang tampo sa akin at kami ay magkasama nang muli.
Sa totoo lang, talaga din namang maganda at masaya ang pinagsamahan namin ni Gloria at ng kanyang mga tao. Sa tingin ko, na-miss lang nila ako, gaya rin ng pagkaka-miss ko sa kanila. Bagama’t dahil sa aming mga ginampanang trabaho at responsibilidad ako ay napalayo kina Gloria at Atching Monet, hindi naman ako talaga lumisan, at kahit sandali ay hindi nawalay sa aking pananaw at diwa ang siyudad Angeles at ang aking mga kaibigan at kasamahan. Ang sabi nga: You will only appreciate the awesome wholeness and beauty of the mountain when you behold it from a distance. And then you will come back to the mountain to experience the myriad wonders of its mysteries.
Ang daglit naming pagkikita-kita at maikling pagkukwentuhan ay parang mga patak ng hamog sa katanghalian na nagbigay sariwa at muling bumuhay sa mga magagandang alaala ng masayang pagsasamahan ng lumipas na mga panahon. Hindi lamang si Atching Monet at Gloria at mga kaibigan sa Malabanias kundi ako man ay nagkaron ng sariwang pag-asa sa muling pagkabuhay ng magaganda at masasayang araw ng pagkakaibigan.
As the great poet Khalil Gibran rhapsodized in his immortal poem of long ago on “Friendship”: “And in the sweetness of friendship let there be laughter and sharing of pleasures. For in the dew of little things the heart finds its morning and is refreshed.” Dewdrops are water droplets condensed from the air, pure and refreshing, that Nature has made to fall in the night, in that darkening portion of a dying day, to make each coming new day begin with a refreshing beautiful morning.
At tunay na ganyan ang naging epekto ng maliliit na insidenteng ito ng pagkikita-kita na mistulang maliliit na patak ng hamog sa katanghalian ng buhay ng mga magkakaibigan na pansumandaling nagkahiwalay sa ordinaryong pag-agos ng buhay, at ngayon ay muling pinagbuklod ng magaganda at masasayang munting alaala.
*****
Good day to you all, kind readers. See you again next week.
Agyu tamu, Mabuhay!
K-Balikatan neng JOEL PABUSTAN MALLARI: Dng mangalagas a “K” (Mumuna kng 2 dake)
(Editor’s Note: Joel Pabustan Mallari is a Researcher of the Center for Kapampangan Studies (CKS) at the Holy Angel University and a professor of “Indung Kapampangan,” a major subject under the program of the College of Business and Accountancy (HAU). He also serves as head of the KATATAGAN or the “Katipunan da ring Talasaliksik at Talaturung Kapampangan”—the lone Academic-based and SEC registered Kapampangan organization—and KAPANGULIS or Kapampangan Mangule at Gugulis. He is also a writer and editor of the regular cultural magazines Singsing, Indung Ibatan and Alaya: Kapampangan Journal. His column K-Balikatan is short for Kapampangan Balikatan.)
Ing mababating a “Kapampangan”
“atin ku pung singsing…mewala ya iti eku kamalayan…
Iti ibat ya ketang pamosung basultu na anti yamong sasalamin kng nung nanu ing bage a malyaring mabating o mawala antimong singsing a pakamal na amana ta karing indu.
Ketang sanese nang Renato “Katoks” Tayag “The Vanishing Pampango Nation” na mipalimbag anyang 1985, inula na ing amanung Kapampangan mawala ya kng kilub na mu ning metung a siglu at keti deng Kapampangan maging Tagalug no ngan.
Sarbey ning pangawala
Karing sensus o sarbey, lulto ing nung makananung deng taung e-Tagalug alang patugut lang magbaba bilang kumpara kng parakal nang parakal a bilang da ring Tagalug kng kilub na mu ning mapilan a pulung banwa o dekada. Kng kilub na mu ning banwang 1948 angang 1995, deng kabilangan da ring Tagalug migtas ya ibat kng 19% papuntang 29%, kabang deng Cebuanu mibagsak la ibat kng matas a 25% papuntang 21%, at deng Ilokanu at Ilonggu ibat la kng 12% papuntang 9% balang metung.
Ing pamagbabang iti mas lulto yang malala o masiri karing aliwa pang kalulugalan. Alimbawa, deng kabilangan da ring Kapampangan kng Hermosa, Bataan migbaba lang tutu, ibat kng 55.6% anyang 1948 meging 19.9% na lamu ketang 1995; ketang panawun a ita ing deng memalen ning Dinalupihan, Bataan menabu la naman bilang ibat kng 47.8% meging 19.35% na lamu.. Kng Orani, Bataan naman agpang kng 1990 sensus atin pang 1,541 karing memalen a Kapampangan at tutu lang meritak kabilangan uling 321 na lamu deng mitatagan ketagn banwang 2005. maragul a pangabagsak da reting kabilagan na papatak ya kng milalaung 79%.
Deng makatwa naman karing memalen karing balen-balen ning Nueva Ecija antimo kng Cabiao, Gapan, San Isidro, at San Antonio deng alang patugut nang mangalagas munaman. Iti mayayakit munamang tutu karing balen-balen ning lalawigan Tarlac antimo kng Lapaz, Victoria pati na kng Lungsud Tarlac. Iti angga na karing balen-balen ning Bulacan kalupa na kng San Ildefonso, Hagonoy, Pulilan at Calumpit. Kng Candaba, migbaba ya at meging 63.6% na lamu deng mangapampangan anya pang banwang 1995 na nung suryan metung yang lehitimung balen a Kapampangan!
Kasalungsungan, menasa karing Kapampangan nung eman deng eganagana, dakal no deng ena makabasa at lalung makasulat man kng amanung Kapampangan. Iti mangabaldugan na lulto na lamu mong “illiterate” kng sarili dang amanu o salita deti. Nung makanyan, deng Kapampangan uling anga na lamu kng pamangamit kng paralan a pamangamanu namu at ali na kng pamanyulat at pamamasa, metung o adwang kasapnian o generation namu ing mitatagan bayu na la todung mangawala deti.
Deng pamilyang Kapampangan at deng karelang amanung gagamitan
Ing bie at ing pangamate ning metung a lengwahi makadipendi yang pane kng nung makananu ya mililipat o apapamana ibat karing mawang talagamit papunta karing kayanakan a dapat sanang magsilbing bayung mangamit. Masyadung makalungkut at makapangalambut isipan na keti mu kng lalawigan ning Pampanga, parakal nong parakal deng pamilyang ede apapamana ing pamangamanung Kapampangan karing kayanakan. Dakal lang tutu lalu na karing masasabing burgis o upper class na mangga na karing dakal a middle class a pamilya deng paragulan da la deng anak da gamit namu deng salitang Tagalug at Inglis. Katuliran da ring balang pamilyang managalug karing karelang anak a paragulan ing “sasane” da lamu deng karelang anak para kng luluban dang pipagaralan o iskwela. Dagdag da pa na ing amanung Kapampangan abalu da neman kng dalan, karing kakyalung da alimbawa. Mupin, ninu pa kayang mangapampangan kng dalan nung balang metung kareting anak a reti ala nang byasang mangapampangan nung pati kng pangauli da man karing karelang balang pamibalebale eda nala pakisabyan Kapampangan.
Ing pulitika ning lenggwahi at deng Kapampangan
Metung karing makasirang lalu ing deng anak a mitatagan magsalitang Kapampangan deng masusupil na rugu karapatan. Uling metung a maragul a bage keti deng pipagaralan o iskwela na maralas ila pang mamarusa, at ing masikan ampong maimpluwensyang mass media. Deti deng magparamdam na e la mabibilang a kayabe dening anak a reti kng mismung lugal dang kararagulan anya makanyan lang mangapilitan managalug ba mung atin lang akakasabi. Ing kalulwalan na niti, deng anak a mangapampangan at masisira la deng katuki dang kayanakan naman managalug nala. Kng makanyan na mu ring bage mayayakit na ena tagana maglamabat, mismung ing karelang generation malakwan neng palak ing bye ning karelang salitang Kapampangan.
O ngeni mo nung mate ne ing Kapampangan? Mangabaldugan mu na karing adwang daya o lahi da ring taung linaban (dng Kapampangan at dng Tagalug na sasagisag karing walung yata o aslag ning aldo ning pangbansang bandera) kabud-kabud na wari mabating! Ing Ing Indung Kapampangan - ing labwad a megbayit karing e abilang a mangayap at matenakan a memalen, kayabe keti deng dakal a pamuntuk da ring atlung sange ning gubyernu (antimo kng kasalungsungang alimbawa, I Pres. GMA, Chief Justice Puno at Manny Villar na dating pamuntuk ning Senadu), dng mawala na mung anting bula kng pulayi ning amlat at kasalesayan - ing Kapampangan na kng dakal a pamikatagun ing magsilbing maging kakulangan kng balangamas, kng pangbansang amlat at pangakilala.. Ing pangamate ning Kapampangan, yang mamirat karing bilungan da ring libru ning istorya ning balen kabilugan. Ing makabang panawun ning pamanalakad at pamibuklud dng balen-balen bang makilala ya ing kultura at kapanugalyan Kapampangan na meging malagu at siksakan wari kng belwan at gelingan misan ya mung mawala, masalbabi at makalingwan.
Aldo maaslag pu balen!
(suglungan kng tutuki)
Ing mababating a “Kapampangan”
“atin ku pung singsing…mewala ya iti eku kamalayan…
Iti ibat ya ketang pamosung basultu na anti yamong sasalamin kng nung nanu ing bage a malyaring mabating o mawala antimong singsing a pakamal na amana ta karing indu.
Ketang sanese nang Renato “Katoks” Tayag “The Vanishing Pampango Nation” na mipalimbag anyang 1985, inula na ing amanung Kapampangan mawala ya kng kilub na mu ning metung a siglu at keti deng Kapampangan maging Tagalug no ngan.
Sarbey ning pangawala
Karing sensus o sarbey, lulto ing nung makananung deng taung e-Tagalug alang patugut lang magbaba bilang kumpara kng parakal nang parakal a bilang da ring Tagalug kng kilub na mu ning mapilan a pulung banwa o dekada. Kng kilub na mu ning banwang 1948 angang 1995, deng kabilangan da ring Tagalug migtas ya ibat kng 19% papuntang 29%, kabang deng Cebuanu mibagsak la ibat kng matas a 25% papuntang 21%, at deng Ilokanu at Ilonggu ibat la kng 12% papuntang 9% balang metung.
Ing pamagbabang iti mas lulto yang malala o masiri karing aliwa pang kalulugalan. Alimbawa, deng kabilangan da ring Kapampangan kng Hermosa, Bataan migbaba lang tutu, ibat kng 55.6% anyang 1948 meging 19.9% na lamu ketang 1995; ketang panawun a ita ing deng memalen ning Dinalupihan, Bataan menabu la naman bilang ibat kng 47.8% meging 19.35% na lamu.. Kng Orani, Bataan naman agpang kng 1990 sensus atin pang 1,541 karing memalen a Kapampangan at tutu lang meritak kabilangan uling 321 na lamu deng mitatagan ketagn banwang 2005. maragul a pangabagsak da reting kabilagan na papatak ya kng milalaung 79%.
Deng makatwa naman karing memalen karing balen-balen ning Nueva Ecija antimo kng Cabiao, Gapan, San Isidro, at San Antonio deng alang patugut nang mangalagas munaman. Iti mayayakit munamang tutu karing balen-balen ning lalawigan Tarlac antimo kng Lapaz, Victoria pati na kng Lungsud Tarlac. Iti angga na karing balen-balen ning Bulacan kalupa na kng San Ildefonso, Hagonoy, Pulilan at Calumpit. Kng Candaba, migbaba ya at meging 63.6% na lamu deng mangapampangan anya pang banwang 1995 na nung suryan metung yang lehitimung balen a Kapampangan!
Kasalungsungan, menasa karing Kapampangan nung eman deng eganagana, dakal no deng ena makabasa at lalung makasulat man kng amanung Kapampangan. Iti mangabaldugan na lulto na lamu mong “illiterate” kng sarili dang amanu o salita deti. Nung makanyan, deng Kapampangan uling anga na lamu kng pamangamit kng paralan a pamangamanu namu at ali na kng pamanyulat at pamamasa, metung o adwang kasapnian o generation namu ing mitatagan bayu na la todung mangawala deti.
Deng pamilyang Kapampangan at deng karelang amanung gagamitan
Ing bie at ing pangamate ning metung a lengwahi makadipendi yang pane kng nung makananu ya mililipat o apapamana ibat karing mawang talagamit papunta karing kayanakan a dapat sanang magsilbing bayung mangamit. Masyadung makalungkut at makapangalambut isipan na keti mu kng lalawigan ning Pampanga, parakal nong parakal deng pamilyang ede apapamana ing pamangamanung Kapampangan karing kayanakan. Dakal lang tutu lalu na karing masasabing burgis o upper class na mangga na karing dakal a middle class a pamilya deng paragulan da la deng anak da gamit namu deng salitang Tagalug at Inglis. Katuliran da ring balang pamilyang managalug karing karelang anak a paragulan ing “sasane” da lamu deng karelang anak para kng luluban dang pipagaralan o iskwela. Dagdag da pa na ing amanung Kapampangan abalu da neman kng dalan, karing kakyalung da alimbawa. Mupin, ninu pa kayang mangapampangan kng dalan nung balang metung kareting anak a reti ala nang byasang mangapampangan nung pati kng pangauli da man karing karelang balang pamibalebale eda nala pakisabyan Kapampangan.
Ing pulitika ning lenggwahi at deng Kapampangan
Metung karing makasirang lalu ing deng anak a mitatagan magsalitang Kapampangan deng masusupil na rugu karapatan. Uling metung a maragul a bage keti deng pipagaralan o iskwela na maralas ila pang mamarusa, at ing masikan ampong maimpluwensyang mass media. Deti deng magparamdam na e la mabibilang a kayabe dening anak a reti kng mismung lugal dang kararagulan anya makanyan lang mangapilitan managalug ba mung atin lang akakasabi. Ing kalulwalan na niti, deng anak a mangapampangan at masisira la deng katuki dang kayanakan naman managalug nala. Kng makanyan na mu ring bage mayayakit na ena tagana maglamabat, mismung ing karelang generation malakwan neng palak ing bye ning karelang salitang Kapampangan.
O ngeni mo nung mate ne ing Kapampangan? Mangabaldugan mu na karing adwang daya o lahi da ring taung linaban (dng Kapampangan at dng Tagalug na sasagisag karing walung yata o aslag ning aldo ning pangbansang bandera) kabud-kabud na wari mabating! Ing Ing Indung Kapampangan - ing labwad a megbayit karing e abilang a mangayap at matenakan a memalen, kayabe keti deng dakal a pamuntuk da ring atlung sange ning gubyernu (antimo kng kasalungsungang alimbawa, I Pres. GMA, Chief Justice Puno at Manny Villar na dating pamuntuk ning Senadu), dng mawala na mung anting bula kng pulayi ning amlat at kasalesayan - ing Kapampangan na kng dakal a pamikatagun ing magsilbing maging kakulangan kng balangamas, kng pangbansang amlat at pangakilala.. Ing pangamate ning Kapampangan, yang mamirat karing bilungan da ring libru ning istorya ning balen kabilugan. Ing makabang panawun ning pamanalakad at pamibuklud dng balen-balen bang makilala ya ing kultura at kapanugalyan Kapampangan na meging malagu at siksakan wari kng belwan at gelingan misan ya mung mawala, masalbabi at makalingwan.
Aldo maaslag pu balen!
(suglungan kng tutuki)
Money Matters by ARLEN MACASPAC: Surviving critical illness, financially
==== This high cost of treatment on critical illness does not only give a victim the financial burden but also mental stress to all the members of the family====
Have you ever heard people closed to your heart survive a critical illness without spending or almost draining their family savings?
Have you ever talked to someone blaming himself why he never had the chance to save for critical illness?
Have you ever met someone complaining that they can no longer send their kids to school?
Have you ever known someone who never completed his dream for his family because of critical illness?
Have you ever realized that you too can be the next carrier of the critical illness?
Statistics have shown different results but only lead to one unavoidable reality--everyone above 40 years old can be a possible victim of critical illness before reaching age 65.
There is good news though.
Statistics have also shown the probability of surviving is twice that of dying. In fact, more than 10 million people alive today worldwide have a history of cancer. More than 80 percent of heart attack victims under the age 65 are able to return to their work.
A person wanting to recover from critical illness most of the time will always experience financial hardships due to the cost involved on his treatment. This is the reason why Pioneer Life has launched a new stand alone Critical Rescue Insurance for the Filipinos to be secured should they become a victim of critical illnesses. Critical illness is an insurance product designed so that a person with this illness can avail a lump sum cash once diagnosed with any of the 35 types of critical illness: Treatment on the diseases of the heart like a bypass surgery will cost anywhere between P500, 000 to P700,000; On disease of the vascular system or stroke, an aortal surgery will cost between P500,000 to P800,000; A kidney transplant with donor will cost you over P1 million pesos and without a donor will cost P1.5 million; On cancer of breast, a surgery will cost P100,000, while chemotherapy will cost P480,000; Surgery of a stage IV colon cancer will cost you P1 million and chemotherapy up to P2 million.
This high cost of treatment on critical illness does not only give a victim the financial burden but also mental stress to all the members of the family. What if the income in your family is only enough to sustain your basic household expense? How would you send your children to school when the saving you set aside for their education will be diverted to someone diagnosed with critical illness in your family? What if you, as the provider, will be the victim of the critical illness, how will you survive earning for your family?
Your objective when stroked with critical illness is to survive and live a normal life. Being prepared for any possibilities including proper financial planning on your health related concerns should be given equal priority on your financial goal setting. It is also wiser to avail your critical illness program while you are younger and still healthy. Most people realize the significance of this health insurance program only when they themselves or their loved ones become the casualty of the critical illness.
The Critical Rescue Platinum provided by Pioneer Life is unique as it is the only stand alone critical illness product in the market as of today. It can be availed up to a maximum of P4 million offered to ages 18 years old and above. Don’t be surprised that this program gives you a maturity benefit, giving back your money with interest at age 65.
For comments and suggestions, you may email me at engrmac@grand-holdings.com or visit my website at www.grand-holdings.com
Have you ever heard people closed to your heart survive a critical illness without spending or almost draining their family savings?
Have you ever talked to someone blaming himself why he never had the chance to save for critical illness?
Have you ever met someone complaining that they can no longer send their kids to school?
Have you ever known someone who never completed his dream for his family because of critical illness?
Have you ever realized that you too can be the next carrier of the critical illness?
Statistics have shown different results but only lead to one unavoidable reality--everyone above 40 years old can be a possible victim of critical illness before reaching age 65.
There is good news though.
Statistics have also shown the probability of surviving is twice that of dying. In fact, more than 10 million people alive today worldwide have a history of cancer. More than 80 percent of heart attack victims under the age 65 are able to return to their work.
A person wanting to recover from critical illness most of the time will always experience financial hardships due to the cost involved on his treatment. This is the reason why Pioneer Life has launched a new stand alone Critical Rescue Insurance for the Filipinos to be secured should they become a victim of critical illnesses. Critical illness is an insurance product designed so that a person with this illness can avail a lump sum cash once diagnosed with any of the 35 types of critical illness: Treatment on the diseases of the heart like a bypass surgery will cost anywhere between P500, 000 to P700,000; On disease of the vascular system or stroke, an aortal surgery will cost between P500,000 to P800,000; A kidney transplant with donor will cost you over P1 million pesos and without a donor will cost P1.5 million; On cancer of breast, a surgery will cost P100,000, while chemotherapy will cost P480,000; Surgery of a stage IV colon cancer will cost you P1 million and chemotherapy up to P2 million.
This high cost of treatment on critical illness does not only give a victim the financial burden but also mental stress to all the members of the family. What if the income in your family is only enough to sustain your basic household expense? How would you send your children to school when the saving you set aside for their education will be diverted to someone diagnosed with critical illness in your family? What if you, as the provider, will be the victim of the critical illness, how will you survive earning for your family?
Your objective when stroked with critical illness is to survive and live a normal life. Being prepared for any possibilities including proper financial planning on your health related concerns should be given equal priority on your financial goal setting. It is also wiser to avail your critical illness program while you are younger and still healthy. Most people realize the significance of this health insurance program only when they themselves or their loved ones become the casualty of the critical illness.
The Critical Rescue Platinum provided by Pioneer Life is unique as it is the only stand alone critical illness product in the market as of today. It can be availed up to a maximum of P4 million offered to ages 18 years old and above. Don’t be surprised that this program gives you a maturity benefit, giving back your money with interest at age 65.
For comments and suggestions, you may email me at engrmac@grand-holdings.com or visit my website at www.grand-holdings.com
Big Brother by ALEX F. PATIO: The substance and the process
====== At the rate things are going, we are on the right path to achieve whatever positive endeavors worth intended for the city and its people=======
People in social movements usually share a vision of the future that is beautiful and inspiring, if somewhat fuzzy. When it comes to agreeing upon specific steps to reach their shared goals, however, they frequently have nasty fallings-out that impede their progress. This is somewhat silly, I know, particularly when everyone in the movement is nearly always sincere and dedicated. Nevertheless, details do have a way of disturbing the tranquility of social movements and so they merit attention despite their triviality.
There are many explanations for the disputes that break out over specifics, but I would like to offer one that I find convincing, even if I did dream it up myself. This explanation focuses on the intense, but half hidden competition between substantive and political process goals. It’s the old chicken and egg debate all over again: Should substantive or process goals come first?
Like in public governance system, I am firmly convinced that process goals are equal in importance to substantive ones. The government of the City of San Fernando (P) is best defined and one example when substance and process go along with each other. The executive branch headed by Mayor Oscar S. Rodriguez provides the substance itself in steering the city in its rightful place as it should be, redeeming further the city from its stagnant and mediocre status into comparable world class community while the legislative branch takes care of the process in putting life to various programs for the executive branch to implement. Is it better to fight to improve a specific regulation, for example, or to improve access to the regulatory process? Or should we pursue both goals simultaneously? The easy answer to this latter question is yes, but in our experience, we have to be a master juggler to do both and most people cannot keep that many balls in the air at once. So which comes first? – both should be done and implemented together without edging out each other.
Process goals are generally neglected and deserve far more attention and support from constituents and public interest groups than they get. While on the surface, substantive issues offer more attractive targets and goals that process issues do. They are more specific, visible, and definable than process issues. Process issues, on the other hand, is the driving factor which gives life on the substance for it to work efficiently and definitely gives meaning to what has been planned serving the purpose thereof.
To provide a cleaner vision and perception, no matter how fruitful and imperative the substance of programs of governance and public policy, the former still needs the process within which it always necessitates the support it had to extract cooperatively. While there are set of goals the executive has in mind which are of course beneficial to the majority, the process to be undertaken is being passed on to the city council to find ways in a resolute manner the collating of inputs thereby coming up for the implementation by the executive on a win-win programs of governance.
No sort of reform is ever easy to secure, but the pursuit of substantive reforms offers the possibility to make it a reality when all figures in the house possessed the quality and qualifications in attaining even those impossible for those who dare not to try and explore before. In other words, both the executive and legislative branch of the city government tends to be narrowly focused and single purpose in character. They represent short-lived debate over issues but with a long-term determination to put in place something dramatic, broad-range social change with pervasive impact on the lives of the constituents and of every Fernandino. At the rate things are going, we are on the right path to achieve whatever positive endeavors worth intended for the city and its people.
Whoever are those at present in these positions of governance and even in the near future may just come and go. There must be no monopoly on this aspect of our political and social life towards other, but at least the present crop of people elected by the people themselves are doing the right moves through the mandates from the majority of our electorates being the ingrained advocacy for good, transparent and honest governance.
The substance in it being wielded by our city mayor can be felt by all sectors of our society contagiously far reaching even our local neighbors, with the process well taken care of by the city council on the affront doing unselfish performance and devotion as manifested by where the City of San Fernando (P) lies now in terms of economic, social, cultural and educational development that never before in history ever happened this kind of development at this magnitude.
In governance, the city has all the substantial ingredients and the transparent process with human sensitivity which always becomes a ready menu to cherish and embrace by every Fernandino.
People in social movements usually share a vision of the future that is beautiful and inspiring, if somewhat fuzzy. When it comes to agreeing upon specific steps to reach their shared goals, however, they frequently have nasty fallings-out that impede their progress. This is somewhat silly, I know, particularly when everyone in the movement is nearly always sincere and dedicated. Nevertheless, details do have a way of disturbing the tranquility of social movements and so they merit attention despite their triviality.
There are many explanations for the disputes that break out over specifics, but I would like to offer one that I find convincing, even if I did dream it up myself. This explanation focuses on the intense, but half hidden competition between substantive and political process goals. It’s the old chicken and egg debate all over again: Should substantive or process goals come first?
Like in public governance system, I am firmly convinced that process goals are equal in importance to substantive ones. The government of the City of San Fernando (P) is best defined and one example when substance and process go along with each other. The executive branch headed by Mayor Oscar S. Rodriguez provides the substance itself in steering the city in its rightful place as it should be, redeeming further the city from its stagnant and mediocre status into comparable world class community while the legislative branch takes care of the process in putting life to various programs for the executive branch to implement. Is it better to fight to improve a specific regulation, for example, or to improve access to the regulatory process? Or should we pursue both goals simultaneously? The easy answer to this latter question is yes, but in our experience, we have to be a master juggler to do both and most people cannot keep that many balls in the air at once. So which comes first? – both should be done and implemented together without edging out each other.
Process goals are generally neglected and deserve far more attention and support from constituents and public interest groups than they get. While on the surface, substantive issues offer more attractive targets and goals that process issues do. They are more specific, visible, and definable than process issues. Process issues, on the other hand, is the driving factor which gives life on the substance for it to work efficiently and definitely gives meaning to what has been planned serving the purpose thereof.
To provide a cleaner vision and perception, no matter how fruitful and imperative the substance of programs of governance and public policy, the former still needs the process within which it always necessitates the support it had to extract cooperatively. While there are set of goals the executive has in mind which are of course beneficial to the majority, the process to be undertaken is being passed on to the city council to find ways in a resolute manner the collating of inputs thereby coming up for the implementation by the executive on a win-win programs of governance.
No sort of reform is ever easy to secure, but the pursuit of substantive reforms offers the possibility to make it a reality when all figures in the house possessed the quality and qualifications in attaining even those impossible for those who dare not to try and explore before. In other words, both the executive and legislative branch of the city government tends to be narrowly focused and single purpose in character. They represent short-lived debate over issues but with a long-term determination to put in place something dramatic, broad-range social change with pervasive impact on the lives of the constituents and of every Fernandino. At the rate things are going, we are on the right path to achieve whatever positive endeavors worth intended for the city and its people.
Whoever are those at present in these positions of governance and even in the near future may just come and go. There must be no monopoly on this aspect of our political and social life towards other, but at least the present crop of people elected by the people themselves are doing the right moves through the mandates from the majority of our electorates being the ingrained advocacy for good, transparent and honest governance.
The substance in it being wielded by our city mayor can be felt by all sectors of our society contagiously far reaching even our local neighbors, with the process well taken care of by the city council on the affront doing unselfish performance and devotion as manifested by where the City of San Fernando (P) lies now in terms of economic, social, cultural and educational development that never before in history ever happened this kind of development at this magnitude.
In governance, the city has all the substantial ingredients and the transparent process with human sensitivity which always becomes a ready menu to cherish and embrace by every Fernandino.
Maglanque vows to win return bout vs. Bondoc
CITY OF SAN FERNANDO --- Former Transportation and Communications Assistant Secretary Rene Maglanque is bent on waging a return bout for Pampanga’s Fourth District congress seat, this time with a vow of winning against incumbent Rep. Anna York Bondoc-Sagum.
In a press conference held last week, Maglanque said he is “now ready to dislodge the incumbent Congresswoman in my district” after losing against Bondoc in the congressional contests of 2004 and 2007.
Maglanque, an engineer and realty contractor, said he has learned in defeat and is now more prepared to face Bondoc as he is optimistic to be the lone congressional aspirant from the town of Candaba.
In 2004, Maglanque said, he lost because the votes from Candaba were divided between him and retired General Ramsey Ocampo. In the following election of 2007, a multi-pronged fight in the congressional race was equally unkind to the former cabinet official.
Maglanque, who takes pride in branding himself a poor boy with big dreams, has also jumped from the administration party to join the Liberal Party.
On October 28, he was among those sworn into the LP fold by presidential wannabe Sen. Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III.
Maglanque said he thinks that the district, especially its public hospitals would have been far better had these been brought to the attention of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.
Maglanque said if given the chance in 2010, he would prioritize the provision of health care benefits particularly to the indigents through the improvement of district hospitals.
He is also planning for the district to take advantage of the North Luzon Expressway by establishing a vegetable drop point in San Simon town before farm produce will be transported to Metro Manila or other parts of the country from North Luzon.
(By Albert B. Lacanlale)
Korean firm builds $40-M Clark project
CLARK FREEPORT— A $40 million 10-storey Korean project will soon open in an area formerly occupied by a duty free shop here.
President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, led Thursday the groundbreaking rites for the 10-storey building of Donggwang Clark Corporation, to be housed in a 1.69-hectare area intended for mixed-use property development.
Clark Development Corporation (CDC) president and chief executive officer, Benigno R. Ricafort, who assisted the President in the groundbreaking ceremonies, said the proponent expects about 500 job opportunities to be available for local residents along the greater part of Metro Clark Area and in neighboring towns and provinces in Central and North Luzon.
The ground breaking is an offshoot of the signing of agreement between Ricafort and Donggwang Chairman Shin Kun Lee during President Arroyo’s State Visit to Korea where she attended the Asean-Korea Leaders’ meeting last May.
The construction of the building, which will be completed in 18 months, is the phase one of the huge tourism project that the Korean firm will establish at the Next Frontier in Sacobia Valley here.
The Marketing Department of CDC reported to Ricafort of the plan $150-million resort complex to be constructed at the Next Frontier area. The project will initially employ 1,000 workers. The site development planning of the project is on-going, adding that construction will start upon CDC’s approval of the development plans.
Earlier, the same Korean firm also informed the CDC that an estimated cost of P218 million will be poured for the construction of 1.8-kilometer Spine Road and the 4.5-kilometer East Road 2 that connects the Next Frontier to Luzon ’s main road – the McArthur Highway .
These roads are in support of the 300-hectare tourism estate to be developed by Donggwang in the Next Frontier area.
The road projects will be built “with no cash out” on the part of the CDC “and will be considered as advance lease rentals following standard government procedures.
Donggwang Construction Co. Ltd (DCC) is the mother company of Donggwang Clark Corporation. DCC is one of the largest construction companies in South Korea. The company boasts of a total asset amounting to 1.2 Trillion Won or around $945 million.
DCC currently owns and operates three golf courses and condotels in South Korea namely, Sorak Sun Valley Country Club, Dongwon Sun Valley Country Club, Iljuk Sun Valley Country Club, and the Japan-based Yabe Country Club.
(By Albert B. Lacanlale)
UPS delivers $50,000 for RP typhoon victims
CLARK FREEPORT--US-based United Parcel Service (UPS) donated last November 6, US$50,000 to the Philippine National Red Cross (PNRC) as part of their assistance for the victims of typhoons that recently battered Northern and Central Luzon areas.
CIAC President and CEO Victor Jose I. Luciano and UPS Asia Pacific Region Senior Vice President KM Liu led the turn over of the $50,000 donation to the PNRC headed by chairman Emeritus former Justice Leonor Ines-Luciano and Secretary General Gwendolyn Pang held at the CIAC Boardroom in a simple turn over ceremonies.
“UPS has chosen the PNRC through the American Red Cross as the recipient of the $50,000 donation intended to help the victims of Typhoons in Northern and Central Luzon.”
“We are happy that a Clark-based company like the UPS is extending their assistance to those affected by the typhoons,” Luciano said.
Luciano said UPS was the one who pioneered the development of the Diosdado Macapagal International Airport (DMIA) that started their cargo operations in 2002, adding that UPS is a partner of CIAC for the development of DMIA.
For his part, Liu also said that UPS is committed to support community activities especially in providing assistance to the victims of calamities in the Philippines.
“We are very pleased with President Luciano and the whole of CIAC for their cooperation and support to UPS and we look forward to continue the relationship and continue our objective for the development of DMIA and the whole of Clark,” Liu said.
Last October 27, SIA Engineering Company donated US$20,000 for the victims of the typhoon. The funds were turned over to the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and the PNRC.
Other guests include Kevin Chan director UPS Asia Pacific Region, Rolly Nierva senior manager UPS Shared Services, CIAC Executive Vice President and COO Alexander S. Cauguiran, Lauro Ortille Vice President for Administration and Finance, Romeo N. Dyoco Vice President for Operations and Business Development, and Capt. Ben Solis of the Asia Foundation.
(By Albert B. Lacanlale)
Pamintuan helps repatriate OFW remains
CLARK FREEPORT --- The remains of Arnel Sahagun, the overseas Filipino worker (OFW) who died in London on October 15, were finally brought home to his family in Angeles City.
Subic-Clark Alliance for Development Council (SCADC) Chairman Sec. Edgardo D. Pamintuan, whom Sahagun’s family approached for help, facilitated in the transportation of the OFW’s body from London, England.
Sahagun, a chef in a restaurant in London, was found dead inside the subway in Leeds. Initial reports from the police suspected suicide as the cause of death. However, the family is not inclined to accept the report because according to them, a very happy Arnel called them up a few days before his death to report of his promotion.
Investigations are now leading towards the possibility that he may have been murdered and that his body was dumped inside the subway.
Ma. Cozette Sahagun, resident of 292 Ilang-ilang St. Nepo Subdivision, Angeles City accompanied by her daughter and a TV crew from CLTV36, visited the office of Pamintuan inside the Freeport to report the incident.
Pamintuan, who has expressed his intention to run for mayor of Angeles City in 2010, immediately called the departments of Foreign Affairs, Labor and Employment and the Philippine Consul-General to the Court of St. James to request for their assistance in attending to the needs of Arnel Sahagun and his family, whose immediate concern was how to bring home his remains to the country.
In separate replies thru text messages, Labor Sec. Marianito Roque and Con-Gen Ma. Theresa S. Dizon-de Vega assured Pamintuan and the family of Sahagun that they will exert all effort to assist, not only in the investigation of the death of Arnel, but also in bringing him home to his family in the Philippines.
This is not the first time that Pamintuan, who is also the Presidential Adviser on External Affairs, extended assistance to our OFWs in Europe and in the Middle East who have been charged in courts or have pending court cases in their countries of deployment.
“This is in support of the efforts of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to look after the affairs and conditions of our countrymen abroad, especially those who are imprisoned and those who are facing death penalties,” Pamintuan said.
Arnel Sahagun and his wife, who is a caregiver, entered England four years ago. If his employment status in London, England is legal, he is entitled to benefits from the Philippine Overseas Employment Authority (POEA) and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA). His wife has been instructed to coordinate with the Philippine consulate in London in order to facilitate the investigation and expedite the transportation of his remains.
Subic-Clark Alliance for Development Council (SCADC) Chairman Sec. Edgardo D. Pamintuan, whom Sahagun’s family approached for help, facilitated in the transportation of the OFW’s body from London, England.
Sahagun, a chef in a restaurant in London, was found dead inside the subway in Leeds. Initial reports from the police suspected suicide as the cause of death. However, the family is not inclined to accept the report because according to them, a very happy Arnel called them up a few days before his death to report of his promotion.
Investigations are now leading towards the possibility that he may have been murdered and that his body was dumped inside the subway.
Ma. Cozette Sahagun, resident of 292 Ilang-ilang St. Nepo Subdivision, Angeles City accompanied by her daughter and a TV crew from CLTV36, visited the office of Pamintuan inside the Freeport to report the incident.
Pamintuan, who has expressed his intention to run for mayor of Angeles City in 2010, immediately called the departments of Foreign Affairs, Labor and Employment and the Philippine Consul-General to the Court of St. James to request for their assistance in attending to the needs of Arnel Sahagun and his family, whose immediate concern was how to bring home his remains to the country.
In separate replies thru text messages, Labor Sec. Marianito Roque and Con-Gen Ma. Theresa S. Dizon-de Vega assured Pamintuan and the family of Sahagun that they will exert all effort to assist, not only in the investigation of the death of Arnel, but also in bringing him home to his family in the Philippines.
This is not the first time that Pamintuan, who is also the Presidential Adviser on External Affairs, extended assistance to our OFWs in Europe and in the Middle East who have been charged in courts or have pending court cases in their countries of deployment.
“This is in support of the efforts of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to look after the affairs and conditions of our countrymen abroad, especially those who are imprisoned and those who are facing death penalties,” Pamintuan said.
Arnel Sahagun and his wife, who is a caregiver, entered England four years ago. If his employment status in London, England is legal, he is entitled to benefits from the Philippine Overseas Employment Authority (POEA) and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA). His wife has been instructed to coordinate with the Philippine consulate in London in order to facilitate the investigation and expedite the transportation of his remains.
With or without mayors support Sinukwan Fest to go on
CITY OF SAN FERNANDO --- Shrugging off the absence of support from Pampanga town executives in last year’s Sinukwan Festival, the Foundation for Lingap Kapampangan, Inc. (FLKI) has begun preparing for the staging of the renowned festival this year.
Last week, the FLKI, led by its president Rev. Fr. Restituto Lumanlan renewed its contract of sponsorship with Robinsons’ Land Corporation.
RLC, which owns and operates the Robinsons Starmills, has awarded FLKI a P1-million check as major sponsor in the annual festival.
The contract signing took place on November 31 at the Fiesta Kapampangan, one of the 2 food courts in Robinsons’ Starmills Pampanga that serves Kapampangan cuisine.
Also signed on this day were the contracts with the festival’s media partners, ABS-CBN Pampanga and CLTV 36, the 2 biggest media networks in the Region 3.
Lumanlan said that schools and private organizations have been very supportive to the Sinukwan Festival, a reason behind the continued success of the festival.
Sinukwan Festival is a much awaited annual event in Pampanga that seeks to preserve and promote the culture and tradition of the Kapampangan by giving honor to its mythical king, Aring Sinukwan, who, according to legend, is residing at the majestic Mt. Arayat.
The festival was started 12 years ago by FLKI, also known then the Save Pampanga Movement, the officers and members of which are the forerunners in mobilizing support and lobbying for the construction of various interventions to prevent further destruction to Pampanga after the eruption of Mt. Pinatubo in 1991.
After putting up the mega dike and other infrastructure to contain the effects of lahar, they realize that they have the responsibility also to preserve the cultue – “the soul” – of the Kapampangans.
“After having successfully saved the “body”, we thought that we must also save the “soul”, he said. Fr. Resty was referring to the language and age-old songs, dances, cuisine and other Kapampangan traditions which are slowly forgotten by the new generation.
The 12th Sinukwan Festival will hold a twin opening ceremonies simultaneously in front of the city hall in the City of San Fernando and the Museo ning Angeles in Angeles City after the Holy Mass to be officiated at the San Fernando Cathedral and Holy Rosary Parish Church on November 29. Afterwhich, a motorcade will be held to the site of the soon-to-rise Kapampangan Cultural Center in the former University of the Philippines-Pampanga campus in Sto. Niño, San Fernando, Pampanga for the inauguration of the “Pistang Pampangan Kapampangan” (Festival of Kapampanga Food).
(By Albert B. Lacanlale)
Cebu Pacific goes extra mile in Clark DMIA promotions
CLARK FREEPORT---The Philippine’s leading airline Cebu Pacific (CEB) goes the extra mile by offering special travel rates in the North Luzon Travel Expo this coming November 13-15, 2009 at SM Clark. This is valid for travel November 16, 2009 to March 23, 2010.
During the expo, CEB passengers can book and buy outright Clark-Macau, Clark-Hong Kong, Clark-Singapore, Clark-Bangkok and Clark-Cebu flights at their lowest possible fares.
The lowest possible fares for one-way flights from Clark to Macau, Singapore and Hong Kong start at P1,899, while Clark-Bangkok flights can go for P2,899. These rates are not valid for travel on embargo dates.
Meanwhile, the lowest possible fares on inter-island flights from Manila, Cebu and Davao are based on availability. CEB has the most extensive network in the Philippines with 32 domestic destinations.
“We are doing this to promote CEB’s Clark hub, and further develop Clark as a tourist destination and jump-off point to the rest of North Luzon. There are a lot of travelers in this area who will really benefit from CEB’s trademark low fares and quality low cost carrier offerings,” said CEB VP for Marketing and Distribution Candice Iyog.
She added that CEB recently sponsored sales agents from Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur and Singapore to attend the Travel Market Exchange (TRAMEX) in Clark last November 6, 2009. The airline also includes its 30 kilos free baggage allowance (FBA) promotion for Clark international flights until December 31, 2009 in most of its print advertisements in the Philippines.
“We are doing our best to push for more inbound and outbound travel via the Diosdado Macapagal International Airport (DMIA). The Clark 30 kilos FBA promo is ongoing and is a great incentive, especially to anyone traveling during the holiday season,” Iyog said.
Asia’s third-largest low-cost carrier CEB was the first domestic airline to base its operations in Clark last November 2008. Aside from the current six times weekly Clark-Hong Kong, and four times weekly Clark-Macau services, it will fly thrice weekly Clark-Bangkok and daily Clark-Singapore flights starting December 12, 2009.
During the expo, CEB passengers can book and buy outright Clark-Macau, Clark-Hong Kong, Clark-Singapore, Clark-Bangkok and Clark-Cebu flights at their lowest possible fares.
The lowest possible fares for one-way flights from Clark to Macau, Singapore and Hong Kong start at P1,899, while Clark-Bangkok flights can go for P2,899. These rates are not valid for travel on embargo dates.
Meanwhile, the lowest possible fares on inter-island flights from Manila, Cebu and Davao are based on availability. CEB has the most extensive network in the Philippines with 32 domestic destinations.
“We are doing this to promote CEB’s Clark hub, and further develop Clark as a tourist destination and jump-off point to the rest of North Luzon. There are a lot of travelers in this area who will really benefit from CEB’s trademark low fares and quality low cost carrier offerings,” said CEB VP for Marketing and Distribution Candice Iyog.
She added that CEB recently sponsored sales agents from Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur and Singapore to attend the Travel Market Exchange (TRAMEX) in Clark last November 6, 2009. The airline also includes its 30 kilos free baggage allowance (FBA) promotion for Clark international flights until December 31, 2009 in most of its print advertisements in the Philippines.
“We are doing our best to push for more inbound and outbound travel via the Diosdado Macapagal International Airport (DMIA). The Clark 30 kilos FBA promo is ongoing and is a great incentive, especially to anyone traveling during the holiday season,” Iyog said.
Asia’s third-largest low-cost carrier CEB was the first domestic airline to base its operations in Clark last November 2008. Aside from the current six times weekly Clark-Hong Kong, and four times weekly Clark-Macau services, it will fly thrice weekly Clark-Bangkok and daily Clark-Singapore flights starting December 12, 2009.
NTC okays Clark-Subic phone interconnection
CLARK FREEPORT – The National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) has given its approval to the planned interconnection of telephone lines between the Clark and Subic Freeports.
NTC Commissioner Gamaliel A. Cordoba, in a letter to Clark Development Corp. (CDC) Public Relations Manager Angelo “Sonny” Lopez, Jr., said local interconnection between Clark and Subic “are within NTC existing rules and regulations.
Cordoba ’s statements stemmed after Lopez, thru the Metro Clark Advisory Council (MCAC), requested a certificate or clearance showing that the proposed interconnection of phone lines has not violated NTC rules and regulations.
The MCAC has been pushing for the interconnection of Clark and Subic phone lines following the success of the interconnection of Clark phone lines with other telecommunications providers in Pampanga.
CDC President Benigno N. Ricafort, Lopez, PLDT Clark Manager Lito Mercado, PEP TV President Dennis Uy, and Cabinet Secretary Edgardo Pamintuan have been the forerunners of the interconnection project which has been cited by no less than President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.
In December 2008, President Arroyo bestowed an award to Clark officials led by CDC’s Ricafort for the telecommunications interconnection project that was one of the top 10 winners of the 1st Gawad Pampublikong Korporasyon (1st GPK).
According to Ricafort, the CDC’s winning entry was conceived in 2001 and aims to interconnect Clark’s telephone lines to Angeles City and the City of San Fernando, as well as other areas in the province of Pampanga.
He added that the interconnection project was an initiative of the MCAC – an influential partnership group between the CDC and contingent Local Government Units (LGUs) within the Metro Clark area.
Lopez said the project paved the way for phone companies like the Philippine Long Distance and Telecommunications Company (PLDT), Smart Telecommunications (Smart), and Digitel to provide toll free calls to its subscribers in Clark and the rest of Pampanga.
Lopez, who is MCAC secretariat and headed the original “Task Force Interconnection,” stressed that residents, locators, and investors inside the Clark Freeport are now saving at least P13.2 million yearly on long distance calls because of the project.
“The CDC alone has saved as much as P1.2 million per year since this project was implemented,” Lopez added.
NTC Commissioner Gamaliel A. Cordoba, in a letter to Clark Development Corp. (CDC) Public Relations Manager Angelo “Sonny” Lopez, Jr., said local interconnection between Clark and Subic “are within NTC existing rules and regulations.
Cordoba ’s statements stemmed after Lopez, thru the Metro Clark Advisory Council (MCAC), requested a certificate or clearance showing that the proposed interconnection of phone lines has not violated NTC rules and regulations.
The MCAC has been pushing for the interconnection of Clark and Subic phone lines following the success of the interconnection of Clark phone lines with other telecommunications providers in Pampanga.
CDC President Benigno N. Ricafort, Lopez, PLDT Clark Manager Lito Mercado, PEP TV President Dennis Uy, and Cabinet Secretary Edgardo Pamintuan have been the forerunners of the interconnection project which has been cited by no less than President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.
In December 2008, President Arroyo bestowed an award to Clark officials led by CDC’s Ricafort for the telecommunications interconnection project that was one of the top 10 winners of the 1st Gawad Pampublikong Korporasyon (1st GPK).
According to Ricafort, the CDC’s winning entry was conceived in 2001 and aims to interconnect Clark’s telephone lines to Angeles City and the City of San Fernando, as well as other areas in the province of Pampanga.
He added that the interconnection project was an initiative of the MCAC – an influential partnership group between the CDC and contingent Local Government Units (LGUs) within the Metro Clark area.
Lopez said the project paved the way for phone companies like the Philippine Long Distance and Telecommunications Company (PLDT), Smart Telecommunications (Smart), and Digitel to provide toll free calls to its subscribers in Clark and the rest of Pampanga.
Lopez, who is MCAC secretariat and headed the original “Task Force Interconnection,” stressed that residents, locators, and investors inside the Clark Freeport are now saving at least P13.2 million yearly on long distance calls because of the project.
“The CDC alone has saved as much as P1.2 million per year since this project was implemented,” Lopez added.
PGMA pushes for high-value BPO services
CLARK FREEPORT– President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo on Thursday nudged the country’s business process outsourcing (BPO) industry to shift from low-paying, voice-activated call centers to high-value, non-voice accounting, legal, human resources, and administration services.
Mrs. Arroyo, however, assured the private sector of minimum government regulations and intervention in business.
“The role of government is not to dictate but to create the environment that would nurture growth in the industry,” the President said at the 2nd National Information and Communication Technology Confederation of the Philippines (2nd NICP) Summit held at the Fontana Convention Center here. The event was attended by hundreds of ICT experts in the country.
Since assuming office in 2001, the President said, she has been pushing for labor-intensive service sectors such as Information Communication Technology (ICT) and tourism that would allow young Filipinos to land high-paying jobs in the country instead of going abroad.
In the past eight years, government has spent P5 billion to build the necessary BPO infrastructure and interconnectivity and to train people for the sector. Government has also put in place a policy and legal environment conducive to doing business in the country.
“We have invested three times what the past three administrations spent in (BPO) training,” the President said.
As a result, BPOs have expanded their operations in the last eight years from 4,000 workers in 2001 to 400,000 this year.
Location sites are no longer confined to Metro Manila and Metro Cebu. The industry is now operating as well in Davao, Cagayan de Oro, Bacolod, Iloilo, Batangas, Laguna, Cavite, Pampanga, and Bulacan.
Today, Central Pampanga, which includes Clark, has the third largest BPO business in the country, employing 50,000 workers, next only to Metro Manila and Metro Cebu.
This year, the Philippines won for the second time the distinction of being the “Best Offshoring Destination” given by United Kingdom’s National Outsourcing Association, besting Egypt, Russia, Malaysia, and Sri Lanka. The country first received the award in 2007.
The countries were evaluated on country advantages and appeal to UK companies, level of market penetration in the UK, and areas of outsourcing available in the country.
“Indeed the Philippines ranks as one of the best offshore hubs in the world because of cost competitiveness and, more importantly, our highly trainable, English-proficient, IT (information technology)-enabled management and manpower,” the President said.
“Our having won the ‘Offshore Destination of the Year’ again also highlights the very importance of the Philippines’ IT-BPO industry in the global market.
“The BPO phenomenon speaks eloquently of our competitiveness and productivity,” she added.
Mrs. Arroyo, however, assured the private sector of minimum government regulations and intervention in business.
“The role of government is not to dictate but to create the environment that would nurture growth in the industry,” the President said at the 2nd National Information and Communication Technology Confederation of the Philippines (2nd NICP) Summit held at the Fontana Convention Center here. The event was attended by hundreds of ICT experts in the country.
Since assuming office in 2001, the President said, she has been pushing for labor-intensive service sectors such as Information Communication Technology (ICT) and tourism that would allow young Filipinos to land high-paying jobs in the country instead of going abroad.
In the past eight years, government has spent P5 billion to build the necessary BPO infrastructure and interconnectivity and to train people for the sector. Government has also put in place a policy and legal environment conducive to doing business in the country.
“We have invested three times what the past three administrations spent in (BPO) training,” the President said.
As a result, BPOs have expanded their operations in the last eight years from 4,000 workers in 2001 to 400,000 this year.
Location sites are no longer confined to Metro Manila and Metro Cebu. The industry is now operating as well in Davao, Cagayan de Oro, Bacolod, Iloilo, Batangas, Laguna, Cavite, Pampanga, and Bulacan.
Today, Central Pampanga, which includes Clark, has the third largest BPO business in the country, employing 50,000 workers, next only to Metro Manila and Metro Cebu.
This year, the Philippines won for the second time the distinction of being the “Best Offshoring Destination” given by United Kingdom’s National Outsourcing Association, besting Egypt, Russia, Malaysia, and Sri Lanka. The country first received the award in 2007.
The countries were evaluated on country advantages and appeal to UK companies, level of market penetration in the UK, and areas of outsourcing available in the country.
“Indeed the Philippines ranks as one of the best offshore hubs in the world because of cost competitiveness and, more importantly, our highly trainable, English-proficient, IT (information technology)-enabled management and manpower,” the President said.
“Our having won the ‘Offshore Destination of the Year’ again also highlights the very importance of the Philippines’ IT-BPO industry in the global market.
“The BPO phenomenon speaks eloquently of our competitiveness and productivity,” she added.
SM wins Retail Asia’s Best of the Best Award
The SM Retail Group was a recipient of the Best of the Best Award during the 2008 Retail Asia-Pacific Top 500 Awards held recently at the Venetian Hotel-Resort in Macau, making it one of the region’s premier retailers. During the same event, it also won the Gold Award as the Philippines’ top retailer for the fifth year in a row.
Spearheaded by Retail Asia, the prestigious Singapore based magazine five years ago, the Top 500 ranks retailers in 14 Asia-Pacific economies on sales turnover and sales productivity. The ranking continues to highlight companies that have become the movers and shakers in the region’s retail sector.
Drawing from Euromonitor International’s research and analysis of the retail industry around the world, analysts in the 14 Asia-Pacific economies featured did research for the 2008 edition. The latter included Australia, China, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, the Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam.
The top three retailers from each of the countries in the Asia-Pacific region were awarded Gold, Silver, and Bronze awards during the event; and the Best of the Best were selected from the Gold Awardees. Other Best of the Best awardees included Matahari of Indonesia, GCH Retail in Malaysia, and NTUC Fairprice of Singapore. Local retailers cited included Mercury Drug and Rustans, which won the Silver and Bronze Awards, respectively, for the Philippines.
In a “year that was subjected to an enormous repertoire of ups and downs . . . Asian economies soared to a fifth straight year of growth in 2007,” says Steven H L Goh, Executive Chairman of Retail Asia. “And Asia’s retail industry prospered and grew.”
“The clear inference is the tremendous resilience, tenacity, and entrepreneurial spirit of Asia-Pacific’s top retailers in coping with market fluctuations,” he adds. “It is also a clear testimony to their strategic and tactical capability in successful retailing – forging the compelling value proposition for their customers and delivering the best possible customer experience at all times.”