Grand reunion for ex-seminarians slated

Most Rev. Paciano Aniceto, D.D. of the Archdiocese of San Fernando extends an earnest invitation for all former seminarians, seminarians, priests and formators of Mother of Good Counsel Seminary in the City of San Fernando, Pampanga, to attend the GRAND ALUMNI HOMECOMING on the occasion of the 60^th Diamond Jubilee Anniversary of MGC Seminary on July 2-3, 2010, City of San Fernando, Pampanga.

In his personal letter and circular to the attendees, Apu Ceto, as fondly called by his parishioners, said that the seminary provides spiritual health and renewal to the archdiocese just as the heart provides life-blood and energy to the body. And so, the ex-seminarians or the so-called non-ordained alumni of MGCS perform their unique role as “salt and light of the earth” or witnesses to the Lord’s presence in the family, education, culture, tri-media and political affairs. Even the II Vatican Council calls the seminary as the “Cor Dioecesis” – the heart of the diocese.

Ronaldo Tiotuico, the ad-hoc chairman of the working committee, expressed the confidence that the circular of Apu Ceto to all parishes in Pampanga would result in a larger attendance than there was in 2008 when the first reunion was held. This year, we expect an attendance of about 500 former residents of the seminary or an increase of over 50% compared to the previous year.

The celebration will see the gathering of mostly prominent personalities in government, religious hierarchy, tri-media, business and private sector community. The event will more likely see the participation of the likes of Ping de Jesus, the former secretary of DPWH, Bong Lacson and Ashley Manabat of media and publicity, Cris Cadiang, a former priest and a rising star in the political arena, Robert David, a former board member of Pampanga and now a philanthropist, Efren Tayag, a prominent architect and civic-minded personality, Boiti Portugal, the proponent of the now famous Razon’s Halo Halo, Ronnie Tiotuico of the Department of Tourism including Pio Bituin, Panyong Paras, Bim Viray, Efren Chua, Ed Sibug, among others.

Some alumni based in the United States are expected to come to be part of the celebration. They will unveil an oil portrait of the late Fr. Basilio David as a tribute to his memory.

The occasion ushers in the 60^th foundation or diamond anniversary of the alma mater having been established on July 4, 1950 with its original location in Guagua, Pampanga. Two years later, it was moved to Apalit in the same province for want of more space for it growing population. In 1962 to the present, the seminary found its permanent location in San Fernando. Its foundation is attributed to the late bishop of San Fernando, Most Rev. Cesar Ma. Guerrero upon the insistence of three priests—Basilio David, Eulalio Yabut and Antonio Ibay. Their prayers bore fruit when the seminary was transformed from a minor to major seminary with already four departments: Minor Seminary, Pre-College Department, Philosophy Department and Theology Department.

Most of the more than150 priests in Pampanga finished their priestly education in the same seminary. Founding Bishop Guerrero named the seminary after his wellspring of devotion, the Blessed Virgin Mary or our Mother of Good Counsel or the English translation of Latin Mater Boni Consilii.

The reunion will be a time for prayer, reflection, spiritual renewal and fellowship.

Beyond the CSR acronym

Run, smile, learn, witness life

The World Health Organization (WHO) reported that 10 percent of our population in the Philippines is composed of Persons With Disabilities (PWDs).
“Imagine that. Ten percent,” Clark Development Corporation (CDC) President Benigno N. Ricafort said. He seemed perplexed by the statistics.

“That’s about 9 million PWDs from the more than 80 million Filipinos living with us today,” he added.
Ricafort, who has embedded the practice Corporate Social Responsibility or CSR in the mindset of each CDC employee, pushed the CDC beyond its mandate to transform this former United States military installation into a magnet for investments and development.
Thanks to the vision of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, who helped transform
this Freeport into one of the top investment destinations in the Southeast Asian region, the last 10 years saw a robust growth in and around the Clark .
The President’s vision became a reality, nay, a legacy as the CDC focused on development thrusts, particularly on infrastructure development, which was
Clark ’s magnet for international and local investors.
Aside from world-class infrastructure, the CDC also has the Clark CSR programs
as another legacy – a legacy that aims to improve the quality of life of PWDs and other indigent people of Pampanga.
“This is another legacy that I want for Clark – the CDC’s care and commitment to pursue sound and meaningful CSR programs that are beneficial to surrounding communities in the province of Pampanga ,” Ricafort said.
“It’s not enough that we live our day to day lives worrying and complaining about a variety of woes when just outside the four walls of our homes could be a neighbor who is in dire need of an artificial leg, or perhaps the old lady at the sari-sari store by the corner may have poor vision because she is suffering from cataract,” Ricafort said.
According to Ricafort, there are many Filipinos whose living conditions “are far worse than ours. Far worse than the trivial wretchedness we keep ranting about every day.”
It is for this reason, Ricafort stressed, that the CDC forged ties with the Kapampangan Development Foundation (KDF) to provide H.E.L.P. – Health, Education, and Livelihood for Pampanga.
“In Clark, we have put our acts together and stopped complaining… We’ve decided to HELP,” Ricafort said. The CDC, Kapampangan Development Foundation (KDF) and their various partners in service have decided to HELP.
Ricafort noted that the CDC and the KDF’s goal is to return to Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) the “dignity of being able to live a productive life amidst their disabilities by restoring their physical capabilities whether they are amputees, cataract patients, or afflicted with harelip and other facial deformities.”
Included in the HELP program is the Walking Free Pampanga mission: “To distribute for free an estimated 500 artificial legs and 1,000 wheelchairs by the end of 2012 to the poor and deserving physically disabled Kapampangans who cannot walk without the help of relatives, crutches and wheelchairs.”
Ricafort furthered that the HELP program, by far, has catered to 1,185 Filipinos who are suffering from different afflictions from 2008 to 2010.
From 2008 to 2009, beneficiaries for prosthesis have totaled 187; for the same period, wheelchair recipients reached 172, Ricafort said.
He added that from 2008 to 2010, 283 harelip and cleft palate patients received free surgery; while for the same period, cataract and Pterygium surgery was pegged at 543 for a total of 1,075 beneficiaries.
“But all of this could not have been achieved without the help of our selfless and indefatigable partners,” Ricafort stressed.
Among the other achievements of the CDC-KDF partnership is the establishment of the Clark Prosthesis Laboratory and Training Center (CPLTC) – a facility that caters to indigent amputees.
Its proximity to surrounding Pampanga communities has helped the poor who need prostheses save on transportation expenses since they do not have to travel to the Philippine General Hospital (PGH) in Manila.
Ricafort said since the PGH caters to indigent amputees nationwide, it can only accommodate to a select few.
“But amputees in Pampanga do not have to wait in line at the PGH because the prosthesis center here in Clark can address their needs immediately,” Ricafort stressed.
Another achievement, according to Ricafort, is a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) forged between the KDF and the Love for Life Foundation (LFLF) and the Datu-Angeles-David Memorial Foundation (DADMF) for the use and operation of the community-based hospital – Dr. Jesus A. Datu Medical Center (JADMC).
The hospital was built by the family of the late Dr. Jesus A. Datu for indigent people of Pampanga through the LFLF and the DADMF.
The JADMC will be the home-base of KDF in implementing the HELP programs such as maternal and child health care, pre-natal or post-natal services, birthing facility to reduce maternal and child mortality, and an eye center for indigents with
cataract or Pterygium.

Caption:
-- Ricafort talks on the CDC-KDF on Walking Free project at the prosthesis lab at Clark Polytechnic inside Clark Freeport Zone. (CDC-PRD photo)

Buckaroo’s now grilling at SM City Clark

There's a new food ranch waiting to be forayed. Buckaroo's Grilled Pizza, Burger, and Steaks recently opened at SM City Clark giving foodies in Pampanga another gastronomic occasion to explore.
Buckaroo's is a casual American grill restaurant that gives a different twist to your favorite steaks, burgers and pizzas. Aside from the big servings, the menu is extensive and affordable. It's the next best stop for family gatherings, bonding with friends, and comfort food sessions.
The new resto is very popular with its grilled pizza filled with mozzarella cheese on top of thin crust pita. Great options are offered to diners with its specialty and classic pizza flavors. Must-try's include Buck's Seafood Special and Buck's Ultimate Pizza.
Buck's burgers also offer great journey for the palette. Flavored or stuffed patties make Buckaroo's burgers truly special. Its burger options also make everyone hungrier by the minute you read the menu: Chuckwagon, Round Brown, Texas Chili, Snuffy, Hazy, and a lot more.
The resto's bestsellers are included in The Ranch or steak options: baby back ribs, porter house steak, surf and turf, t-bone steak, and chicken leg quarter. They will truly make the Buckaroo's experience complete especially for first-timers.
Beyond the Buckaroo's favorites, the restaurant also has other great menu options: appetizers such as onion rings, french fries, and potato wedges; Belly Robbers pastas that promise to be yummy and filling; and healthy salads and saccharine desserts such as grilled banana split, fried ice cream, and crispy mallow ala mode.
Experience the grill feel and mouthwatering food picks of Buckaroo's. Visit it now at SM City Clark!

Oriental-style salmon fillets

Glorious Living

By Gloria Millare

Ingredients:

4 skinless salmon fillets

2 tbsp. vegetable oil

2 tbsp. light soy sauce

2 tbsp. clear honey

Ginger stem, drained and finely chopped

2 spring onions (green) cut into long strips

½ tbs. Lime juice

Black pepper

Lime wedges to serve

Procedure:

1. Place the salmon fillets in a shallow non-metallic dish. Mix together the oil, soy sauce, honey, ginger, spring onions, lime rind and juice, and seasoning. Pour over the fillets and turn to coat. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to 1 hour.

2. Preheat the grill to high. Lightly oil a baking tray. Lift the fillets and spring onion out of the marinade and place on the baking tray. Brush the fillets with a little of the marinade, then cook for 3 minutes. Turn over, brush and grill for 3 to 5 minutes until cooked through. Garnish with the lime wedges and veggies.

CIAC board to probe buildings demolition

CLARK FREEPORT – The Clark International Airport Corporation (CIAC) board has formed a fact-finding team to investigate the demolition of at least seven buildings owned by the state-owned firm.
CIAC chairman Nestor Mangio, in an interview, said he was designated by the board to lead the fact-finding team.
He said the board decided to conduct the investigation following complaint aired by Candaba Mayor Jerry Pelayo.
Pelayo claimed that warehouses at the Civil Aviation Complex have been demolished and which materials were sold as scrap.
Pelayo said among those demolished are warehouses that were supposed to be occupied for the Farm Fresh 25 project which aims to provide avenue for farmers to sell their produce.
He said that in September 17, 2008, his group wrote CIAC president Victor Luciano requesting to lease and use the buildings and facilities for the said projects.
“We started doing these works, believing that our request has already been approved as he previously expressed to us in many occasions,” Pelayo said.
Pelayo and his group have since then started renovating the dilapidated buildings, spending over P1-million.
However, starting May 2009 and all throughout the year, Pelayo said he was surprised to find out that half of the buildings where Farm Fresh 25 is located were being demolished.
“It was sold to the same contractors that demolished the Farm Fresh 25 building, justifying that the scrap would be donated to the Aeta village,” Pelayo said.
Pelayo said the demolition contractor represented by one Josie Gomez called up his son Patrick for several times, offering P450,000 for the other building.
“My son said no and got really mad, saying that the building was intended for the use of the Food Hub Project,” Pelayo said.
This prompted Pelayo to call up Luciano to inform him of the incident and the previous demolition, but the latter allegedly told him that the building was intended as donation to the Aetas.
Mangio will be backstopped by CIAC director Al Cusi, Jess Nicdao and Rafael Angeles in conducting the probe. They will also be assisted by their legal counsel Atty. Raul Dizon.
(By Albert B. Lacanlale)

Electronics, ICT, BPO firms top Clark employment stats

CLARK FREEPORT—The electronics industry is gaining by a considerable margin over Information and Communications Technology (ICT) and Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) firms in the list of Clark’s top five employment providers, the Clark Development Corporation (CDC) reported.
Leading the list of top employment providers is the electronics industry which provided 11,732 jobs, the CDC Customer Service Department (CDC-CSD) April 2010 report said.
This was followed by the ICT and BPO industry which employed 10,833 workers. Trailing behind is garments and sewing industry with 8,762 employees, the report furthered.
Manufacturing firms have posted 6,603 jobs while commercial companies here employed 5,405 workers, the report also said.
CDC-CSD Manager Rodem Perez said Clark’s workforce as of April this year reached a total of 56,613 according to employment reports submitted by 385 locators here.
Of the 56,613 Clark workers, 54,028 are employed with registered locators, while 797 belong to the CDC workforce and 351with the state-owned Clark International Airport Corporation (CIAC). At least 1,437 workers are employed by CDC-contracted agencies, Perez added.
Perez noted that 71.61 percent of Clark employees hail from various communities in the province of Pampanga: 21.48% come from Angeles City; 19.98%, Mabalacat; 4.11%, Porac; and 26.03%, other Pampanga areas.
The province of Tarlac share 10.89% of Clark employees: 2.76% come from Bamban; 2.55%, Capas; 5.58%, other Tarlac areas, 5.58%. According to the report, 17.50% of Clark workers come from Central Luzon or Metro Manila areas.

CDC signs new CBA with 2 workers unions

CLARK FREEPORT—The officials of Clark Development Corporation announced the peaceful conclusion of the collective bargaining agreements (CBA) with two CDC employees unions recently.
The conclusion was capped with CDC President Benigno Ricafort signing the new CBA contracts with the Association of Concern CDC Employees (ACCES) and the Association of CDC Supervisory Personnel (ACSP) at the CDC’s Office of the President.
Among the highlights of the CBA stipulations with ACCES (the rank and file union), the employees will receive an across the board eight percent increase in salaries starting March 2010, including the signing bonus of P20,000 to all ACCES members. The increase in salaries will also include the non-members of ACCES and to all confidential employees.
All rank and file employees will also receive an additional P500 on rice allowance.
The ACSP, the supervisors union, also signed CBA where the highlight of the agreement is the approval of the P700 additional allowance. The CDC also approved the additional P500 on rice allowance.
Ricafort congratulated both unions for the immediate conclusion of the CBA negotiations.
The CBA negotiation was chaired by Ed Sibug for ACCES and Atty. Jose Cornelio Lukban for the CDC management; while the CBA for supervisory negotiation was chaired by Victor Barbieto for ACSP, and Vice President Pepito Galang of Corporate Services Group for the CDC management.

This is life: The Macao experience

First impressions last, indeed. Good thing my first trip to Macau, which has been highly regarded to as Asia’s Las Vegas due to its numerous gaming destinations, was more focused on what this Chinese special administrative region has to offer other than gambling.
Joậo Sales, the energetic Public Relations Executive of the Macau Government Tourist Office (MGTO); JG Summit’s corporate communications manager, Viveca Singson, corporate communications manager; Cebu Pacific’s corporate communications specialist Michelle de Guzman; MGTO executive Charina Puno and PR consultant Charles Lim succeeded in hammering out the point that tourism in Macau does not only evolve around its casinos.
Our first stop was the Four Seasons Hotel at the Cotai Strip (this is the reclaimed area that connects the Coloane and Taipa islands—thus Co-Tai). This hotel, which is one of the biggest five-star hotels in Macau, does not have a casino—a distinction its director for marketing, Julius Santos, is proud to announce.
Here a guest could enjoy the peace and tranquillity. The hotel, designed by global entertainment architectural firm Steelman Partners, offers 360 beautifully-appointed guestrooms and suits that reflect a neo-classical elegance incorporating Oriental accents.
A dinner at the poolside Splash restaurant was more like a taste-feel of the good things awaiting the group.
The next morning, we toured the heritage areas, which Macau is very rich of. Though having welcomed with open arms Portuguese mariners in the past, the Macanese have retained their heritage as evident in the many temples scattered around the islands. In spite of the smooth traffic flow wherever we went, we still had too short a time to visit all of these temples and shrines.
We only had time to climb the hill where the Shrine of A-Ma is located but had to skip visiting her temple.
Macau derived its name from A-Ma-Gau or Place of A-Ma, the seafarers’ goddess. According to local legends, A-Ma, a poor girl looking for passage to Canton, was refused by wealthy junk owners but a lowly fisherman took her on board. A storm blew up and wrecked all but he boat carrying the girl. On arrival in Macau, the girl vanished, to reappear as a goddess, on the spot where the fishermen built her temple. Since then, seafarers would pass by the temple to pray before going out to sea.
There are other religious temples in Macau also worth visiting. These include Kun Iam Tong, Lin Fung Miu, Kuan Tai Temple, Tai Soi Miu and Lin Kai Miu.
There is so much to see in and to write about Macau, really and CL NewsWeek is convinced that only be providing ample space in the paper do we give justice to a beautiful place.
Cebu Pacific flies regularly to Macau every Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays from the Diosdado Macapagal International Airport in Clark. For flight schedules, visit www.cebupacificair.com or call (02) 702-0888

SCTEx gears up for opening of classes

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO—“We want our students to have a hassle-free start of the new school year.”

With this noble objective in mind, the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA), through its interim service provider for the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX), has taken measures to ensure that the students “start the school year on the right foot.”

Smarting from past experiences, SCTEX’s interim service provider—a consortium of First Philippine Holdings Corporation, Egis Road Operation and Tollways Management Corporation geared up for next week’s re-opening of classes.

BCDA program manager for support services and concurrent SCTEX spokesman Robert Gervacio said they are ready to overcome the challenges brought by the surge in traffic volume as students troop back to their schools in Metro Manila with preemptive steps meant to facilitate passage along the 93.7-kilometer tollway that connects four provinces in Central Luzon namely: Pampanga, Tarlac, Bataan and Zambales as well as the three major economic zones of Central Luzon – the Subic Bay Freeport Zone, the Clark Freeport Zone and the Central Techno Park in Tarlac.

“We want the SCTEX users to enjoy safe and seamless travel even with the expected upsurge of traffic volume during the weekend prior to the June 15 opening of classes, and the rains predicted by the weather bureau,” Gervacio said.

TMC executive Charlie Espanola said the anticipatory moves they have initiated involved massive cleaning and enhancement of the SCTEX drainage systems to ensure a flood-free tollway.

“Water pools on the road can cause hydroplaning among passing cars which in turn can lead to accidents,” Espanola stressed.

He also revealed that they have drawn up contingency plans that involve, among others, the use of makeshift toll booths to help ease vehicle backlogs at the interchanges notably the Mabalacat and Tipo toll plazas.

The plan also calls for the conversion of a number of entry lanes into exit lanes and deployment of mobile toll collectors during peak hours to help speed up vehicle flow at the toll plazas.

More important, Gervacio stressed, is the cooperation of the motorists themselves by preparing exact toll amounts to dramatically reduce transaction time at the toll booths.

In the safety department, the SCTEX administrators strongly advise motorists to strictly observe driving and traffic rules especially speed limits posted on the roadsides for the drivers’ guidance.

To assist travellers, security teams are strategically deployed along the tollway to make sure that help is just 20 minute away at any point along the SCTEX. In addition, motorists needing roadside assistance can call the following SCTEX hotlines (0920) 96-SCTEX (72839), (045) 865-2030, (02) 362-9997 and (02) 362-2246.

Palau starts tuna imports via DMIA

CLARK FREEPORT--The Diosdado Macapagal International Airport (DMIA) has the capability of handling world-class cargo operations where the Pacific Flier started its regular flights via Clark.
“It only shows that to the cargo world that the airport (DMIA) can handle such kind of cargo operations and we have the capability to do this,” Asia Foundation director Captain Ben Solis said in an interview after the success of the Pacific Flier of shipping at least 15 tons of Tuna Fish via DMIA last May 27, 2010.
Solis said this is the start of cargo operations of Pacific Flier’s regular flights at DMIA every Thursday and Sunday that will ship in 15 to 20 tons of Tuna Fish from Koror in Palau which would be distributed to Metro Manila.
“This is an important element that DMIA can handle this kind of operations which makes it very accessible to Metro Manila because of the modern expressways which makes travel faster and convenient,” Solis added.
“The cargo world will recognize DMIA as an important part of their cargo operations in the Asia Pacific Region,” he said
Solis said DMIA is not only for commercial international and local flights, but also for the Shipping world to use the airport as their center for cargo operations.
“Clark is fully equipped to take this perishable items even transit them to Metro Manila and we have ground handlers to do this,” he said.
There are 50 to 60 tons of Tuna Fish available for shipment for Japan daily and transit them to other countries, Solis said.
DMIA is also host of international and local flights to destinations in the South East Asian Region being serviced by budget carriers operating out of Clark.
Solis express confidence that DMIA will continue to attract more international and local flights as well as cargo operations in the coming future, adding that the airport would be the next Premier International Gateway of the country.

CEB celebrates over 50% market share for passenger, cargo

MANILA—One of Asia’s fastest growing airlines, Cebu Pacific (CEB) posted over
50% market share in both domestic passenger and cargo markets for the first three months of 2010.
Based on Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) data, CEB flew 1.97 million passengers during the first quarter, out of 3.89 million domestic air travellers.
CAB data also showed that CEB cargo transported 20.49 million kilos, out of 38.50 million kilos in air cargo early this year.
This gives CEB 50.6% market share when it comes to domestic passengers, and 53.2% market share for cargo.
Because of this, CEB is offering a 50% off seat sale for those traveling to all its domestic and international destinations from May 29-31, 2010. This is for travel from July 1 to September 30, 2010.
This includes seats to and from Osaka, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Ho Chi Minh, Kota Kinabalu, Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur and Taipei, among other CEB international destinations.
Also up for grabs are seats to prime tourist destinations such as Boracay (Caticlan), Puerto Princesa (Palawan), Busuanga (Coron), Cebu, Bohol (Tagbilaran), Siargao, Dumaguete and Laoag. Inter-island flights for those visiting family and friends are also available, including Cebu-Clark, Cebu-Bacolod, Cebu-Iloilo, Davao-Zamboanga and Davao-Cagayan de Oro.
“We would like to celebrate with our passengers, given the things we have achieved so far this year, and offer even lower fares than usual. Recently, Cebu Pacific also garnered the Gold Award in the 2010 Readers Digest Trusted Brand Awards,” said CEB VP for Marketing and Distribution Candice Iyog.
“With this 50% off seat sale, we stay true to our commitment of giving more people opportunities to travel to various destinations in the Philippines and in Asia. Tourism continues to be one of the main drivers of the country’s economy, and we are doing whatever we can to promote that,” she added.
For bookings and inquiries, passengers can call (02) 7020-888 or (032) 230-8888, visit www.cebupacificair.com and funtours.cebupacificair.com or travel agents near them. The latest updates on seat sales are available at cebupacificair on Twitter and Facebook.
Having flown 8.8 million passengers in 2009, CEB’s ranks went up from 19 to 17 in the world’s top low-cost carriers, based on 2009 passenger numbers. The third largest low-cost carrier in Asia, CEB is expecting delivery of 22 more Airbus A320 aircraft until 2014.

Clark eyes P23-B investment from 27 new projects

CLARK FREEPORT—This Freeport continues to soar as 27 new projects are signed lease agreements here with more than P23.4 billion committed investments and about 3,000 workers once the projects are fully operational, officials of Clark Development
Corporation (CDC) announced.
With the new projects signed from January to April this year, total number of locators in Clark climbed to 893 with close to 1,600 possible
employment opportunities from the new projects.
In a report submitted to CDC President Benigno Ricafort, the the Marketing Department stated that the biggest investment haul for the year came from the new foreign industrial project with more than 23 billion committed investments for the next five years.
Marketing Manager Rafael Galvez also told Ricafort that four projects signed in April committed P88 million in investments of which three are foreign firms.
In the report, the new investors are Australian Ausphilsolution Corporation, Japanese firm Epic Waters Inc., Korea’s MPN Global Amusement Corporation, and V&R Star Trading. The three foreign will locate inside the Philexel Business park where they firms have signed sub-lease agreements.
Ausphilsolution is exclusively engaged in the business of call, customer service or contract center foreign clients and markets. This will include inbound customer service that will include but not limited to processing of transactions of clients. outbound customer service will include selling long distance service of clients, the Marketing report said.
Epic Clearwaters will engage in business activities related to the trading of activated carbon. Said activity involves sourcing of locally available raw materials, specifically activated carbon, processing and exporting the same to other countries (primarily to Japan & China and, to import high-grade ceramics blocks (as intermediate raw materials) from Japan for processing/mixing with locally-sourced activated carbon to produce a water filtration medium/commodity/product for export to different countries.
The MPN will occupy the Aritake Estates for their office space needs while MPN will operate as a warehousing project for repackaging of locally produced consumer goods for 100 percent export to Middle East, South Africa and other Asian countries.
The continued growth of investments in Clark is a manifestation of the economic agenda of President Arroyo to entice the entry of more foreign investors to generate economic and employment activities.
Because of investors’ confidence to President Arroyo, CDC is expecting more firms to locate inside the former US-run military facility because of its “biggest competitive edge” of the airport and seaport facilities after the connection of Clark and Subic Bay Freeport Zone through the Subic Clark Tarlac Expressway.

Piyestang Fernandino showcases Kapampangan cultural traditions

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO—The Aguman ding Talasulat Capampangan (AGTACA) in coordination with the Tourism Office of the City of San Fernando and the Executive Committee of the Fiesta Fernandino 2010 showcased the various Kapampangan Cultural traditions during the Fiesta Fernandino celebration last May 29 in front of the San Fernando City Hall .
Dubbed as the Kapampangan Cultural Jamboree, the showcase featured poesya, dalit, pulosa, sapatya, Crissotan, kanta, pamipatula and the pamamutung before crowning the selected “Malagung Apu and Masanting a Ingkung among seniors citizens of the city.
According to Executive Committee member Romeo S. Rodriguez, Chairman of the Cultural Jamboree Committee, “The Kapampangans had great cultural traditions handed down from generation to generation. There was a time when Kapampangans used to recite poetry at the drop of a hat. They recited poetry when they argued and debated (Crissotan), when they narrated a story (kuriru), when they prayed (pasyon), when they played (bulaklakan) or when they amused themselves (bugtungan).” Rodriguez said, “These cultural traditions came from the early forms of poetry namely: the marungay (manunge) and the Dalit. The first one is dramatic and sung while rowing and during festivities. While the marungay has 6 syllables, and the dalit, which is graver in tone, has 7 syllables, or three feet and a caesuria.”
Rodriguez explained that AGTACA and the City under the leadership of Mayor Oscar S. Rodriguez are reviving these cultural traditions to show to the youth the richness and uniqueness of the Kapampangan culture and to preserve it for the generations to come.
In 1926, the Kapampangans came up with their version of the argumentative verse, calling it Crissotan, in honor of Juan Crisostomo Soto, considered the greatest Kapampangan playwright. A moderator called Lakandiwa takes his place on the stage and begin asking the audience of whoever wants to join the debate. Suddenly, someone from the audience recites a piece and announces his availability.
The Moderator (Lakandiwa) will ask him to go up stage and continue his search for his challenger until somebody again from the audience, will rise and accept the challenge. Crissotan is actually a well-rehearsed show who gave the audience a sense of extemporaneity but actually been given the topic and prepared their poetic arguments days in advance.
The term Crissotan was coined by poet Amado M. Yuzon and the first Crissotan was held in a private residence in Sta. Cruz, Manila.
Lino G. Dizon, also a well known writer and poet during his time, and Nicasio Dungo were the two debaters while the Lakandiwa was Amado Yuzon, himself.
Two Poet Laureates, Pol Batac and Jaspe Dula debated on the subject, Dapat La o E la Dapat Makialam Ding Pengari Karing Anak dang Talasawa?” while another Poet Lureate, Frank Guinto served as the Lakandiwa.

400 mayors thank Arroyo for LGU projects

CITY OF SAN FERNAND0—I think I’m still dreaming when I reached Manila in just seven hours.
Thus said Renaldo Bitong, the 78-year-old mayor of Casiguran town in Aurora, when he came to Manila to join some 400 mayors in Malacanang Tuesday to convey their collective thanks to President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo for the various projects that benefited their respective constituencies .
Bitong was teary-eyed as he recalled the ordeal he and his people would had to go through for decades when traveling from his town to Manila which used to take them 14 hours, by sea and land.
But with the completion this year of the P2.73 billion Baler-Casiguran Road, a major infrastructure project of the President under the Northern Luzon Agriculture Quadrangle (NLAQ) concept, travel from remote Casiguran according to Bitong has been effectively reduced by several hours by land.
“I came here to personally thank the President for the Baler-Casiguran road that cut down our travel time to Baler from eight hours to 2.5 hours,” Bitong said during the luncheon at the Heroes Hall of Malacanang.
“At my age, I still cannot believe that I reached Manila this fast. If you experienced how difficult it was to come here, you would definitely cry for help. But now, no more. You will just cry of joy,” he added.
The P2.733-billion Baler-Casiguran Road project, that includes 19 newly- designed bridges, was one of the priority programs committed by Arroyo during her State-of-the-Nation Address (SoNA) in 2008 in an effort to bring development to Aurora, one of the 20 poorest provinces in the country.
The President led the inauguration of this 120-kilometer road project last February which is one of the vital regional road linkages under the Arroyo’s NLAQ program.
“Our town is a remote area that many have not reached or even known. So, we are very thankful to the President when she gave our small town such big attention,” Bitong said.
During the luncheon, Arroyo, casual in violet pantsuit, table-hopped to greet the mayors and gamely posed for souvenir photo as goodbye gesture to the outgoing President.
“Thank you for all the support,” Arroyo said as she shook hands with each of the more than 400 mayors.(OPS thru PIA 3)

Pact signed for Clark nursing, caregiving program

CLARK FREEPORT – Officials of three educational institutions, one of which is based inside this Freeport, have signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) that would help provide B.S. Nursing graduates employment opportunities in Australia.
Officials of the Australian International Training and Management Group (AITMG), Careers Australia Group (CAG), and Systems Plus College Foundation, Inc. (SPCF) signed recently the MOA at the Clark Education City (formerly the Clark Expo) here.
AITMG Chief Executive Officer Kingsley Clark, who signed the MOA with Kaylene Kranz, Head of School Careers Australia College of Healthcare, and SPCF Trustee/Assistant Corporate Secretary Francis Bustamante, said the agreement aims to “promote mutual interest through cooperation in the fields of nursing and caregiving.”
According to Clark, AITMG would exclusively provide SPCF nursing graduates further training in preparation for employment opportunities in Australia.
“The program aims to support graduating nursing students from SPCF to increase their opportunities for employment abroad through further education at AITMG in the Certificate III in Aged Care program,” Clark said.
He added that “The program will enable students, subject to Australian Department Immigration approval, to obtain work in the health care profession as soon as practicable after their arrival in Australia as international students in the Australian qualification of Diploma of Nursing leading to a Division 2 Nursing qualification and enrolled with the Australian Nurses Licensing Authority.”
Clark said students may be recommended by the dean and/or faculty members of the SPCF College of Nursing.
He stressed that the “qualification held with SPCF will be mapped by AITMG to the Diploma of Nursing. This mapping may enable the duration of the diploma studies to be shortened and the cost to be reduced.”
Interested or qualified students must apply through the usual enrolment processes of AITMG and will be interviewed by both AITMG and SPCF as necessary, Clark noted.
“AITMG cannot guarantee that the students will receive international students’ visas, but will ensure to make the selection process one that guarantees an opportunity of receiving the visa,” Clark stressed.
He added that “AITMG, through its partnership with Careers Australia College of Healthcare, will do everything possible to help students entering Australia on an international student’s visa studying at Careers Australia College Healthcare obtain employment as holders of the Certificate III qualification once they arrive in Australia.”

Sports tourism summit on at Dusit Thani Manila

MANILA—Luring tourists to the country by promoting sports tourism will be presented and discussed at the Dusit Thani Manila on June 16, 2010.
The one day conference, organized under the auspicies of the Department of Tourism thru the office of Undersecretary of Sports and Wellness, Ms Cynthia Carrion, will be beneficial to all hotels, resorts, dive and adventure sports camps, schools, sports clubs, national sports associations, local tourism and sports commissions, event organizers, golf clubs, yacht clubs, corporate establishments, tour operators, travel agents and civic organizations.
Experts in the field of sports will lecture on events staging and management, sports marketing, sports destination promotions, interaction with government agencies reponsible for sports, corporate sponsorships and benefits.
The speakers include Governor Luis Raymund "LRay" Villafuerte, Jr. of Camarines Sur, Princess Galura of IMG Sports, Patrick Gregorio of Smart (Sports Marketing), Jacky Quintos of Primer Group, Ambassador Pieter Vermeulen of South Africa and Matthew Cullen of Philippine Rugby.
Tourism Secretary Joseph Ace Durano and Undersecretary Cynthia Carrion will speak on the thrust and accomplishments of the Department of Tourism on sports tourism.
The summit, co-sponsored by Cebu Pacific, R.O.X., PAGCOR, SMART, The Dusit Thani Manila and Nasi Lemak, is managed by Selrahco Management with marketing support by MediaTrade.
Limited slots for the summit are still available. For more information contact sportstourismit@gmail.com or call (02) 410.1735 / (02) 332.0893 or (032) 231.7673 or 09228262128.