SBMA launches awareness campaign on climate change
Transcription
SBMA launches awareness campaign on climate change
www.headlinegl.com VOLUME III • NO. 180 MARCH 09, 2015 MONDAY PUTTING THE FIRE OUT. Firemen train a hose at a bushfire that spread at a vacant lot of the Juliana Subdivision in the City of San Fernando last Friday. --RUSTON BANAL After death of ‘Gallant 44’ Espina tells CLuzon cops: Move on, continue work By Rudy J. Abular CAMP OLIVAS, Pampanga – Police Director General Leonardo A. Espina, officerin-charge of the Philippine National Police, urged police personnel here to “move on and continue work” following the recent death of the “Gallant 44” in Mamasapano, Maguindanao. ESPINA TELLS... pagE 7 PNP OIC says Mamasapano probe findings out today BY Marna Dagumboy-del Rosario LET’S ALL MOVE ON. Police Director General Leonardo A. Espina delivers a short message before the men and women of Police Regional Office 3 headed by Chief Supt. Ronald V. Santos, after his arrival yesterday at Camp Olivas, City of San Fernando. --RUDY J. ABULAR CAMP OLIVAS – Acting PNP chief Director General Leonardo Espina over the weekend said that the findings of the panel investigating the Jan. 25 Mamasapano encounter where 44 Special Action Force members were killed, will be released today. He bared this during his visit to this camp last Friday. Espina said the report will be detailed, but did not elaborate further. The Philippine National PoPROBE OUT TODAY... pagE 7 GETTING REAL WITH RPT. Governor Lilia Pineda discusses the importance of real property tax collection to mayors, municipal planning officers, assessors, and treasurers during the Consultative Meeting on Real Property Tax Collection held at the Widus Hotel last Friday. --JUN JASO SBMA launches awareness campaign on climate change By Mhike R. Cigaral SUBIC BAY FREEPORT — The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA), through its Ecology Center, has launched an awareness campaign on climate change adaptation in up- as well as in their locality, land communities adjacent and how to minimize it. to the Freeport. The campaign includes SBMA Chairman Ro- educating residents on how berto Garcia said that the to prevent forest and bush campaign aims to educate fires and what they can residents on the impact of do to help bring back the climate change world-wide, AWARENESS CAMPAIGN... pagE 7 2NEWS Fernandinas honored during Mover’s Walk, Pampering Day Headline Gitnang Luzon • MARCH 09, 2015 By Marna Dagumboy -del Rosario CITY OF SAN FERNANDO - The city government of San Fernando, through its Gender and Development office, held a GAD Mover’s Walk and Pampering Day over the weekend, in line with the celebration of International Women’s Day on March 8. The event was led by Women’s Month 2015 Chairperson Dr. Leticia Yap, Committee Chairperson on Women and Family Affairs Councilor Jack Calimlim, and Gender and De- velopment Focal Person Amy Catacutan. According to Councilor Calimlim, the event aims to raise awareness among the women sector of the city and make them realize their worth and contribution by simply being a mother, a daughter and even a sister. She also pointed out the small actions of women in being a part of the community. “Ang simpleng pagbibigay gabay ng mga kababaihan sa kanilang mga anak upang maging isang mabuting tao ay napakalaking bagay na kontri- busyon sa lipunan, para maachieve yung progress at gender equality na gusto natin,” added Councilor Calimlim. The event was attended by different city government officials, women sectors from all 35 barangays of the city and some from the private sector. Bataan farmers receive livestock from DA-3 Romero, other activities include house-to-house distribution of leaflets within the city and a barangay olympics scheduled CA PITOL GROU NDS, Bataan – Aimed at helping livestock farmers affected by calamities, the Department of Agriculture RFO 3 in coordination with the Bataan Provincial Government thru the Office of the Provincial Veterinarian awarded 30 heads of doe (mature female goat) to farmer beneficiaries from Liyang, Pilar and Tubo-tubo, an Aeta tribe in Dinalupihan in simple ceremonies at the Bataan People’s Center, this City. Recipients came from the lists submitted by the Municipal Agriculturists from the 11 municipalities of the province and from the City Veterinarian of the City of Balanga. Among those present during the distribution were Dr. Eduardo Lapuz, Chief of Regulatory Division, Department of Agriculture Region 3; Ludivina Banzon, Provincial Administrator; and Dr. Albert Venturina, Provincial Veterinarian. “Tulong sa Magsasaka”, an animal dispersal program, also aims to improve the animal population and the local breed, hence within two years, beneficiaries will give back a 6-month old female calfdrop/caracalf drop to the government for redispersal to other beneficiaries. Another batch consisting of 20 FIRE PREVENTION... Page 7 BATAAN FARMERS... Page 7 MOVER’S WALK. The City Government of San Fernando through its Gender and Development Office with the participation of women from all barangays and private sectors joined the GAD Mover’s Walk on March 6 in celebration of the International Women’s Day on March 8. -- CSF-CIO PHOTO Bulacan bettor bags P13.5-M 6/42 lotto jackpot MANILA – Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) Acting Chairman and General Manager Atty. Jose Ferdinand Rojas II announced that a bettor from Bulacan has won the P13,528,000 jackpot prize in last Thursday’s (March 5) Lotto 6/42 Draw. The winning ticket which holds the numbers 12-21-16-10-15-26 was bought from a Lotto outlet in San Jose Del Monte, Bulacan. Rojas also announced that there were 52 winners of the 2nd prize, P13,250; while there were 1,886 winners for the 3rd prize, worth P290.• Mabalacat City observes ‘Fire Prevention Month’ By Charlene A. Cayabyab MABALACAT CITY The city government has set several activities to instil awareness on fire safety to the public this March. Chief Inspector Rodel Manuel, city fire marshal, said the activities are in line with this year’s Fire Prevention Month which carries theme, “Kaligtasan sa Sunog: Alamin, Gawin at Isabuhay Natin.” For this month’s celebration, the city held a motorcade from Xevera to Dau joined by barangay officials, fire brigade of TIPCO, Dee Hwa Liong, Mabalacat Water District, KABALIKAT and other organizations. According to SFO3 Dante Bagac LGU, PSA hold mass wedding BAGAC, Bataan – “Kung ang ating Pangulo ay magbibigay ng amnesty at ipapawalang bisa ang lahat ng kasal, pakakasalan ninyo pa rin ba ang inyong kabiyak?” Mayor Rommel V. De Rosario challenged the 29 couples who participated in the Mass Wedding Activity organized by the Municipal Civil Registry Office of Bagac in coordination with the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) – Bataan, held at the Municipal Hall recently. The celebration was con- ducted in observance of the 2015 Civil Registration Month which is an annual celebration observed by the Philippine Statistics Authority and Local Civil Registry Offices since 1991 by virtue of Proclamation 682 by President Corazon C. Aquino. Earlier that day, there was a province-wide free issuance of local copy of birth certificates. Mylin B. Ricardo, Municipal Civil Registrar, emphasized that a civil wedding ceremony is not just a one day activity but the office’s year round commitment to convince couples to make their relationship legitimate. Most of the couples are already living together and have children. Ricardo insists the implications of marriage to the legitimacy of the children, every time they encounter parents who register their child’s birth certificates. Richard T. Guevara, Statistical Coordination Officer I of PSA Bataan, delivered an inspirational message to couMASS WEDDING... Page 6 LIVELIHOOD AID. Photo shows a happy farmer from Bataan who has benefited from the Department of Agriculture’s ‘Tulong sa Magsasaka’ program. --1BATAAN PHOTO MARCH 09, 2015 • Headline Gitnang Luzon OWWA-3 releases livelihood aid to OFWs By Marna Dagumboy -del Rosario CITY OF SAN FERNANDO - The Overseas Workers’ Welfare Administration Regional Welfare Office (OWWA-3) simultaneously released starter kits to 58 “Balik Pinas, Balik Hanapbuhay” qualified OFW beneficiaries from Bataan, Bulacan, Tarlac, Nueva Ecija and Zambales recently. These overseas Filipino workers from Central Luzon were either displaced from their jobs due to political conflicts in host countries, victims of illegal recruitment and/or human trafficking, medically repatriated or repatriated due to distressful situations. They have all decided to return to the Philippines and be reintegrated. Under the “Balik Pinas, Balik Hanapbuhay” program, qualified OFWs are provided with a package of P10,000 worth of livelihood assistance including starter kits for self-employment as well as business counseling and technical and marketing assistance. The program aims to enable the displaced OFWs to plan, set-up, start and operate a livelihood undertaking. Since the start of the year, a total of 196 displaced and qualified OFWs from Central Luzon have benefitted under the Program.• BUSINESS 3 DA chief orders ban on California fowl products QUEZON CITY - Department of Agriculture (DA) Secretary Proceso Alcala has ordered the temporary ban on the importation of domesticated and wild birds and their products including poultry meat, day-old chicks, eggs and semen from California, USA. DA in a statement said, Alcala set the temporary ban to protect the health of the local livestock population and food safety in the country from the Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI). The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) of the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) reported to the Office of International des Epizooties (OIE) that there has been an outbreak of HPAI virus in Stanislaus County in California. The USDA-APHIS National Veterinary Services Laboratories has confirmed increased mortality affecting a commercial turkey farm in said county. Under this order, the Secretary specified emergency measures such as the immediate suspension of the processing, evaluation of application and issuance of Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) Import Clearance to import the aforementioned commodities from said location; and stoppage and confiscation of all shipments of aforementioned commodities from said locations, except heat-treated products. The Secretary also stressed that the importation of poultry and meat products is subject to the conditions provided in the applicable articles of the OIE’s 2014 Terrestrial Animal Health Code. “We have been closely monitoring advisories from the OIE since we want to proactively protect the integrity of our poultry products as avian flufree,” Alcala said. The OIE is an inter-governmental organization that, among others, has functions of informing governments of the occurrence of animal diseases and of ways to control these diseases, of coordinating studies devoted to the surveillance and control of animal diseases and of harmonizing regulations to facilitate trade in animals and animal products. (DA-AFID)• CEB launches GetGo lifestyle rewards program HATAW WITH BINAY. Vice President Jejomar Binay (left) has a taste of Balangueno ‘addiction’ to a healthy lifestyle during the regular “hataw” dance exercise at Plaza Mayor de Balanga over the weekend. With city officials, headed by Mayor Joet Garcia (right), department heads and the usual “hataw” enthusiasts, Binay experienced firsthand the activity made popular by the city government to help its employees and residents in keeping them physically fit. --MHIKE R. CIGARAL E R R ATA Republic of the Philippines Republic of the Philippines In the Notice of Publication of AILYN CABAGUE SUMUCOL published in the February 13 and 20, 2015 issues of Headline Gitnang Luzon, the entry of the place of birth should have been SAN MATEO, RIZAL. Office of the Municipal Registrar Office of the Municipal Registrar NOTICE OF PUBLICATION NOTICE OF PUBLICATION In compliance with Section 7 of R.A. No. 10172, a notice is hereby served to the public that JEREMY C. ELIAS has filed with this office a petition for correction of clerical error / typographical error particularly in his Gender from “FEMALE” to “MALE” in the certificated of live birth of JEREMY C. ELIAS born on FEBRUARY 22, 1990 at San Monica Sta. Rita, Pampanga and whose parents are GIL NICDAO ELIAS and JULIETA BUCUD CASTRO. In compliance with Section 5 of R.A. No. 9048, a notice is hereby served to the public that EVELYN P. GANGCUANGCO has filed with this office a petition for Change of First Name from “GENN FRANZ MILLAN” to “GENN” in the certificated of live birth of GENN FRANZ MILLAN DE LEON GANGCUANGCO born on October 05, 1961 with registry number 528 and whose parents are FRANCISCO CUENCO GANGCUANGCO and MILAGROS CANLAS DE LEON. Any person adversely affected by said petition may file his/her written opposition with this office not later than March 24, 2015. Any person adversely affected by said petition may file his/her written opposition with this office not later than March 24, 2015. Province of Pampanga Municipality of Sta. Rita (Sgd) ROSARIO G. SUNGA Municipal Civil Registrar HEADLINE Gitnang Luzon: March 09 & 16, 2015 Province of Pampanga Municipality of Sta. Rita In the Notice of Publication of CORAZON GORRI published in the February 26, 2015 issue of Headline Gitnang Luzon, the surname should have read GORRE and not GORRI as earlier published. HGL: March 09, 2015 (Sgd) ROSARIO G. SUNGA Municipal Civil Registrar HEADLINE Gitnang Luzon: March 09 & 16, 2015 Want to broaden your business horizon? LET US HELP YOU! CITY OF SAN FERNANDO - The Philippines’ leading carrier, Cebu Pacific Air rolls out its rewards program for frequent fliers, as part of the airline’s 19th anniversary on March 8, 2015. Members of GetGo, CEB’s newest lifestyle rewards program, can earn GetGo points when flying with Cebu Pacific. Their GetGo points can earn them free flights. Those who signed up for CEB Club, CEB’s previous membership program, are automatically GetGo members. “In 19 years, we have been fortunate enough to develop a solid base of frequent fliers, with 1.4 million CEB Club members and 630 corporate accounts. We will be able to serve them with GetGo. Now, our frequent fliers can get rewarded with more benefits and free flights,” said CEB President and CEO Lance Gokongwei. Nik Laming, general manager for GetGo, said, “GetGo encourages members to Get Points and Go Places. We will be introducing more partners in the coming months, so there will be more opportunities to earn points, and fly with Cebu Pacific for free.” Laming heads the GetGo Division, a dedicated team for GetGo members. He has had 15 years of experience on CRM and loyalty programs, and was previously responsible for the SCAN THIS QR CODE TO VISIT US! CALL US : (045)435-0781 EMAIL US : [email protected] VISIT US : 2nd Floor , U2 Bldg., MacArthur Hiway, Dolores, City of San Fernando (P) GETGO.. Page 6 4 OPINION Headline Gitnang Luzon • MARCH 09, 2015 EDITORIAL Hot, hot, hot JUST the other day, we saw a grassfire along the Jose Abad Santos Avenue in the City of San Fernando. The smoke was rather thick that some people taught it was a house going up in flames. Upon closer inspection, however, we saw it was a bushfire, and it was spreading quite fast. The month of March is almost halfway, so that sight was quite normal during this time of year. After all, this is the Fire Prevention Month. Because of the oppressive heat during March, it has become the most fire-prone month – and this explains the declaration behind the Fire Prevention Month. In fact, a fire had already claimed the life of a baby in Guagua town last month, and displaced a number of families. Good thing Vice Gov. Dennis Pineda and his wife, Sta. Rita Mayor Yolly Pineda, took time out of during Valentine’s Day to distribute relief packs to the affected families. We hope fervently that people would be more careful inside their homes, and make sure never to neglect the most common causes of fire, which include an unattended burning candle, or short electrical circuit. Indeed, temperatures have risen, and everyone is feeling the heat. A few weeks from now, school will be out… and we all know what this means – vacation trips for families to the beaches or resorts in different areas all over the country. Now, before going on this much-awaited trip, make sure that your homes are safe from destructive fires. It would make no sense to have so much fun during your vacation when you won’t have a home to go home to. HEADLINE Gitnang Luzon is a Daily Regional Newspaper General Manager: MARLO a. franco Editor: RIA DE FIESTA Layout Artist/Photographer: JP Manalang Reporters: CHARLENE CAYABYAB Marna dagumboy - Del rosario Administrative Staff: sherylin l. rivera Marketing Head: ELAINE MAPILES Account Executive: caren m. garcia monica bianca cabiling Publisher: I.N.I. Newspaper Email: [email protected] Website: www.headlinegl.com DISCLAIMER: Views expressed by columnists are their own and do not necessarily reflect the editorial position of HEADLINE Gitnang Luzon or its internet website: www.headlinegl. com. The publisher does not knowingly publish false information and may not be held liable for the views of its columnists exercising their right to free expression. All rights reserved. Subject to the conditions provided for by law, no article or photograph published by HEADLINE GITNANG LUZON may be reprinted or reproduced, in whole or in part, without its prior consent. Office Address: 2nd Floor, U2 Building, MacArthur Highway, Dolores, City of San Fernando, Pampanga, 2000 Tel. Nos. (045) 455.0781 Keeping graduation rites simple E VERY year, the Department of Education (DepEd) calls on school officials to keep graduation ceremonies simple but meaningful. We hear or read this reminder usually at this time of the year when graduation days are near. Education Secretary Armin Luistro reminds teachers, principals and others in the academic sector to keep simple as possible all graduation rites, minus the excessive spending and pompous activities. Along with it is his reminder for school Alvin H. Arceo officials to refrain from extravagant attires of the graduates and expensive venues where the ceremonies would be held. The graduation ceremonies for public elementary and high schools in the country are scheduled on March 26 or 27 as set by the DepEd. This means that a few days from now, we would see graduating students march to the stage to get their diplomas and their awards if any, as a formal occasion that symbolizes the end of a level of their schooling. This year’s graduation theme: “Saktong Buhay: Sa De-kalidad na Edukasyon Pinanday” is focused on the promotion of civil rights, fostering a sense of community and personal responsibility. For the “saktong buhay”, it means a life that is not excessive or lacking of anything. I overheard a group of mothers a couple of days ago talking about expenses they have to shell out for the graduation ceremonies of their children. One woman aired her woes on the amount the school is asking her child to pay. She said the amount is too onerous for their family to produce. As of this writing opportunity for school officials to let politicians see their schools and what they need such as facilities or buildings that local officials might provide as projects. It’s a good opportunity for schools too to have anything that might be provided by politicians that will redound to the benefit of schoolchildren. ••• A few years ago, the DepEd has called on school officials to re- “Education Secretary Armin Luistro reminds teachers, principals and others in the academic sector to keep simple as possible all graduation rites, minus the excessive spending and pompous activities.” Another woman however, agrees to giving more focus on the importance of the occasion and its being a once-in-a- lifetime occasion for her child. She would rather borrow money from other people as long as her daughter would be on the stage, she rationalized. ••• In relation to graduation days, there are some school officials who prefer politicians as their guest speakers during graduation ceremonies. While we may see nothing wrong with it, often the supposed solemnity of the commencement exercises is replaced with politics. On the other hand, it’s a good frain too from getting politicians as graduation guests or speakers. This was aimed at avoiding politics in schools and to maintain the solemnity of the graduation rites. With the call of the education department, some heeded while some did not. Some politicians meanwhile are fond of attending such occasions as they see an opportunity to gain more popularity in preparation for the next elections. LET US HELP YOU! Want to broaden your business horizon? CALL US: (045)455-0781 • EMAIL US: [email protected] VISIT US: 2nd Floor ,U2 Bldg., MacArthur Hiway, Dolores, City of San Fernando (P) ••• This writer welcomes other views, comments, and reactions. You may send your message at 0919-510-7665.• MARCH 09, 2015 • Headline Gitnang Luzon OPINION 5 Dreams never grow old A NDREW Matthews wrote ciency and reason, we must uncouin one of his bestsellers: ple it from the changes in our own “Dreams are the seed- bodies. We must avoid the tendency to think that the world is going to the lings of reality.” But how could that be true if the dogs simply because we ourselves case is usually, if not always, like are going to the grave. The world this: We all clamour and experience may indeed be in a sad state of detechange and the vast majority of us, most specifically my fellow youth (oh yes, I am still a youth, so do not force the issue), do not want to be part of the change that we desire to happen, thus we end up rioration, but we can’t judge disliking if not totalthat unless we look upon it ly hating the change Towards in a manner that is divorced that happens around from our personal adversius…hating every- the Light ties. thing except our- ABEL SOTO Let us do that, then. selves (or even ourselves)! And that just spells the predicament of the youth ••• called by a writer, THE WHATEVSo now, how is the world changER GENERATION. Whatever! ing? Life is a progression of change. As we all know, changes are of And whatever we may achieve in life, many sorts. Rulers and wars come whatever our accomplishments and and go. There are droughts and successes, all are overtaken by this floods, earthquakes, and storms. inescapable flow, this inexorable ebb Great books are written. New art that is change. forms develop. Fashions vary and evolve. Even our language changes and evolves (even if some of these ••• Sophie Tucker, “the last of the evolutions are to the detriment of red-hot mamas,” is famous for hav- history). Now the question is this: Where ing said “I’ve tried poor and I’ve tried rich; and rich is better.” I would are YOU, the youth of this present add to that, “I’ve tried young and I’ve generation, in all of these changtried “old” (in spirit); and young is es? Where are YOU in the greater better.” Now combine the two and scheme of things? Are YOU part of the question is: Is old and rich better the change that we ALL desire? Or are YOU mere spectators of this drathan young and poor? I once heard my uncle telling matic saga of change? You should know the answer to his son, “I am now old and reasonably rich; I was once young and very these questions better than any other poor. Will I abandon my prosperity knows it, for you are YOUNGer than to be young even if poor again? Of they are and really ought to have your own answers that should be in course!” Now, wouldn’t you? harmony to the call and demands of the changing times. As the Tagalog ••• Change is oftentimes an odd slogan goes, “IBA’T IBAT TINIG SA thing. Change, like adulthood, may IISANG PINTIG NG MAKABULUmean the coming of full vigour and HAN AT MAPAGPALAYANG PAGdevelopment or growth, but it also BABAGO!” This should be your batmeans accepting and working on the tle cry in this era of change! You are only young once. Minconfusions of responsibility for one’s san lang kayo maging mga self and for others. The human evolution and anat- kabataan. Will you waste this omy have always been my perfect most important stage in your lives metaphor for social change and and let it all go to the trash bin of histransformation… for dreams and tory? Hindi man lang ba kayo changes. If we are to face change in mangangarap at magiging society with any semblance of effi- bahagi ng pagbabago para sa katuparan ng mga pangarap na ito ng isang mundo na patuloy pa rin nating lahat ninanais na baguhin? And speaking of dreams and dreaming, let me share with you this quote from a book entitled, “The “Life is a progression of change. And whatever we may achieve in life, whatever our accomplishments and successes, all are overtaken by this inescapable flow, this inexorable ebb that is change.” Man on the Train, Waking Life”: “I haven’t seen too many around lately. Things have been tough lately for dreamers. They say dreaming is dead, no one does it anymore. It’s not dead; it’s just that it’s been forgotten, removed from our language. Nobody teaches it so nobody knows it exists. The dreamer is banished to obscurity. Well, I’m trying to change all that, and I hope you are, too by dreaming every day… dreaming with our hands and dreaming with our minds. Our planet is facing the greatest problems it has ever faced, ever. So whatever you do, don’t be bored; this is absolutely the most exciting time we could have possibly hoped to be alive. And things are just starting…” ••• Pabustan yung pupusan que iti nang canacung articulu quing metung a poemang sinulat cu maiguit nang pabanua ing milabas: Masaquit ing maninap uling tutu la ping maliap nia maralas lang misisicap at e ta la lubus araracap. Ring paninap, ing babie ra tula sanang alang capara nung ding maninap miguising la atuparan la ring paninap da. Dapot mas daca’la ring paninap a manatiling undap-undap at ala lang apapalto mayap qng bie da ring magdulap. towards the light... Page 7 E jeans and plunging spaghetti tops while getting booze in your favorite pub- chances are you’d keep on attracting happy go lucky guysthe kind who dreads about responsibilities and wouldn’t give up his night life. He drinks, he smokes and if he hasn’t been laid for the longest time, he’d be looking for someone to bang tonight... and there are showing off Pen Talks you your skin, flaunting Aubrey F. Sembrano your drunk smile but still ready to mingle. are busy searching for What was on your mind? Were your keys inside your bag. Anything can happen but searching literally you expecting a decent man to take for Mr right, say in a bar, is a dif- you away from that loud dance floor and save you like Mr Grey saving ferent story. If you keep wearing those panty PEN TALKS... Page 7 an are destined to meet in the most unexpected places. It could be while you’re impatiently waiting for your turn to be served in the grocery or while you “Behave the way you ought to be. Your behavior will attract the kind of men you want. If you want to be in a serious relationship you gotta make sure you’re not acting like a complete whore while waiting.” by ALBERTO PINEDA SALAS, JR. T HERE has been both a public outcry that both student and faculty discipline have broken down in public secondary schools in the country. The teachers’ have far reaching, or even lifelong, influence on their learners. The power of influence can either be positive or negative. Learners are more prone to learn from the teachers’ out of class interactions since as many studies would reveal, teachers are supposed to be the learners’ mirror and model…a paradigm. According to educational psychologists, discipline plays a key role in the process of education and that to have an orderly and ideal learning situation, discipline is necessary for both teachers and students. Teaching as a profession in the Philippines was attributed to formal education introduced by missionaries in the 18th century that overran the traditional informal precolonial education that was conducted in most society’s homesteads, which acted as classrooms. Thus, there was no code of conduct as we know it today, but instead good morals were socially imparted. However, such an informal education was undermined by the formal education. Formal education transformed the teaching service into a real profession. That meant for one to qualify as a teacher, he had to go for training in teachers’ colleges after 1870’s and since then, it remained a profession with even a code of conduct. It should however be noted that like it was during the colonial days, the missionary period had no written code of conduct for teachers. That was due to the fact that the administrators of the time gave morals and religion the first priorities, unlike today where some are too reluctant. In other words, pre-colonial and colonial education lacked a well written code of ethics for teachers. It was assumed that a good teacher conducts himself or herself in the best way either according to Christian or Islamic principles. On the other hand however, with the attainment of independence in Philippines there arose a need for the code of ethics for the teachers. Indeed one of the serious educational problems encountered during the post independent period was how to control the professional standards of FACULTY BEHAVIOR... Page 7 Improving Student Learning RING PANINAP Ladies, here’s how to find Mr. Nice Guy VER wonder where all these a**holes in your love life come from and why you keep on encountering them? Let me tell you the truth, but i warn you, you would be very much disappointed . You may not be aware but these bastards are often your type of guy. The reason why you keep on bumping with the wrong guy is that first, you keep on attracting the same kind of men every time you go out.. How you dress and the places you visit often plays a vital role too, in your soul searching. OK, so don’t get me wrong here, there are times that man and wom- Faculty behaviour vis-à-vis student discipline by Enrico C. Villangca C AN educators push students towards proficiency without changes in the teaching process? For many, the answer is in the negative. There have been changes made over the years. Why stop now? We need to have a meaningful, sustained change if we are to improve student learning and performance. According to Dr. Linda S. Adamson, Ed. D., Assistant Professor and Program Coordinator of the Johns Hopkins University School of Education, “teachers need to try out a new approach in ways that give them a chance to analyze results before integrating it into their standard repertoire.” Adamson further said that teachers are “hungry” for what would work better, but are at a crossroads as to how they can be confident that they can put something better in place and see results. “A way of carrying out action research that has a likelihood of producing useful insights and benefits to students’ learning could be of great value,” according to Adamson. Action research, which is one of the ways to develop our students, has no one definition. Its basics, however, are that it is a “systematic and intentional inquiry carried out by teachers” (Cochran-Smith & Lytle, 1999, p. 3) as a means to build teachers’ reflective capabilities (Noffke & Zeichner, 1987; Zeichner & Klehr, 1999) in ways that can help improve some specific aspect of educational practice in their own school settings (CaroBruce, 2000; Sagor, 2005). Action research has a few phases/components in common: “diagnosing, action planning, taking action, evaluating, and specifying learning” (see Susman, 1983, cited in O’Brien, 1998). The question is, what is the target level when it comes to quality? Does quality action research predict create more positive results for learners? Adamson has created an action research model which shows a cycle: 1. context, needs assessment, and alignment with school goals; 2. collection and analysis of baseline data; 3. IMPROVING STUDENT... Page 7 6 Headline Gitnang Luzon • MARCH 09, 2015 PcsO LOTTO RESULTS Lotto Game Superlotto 6/49 6Digit Swertres Lotto 11AM Swertres Lotto 4PM Swertres Lotto 9PM EZ2 Lotto 9PM Lotto 6/42 EZ2 Lotto 11AM EZ2 Lotto 4PM Combinations Draw Date JackpotWinners 24-46-47-02-31-01 3/5/2015 24,528,352.00 0 3-5-8-9-5-1 3/5/2015 1,745,850.740 6-0-1 3/5/2015 4,500.00 241 5-0-0 3/5/2015 4,500.00 1120 1-1-0 3/5/2015 4,500.00 1357 10-16 3/5/2015 4,000.00 618 12-21-16-10-15-26 3/5/2015 13,528,000.00 1 07-22 3/5/2015 4,000.00 227 05-15 3/5/2015 4,000.00 286 PHL calls on APEC members to strengthen trade linkages TAGAYTAY CITY, Cavite - A Philippine finance official has urged member economies of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) to intensify efforts to boost trade and investment amid the uneven pace of growth across and within economies, as they seek to maintain a high growth trajectory. During the APEC Finance and Central Bank Deputies’ Meeting held here on Thursday, National Treasurer Roberto Tan said the Asia-Pacific region is seen to be an engine of growth with the recovery of the global economy. Citing the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Tan said the growth of the Asia-Pacific region is expected to accelerate to 4.3 percent in 2015 from 3.9 percent last year. “The conditions are supportive for the region to maintain its growth path. Economic activity remains dynamic buoyed by robust consumer demand, particularly among emerging markets. Exports have been rising, as some economies move up the value chain,” he said. Tan said some challenges, however, remain for the region, foremost of which is the uneven growth across and within economies. “This growth divergence among econo- mies necessitates greater linkages in trade and investments, such that the growth momentum may carry over throughout the region,” he noted. As the Philippines hosts the APEC Finance Ministers’ Process (FMP) this year, Tan said the country has crafted the Cebu Action Plan (CAP), which takes into account the progress that the APEC has achieved throughout the years. He said that with the CAP being a key agenda in the APEC FMP starting this year, the 21 Pacific Rim countries could forge an APEC community that has harmonized policies, rules and practices. These enable and facilitate free trade and flow of cross-border investments; access to financial services by low-income households, micro, small and medium enterprises and the unbanked; and good governance that results in sustainable and inclusive economic growth, he added. “We highly encourage you to work with us on our CAP initiatives so that we could bring about their intended benefits,” Tan said. Aimed at building inclusive economies, the CAP will be launched during the APEC Finance Ministers’ Meeting to be held on September 10 to 11 in Mactan, Cebu. (PNA)• MASS WEDDING... from Page 2 ples. He refuted that it’s not his authority to give advice to the couples but posted the responsibility in line with the goals of the Asia Pacific CRVS Decade, 2015-2024 to achieve universal registration of all key life events; provide all people with legal proof of identity; and use these registration records to produce and openly share accurate, complete and timely vital statistics. Particularly, he asked them to make sure the correct entries in the marriage certifi- cate, to legitimize their children who were born before the marriage and register other vital events timely and correctly. The activity was also the birthday treat of the town mayor to his constituents, wherein he provided reception, gave freebies and stood as principal sponsor to all of them. During the wedding ceremony, he shared personal experiences as pointers to a lasting relationship. “Pinakamasarap sa buhay ng tao ay umibig, na kung may chance ay gusto pa sana nating ulitin. Pero dahil sa kasal, hindi na dapat gawin,” sums up his point. PSA, formerly known as the National Statistics Office (NSO) carries out, enforces and administers Commonwealth Act 3753 in the delivery of civil registration services as directed by Republic Act 10625, while the local registrar shall keep and preserve in the office civil registry documents which include marriages as mandated by CA 3753.• GETGO... from Page 3 services of Aimia, a loyalty management company, in Asia. For more information on memberships and partners, visit www.getgo.com.ph/, or call +632 71-GETGO (43846). The latest updates are also on GetGoPH’s official pages on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.• natural gas... from Page 8 more rigorous and expensive than coal-fired power plants, thus, the need for government support. The bill entitled “Downstream Natural Gas Industry Development Act” aims to promote the use of natural gas and ensure safety, quality, reliability, and security of transmission, distribution, and supply of natural gas. The bill also targets equity participation in gas transmission and distribution utilities by the private sector. Moreover, Osmeña said AS OF march 05, 2015 there is now more interest of going into natural gas projects in the country. Among these recent developments in the natural gas industry cited by Osmeña are the 414-megawatt San Gabriel plant of First Gen Corp. and the 650-MW Pagbilao plant of Australia-based Energy World Corp. Aside from natural gas power plants, the lawmaker also seeks re-establishment of “city gas” developments. “We’re hopeful to develop our own city gas which will be able to supply households with LNG [liquefied natural gas]. We used to have one. I remember before I was born, there was Manila gas but it was phased out,” he said. “But I hope we will be able to redevelop city gas form of industry.” “We’re looking at growing natural gas industry and we hope that more will come in. We’re also hopeful that you remain with us as we struggle our regulatory and legislative struggles,” said Osmeña. (PNA)• HOROSCOPE AQUARIUS (JAN. 20 - FEB. 18) Stay clear of financial propositions that involve risk-taking. It is also not a good time for combining business with pleasure. However, this workday is full of cheery, lighthearted people and you probably wish it was this way more often. Everything seems to bring out your best qualities today. You may find that your sales technique or job responsibilities move along in an easier fashion and with successful results. You are the driving force that comes up with new solutions. Your psychic abilities are more prominent and you enjoy the interaction with others. Learning what makes people think the way they do is interesting but you should be careful about expressing too many opinions. Close personal ties are important and enjoyable this evening. ARIES (MAR. 21-APR. 19) Your focus this morning may be on celebrating some special occasion in the workplace. You put in the hours and enjoy the company but this afternoon you may go in a different direction. You may have said yes recently to a volunteer organization and they are going to take you at your word–they need your help. Perhaps you will be helping in some youth violence prevention or intervention program. Beginning a pilot project provides such services as anger management and conflict resolution training, job training, employment, counseling, educational assistance, victim awareness training, peer mentoring and substance abuse and health services referrals. If you are not planning the organization, you will be there to help. You are a positive influence to others. CANCER (JUN 22- JUL 22) Your emotions are accented today. Emotions are great to warn us when trouble is near or to enjoy the finer things in life. Remember to set aside emotions when solving problems today and you will achieve most positive results. Good communication is sure to reign, no matter where you are today. Plans take you where you want to go . . . Travel could be available soon. There are opportunities today to meet people that could help you, your profession or your family. An insight about your support system, your mother or other females may be important just now. Some sort of genealogy study brings to you an interest in family background. You could discover a student, neighbor or a young person that opens up to you this evening. CAPRICORN (DEC. 22 - JAN 19) Your attitude is positive and you look for ways to improve the world. Mental stimulation from others is the key for you right now. A group meeting this morning has you comparing the views of others and making suggestions of your own. You may gain attention for finding solutions to technical problems today. You have a tendency to enjoy working in group activities. You may display an urge to be recognized by co-workers, but this could cause jealousy. This afternoon you may desire to seek out a new friend or do something with a neighbor or relative you have not seen in a long time. It is a good time to go out and witness the splendor of nature. This could involve an interest in some social activities and pursuits like religion and volunteer work. GEMINI (MAY 21-JUN 21) Your great sense of fairness makes you a good judge or lawyer. You may be able to bring a group together with words or ideas that transport others. Refinement and relationships are usually the keys to emotional satisfaction for you. Your base of security, which is your home and loved ones, is the place you want to be this evening. Visiting with friends that come by your place or playing a competitive game in your yard is fun this afternoon. Companionship with close family and friends is important and you will want to take every opportunity to keep this network of loved ones close to you. This is a successful and fully packed day. Consider a walk with your family or loved one after dinner and retire early tonight. LEO (JUL 23 - AUG. 23) You are your usual expressive and sociable self today. There are things you have always wanted to try but never had the time–you are creative and curious. You make time for one personal project today. Originality and invention are your tickets to grabbing the brass ring . . . So to speak. The exchange of ideas becomes a focal point of your day. This could include a conference or a trip to a new computer store during the noon break. Learning, knowing a little about a lot of things, staying in touch and on top of the latest developments are what satisfies your need for mental stimulation. Neighbors and brothers or sisters may join in some fun celebrations tonight. Young people bring laughter to the table. LIBRA (SEP. 23 - OCT. 23) Your mind is in a receptive mode and ready for whatever projects are set before you today. In order to avoid any misunderstandings from a sensitive higher-ranking person today, remove your own emotions–come from the truth. Office politics may become disastrous conversations, so stay away from it when at all possible. This time is a high achievement cycle. It is easy for you to get along; you are surrounded with people that want to achieve what you have achieved. Keep moving forward to new goals. Social activity with co-workers, friends or family is enjoyable this afternoon. You may have insights into the inner workings of a loved one today. You help bridge a communication gap. This evening you search for different ways to relax. PISCES (FEB. 19 - MAR. 20) New ideas and an independent or pioneering mental orientation are the modes of expression today. Teaching, learning, communicating and social contacts have a way of outlining new directions in your life; there is much activity and involvement with these kinds of issues. Challenging authority and striving for success are on your agenda. Losing sight of the practical can make you very artistic–but might not be so good for the bankbook. There is a need for caution on the material and financial level. This evening is a good time to show your affection to loved ones. Movies, poetry, books and all forms of escape could prove quite enjoyable this evening, particularly with a special loved one! You are surrounded by loving people tonight. SAGITTARIUS (NOV. 22 - DEC. 21) There is an instinctive push to be in control. This inner push could lead to a greater interest in investing, management, teaching, etc. Others value you for your ability to make smart decisions. You have a natural sense of what the public wants and can express yourself well. Clear decisions affecting others could be made now. Some of your co-workers or customers may find you especially witty from time to time. Your sense of humor helps you make demands on others in an acceptable manner. Others value you for your independence and unique qualities. Romance and such creative pursuits as hobbies are outlets for much of your energy this afternoon. You want to plan out tomorrow’s schedule this evening–careful . . . Family interests may take priority. SCORPIO (OCT. 24- NOV. 21) The atmosphere crackles with your own energy today. Logic is important but could be forgotten if decisions are made too quickly. Balance will return this afternoon. Practicality takes on a special importance as you weed through the chores and demands of the day. You are in a self-reliant mood–determined to move forward and accomplish much. You can focus on your goals and know that you have a good chance of success. Keep alert and do not be afraid to make your views known to bosses and other authority figures. Friends or relatives are happy to drop in and join you for a snack and a fun get-together later today. Charm oozes from every pore and others enjoy being with you. Sharing with others is favorable. TAURUS (APR. 20-MAY 20) Career opportunities call out to you today. Push forward now–go forward and conquer! Your energy is high and you feel vital. You feel in harmony with yourself, the entire world and everybody in it. Others can feel this, so they in turn are drawn to you, making this a successful day for any kind of group endeavor. Best of all, relations with the opposite sex are at a peak. This is a super day for just about anything that comes to your attention. This afternoon you will enjoy the company of a friend. You attach importance to friendships and taking part in group activities with friends. Harmony and beauty are deeply satisfying. Close personal ties to other people are a focal point for your feelings–marriage and other partnerships are key arenas for this. VIRGO (AUG. 23-SEP.22) satisfaction now. Harmony is deeply satisfying–and the lack of it may become emotionally unsettling. You are learning to put the supersensitive you in the past. The trials you have faced in the past have given you the wisdom you need to deal with present and future trials. Being human and understanding the human condition helps you to be an understanding helpmate, co-worker and teacher. You are also learning to look past any emotional maneuvers with compassion–yours or others. Close personal ties to other people are important this day. You always try to be helpful when a friend needs help and today someone needs your help. MARCH 09, 2015 • Headline Gitnang Luzon ESPINA TELLS... from Page 1 Espina motored here over the weekend, his first visit to this regional police camp since he assumed as officer-in-charge of the 150,000-strong police organization. The visit was part of his tour to reach out the men and women in uniform to boost their morale after the Mamapasano incident. During his speech, Espina opted to address the slain SAF personnel as “Gallant 44” and not “Fallen 44”, because it is better to remember them the way they lived and not the way they died. “Simply and truthfully we shall remember them as gallant men,” Espina said. The objective of Espina’s tour is to encourage the men and women of the PNP to move forward with their sworn duties to protect and towards the light... from Page 5 serve the people with honesty and dignity. “From here on, kalimutan na muna natin, let us cherish the memories of the Gallant 44. But cherishing their memories with the end in view of moving forward, moving on, remembering them that we are proud of them,” Espina further said. He also said that the Mamasapano incident was a painful experience. “We have to move on… go on and serve the people. We have to show to our SAF that their sacrifice would not go to naught,” he said, adding that the Gallant 44 died while serving the country honourably, giving justice for all the victims of terrorists with nothing expected in return. “We have to continue with our mandated task by performing two things, napakadali lang ang gawin nyo. Firstly is the conduct of proactive and preventive police operation and secondly - discipline. He said discipline should be addressed as a way of life which every policeman should do, to leave a legacy before retiring. In this way, he said, the sacrifices made by the “Gallant 44” would not go to waste. Espina conceptualized the tour in every regional police office in the country after President Aquino, Interior Secretary Mar Roxas including him held a dialogue with SAF men hours before the turnover ceremony of Chief Supt. Moro Lazo as the new SAF chief on Tuesday.• independent from the PNP,” Espina pointed out. Espina also denied reports that President Benigno Aquino berated members of the SAF or got angry during a recent visit with the troopers. “That’s not true. The conversation was very cordial and brotherly,” he said. Espina revealed there was a clarification on the tactical errors during the implementation of Oplan Exodus. “Sa baba, may mga error na tactical… ay talagang nangyari,” he said. He said the conversation of President Aquino and SAF troops centered on capabilities, training and personnel of the PNP elite force. In his speech, Espina encouraged all police units to always be guided by the PNP mission – operations (proactive and preventive) and discipline in terms of attitude and physical condition. • PROBE OUT TODAY... from Page 1 lice and Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) earlier created an independent factfinding body to conduct an in-depth investigation and determine the real story behind the incident. The investigating panel is being headed by Director Benjamin Magalong of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG). “Even I was not spared. The panel took my statement, which indicates that the probe body is totally AWARENESS CAMPAIGN... from Page 1 healthy environment and the forests, Garcia added. Accordingly, the campaign, which started at Barangay Mabiga in the town of Hermosa, Bataan, was a kick-off to a series of seminars to be held in four barangays outside the perimeter fence of the Freeport. These include the upland communities of Mabiga, Tipo, Bangal, and Pastolan, which serve as buffer areas under the SBMA’s “social fencing” program. Participants in the one-day awareness campaign seminars included members of farmers’ associations in the four upland communities. Garcia explained that the local farmers’ associations serve as a vital component of the SBMA Community-Based Forest Management (SCBFMA) system, which watches over the forests and helps protect them against bush and forest fires, illegal cutting of trees, and illegal hunting of animals and birds near and inside the fenced areas of the Freeport. The SCBFM program also aims to promote the biodiversity of the forests through tree-planting projects and the implementation of livelihood programs that are not dependent on forests such as kaingin, and charcoal-making. Hermosa Mayor Danilo Malana, who joined the launch of the aware- ness campaign, lauded the SBMA and the team from Ecology Center for conducting the awareness campaign, saying it was very timely. “It is very important that we start protecting and preserving our fast diminishing forest areas that give livelihood and food to many of our farmers,” Malana told Headline Gitnang Luzon. The second-termer mayor, who is known as an advocate of environmental protection, added that there is a need to boost the awareness of residents on how badly climate change affects people’s lives and livelihood so that they could start adapting to it to secure their future.• BATAAN FARMERS... from Page 2 heads of cattle and 10 heads of carabao will be arriving on March 16 for dispersal. The first batch of beneficiaries from Liyang, Pilar are livestock farmers who graduated from the Farm- ers Livestock School on Goat Enterprise Management (FLS-GEM) last October 2014, a 6-month long, once a week schooling program that aims to help our livestock farmers become entrepreneurs.• FIRE PREVENTION... from Page 2 on March 12 at Xevera. Last 2014, the local fire bureau reported 36 structural fires including an P800,000-damage at a school at Villa Teodora, Barangay Dau, where several classrooms were razed. March is declared as “Fire Pre- vention Month” by virtue of Presidential Decree No. 115-A signed on November 17, 1976 by then President Ferdinand E. Marcos.• Your behavior will attract the kind of men you want. If you want to be in a serious relationship you gotta make sure you’re not acting like a complete whore while waiting. You gotta remind yourself that you have to save the best of you for that one guy. Cliche huh? Well if you’ve already given out yourself to almost everyone then save that little respect for yourself. You gotta stop flirting with just about everyone. By flirting i meant kissing and making out for nothing. You want someone who would respect you? Then respect yourself first, set it high enough that no one would dare to take advantage of you. Nanghihinayang ka because he’s good looking? Here’s what, he’s gonna dump you once he finds# someone hotter than you anyway . Wait for that someone who would exert effort (not the effort to text you ok? because that’s too convenient for him) Efforts like braving his fears of being embarrassed in front of your friends but would come anyway, efforts to make you smile by little surprises he knows would make you happy. See the efforts ladies, they matter. Don’t find reasons to excuse them just because you think he’s a catch. A man who truly likes you would exert every effort he could to keep you. At least follow the 5 date rule before kissing. Know the signs, a guy who has good intentions would definitely want to kiss you BUT would be very careful and sensitive to ask because he would fear losing you if he acted stupid. On the contrary if he only wants to bang you. he’s gonna convince you in any way to kiss til he gets his way into you. You want to find that decent man? Go back to the basics. I guess the traditional ways of courting still measure up after all.• PEN TALKS... from Page 5 Anastasia Steel? Oh dear! Love isn’t as romantic as how you think it is (Like those koreanovelas you watch every night where that rich guy wearing a tuxedo would pull you out from a stranger who’s trying to harass you and then hit them with his fists.) Love isn’t always like fairy tales. Doing that in public would only signal that you are whoring yourself so don’t be surprised if they don’t give you that commitment you’ve been wanting from the very beginning. Men, once they see you as someone too liberated, they would look at you forever like that. There would be instances though they think you’re not, but then they would always go back to that impression once you do something they don’t like , so you’d live proving you’re not easy as how he thinks. You want to find the right guy? Behave the way you ought to be. 7 Daca’la pin ding manintun caring paninap a e maratun, amaglayag caring alun caring mengalabas a panaun. Nanung silbi da ring paninap nung deni e la mamungang mayap at cabud na la mu misisicap uling tutu tamung dacal pigagap? Ring paninap mayap la mu caring taung e susucu at magnasang pamagbayu at maninap bayung yatu. Dapat ta mu mung maninap banta pata mung macayarap qng Dios a miglalang at mayap a minunang diling meninap! FACULTY BEHAVIOR... from Page 5 teachers. That was due to the fact that in the pre-independence days, nothing binding was put into place to regulate teachers’ conduct. In 1982, the Education Act was passed, which empowered the government to control public and even the private education. That brought to an end the religious ethical framework that had been guiding teachers’ conduct and ethical behaviours. That helped addressed the professional crisis among teachers in the 1990s and 2000s. Teachers’ associations were formed to monitor their conduct but efforts to come up with a code of ethics were futile. The Deontological theory of Kant clearly states that when one fulfils an obligation, he or she has done right. Failure to fulfil an obligation is itself wrong. From the deontological point of view, therefore, when teachers follow their moral or ethical code, they become more professional and this has far reaching influence on their students’ behaviour. For instance, when a teacher treasures and acknowledges the uniqueness and individuality and specific needs of each student and provide guidance, counselling and encouragement to each to realize his full potential, he has done right as a teacher because he has fulfilled one of the duties of a teacher. Educational psychologists hold that discipline plays a big role in teaching and learning process. However, he remarks that school rules are often verbose, enumerating petty wrong doings that will not be tolerated by school authorities and the accompanying sanctions in detail. They are a top down trickle affair, imposed on students without students being given a chance to evaluate them. They stress the negative without attempting to describe the kind of positive behaviour which the school would like to be emulated. Since rules and regulations are externally set, students tend to resist them and at worst to break them. However, discipline should be goal-oriented such that even as a teacher plays the role of external control, he or she should be inculcating the habits for order and selfdiscipline. This creates self-discipline and enhances performance. According to academicians and guidance and counselling experts, students can learn a lot from their teachers. The teachers work under ethical theory which asserts that the rightness or wrongness of an act is dependent upon the nature of the consequences or outcomes of that action. That is to say an act is right because the outcomes are good and teachers ought to work with focus. Is the problem arising from lack of strict rules and regulations, lack of teachers’ counselling and guidance to students’ and harsh punishments or poor managers who are the teachers? There should however be more attempts to assess how teachers’ ethical behaviours influence students’ discipline. This article therefore advocates the constant evaluation of the contribution of influence of teachers’ ethical behaviours on student discipline. Hence, the agency for this article appraising the influence of teachers’ ethical behaviours on student discipline is a work in progress.• improving student... from Page 5 implementation of an intervention or change in practice, based on integrating recommendations drawn from the professional sources; 4. collection and examination of formative data; 5. summative data collection and analysis; 6. interpretation of results. Adamson said there is much more to study in order to help educators make good decisions about how they invest their time in action research. The difference in evidence of impact between elementary and secondary levels, if it holds up with more extensive study, can help explain why it has generally been more problematic to make major improvements in student achievement in secondary settings than in elementary schools, she added in her study. ••• The author is Teacher III at the Carlos F. Gonzales High School, San Rafael, Bulacan.• BUSINESS VOLUME III • NO. 180 • MARCH 09, 2015 • MONDAY A fun stop-over at Sky Ranch Pampanga CITY OF SAN FERNANDO - Special visitors from Cauayan, Isabela made a delightful stop at the newest tourist destination in North Luzon, Sky Ranch Pampanga. Seven children with visual impairment ages 10 to 18 years old experienced a wonderful time at the park before heading to the Marikina Sports Center for the annual Visually Impaired Sports Training and Advocacy (VISTA) last March 6. “VISTA is a Luzon-wide multi-sports competition event that suits to children with visual impairment. It is also a great opportunity to link other parents and their children”, said Belinda Polintan, a mother and member of the Parent Advocates for Visually Impaired Children Inc. (PAVIC).• Senate to revive Natural Gas Bill MANILA -- The Senate of the Philippines will be reviving a bill supporting the development of the country’s natural gas industry, Joint Congressional Power Commission chair Sergio R. Osmeña III said during the Natural Gas Summit 2015 in Makati City Thursday. Osmeña hopes that the 16th Congress will pass the Natural Gas Bill .He vowed that the upper house will have its first hearing by May this year after his request last week to the bill’s author, Senator Francis G. Escudero, to re-file the bill in the Senate. “We do realize [the] importance of having legislation in place,” he said. “We can together give you regulatory regime, the tax incentives, and the legislation and laws so that you will be able to finally move faster and forward on the development of natural gas industry in the Philippines,” he told stakeholders of the energy sector during the Summit. The Philippines needs to develop a natural gas industry to enhance the supply of electricity and to limit carbon dioxide emission in the atmosphere. Natural gas is a cleaner source of power compare to coal. Although coal is the easiest and cheapest source of power, its CO2 emission is high and intensive that contributes to global warming. However, natural gas projects are natural gas bill... pagE 6 FOR SMARTPHONES & TABLETS! DELIGHTFUL STOPOVER. Posing for a photo op are Belinda Polintan, a mother and PAVIC member; SM City Pampanga Asst. Mall Manager Liezl Carino; and participants for the Visually Impaired Sports Training and Advocacy (VISTA) with their parents and guardians at Sky Ranch Pampanga, SM City Pampanga. --CONTRIBUTED PHOTO You can grab our Digital Edition Copy via www.headlinegl.com & click Cover Today SM City Pampanga holds Bridal Expo CITY OF SAN FERNANDO - SM City Pampanga, over the weekend, held a Bridal Expo at The Event Center last March 6 to 8 for a weekend of one-stop shop for soon-to-wed couples and debutantes. The Bridal Expo Filipino 2015 brought together Pampanga’s top organizers and suppliers, who offered on-site discounts. Guests were dazzled with special banquet setups, tablescapes, floral designs and cutlery for event occasions from participating catering services like Choc- oberry, Asuncion de Grande, XOC, King Jacob’s, ISCAHM, and Linelles. Also featured were bridal and debutante’s couture designers gallery highlighting the creations of known Kapampangan designers Mike Sibug, Manelle Chami- an, Jay Magada, Ryan Manansala, Joon Dayrit, Archie Quizon, Rop Syquia, Rex Nicdao, Richie Bondoc, Richie Sabinan, Mich Viray Manalang, Ram Viola, Fernan Fernandez, Brit Tripudio, Budi Mallari, Jojo Macapinlac, Mak Tumang, Glen Canlas and Joebee Henson. Catering services, hotels and venues, photographers, hair and make-up artists, limousines and carriage, special effects, floral designers and cake designers among others, were also featured in the event.•