CCTVs improve AC village`s peace and order situation

what’s inside
www.headlinegl.com
Porac Team CD: ‘Tapang blatantly deceiving people’
news...pagE 2
VOLUME IV • NO. 142
JANUARY 20, 2016
DOE awards energy contracts
for 1,700MW power capacity
WEDNESDAY
BUSINESS...pagE 3
HOME OF PAMPANGA PASALUBONG. Governor Lilia Pineda and Mayor Edwin D. Santiago talk to members of the Pampanga Chamber of Commerce and Industry during the opening of the province’s first-ever Pasalubong Center, Salilungan.
--CSFP-CIO PHOTO
Soon a sports, tourism destination
‘Salilungan’, Pampanga’s
new tourist destination by jess malabanan
CITY OF SAN FERNANDO –
Finest Pampanga-made
woodcraft,
furniture,
delicious food and delicacies and organic agriculture products await
foreign and domestic
tourists who wish to visit
the province’s first ever
Pasalubong Center also
known as “Salilungan”
(shade).
The “Salilungan” is a
P10-million investment
of the provincial government, where a wide array of locally produced
items like food, handicraft, delicacies and agriculture products are on
display and up for sale at
considerable costs.
The two-storey building, with more than 30
stalls, houses a showroom for the finest Pampango products and a
food court where native Kapampangan cuiSALILUNGAN...pagE 7
ANGELES CITY – In an effort to reduce criminality,
Barangay Salapungan’s village chief Rey Malig has
successfully installed 32
closed-circuit
television
(CCTV) cameras that cover
every entry and exit points
of the 161-hectare village.
The project, launched
By Marna Dagumboy-del Rosario
CLARK FREEPORT – In an effort to promote this Freeport as a sports and
tourism destination, a 442-square meter athletes’ hub will soon rise
near the Freeport’s restaurant strip here. ATHLETES’HUB...pagE7
last November 2014, aims
to monitor citizens going
in and out of the barangay.
The installation of all cameras was completed by February 2015.
The captain held a program Monday at the Salapungan Barangay Hall to
formally mark the start of
the system’s operation.
ASCCOM MEDS. Dr. George V. Samson
(4th, L), president and
chief executive officer of
US-based World Medical Relief Inc. turns over
various medicines during
his recent visit to Philippines to Mirofe Saharan
(5th, L) president and CEO
of Apalit Small Christian
Community (ASCCOM) for
the organization’s medical
mission. Also in photo
are (L-R) Magda Bondoc,
auditor; Lulu de Mesa,
secretary, Mia Cabunilas,
Finance/Admin director and other officials of
ASCCOM. CCTVS IMPROVE...pagE 7
--ASTRUD AGUINALDO
CCTVs improve AC village’s
peace and order situation
By Charlene A. Cayabyab
Athletes’ hub
to rise inside
Clark Freeport
2NEWS
Headline Gitnang Luzon • JANUARY 20, 2016
LTFRB signs
MOA with
TESDA, PRO3
By Marna Dagumboy-del Rosario
CITY OF SAN FERNANDO – The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) in Region 3, through regional director
Atty. Zona Russet Tamayo, has entered into a
Memorandum of Agreement recently with the
Technical Education and Skills Development
Authority Region 3 represented by regional director Dr. Teodoro Gatchalian, PhD., and Chief
Supt. Rudy Lacadin, director of the Police Regional Office 3.
The LTFRB signed a MOA with the TESDA
for the National Competency Level II (NC II)
Assessment of Public Utility Drivers, while the
MOA with the Central Luzon police is for the
speedy information dissemination on road accidents involving public utility vehicles.
Under the MOA with the PNP, the LTFRB
can monitor drivers and operators, whose tasks
are to ensure the safety of their passengers.
Meanwhile, the MOA with the TESDA is
part of LTFRB’s Drivers Badge Program under
Memorandum Circular No. 2015-11 which aims
to require only those with TESDA NC II Certification to drive public utility vehicles.
Upon full implementation of the Badge Program, a database for drivers shall be maintained to monitor PUV driver’s competency and
LTFRB SIGNS... Page 7
Classic ‘Genghis Khan,’
other Filipino films
featured in 11th FilmAsia
Festival in Prague
MANILA – Six Filipino films including the 1950’s
classic “Genghis Khan,” by the acclaimed late
Filipino Director Manuel Conde, took centerstage in the 11th FilmAsia Festival in Prague,
Czech Republic last December 2015 held at the
Lucerna and Svetozar theaters.
Ambassadors Vic Lecaros of the Philippines
and Jaroslav Olsa, Jr. of the Czech Republic
opened the festival with the screening of “Genghis Khan.” FilmAsia Festival’s Director and Producer
Karla Stojáková described the festival as the premier Asian film festival in the Czech Republic
that offers Czechs a glimpse of the best of Asian
cinema.
Other Filipino films shown were Darna at
Ding (1980), Dekada ’70 (2002), and three independent films co-produced by the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP): Lihis
(2013), Sonata (2013), and Badil (2013).
Films from South Korea, Japan, and China
were also featured in the festival. (DFA)•
MOA SIGNING. The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) in Region 3, through regional director Atty. Zona Russet
Tamayo, has entered into a Memorandum of Agreement recently with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority Region 3 represented by regional director Dr. Teodoro Gatchalian, PhD., and Chief Supt. Rudy Lacadin, director of the Police Regional Office 3 for various programs
involving drivers and operators. --LTFRB PHOTOS
Porac Team CD: ‘Tapang blatantly deceiving people’
By Marna Dagumboy
-del Rosario PORAC, PAMPANGA – “Whoever can be trusted with
very little can also be trusted
with much, and whoever is
dishonest with very little
will also be dishonest with
much.”
Thus said Vice Mayor
Dexter David when asked to
comment on the latest statements of mayoralty aspirant
Councilor Mike Tapang,
quoting a passage in the Bible.
“I am too glad Tapang is
not yet the mayor because
Porac will definitely suffer,
especially the residents. Tapang is blatantly lying and he
is deceiving the people with
baseless and wrong information,” added David. “Tapang
is derailing progress as head
of the majority in the council.”
The two-term vice mayor
said: “How can you ask for
transparency when you can’t
account for the government
funds you used?
David was referring to
the Porac local government
funds amounting to P46,000
issued to Tapang in April
2014. It was a cash advance
for registration fees to a seminar in Iloilo City.
Tapang attended the
seminar along with four others – Councilors Rafael M.
Canlapan, Remberto Lapid,
Regin B. Clarete and Ronnie
A. Gamboa.
Documents showed that
Tapang did indeed receive
the check and encashed it.
Tapang has yet to liquidate the cash advance “way
past the allotted time and
beyond the closing of the municipal book of accounts that
year,” said David. At least two
demand letters were issued
to Tapang.
A certification from the
Association of Local Social
Welfare and Development
Officers of the Philippines,
which conducted the seminar, said Tapang and the four
councilors “have not paid
their registration fees but appeared in the forum.” It was
signed by its national presiTEAM CD... Page 7
Republic of the Philippines
Province of Pampanga
Municipality of Santa Rita
OFFICE OF THE MUNICIPAL CIVIL REGISTRAR
NOTICE OF PUBLICATION
In compliance with Section 7 of R.A. 10172, a notice is hereby served to the public that Orlando
S. Guevarra has filed with this office a petition
for correction of clerical error / typographical error particularly in his GENDER from “FEMALE”
to “ MALE” in the Certificate of Live Birth of Orlando S. Guevarra born on October 24,
1961 at San Basilio Sta.Rita, Pampanga, and
whose parents are Alejandro B. Guevarra
and Herminia V. Santiago.
Any person adversely affected by said petition
may file his/her written opposition to this office not
later January 27, 2016.
(Sgd) ROSARIO G. SUNGA
Municipal Civil Registrar
HEADLINE Gitnang Luzon: January 13 & 20, 2016
Marcos to business: Follow example of transport groups
MANILA – Senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos
yesterday lauded transport
groups for initiating a move
for the reduction of jeepney
minimum fare saying that the
business sector should follow
suit and bring about reduction in prices of their products.
Marcos said the decision
of the Alliance of Concerned
Transport
Organizations
(ACTO) and Pinagkaisang Samahan ng Tsuper at Opereytor Nationwide (PISTON) is
an example to other sectors to
start their own scheme to al-
leviate the plight of the public.
“This is a good example of
social responsibility. I believe
we have a lot of companies
that are conscientious enough
to start lowering prices on
their own without government order or action and this
is what they should do. These
transport groups have shown
the way and other sectors
should follow suit,” Marcos
said.
ACTO and PISTON had
earlier proposed for a P0.50
reduction in the P7.50 minimum fare following the continuing decline of oil prices in
the global market.
Last Monday, Brent crude
prices fell US$28 a barrel
shortly after Iran was allowed to export oil. The last
time Brent prices fell to below
US$28 a barrel was in 2003.
Marcos had earlier called
on the Department of Trade
and Industry to explain why
the prices of basic commodities remain high despite the
big rollback in the prices of
petroleum products.
He pointed out there
should be a substantial reduction in the prices of basic
commodities since oil prices
have been reduced by as
much as P24 since 2014. Just
last Monday, oil companies
announced another round of
oil price rollback which put
diesel prices in the range between P19 and P22.80 per
liter while gasoline prices
ranged from P32 to P38 per
liter. In January 2014, based
on the Energy department’s
price monitoring report, retail prices of petroleum products ranged from P50.30 per
liter to P55.45 per liter for
gasoline and P42.10 per liter
MARCOS... Page 7
BUSINESS 3
DOE awards energy contracts for 1,700MW power capacity
JANUARY 20, 2016 • Headline Gitnang Luzon
By Charlene A. Cayabyab
ANGELES CITY – The Department
of Energy (DoE), through the
facilitation of its Renewable Energy Management Bureau, has
awarded renewable energy service contracts (RESCs) accounting for about 1,700 megawatts
(MW) potential capacities.
The awarding of contracts is
part of the agency’s aggressive
efforts to fulfill international
commitments and promotion of
indigenous sustainable energy.
These projects are on top of
the additional total potential capacity of 12,128 MW recorded in
November 2015. If all these projects are aggregated and realized,
the country’s installed capacity
could reach up to about 20,000
MW by 2030, which is higher
than the initial National Renewable Energy Program target.
“We are committed to increase our RE capacity and
maintain a minimum of 30
percent share in the power
generation mix in the coming
years,” Energy Secretary Zenaida Monsada said.
Through this government in-
tervention, the country will be
able to achieve its undertaking
to triple installed RE capacity by
2030, reflecting its 21st Conference of the Parties pledge and
proactively responding to the
Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation’s aspiration of doubling RE
capacities of member-economies from 2010 level by 2030.
Towards the last quarter of
2015, Monsada has greenlighted
the some RE projects after having meticulously reviewed each
contract.
The DoE would also like to
call on concerned government
agencies and local government
units to extend utmost assistance to the project proponents
to fast track the timely realization of these vital RE projects.•
No winner
for Grand
Lotto 6/55 pot
MANILA – The Philippine Charity
Sweepstakes Office announced that
there was no winner for the Grand
Lotto 6/55 jackpot amounting to
P126,765,572 drawn on Monday, Jan.
18.
The winning combination was 5347- 01- 18- 39- 24, according to PCSO
General Manager Atty. Jose Ferdinand Rojas II.
Estimated jackpot for Saturday’s
draw is P133 million, Rojas said.
Meanwhile, 11 lucky bettors won
the 2nd prize worth P140,530, while
667 others bagged the 3rd prize of
P1,850 each.•
CASH DONATION. Romeo Yutuc (2nd, L) receives cash donation for his Leukemia-stricken grandchild from the Rotary Club of Dolores (City of San
Fernando) through President Abel Mendoza (2-R) during Monday’s regular meeting of the club. Also in photo are club treasurer Alex Liwanag and Vice President Ray Pekson. --CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
Senate approves bill increasing
maternity leave to 100 days
MANILA – The Senate has approved on third and final reading a bill seeking to increase
maternity leave for female
employees in the public and
private sectors to 100 days regardless of the mode of delivery.
Currently, our laws provide
for 60 days of maternity leave
for government employees
and 60 to 78 days for employees
in the private sector, depending
on the mode of delivery.
Senator Pia Cayetano, chairperson of the Senate Committee
on Women, Children, Family
Relations and Gender Equality
and sponsor of Senate Bill No.
2982, said the current allowable
maternity leave is less than the
98-day minimum requirement
of the International Labor Organization (ILO).
According to Cayetano, the
Philippines is lagging behind
other countries in the Asean
Region in terms of maternity
leave duration. Vietnam for instance, she said, provides 120
to 180 days of mater, depending
on the working conditions and
nature of the work. Singapore,
on the other hand, provides 112
days of maternity leave. Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR,
Myanmar, and Thailand all
provide a maternity leave period of 84 days, Cayetano said in
her sponsorship speech.
She said SBN 2982, known
as the Expanded Maternity
Leave Law of 2015, aims to
provide mothers with ample
transition time to regain health
and overall wellness as well as
to assume their maternal roles
before resuming full-time work.
It would also give mothers sufficient financial support while on
maternity leave, she added.
They can also avail of an additional maternity leave of 30
days, without pay, provided that
the employee gives the head of
the agency due notice, in writing, 45 days before the end of
her ordinary maternity leave.
“The expansion of the maternity leave period shall not in
any way diminish the existing
maternity benefits granted by
the employer. It shall not affect
the female employee’s security
of tenure”, Cayetano stressed.
According to the proposed
bill, employees from the private
sector availing of the maternity
leave period and benefits must
receive not less than two-thirds
of their regular monthly wages.
“Employers from the private sector shall pay the salary
differential between the actual
cash benefits received from the
SSS by the covered employees
and their average weekly or
regular wages, for the entire duration of the ordinary maternity
leave,” the bill said.
Data from SSS show that
for the years 2012 to 2014, the
availment of the maternity
leave is less than two percent of
the total female population of
SSS members.
Exempted from giving cash
benefits are employers who are
operating distressed establishments and retail/ service establishments employing not more
than ten workers.
Also exempted are employers who pay their workers on
commission, boundary or task
basis and those engaged in
the production, processing, or
manufacturing of products and
commodities including agroprocessing, trading, and services whose total assets are not
more than three million pesos.
“Through policies like this,
we aim to institutionalize standards that promote the rights
of working women and protect them from discrimination
based on maternity,” Cayetano
said. (SENATE PR)•
Want to broaden your business horizon?
LET US HELP YOU!
CALL US: (045)455-0781 • EMAIL US: [email protected] • VISIT US: 2nd Floor ,U2 Bldg., MacArthur Hiway, Dolores, City of San Fernando (P)
PNoy wants
‘near poor’ in
CCT program
ANGAT, BULACAN – Families who are just
one major illness away from the poverty
line are eyed to be included in the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps)
which lifts the country’s poorest of the
poor from abject poverty, said President
Benigno Aquino III.
The President bared that 4Ps, the
country’s model of conditional cash transfer (CCT) program, has helped lift 1.5 million Filipino families or over 7.7 million
individuals from poverty.
“And we will not stop there: Moving
forward, the plan is to have this program
cover even those considered near poor—
families who are just one major illness or
natural disaster away from sinking back
under the poverty line,” he said.
Through the direction of the Department of Social Welfare and Development,
the number of beneficiaries of 4Ps has
reached 4.4 million households at present
compared to only 786,000 households in
2010.
“The goal now is to reach 4.6 million
households for this year. Now, one would
expect that the results of such a program
would only be seen in the long-term, but
the early results are promising,” Aquino
said.
This focus of investing on Philippine
people is represented in the 2016 budget,
which provides for the highest allocations
on social and economic services, including the PhP64 billion funds for the CCT
program.
During the opening today of the 3rd
Global Social Business Summit that coincides with the 13th anniversary of poverty-alleviation movement Gawad Kalinga
(GK), President Aquino also pointed maCCT PROGRAM... Page 7
4 OPINION
Headline Gitnang Luzon • JANUARY 20, 2016
EDITORIAL
It all starts here
BARANGAY Salapungan in Angeles
City used to be notorious for killings
and robberies in dormitories. Village
chief Rey Malig even admitted that
the peace and order management in
their barangay used to be poor. But he
is adamant in changing this, and his
mission started with the installation
of 32 closed-circuit television (CCTV)
cameras that cover every entry and exit
points of the barangay.
The installation of the cameras started
in November 2014 and ended February 2015, and last Monday, a short program was held to formally mark the
start of the system’s operations.
The CCTVs, according to Malig, will be
instrumental in maintaining peace and
order in the barangay. In fact, there was
a boom in apartment and dorm rentals, and a number of dormitories and
rooms have been upgraded recently.
The barangay has two command centers – one at the north side of the village,
and at the barangay office, Malig said.
The project is a welcome development
for the city, according to Mayor Ed Pamintuan, saying it will complement the
establishment of a central command
center at the city hall. Malig said that
they have plans to link the barangay’s
CCTV system with the mayor’s planned
command center.
Malig is then urging major establishments in the area to install their own
CCTV cameras so they could acquire a
business permit.
Kudos to Kapitan Malig for his efforts
to maintain peace and order in the city.
www.headlinegl.com
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Editor: RIA DE FIESTA
Layout Artist/Photographer: JP Manalang
Reporters: CHARLENE CAYABYAB
Marna dagumboy - Del rosario
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Publisher: hgl publishing
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DISCLAIMER: Views expressed by columnists are their
own and do not necessarily reflect the editorial position of
HEADLINE Gitnang Luzon or its internet website: www.headlinegl.
com. The publisher does not knowingly publish false information
and may not be held liable for the views of its columnists exercising
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Office Address: 2nd Floor, U2 Building, MacArthur
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Tel. Nos. (045) 455.0781
Jobs in Clark
L
ooking for a job?
Currently, CDC is targeting
I URGE you not to train your 100,000 workers in Clark before the
eyes on many job opportunities end of 2016 and hopefully that target
abroad. Why not consider Clark Free- will be reached even before President
port as your next employment desti- Aquino steps down from office.
nation?
In Clark, there are about 700 firms,
For your information, this writer and of these, several are into expanis not against people worksion mode and would be
ing abroad. I grew up basineeding more workers,
cally without my parents by
especially in the BPO and
my side because they had to
manufacturing sectors.
seek for a more decent earning in another country so
they can send us to school
and give us a decent life in
our formative years.
Life overseas is not a bed
of roses for the OFWs, or
even to the families left behind. It is a sacrifice for the
parents because they have Eric V. Jimenez
to leave their children, hoping they will be fine until
the duration of their contracts abroad.
One BPO firm alone, which has exGood thing if your employer will give panded its operations in Clark, is in
you a family status and you can bring need of about 5,000 workers this year
your wife/husband and children to fill up the seats needed for the inabroad, just like Peter Alagos who is dustry.
now working in one of the newspapers
A Japanese firm, which recently
in Doha, Qatar.
acquired additional land area for its
But mind you, other expenses are expanded operations, will be neednot shouldered by the employer; if ing more than 1,000 workers or more
there are, only few companies, espe- depending on the need of the industry
cially in the Middle East, provide edu- and exports growth.
cational allowance for children. And
With the opening of several tournot all firms abroad give similar ben- ism-related projects this year, more
efits as that of Peter’s.
workers will have the opportunities to
So why take the risk abroad, when work in Clark rather than work overyou can apply in Clark? If you are In- seas or even in Metro Manila.
ternet savvy, you can always log on
With the prediction that Metro
to Clark Development Corporation’s Manila will be uninhabitable in the
website at www.clark.com.ph where next four years, it is now time to
you can find more than 3,500 job make Clark as a work destination of
openings from Clark locators. You Filipinos who are qualified in various
can always send your resume to this positions. There are about 85,000
email: [email protected] and the workers in Clark now enjoying the
staff from CDC would be very much various perks being given by the lowilling to forward your emails to vari- cators.
ous firms in Clark that would match
On February 25, CDC is also holdyour experiences or educational at- ing a one-day job fair at the Robinsons
tainment.
Place in Angeles City where the stateWhy would one try his luck over- owned firm invited about 100 locators
seas when job opportunities in Clark to participate and hire workers that
abound?
will be joining the event.
the plumb
•••
Alternative Solution
In line with the fight against climate change, the CDC - in cooperation
with the Department of Science and
Technology (DOST) - has launched recently the light hybrid road train project as an alternative solution to the
growing number of commuting public
inside the zone.
The project was developed by the
“With the opening of several tourism-related projects this year, more
workers will have the opportunities
to work in Clark rather than work
overseas or even in Metro Manila.”
Metals Industry and Research Development Center (MIRDC) of DOST
headed by its Executive Director Robert Dizon with the aim to improve the
transportation system in Clark and in
an effort to lessen the use of fossil fuel
that leaves carbon footprints in the
environment.
The light train is still under testing
by the DoST for its roadworthiness
inside Clark. It may take another two
months before the project will be fully
operationalized.
Dino Tanjuatco III, president of
the Clark International Airport Corporation, said: “The presence of the
light hybrid train service in Clark will
indeed be beneficial to the employees
of Clark. This can be considered as an
alternative means of public commuters to answer the mass transportation
dilemma in highly urbanized cities.”
He also commended the DoST and
CDC - especially Atty. Art Tugade for the success of the project. “I must
commend the exceptional talent of
our Filipino Engineers. This is really
something that we should be proud
of.”
“The CIAC, being an advocate and
enabler in developing and improving
THE PLUMB... Page 7
JANUARY 20, 2016 • Headline Gitnang Luzon
T
Philippine version of NASA
HE Department of Science and Technology is
currently preparing for the establishment of
a national space agency in the country, a local version perhaps of the United States of America’s
National Aeronautical and Space Administration or
popularly known as NASA.
DoST’s Undersecretary for Scientific and Technological Services Rowena Guevara stated that the
DoST is presently working for the establishment of
a space agency that will manage the country’s space
program as provided under a law passed by Congress.
The launching and commission of the Diwata-1
is said to coincide with the start of the institutionalization of the country’s first space agency. The said
micro-satellite was already sent to the United States
where it will be launched.
It’s good news for the Philippine Atmospheric
Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration
(PAGASA) as the said satellite
shall greatly help in monitoring the weather, weather patterns, tides and other information needed by the country’s
weather bureau. It’s also good
news for the country’s security
and law enforcement agencies
as the said satellite can also be
used in monitoring unusual activities of internal and external
Alvin H. Arceo
threats to peace.
Meanwhile, the upcoming
space agency in the country
is another breakthrough in the field of science and
technology and space exploration. On the other hand,
some are wondering as to how far we could go in
terms of studying space since extra-terrestrial studies requires huge amount of funds.
Without being pessimistic on the country’s space
program, some are in doubt if we could likewise sustain the said space agency considering the resources needed. We cannot of course compare ours with
that of NASA which the US government prioritizes in
terms of resources and funding support.
Despite such, we can already consider it a great
step for the country’s science and technology to come
up with a space agency even if it shall mean looking
only at telescopes focused on the vastness of space. “The launching and commission of the Diwata-1 is said to
coincide with the start of the As of this
institutionalization of the coun- writing
try’s first space agency.”
The national government, according to Guevara,
has seen the need for the country to have a space
agency that will handle matters concerning space and
the study of it.
As a short small step for the country’s space program, the government is launching into space the Diwata-1 come April of this year.
Diwata-1 shall be the country’s first satellite designed and built by Filipino engineers and scientists
that will monitor weather, forest and marine resources and shall be used for national security. According to the DoST, it can also be used for taking
photographs from space for tourism purposes as it
is equipped with precision cameras that can capture
images on earth.
Meanwhile, a Ground Receiving Station (GRS)
shall be established in Subic Freeport to serve as a
center for receiving satellite data and images captured by Diwata-1.
W
••• This writer welcomes other views, comments, and
reactions. You may send your message at 0908-1403230.•
Revenge is sweet
HEN asked by report- shots during the Mamasapano
ers if the re-opening of incident. JPE wanted to look at
the Mamasapano case the exchange of text messages
had something to do w ith poli- between the President, the intics, Senator Juan Ponce
Enrile was steadfast in
say ing no, and he further
stated that he holds no
tribulation against the
President.
That statement was
somewhat unbelievable
if I may say so. K now ing
the histor y of the two, it
is impossible for Senator
Enrile not to hold grudges against PNoy. Having ELLEZ J. DAVIO
spent a few months in
jail could drive a person
to seek revenge at the right junc- volved Cabinet officials and
ture. And the proper timing is the top police officials. We all
about to take place on the said know that the President has inre-opening of the Mamasapano deed knowledge of the supposincident in the Senate next week. edly covert operation to capture
JPE said he would thoroughly two international terrorists but
investigate the liability of Presi- in some way, there was a “misdent Aquino for the deaths of the communication” on the chain of
44 SAF commandos in Mamasa- command.
pano, Maguindanao. He believes
To pacif y the hubbub of the
there was cover-up to exonerate bereaved families of the SAF
the President’s liability on the commandos, two top officials of
case.
the PNP were sacked. Both housPNoy should have called the es of Congress investigated the
incident yet for some unknown
reasons, the probe was silenced
after a month or two.
Justice is elusive for the SAF
“Justice is elusive for the SAF 44
until now. I hope we see a glimpse
of due process next week when JPE
will conscientiously use his broad
knowledge in law and find out the
Now We Know! real culprit behind the deaths of the
SAF commandos.”
44 until now. I hope we see a
glimpse of due process next week
when JPE w ill conscientiously
use his broad knowledge in law
and find out the real culprit behind the deaths of the SAF commandos. He w ill move heaven
and earth to implicate the President on this case.
Revenge is sweet on the part
of JPE. I am sure next week’s investigation w ill be a far cr y from
the last due to the presence of
Senator JPE.•
OPINION 5
teacher’s corner
21st Century
Learning
by CLARNEL G. CABRERA
T
ODAY, we live in a world dominated by
technology. Our interactions with the
world and with one another are mediated by computers, tablets and cellular phones.
The answer to practically any question you
might have, at any moment, is a few keystrokes
and fractions of a second away. In the same way
that print changed how humans perceive information, now technology has once again f lipped
the world on its head.
We should seriously consider the claim that
we are now undergoing one of the most significant technological revolutions for education
since the progression from oral to print and
book-based teaching.
Preparing students for today’s world demands that education be delivered in a vastly
different manner than what we see today in
Philippine schools. In this world where information creation and discovery are taking place
faster than we can bring that information to our
classrooms, true 21st century learning must
involve more than information literacy alone.
Certainly, the traditional “3 Rs” – a shorthand
way to talk about traditional content areas like
reading, writing and arithmetic – play a core
role in the 21st century classroom. (For the
sake of argument, let’s have the 3 Rs include
other traditional content domains like social
studies and history.) But in this new world,
those “content domains” become avenues for
imparting a whole array of 21st century skills –
skills that will allow students to function, learn
and adapt throughout life in this post-modern
world.
When we can look at a school and see these
things happing in sync, we can be confident that
the students are getting the great education
they’ll need in the future. Creating 21st Century classrooms, schools and districts is no small
order, but it is being done across the nation.
If you are one of those forward-thinking
people who is reading this and saying, “It
sounds amazing, but it’s just too much to undertake given our resources,” think again. If
you are an educator, what one small change
could you make that might transform the student experience?
Might you try grouping students more often
for more team-based learning? Or embed the
teaching of a math skill within the hands-on
study of pond ecology? Or study an aspect of
Chinese culture by setting up a virtual student
exchange connecting students with their counterparts in Asia via Skype?
Once we begin to consider the possibilities
of the 21st Century classroom, our schools become more than just places for preparing students for the next level of education. They become places where we truly prepare students
for lifelong success and personal fulfillment.
••• The author is Teacher III of Panipuan High
School.•
quotable quotes
When you are courting a nice girl an hour seems like a
second. When you sit on a red-hot cinder a second seems
like an hour. That’s relativity.
Be heard! Send us
your comments & opinions
mail US:
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6 ENTERTAINMENT
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Gov. Vi, bilib sa acting nina Sharon Cuneta, iyakin
Angel Locsin at Xian Lim M
M
ATAGUMPAY
sanang
businesswoman si Vilma
Santos pero dahil sa
cancer nasira ang diskarte niya. She is
then forced to be
dependent on a
private nurse,
Angel Locsin,
and to patch
things up with
her estranged
son,
Xian
Lim.
At
the movie’s
presscon,
Ate Vi is
asked how it is working with
her two younger co-stars.
“Sa
bahay,
kapag kasama
siya ng anak
kong si Luis,
normal na
tao si Gel,”
sabi niya.
“But dito
sa movie,
p a r e h o
kaming artista,
so
kung
ano
ang suporta
at respetong binibigay
niya sa’kin, ‘yun ang
ibinabalik ko sa
kanya. Suportahan kami rito.
About Xian, I
heard negative
things about
his acting.
But sa story con pa
lang, ang
basa ko
agad sa
kanya
is he’s
such
a
n
educ ated
pers o n .
B a s t a
Jorross Gamboa,
idedemanda raw
ang nag-upload sa
kanyang sex scandal
P
INAGPIPISTAHAN sa internet yung sex
scandal ng dalawang guwapong actor. Ang
una ay si Jorross Gamboa at ang isa naman ay si Jeric Gonzales at pareho silang nagpapaligaya ng sarili sa kanilang sex scandal.
Pero kataka-takang parehong ayaw magsalita ng
dalawa at hinahayaan na lang yatang mamatay ang
tungkol sa sex scandal.
May balita na magpapa-imbesitiga raw si Jorross
kung sino ang nag-upload ng kanyang sex scandal
pero sa mga kagaya nitong kaso wala namang nangyari.
Halimbawa na lang ay yung kina Hayden Koh at
Paolo Bediones na wala namang nangyari.
Si Jeric naman tuloy lang ang buhay na ngayon ay
nasa afternoon serye siyang Destiny Rose.
So far pareho namang wala pang inaamin ang
dalawa kung sila nga ang nasa video nilang sex scandal. But those who saw their scandals ay sumusumpang sila nga talaga yun.
Sila nga kaya talaga?•
kapag napanood n’yo itong movie namin, ipagmamalaki n’yo si
Xian Lim.”
What can she say about
the character she plays,
Vivian, who’s a very strict
and overbearing boss?
“Impakta si Vivian, e.
But at the end of the day,
may puso rin siya. Baligtad kami, kasi ako, gracious, mahaba ang pisi,
pero lumalaban din ako.
The role of Vivian means
you should not just judge a
person right away.”
And how is Joyce Bernal, who
directs her for the first time? “Si
Direk, I love her. Kasi jologs siya,
e. Wala kang mararamdamang
tensiyon sa kanya. First time ko
sa kanya and it’s memorable. She
really guided me at magaling siyang mag-motivate ng artista. Sa
set, noong first shooting days ko
with Angel and Xian, ayaw niyang makausap ko sila bago magtake. Bawal. Para raw hindi kami
maging familiar sa isa’t isa. Nirerehearse niya kami nang solo-solo para pag-take na, parang noon
lang kami talaga unang nagkitakita. After this movie, I want her
to be my friend, hindi lang habang nasa shooting kami. Totoo
‘yan. Barikan na kami.” (Barikan
is Batangueno word for drinking
or inuman in other Tagalog provinces.)•
jorross
gamboa
ana pala si Sharon Cuneta sa kanyang tita Helen
Gamboa. Pareho silang iyakin.
Habang ini-introduce ng dating Dancing Queen
ang megastar (sa ASAP noong Linggo) para sa tribute sa
kanya sa pagsapit ng kanyang ika-50th birthday, ilang beses na tumigil si Madam Helen para pahiran ang kanyang
luha. Ganun din ang nangyari kay Mega.
Tumigil lang ang luhaan portion ng tribute kay Mega
nang papanhikin ang kanyang buong pamilya sa stage.
Bukod kasi kay KC Concepcion na inamin ni Mega na mas
maganda sa kanya, naroon din ang mga dalagita niyang
sina Frankie at Miel.
Mahiyain pala ang bunso nilang si Miguel na halos hindi
makatingin sa audience, pero, nagawaran naman si Mega
ng isang halik.
Hindi naiwasan ni Mega na magsalita tungkol sa napakabait at mapagmahal niyang asawa.•
claudine
baretto
raymart
santiago
Annulment nina Claudine
at Raymart, inurong
W
ALA munang puwang ang sigalot sa mag-asawang
Raymart Santiago at Claudine Barretto dahil kapwa
sila bisi-bisihan sa sinimulang series this year.
Bida si Claudine sa TV5’s drama na “Bakit Manipis Ang
Ulap?” Kasama niya sa programa sina Cesar Montano, Meg
Imperial at Diether Ocampo.
Nasa cast naman ng Bea Binene at Derrick Monasterio
soap na “Hanggang Makita Kang Muli” si Raymart Santiago.
Kaya naman sa pahayag ni Clau sa presscon ng BMAL,
nasa sideline daw muna ang annulment ng kasal nila alangalang sa mga anak.
Maja Salvador walang ‘K’ na
maging concert performer
N
AKANSELA raw ang concert sana ni Maja Salvador
sa isang probinsya sa Norte ayon sa report. Wala pang
lumalabas na dahilan ng kanselasyon.
Ang puwedeng maging rason ng kanselasyon ay maaaring hindi fully paid si Maja o ’di kaya, mahina ang benta ng
ticket.
Eh, matapos ang flopsinang concert ng aktres sa SM
Mall of Asia last year, siyempre, may bahid na ang box office attraction ni Maja bilang concert performer. Patunay
lang na mas gusto siyang makita na umaarte kesa kumakanta.
Tigilan na kasi ang ilusyon na puwedeng maging concert artist si Maja.•
JANUARY 20, 2016 • Headline Gitnang Luzon
Palace: Gov’t has existing
aid programs for pensioners
MANILA – Countering criticisms alleging the administration lacks compassion to
senior citizens for vetoing
the Social Security System
(SSS) pension hike, a Palace official said the Aquino
government is actually carrying out a number of measures that uplift the lives of
the pensioners.
In a radio interview on
Saturday, Undersecretary
Manolo Quezon III of the
Presidential Communications Development and
Strategic Planning Office
(PCDSPO) said the administration has many programs for senior citizens
for the past five and a half
years.
For instance, the government imposed mandatory PhilHealth coverage
for all senior citizens in
June last year with more
than 4.8 million senior citizens being enlisted under
the healthcare program. This is done by amending the 2010 Expanded Senior Citizens Act signed by
President Aquino in 2014.
Another form of assistance is for indigent senior
citizens who received “augmented social pension,”
Quezon told dzRB Radyo
ng Bayan.
“Ang naging batayan
nito ay ang 2010 Expanded
Senior Citizens Act na pinirmahan noong Pebrero
2010,” he noted.
“Kasama sa batas na
ito ang isang probisyon na
dagdagan ang pondo para
sa medical needs ng mga
indigent senior citizens sa
paraan ng P500 monthly
pension.”
From 2011 to May 2015,
some 937,556 senior citizens are under the social
pension program, he said.
Also, the government
adjusted the age limit for
senior citizens to qualify
for indigent ‘senior citizens’
pension. Quezon said that
from 2011 to 2014, the Department of Social Welfare
and Development (DSWD)
prioritized senior citizens
aged 77 years and above. And in 2015, seniors
citizens with ages from 65
years old and above qualified under the program.
In that year alone, Quezon
said 760,736 indigent senior citizens were served by
the government.
Also, SSS pension increased by five percent on
May 31, 2014.
The SSS also increased
the funeral benefits from a
fixed amount of P20,000
to a maximum amount of
P40,000 depending on the
number of contributions
and average monthly salary
credit as of August 2014. SSS also put up a voluntary provident fund, called
the Personal Equity and
Savings Option (PESO)
fund for SSS members to
provide more avenues for
retirement security. And, together with the
national government, the
SSS opened a P7-billion
educational assistance loan
program that started in
2012. And, as of June 2015,
over P3.1-billion worth of
loans have been disbursed
for 67,299 qualified student
beneficiaries, Quezon explained.
To lessen the burden
for pensioners, SSS implemented two penalty condonation programs in 2011
and 2012 allowing delinquent beneficiaries to once
again join the SSS.
Some 406,421 delinquent member borrowers
benefitted from this program.
Quezon defended the
President after he vetoed
the proposal asking for
P2,000 across-the-board
increase in SSS pension
saying the President did
the right decision by choosing to prolong the life of the
SSS fund.
“I think we should understand the President’s
reasoning in doing this. Lahat naman ng bumabayad
ng SSS ay mga miyembro
nito at may obligasyon ang
pondo na mabayaran sila at
pati ang mga benepisyo,” he
said. (PCOO)•
HMI is set to inaugurate
the athletes’ hub along M.A
Roxas Highway here next
month. Encouraging the community to have an active
lifestyle and get involved in
sports, HMI was also the
organizer of the following
events in Clark: Triathlon
clinics, Animo Run 2010 to
2012, DIY Duathlons, Rotary Club End Polio Run,
Chevalier School Caballero
Run, ROX Bike out and Bike
Clinic. HMI is composed of
local young professionals
and businessmen who are
also athletes involved in triathlon for the past 8 years.
HMI officers are: Alan
Galang, president; Marvin
Manalang, vice president;
Rene Ricardo Tayag, treasurer; Michael Mandap,
auditor and Julian Paolo
Tayag, corporate secretary.•
ATHLETE’S HUB... from Page 1
Clark Development Corporation (CDC) and Hubble
Multi Sport Inc. (HMI)
recently signed a Lease
Agreement (LA) that will
help promote the inflow of
local and foreign athletes
and tourists in Clark. Aside from envisioning
to establish the first multisport retail store in Clark,
HMI also intends to provide
a hub for sports enthusiasts,
providing an open environ-
ment where athletes can
share their knowledge and
experiences to fellow and
aspiring athletes. HMI will also sell sporting
goods and athletic supplies
on a wholesale or retail basis.
Based on the LA, HMI in
coordination with the staterun firm’s Tourism Promotions Department (CDCTPD) will organize monthly
sports activities inside the
Clark Freeport Zone.
SALILUNGAN... from Page 1
sine and world-renowned “sisig” are
served and readily available.
“The Pasalubong Center will be
one of Pampanga’s tourist stops,” said
Judith Angeles of the Department of
Trade and Industry 3 (DTI3), adding
that “Salilungan” will boost the local
economy of Pampanga. Angeles said small and medium
enterprises (SMEs) have occupied
most of the stalls. She said coordination had been made with various
travel and tour agencies in the province to include “Salilungan” as among
the province’s tourist stops.
Pampanga is home to world-renowned events and places including
wakeboarding in Lubao town, Crucifixion re-enactment during Holy
Week, the international hot air balloon festival in Lubao, the bird sanctuary in Candaba and the Tigtigan
Terakan keng Dalan being held at
the entertainment district in Angeles
City, not to mention the province’s
century-old churches. This province
is also host to Clark Freeport.
Angeles said the travel and tour in-
dustry agreed to bring their guests to
“Salilungan” as the visitors’ first stop.
Governor Lilia Pineda, who led
the opening and openly promotes
“Salilungan”, said best products from
the province’s 22 towns are being
sold at the Pasalubong Center.
“Products from different towns
will be on display and up for sale.
Tourists and guests could visit the
center to buy their favorite foods and
woodcrafts,” said Pineda.
“Salilungan” is situated along via
Gapan-Olongapo Road.•
of the barangay and at the barangay
office for wider coverage.
The whole project costs P380,000.
The barangay had a budget of P80,000
for the installation while the rest came
as donations from Malig’s friends.
“We plan to link the barangay’s
CCTV system with the mayor’s
planned command center of the city,”
Malig said.
Malig then announced that major
establishments are now required to
install their own CCTV cameras so
they could acquire a business permit.
For his part, Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan said that this project will
complement the establishment of
a central command center at the
city hall, which will allow the local
government to monitor important
business centers, roads and universities with high-definition CCTV
cameras operating round-the-clock.
“I commend the initiative of Captain Rey Malig in this project. This is a
manifestation of their staunch efforts
to maintain peace and order in our
city,” Pamintuan said. •
CCTVs IMPROVE... from Page 1
“Our barangay has been notorious in the media about killings and
robberies in dormitories. Peace and
order management in our barangay
is poor. That’s why we mounted this
project, which, we believe, can be instrumental in maintaining peace and
order,” Malig said, adding that the
installation of the cameras alone has
resulted to more students and employees occupying apartments and
dormitories in the barangay.
Malig said that they built two command centers located at the north side
LTFRB SIGNS... from Page 2
a corresponding badge shall be given to all competent
drivers. Merit and demerit point system shall be applied
to the qualified drivers and which shall form part in the
renewal of franchise given to operators.
Initially, TESDA Region 3 shall provide the assessment for free. Interested PUV Drivers are directed to co-
ordinate with LTFRB Region 3 Office for the schedule of
training and assessment.
Meantime, complaints involving drivers and operators can be coursed through the agency’s email address
[email protected] or via the LTFRB Hotline (045)
455-0550.•
7
the plumb... from Page 4
the public transport system in the country, gladly welcomes this innovation in Clark. Ferrying the people in
places within the Clark Freeport will further promote
eco-tourism and will create a ripple in strengthening
the economy for Clark,” he said.
Tanjuatco said that “Clark Freeport is the best
place to use the hybrid road train because of the
smooth traffic flow and well constructed pavements.”•
MODERNIZATION... from Page 8
lacking importance.
The bill proposes an increase in the tax-exempt value
of balikbayan boxes from P10,000 to P150,000 and the de
minimis value from P10 to P10,000. Tax-exempt and de
minimis values may al so change every three years. Donation and relief goods will also be duty- and tax-free during
times of calamity.
Angara said the bill aims to ingrain transparency and
accountability into the BOC, as apart from drastically reducing human intervention due to the electronification of
customs procedures, higher penalties and punishments
will be prescribed as a further deterrent to smuggling.
“Our measure clearly defines the exercise of customs
police authority, customs jurisdiction and customs control,” Angara said.
BOC officials said they anticipate a 10 percent increase
in revenue collection once the bill is enacted into law. The
BOC pegged revenue collection at P369 billion in 2014.
(SENATE PR)•
CCT PROGRAM... from Page 3
jor investments in education.
He said the Department of Education has cleared the
“inherited backlogs in classrooms, school seats and textbooks,” consequently leading to the upgrade of basic education cycle to match international standards through the
K-12 program.
Expressing his fascination over the achievements of GK
in rural development, President Aquino cited government
programs that are akin to GK’s style of social projects like
the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority’s STAR program, and Department of Agriculture’s AgriSocial Enterprise showcase.
Under STAR program, which stands for Sari-sari Store
Training and Access to Resources, in partnership with
Coca-Cola, small storeowners are trained in bookkeeping,
inventory management, accounting, and other business
disciplines.
“All these initiatives reinforce the idea that business and
governance driven by kindness makes the most sense,”
President Aquino said, rooting from the Global Social
Business Summit’s theme.
According to GK founder and chairman Antonio Meloto, the theme—The Business of Kindness: Doing Good
Makes Good Business Sense—focuses on social innovation
to include more communities in emerging economies.
Meloto said the annual summit is a gathering of local
and foreign social entrepreneurs, impact investors, partners and university students aimed at exploring collaborative solutions to address global challenges like extreme
poverty. (PR)•
TEAM CD... from Page 2
dent Arsenio Alagenio.
In a television interview, Tapang said he had
properly accounted the
cash advance in 2014.
“But how come the
Commission on Audit
(COA) is still waiting for
Tapang to properly account for the cash advance?” said David.
David and Mayor Carling De La Cruz are the
leaders of the Porac Team
CD. Included in the Porac
Team CD are Councilors
Rudy “Daboy” Enriquez,
Mark Anthony Valencia
and Maynard Lapid. The
rest in the councilors’
line-up are former 2nd
District Board Member
Olga Frances “Fritzie” David-Dizon, Association of
Barangay Captains President Ronie Mercado, Pio
Barangay Captain Village
Councilor Michelle “Man
Man” Bengco and former
Councilor Ludivico Muli.•
MARCOS... from Page 2
to P46.50 per liter for diesel.
“The Filipino people should be feeling the progressive
effect of the oil price reductions but prices remain high.
These transport groups have shown the way for others to
emulate. But I think the government must also do its part
to bring reprieve to our countrymen,” Marcos said.•
FOR SMARTPHONES
& TABLETS!
You can grab our
Digital Edition Copy via
www.headlinegl.com
& click Cover Today
REGIONAL NEWS
VOLUME IV • NO. 142 • JANUARY 20, 2016 • WEDNESDAY
New engines of growth fast shaping up in Bulacan
MALOLOS CITY – The roar of machines and equipment are all
over the province paving the
way to the emergence of new
growth engines like wide-upgraded roads and flood control
systems.
There may be inconvenience
along the way but many motorists and residents as well are
now witnessing the rise of modern highways and the booming
economy due to the job opportunities.
Governor Wilhelmino M.
Sy-Alvarado, who is also the
concurrent chairman of the
Regional Development Council
(RDC) in Central Luzon, said
that development plan envisioned by President Benigno S.
Aquino III not only in Bulacan
but in many parts of the country as well, is now fast taking
shape.
“Travel time has now been
cut short because many major
roads and highways have been
widened, upgraded and interconnected to fast booming municipalities and cities. These
engines of growth are also
complementing the robust business climate being enjoyed in
Bulacan with more foreign and
domestic investors coming in
because of this,” Alvarado said.
The long stretch of the MacArthur highway, from Meycauayan City to Calumpit town is
now attracting business investors giving new job opportunities to residents.
Alvarado also said that the
approval of the Bulacan Bulk
Water Supply Project (BBWSP)
will also open employment and
other business opportunities
when the groundwork laying of
pipelines started.
The BBWSP became a done
deal after the provincial government, the state-run Manila
Waterworks and Sewerage System and the San Miguel Corporation-K water entered into a
contract that was presented last
Friday to President Aquino at
the Barcie International Center
here.
During that event, Alvarado
reported that flood control projects like the on-going rehabilitation of the Labangan flood control
channel are being fast-tracked
and are geared to finish before
the onset of the rainy season.
He also suggested the regu-
lar dredging of Bulacan’s major rivers and the heavily silted
mouth of Manila Bay.
He told President Aquino that
among the long term solutions of
the floods in Bulacan is the creation of mini-dams at the Candaba swamp area that can also
serve as source of fresh water.
“This way, we will not only
address the nagging floods but
we can also harness the bounty
of nature that just goes down
the drain into Manila bay after causing inconvenience and
damaging crops and properties,” he added. (PNA)•
Customs
modernization
seen to increase
revenue collection
MANILA – The Senate yesterday approved on third and final reading the
proposed Customs Modernization
and Tariff Act (CMTA) which aims
to simplify, modernize and align the
country’s customs procedures with
global best practices by amending the
Tariff and Customs Code of the Philippines (TCCP).
“We want to overhaul and modernize the bureau which has long
been perceived as one of the most
corrupt and underperforming government agencies in the country. Approximately $277 billion in revenues
was lost by the government from
1960 to 2011 due to technical smuggling according to a 2014 study of
Global Financial Integrity,” Senator
Juan Edgardo ‘Sonny’ Angara said.
Angara, chairman of the Senate
Committee on Ways and Means and
sponsor of Senate Bill No. 2968 or the
proposed Customs Modernization
and Tariff Act (CMTA), said the measure aims to amend the TCCP in compliance with the Revised Kyoto Convention (RKC) which is a blueprint
for “modern and efficient customs
procedures” of the World Customs
Organization.
Senate President Franklin Drilon
said that upgrading the current Bureau of Customs (BOC) systems to
electronic processing, would make
the BOC’s importation and exportation procedures faster, more effective
and more convenient, especially for
the public.
“The modernization under the
CTMA will benefit millions of ordinary Filipinos who suffer from the inefficiencies in the handling of incoming and outgoing goods, especially
during holiday seasons when Filipinos endure the cumbersome process
of trying to claim gifts or packages
which are stuck at the ports,” he
stressed.
The bill proposes the use of information and communications technology and other appropriate applications to reinforce the BOC’s functions
towards simplified, secured and harmonized trade facilitation.
Angara said the passage of the bill
into law would increase transparency
and simplify procedures in the BOC,
increase the de minimis value, raise
the tax exemption ceiling for packages sent by balikbayans and returning
residents, and provide harsher penalties for smuggling. De minimis are
small items that are usually minor or
MODERNIZATION... pagE 7
MEETING WITH FUTURE INVESTORS. SBMA Chairman Roberto Garcia (R) exchanges pleasantries with members of a trade delegation led by
TIPC Chairman Chih-Ching Chang during a meeting at the SBMA office recently. --DANTE M. SALVANA
Gov. Garcia eyes NEDA expertise
to appraise Bataan’s economic gains
BALANGA CITY, BATAAN – Governor Albert Raymond S. Garcia
is eyeing the scientific know-how
of the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA)
in Central Luzon to carry out
a comprehensive and efficient
performance analysis of the lo-
cal government units to achieve
factual and socio-economic influence of their development programs in the countryside.
He stressed the NEDA should
undertake an exhaustive assessment of the city and municipal
governments in the province in-
stead of concentrating on the regional level as part of the evaluation and measurement capability
in pursuing good governance,
socio-economic and investments
volumes.
Garcia is comparing the unprecedented economic growth
of the tiny State of Singapore, a
former British Naval Base, to the
Bataan peninsula which is fast
emerging as the investment hub
in Central Luzon with its natural
resources, highly trained graduates, sufficient power supply, infrastructure and other facilities.
Foreign and local investors
are looking for a collective economic and financial assessment
impact study of the province as
guide when engaging in industrial, manufacturing and other
productive services.
Garcia said that he has sought
the assistance of the NEDA to
perform a prudent economic
analysis of the provincial government and municipal executives
of which the result will become
a scholarly manifestation of an
effective local manager on the
right tract in achieving its vision
of socio-economic prosperity.
Garcia pointed out that
NEDA has enough economists
and survey experts to ascertain
the actual performance of local
executives based on its respective development plans and
growth rate.
He added, the NEDA economic survey output of local executives could greatly improve
the investment posture scheme
which eventually will encourage
more investors to come and participate in local public and private partnership projects in the
local level.
Garcia likewise cited the economic gains of the province with
the status of the Freeport Area of
Bataan (FAB) in Mariveles which
is now considered as the fastest
growing economic zone in the
country. The industrial development in Limay and other processing zones in Hermosa and
Morong towns, in its totality may
even surpass the annual national
economic growth rate of 7.2 percent. 1BATAAN.COM•
NEDA HELP. Governor Albert Raymond S. Garcia on Monday said he will
be asking the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) in Central
Luzon to carry out a comprehensive and efficient performance analysis of
the local government units to achieve factual and socio-economic influence
of their development programs in the countryside. --1BATAAN PHOTO