P 8.00
VOLUME 5
NUMBER 137
THU - SAT
APRIL 12 - 14, 2012
FOR ‘HARASSING, HARMING’ CORRESPONDENT
NUJP decries ‘Gapo top cop
BY DING CERVANTES
A
NGELES CITY – The
National Union of Journalist
of the Philippines (NUJP) in
Olongapo
City
denounced
yesterday Olongapo’s police chief
after he allegedly harassed and
harmed Pilipino Star Ngayon
correspondent Randy Datu.
AGAWAN. Habang naghahanap ng huhulihing isda ang lalaki sa pinatuyuang palaisdaan sa
Hagonoy, Bulacan, abala rin ang mga nagsasalimbayang ibon sa paghahanap ng kanilang pagkain.
KUHA NI BALABO
SJDM’s Muzon most populated village in CL
‰ 2 Cainta villages top 2010 census
BY DINO BALABO
MALOLOS CITY – A village in San Jose Del Monte (SJDM) City, Bulacan is
one of the most populated
barangays outside Metro
Manila.
Based on the 2010
Census of population and
housing conducted by the
National Statistics Office
(NSO), Barangay Muzon
in SJDM City ranks third
behind barangays San
Juan (96,144) and San
Andres Poblacion (93,453)
in Cainta, Rizal.
Barangay Muzon’s
81,947 population far outnumber 87 towns in Central Luzon along with the
City of Palayan, the capital of Nueva Ecija. The re-
gion has a total of 131
towns and cities.
However, NSO records
showed that population of
the said three villages
dropped since the 2007
census.
Records showed that
Barangay Muzon has a
total population of 82,947
in the 2007 census; while
Barangay San Andres Po-
OFW-FARMER TO PINEDA:
‘Create trading
post in Pampanga’
(CONCLUSION)
BY JOEY PAVIA
STA. RITA, Pampanga — Roy Imperial disclosed that Fidel David had been
considered for the full scholarship grant
on modern agricultural farming in Israel.
The consultant-adviser of Pampan-
ga Gov. Lilia Pineda said that David
“would be the best farmer to be sent as
he is passionately involved in organic
farming” largely patronized in the State
of Israel.
David told Imperial, a former Department of Agriculture (DA) official in Luzon, that “I have many things to do here
and other farmers may be more qualiPAGE 8 PLEASE
OFW-turned-farmer Fidel David checks on his “super peanuts” at his farm
in Sta. Rita, Pampanga. He said the variety given to him by the Central
Luzon State University in Nueva Ecija is bigger compared to ordinary
peanuts. PHOTO BY JOEY PAVIA
blacion in Cainta has
100,851. It was the most
populated village outside
Metro Manila in 2007.
The most populated village in the country was
bagged by Barangay 176
in Caloocan City with a
total population of
243,890. It grew from
221,874 based on 2007
census.
For the least populatPAGE 8 PLEASE
A statement signed by
NUJP-Olongapo members
headed by Ansbert Joaquin of Interaksyon.com
said Datu was harassed
by Senior Superintendent
Christopher Tambungan
during a hostage taking
incident in Arthur St. in
Olongapo last week.
The NUJP cited Datu
as saying that during the
coverage, a policeman
PAGE 8 PLEASE
BY MALOU DUNGOG
The crew said they expected thousands of visitors to flock to the book
fair each day until it closed
on April 8 (Easter Sunday).
Until then, the book fair
remains open every day,
from 10:00 a.m. to 9:30
p.m., except last Holy
Thursday and Good Friday
in observance of the Holy
Week.
Tom Dyer, captain of
M/V Logos Hope, said
that it has always been a
pleasure for them to be in
the Philippines.
“I like being in the Philippines. You have a very
PAGE 8 PLEASE
More than 33,000
book lovers visit
M/V Logos Hope
SUBIC BAY FREEPORT –
The crew of M/V Logos
Hope, the world’s largest
book fair, said they are happy that Filipino book lovers
keep on visiting their ship
since its arrival here in
Subic on March 16.
The vessel, which is
currently berthed at the
Alava Pier here, has received more than 33,000
visitors who browsed
through some 5,000 available book titles on board,
and viewed interactive displays like “Life X-perience,”
which is about HIV.
Angeleña is lone Kapampangan bet in Bb. Pilipinas
ANGELES CITY – This city and
the province of Pampanga will
have a lone representative in this
year’s staging of Binibining Pilipinas, the country’s most prestigious beauty pageant.
Gina Joy Gasmen Howell, a
20-year old lass from Barangay
Mining here, is the lone candidate from Kapampangan country to the annual beauty tilt which
winners will be crowned on Sunday night (April 15) in Quezon
City. Howell’s mother - Melinda
Gasmen – was also a former
resident of adjoining Mabalacat
town.
“I am just glad to have come
from a city and a province that
both have produced national
beauty titlists. I hope that people in these places I represent
would be just as proud and I hope
not to disappoint them,” says
Howell.
Pampanga has produced
beauty queens like Melanie
Marquez, Miss International
1979; Maricel Morales, Mutya
Ng Pilipinas 1995 and Semi-Finalist in the Miss Asia Pacific;
Marilen Maristela, winner of
Mutya Ng Pilipinas and Miss
Asia Pacific 1996; and, Juliann
Savard, Miss Teen Philippines
2006, among others.
Howell is a BS Computer
Science graduate last year at
the Angeles University Foundation (AUF) where she was also
a finalist in The Outstanding
Student award. She was also
a varsity volleyball player. She
also had primary and secondary schooling in Las Vegas,
USA.
Standing at 5’9”, Howell is
the third tallest candidate among
the 30 finalists that will vie for
top plums that include Bb. Pilipinas-Universe, Bb. Pilipinas-
Intenational, and, Bb. PilipinasTourism.
Howell was crowned Reyna
Ning Angeles in 2008 and was
3rd runner up in last year’s Mutya
Ning Angeles. She was also 2nd
runner up in the 2007 Miss University at the AUF.
She appeals for support for
text votes as well as “likes” in
Facebook account of Bb. Pilipinas 2012. For text votes, BINIBNI
<space>14 then send to 2331
for Globe, TM and Sun subscribers. SMART and Talk N Text
subscribers can send the same
to 231.
Bataan holds mini-violin concert Bataan fetes renowned
on eve of Araw ng Kagitingan Pinoy fashion designer
BY ERNIE B. ESCONDE
BALANGA CITY – The Bataan Tourism
Council held in the evening of Araw ng
Kagitingan a cultural night at the capitol
ground here featuring Coke Bolipata and
Pundaquit Virtuosi, well-known violin group.
Vicky Garcia, Bataan Tourism Council chair, joined other visitors in a night
full of music to start Bataan Day with
various activities lined-up until April 13.
The violin group performed some pieces by Mozart, Pachelbel and Vivaldi.
The Koro Bangkal Mambikin composed of Aeta children sang Greg San
Pedro’s “Sa Ugoy ng Duyan” and Cayabyab/Archbishop Soc Villegas’
“Bataan, Bayani at Banal” under the accompaniment of Pundaquit Virtuosi.
Coke Bolipata played solo on
Canseco’s “Sana’y Wala ng Wakas”
and Velez’s “Sa kabukiran”.
The Sun shop opens in Jumbo Jenra, CSF
PUNTO! CENTRAL LUZON • APRIL 12 - 14, 2012 • THURSDAY - SATURDAY
IN AN EFFORT to reinforce its expansion efforts, Sun Cellular opens the latest ‘The Sun Shop Express’ at the Jumbo Jenra Mall at Sindalan, San Fernando Pampanga.
The newest Sun Shop Express
branch offers a wide range of postpaid,
prepaid, broadband and international services that customers can choose from,
as well as customer service representatives to assist potential and existing customers alike.
2
“Along with our network-widening
projects, we also prioritize the need to
make our products and services closer
to our customers,” says Faraday Go, Sun
Cellular’s Vice President for Retail Management and Corporate Sales.
The company promises to intensify
not only its already comprehensive network, but its customer service channels
as well.
Sun Cellular is a member of the PLDT
Group.
BALANGA CITY, Bataan
– This province on Tuesday gave recognition to
the outstanding achievement of an internationally-renowned Filipino
fashion designer based
in the United States.
Bataan Tourism
Council chair Vicky Garcia and son Balanga City
Mayor Jose Enrique Garcia III led Bataan officials
in honouring Hollywood
fashion designer Oliver
Tolentino in fitting ceremonies at the provincial
capitol in Balanga City.
Tolentino was guest
of honor at the Bataan
Day celebration in the
opening of the agri-aqua
trade fair where various
products under “Galing
Bataan” are on display
and for sale.
Mayor Garcia described Tolentino as
among the new breed of
heroes after Bataan fell
70 years ago who used
talents not guns anymore in giving honor to
the country.
“Nakakatuwa dahil ang
ultimate dream ko na makabalik sa Bataan ay natupad at sa panahon pa naman ng Bataan Day at
Araw ng Kagitingan ako
nabigyan ng pagkilala,”
Tolentino said.
The fashion designer
was born in Balanga but
grew up in Orani, Bataan.
“Wherever I go, Orani goes
with me. I will always be
the little Bataeno who will
offer my success to the
province,” he said.
Just three years ago,
Tolentino became the first
ever Philippines-based
fashion designer to expand to the U.S. when he
opened a boutique on Melrose Avenue near Beverly
Hills. He has dressed people for the Oscars, Golden Globes, Grammys,
Emmys and American Billboard awards.
He has presented
clothes promoting Philippine fabrics in Los Angeles, New York, San Fran-
cisco, Palm Springs, San
Diego, Hongkong, Switzerland, Bali, the Bahamas and soon in Barbados.
At the Galing Bataan
Trade Fair, Tolentino displayed three gowns worn
by celebrities like Amber
Riley of the TV show
Glee, Shamcey Supsup
and Gwen Ruais.
He was fresh from his
successful San Diego
gala and dressing
Michelle Trachtenberg of
Gossip Girl. He was given standing ovation at
the Lexus Centre where
he presented 65 pieces
of his collections, mostly made of Philippine fabrics.
“Libre ang mangarap
pero kailangang pagtuunan ng pansin ang ginagawa at mag-aral ng
mabuti para makamit ang
mithiin,” said Tolentino
who started his career at
Slim’s Fashion School in
Manila.
–Ernie B. Esconde
Court stops BIR
from imposing fuel
tax at Clark, Subic
BY DING CERVANTES
ANGELES CITY – A regional trial court (RTC)
here has issued a writ of
preliminary injunction,
stopping the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) from
enforcing “directly or indirectly” a regulation that
was purportedly designed
to curb loses worth P40
to P60 billion from smuggling yearly.
RTC judge Philip Iturralde issued the order to
Finance Sec. Cesar
Purisima and Bureau of
Internal Revenue (BIR)
Commissioner
Kim
Henares who were ordered to withdraw the implementation of Revenue
Regulation No.2-2012.
The regulation, already
being enforced by the
BIR, required fuel importers at Clark and Subic to
pay regular taxes, despite
Republic Act 7227 as
amended by Republic Act
9400 exempting them
from such taxes in lieu of
five percent tax on gross
income earned (GIE). The
regulation said, however,
that the importers could
reimburse what they paid
beyond the GIE after
showing proof that the fuel
they sold had been consumed within Clark or
Subic, also as prescribed
by law.
Iturralde noted that the
regulation was intended to
curb fuel smuggling from
Clark and Subic, from
which the government has
reportedly been losing
from P40 billion to P60 billion per year.
But Pampanga 1st
District Rep. Carmelo
Lazatin, who filed the petition against the regula-
tion, noted that the BIR
had “no authority to go
beyond the provisions of
RA 9400 which amended
RA 7227.”
Iturralde noted that
“since there appears to be
patent conflict between
the questioned regulation
and RA 9400, in order to
prevent injury to the registered businesses inside
the Freeport zones, there
is a need to restrain the
BIR from implementing
Revenue Regulation No.
2-2012 until the main
case has been heard.”
The judge warned,
however, that RA 9400 prescribes penalties to investors who are found
smuggling fuel from Clark
or Subic. The penalty includes perpetual barring
from doing business in
any Freeport or economic zone in the country.
Greater China tourists urged to visit top PHL destinations
Offers China, Macau, Hong Kong, Taiwan, select domestic seat sale
PUNTO! CENTRAL LUZON • APRIL 12 - 14, 2012 • THURSDAY - SATURDAY
Cebu Pacific Ad
THE PHILIPPINES’ largest national flag carrier, Cebu
Pacific (PSE:CEB) aims to boost tourism between
Greater China, Taiwan and the Philippines with a seat
sale from April 10 to 12, 2012 or until seats last.
“CEB remains steadfast in its commitment to boost
tourism to the Philippines through our trademark low
fares and seat sales. Tourists from China, Taiwan, Hong
Kong and Macau can take advantage of this seat sale
and discover the Philippines’ best diving, eco-adventure, beach and historical destinations,” said CEB VP
for Marketing and Distribution Candice Iyog.
For travel from June 1 to August 31, 2012, passengers can buy P888 seats from Macau to Clark, and
from Hong Kong to Clark, Cebu or Kalibo (Boracay) or
vice versa. CEB’s newest international route, the Hong
Kong – Kalibo service gives foreign tourists direct access to Kalibo, gateway to the world-renowned Boracay island.
They may also buy P1,088 seats from Guangzhou,
Hong Kong, Macau, Taipei or Xiamen to Manila, as well
as P2,488 seats from Beijing or Shanghai to Manila or
vice versa.
Passengers may connect and book seat sale fares
to select domestic destinations. For travel from June 1
to August 31, 2012, passengers can buy P488 seats
from Manila to Bacolod, Busuanga (Coron), Caticlan
(Boracay), Cebu, Dumaguete, Iloilo, Kalibo, Legazpi,
Naga, Puerto Princesa, Roxas, Tacloban and Tagbilaran (Bohol).
They may also buy P488 seats from Cebu to Caticlan (Boracay), Puerto Princesa or Siargao. P688 seats
are also available from Manila to Butuan, Cagayan de
Oro, Cotabato, Davao, and General Santos.
Meanwhile, those who have travel plans from May 1
to 31, 2012 can buy P288 seats from Cebu to Bacolod,
Butuan, Dipolog, Dumaguete, Iloilo, Kalibo, Ozamiz,
Pagadian or Tacloban; from Cagayan de Oro to Iloilo;
and, from Zamboanga to Davao or Tawi-Tawi.
Iyog added that guests can also book hotel deals
through its partnership with agoda.com, leading Asiabased online hotel reservations company that specializes in the lowest discount hotel prices. Its network
includes more than 160,000 hotels worldwide.
For bookings and inquiries, guests can go
to www.cebupacificair.com, or call the reservation hotlines (02) 7020-888 or (032) 230-8888.
3
Cop, bro-in-law,
survive gun attack
BY ARMAND M. GALANG
CABIAO, Nueva Ecija – A Camp
Crame-detailed policeman and
his brother-in-law survived an
ambushed staged allegedly by
seven heavily armed men in
Barangay Sta. Isabel here on
Sunday.
PO3 Dionisio Labis, a resident of Francisco Homes III San
Jose Del Monte, Bulacan and
detailed at the Philippine National Police Headquarters in Camp
Crame was on board with an Isuzu Crosswind (XRU-318) with a
certain Victor Banzon, 49, when
ambushed by about seven “unidentified persons with long firearms” at around 6:30 p.m., police reported.
A team from the town police
office headed by Insp. Nestor
Vasallo, deputy chief of
police, and the provincial public
safety company (PPSC) recovered at least 10 empty shells
from M-16 Armalite rifle.
Investigation showed the victims were on their way home
from their farm in Purok 3, Barangay Sta. Isabel when the ambushed happened, police said.
Labis told policemen that the
“suspects fired at them with the
use of long FAs and immediately fled toward the direction of
Pampanga.”
Police are conducting follow
up investigation for possible
identification and arrest of the
suspects.
Lalaki huli sa
illegal logging
NI JOHNNY R. REBLANDO
BOTOLAN, Zambales – Arestado ang isang lalaki matapos
itong itawag sa pulisya dahil sa
ginagawa nitong illegal na pagpuputol ng kahoy sa kabundukan ng bayang ito.
Kinilala ng pulisya ang suspek na si Amor Blanco, 19anyos at residente ng Barangay
Cabatuan, Botolan, Zambales.
Ayon sa ulat alas-11:45 ng
gabi, nakatanggap ng impormasyon ang pulisya mula sa
isang residente na may nagbaba umano ng mga nilagaring
kahoy mula sa kabundukan ng
Barangay Itanglew ng nasabing
bayan.
Sa isinagawang follow-up
operation ng pulisya huli ang
suspek habang hila ng isang
kalabaw ang kariton na naglalaman ng may 30 piraso ng nilagaring kahoy.
Sa isinagawang pagsisiyasat ng pulisya walang maipakitang kaukulang dokumento ang
suspek na nag-ootorisa na magputol ng kahoy mula sa tanggapan ng Department of Environment and Natural Resources.
Ang suspek ay dinala sa
himpilan ng pulisya at ipaghaharap ng kasong paglabag sa
Presidential Decree 705 (illegal
logging).
CITY OF SAN FERNANDO –
The city government here is
optimistic of the potential of
the historic San Fernando
Train Station to become a
major tourist attraction.
Mayor Oscar Rodriguez,
together with Mark Lapid, chief
operating officer of the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (Tieza),
formally opened the train station during the celebration of
the 70th anniversary of the
Araw ng Kagitingan on April
9.
According to accounts,
Philippine national hero Dr.
Jose P. Rizal once got off a
train in this station to visit
friends in San Fernando. The
train station also saw the agonizing journey of Filipino and
American soldiers who were
forced by the Japanese to take
part in the Death March.
Lapid, representing Tieza,
and Rodriguez, in behalf of the
city government, entered into
a memorandum of agreement
for the rehabilitation of the old
train terminal located in
Barangay Sto. Niño here.
Under the agreement, Tieza vows to undertake and implement the rehabilitation of
the train station before turning
it over to the city government
for continuous maintenance
and operation.
Before the MOA signing,
Rodriguez led the lighting of
the “Apoy ng Katapangan” at
the Bataan Death March stone
marker as part of the commemoration rites of the heroism and greatness of the Filipino fighthers.
The mayor stressed that every Filipino owes the freedom
they enjoy at present to people who gave their lives to fight
oppressors.
“It is our obligation to inform the public about these
things. We must instill in the
mind of our youth the sacrifice
and self denials of these heroes,” he said.
Heritage and Culture preservation is included in the 8point agenda of the present
administration. This includes
the restoration and preservation of historical sites to perpetuate their important contributions to our glorious past.
Rodriguez said the train
station is one of the many historic sites and structures that
the city intends to preserve.
– Pampu
Agusuhin Resettlement residents displaced during a demolition order, receive relief
goods from Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority and Hanjin Philippines.
235 families in Subic
receive relief goods
BY MALOU DUNGOG
SUBIC BAY FREEPORT —
The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) has spearheaded the distribution of relief
goods to some 235 families
who were recently displaced in
Cawag, Subic when the land
they were occupying was
claimed by a private corporation.
With the SBMA Public Relations Department in the forefront,
the relief operation provided foodstuffs for the former settlers of
Sitio Agusuhin, who have now
temporarily camped out along
the road going to the Hanjin ship-
PUNTO! CENTRAL LUZON • APRIL 12 - 14, 2012 • THURSDAY - SATURDAY
San Fernando train
station eyed as
tourist attraction
4
Public Relations Department head Armie Llamas led SBMA
employees in the SBMA relief operation for some 235
residents of Agusuhin Resettlement area displaced by a
demolition order in Subic, Zambales.
PHOTOS BY MALOU DUNGOG
building facility.
The relief goods given by the
SBMA included rice, sugar, coffee, milk, canned goods, and
instant noodles while Hanjin
provided 35 cartons of Korean
noodles.
Representatives from Hanjin also joined the relief operation and handed out some construction materials to help the
displaced residents in building
their shelter.
Armie Llamas, manager of
the SBMA Public Relations Department, said the SBMA finds
time to help out the dislocated
residents as the said families
used to be residents of Sitio
Agusuhin before they were relocated to give way for the construction of the Hanjin shipyard.
Korean shipbuilder Hanjin is
now the biggest business locator in the Subic Bay Freeport
and the fourth largest shipbuilder in the world. It started full operations here in 2007.
Llamas added that in 2006,
the original Agusuhin settlers
were brought to a 14-hectare lot
in the nearby village of Cawag,
where Hanjin initially spent
P2.7 million for the construction
of a public school, church and
other public facilities for the relocated families.
Two weeks ago, these residents were again displaced
from their homes when Pamana Inc. claimed the land, which
is apparently being eyed to be
developed into a resort.
The residents lamented that
after they have been relocated
to make way for Hanjin, their
supposed relocation site now
turned out to be owned by another entity.
At present, the displaced
families have built makeshift
houses by the roadside at
Barangay Balaybay, a village in
Castillejos, Zambales.
Reports indicated that the
municipal government of Subic
have already identified another
site for the relocation of the 235
displaced families, and that
ground works have already
started in preparation for their
transfer.
Hundreds of kids join Easter
Egg Hunt at SM Pampanga
SM CITY Pampanga rejoices
in celebration of Easter Sunday with Safari animals last
April 8 at the Annex 3. They
push the boat out as they decorated the area with colorful
backdrafts participated mostly
children from different places in
Pampanga.
Some 826 kids registered for
the Easter Egg Hunt and Pocket Activities while 13 participants
came in their most unique costume as they entered the mall
with much excitement to join the
Eggstreme Costume Contest.
Prizes were up for grabs for the
Cutest Bunny, Most Colorful
Bunny and Wackiest Bunny.
The festivity started at 10
a.m. of Easter Sunday. Kids
were given an all-access party
pass inclusive of face painting,
balloon twisting, magic show
and photo booth. Upon registration, loot bags filled with eggs
and goodies and bunny ears
head band were given away.
Face painting, balloon twisting and safari animal mascots are few of the Easter Activities
at SM City Pampanga.
ANGELES CITY – As evidence
to the city’s commitment in providing quality education to deserving students, a government
scholar here recently finished
his degree at Angeles University Foundation as Cum Laude.
Justin Yves Gozun, a 21-year
old Nursing student has been
under the Public Employment
and Services Office (PESO)
scholarship program during the
entire duration of his 4- year-college education.
According to Gozun, he receives scholarship assistance of
P20,000 every semester to supplement the funding for his education.
All he needs to do is to maintain a grade point average of 85
every semester.
“The PESO scholarship was
really a blessing. It has inspired
me to continue striving hard with
my studies. I see to it that I am
studying hard not only to maintain my scholarship but to make
the city government proud. There
are a lot of people who would
want to finish their studies
though they are financially incapable,” Gozun said.
The proud graduate paid due
recognition to his father, Marlo
Gozun who works as a government employee at the city environment and natural resources
office (CENRO).
“I constantly remind my son
to always do well in his academics. As a result, he was able to
not just pay my hard work back
but give pride to us his parents,
extended his gratitude to Mayor
Edgardo Pamintuan for his unending support to the city’s
scholars.
For his part, Pamintuan lauded Gozun for being a “living testimony” to the efforts exerted by
the local government in providing education to the underprivileged students in this city.
“The city values the education of our youth. This is why we
are now in full swing, especially
when we talk about intensifying
our educational assistance programs.” Pamintuan said.
He also expressed his gratitude and appreciation for having
the city produce an exemplar of
academic excellence.
“We truly want to tap and
help all students in the city at-
City scholar graduates with honors
but to those students who really dedicate themselves in the
pursuance of their education,”
Gozun’s father said.
The student achiever also
PUNTO! CENTRAL LUZON • APRIL 12 - 14, 2012 • THURSDAY - SATURDAY
Gozun
tain academic excellence. This
is why it made us more eager
and excited to have the City
College of Angeles (CCA) upand-running as soon as we possibly can,” the mayor said.
“Our very own college will
soon rise to offer market-driven
courses that will produce even
more academic achievers in the
future like Gozun.” Pamintuan
added.
At present, PESO has a total of 123 scholarship grantees
enrolled in different colleges and
universities in this city. It continues to seek and provide assistance to out-of-school-youth
and deserving students who
would like to pursue their education and contribute to the development of society.
5
Editorial
PUNTO! CENTRAL LUZON • APRIL 12 - 14, 2012 • THURSDAY - SATURDAY
Moot, long ago
6
A NON-ISSUE really.
That is the recent decision of the Supreme
Court junking the appeal of former Gov. Eddie
T. Panlilio over the ruling of the Commission
on Elections (Comelec) declaring Lilia G.
Pineda as the duly-elected chief executive of
Pampanga in the May 2007 elections. This,
consequent to the electoral protest the latter
filed against the former.
The suspended priest-turned-governor’s
petition was rendered moot and academic in
the wake of the regular national and local
elections in May 2010 and the proclamation
of winners.
That, the ruling declared, “has left the Court
no alternative except to dismiss the petition
in accord with jurisprudence to the effect that
the expiration of the contested term of office
renders the petition moot and academic.”
Pineda buried Panlilio in an avalanche of
over 400,000 votes in the 2010 gubernatorial
contest.
In the contested 2007 polls, the Comelec
proclaimed Panlilio the winner with 219,706
votes, as against Pineda’s 218,559 votes.
Pineda’s protest resulted to the Comelec’s
Second Division proclaiming her the winner
with 190,729 votes over Panlilio’s 188,718
votes.
Despite the Comelec order for Panlilio to
vacate the Capitol, he continuously performed
the duties of a governor while his petition
remained pending before the Supreme Court,
which lasted until his term ended.
Pineda did not sit even for just a second as
duly-elected governor in the 2007-2010 term.
“It’s simply a moral victory.”
Pineda now calls the decision of the High
Court.
A non-issue, really. The Kapampangans
knowing and keeping in their hearts their true
governor since 2007.
And happily served by her for as long as
they can remember.
LLL Trimedia Coordinators
Publisher
General Manager
Editor
Editorial Consultant
Marketing Manager
Advertising Officer
Layout
Circulation
Atty. Gener C. Endona
Joey R. Aguilar
Caesar “Bong” Lacson
Joanna Niña V. Cordero
Karl Jason S. Manaloto
Dondie B. Ventura
Gilbert Mendoza/Jojo Manalo
EDGAR V. MOVIDO
Founder
Business & Editorial office at Unit B Essel Commercial Center,
McArthur Highway, Telabastagan, City of San Fernando
Tel. No. (45) 636•6327 Cel. No. 0917•481•1416
puntogitnangluzon@yahoo.com or marketing@punto.com.ph
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Punto! Central Luzon is a proud member of
The Philippine Press Institute
Among Ven
acaesar.blogspot.com
Zona Libre
Bong Z. Lacson
FRAIL OF health but soaring in spirit.
That was Among Ven Samson the last time I saw him – at the
recognition rites for the Most Outstanding Kapampangan Awards
capping the Pampanga Day celebrations on December 11 last year.
We embraced each other not so much as fellow MOKA
awardees as still-a-penitent son to an ever-forgiving father.
Yes, Among Ven and just-out-of-the-seminary me had some
issues back when he was my parish priest in Sto. Tomas in the
early ‘70s. So much water has not only gone under the bridge but
even flooded my town since then, and we have reconciled. But
still, some pangs of guilt and remorse are just too deep to finallyb
heal. And I am now in mourning.
Anyways, Among Ven, barely audibly exulted, “ikwa ke mu rin”
holding the MOKA trophy.
You long deserved it, Among. I told him as we posed with his
beloved Atching Claring for photographs.
Among Ven stands out among the MOKA for
culture recipients. No mean feat is his
translation of the Bible in the Kapampangan
language, and as great an opus is the
Kapampangan Dictionary. These, aside from his
translations of novenas and other liturgical rites.
It would have been to the eternal shame of
the Kapampangans had he been bypassed anew
in the last MOKA.
It was Easter Monday when I got the text
message from Ronnie Tiotuico, president of our
Mater Boni Consilii Seminary Alumni Association
that Among Ven had his own Passover – to the
kingdom of the Father.
And soon our website filled up with sharings
of experiences with Among Ven.
From our elder brother Rey Deang, president
of our alumni group in the US and Sta. Ana
townmate of Among Ven:
“He loved the priesthood to the end. He
ceased his ministry because he respected the
priesthood so much, even when he was offered
a post in Iraq as a Catholic Priest, he took it on
but later quit, because of his state of life at that
time. He enjoyed his work there, and the
opportunity to be with Armenian Christians.”
Another US-based elder brother, Verne
Quiazon, summed up our collective feelings for
our mentor thus:
“Fr. Ven was a man of talent, dedication and
integrity. The Church in Pampanga would have
been the poorer but for the voluminous work of
translations that Fr. Ven has done and in the
process he also advanced Kapampangan culture
and literature. A cynic might say that others would
have taken up the work Fr. Ven has done anyway
but it would be difficult to match his scholarship
and dedication.
Fr. Ven’s dedication is deeply rooted in is faith:
he was faithful to his priesthood, to his Church
and his family. He was a priest to the very end
and he will always be Among Ven to me. He
loved the Church dearly and kept on doing her
work even after he has left active ministry. And
his love for his family is a strong testament to
married love in a world where the family is
constantly being barraged and damaged by an
hedonistic and materialistic environment.
Fr. Ven’s integrity is a challenge to the
Church. He could have stayed on an active priest
with a family on the side - a number of priests
actually do. But he chose to do it by the rules dura lex, sed lex. Celibacy is not a divine
imposition, it is not even biblical - most of the
apostles were married and were family men. In
the past, priestly celibacy was a witnessing to a
life totally dedicated to the ministry. Now, that
the family as an institution is under constant
threat and barrage, married priests would be
strong witnesses to the sanctity of married life
and the family.
Apu Ceto is a pastor very much after Christ’s
image and heart. He is not one to condemn
sinners but would break bread with them. It is
so very Apu Ceto to have been the last person
to spend time with Among Ven during his last
minutes of his earthly existence. Even from afar,
I can feel Apu Ceto’s great love for his priests
and he makes no distinction between the good
ones and the bad ones. He loves them all - like
God loves us all.
I pray for both Among Ven and Apu Ceto and
thank God for having blessed my life with these
two saintly persons.
May Among Ven rest in peace.
May Apu Ceto’s tribe increase.
Aye, Verne, we, the sons of our Mother of
Good Counsel, all say “Amen.”
TODAY IN HISTORY
First man in space
ON APRIL 12, 1961, aboard the
spacecraft Vostok 1, Soviet cosmonaut Yuri Alekseyevich
Gagarin becomes the first human being to travel into space.
During the flight, the 27-year-old
test pilot and industrial technician also became the first man
to orbit the planet, a feat accomplished by his space capsule in
89 minutes. Vostok 1 orbited
Earth at a maximum altitude of
187 miles and was guided entirely by an automatic control
system. The only statement attributed to Gagarin during his one
hour and 48 minutes in space
was, "Flight is proceeding normally; I am well."
After his historic feat was
announced, the attractive and
unassuming Gagarin became an
instant worldwide celebrity. He
was awarded the Order of Lenin
and given the title of Hero of the
Soviet Union. Monuments were
raised to him across the Soviet
Union and streets renamed in
his honor.
The triumph of the Soviet
space program in putting the first
man into space was a great blow
to the United States, which had
scheduled its first space flight
for May 1961. Moreover, Gagarin had orbited Earth, a feat that
eluded the U.S. space program
until February 1962, when astronaut John Glenn made three orbits in Friendship 7. By that
time, the Soviet Union had already made another leap ahead
in the "space race" with the August 1961 flight of cosmonaut
Gherman Titov in Vostok 2. Titov
made 17 orbits and spent more
than 25 hours in space.
To Soviet propagandists, the
Soviet conquest of space was
evidence of the supremacy of
communism over capitalism.
However, to those who worked
on the Vostok program and earlier on Sputnik (which launched
the first satellite into space in
1957), the successes were attributable chiefly to the brilliance
of one man: Sergei Pavlovich
Korolev. Because of his controversial past, Chief Designer Korolev was unknown in the West
and to all but insiders in the
USSR until his death in 1966.
Born in the Ukraine in 1906,
Korolev was part of a scientific
team that launched the first Soviet liquid-fueled rocket in 1933.
In 1938, his military sponsor fell
prey to Soviet leader Joseph Stalin's purges, and Korolev and his
colleagues were also put on trial. Convicted of treason and sabotage, Korolev was sentenced to
10 years in a labor camp. The
Soviet authorities came to fear
German rocket advances, however, and after only a year Korolev was put in charge of a prison design bureau and ordered to
continue his rocketry work.
In 1945, Korolev was sent to
Germany to learn about the V-2
rocket, which had been used to
devastating effect by the Nazis
against the British. The Americans had captured the rocket's
designer, Wernher von Braun,
who later became head of the
U.S. space program, but the
Soviets acquired a fair amount
of V-2 resources, including rockets, launch facilities, blueprints,
PAGE 7 PLEASE
Para sa Bayan
Maging
Maalam,
Maging
Malaya
Ni Erin Tañada
PANAHON na naman ng pagtatapos ng mga mag-aaral sa kanilang
mga paaralan. Sa mga nasa kolehiyo, ito ang oras kung kailan
nag-iisip na sila ng sagot sa tanong na “Ano ang magiging
kinabukasan ko?”
Masalimuot isipin ang kinabukasang walang kasiguraduhan.
Tiyak kong lahat tayo ay dumaan na sa ganyang pagkakataon.
Nakakatakot, nakakakaba, pero alam nating lahat na mayroon pa
ring pag-asa.
Kung kayong mga magsisipagtapos ay nag-iisip ng sagot sa
tanong na nabanggit ko, malamang kapag binigyan natin ng
katauhan si Inang Bayan, iyan din ang mababanggit niyang
katanungan. Ano ang magiging kinabukasan ng Bayan?
Nakakatakot at nakakakaba ring sagutin kapag walang
katiyakan. Ngunit, mayroon tayong sasandigang katotohanan—
ang katotohanang kayong mga magsisipagtapos sa kolehiyo ay
ang magiging sagot sa katanungang ito. At ang pag-asang sinasabi
ko ay ang pananaw na napakasarap magtrabaho sa pamahalaan
ngayon. Bakit nga ba?
Una sa lahat, bawat isa sa mga magsisipagtapos ay may
malulugaran. Anuman ang kursong matatapos ninyo, mayroon at
mayroon kayong maaaring pasukan sa pamahalaan. Mula sa
larangan ng kalakalan at turismo, hanggang sa agham panlipunan
at engineering. May iba’t ibang sangay ng pamahalaan na
nangangailangan ng mga talento at kakayahang napulot ninyo sa
kolehiyo.
Pangalawa, masarap magtrabaho sa loob ng
pamahalaan ngayon dahil sa bagong direksyong
tinatahak natin tungo sa tuwid na landas. Isa-isa
na nating nahuhuli ang malalaking isda ng
katiwalian. Bagamat mayroon pa rin tayong
kailangang linisin sa iba’t ibang sulok ng
gobyerno, mahalaga ang magiging papel ninyong
mga mas nakababata na may ideyalismo at
pagmamahal sa bayan na siyang magiging
tagatulak sa inyo at sa amin na gawin ang wasto.
Ikatlo, ano pa bang mas sasarap pa sa
pakiramdam kaysa sa maghanapbuhay hindi
lamang para sa pamahalaan kundi para sa
Bayan? Iba ang naidudulot na karangalan ng
paglilingkod sa kapwa at sa ating minamahal na
bansa.
Muli, nananawagan ako na kayong mga
magsisipagtapos sa kolehiyo ay isiping
magtrabaho sa pamahalaan. At mas matibay ko
itong inirerekomenda sa mga mag-aaral na
nanggaling sa State Universities and Colleges
dahil ang matrikula ninyo ay may subsidyo mula
sa buwis na ibinabayad ng bawat mamamayan.
Hindi ko sinasabing gawin ninyo ito dahil lamang
sa utang na loob, kundi gawin ninyo ito dahil sa
pagmamahal ninyo sa Bayan, pagmamahal din
para sa bawat mamamayang Pilipino at dalisay
na hangaring maglingkod ng tapat at buo ang
loob.
Sa pagtatanong natin ng kung ano nga ba ang
kinabukasan, ang simpleng sagot diyan ay:
KAYO—kayong mga kabataang nagpursiging
magtapos ng kolehiyo at may mga kakayahang
magagamit ninyo sa paglilingkod sa loob ng
pamahalaan para sa Bayan. Ikagagalak kong
makakita ng mga bagong mukha na mas
nakababata rito sa Kongreso at sa iba pang
sangay ng pamahalaan. Nakakapagbigay ito sa
aming mas nakatatanda ng karangalang
magtrabaho sa loob ng gobyerno na may kaakibat
na bagong kaalaman na patuloy pa rin at mas
naipapaigting pa ang kagustuhang magbigay
serbisyo para sa sambayanan. Sama-sama nating
iwasto ang mga nakikita nating mali sa
pamahalaan at lipunan. Sama-sama tayong
maghanapbuhay para sa ikaaayos ng buhay ng
bawat Pilipino. Pagbati sa mga magsisipagtapos!
Mabuhay kayo!
Napaguusapan
lang
Ni Felix M. Garcia
Kakaiba ang kay
Mayor Ric Rivera
KARANIWAN na at naging kalakaran
Na yata sa alin pa mang paaralan
Itong ang pupuede na makapag-aral
Ng libre ay tanging matatalino lang
O mga ‘scholar’ nating tinatawag
Na ang mga ‘grades’ ay akma sa marapat
Na kualipikasyon at kailangang antas
Para makakuha ng ‘scholarship grant’
Gaya halimbawa pagtuntong ng college
Sa alin mang ‘state run or any private
institutions’, na kung saan dapat ang ‘grades’
Ay 1.5 man lang ng isang ‘student’
Bago ma-‘admit’ yan at makapag-aral
Saan mang kolehiyo sa ‘ting kapuluan,
Pagkat sadyang para sa ‘scholar’ lamang
Yata laan itong bagay na naturan.
Na di kagaya ng kay Mayor Rivera,
Ng ngayon ay ‘booming’ na bayan ng Guagua,
Kung saan ang kanya’y bukas sa lahat na
Nitong nagnanais makapag-aral pa;
(Kabilang na r’yan ang mga ilang ulit
Na di pumasa o nagpabalik-balik
Sa grade I, at bago nagtapos ng grade VI
Ay bumagsak pati ng kung ilang beses?)
Nguni’t may hangarin na makapagtapos
Ng kolehiyo kahit sa painut-inot,
Ba’t di magtitiyaga dumoble man halos,
Kung libre at wala ng iba pang gastos?
Maliban lamang sa pamasahe’t baon,
Masungkit lang nila ang tanging ambisyon
Na maging Titser o kaya Manananggol,
Kaysa bandang huli bagsak ay Kargador!
Kaya kakaiba ang kay Mayor Rivera
Kumpara sa lahat na yata di po ba?
Pagkat itong balak n’yang buksang iskwela
Ay lubhang malayo sa takbo ng iba
Na ang pupuede lang na makapag-aral
Ng libre ay itong mga ‘scholar’ lang,
Kaya’t ang bobo ay wala ng pag-asang
Makatuntong yan sa baitang man lamang.
Na makapag-aral, di makapagtapos
Dahilan na rin sa anhin mang kumayod
Ng mga yan, sila ay walang madukot
Para sa pangarap na gustong maabot!
Pero sa isang tulad ng kay Ric Rivera,
Na balintuna man sa tingin ng iba
Ang kanya – ya’y lubha namang mahalaga
Para sa mahirap na ‘constituents’ niya
Pagkat mabibigyan ng pagkakataon
Na makapagtapos ng di lang ‘high school’
Kundi ng ‘college’ din pati na rin itong
Mga mag-aaral na kapos sa dunong.
First man in space
FROM PAGE 6
and a few German V-2 technicians. By employing this technology and his own considerable
engineering talents, by 1954
Korolev had built a rocket that
could carry a five-ton nuclear
warhead and in 1957 launched
the first intercontinental ballistic
missile.
That year, Korolev's plan to
launch a satellite into space was
approved, and on October 4,
1957, Sputnik 1 was fired into
Earth's orbit. It was the first Soviet victory of the space race,
and Korolev, still technically a
prisoner, was officially rehabilitated. The Soviet space program under Korolev would go on
to numerous space firsts in the
late 1950s and early '60s: first
animal in orbit, first large scientific satellite, first man, first
woman, first three men, first
space walk, first spacecraft to
impact the moon, first to orbit
the moon, first to impact Venus,
and first craft to soft-land on the
moon. Throughout this time,
Korolev remained anonymous,
known only as the "Chief Designer." His dream of sending
cosmonauts to the moon eventually ended in failure, primarily
because the Soviet lunar program received just one-tenth the
funding allocated to America's
successful Apollo lunar landing
program.
Korolev died in 1966. Upon
his death, his identity was finally revealed to the world, and he
was awarded a burial in the
Kremlin wall as a hero of the
Soviet Union. Yuri Gagarin was
killed in a routine jet-aircraft test
flight in 1968. His ashes were
also placed in the Kremlin wall.
Source: www.history.com
Kaya marapat lang sa puntong naturan,
Si Mayor Rivera ay pasalamatan;
At ipagbunyi sa kanyang pambihirang
Hangarin para sa kanyang kababayan.
Na ang lahat nitong mga naghahangad
Makapag-aral ay makatapos lahat
Sa kolehiyong kanyang sadyang itinatag
Para sa kabalen sa araw ng bukas
Partikular na sa mga anak-pawis
Na tulad ng iba sila’y nagnanais
Di namang malagyan ng dagdag na titik
Ang pangalan matapos ang pagsusulit;
At mapabilang sa mga propesyonal
Ng Guagua, Pampanga pagdating ng araw;
At di gaya nitong mga maykaya lang
Ang puedeng mag-duktor o abogado riyan!
PUNTO! CENTRAL LUZON • APRIL 12 - 14, 2012 • THURSDAY - SATURDAY
Partikular na ang mga kapos-palad,
Na kahit gaano man ang paghahangad
Na makahulagpos sa matinding hirap
Sa pamamagitan ng ibayong sikap
7
96 OSYs, adults complete technical skills courses
NINETY-SIX out-of-school youths
(OSYs) and adults including a technical sergeant of the Philippine Air Force
(PAF) Weather Group completed four
technical skills courses offered by the
Pampanga provincial government.
Francis Maslog, officer-in-charge of
the Provincial Manpower Training Center (PMTC), said that of the total 96 graduates, 15 successfully finished the
three-month courses on consumer electronics, 19 on computer literacy, 34 on
shielded metal arc welding and 28 on
computer hardware servicing.
Maslog said they offered these
courses free of charge. “This is in line
with the thrust of Governor Lilia “Nanay
Baby” Pineda’s administration of pro-
viding ample livelihood and employment
opportunities to target needy sectors in
the province.”
He said the governor has been very
supportive to the various training activities of the PMTC, ensuring that the facility is equipped with the needed training
tools and equipment such as compressors and grinders including safety gears
like hard hats and gloves.
During the graduation rites held at the
Benigno Aquino Memorial Hall, Maslog
urged the graduates to further hone their
newly-acquired skills, use it in gaining
employment, and if possible, put up their
own business.
Benny de Guzman, a technical sergeant of the PAF Weather Group based
at Clark Air Base who was among the
graduates, said he will buy a welding
machine and start his own business as
he plans to retire from government service a year from now.
Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) Provincial
Director Ben-hur Baniqued congratulated the graduates for successfully completing their respective short courses.
Baniqued also urged them to strive
and work hard not only in gaining employment but to become entrepreneurs.
For his part, Maslog said that the
graduates will further undergo 300 hours
of on-the-job training with local companies such as Honda Cars in the City of
San Fernando, Enigma Computer Shop
in Angeles City, St. Catherine Realty
and other supportive business establishments.
He noted that one of the center’s
graduates last year, Joseph Estrada, a
namesake of the former president, bested other graduates of a prestigious
national-based institution. He now
works as automotive mechanic at the
Malacanang Palace’s motor pool.
“We also coordinate closely with the
Pampanga Action Center for OFW Concerns Public Employment Services Office including locators at Clark and
placement agencies for possible employment of our training graduates,”
Maslog said. – Erlinda T. Yutuc, Pampanga PIO
NUJP decries ‘Gapo top cop
FROM PAGE 1
asked media personnel to
help initiate communication with the hostage taker.
“Obliging the policeman who requested for assistance, Datu and other
journalist entered the compound where the hostage
taking was going on,” the
NUJP said.
Datu said Tambungan
singled him out among all
the reporters who went to
the compound by blurting
out, “Hoy, ikaw! Anong
pangalan mo? (Hey you.
What is your name?)”
Datu said he was surprised by Tambungan’s
question, claiming they
knew each other.
He said he nevertheless introduced himself
again politely to the police
chief who, he claimed,
angrily demanded explanation for his presence in
the compound.
Datu said that despite
telling Tambungan that he
was covering the hostage
incident, the police chief
ordered him to leave.
“Hindi ka kailangan
dito. Lumabas ka dito,” he
quoted Tambungan as telling him.
NUJP said “Tambungan raised his fist as if to
punch Datu in the face, but
grabbed his shoulder instead and pushed him towards the exit of the premises in full view of other
journalists in the area.”
Tambungan allegedly
pushed and shoved Datu
all the way out of the compound.
Datu also told the
NUJP that at the compound’s exit, Tambungan
struck him back.
Punto tried several
times to contact Tambungan by phone in his Olongapo office, but no one
answered the calls.
The NUJP and other
media groups based in
other parts of Central Luzon called on PNP Chief
Nicanor Bartolome to investigate the incident and
suspend Tambungan to
ensure fair investigation.
“In light of Tambungan’s abuse of authority
and lack of respect for
press freedoms, NUJPSubic asks PNP Chief
Nicanor Bartolome to immediately mete out sanctions against Colonel Tambungan for his misconduct.”
The statement said
More than 33,000 book lovers...
FROM PAGE 1
positive cheerful spirit,” he
said. “Anywhere in the
world that you go, when
you find a Filipino community, there is so much
joy. We are very thankful
to be here.”
Dyer also thanked the
Subic Bay Metropolitan
Authority for providing assistance to the ship’s
crew. He also praised the
Freeport’s port facilities.
“It’s nice when we
come in to a berth and
we’re not moving because
of the swell and the tide,”
Dyer said. “In some ports
we have to actually leave
the berth because there’s
just too much motion. But
we feel very secure here
and we feel very welcome
here, so thank you.”
Apart from making
books available to the public, the crew of M/V Logos
Hope also conducted offshore volunteer services in
communities surrounding
the Freeport.
“We have been working
in prisons and schools.
We have been in places
where we can provide
books,” said Naomi Armstrong, one of the Logos
volunteers. “Our dentists
have also gone out doing
work in the communities.”
Armstrong also said
that after the book fair, the
ship will stay in Subic for
dry-docking for about two
months. Then the ship will
be sailing out of Subic on
June 25 and head off to
Indonesia, their next bookfair stop.
Asked if M/V Logos
Hope would be returning to
Subic, Armstrong said she
is positive about it.
“The M/V Doulos (the
predecessor of M/V Logos
Hope) has been here in
Subic six times before, so
we will definitely return.
When will that be, we don’t
know,” Armstrong said.
In any case, Armstrong said the crew really enjoyed Subic Bay.
“The people here have
been very friendly, and we
have enjoyed our visit here
in
the
Philippines
generally. It’s been a lovely country to visit,” Armstrong added.
that “at the very least,
Tambungan should be
suspended from discharging his duties as Olongapo City’s PNP director immediately, to guarantee a
fair and impartial investigation of his actions by
the PNP hierarchy, while
charges are being prepared against him by Datu
and various media organizations.”
“His suspension will
go a long way to salve the
wounds inflicted by Tambungan’s violent behavior,
irresponsible actions and
blatant violation of press
freedoms,” the NUJP
said.
It also added that “Tambungan’s abusive behavior
cannot go unpunished, or
else it will set a negative
example for all prospective
violators in the PNP to follow.”
SJDM’s Muzon...
FROM PAGE 1
ed village, landslide-hit
Barangay Guinsaugon, in
St. Bernard, Leyte registered zero residents.
Barangay V Poblacion
in Porao Island in Roxas,
Palawan ranked second
with only 13 based on
2010 census. It 2007, the
said village has only seven population.
It is followed by Barangay Talba in Bacolor, Pampanga with 36 in population, after it dropped from
209 in 2007.
Barangay Malonzo in
Bamban, Tarlac was the
second least populated village in the country in 2007
with only eight residents,
but it grew to 71 based on
the 2010 census.
In Metro Manila,
Barangay 630 in Sampaloc, Manila holds the
record of lowest population in the last two censuses.
Based on 2007 census, Barangay 630 has a
total of 33 residents, but it
grew to 48 based on the
2010 census.
In Mindanao, Barangay Bucana in Davao City
holds the record of most
populated village with
78,352, up from 74,113 in
2007.
The least populated village in Mindanao is Barangay 39 in Cagayan De Oro
City with 46 residents. It
rose from 34 in 2007 census.
David pinned his
hopes on Pineda, saying
“the governor has been
helping his people a lot
and the farmers have high
hopes on her.”
He said he is ready to
help Pineda on her
projects designed to help
farmers get a better yield
and improve their lives.
David said he was
alarmed by his own study
and survey that the average age of farmers in
Pampanga is 54. He
asked the ages of at least
1,000 farmers.
He said the project of
Pineda should encourage
younger people to engage
in the noble but rewarding
profession of farming.
“As I have said, farming is where the money is.
We just have to know the
new technology and not
just rely on planting palay,” said David.
“The trading post is
just the missing piece,’ he
added.
PUNTO! CENTRAL LUZON • APRIL 12 - 14, 2012 • THURSDAY - SATURDAY
‘Create trading post in Pampanga’
8
FROM PAGE 1
fied for the study grant.”
But Imperial stressed
that David is the “wise
choice” because he will
surely share to other farmers what he will learn in the
Middle East country.
Last year, David was
featured in a Metro Manila-based magazine for
his successful yield of
Jade Lady honeydew melons.
David developed the
green-colored fruits at his
greenhouse donated
through the DA High Value Crop Development program initiated by former
President and now Pampanga 2 nd District Rep.
Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.
Several farmers who
received greenhouses are
encouraged by David’s
success in growing honeydew lemons under
greenhouse condition using organic fertilizers.
They also want to learn
David’s methodology.
FAIR MARKET
But David’s success
story on growing honeydew lemons had been cut
short by the so-called
“greed and unfair market
practice of some middlemen.”
David disclosed that a
prominent and well-known
firm had purchased his
honeydew lemons for P20
per kilo. Then a few days
later he found out that the
private firm had sold his
fruits much higher, commanding a P120 per kilo
price at a mall in Pampanga.
David urged Gov. Pineda to help farmers get a
fair share of the marketing and monetary benefits
of their fruits and vegetables.
“We do all the work
and invest on our crops
with our hard-earned money. But it’s the middlemen
who benefit a lot when
they have nothing to lose
but everything to gain,”
said David in the dialect.
TRADING POST
He asked the firstterm governor to create a
trading post similar to
what Agriculture Sec. Proceso Alcala had fully supported in Sariaya, Quezon. It benefited Quezon
farmers, most of whom
from the province’s second district where Alcala
was a former congressman.
Imperial said the governor had asked him earlier to make a study on
the trading post or center
along the Olongapo-Gapan road.
“Gov. Pineda was inspired by the success of
the trading post pushed by
Secretary Alcala in Quezon. But he asked me to
make a thorough study of
the trading center to make
sure it will be beneficial,
especially to farmers,”
said Imperial.
Butil Farmers Partylist
Rep. Agapito Guanlao of
Pampanga also pushed
for the creation of a trading center in the province.
David said the national government should help
farmers sell their produce
in a set-up where they will
earn more instead of the
middlemen.
He said the money
and time spent by the government on subsidizing
the farmers should be
used in helping them market and sell properly their
fruits and vegetables.
“The farmers can buy
their fertilizers and other
needs. The real problem
is that they don’t get
much profit from their
products due to unfair
practices,” said David.
He said that the farmers bring directly their
products at the trading
post, selling higher compared to what the middlemen offer them.
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES
MUNICIPAL CIVIL REGISTRY OFFICE
PROVINCE OF PAMPANGA
MUNICIPALITY OF MEXICO
NOTICE FOR PUBLICATION
In compliance with Section 5 of R.A. No. 9048, a notice is hereby served
to the public that JULIET MENESES SIMBILLO has filed with this
Office a petition for CHANGE OF FIRST NAME from JULIE to JULIET
in the Certificate of Live Birth of JULIE MENESES SIMBILLO who was
born on June 27, 1957 at Culubasa, Mexico, Pampanga and whose
parents are HERMIÑA MENESES and DOMINADOR SIMBILLO.
Any person adversely affected by said petition may file his written
opposition with this Office.
(SGD) ROSANA AGUAS
Municipal Civil Registrar
Punto! Central Luzon: April 12 & 19, 2012
Young actor pinipindeho ng girlfriend
The
Gossipmiller
HINDI PA MAN, napuputungan na ng tae sa ulo ng kanyang imamorata ang young actor na lagi pa
namang excited kapag nagkukuwento tungkol sa kanyang girlfriend na kakuwadra niya sa isang
network.
Why? Kasi nga may D.O.M. na kasabay si youg actor sa buhay ni young star.
Mayaman ang D.O.M at kakampi ng madir ni young star. Saan man magtungo si
young star, lagging nakasunod si D.O.M. at sila ang magkakuwentuhan ni
madir. Ikaw ba naman ang regaluhan ng paldo-paldong datung, di bibigay ka
nga para sa anak mo.
Wy not tryo to ask the mother kung bakit lagging nakabuntot si D.O.M. sa
anak niya at sasagutin na niya na fan daw lang ng anak niya. Natutuwa lang
daw yung mama, kasi nga sikat na ang anak niya.
Maniniwala ka? Ang dapat na sabihin niya, pinaglalaway nilang mag-ina ang D.O.M.
para lalo pa nila itong makuwarthan. As it is, obvious na obvious, na pera lang ang
hangad niya sa D.O. M . na mayaman.
At si bagets na kulakadidang ni young star, ayun, di pa man pindeho na.
Mayor Maita Javier Ejercito
idol ang asawang gobernador
WHEN we attended the recently concluded Bangkero festival sa bayan ng Pagsanjan, Laguna
where Maita Javier Ejercito is the mayor, nakita namin kung gaano kalambing ang pagsasamahan
ng mag-asawang mayora at gobernador. But of course, the governor is ER Ejerctio na siya ring dating mayor ng Pagsanjan. Si
mayor nga kasi ang special guest sa opening ng festival na talaga namang kasamang umakyat sa stage ni Gob. Habang nag-ispeech si mayora, nanatili sa gilid ng stage si gob at pasilip-silip upang bigyan ng prompt ang kanyang asawa sa sasabihin nito.
Si mayora naman, everytime na may highlight sa kanyang speech at sumusulyap sa kinaroronan ni gob, ayun ang sweet moments
ng dalawa.
But of course, todo-alalay nga si Gob kay mayora sa pagbaba at pag-ayat sa stage. “Mahal ko yan, nag-iisa lang yan sa buhay
ko, di ko puwedeng ipagpalit,” seryosong sabi pa ni Gob sa amin everytime na pinupuna namin ang sweetness nila.
Sa lunch, nakaharap namin ang dalawa at talaga namang halos magsubuan na sila sa ka-sweet-an. Every time na may tinatanong
kami kay mayora, laging umaasa si mayora sa suportang sagot ni Gob. Na halos lahat talaga ng sinabi niya sa amin ay tinityak
niyang may basbas ng kanyang asawa.
“Asawa ko siya, nirerespeto ko siya. Sa panunungkulan ko, siya ang nagbigay sa akin ng lakas ng loob, siya talaga ang idolo ko,”
sabi pa ni mayora.
“I never doubted her capacity, nung unang kumandidato ako siya ang malakas na puwersa sa tabi ko, sa palagay ko kung wala siya
wala rin ako rito, papuri naman ni governor ER sa asawang mayora.”
Nadine Samonte
by Cesar Pambid
Nadine Samonte versus Iwa Moto…dahil sa isang lalaki
naman sila sa isa’t isa, e. Let it be, di ba?
Happy ako para sa kanila.”
Pareho raw wala ng komunikasyon si
Nadine recently with Iwa or maging kay
Leandro.
“Kasi wala naman kaming pag-uusapan, e.”
Hindi pa rin daw sila nagkikita ni Iwa mula
noong lumipat si Iwa sa TV5.
Halimbawang magkasalubong sila ni Iwa.
“Okay lang.”
Babatiin ba niya at tsitsikahin si Iwa?
“Oo naman, why not? Actually nung
lumipat si Iwa hindi ko nga alam na lumipat
siya e. Kasi never pa kaming nagkita sa
kahit na anong event.”
Si Leandro ay hindi pa rin daw sila
nagkikita ulit.
“Huling kita ko sa kanya event ng… yung
ball ng TV5.”
Wala na raw silang relasyon noon, pero
nagbatian naman raw sila, magkaibigan pa
rin daw sila ni Leandro.
“Oo naman. Wala namang…,” bitin niya
sagot.
PUNTO! CENTRAL LUZON • APRIL 12 - 14, 2012 • THURSDAY - SATURDAY
ANO COMMENT ni Nadine Samonte sa
relasyon ngayon nina Leandro Muñoz at Iwa
Moto?
“Wala.”
Naging karelasyon ni Nadine si Leandro
at produkto rin ng StarStruck ng GMA si Iwa
tulad ni Nadine.
Nagulat ba siya?
“Hindi,” at muling tumawa si Nadine.
“Hindi. Puwede naman kahit anong
mangyari, wala ng imposible sa panahon
ngayon, e. So okay lang. Kung masaya
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PUNTO! CENTRAL LUZON • APRIL 12 - 14, 2012 • THURSDAY - SATURDAY