sta. Rita folk thank Gov, Pnoy for `gift of health`

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what’s inside
Mabalacat City reveals
Caragan Fest activities
news...pagE 2
P3.2B allocated for
lighting of highways
VOLUME IV • NO. 162
FEBRUARY 18, 2016
THURSDAY
business...pagE 3
Lapid a no-show at local
peace covenant signing
9 inmates
injured in
provincial
jail fire
By Charlene A. Cayabyab
ANGELES CITY – Sena-
tor Lito Lapid, who
is currently running for mayor in
this city, was absent in Tuesday’s local peace covenant
signing held at the
Holy Rosary Parish
Church in Barangay
Sto. Rosario here.
BY LIEZEL CAYANAN
LAPID NO-SHOW...page 7
PRESENT! Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan signs the peace covenant during ceremonies held at the Holy Rosary Parish
Church in Barangay Sto. Rosario here
last Tuesday. Missing the activity was his
rival, Sen. Lito Lapid.
--ARNEL DE JESUS
Sta. Rita folk thank Gov,
PNoy for ‘gift of health’
By Angelique DC.
Tuazon-Eliseo
STA. RITA, PAMPANGA – A
total of 2,734 Kapampangans from this town expressed their gratitude to
Governor Lilia “Nanay” G.
Pineda and to the administration of President Benigno Aquino III for renewing
their PhilHealth memberships under the Alaga Ka
Program yesterday.
It was learned that the
said town is the first stop
in a series of Member Data
Records (MDRs) distribution scheduled for the start
of 2016 throughout the
province.
According to Remedios
Pascual, a resident of Barangay San Jose, the renewal of their PhilHealth
premium is like receiving a
priceless gift, ensuring the
health of their whole family, especially since she is
about to give birth to their
second child.
“This gives me and my
husband peace of mind.
Even though we are currently facing financial difficulties, this ensures we
can get quality health services the moment we need
it,” he added.
Governor Pineda also
urged the PhilHealth beneficiaries in this town to
maximize the use of their
health insurance at the
local government health
facilities such as barangay health centers and
rural health units or the
11 government hospitals
throughout the province.
“Aside from the free
examination and checkup ensured by your PhilSTA. RITA FOLK ...page 7
CITY OF SAN FERNANDO –
Nine inmates were injured
after a fire broke out inside
the Pampanga Provincial
Jail Saturday.
According to Edwin Jardinico, Deputy Warden for
Administration and Supply,
the fire started at 4:30 p.m.
when inmates were cooking
in preparation for their early
Valentine’s Day celebration.
“Dahil masikip sa kusina,
nag-decide yung grupo na
nasa selda 12 na magluto sa
gilid ng selda,” Jardanico
said.
He furthered that the leak
from the liquefied petroleum
gas tank caused the fire.
According to the official,
the injured inmates, together with a visitor who lost
consciousness due to suffoJAIL FIRE...page 7
CENTENARIAN. Governor Lilia ‘Nanay’ G. Pineda poses with 100-year old Beatriz Cortes of Porac, the latest recipient of the P100,000
cash incentive of the provincial government for elderly aged 95 and above. Also in photo are Board Member Mike Tapang and former BM
Olga Frances Dizon. --JUN JASO
2NEWS
Headline Gitnang Luzon • FEBRUARY 18, 2016
Kabalen senatorial
bet pushes for
empowered LGUs
By Marna Dagumboy
-del Rosario
‘TANAM’. Members of the Pampanga Medical Society present a Kapampangan coffee table book, “TANAM”, to Governor Lilia Pineda during a recent visit at the
Capitol. The book features food, festival and culture of the municipalities and cities in the province. --DENG PANGILINAN
Tarlac police, Mabalacat City reveals
partners hold Caragan Fest activities
feeding program
By Charlene A. Cayabyab
BY Charlene A. Cayabyab
CITY OF SAN FERNANDO – The Tarlac Provincial Police Office (TPPO) recently
held a feeding program for about 150
pupils of Samberga Elementary School
in Tarlac City.
The program is part of the community ministry and outreach program of
TPPO Community Relations Department (CRD).
SPO2 Violeta De Leon said TPPO
regularly conducts feeding and other social development programs to encourage
communities in supporting crime prevention and control efforts in Tarlac.
“It is very important that we strengthen police-community relations to effectively fight crime and protect the people
against groups who are out to disrupt
peace and order in the communities,” De
Leon said.
The Provincial Office of Criminal
Investigation and Detection Group likewise distributed slippers to Samberga
residents. Groups such as 1-Ganap Organization
and Philippine Information Agency also
supported the outreach program.
CRD aims to operate with various
sectors of the community to gain support
and collaboration for police programs
and activities.
By conducting community-oriented
activities, said department educates and
informs the public on the Criminal Justice System. •
MEDIA FORUM. Atty. Ernie Aquino (C) Bureau
of Customs, Port of Subic District Collector, explains
to the media his outlook and plans for his district
during the Freeport Media Forum held February
16, sponsored by the Samahang Media ng Subic
Freeport (SMSF) at My Mommy’s House of KareKare. Also in this photo (from L to R) are Leo Abella,
Chief of Bay Services, Atty. Jong Onia, Chief of Law
Division, Vic Vizcocho President of SMSF and Willy
Capulong of Customs News.
--DANTE M. SALVANa
MABALACAT CITY – The
city government here announced the line-up of
activities for the grandest fête in Central Luzon, the Caragan Festival,
slated on February 22-26.
Dionisio “June” Magbalot Jr., festival chairman,
said that Caragan Festival
will be a week-long celebration and presentation of
the rich cultural heritage of
Mabalacat City.
Held every third week of
February, the festivity was
named after the Aeta chieftain here called “Caragan,”
who is considered to be one
of the first settlers of Mabalacat. He was married
to a Mabalaqueña named
Laureana Tolentino.
An ongoing mural painting competition was participated by students from
government and private
and schools in the city. Another activity is a Caraganthemed photo competition
and exhibit on February 22.
Scheduled on February
22 is the unveiling of the
life-size metal works and
pumice stone-made Caragan statue handicraft made
by the Sining Mabalacat
Artist Club. Likewise, vari-
ous talents will be showcased on Mabalacat’s Got
Talent.
Other activities include
musical performances by
the ArtiSta Rita and Mabalacat Rock Youth Society
(MabRock) on February 23.
Another highlight of
the festivity is the coronation night for Haring Caragan on February 25 at Xevera
Complex in Barangay Tabun.
The festival will also
feature
Caragan
Free
Dance Interpretation with
the awarding of winners
set on February 26, from 4
p.m. to 10 p.m. also at
the Xevera Complex. •
2 dead in Bataan vehicular accident
By Butch Gunio
ABUCAY, BATAAN – Two
backriders were killed
when a motorcycle they
were riding on was hit by
a bus along the highway in
this town on Tuesday night.
Based on a police report,
the victims, who died on
the spot, were identified
as Elet Carreon, 60, and
Roberto Carreon, 15. The
driver, identified as Ricardo Osias, 52, was rushed to
the Bataan General Hospital in Balanga City due to
serious physical injuries. The report said the
motorcycle and the Genesis Bus driven by Rogelio
Evangelista Jr. were both
travelling fast northward
along the Roman Highway
when the bus hit the motorcycle.
The report added that
the driver of the bus did
not notice the motorcycle
because of the bright light
from vehicles travelling in
the opposite direction.
Evangelista alleged that
the motorcycle had no tail
light.
The bus driver was taken to the Abucay Municipal
Police Station as well as the
vehicles involved. •
CITY OF SAN FERNANDO – Senatorial candidate Martin Romualdez,
who has Kapampangan roots, is
batting for the empowerment of
local government units in compliance with the constitutional
mandates of local autonomy, decentralization, devolution of agencies of government and equitable
share in the national resources.
In his remarks as guest speaker
during the 21st founding anniversary of the province of Kalinga on
Wednesday (February 17), Romualdez said LGUs face many
challenges in the performance of
their mandate, especially in the
efficient delivery of basic services
such as jobs, livelihood, education
and healthcare.
The Leyte lawmaker said that
with more income for LGUs from
taxes, they can improve both their
infrastructure and the quality of
basic services to their constituents.
“We all know that we can do
more. We can do better. We can
vastly improve the quality of services and the quality of life of our
constituents,” he emphasized. At
the same time, Romualdez lauded
the progress made by the province
of Kalinga in socio-economic development “despite the national
government’s lack of malasakit in
the delivery of basic services.”
The three-term congressman
said that if elected to the Senate,
his legislative agenda would focus on livelihood, education and
health. “More jobs, more scholarships in private educational institutions, more accessible healthcare by providing health clinics
in all barangays, and a more expanded coverage of the CCT
(conditional cash transfer).” The
lawmaker said the next administration should spread progress
outside Manila and “capitalize on
our greatest asset: our excellent
and quality workforce, especially
in healthcare and information
technology.”
The government, he said,
should create more jobs that pay
a living wage and in so doing,
improve the quality of life of all
Filipinos. Romualdez assured his
audience that he would be the
voice of the common people in the
Senate if given the mandate by the
electorate in the May polls. •
FEBRUARY 18, 2016 • Headline Gitnang Luzon
BUSINESS 3
P3.2B allocated for lighting of highways
ORANI, BATAAN – The Department of Public Works and
Highways (DPWH) has allocated P3.2 billion this year for the
installation of lightings along
highways.
This was revealed by DPWH
1st district engineer Magrara
“Rocky” Dimalawang, who said
that local government units
(LGUs) can avail anytime of the
fund from the DPWH, provid-
ed they (LGUS) are willing to
sign a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the DPWH
for maintenance and the electric bills of the street lights to
be put up in their own areas.
Noting the benefits that the
province will get from this program, Governor Abet S .Garcia
had already signed a MoA for
the maintenance of the highways and street lights to be put
up in Bataan’s Roman Highway.
Informed of this development, Mayor Serrano has also
signified his interest to avail of
the fund for the town of Orani.•
7 CL returnees
benefit from
DoLE’s program
for OFWs
NEW SSS OFFICE. Social Security System (SSS) President Emilo De Quiros (2nd from L) inaugurates the new office of SSS in The Cabanas,
Barangay Longos, Malolos City. --PIA 3 PHOTO
Bulacan strengthens ties among
BHWs to encourage excellent service
CITY OF MALOLOS – In a bid
to continuously strengthen ties among Barangay
Health Workers (BHWs)
from the 569 barangays
towards providing excellent service, the Provincial
Government of Bulacan
through the Provincial
Public Health Office held
its annual Barangay Health
Workers (BHWs) Congress
on February 17, 2016 at The
Pavilion, Hiyas ng Bulacan
Convention Center in this
city.
With this year’s theme
“Barangay Health Workers,
Kaagapay sa Kalusugan ng
Bawat Pilipino”, the event
aims to ensure the efficient
engagement of BHWs in the
delivery of different health
programs, provision of updates on relevant DoH programs and issuances and
development of camaraderie among them.
Highlights of the event
are the launching of the
Provincial Hypertension,
Diabetes Mellitus Control
Program and Tsek-Ap by
Dr. Eric Tayag.
Also, there will be a
short discussion on Hypertension and Diabetes Club,
distribution of first aid kit,
ceremonial distribution of
BP Apparatus and glucometer and AVP showing on
Hypertension and Diabetes
Club and other infomercial
showing. Alvarado said that this is
a fitting venue to emphasize
the important role of BHWs
in promoting healthy lifestyle in the community to
combat the growing metabolic and non-communica-
ble diseases like diabetes
and hypertension.
“Mahalagang maikalat
ng mga masisipag na BHWs
ang mga kaalaman hinggil
sa mga pag-iwas sa mga nasabing sakit at ang tamang
angangalaga sa kalusugan
ng bawat Bulakenyo sa
grassroots level,” the governor said.
Department
Health
Secretary Janette LoretoGarin will grace the event
as the resource speaker to
more or less 1,000 participants.•
CITY OF SAN FERNANDO
– A total of seven Overseas Filipino Worker
(OFW) returnees from
Central Luzon recently
benefitted from Sa ‘Pinas, Ikaw ang Ma’am/
Sir” program of Department of Labor and Employment (DoLE).
In partnership with
the Department of Education (DepEd), the program primarily aims to
gain back Filipinos working abroad, particularly
the OFW Licensure Examination for Teachers
(LET) passers so they
can still find employment and practice their
profession upon their
return to the country.
“We’ve joined forces
with the Education Department with the goal
of encouraging and
enabling our OFWs,
who are in the field of
teaching, specifically
LET passers, to enhance their skills and
have the opportunity
and option to pursue a
teaching career in the
country after their tour
of duty abroad,” DoLE
Regional Director Ana
Dione said.
She added that the
seven OFW-beneficiaries successfully passed
the program’s screening process and were
appointed by DepEd as
Teacher I in various public schools in the region.
Aside from being employed, each
beneficiary was given
P10,000 aid in the form
of teaching kits to aid
the beneficiaries in their
place of assignment.
The kits include a
computer-tablet, voiceaide lapel, reference
materials, and writing materials, which
were sourced from the
livelihood funds of the
National Reintegration
Center for OFWs. Speaking in behalf
of her fellow recipients,
34-year old OFW Rubyrose Nieves of Bulacan
expressed her gratitude
for her new career opportunity.
“I encourage my fellow teachers who went
abroad but wanted to
return to their teaching
profession here to apply in this program so
that you will be reunited with your family,”
Nieves said.
The program is open
to OFW LET passers
with teaching experience within the last five
years; and those with
teaching
experience
beyond five years and
without teaching experience but need to undergo a refresher course.
Also,
applicants
must be OFWs who arrived in the country for
not more than three
years based on the current year.
For further inquiries, interested applicants may call (045)
455-1617 and look
for Freya Palad or
email ro3.nrco@gmail.
com. (PR)•
Romualdez pushes countrywide dev’t
MANILA – Leyte Rep. Martin
Romualdez batted for a genuine countrywide development through job generation
as he asked the government
to ensure the implementation of a newly passed law
providing easy credit access
to small and medium enterprises.
Romualdez cited the urgent need to help the marginalized sectors, especially
those in far-flung areas
which he added government
must help become more productive so they may improve
their standard of living.
Republic Act (RA) 10744
lapsed into law last Feb. 6
after it was not signed nor ve-
toed by the President within
the prescribed period.
“This is a welcome development, especially to our
rural folk engaged in micro,
small and medium enterprises,” said Romualdez, who
is seeking a seat in the Senate in the May elections as a
guest candidate of the United
Nationalist Alliance.
PDP Laban presidential
candidate Davao City Mayor
Rodrigo Duterte has also endorsed the senatorial candidacy of Romualdez.
The law mandates the
creation of local cooperatives
to administer credit surety
funds (CSF) to improve the
accessibility of MSMEs, co-
operatives, and nongovernment organizations to the
credit facility of banks. The
CSF is designed to provide
MSMEs, cooperatives, and
NGOs with more inclusive
access to bank credit, and enable them to sustain growth.
Romualdez urged the
government to strictly implement the provisions of the
new law. “The truth is, we
have plenty of laws but the
problem lies in the implementation,” averred Romualdez. “I do not want to
think the government will
lapse into amnesia and pay
lip service, which unfortunately always seems to be the
case,” added Romualdez. •
HAGONOY ART GROUP EXHIBIT. Children of the late statesman Gat. Blas F. Ople (L-R) Board
Member Felix Ople and Susan ‘Toots’ Ople, president of the Blas F. Ople Policy Center and Training Institute, lead the ribbon cutting ceremony to formally open the exhibit of the Hagonoy Art Group whom Ka
Blas has supported, as part of the celebration of his 89th birthday dubbed as Ople Day held at Gat. Blas
F. Ople Sentro ng Kabataan, Sining at Kultura Building, City of Malolos Wednesday morning. Also in the
photo (right side) is PHACTO Head Dr. Eliseo dela Cruz. --BULACAN PPAO PHOTO
4 OPINION
Headline Gitnang Luzon • FEBRUARY 18, 2016
EDITORIAL
Him too?
THE non-appearance of some political personalities in peace covenant signing activities – which are
actually supposed to be attended by
everyone – seems to be catching.
After the conspicuous absence
Carmelo “Jon-Jon” Lazatin in a
covenant signing initiated by the
provincial government of Pampanga last week, another no-show
in the same activity held in Angeles City last Tuesday was mayoralty candidate, Sen. Lito Lapid.
A lot of personalities were disappointed over the absence of Lazatin, who is running against incumbent 1st District Rep. Joseller
“Yeng” Guiao. Lapid’s absence
had the same effect on the people, calling his non-appearance
as “disrespectful” to Angeleño
voters and organizers of the local
election process.
Like Lazatin, would it have been
difficult for the former action star
to show up and smile for the cameras, which he is supposed to be
used to in the first place?
He was represented by his chief
legal officer, Atty. Filmer Abrajano, during the signing. But then
again, his presence was needed,
if only to abate the fears of other
voters about his sincerity to serve
the city.
Is he really, really ready?
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Let us pray for the candidates
O
N Valentine’s Day, a colleague
in the election campaign,
Dado, and a brother-in-law,
Rody, lie in state at two places, far
from each one. In the evening mass
for the latter, a Dominican priest
from Sri Lanka – upon learning that
the departed was already in the 90s –
money or even nil probability of winning. A retired general friend of mine
who is running for senator has a perfect bill of health and an unquestionable desire to serve his country, but
unfortunately, that is all he has now.
The current El Niño is
still emitting record heat
and raising blood pressures on the campaign
trail. Physical fitness of
candidates and their staff
is an important factor to
sustain campaign strategies
especially at the national
level. The mental stress
worsens in direct relation
to a deteriorating physical
condition. The private jets
and air conditioned vans
Leny Manalo
provide comfort and speed,
but it is the anxiety and
re-election is still recuperating from a excitement that can still overwhelm
stroke and spends much of his time on both mind and heart.
We may not vote for some candia wheelchair. He is by all indications
not giving up. So does a presidential dates but let us offer our prayers for
candidate, who despite all the odds, their safety and good health. Many
has promised to provide the competi- will win but a greater number will
tion the much-awaited fireworks dur- lose. Some will remain undaunted
and will plan to run again in the next
ing the debates.
While the threat of dying stops elections. I will miss Dado as a colambitions of ordinary men, the way league and I will miss Rody as family
things are going in the current po- but I doubt that I will miss the canlitical season, death seems unable to didates after the elections. But still, I
scare political ambitions away just will pray for all of them now. And for
like lack of qualification, lack of the country, too.•
didates, physical fitness seems to be
not getting much attention in connection with the current national and
local elections. Comelec rules do not
include a clean bill of health as prerequisite for candidacy. In Tondo
where I stay in Manila,
a councilor running for
“While the threat of dying stops ambitions of ordinary men, the way things
are going in the current political season,
death seems unable to scare political ambitions away just like lack of qualification, lack of money or even nil probability of winning.” reminded those listening that reaching the senior age of 60 is like entering the departure area of life. He said
that the Bible actually says that man’s
life span should normally end within
the 70s, but man insists on trying to
control everything upon reaching
the 60s, believing life at that age is
just starting. Dado was a gentlemanfarmer who was just in his midlife
when cancer struck swiftly to end his
short-lived political job.
While health has become an issue for at least two presidential can-
S
gut feel
Bribe Ur Barangay
OMETHING is not right and ance.
The accusation came first from
the smell of it seems fishy and
rancid. They say that this is the Mayor Duterte when he implicated
biggest pork barrel in election histo- the Liberal Party of bribing local exry. If proven, the current leadership of ecutives through the government’s
President Aquino is no different from BUB program. He then claimed that
Mar Roxas, who is the standard bearthe previous administrations.
The claws of corruption managed er of the Liberal Party, is corrupt even
to penetrate the principle
of “daang matuwid.” Both
camps of presidentiables
Duterte and Binay are accusing the administration
of using the public to buy
votes through the bottomup budgeting program of the
government. For the information of many, the bottomup budgeting or BUB, is one
of the major reform initia- ELLEZ J. DAVId
tives of the Aquino administration and accordingly, it
has been labeled as such from several during his term as the Secretary of the
perspectives based on the informa- DoTC. Duterte even pointed to Roxas’
connection to a certain billionaire for
tion gathered from the government.
First, BUB is aimed to be more using the former’s jets and helicopters
responsive to local needs. Secondly, in his campaign trail.
Recently, UNA spokesman Mon
BUB is viewed as part of democracy
as it opens another venue for people’s Ilagan claimed that P25 billion was
participation in local planning and inserted in the 2016 budget for the
budgeting, and for generating de- BUB program and it is now at LP’s
mand for good governance at the local disposal to bribe the electorate to
level. And lastly, BUB is perceived as ensure the victory of their emissary.
part of local governance reform for it He called the program “Bribe Ur Baprovides incentives for local govern- rangay.” He even stressed that during
the National Assembly of the Liga ng
mga Barangay sa Pilipinas and Forum on the Bottom-Up Budgeting,
Mar Roxas promised to give barangay
officials access to as much as P100
billion in funds each year. The staggering amount is enticing for anyone
who wants to do good in his barangay.
“Recently, UNA spokesman Mon Ilagan claimed that P25 billion was inserted
in the 2016 budget for the BUB program
and it is now at LP’s disposal to bribe
the electorate to ensure the victory of
Now We Know! their emissary. He called the program
‘Bribe Ur Barangay’.”
He is forced to think twice and would
probably go for the gold and vote for
Mar Roxas to secure access to the
P100-billion funds.
They said that “Bribe Ur Barangay”
is considered legalized vote-buying
conducted by the administration. It is
meant to influence the people’s voting
preference. Indeed, the Liberal Party
is desperate to obtain the highest
position in the land. As if something
needs to be hidden or protected come
the next administration. •
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FEBRUARY 18, 2016 • Headline Gitnang Luzon
headline in history
Middle East tensions
R
EMEMBER the old adage:
“He who has the gold rules
the world.”
In the Middle East setting, the
petro states hold the whole world by
its neck because it has the largest oil
deposit – tapped and untapped reserve – to keep all industries going
all over the world for several decades
more. Countries will go to war for the
last remaining drop of oil in the desert oasis. Oil will also fund wars in
the complicated cobweb of petro politics that continue to create tensions
between the Sunni-dominated Saudi
Arabia and the Shiite Iran.
The ongoing war in Syria will
be the final showdown between the
Sunnis and the Shiites. And the situation was further complicated with
the entry of foreign powers such as
the United States and Russia. Add
several factions such as the Hezbollah, the Kurds, the dreaded ISIS,
and nations such as the United Arab
Emirates, Qatar, Israel, Turkey, Iran
and Jordan – the cocktail is ripe for
a long-drawn out war that could affect the world economy and further
decimate lives.
The competing interests at play
are just enormous and complicated.
Saudi Arabia and its allies in the
Arab world are trying to get the US
to lead a possible invasion of Syria
to drive out President Bashar AlAssad. On the other hand, Russia,
Iran and the Hezbollah are funneling military support to Assad.
If and when Saudi Arabia and its
allies decide to invade Syria, Russia and Iran will bomb Saudi Arabia to smithereens - from Riyadh
to Jeddah, from Tabuk to the Holy
City of Mecca. Saudi Arabia has to
confront its own demon right at its
“
doorstep where Shiite militants had
been conducting a protracted war
in the Eastern Region,
where Saudi Arabia’s
Shia minority is risking lives to
demonstrate
against the
conservative
m o n a r c h y.
The
Shiite
minority
in
Arnel San Pedro
Saudi Ara-
Check and
Balance
much more.
The US and Russia should leave
Syria if they cannot provide relief
to the suffering people or provide
peace in the volatile region. Saudi
Arabia’s Sunnis and Iran’s Shiites
should find peace and silence the
drumbeat of war because they are
both Muslim countries divided only
by nationality and ethnicity. Leave
the Kurds alone and let them carve
their own destiny and crush the remaining ISIS militants if there is a
way.
From Damascus to Basilan, the
road to peace reeks with the stench
“In the event of a shooting war, thousands of
Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) will have
to be evacuated to safer grounds and there
is no “safe haven” in Saudi Arabia once the
nuclear heads come raining down.”
bia comprises less than 15 percent
of the population but could inflame
dissent that would topple the Sunni
monarchy.
In the event of a shooting war,
thousands of Overseas Filipino
Workers (OFWs) will have to be
evacuated to safer grounds and
there is no “safe haven” in Saudi
Arabia once the nuclear heads
come raining down. The Philippine
government has to provide the air
bridge that will evacuate all OFWs.
And what do we get from this war?
When the OFWs start going home
they will have no jobs waiting for
them, the millions of dollars they
send to keep the economy afloat
will also be gone, oil prices will go
up, cost of living will also go up and
of death. In the Philippines, we
could not even now sign the Bangsamoro Basic Law because some
recalcitrant Muslim fighters killed
44 members of the Special Action
Force in Mamasapano. Belligerents
have been readying the weapons of
death amid the stalemate all over
the world.
Peace is just elusive. It will not
come during our lifetime. The frailty of those who do not wield power
such as the Syrian kids who bore the
brunt of massive air strikes either
from Russia, US, France, Turkey,
Israel, Saudi Arabia and Jordan will
always remind us of the narrative of
victimization. The narrative of destruction fuelled by greed, thirst for
power and indifference.•
OPINION 5
Lorenzo Ruiz was beatified
by Pope John Paul II
O
n February 18, 1981, Lorenzo Ruiz, a former altar boy from Binondo, Manila, was
beatified by Pope John Paul II during his
Papal visit to the Philippines. It was the first beatification ceremony held outside the Vatican City,
Rome.
Father Ruiz was elevated to Sainthood and
canonized by Pope John Paul II in Vatican City
on October 18, 1987, making him the first Filipino
saint and the first Filipino martyr.
Prior to his death, Ruiz led a peaceful, religious
and full of contentment life with his wife, two sons
and a daughter.
However, he was falsely accused of killing a
Spaniard, thus he sought asylum and left for Japan on June 10, 1636 on board a ship with some
Dominican Fathers and Fr. Domingo Gonzales.
The boat landed at Okinawa, but Ruiz and his
group were arrested and persecuted because of
their Christian religion. They were brought to Nagazaki on July 10, 1636.
On September 27, 1637, Ruiz and companions
were taken to the “Mountain of Martyrs,” where
they were tortured through hanging by their feet,
submerged in water until neared death. He was
also subjected to water torture. Needles were also
inserted through his finger nails and beaten until
he was unconscious.
These methods made some of Ruiz’s companions recant their faith, but Ruiz never did.
Despite the torture inflicted on him, Ruiz did
not renounce his Christian faith.
He was hung upside down in a pit by his tormentors in Nagazaki on September 29, 1637.
Ruiz died from hemorrhage and suffocation.
His body was cremated and the ashes thrown into
the sea.• -KAHIMYANG.INFO
Manny’s dilemma
...BUT the human tongue is a all, we are all entitled to our own
beast that few can master. It judgment and convictions. As it is
strains constantly to break out written in Genesis 1:27-28: “God
of its cage, and if it is not tamed, it created man in His own image,
will tun wild and cause you grief.” in the image of God He created
A very compelling quote by him; male and female He created
American author and speaker Rob- them. God blessed them; and God
ert Greene that pretty
said to them, “Be fruitmuch summarizes my
ful and multiply, and fill
take on the current
the earth, and subdue it;
squabble
involving
and rule over the fish of
People’s Champ Manthe sea and over the birds
ny Pacquiao and the
of the sky and over every
members of the LGBT
living thing that moves
community as repon the earth.”
resented by popular
In fact, Manny has
showbiz personalities
been said to be consistent
namely Aiza Seguerra,
Vice Ganda and Boy
Abunda.
A serious cut for Michelle CatapManny indeed, espe- Lacson
cially taking into consideration his present
political aspirations of running for on his opinion with regard to the
a senatorial seat. During an inter- issue on same sex marriages and
view with TV5, Manny Pacquiao the LGBT community. In an intermade a comparison of couples in view in 2012, writer Granville Amsame-sex marriages and animals pong was said to have quoted Pacsaying, “Common sense lang. quiao using a verse in Leviticus:
Makakita ka ba ng any animals “If a man lies with a man as one
na lalaki sa lalaki o babae sa ba- lies with a woman, both of them
bae? Mas mabuti pa ‘yung hayop. have done what is detestable. They
Marunong kumikilala, kung lalaki must be put to death; their blood
o lalaki, babae babae. Ngayon kung will be on their own heads.”
lalaki sa lalaki, babae sa babae,
Many devout Catholics would
mas masahol pa sa hayop ang tao.” probably go along Manny’s stand
We cannot blame Manny for against homosexuality, even after
his own beliefs and opinions on the US Supreme Court ruling with
the sanctity of marriage. After a 5-to-4 vote in favour of the ratifi-
Brainwaves
cation of same sex marriage in the
entire United States last year, the
Catholic Bishops Conference of the
Philippines or CBCP said in an official statement that “the government
should not destroy the moral and
cultural fabric of the nation, otherwise, it will destroy the very foundation from where its nation is built.”
This has become the dilemma
of Manny Pacquiao, and might
have forced him to issue a public
apology after his statements have
been badly criticized by netizens
and most especially the members
of the LGBT community. But this
is even more of a dilemma for the
“At the end of the day, the votes become a matter at hand shoving aside
their morals and principles in life.”
Filipino nation—seeing that politicians do not even have the guts
and balls to stand up for what they
really believe in. At the end of the
day, the votes become a matter at
hand shoving aside their morals
and principles in life. This early,
we are given the opportunity to
discern if these people seeking
public positions deserve to be our
leaders not only based on their
own merits and qualifications, but
also their will power to fight for
their own convictions without the
fear of public scrutiny and criticism.•
SINCO
Vicente G. Sinco was
elected President the UP
O
n February 18, 1958, the Board of Regents
of the University of the Philippines elected
Dean Vicente G. Sinco of the College of
Law, to the Presidency of the University.
Sinco received 6 of the 12 votes, Acting President Enrique Virata and Dean of the Graduate
School Juan Salcedo, Jr. received 2 votes each and
Ambassador Salvador T. Lopez 1 vote. Taking part
in the election were the two ex-officio members of
the Board, Senator Decoroso Rosales and Representative Manuel S. Enverga, chairmen of the senate and house commitees on education.
The position of University President became
vacant nearly two years with the resignation of
Dr. Vidal A. Tan.
Enrique Virata returned to his position as Executive Vice President.
Sinco was born in Bais, Negros Oriental, April
5, 1894, obtained a bachelor of arts degree at Silliman University, a bachelor of law degree and later
a master’s degree at the University of the Philippines.• -KAHIMYANG.INFO
6 TEACHER’S CORNER
Headline Gitnang Luzon • FEBRUARY 18, 2016
We are Teachers
F
Guide to Bullying
by DANTE B. GUINTU
ROM protecting freedom to ignorance to protecting the integrity
and the freedom of democracy,
perhaps we are no ordinary professionals anymore. We are the modern
warriors.
From teaching the youth to read
and write and educating them to
choose which paths to live and to understand the secrets and the wonders
of the world, we are always in the battle
against ignorance which is the greatest and the fiercest enemy of freedom.
We would leave our families to tend to
other children. We would spend our
lifetime with this vocation, a fighter for
generations, a fighter for the society,
a fighter for the country and a fighter
made by God.
The day we first entered a classroom as a teacher is the day that we
said yes to God. We are in the field like
doctors curing the cancer of the society
trying to bring out the best future for
our country. We are in a midst of challenge where we have to teach reading
by Arlean Caingat
without enough books, writing while
lacking materials and all while without
any classroom. All we have is a heart
for it. We never falter even if the challenges we are facing everyday tries to
drop our morale.
More than the knowledge from
books and materials we try to enshrine
in the heart of the students that freedom is not anarchic. St. John Paul
said, it is a privilege and right to do
what we have to. We are molding to
our students that freedom comes with
responsibility and that responsibility
is even greater than freedom itself.
We are fighting without guns, grenades or swords. We are not engaged
into a bloody battle, not a fight for any
territory. But we are engaged in a crucial and a bloody battle against ignorance and against anarchy we are the
frontier against anarchy and slavery.
We are Teachers.
•••
The author is Teacher III of Sta.
Cruz Elementary School.•
Instilling Perseverance
by Catalina S. Calo
“It’s not that I’m so smart, it’s just that I stay with problems longer.”
- Albert Einstein
THE above quote is an apt description of perseverance, which is having the
discipline to continue a task in spite of being confronted with difficulties.
Give it to Albert Einstein to come up with a witty quote about what he loved
doing – persevering until being able to solve a problem.
Teachers can also instill perseverance inside the classroom by keeping students at work until an activity is complete, instead of letting them try only a few
times and quit.
Students must be taught about having a positive attitude, tenacity, diligence,
courage, boldness, self-discipline, and determination. Have students read articles or pieces about famous people known for their perseverance after experiencing failure. Ask them to make a report on the subject, and what they have learned.
Discuss to them feelings associated with achievements, like pride, happiness,
self-confidence, and self-esteem, and how they think they achieve these feelings.
Students should also be made aware about how negative comments from others can influence their attitude toward learning. Discuss to them what they can
do to prevent these remarks from hindering their efforts, and ways how to be
successful in spite of them.
Have the students reflect on the most important thing that they have learned
from their parents, and what values are the most relevant in their lives. Also, let
them know that making mistakes is normal, and is part of the learning process.
As teachers, we must believe in our students’ ability to achieve. We must be
stern enough to tell them that we expect them to finish what they start, and that
there should be no excuses for any unfinished work.
Positive feedbacks are encouraged when a student puts forth extra effort.
Teachers should also encourage them to take responsibility for themselves and
make constructive choices.
Perseverance is a necessary ingredient for student achievement. Let’s help
children learn to be patient and to persist in spite of failures.
A
S educators, we are obligated to provide a safe environment for students.
The school can do this by enforcing
policies against bullying.
Bullying, or repeated physical or psychological intimidation of a student or students
by individuals or groups, may include physical acts like hitting or extortion (stealing
money or possessions), or even teasing or
name-calling. It may also include spreading
rumors or making threats.
Those who have been victimized by bullying become anxious or may look or act differently. They are isolated socially and have
lack of communication skills. Students may
even undergo lifelong psychological damage
and may lead to violence or even suicide.
The bully, meanwhile, while aggressive,
lacks empathy. He or she uses aggression
to get “rewards”. Bullies, meanwhile, may
choose to commit crimes in the long run.
Also affected are the bystanders, or
those who are just in the sidelines. Called
“the silent majority”, they are also adversely
affected as they may feel fearful and anxious. Worse, they may even do the bullying
themselves if they see no punishment for
being a bully.
To prevent bullying from happening in
school, there must be adequate adult supervision before, during and after school on
school grounds, in the lunchroom, and in
the halls.
Adults should be wary of bullying incidents, which are frequently concealed. Victims oftentimes do not report that they have
been bullied because of shame, fear of retaliation or fear of not being protected by the
adults. Those uninvolved, meantime, fail to
report such incidents also for fear. It would
do well to promote reporting by keeping the
name of the informer confidential, and by
resolving the situation fairly.
There must be a a clear anti-bullying policy on how to deal with various incidents,
from the mildest to the most vicious. The
entire school staff must be briefed so that
there will be awareness of the problem.
Lastly, parents should be involved to
elicit their support against harassment in
schools.
•••
The author is Teacher III of Camba High
School, Arayat Pampanga.•
Parental Involvement
by Merly V. Fabian
P
ARENTAL involvement has a direct impact on student achievement, so parents
are well advised to participate in their
children’s education early on. There are a variety of ways to do this, both at home and in
school.
At home, parents are encouraged to supervise assignments, monitor television and internet use, provide a quiet place to do homework, and promote school attendance. They
should also attend teacher conferences, as
well as other school events. They are encouraged also to serve on advisory committees,
and support fund raising for special projects.
However, some parents opt to stay in the
sidelines, because of various reasons, which
may include a conflict with work schedule,
lack of resources like transportation, or even
feeling overwhelmed, intimidated or unwelcome. Schools should help parents overcome
these barriers. Teachers should not assume
•••
that if parents are uninvolved, they are disinterested.
What can teachers do to promote parental
involvement? Educators can invite parents
to assist in school activities, or even routine
duties such as helping in the library. So that
they may not feel unwelcome, schools should
provide a comfortable place where parents
can come with their young children to learn,
or work on school projects with other parents.
Schools may also sponsor workshops to
improve parenting skills. During these workshops, the importance of modeling positive
behaviors and ways to help children learn at
home should be stressed.
Educators should help parents feel they
are valuable partners in their children’s education. It may take a lot of time and effort, but
the results will be increased student success.
•••
The author is Teacher I of Sulipan Elementary School, Apalit District.•
SHS Career Guidance Program
The author is Teacher II of V. De Castro Elementary School, Sta. Rita District.•
by Joel L. Cruz
T
HE Department of Education seeks to
ensure that all Grade 10 completers,
including those who are outside the
formal education system, are enrolled in
Senior High School (SHS).
In view of the full implementation of the
SHS Program in SY 2016-2017, the Department has launched the SHS Career Guidance Advocacy Program, which aims to
assist SHS enrolees to make informed decisions regarding their choice of SHS track
that suits their skills and interests, and also
matches the available resources and needs
of the society.
All public and private schools have been
tasked to conduct the school-based activities under the CGP, with the aim of assisting Grade 10 students. These include the
conduct of the Grade 10 Career Guidance
Manual, which was delivered by the class
adviser during the weekly Homeroom Guidance last September to October last year. A
Career Guidance Week and a Parent-Teacher Conference, were also held in October.
There was also the SHS Early Registration Month for SY 2016-2017 conducted in
October 2015, which sought to ensure that
all Junior High School (JHS) or Grade 10
completers, high school graduates, and
PEPT and A&E passers are enrolled in the
SHS program. It was also aimed at gathering relevant information about the SHS entrants that will help facilitate the optimal
allocation of acquired resources such as
classrooms, teachers, equipment and facilities.
All Grade 10 students in SY 2016-2017
submitted to their class adviser a duly accomplished SHS Preference Slip containing
their choice of schools and programs, which
the students discussed with their parents.
Senior High School covers eight learning areas as part of its core curriculum,
and adds specific tracks (similar to college
courses) based on four disciplines: Academic (which includes Business, Science &
Engineering, Humanities & Social Science,
and a General Academic strand); TechnicalVocational-Livelihood (with highly specialized subjects with TESDA qualifications);
Sports; and Arts & Design. SHS Students
may pick a track based on how he or she will
want to proceed after high school graduation.
•••
The author is Teacher III of Talang High
School, Candaba, Pampanga.•
E R R AT U M
Headline Gitnang Luzon • FEBRUARY 03, 10 & 17, 2016
Due to technical difficulties, we are republishing the EXTRA JUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF ESTATE of Shiela Laxina Andrada which came
out in Headline Gitnang Luzon’s February 16-17, 2016 issue. Our apologies. --HGL: February 18, 2016
FEBRUARY 18, 2016 • Headline Gitnang Luzon
7
PHILIPPINE CHARITY SWEEPSTAKES OFFICE (pcso) lotto results
LOTTO GAME
COMBINATIONS
Superlotto 6/49
6Digit
Suertres Lotto 11AM
Suertres Lotto 4PM
Suertres Lotto 9PM
EZ2 Lotto 9PM
Lotto 6/42
EZ2 Lotto 11AM
EZ2 Lotto 4PM
Megalotto 6/45
4Digit
Suertres Lotto 11AM
Suertres Lotto 4PM
Suertres Lotto 9PM
EZ2 Lotto 9PM
EZ2 Lotto 11AM
EZ2 Lotto 4PM
Grand Lotto 6/55
03-19-33-39-29-26
1-2-8-3-1-0
1-0-3
1-5-0
5-8-2
31-14
38-19-31-01-28-40
18-27
31-23
31-25-20-23-36-13
5-7-7-8
9-0-7
3-9-2
6-1-0
18-04
04-27
04-25
38-39-42-36-15-33
DRAW DATE
LAPID NO-SHOW... from Page 1
According to William
Aguilar, Deputy General
Secretary of local party
Partido Abe Kapampangan (ABE), Lapid’s absence was disrespectful
to Angeleño voters and
the organizers of the local
election process.
He said it was indicative of his indifference to
the policies that were expected of him as a mayoralty candidate for election.
“Binalewala niya ang
mga proseso. Dahil ba
artista siya ay tingin niya
pwede na niya balewalain
ang mga lehitimong proseso upang gawing tahimik
at maayos ang halalan?,”
said Aguilar.
“Tingin ba niya, he can
ride his way out of everything?” he added.
As senator, Lapid was
widely known as a top absentee in the Senate. He
was represented by his
chief legal officer, Atty.
Filmer Abrajano, during
the signing.
Organized by the Parish
Pastoral
Council
for Responsible Voting
(PPCRV) and the local
Commission on Elections
(Comelec), the signing
aims to promote unity and
ensure a peaceful and orderly conduct of the electoral process among candidates.
Witnessing the peace
covenant signing were
Reverend Father Francis
F. Dizon, Pastor of the
Holy Rosary Parish, Hi-
lana Roman, president
of PPC-HRP, the PPCRV,
Atty. Numer P. Lobo, City
Director of the Comelec,
City Prosecutor Oliver
Garcia, PNP PRO-3, Regional Director Chief Supt.
Rudy G. Lacadin; District
Supervisor Leilani S. Cunanan of DepEd; ACPO
OIC, Sr. Supt. Sidney Villaflor, Colonel Edgar Castro Torres of the Philippine Air Force and DILG
City Director Martin Porres Moral.•
sta. rita folk... from Page 1
Health membership, you are also entitled to free take
home medicines,” the Governor stressed.
The PhilHealth beneficiaries were identified by the
Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)
under its program, National Housing Targeting System
for Poverty Reduction (NHTS-PR) while the annual premiums were paid for by the Department of Health (DoH)
under its Universal Health Care Program.
Based on the PhilHealth official list, Kapampangan recipients under the Alaga Ka program sum up to
136,296 for 2016.
“The national government, through the leadership of
President Aquino, renewed the health insurance of more
than 130,000 Kapampangans ensuring their access to
needed health services. For that, we are truly grateful,”
Pineda said.•
jail fire... from Page 1
cation, were immediately taken to a
nearby hospital.
Jardinico said the provincial
jail has always been reminding the
inmates that cooking outside the
kitchen is prohibited.
“Actually nung pagkalipat pa lang
natin dito na-foresee na natin ‘yon.
Pero that time, initiative na nila ‘yon
na magluto sa loob. Hindi talaga namin sila pinapayagan,” the official
said.
Currently, two of the injured inmates are back inside the provincial
jail while the other inmates are still
admitted at the hospital.
Meanwhile, Chief Insp. Rodel
Manuel, OIC-Provincial Director
of Bureau of Fire Protection in Pampanga, reminded the public to “always check the LPG hose and tank to
ensure that it won’t leak”.
“When leaking occurs, the cylinder should be checked and the public
should not light a cigarette or electrical system like electric bulb to avoid
an explosion,” Manuel added.•
Republic of the Philippines
Province of Pampanga
Municipality of Santa Rita
OFFICE OF THE MUNICIPAL CIVIL REGISTRAR
NOTICE OF PUBLICATION
Be heard! Send us
your comments & opinions
mail US:
2nd Floor, U2 Building, Dolores, McArthur, Hi-way,
City of San Fernando, Pampanga
In compliance with Section 5 of R.A.9048, a notice is
hereby served to the public that Renato C. Villanis has
filed with this office a petition for Change of First Name
from “PEDRO RENATO” to “RENATO” in the Certificate of Live Birth of Pedro Renato C. Villanis born
on October 19, 1959 with Registry Number 508 and
whose parents are Hamilcar Villanis and Medalla C.
Cruz.
Any person adversely affected by said petition may file
his/her written opposition to this office not later than
February 24, 2016.
(Sgd) ROSARIO G. SUNGA
Municipal Civil Registrar
EMAIL US:
[email protected]
HEADLINE Gitnang Luzon: February 11 & 18, 2016
LET US HELP YOU!
Want to broaden your business horizon?
CALL US: (045)455.0787 • EMAIL US: [email protected]
VISIT US: 2nd Floor ,U2 Bldg., MacArthur Hiway, Dolores, City of San Fernando (P)
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Direct-seeding addresses
high labor cost in rice farming
QUEZON CITY – The direct seeding, a crop establishment method where pre-germinated seeds
are sown directly onto the soil surface, can help
address high labor cost in rice farming according
to experts.
PhilRice Agronomist Myrna Malabayabas said
the method can be done either by dry or wet seeding and does not require seedbed preparation.
“The dry direct-seeding method is more commonly used in rainfed and upland areas. It involves sowing of pre-germinated seeds on dry
soil surface and then incorporating the seeds either by ploughing or harrowing. Wet direct-seeding, on the other hand, is practiced during dry
and wet seasons in irrigated and rainfed areas.
It is done either through broadcasting or drilling
pre-germinated seeds with the use of a drumseeder on a wet, well-leveled paddy,” Malabayabas explained.
Direct-seeded rice matures earlier than transplanted rice. Hence, labor requirements and expenses for crop establishment and the time spent
on crop management are reduced.
A PhilRice study titled Benchmarking the
Philippine rice economy relative to major riceproducing countries in Asia, says that P4.42 is
spent on labor cost for every kilogram of rice
on transplanting while P3.28 is spent on directseeding. In direct-seeding method, farmers can save up
to P1.14 on labor cost for every kilogram of rice
they produce and 23-man days for every hectare
of their field.
In a seminar titled Direct-seeded Rice: Progress, Prospects, and Challenges at PhilRice, Dr.
Vethaiya Balasubramanian said that managing
weeds is one of the challenges in using the direct-seeding method.
The former agronomist at the International
Rice Research Institute (IRRI) explained that
weeds germinate simultaneously with rice due
to the absence of water that suppresses their
growth. Nevertheless, options are available to
address the problem.
“Among the ways to manage weeds include
narrow spacing and uniform plant population,
appropriate water depth and timing, use of weedcompetitive varieties, and herbicide rotation and
combination,” Dr. Balasubramanian said.
Malabayabas added that savings from the labor cost can offset the expenses in weed and pest
control. “When the I ntegrated Crop Management (ICM) i s
followed properly, the optimum yield is comparable to that of transplanted method,” she said.
Experts at PhilRice recommend varieties for
the direct-seeding method. These varieties are
early maturing, resistant to drought, and can attain a maximum yield of at least 6 t/ha.
For more information about the direct-seeding technology call or text PhilRice Text Center
0920-911-1398 or email [email protected].
ph. (DA)•
REGIONAL NEWS
VOLUME IV • NO. 162 • FEBRUARY 18, 2016 • THURSDAY
Morales allots
P250T for
pedestrian lanes
By Charlene A. Cayabyab
SHOOT THAT TARGET. Indigenous Aeta tribesmen prepare to shoot their bow and arrows during a tribal competition held at the Pastolan Village in the Subic Bay Freeport Saturday morning. Around 50 Aeta tribesmen from Zambales, Bataan and Olongapo City took part in the
event. --DANTE M. SALVANA
Subic Freeport hosts
Aeta tribal games
By Dante M. Salvana
SUBIC BAY FREEPORT – In
preparation for the second World Indigenous
Games, the Subic Bay
Metropolitan Authority
(SBMA) and the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) conducted
Aeta Tribal Games here
recently to find out who
among the Aeta tribesmen in Zambales are
worthy to represent the
country.
Five
indigenous
tribes competed in the
archery and blow dart
events, wearing their
tribal attire and using
traditional
weapons
during the competition held at the Pastolan Aeta Village in this
Freeport.
These include the
Pastolan tribe of Hermosa, Bataan; Mampweng,
Libas,
and
Maliwakat tribes in
Olongapo City; and another tribe from San
Marcelino, Zambales.
Each
event
had
variations that put the
tribesmen into different situations​ ranging
from shooting a target at a standstill to
shooting a target while
climbing a tree.
POC board member Col. Antonio Jeff
Tamayo said that another reason for holding these tribal games
was to remind everyone
of native traditions.
“These games help us
embrace our heritage to
the very core,” Tamayo
said.
During the matches,
the young athletes who
joined the competition
showed
excitement,
hoping that they would
be chosen as representative​s ​ of the country.
​Twenty-one​ yearold Wilson of the Libas
tribe said he was eager
to try his accuracy in
the archery event.
He noted that these
traditions are diminishing as Aytas become
more urbanized. The
games, he added, are a
great way for the youth
to embrace their roots.
During the opening ceremony, Pastolan
tribal chieftain Conrado Frenilla welcomed
the
visiting
tribes,
saying the event also
served as a reunion for
the tribes in Zambales
and Bataan.
“I hope that this will
not be just a one-time
event and that many
more tribal games will
be held here at the Pastolan Village in the near
future.”•
MABALACAT CITY – Mayor Marino “Boking”
Morales has allotted P250,000 for the painting and re-painting crossing lanes in different
barangays along MacArthur Highway here.
Morales has tasked the city’s Public Safety and Order
(PSO)
Unit
to handle the
project.
“Kami ang
naglalagay ng
mga pedestrian lanes para
tugunan
ang
seguridad ng
ating mga pedestrians
or
upon the request ng punong barangay.
Kung minsan
re-painting na
lang ang ginagawa namin
dahil yung iba
ay lumabo na sa katagalan ng panahon,” PSO
unit head Engineer Roy Concepcion said.
PSO, in coordination with the Department
of Public Works and Highways Engineering
team headed by Engineer Jun Mateo, is set to
accomplish the painting of 14 lanes plotted on
their program work for 2016.
“Paumanhin po sa mga naaabala ng aming
proyekto. Hindi po kasi pwede na sa gabi natin
ito gawin dahil hindi po ito matutuyo ng husto.
Ang paggamit po ng thermal paint na gaya ng
ginagawa sa Metro Manila ay napakamahal.
Hindi po ito inclusive sa requested budget ng
PSO,” Concepcion said.
Target locations are Barangay San Francisco, Dolores, Mabiga-Mawaque intersection,
Atlu-Bola, in front of Dau Elementary School,
Xevera Tabun in front of Mabalacat National
High School, Dau, Camachiles and along the
perimeter of the public market.
“Ang PSO Mabalacat City ay brainchild po
ng ating mahal na punong lungsod [Morales]
na may layuning pangalagaan ang kaligtasan
ng ating mga mamamayan at kaayusan ng
ating lungsod,” Concepcion added.
The PSO Unit Office is located at the ground
floor, Old Municipal Building at Barangay Poblacion, Mabalacat City.•
MORALES
6,500 Bulakenyo students
receive scholarship grants
SCHOLARS’ ASSEMBLY. Bulacan Gov. Wilhelmino M. Sy-Alvarado gives an inspirational speech before Bulakenyo scholars from Bulacan State University,
Bulacan Polytechnic College and other schools gathered
at the Bulacan Capitol Gymnasium for the Scholars’ General Assembly of the ‘Tulong Pang-Edukasyon Para sa
Kabataang Bulakenyo’ scholarship program of the Provincial Government of Bulacan.
--BULACAN PPAO PHOTO
CITY OF MALOLOS – A brighter future awaits
thousands of Bulakenyo college students
after receiving a scholarship grant from
the Provincial Government of Bulacan
through the “Tulong Pang-Edukasyon
para sa Kabataang Bulakenyo”, a program
of Gov. Wilhelmino M. Sy-Alvarado that
ensures accessible and quality education
for the Bulakenyo youth. Alvarado personally handed the certificates of scholarship to 6,639 Bulakenyo
college students from Bulacan State University, Bulacan Polytechnic College, Bulacan Agricultural State College and other
universities outside the province, during
the Scholars General Assembly held early
Monday morning at the Bulacan Capitol
Gymnasium in this city.
As part of his Seven-Point Agenda, the
governor said that one of his goals is to cre-
ate equal education opportunity among
the Bulakenyo youth and to provide them
financial assistance in order to finish their
studies amidst poverty. “Education is primarily the main element in building a strong foundation to
achieve a progressive country. Ang edukasyon ang pinakamatibay na sandata ng
bawat isa, lalo’t higit ng mga kabataang
Bulakenyo na nangangarap na makatulong sa bansa. Ikintal natin sa ating mga
isipan na ang susi sa kaunlaran ay ang
edukasyon na sinamahan ng pagsisikap.
Hindi tayo magsasawa na tumulong sa
mga kabataang may pangarap na makaahon sa kahirapan,” the governor said.
Moreover, Catherine G. Aguirre-Inocencio, Asst. Department Head of the
Provincial Administrator’s Office, said
that accepted scholars are all registered
Bulakenyo students who do not have a failing grade, enrolled in colleges and universities within and outside the province and
do not receive any study grants from other
schools, government and private organizations.
The scholarship program is divided
into two categories, the Academic Scholar
wherein students with General Weighted
Average of 2.00 receive scholarship grant
worth P 5,500 and the Educational Assistance wherein students who passed all
their subjects coming from indigent family
receive scholarship grant worth P3,000. “The financial assistance received by
the scholars is only for the second semester
of school year 2015 to 2016. We have also
conducted renewal application last January and details for the new application will
be posted soon,” Inocencio ended.•