Punto! Central Pinedas give 13-K · ang sentensya laban kina Ju-lius Lacanilao at Maria Cristi-na...

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P unto ! PANANAW NG MALAYANG PILIPINO! www.punto.com.ph L u z o n Central P 10. 00 V"#$%& 13 N$%’&( 34 T)$ - S*+ J*, 30 - F&’ 1, 2020 P*/& 6 5#&*7& ART ATTACKED. Irretrievably lost with the dilapidation of the Paskuhan Village is this wall mural of Philippine celebrations by noted artist Manuel Baldemor. F!"# $%&’& &( B&)* L+,-&) B8 A7)#&8 M*,*’*+ C ITY OF SAN FERNANDO – Fernandinos can now heave a sigh of relief after a part of the Paskuhan Village was donated to the city by the buyer of the property. CSF gets back part of Paskuhan Village DELTA BACK TO BATANGAS. The Pampanga Mayors’ League led by Minalin Mayor Edgar Flores donates P1.5-M to the Provincial Government of Batangas for the repair and rehabilitation of public hospitals devastated by the Taal eruptions. Presenting the check to Gov. Hermilando Mandanas are Gov. Dennis Pineda and other Pampanga mayors. Photo courtesy of Jun Jaso/Pampanga PIO AGONCILLO, Batangas - Governor Dennis “Del- ta” Pineda handed over on Wednesday thou- sands of food and non-food items given by the Pinedas for the benefit of the townsfolk distressed by the continuous activity of the Taal Volcano. The items were donated through the initiative of Mr. Rodolfo “Tatay Bong” Pineda, famous busi- nessman and father of Governor Delta. Agoncillo Mayor Daniel Reyes expressed his Pinedas give 13-K food, non-food items to Agoncillo townfolk P*/& 6 5#&*7& Singing the Kapam- pangan folk song “Atin ku pung singsing, Me- wala ya iti,” Mayor Edwin “Edsa” D. Santiago said, “Abalik taya ing Singsing (We got it the ring back),” in describing the dona- tion. The central building in the sprawling Pasku- han Village here, which was patterned after the Christmas lantern, as well as its surround- ing area covering 5,000 square meters was do- nated back to the city, plus a 500 square-me- ter two-storey building and an amphitheater by SM Development Corp. (SMDC) which bought the Paskuhan Village from the Tourism Infra- RIBBON-CUTTING. (L-R) CILA chair and BB International president and CEO Dr. Irineo ‘Bong’ Alvaro, CDC vice president Evangeline Tejada, Angeles City Vice Mayor Vicky Vega-Cabigting and Mayor Carmelo ‘Pogi’ Lazatin Jr., Laus matriach Ma. Theresa A. Laus, Nissan Philippines Inc., president and managing director Atsushi Najima, Laus Group of Companies chair and CEO Lisset Laus-Velasco, Laus Nissan Group executive director Dior Laus, and CDC president Noel F. Manankil. P%&’& 12 J&+)) M+)+1+’ B8 J"*,, M*,*’*+ CLARK FREEPORT — Rediscover excitement with the Navarra, Ter- ra, Juke, X-trail and Pa- trol among other com- prehensive lineup of top selling vehicles as the Laus Auto Group formal- ly inaugurated its fourth Laus Auto Group opens 4th Nissan dealership in Clark Nissan dealership at the Laus Auto Center here on Wednesday. The new dealership of Nissan, recognized as one of the trusted brands in the Philippine auto- mobile industry, aims to position itself to contrib- ute to the development P*/& 6 5#&*7& CLARK FREEPORT The Department of Public Works and Highways has an- nounced that the North Luzon Express- way Harbor Link Seg- ment 10 will be par- tially opened to traf- fic on Valentine’s Day (Feb. 14). This will mean that trucks coming from northern and central Luzon will no longer have to pass through Manila’s congested streets but now can go through the quick and direct access to the Port Area in only 10 minutes. NLEx Corp. pres- Harbor Link opens on February 14 NLEx P*/& 6 5#&*7&

Transcript of Punto! Central Pinedas give 13-K · ang sentensya laban kina Ju-lius Lacanilao at Maria Cristi-na...

Page 1: Punto! Central Pinedas give 13-K · ang sentensya laban kina Ju-lius Lacanilao at Maria Cristi-na Sergio ng Talavera, Nueva Habambuhay sa recruiter ni Veloso Ecija sa sala ni Judge

Punto!PANANAW NG MALAYANG PILIPINO!

www.punto.com.ph

LuzonCentralP 10.00

V"#$%& 13

N$%'&( 34

T)$ - S*+

J*, 30 - F&' 1, 2020

P*/& 6 5#&*7&

ART ATTACKED. Irretrievably lost with the dilapidation of the Paskuhan Village is this wall mural of Philippine celebrations by noted artist Manuel Baldemor. F!"# $%&'& &( B&)* L+,-&)

B8 A7)#&8 M*,*'*+

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO – Fernandinos can now heave a sigh of relief after a part of

the Paskuhan Village was donated to the city by the buyer of the property.

CSF gets back part of Paskuhan Village

DELTA BACK TO BATANGAS. The Pampanga Mayors’ League led by Minalin Mayor Edgar Flores donates P1.5-M to the Provincial Government of Batangas for the repair and rehabilitation of public hospitals devastated by the Taal eruptions. Presenting the check to Gov. Hermilando Mandanas are Gov. Dennis Pineda and other Pampanga mayors. Photo courtesy of Jun Jaso/Pampanga PIO

AGONCILLO, Batangas - Governor Dennis “Del-ta” Pineda handed over on Wednesday thou-sands of food and non-food items given by the Pinedas for the benefi t of the townsfolk distressed by the continuous activity of the Taal Volcano.

The items were donated through the initiative of Mr. Rodolfo “Tatay Bong” Pineda, famous busi-nessman and father of Governor Delta.

Agoncillo Mayor Daniel Reyes expressed his

Pinedas give 13-K food, non-food items to Agoncillo townfolk

P*/& 6 5#&*7&

Singing the Kapam-pangan folk song “Atin ku pung singsing, Me-wala ya iti,” Mayor Edwin “Edsa” D. Santiago said, “Abalik taya ing Singsing (We got it the ring back),” in describing the dona-tion.

The central building in the sprawling Pasku-han Village here, which was patterned after the

Christmas lantern, as well as its surround-ing area covering 5,000 square meters was do-nated back to the city, plus a 500 square-me-ter two-storey building and an amphitheater by SM Development Corp. (SMDC) which bought the Paskuhan Village from the Tourism Infra-

RIBBON-CUTTING. (L-R) CILA chair and BB International president and CEO Dr. Irineo ‘Bong’ Alvaro, CDC vice president Evangeline Tejada, Angeles City Vice Mayor Vicky Vega-Cabigting and Mayor Carmelo ‘Pogi’ Lazatin Jr., Laus matriach Ma. Theresa A. Laus, Nissan Philippines Inc., president and managing director Atsushi Najima, Laus Group of Companies chair and CEO Lisset Laus-Velasco, Laus Nissan Group executive director Dior Laus, and CDC president Noel F. Manankil. P%&'& 12 J&+)) M+)+1+'

B8 J"*,, M*,*'*+

CLARK FREEPORT — Rediscover excitement with the Navarra, Ter-ra, Juke, X-trail and Pa-trol among other com-prehensive lineup of top selling vehicles as the Laus Auto Group formal-ly inaugurated its fourth

Laus Auto Group opens 4th Nissan

dealership in ClarkNissan dealership at the Laus Auto Center here on Wednesday.

The new dealership of Nissan, recognized as one of the trusted brands in the Philippine auto-mobile industry, aims to position itself to contrib-ute to the development

P*/& 6 5#&*7&

CLARK FREEPORT – The Department of Public Works and Highways has an-nounced that the North Luzon Express-way Harbor Link Seg-ment 10 will be par-tially opened to traf-fi c on Valentine’s Day (Feb. 14).

This will mean that trucks coming from northern and central Luzon will no longer have to pass through Manila’s congested streets but now can go through the quick and direct access to the Port Area in only 10 minutes.

NLEx Corp. pres-

Harbor Link opens on

February 14

NLEx

P*/& 6 5#&*7&

Page 2: Punto! Central Pinedas give 13-K · ang sentensya laban kina Ju-lius Lacanilao at Maria Cristi-na Sergio ng Talavera, Nueva Habambuhay sa recruiter ni Veloso Ecija sa sala ni Judge

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STO. DOMINGO, Nueva Ecija - Habambuhay na pag-kabilanggo ang ipinataw ng hukuman sa maglive-in na di-umano’y recruiter ng death convict na si Mary Jane Velo-so kaugnay ng kasong large-scale illegal recruitment na isinampa ng tatlong kababai-han.

Bandang alas-9 ng umaga nitong Huwebes nang basahin ang sentensya laban kina Ju-lius Lacanilao at Maria Cristi-na Sergio ng Talavera, Nueva

Habambuhay sa recruiter ni VelosoEcija sa sala ni Judge Anarica Reyes ng Regional Trial Court Branch 88 dito.

Ang kaso ay inihain noong Mayo 2015 nina Ana Marie Gonzales, Lorna Valino, at Jenalyn Paraiso.

Katulad raw ni Veloso, ang tatlo ay pinangakuan ng mga akusado ng trabaho sa ibay-ong dagat. Ang kaibhan la-mang, hindi sila natuloy sa-mantalang si Veloso ay nag-abroad na nagresulta nga sa pagkadakip sa kanya habang di-umano’y bitbit ang maleta na may 2.2 kilos ng heroin.

Bukod sa pagkabilanggo ay pinagbabayad din ng huku-man sina Lacanilao at Sergio ng halagang P2 milyon.

Ayon sa hukuman, mali-naw na napatunayan ng pro-sekusyon ang pagkakasala ng dalawa.

Ang large scale illegal re-cruitment na nadesisyunan ay hiwalay sa simple illegal re-cruitment at isa pang kaso ng estafa na inihain ni Veloso sa pamagitan ng kanyang ina.

Bagaman hiwalay rin ito sa kasong drug traffi cking ng In-donesia kung saan nahatulan

ng kamatayan sa fi ring squad si Veloso, ay umaasa ang Na-tional Union of People’s Law-yers na makatutulong ito para tuluyan siyang makalaya.

Malinaw raw kasi na bikti-ma ng human traffi cking si Ve-loso at posible itong ikonsid-era for humanitarian reason ng Indonesian government, ayon kay Atty. Josalee Deinla, NUPL spokesperson.

“Matatandaan natin na bunigyan siya ng reprieve ng Indonesian government, ni President Widodo, dahil gusto siyang bigyan ng pagkakata-

on na mai-fi le ang kaso laban sa kanyang mga recruiter,” ani Deinla.

Ganito rin ang inaasahan ni Aling Celia, ang ina ni Veloso.

“Masaya po ako. Para bang sa pakiramdam ko ko ay unti-unti ko na pong nakiki-ta ang paglaya ni Mary Jane,” sabi ni Celia.

Nguni’t ang tatay niyang si Cesar ay hindi parin na-kakarandamn ng kasiyahan hanggat hindi ganap na maka-laya si Veloso.

“ Nasa death row pa rin po ang anak ko,” anita.

B# E���$ B. E%&'��$

DAINALUPIHAN, Bata-an -- The Department of Agriculture on Wednes-day launched here the fi rst “Kadiwa ni Ani at Kita” in Central Luzon.

Usec Ernesto Gon-zales of DA Consumers Aff airs, DA Region 3 di-rector Custodio Bautista, and Dinalupihan Mayor Maria Angela Garcia cut the ceremonial ribbon and later signed a mem-orandum of understand-ing between the Agricul-ture department and the municipal government.

The project launching has for the theme “Katu-wang sa Diwa at Gawa Para sa Masagang Ani at Mataas na Kita.”

Kadiwa was intro-duced during the Mar-cos administration and shortly by former Pres. Joseph Estrada and re-launched under the lead-ership of Pres. Rodrigo Duterte aimed at help-ing the farmers and bring down the prices of agri-cultural commodities.

Bautista said through Kadiwa, farmers will have the chance to en-

CL’s fi rst ‘Kadiwa ni Ani at Kita’ launched in Bataangage in direct selling of their produce and be not under the mer-cy of unscrupulous trad-ers. “It will halt ang hindi makatarungang pagtaas ng presyo dahil ilalapit ang magsasaka sa ma-mimili,” he said.

Garcia thanked the DA for choosing Dinalu-pihan as the pilot area.

“Ang ating vision sa ating bayan ay maging isang modernong ag-ropolis ng buong Central Luzon at ang ating mga magsasaka, kayo po ang aming bayani,” the lady mayor said, adding that she will seek help from the national, regional, provincial and municipal governments to assist the farmers.

Gonzales said dole-outs like cash and animal dispersal will be stopped by the DA and instead benefi cial and long-last-ing projects will be giv-en to the farmers: “Bibig-yan ko kayo ng proyekto na after one o two years hindi na kayo lalapit sa akin para humingi ng pera kasi mayaman na kayo. Iyan ang kailan-gan natin sa isang farm-

er hindi ba? Hindi iyong maya-maya, hingi dito, hingi doon.”

He said he will come back to Dinalupihan to talk with the leaders of the farmers about the project: “May gagawin tayong project dito, ang free range chicken na gagawin nating industri-ya. Hindi small time lang, mapapalaki natin iyan kung magkakaisa kayo.”

Gonzales said he will make Dinalupihan as an example and model of a successful program: “Pangarap ko lang, I hope I can see someday ang poultry industry sa buong Pilipinas na ka-pag sinabing lechon ma-nok, barbeque na manok na free range ang gag-amitin, hindi broiler.”

Some 50 sellers oc-cupied stalls at Dinalu-pihan municipal ground selling diff erent agricul-tural products like fried itik, fried pugo, various vegetables, root crops like big ube and ka-moteng kahoy and fruits, rice, carabao milk and assorted delicacies.

The agri-trade fair will last for three days.

The agri-trade fair. P%&'& 12 E3)!# E-,&)4#

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RIZAL, Nueva Ecija – An alleged communist rebel wounded in a bloody en-counter with combined police and military forc-es in Barangay Estrel-la here last year died of complications in a gov-ernment hospital in Ca-banatuan City at about 6:30 a.m. Monday, ac-cording to the police.

Police said Danilo Sagun, 45, of Barangay Estrella this town, died while receiving medical attention at the Dr. Pau-lino J. Garcia Memorial Research and Medical Center. His body was transferred to the hospi-tal morgue and being se-cured by joint personnel

of the Rizal police station and fi rst provincial mo-bile fi eld force “together with the relatives of the suspect.”

“The suspect suf-fered complications due to community-acquired pneumonia,” police said adding his immune sys-tem might have been compromised due to “se-vere malnutrition.”

Sagun was among the suspected rebels that engaged in a fi refi ght el-ements of the Philippine Army’s 84th Infantry Bat-talion and provincial po-lice at on Nov. 14, 2019.

Also wounded during the encounter was 33-year-old Redsa Ba-latan, reportedly a politi-cal instructor of Kilusang

Larangang Guerilla Sier-ra Madre that operates in Northern Nueva Ecija and parts of Aurora prov-ince.

A graduate of the Uni-versity of the Philippines Extension Program in Pampanga, Balatan is the wife of Gerald Sa-longa who was killed in an encounter on Sept. 2, 2018 in Barangay Villa, Maria, Aurora province.

Balatan has been re-leased from the hospital before the yearend, ac-cording to reports.

Two other alleged guerillas were killed in the Nov. 14 encounter that also led to the re-covery of two M-16 rifl es, three .45 pistols and oth-er war materiel.

Captured rebel dies in hospital

Page 3: Punto! Central Pinedas give 13-K · ang sentensya laban kina Ju-lius Lacanilao at Maria Cristi-na Sergio ng Talavera, Nueva Habambuhay sa recruiter ni Veloso Ecija sa sala ni Judge

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IN MEMORIAM. Mall goers post their messages as SM City Cabanatuan provide them an opportunity to speak their hearts out at a Tribute Wall for basketball legend Kobe Bryant at the mall’s event center, ground fl oor. Right photo shows a special tribute to Kobe Bryant through chalkboard art by an avid fan, John Herbert Santiago, Grade 12-STEM student from Panipuan High School in Pampanga. C&)'3!15'#4 $%&'&-

PAMPER your partner with a romantic escape and fancy surprises this month of love because your date deserves only the best.

Plan an all-out getaway to Quest Plus Clark this Valentine’s with room packages starting at PHP 6,480+. Avail the Pour Mon Amour deal which is in-clusive of a candlelight dinner buff et for two (2) at Mequeni Live and a gift from Cupid.

Feast on a dinner with prime rib and assorted seafood together with wine and classic pralines while being serenaded by violinists and pianist at Mequeni Live. Long-stem roses also await the ladies.

Couples get a chance to unwind with the Make Me Melt package which treats lovers to an hour of in-room massage.

You can rely on Quest Plus Clark for your rela-tionship goals. For special Valentine’s requests and reservations, please call (045) 599 8000 or send a message through the offi cial Facebook page, Quest Plus Conference Center, Clark.

Your Quest for the perfect date is at Clark

DURING the formal cer-emony held last Janu-ary 22, Isuzu Philippines Corporation (IPC) turned over 30 brand new mod-ernized public utility vehi-cles (PUVs) to the Pang-kalahatang Sanggunian Manila & Suburbs Driv-ers Association (Pas-ang-Masda), among the country’s biggest trans-port groups.

The turnover cere-mony was held at Mey-cauayan Common Ter-minal, Meycauayan, Bu-lacan; and represents the 3rd batch of modern PUVs Pasang Masda has acquired. The fi rst batch of 15 units were turned over in October 29, 2018, the second batch of 15 units on No-vember 7, 2019.

The event was at-tended by top executives of IPC, Land Transpor-tation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LT-FRB) Chairman Mar-tin Delgra, Meycauay-an Mayor Ruth Villarica, Department of Transpor-tation Undersecretary Mark de Leon, represen-tatives of Inteco Quezon Avenue and body build partner Almazora, mem-bers of air conditioning supplier Coolaire, and of-fi cers of Pasang Masda.

IPC President Mr. Hajime Koso, in his re-marks, said, “As the number one local one-stop shop for trucks in

Isuzu Philippines turns over 3RD batch of modernized PUVs to Pasang Masdathe Philippines, Isuzu is proud to off er its end-to-end services from deliv-ering the vehicle units to giving our clients out-standing after-sales ser-vices.”

The Isuzu PUVs are not only benefi cial to the commuters but also to the drivers and oper-ators as it increases the quality of their livelihood. Isuzu modern PUVs are very versatile, allowing for customization that any PUV operations may require.

The 30 units will ply the busy route between the growing cities of Ma-lolos and Meycauayan in Bulacan Province.

During the turnover ceremony, IPC also ex-hibited its newest addi-tion to the PUV lineup, the Isuzu TRAVIZ Light-weight truck with Utility Van (Class 1 PUV) which passed PUV moderniza-tion requirements of the DOTr Omnibus Fran-chise Guidelines. The Class 1 Isuzu PUV is suitable for crowded in-ner-city road and Isuzu Traviz Class 1 PUV is a good alternative to have a modernized jeepney for transport coopera-tives.

The modernized PUVs, assembled using the Isuzu QKR77 plat-form and the rear body designed and manufac-tured by Almazora Mo-

tors Corporation, are air-conditioned Class 2 PUVs assembled in the Philippines and is equipped with Euro IV-compliant 4JH1-TC diesel engine that deliv-ers excellent fuel econ-omy. The air condition-ing system developed and provided by Coolaire Consolidated Inc boasts ducted airfl ow and a high-cooling capacity to keep commuters com-

fortable regardless of outdoor temperature.

The PUV body is compliant with Philip-pine National Standards (PNS 2126:2017), with the passenger cabin providing more space for passengers to move easily inside. The pas-senger door is safely sit-uated on the right-hand side, facing the side-walk. Other design fea-tures of the body include

panoramic windows and windshields, full-body insulation with GeneQ shield, automatic door closer, high-grade air conditioners with equal cooling distribution, and provisions for persons with disabilities.

Completing the mod-ernized look and features of the new PUVs are the LED electronic signages for vehicle route informa-tion, fi re extinguishers,

CCTV, dashcam and back-up cameras, and the automatic fare col-lection provided by Eu-odoo Technologies, Inc. These accessories are geared for passengers’ safety, entertainment, added convenience in fare collection and in compliance with LTFRB and DOTr regulations.

For more information, log on to www.isuzuphil.com. –Press release

IPC exhibits the newest addition to Isuzu PUV lineup, the Isuzu TRAVIZ Lightweight truck with Utility Van (Class 1 PUV) with (from left) Conrad Almazora, IPC president Hajime Koso and sales division head Joseph Bautista. C&)'3!15'#4 $%&'&

Page 4: Punto! Central Pinedas give 13-K · ang sentensya laban kina Ju-lius Lacanilao at Maria Cristi-na Sergio ng Talavera, Nueva Habambuhay sa recruiter ni Veloso Ecija sa sala ni Judge

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To the Point

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Atty. Gener C. EndonaCaesar “Bong” LacsonJoanna Niña V. CorderoDondie B. VenturaLacson Macapagal

Business & Editorial offi ce at Unit B Essel Commercial Center,McArthur Highway, Telabastagan, City of San Fernando

Tel. No. (45) 625•0244 Cel. No. 0917•481•[email protected] or [email protected]

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Zona Libre Bong Z. Lacson

Opinion

Uncommon valorTEACHER’S HEROISM Day, January 30, has served in the past few years as an opening event in the annual celebration of Kaganapan cityhood charter celebration in the City of San Fernando.

A most auspicious event to start the coming-to- fulfi lment – that’s what “kaganapan” precisely means in Pilipino — of whatever promised greatness for this capital city and its people.

But for a select few in-the-know at city hall itself, who is even remotely aware of the meaning of that day? Of what heroic act the teachers accomplished and are now celebrated for. Or, who these teachers even were.

The signifi cance of the event not only to the city but to the country itself prodded me to re-issue this piece published here some years back.

The “Rape of Democracy” it was called by the mosquito press – the intrepid underground publications and tabloids of the time – as it merited little if any play-up in the mainstream Marcosian media, especially in its fl agship broadsheet Daily Express which was derisively punned and fi ttingly panned as the Daily Suppress.

So, the electorate was allowed to vote freely in the local elections of 1980. But the manual counting and canvassing of their votes was an altogether diff erent matter.

Sensing imminent wholesale defeat for the administration’s Kilusang Bagong Lipunan (KBL) candidates – yes wholesale, as bloc voting was prescribed by the Commission on Elections itself – even at the onset of the counting, operatives of the party in-power let loose their armed goons upon the polling precincts, taking the ballot boxes and all election materials, and – when they resisted – the teachers themselves.

Fading memory now notwithstanding, it was in the small barangay of Malpitic that the news of the “snatching of ballots” and “kidnapping of teachers” fi rst came out, and spread fast across town with reports of similar incidents occurring in practically all barangays of San Fernando.

Herded at the municipal hall and under pain of death, the teachers were forced to play the charade of vote-canvassing – fi rst reading “KBL,” then tallying the vote in the designated KBL box of the canvass sheet, regardless of what was written on the ballot.

No mere urban legend were the stories of the teachers – in fi ts of nervousness and intense stress – peeing in their skirts and, perhaps on impulse of courageous defi ance, reduced to

stuttering “LBK,” “KLB,” and “BLK,” everything but the acronym they were forced to utter.

Truly, a stuff of legend though was the fearless stand of the teachers led by Madam Tess Tablante to publicly expose the ordeal they went through that forced the regime to nullify the election results – acknowledging that the teachers were “threatened and coerced into making spurious election returns without regard to the genuine ballots in the ballot boxes” – and unseated the Comelec-proclaimed winner, re-electionist Armando P. Biliwang.

In the interregnum ensued an unprecedented rule of succession with a Philippine Constabulary offi cer, Col. Amante S. Bueno, deputy commander for administration of the 3rd Regional PC Zone at Camp Olivas, taking over as OIC-Mayor, and succeeded by lawyer Vic Macalino, on the recommendation of the Honorable Estelito P. Mendoza, governor of Pampanga, secretary of justice, solicitor-general, among other titles.

The political impasse coming to an end with the special mayoralty election in 1983 won by Virgilio “Baby” Sanchez, who was Biliwang’s predecessor. That this: the teachers defending – with their very lives if needed – the sanctity of the vote at the height of the dictatorship when elections were a mockery of democracy, was damned heroic.

That in all of the Philippines where electoral terrorism was wanton practice, such heroism had to happen in San Fernando could only speak of redoubtable courage, a testimony to true grit of the local teachers.

January 30, 1980 in San Fernando is no mere footnote but a shining milestone in the history of the Filipino struggle for democracy, coming as it is full six years before the EDSA People Power Revolt that fi nally ousted the dictatorship.

More than just being opening event to the annual celebration of Kaganapan, Teachers’ Heroism Day needs to be memorialized – in stone, as in a monument to the courageous teachers, most fi ttingly at the Heroes Park; in book form, as in an oral history of the personal accounts of the teachers themselves.

In this era of fake news and forged histories, that task for the city government is as much incumbent as urgent. As much for the teachers, as for patrimony of the Fernandino.

So, what’s keeping the city from doing it?

Gatasan ni VillarTHE PHILIPPINE Carabao Center and National Dairy Authority, they have been in existence for 26 years. Both of them. But the dairy production in the Philippines is 1% of the demand. Ninety-nine percent are all imported. Siyempre, kapag mahirap ang bata, kaya ba bumili ng imported? Hindi. Kaya wala nang umiinom ng milk na mahihirap na bata. Partly to blame kayo sa kabobohan ng mga bata.

Iyong result nung international study…na second to the last tayo, you are partly to blame kayo. Kasi ang mga bata, pinaiinom ng milk para tumalino. Iyong dairy program niyo, partly to blame. Kasalanan ninyo. Kasi kung walang available na murang gatas para sa mga bata, paano iinom ng murang gatas ang mga bata?--Senator Cynthia Villar at the Senate hearing on the proposed Instructional Gardens Act and Integrated Urban Agriculture Act

COMMENT: Partly to blame din po ang malawakang kagka-convert sa subdivision ng mga lupaing pinagpapastulan ng mga baka at kalabaw.

Tsaka, ang mga bata po, pinaiinom ng milk para tumalino at tumangkad. Pinainom po ba kayo ng milk nung bata kayo?

Stop the killings!We condemn in the strongest terms possible the violent and cowardly act of the killing of our chapter member, Atty. Anselmo “Sato” Carlos.

Moments after attending a hearing this morning in the Hall of Justice of Guagua, Pampanga, three armed assailants shot at Atty. Carlos and his driver Marcial Mendoza while the latter were inside a car, resulting in their instant deaths.

We are shocked and saddened that one of our members has been added to the growing number of lawyers falling victim to senseless killings. Once again, rule of law has been attacked.

We call on law enforcement authorities to make a swift action to bring to justice the perpetrators of this dastardly act and to exert all eff orts in trying to put a stop to the killing of lawyers.

(IBP-Pampanga statement of indignation on the violent death of Atty. Anselmo Carlos)

Ing kasalesayanning Kapampangan

(The history of Pampanga)B� F�. E����!�"# S$%"#&

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THE THREE words that follow call for an additional comment:

English Sumatran Pampangan

Day ari (m), urai (a), torang-hari (b), ranni (l) aldo (sic)

Eye mata (M), matah (a), mahta (l) mata

Sun mata-ari (M), mattauarai (A), mahta-hari (B), mata-ranni (L) aldo (sic)

Personifi cation of atmospheric phenomenon, as exemplifi ed in the above mentioned Sumatran reference to the SUN as the “eye” of the day (mata-ari, etc.), is not alien to the Pampangan language. Here the RAINBOW is referred to as the “loincloth” of the king (pinan-ari). (Note: Pinan, loincloth, ari, king. In Tagalog, it is bahag-hari (bahag, loincloth; hari, king).

A similar case is the sentence with which Pampangans describe a slight shower in contrast to a heavy rain. When it is merely drizzling, the sun is said to be “just giving itself a sponge bath” (manimu ya ing aldo).

Another datum, relevant to this point, is a report of the Spaniards who fi rst came into contact with Pampangans. A Macabebe chieftain was reported to have resisted the invading Spaniards by challenging them to a battle and swearing by the SUN: “May the sun severe my body in halves…….if I ever become a friend of the Spaniards.” (De San Agustin, ibid.: 328).

[Migkamali ku iniang sinabi kung: pinan ari ing buri na sabian keng Inglis “loincloth of the king”. Ania, bayu taya isundung babasan itang artikulung SLU-1984, bustan yung ingit ke kekayu ining sinulat kung “linguistic analysis” at kaibat na nita, ita namang sinulat nang Anthropologist Fernando N. Zialcita ning Ateneo de Manila University].

(Abatan ya ing kasuglung)

Page 5: Punto! Central Pinedas give 13-K · ang sentensya laban kina Ju-lius Lacanilao at Maria Cristi-na Sergio ng Talavera, Nueva Habambuhay sa recruiter ni Veloso Ecija sa sala ni Judge

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Napag-uusapanLangFelix M. Garcia

Ang paglakad ng matulin, kung

matinik ay malalimANG kasalukuyang mga nangyayaring

pagpuna ng U.S. sa ating sariling

batas panglipunan ay isang matinding

panghihimasok sa soberanya natin.

Gaya ng atin nang mga nakaraang

naging pahayag ay di dapat makialam

itong Amerika sa ating pambansang

panuntunang batas na pina-iiral.

‘In what capacity its senators had sent

A marching order to our justice department

To release De Lima from she’s now detained

As one of those who are threats to our government?

Sila ba ay ating pinakikialaman

sa anumang bagay na ginagawa n’yan?

So, ang tayo ay panghihimasukan,

malinaw na sila’y walang karapatan!

Pagkat tayo bilang malayang Estado,

na may kasarinlan, batas at gobyerno,

wala ni sinumang lipi ni Pilato

itong sa atin ay puedeng kumastigo.

Tapos na ang kanilang pang-aalipin

at tayo sa ngayon ay katulad na rin

nilang anak ng Diyos na mayrung sariling

mga pagpapasiya na talagang atin.

Kaya, para tayo’y kanilang idikta

sa kung anong dapat gawin ay sobra na

at wala na rin sa patulo kumbaga

ang nais mangyari sa hindi kanila.

Na ipag-utos n’yan ang pagpapalaya

kay Leila De Lima na pasimuno nga

nitong bulto-bultong patagong pag-gawa

umano ng shabu sa d’yan sa Muntinlupa.

Sa madaling sabi anong mayrun sila

para manghimasok sa ating sistema

at mga sarili din namang pagrenda

na naa-ayon sa ating republika.

Kung saan nang dahil sa puntong nasabi

napagdiskitaan tuloy riyan pati

ni Trump at ng ating pangulong Duterte

ang ibang bagay na di dapat kasali.

At naging mitsa r’yan ng pagka-kansela

rin ng ‘validity’ nitong U.S. Visa

ni Senador Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa,

ang pag-tanggi nating mapagbigyan sila.

Na humantong nga sa pati ang ‘Visiting

Forces Agreement’ na ilang taon na rin

namang ‘in full eff ect’ damay sa nangyaring

masasabi nating ‘grave misunderstanding’.

Ang pataasan ng pagsirit ng ihi

ng dalawang lider di dapat mag-hari,

kundi marapat na maging mapanuri

upang di humantong sa matinding mali.

Dahilan na rin sa ang anumang bagay

di nakukuha sa pagiging maingay,

kundi sa pangungusap na malumanay

para mapabuti’t di mawalang saysay!

PREVENTION IS BETTER THAN CURE. SM City Cabanatuan and SM Megacenter launch their preventive measures and task force against the deadly coronavirus. The management has installed disinfectants like alcohol in all entrances, comfort rooms and require their employees to wear face masks as preventive practices to avoid possible contact with the virus. C&)'3!15'#4 $%&'&

N� R����� R���!

CLARK INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT --- Higit pang hin-igpitan ng Bureau of Customs (BOC) sa paliparang ito ang monitoring sa mga dumarating na bagahe na may laman na used clothing o ukay-ukay sa gitna ng banta ng 2019-novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV).

Ayon kina district collector Atty. Ruby Alameda at dep-uty collector for admin and passenger services Atty. Er-win Mendoza, nasa height-ened alert sila ngayon sa pag-

CRK naka-alert sa ukay-ukaybabantay ng mga bagahe da-hil sa banta ng nCoV bagamat noon pa man ay mahigpit ng ipinagbabawal ang pagpasok ng mga second-hand clothing sa bansa batay sa Republic Act 4653.

Anila, hindi dapat maka-lusot sa paliparan ang pag-pasok ng mga second-hand na damit na posibleng kon-taminado o may dalang sakit gaya ng nCoV kaya’t mas pin-aigting nila ngayon ang pag-babantay.

Mahigpit ang ginagawa nilang profi ling at information

gathering para sa mga du-marating na mga kargamento.

Sakaling may ma-moni-tor na kahina-hinalang karga-mento na naglalaman ng mga contaminated goods ay agad itong a-applyan ng warrant of seizure and detention at ika-quarantine bago i-dispose for condemnation.

Kayat panawagan ng BOC sa publiko na iwasan na ang pagpapadala ng mga used clothing sa Pilipinas na nag-mumula hindi lamang sa ban-sang China kundi sa buong Asya.

B" E#$�� B. E!%�$&�

BALANGA CITY -- Bishop Ruperto Santos on Tuesday urged the faithful to minimize con-tact to prevent the spread of infection not only of coronavirus but other viruses as well.

“The Diocese of Balanga deems that as necessary precaution and prevention, it is high-ly encouraged for the time being to receive Holy Communion by hands, to temporarily forego the kissing of the bishop’s ring and the holding of hands during the ‘Our Father’ portion in the Holy Mass,” he said.

The prelate said coronavirus spread from an infected person to others through the air by coughing and sneezing, close personal contact

Bishop: Communion by hand, no hand-holding for Our Father

PRECAUTION VS 2019-NCOV

such as touching or shaking hands, touching an object or surface with the virus on it and then touching mouth, nose or eyes.

“As of this moment, we are thankful to our Almighty God that there is no confi rmed case yet of the virus in the Philippines but as precau-tionary measure, we have to be vigilant,” San-tos said.

He said the Diocesan prayer he issued against the spread of coronavirus last Mon-day will be recited after post-communion prayer during Masses and it will go on until the out-break is controlled.

“It is pastoral since we are concerned with the well-being of body and spirit,” the bishop said.

IT IS my duty to inform all stakeholders in the Subic Bay Freeport Zone that the scheduled port call of the cruise ship MV World Dream in Subic on Wednesday, Jan-uary 29, has been cancelled by Genting Cruise Lines, the operator of the cruise liner, in face of the circumstances on the ground.

It has been two days of tedious representations with concerned government offi c-es and negotiations with oth-er interested parties, but now the Subic Bay Freeport com-

munity can breathe a sigh of relief in the outcome that, we hope, is acceptable and satis-factory to all.

I would like to reiterate here the continuing trust of the SBMA on the Department of Health and its Bureau of Quarantine, which has put in place various measures in or-der to assure the safety and security of Subic and other host communities that cruise ships visit.

We should also thank the vigilance and sobriety of the Subic Bay Freeport community

in face of the hysteria caused by the novel coronavirus out-break in other Asian coun-tries, and for the malasakit of the people to decide and act for the common good.

Again, we have shown that together, we are stronger and that the seemingly im-possible takes only a bit lon-ger to accomplish. Maraming salamat po sa pagmamala-sakit sa Subic!

AMY T. EISMASBMA Chair and

Administrator

SBMA Statement on Cancelled Cruise Ship Visit

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F��� ���! 1

NOTICE OF SELF ADJUDICATIONNotice is hereby given that TRISHIA ANN GUEVARRA MALLARI,

Filipino, residing at No. 374, Purok 7, Nueva Victoria, Mexico, Pampanga and sole heir of RINA GUEVARRA MALLARI who died intestate on December 15, 2017 in the City of San Fernando, Pampanga executed an Affi davit of Self Adjudication of her estate, more particularly described as Survivorship Benefi ts and Funeral Benefi ts from the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS), before Notary Public Miguelito S. Pama as per Doc No. 128, Page No. 27, Book No. 7, Series of 2020.

Punto! Central Luzon: January 16, 23 & 30, 2020

NOTICE OF SOLE-ADJUDICATIONNotice is hereby given that ROLANDO M. OPINALDO, Married, Filipino,

resident of Pao, Balaoan, La Union and sole heir of ABRAHAM OLIVO OPINALDO who died intestate on October 10, 2019 in Angeles City executed an Affi davit of Sole-Adjudication of his estate, more particularly described as Savings Account No. 000523-4988-78 amounting to P355,549.07 as of November 19, 2019 in the Bank of Philippine Islands, Angeles Main Branch, before Notary Public Arvin M. Suller as per Doc No. 230, Page No. 42, Book No. LXIV, Series of 2020.

Punto! Central Luzon: January 23, 30, February 6, 2020

Republic of the PhilippinesMunicipality of Macabebe

Province of PampangaOffi ce of the Municipal Civil Registrar

Publication NoticeR.A. 10172

NOTICE TO THE PUBLICIn Compliance with the publication requirement and pursuant to OCRG

Memorandum Circular No. 2013-1 Guidelines in the Implementation of the Administrative Order No. 1 Series of 2012 (IRR on. R.A. 10172) Notice is hereby served to the public that RUBY Y. TRINIDAD has fi led with this Offi ce, a petition for correction of entry in the Child’s Date of Birth from “05 NOVEMBER, 1995” TO “05 DECEMBER, 1995” in the Birth Certifi cate of JEANNY MAY YAMAT TRINIDAD who was born on December 5, 1995 at Macabebe, Pampanga and whose parents are Ruby L. Yamat and Rodolfo U. Trinidad.

Any person adversely aff ected by said petition may fi le his/her written opposition with this offi ce not later January 22, 2020

Sgt: MR. MICHELLE Y. YABUT Municipal Civil Registrar

PUNTO! Central Luzon: January 23 & 30, 2020

NOTICE OF EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENTNotice is hereby given that the heirs of CECILIA C. AGUAS who died

intestate on April 28, 1998 in Makati City executed an Affi davit of Extrajudicial Settlement on her estate, more particularly described as six (6) parcels of land situated in Porac, Pampanga covered by Transfer Certifi cate of Title Nos. 250763-R; 672809-R; 042-2011007838; 042-2011013856; 0422011013858; 042-2014010406; and one (1) parcel of land situated in Guagua, Pampanga covered by Transfer Certifi cate of Title No. 259579-R, all issued by the Registry of Deeds for the Province of Pampanga, before Notary Public Van Oliver V. Mempin as per Doc No. 934, Page No. 96, Book No. III, Series of 2019.

Punto! Central Luzon: January 30, February 6 & 13, 2020

structure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) for P939 million.

“Masanting ne ing tuyu, kesa keng su-la-sulapo pugu, pota malakwan tamu keng negosasyun alang ma-lyari (Dried fi sh is much better than a fl ying quail, we might be left behind in the negotiations and nothing wil happen),” said Santiago in accept-

CSF gets back part of Paskuhan Village

of Clark as well as to its surrounding commu-nities that is geared to-wards progress.

Laus Nissan Group executive director Dior Lau also said through dealership, the Laus Group is well-positioned to contribute to the devel-opment of Clark and also participate in its growth.

“It is a strong indi-cation of a positive out-look and the confi dence of Clark’s future and the surrounding provinces,” Laus said.

“The inauguration and blessing of this deal-ership will allow the Laus Group to deliver utmost satisfaction and world-class service to our cus-tomers,” she added.

Department of Trans-portation Road Transport and Infrastructure As-sistant Secretary Mark Steven Pastor acknowl-

Laus Auto Group opens 4th Nissan...F��� ���! 1 edged the Laus Auto

Group for its role in par-ticipating in the govern-ment’s vehicle modern-ization program.

He said the trans-port projects in Clark will help boost the economic growth of Central Luzon: “With the government’s Build, Build, Build pro-gram in full speed, we can also expect a num-ber of transport projects designed to provide eas-ier and faster access that will help usher economic growth for the region.”

“The government’s program to modern-ized the public transport system is one key area wherein the Laus Auto Group and your vehi-cle dealerships such as Nissan can most active-ly participate in,” Pastor pointed out.

“By participating in the vehicle moderniza-tion program, the Laus Auto Group and Nissan

will be joining the ranks of other vehicle dealer-ships and stakeholders which are committed to rid old and dilapidated PUVs and replace them with safe, modern and effi cient units,” Pastor added.

For his part, Nissan Philippines Inc. president and managing director Atsushi Najima imparted Nissan’s vision in provid-ing excellent products as well as services to more customers: “Through the Laus Auto Group, we continue to reach more customers in the country and provide them inno-vative products and ex-cellent services.”

The event started with a ribbon-cutting cer-emony led by MTL Foods Corp. president and Laus matriarch Ma. Theresa A. Laus who is joined by Laus Group of Compa-nies chairman and CEO Lisset Laus-Velasco.

Also joining the cere-mony were Clark Devel-opment Corp. president and CEO Noel F. Manan-kil, CDC vice president for Business Develop-ment and Business En-hancement Group Evan-geline Tejada, Clark In-vestors and Locators Association chair and BB International presi-dent and CEO Dr. Irineo “Bong” Alvaro Jr., Ange-les City Mayor Carmelo “Pogi” G. Lazatin Jr., and Vice Mayor Vicky Ve-ga-Cabigting.

The ribbon-cutting was followed by a for-mal blessing of the facili-ty including a world-class showroom, an automo-bile service center and its facilities.

Nissan is currently ranked third in the coun-try’s best-selling auto-mobile brand for 2019 as per the Chamber of Au-tomotive Manufacturers of the Philippines.

ident and general man-ager Luigi Bautista and

Harbor Link opens on February 14F��� ���! 1 Public Works Secretary

Mark Villar made the an-nouncement after con-ducting an inspection on

the project last week. Villar inspected the

2.6-kilometer C3-R10 section of the elevated

expressway that is slat-ed for full opening in March.

He also said the

ing the half-hectare do-nation.

“As it turned out, the deal was fi nal and exec-utory last Monday (Janu-ary 20),” said city admin-istrator Atty. Atlee Viray.

“It is important to pre-serve our heritage. From zero to something, this is a momentous singular achievement of the San-tiago administration,” Vi-ray noted. “It happened that the fi rst off er was only 200 square meters.

But the mayor said that’s only good for a toilet. Dagdagan ye, mapal-yaring misabi tamu (In-crease it and we might talk) until it reached 5,000 square meters,” narrated Viray on how the negotiations went.

Viray said the Pa-skuhan Village was sold by TIEZA in favor of SM and the only thing that the city government was holding was “the right of fi rst refusal.”

“And that was only basis of the mayor to call on Pampanga 3rd District Rep. Aurelio “Dong” Gon-zales and the Solicitor General in order to fi le an annulment and reconvey-ance of sale,” he said.

“Because we fore-see that if we wait for the case to reach up to the Supreme Court, that will be diffi cult. We might as well be dead before we see its conclusion,” Viray explained.

For Santiago, “next to God is culture,” lament-ing: “We proudly de-scribed San Fernando as the home the giant lantern but then we don’t even have place for it here.”

“So, this (Paskuhan) will be a year-round lan-tern village to showcase, not only San Fernando, but the famous Kapam-pangan culinary dishes,” the mayor said.

Rhapsodizing: “It is

important, pagmalasaki-tan me ing kultura mu ul-ing karin ta ngan mi abe-abe, itang kulturang Pil-ipino, kulturang Kapam-pangan karin meg ump-isa ngan, ken penibatan de kulturang Fernandino (…that we show concern for our culture because that is where we are to-gether, the Filipino cul-ture, Kapampangan cul-ture that is where it all be-gan where the Fernandi-no culture emerged).”

thanks to all local gov-ernment units (LGUs) and private individuals who reached out to help their province, especially their municipality.

“Nagpapasalamat po

Pinedas give 13-K food, non-food items to Agoncillo townfolkF��� ���! 1 kami sa lahat ng local

government units, cities, and provinces, lalo na sa lalawigan ng Pampanga, kay Governor Delta at kanyang pamilya, at sa lahat ng tao niya na tu-mutulong sa aming naa-pektuhan ng bulkan,” he

said.Reyes also advised

the people under his ju-risdiction to be less wor-ried.

“Never lose your faith, this is just a chal-lenge that we can sur-pass if we will all stand

together,” the mayor told his constituents.

In total, the goods that are set to be equal-ly distributed to all baran-gays in the municipality include 4,000 pieces of face mask; 2,200 food packs containing 5 kilos

of rice, 5 cans of corned beef, 5 cans of sardines; 4,400 packs of dry goods such as 1 mat, 2 towels, 6 undies, 2 shirts, 1 blan-ket, 2 pairs of slippers; 2,200 water containers; and 200 sacks of donat-ed clothes.

Agoncillo, one of the two towns in Batangas situated within the 7-ki-lometer radius hazard zone. It was placed un-der a total lockdown to-gether with the town of Laurel. – Jasmine D. Jaso/Pampanga PIO

Harbor Link and other “Build, build, build” proj-ects should reduce the 400,000 vehicles pass-ing through EDSA each day to around 280,000.

“The project is now 75-80-percent complete. We are on track to open C3 to Dagat-Dagatan Avenue by February and the entire C3-R10 Sec-tion by March to help decongest major roads such as EDSA and C5. With the full comple-tion of the project, we expect to reduce travel

time from Port Area to NLEx to 10 minutes,” Vil-lar said.

It is foreseen that the opening of the road will have a big positive eco-nomic impact because of the effi cient delivery of goods to diff erent inland destinations in Luzon.

“We are aiming to contribute more to the productive capacity of the economy, generate jobs, and ease traffi c congestion in Metro Ma-nila,” said Bautista.

–Ashley Manabat

NLEx Corp. chief operating offi cer Raul Ignacio (left) explains to Public Works Secretary Mark Villar (middle) the status of the NLEx Harbor Link Project which will be partially open on Feb 14. Also in photo are Nemesio Castillo, NLEx Corp. vice president for tollway and development engineering (right). P%&'& ,&53'#-2 &( PIA 3

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SpotlightArci Pineda

Miss World 2013 Megan Young weds long time boyfriend Mikael Daez

MEGAN YOUNG and Mikael Daez’s wedding was a cozy gathering of their closest friends who knew how to ride along with the couple’s penchant for things casual and fun.

Certifi ed celebrities—Megan was declared Miss World 2013, the fi rst Filipina to win the crown; Mikael is a model and actor—the couple had a decidedly low-key, intimate, ceremony.

The couple exchanged marriage vows at the San Roque Chapel in Subic, Zambales on January 25, 2020. For the boho-themed wedding reception, they moved to El Kabayo Riding Staples, a horse farm also in Subic.

The celebration was mainly attended by their closest friends, who are mostly from outside showbiz, but a few celebrities were spotted at the exclusive, cozy party.

Topping the list was none other than Megan’s younger sister, actress-model Lauren Young. Lauren and her brother Victor were the fl ower “ghorls” at the wedding.

Lauren announced her all-out support for sister Megan in an Instagram post with the caption: “Bonez and Fofo forever! Welcome to the family, Mikael! I love you guys [heart emoji].”

“Bonez” is Mikael’s term of endearment for Megan, while Megan uses “Fofo” as a pet name for Mikael.Lauren’s best friend, Saab Magalona, also came to celebrate with the couple.Couple and models Janna Tee and Brent Javier also made sure they wouldn’t miss their dear friends’

special day.Megan and Mikael’s wedding is a culmination of a nine-year relationship that started in January 2011.

q q q

FROM THE rank of master sergeant, the Kapuso actor Dingdong Dantes is now a lieutenant commander.Dingdong and wife Marian Rivera, together with their families, attended the donning of ranks ceremony

held on January 27, 2020.Aside from Dingdong’s promotion, fellow actor Rocco Nacino was also awarded a Military Merit Medal

following the assistance he provided the victims of the Taal Volcano eruption.This was according to the offi cial statement released by the Philippine Navy. Published as is, the statement

from the Philippine Navy read:“The actor known for his screen name as Dingdong Dantes, has been enlisted as marine reservist since

2006 and commissioned in the reserve force in 2019.“Lt. Cmdr. Dantes (RES) is the Chairman and Founder of Yes Pinoy Foundation.“He also holds the position of Assistant Vice Chairman of Logistics Support Group of Front liners

Brotherhood Incorporated (FBI) which is affi liated to PN Affi liated Reserve Units (PNARU) program and placed under the Marine Affi liated Reserve Combat Service Support Batallion (MARCSSBn).

“Also, Rocco Nacino was enlisted as Petty Offi cer Third Class in the reserve force after graduating in the Basic Citizen Military Training (BSMT) conducted last year.

“He is currently assigned at Naval Forces Reserve-National Capital Region under Naval Reserve Center.“The family of Dantes, other PN senior leaders and Mrs Marian Rivera Dantes, who assisted during the

pinning of rank insignia to his husband Dingdong were also present during the event.”The same press release also said: “Meanwhile, both Dantes and Nacino were also awarded with a Military

Merit Medal for their notable achievement as they conducted humanitarian assistance and disaster response during the eruption of Taal volcano.

“In his speech, Lt Cmdr Dantes narrates his reason for joining the Navy reserve, ‘I am a soldier, a reservist, because I would like to volunteer, to help those who help keep my family and my loved one safe. To my mind being a reservist, being a soldier, is about enabling others to pursue their own dreams in a secure and safe environment.’

“He added, ‘Nasa gobyerno ka man o pribadong sector, may katungkulan man o karaniwang namamasukan, sundalo man o isang actor, tangan natin ang ‘puso’ ng isang bayani...

“’So whatever uniform we may be in today, let’s not forget to put our strongest hearts and commit ourselves to be heroes in our own ways.’”

For her part, Marian posted this on Instagram: “Lieutenant Commander Jose Sixto G. Dantes III PN (Res). “Super proud of you my husband... Salute! [heart emoji]”

Rocco says quite directly that he is “masaya” about the recognition he received.

Rocco has the rank of Petty Offi cer (PO) 3rd Class of the Philippine Navy.

He said in his Instagram post (published as is): “Got to experience the prestigious donning of ranks at the Navy Headquarters.

“This has ignited a feeling of greater love for my country as our offi cers take time to recognize our eff orts in serving our country.

“Yes masaya ang pakiramdam na makapagpasaya ng tao through tv, pero iba din ang saya ng makatulong sa kapwang pilipino na nangangailangan.

“We reach out to the youth to take on this journey as well to experience that fulfi lment that we talk about. Believe me, magbabago ang pananaw ninyo sa buhay.”

Rocco also congratulated Dingdong on the latter’s promotion.

He said: “Congrats to all the awardees, especially to my good friend @dongdantes , whom I salute to now as Lt Commander Dantes.

“Buddy na tayo sa Alpha team, buddy na rin Navy. Snappy salute!”

Aside from Dingdong and Rocco, several celebrities have enlisted in various branches of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

Among them are Matteo Guidicelli, Ejay Falcon, Gerald Anderson, Deither Ocampo, Elmo Magalona, Yves Flores, Jerome Ponce, and Nash Aguas.

Megan Young

The Medical City Clark celebrates 5th anniversary

The Medical City Clark (TMC Clark), the fi rst hos-pital that The Medical City constructed as part of its strategy to develop a national healthcare net-work, celebrates its fi fth anniversary this January 2020 as it works to become the Referral Center of not only Central Luzon but Northern Luzon as well.

Since he took over as the Chief Executive Offi -cer of TMC Clark less than a year ago, Dr. Almar-io Jabson, a neurosurgeon, said he, the manage-ment team and staff have been working hard to launch more services so that TMC Clark will even-tually be known as the referral hospital in the re-gion.

“We were able to purchase a stroboscopy, te-lemetry, sleep laboratory, hemodialysis and Phys-ical Medicine and Rehabilitation expansion, ultra-sound, Hospital information system, among oth-ers.” Dr. Jabson

In addition to purchasing the equipment need-ed by their doctors, Dr. Jabson said TMC Clark was able to raise the salaries of their nurses three times “just to be competitive.”

“We were able to raise the marketing budget as well,” he said. “Marketing is crucial because if you are targeting TMC Clark to be a referral center, Marketing should be well equipped.”

TMC Clark has capabilities and expertise to serve complicated and complex cases. This means that patients will no longer have to travel to Manila just to avail of these services. TMC Clark off ers more than general hospital services like laborato-ry or radiology services. It off ers a more compre-hensive and patient-centered set of specialty cen-ters like the Cardiovascular Center, Breast Center, Center for Occupational Health, Center for Kidney health and Transplantation.

“The ultimate goal is that TMC Clark will com-plement and supplement the healthcare capability of the existing and nearby hospitals,” Dr. Jabson said. “Instead of competition, TMC Clark is gear-ing towards cooperation and partnerships, the true and only way for a sustainable delivery of health-care in the country.”

TMC Clark formally opene d its doors to serve patients in Central Luzon in January 2015. At that time, TMC saw that TMC Clark had multiple and complementary strategic opportunities. Being situ-ated next to an international airport, it was seen as an excellent staging area for penetrating the glob-al market, including the choice Middle East niche.

TMC Clark is also working towards creating its own Cancer Center. For Dr. Jabson, building a Cancer Center requires the presence of four ele-ments – Chemotherapy Infusion Unit, Genomics and Molecular Support, Nuclear Medicine and the purchase of a Linear Accelerator.

“It is wrong to label a center a Cancer Center if it only has a linear accelerator, TMC Clark already has the fi rst two elements and we hope to open the Nuclear Medicine unit this year,” he said. “Hope-fully, we will be able to achieve the fourth phase in two to three years’ time and that will be a real cancer center. For now, we will concentrate on ex-panding the laboratory, opening a one-stop-shop Out-Patient Department and acquiring the PET-CT.”

Dr. Jabson has also been working hard to fos-ter closer relationships with TMC Clark’s doctors. He admitted that he has been playing catch up since he assumed the CEO position and that he has been studying and prioritizing the doctors’ re-quests.

“What we are doing is we are giving some of the things within reason to the doctors since we are on a catch up mode,” he said. “We have doc-tors here who are relatively young and have a lot of energy but they are great.”

He added that these young doctors should be “given fi ve to ten years and they will reach a cer-tain level of maturity. They just need to grow with the institution and they will boom together with the hospital in that period of time.” The growth of the doctors, he explained, will parallel that of the hos-pital.

“I want to be known as the person who steered TMC Clark towards sustainability, profi tablilty and what it is supposed to be,” Dr. Jabson said. “I want to be known as someone who transformed TMC Clark into something it was meant to be for. It is not meant to be a community hospital. It was meant to be something bigger and I want to be known as the person who transformed the hospital.” –PR

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PUNTO! CENTRAL LUZON • JANUARY 30 - FEBRUARY 1, 2020 • THURSDAY - SATURDAY

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