peaceful elections WEDNESDAY VOLUME IV NO. 157 FEBRUARY 10,

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1 VOLUME IV NO. 157 FEBRUARY 10, 2016 WEDNESDAY CALL FOR A PEACEFUL POLLS. Unopposed Gov. Lilia Pineda and Vice Governor Dennis Pineda sign the peace covenant held at the Bren Z. Guiao Convention Center yesterday. Other photos show Evangeline Luli Arroyo-Bernas who represented 2nd District Rep. Gloria Macapagal Arroyo; re-electionist 3rd district Rep. Oscar Rodriguez and rival Aurelio Dong Gonzales; 4th District congressional aspirant Apalit Mayor Oscar Tetangco Jr. and incumbent re-electionist 4th District Rep. Rimpy Bondoc. --JUN JASO Gov calls for honest, peaceful elections By Marna Dagumboy-Del Rosario and Jess Malabanan CITY OF SAN FERNANDO Governor Lilia Nanay Pineda yesterday echoed her call for peaceful and honest elections, as she reminded all candidates in the province to adhere to the rules during and after the May polls. gov calls...page 7

2 2NEWSHeadline Gitnang Luzon FEBRUARY 10, 2016 Tarlac police heightens security for 2016 polls By Charlene A. Cayabyab Last hot air fest in Clark kicks off this weekend By Marna Dagumboy -del Rosario CLARK FREEPORT The 20th edition of the hot air balloon festival, the flagship tourism project of Clark Development Corporation (CDC), will kick off this weekend, Feb. 11 to 14, inside this Freeport. A source who requested anonymity, however, said this will be the last hot air balloon fest to be held inside this Freeport. With the staging of the balloon fiesta, CDC expressed gratitude to Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta (PIHABFFI) for mounting another weekend of flying exhibitions and on-the-ground activities. There will be four full days of flying activities including hot air ballooning, aerobatic exhibitions, skydiving, motorized paragliding exhibition, aviation formation, search and rescue flight demonstrations, and balloon bursting, microlight and ultralight flying, among other aviation spectacles. The venue will be at the Philippine Air Force ADAC Hangar, M.A. Roxas Highway. This year s highlights also include over 20 traditional and special-shaped hot air balloons from Europe, US, Asia and the Philippines. After the 6 a.m. balloon launch, non-stop flying exhibitions, which include skydiving, motorized paragliding, aerobatics, formation flying, radio-controlled model flights, kite-flying, and rocketry will be featured before the balloons fly in again at 5:45 in the afternoon, if the weather permits. There will be car-drifting exhibitions while airplanes try to drop flour bombs overhead, also fire fighting and safety demonstrations by the Clark International Airport Corporation (CIAC). Another attraction of the event is the Fiesta Fly Market with a big selection of food, refreshments, and all kinds of merchandise, local goods and balloon fiesta souvenirs. A fireworks display, balloon night glow, crew and awards night party culminates the fourday event the following evening. The 20th PIHABF is also supported by the Department of Tourism, Philippine Air Force and other military units. Entrance tickets are at P350 each, which is a donation to the PIHABF Foundation Scholar- clark kicks-off... Page 7 CITY OF SAN FERNANDO With the start of the campaign for national elections, the Tarlac Provincial Police Office has heightened its security preparations for the upcoming 2016 polls. Provincial Director Sr. Supt. Alex Sintin said intensified election security coverage will be provided to ensure a safe and fair election polls. Maximum deployment of policemen will be placed in 42 community checkpoints TPPO has set up in Tarlac, Sintin said. Tarlac Police has also enforced a province-wide gun ban as part of its election security measures. Sintin reported that they have confiscated 86 guns since checkpoint operations for a Safe and Fair Elections (SAFE) started on January 10. Although we have recorded zero electionrelated incident last 2013 elections, police personnel will still identify possible election watchlist areas where violence might erupt, Sintin added. The SAFE campaign is being done in partnership with the Armed Forces of the Philippines. WETLANDS SURVEY. DENR Bataan officers and employees headed by Penro Raul Mamac (L) survey the wetlands of Balanga City in observance of World Wetlands Day and National Wetlands Day. --BUTCH GUNIO Masonic lodge in Bacolor inaugurated By Froilan E. Magtoto CITY OF SAN FERNANDO The Tiburcio Hilario Lodge 394 of the Free and Accepted Mason of the Philippines (FAMP) inaugurated the other day a lodge located at Barangay Cabalantian, Bacolor town. The dedication ceremonies were led by Most Worshipful Grand Master Tomas Rentoy 111, the head of all masons in the country. The rite was so solemn that total silence was requested. Prior to the construction of the new lodge, the first building sat in an area near the provincial Capitol and the old train station. With a theme, Revitalized, Relevant and Revered Philippine Free Masonry: Our Commitment, Our Covenant, the dedication ceremony was attended by Mayor Edwin Santiago as guest, as well as members of the Tiburcio Hilario FOR SMARTPHONES & TABLETS! You can grab our Digital Edition Copy via & click Cover Today Lodge 394 and their families. According to Worshipful Remigio Bucal, head of the Tiburcio Hilario Lodge 394, the Masonic temple has 64 members. The property has an area of 811 square meters and was bought at P1million, said Bucal. The temple was completed after three years, and the funds were from the members themselves. Bucad said rites and some activities will now be held at the new temple. fast facts DepEd sets Feb. 15 deadline for Senior HS Voucher Program By Marna Dagumboy -del Rosario CITY OF SAN FERNANDO The Department of Education (DepEd) has set February 15, 2016 as the deadline of application for the Senior High School (SHS) Voucher Program for Grade 10 completers who are not Education Service Contracting (ESC) grantees, who will pursue SHS in June The SHS voucher program is a form of government subsidy which offers discount in school fees when a student enrolls in a private school that offers the SHS program, starting SY It is intended for Grade 10 completers who wish to pursue SHS education in private high schools, local universities & colleges; state universities & colleges; and technical and vocational Schools. Education Secretary Br. Armin A. Luistro FSC said the voucher program is a support mechanism to ease the financial load of parents who will send their children to SHS. Non-ESC students from private Junior High School (JHS) may apply for vouchers subject to an assessment of their socioeconomic status. If deemed qualified, they will also receive 80% of the voucher value. A qualified voucher recipient who successfully enrolls in a private SHS Provider becomes a Voucher Program Beneficiary (VPB). The SHS Voucher Program will only cover two years regardless of the number of years it takes for the student to finish SHS. Vouchers are only valid if redeemed within the first semester of the school year immediately after the completion of JHS. Voucher payments will be released on a per semester basis to the SHS provider where the VPB is enrolled. The implementation of SHS starting SY completes the K to 12 curriculum which started at kinder and ends at Grade 12. Depending on their skills and inclination, Grade 10 completers can choose from four major strands namely academic, technical-vocational livelihood, sports, and arts and design. Considered automatic beneficiaries are Grade 10 completers from public schools and those who are ESC grantees. If you belong to these two categories, you need not apply because you are automatically covered, Luistro said. Know more details about the program by visiting deped.gov.ph/k-to-12 and ovap.deped.gov.ph. Did you know a lobsters blood is colorless but when exposed to oxygen it turns blue

3 FEBRUARY 10, 2016 Headline Gitnang Luzon BUSINESS 3 4 nego-trailers distributed in Pampanga towns by MA. REINA LEN LUNA CITY OF SAN FERNANDO Four Nego-trailers were distributed in the municipalities of Guagua, Mexico, Arayat and Lubao as part of the Livelihood Project of the provincial government of Pampanga, in partnership with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE). The first nego-trailer was given to Sta. Ursula in Betis, Guagua, worth P216,480. It was composed of a rolling kitchen, complete with equipment and utensils such as small kitchen sink, 2-door refrigerator, 2 burner gas stove, a set of kitchen utensils, fryer, toaster and microwave. At least 15 nego-trailer recipients from the Santa Ursula Negosyu King Panyulung Program Association benefited from the program. The distribution aims to generate income for the members and the organization. DoLE gave another negotrailer worth P245,870 to 58 beneficiaries all members of Bayung Arayat Pamilyang OFW Association in Arayat, Pampanga. The third and fourth set of nego-trailers are set to operate soon in Mexico and Lubao towns this month, as the Provincial Cooperative and Entrepreneurial Development Office (PCEDO) will closely monitor the activities of the associations to ensure the proper management of the nego-trailers. According to the initial report of PCEDO, each negotrailer has an initial capital of P5,000. Through this, beneficiaries can accumulate personal savings while obtaining income within a period of six months. The nego-trailers cater to employees and visitors of the municipality to where it is located and operates from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. They offer a variety of menu that includes hamburger, fries, siomai, foot long, sandwiches, arrozcaldo, pancit guisado, palabok and beverages like softdrinks or tetra pack juices. The PCEDO will continue to monitor the performance of the nego-trailers to ensure that they are well-maintained, for the benefit of the recipients while looking forward to place more nego-trailers in other municipalities of the province. PAA-CL to hold 1st Int l Agri Tech Conference in Clark By Butch Gunio BALANGA CITY The Philippine Association of Agriculturists-Central Luzon Chapter (PAA- CL) will hold its 1st International Agricultural Technology Conference tentatively scheduled on April 27 to 29, 2016 in Clark, Pampanga. During the regular meeting here on Friday of the association s officers presided by Bataan Peninsula State University (BPSU) Vice President for Research, Extension, and Auxiliary Services and PAA-CL Vice President Rudy Flores, it was agreed to conduct the international conference as one of their major projects this year. The main part of the conference will be the presentation of research studies on agriculture. The staging of international conferences is an opportunity for faculty members of state universities and colleges (SUCs) where they get point credits for presenting their research studies. The credits they get can be used for promotion, said BPSU Director for Extension Services and PAA-CL Business Manager Dr. Hermogenes Paguia. Some faculty members of SUCs even attend international conferences abroad, which is costly, to get credits for their promotion. So the staging of PAA-CL can help many SUC faculty members in the region, he added. The association estimated that about 500 participants composed of agriculturists, researches, academicians, and students will attend the conference. Either Stotsenberg Hotel or Holiday Inn Hotel will be the venue. Aside from Flores and Paguia, the meeting was attended other PAA-CL officers: Secretary Dr. Norman G. De Jesus, Dean of the College of Agriculture Systems and Technology of Pampanga State Agricultural University (PSAU); Auditor Dr. Arthur Dayrit, Division Chief for Research and Development of Department of Agriculture 3; PRO Dr. Arturo Aligado, Campus Director, BPSU Abucay Campus; Asst. Secretary Dr. Ernesto Supan, Asst. Dean College of Agriculture PSAU; and a representative of Treasurer Dr. Josefina C. Mananguit, Vice President for Research, Extension and Auxiliary Services Bulacan State Agricultural College. NEGO-TRAILER. Officials from DoLE and the Provincial Government of Pampanga distribute a Nego-Trailer in Sta. Ursula, Betis, Guagua town, in coordination with the Provincial Cooperative and Entrepreneurial Development Office. --PIO PHOTO SSS readies MOA for partnership with Tesda Bataan on DTS trainees By Butch Gunio BALANGA CITY The Social Security System (SSS) has already readied the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) it will execute in partnership with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) Bataan on SSS membership of Dual Training System (DTS) trainees in the province. SSS already prepared the MOA for signing between TESDA Bataan and us, said SSS Mariveles Branch Manager Jordan Herrera during guesting on Saturday at Smile Radio 98.3 FM here. SSS executives Professional and Informal Sectors Department Assistant Vice President Noel Coyupan and Luzon Group Senior Vice President Josie Magana, accompanied by Balanga Branch Manager Joel Villafuerte and Herrera, met last November with Tesda Bataan Provincial Director Grace Castillo regarding the agreement. The program will be discussed with TESDA higher-ups for the possibility of making it a policy to be implemented nationwide. the Tesda Bataan provincial director earlier disclosed. Herrera pointed out that their target is to make all TESDA DTS trainees in the country become SSS members. DTS trainees have income and they will be registered as self-employed employees, he explained. DTS is a training modality that combines theoretical and practical training. It is called dual training because learning takes place alternately in two venues: the school or training center and the company or workshop. It is being implemented by TESDA. Herrera said SSS is working to expand its membership particularly in the informal sectors of the society. In Bataan, tricycles operators and drivers, members of homeowners associations, some barangays, LGU job order employees, vendors, and inmates have become members of the social security through diligent effort of SSS Bataan officers like Herrera. Cavite bettor claims P159.2-M lotto pot MANILA A driver from Cavite has claimed his P159,247,240 prize which he won in the January 30 Grand Lotto 6/55 Draw, according to the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office. The 40-year-old bettor got his winning numbers, , from birthdates of family members. The lone winner, who has been lotto betting since 1996, plans to donate some of his winnings to their community church, buy a house and lot, invest in business and save for his children s future. Again, masaya kami dito sa PCSO at may isang kababayan na naman kaming natulungan para makamit ang kanilang mga pangarap sa buhay., Sana y matulungan din niya ang mga taong nangangailangan ng tulong, PCSO General Manager Atty.Jose Ferdinand Rojas II said. The winner claimed his prize check at the national lottery main office in Mandaluyong City on Feb. 3. Want to broaden your business hori- LET US HELP YOU! CALL US : (045) US : headlinegitnangluzon@gmail.com VISIT US : 2nd Floor, U2 Bldg., MacArthur Hiway, Dolores, City of San Fernando (P)

4 4OPINIONHeadline Gitnang Luzon FEBRUARY 10, 2016 EDITORIAL The Covenant WHO does not want honest and peaceful elections? Every province, every town and every city in the country only want one thing for the May polls: zero violence. This is the objective of the signing of a peace covenant, in line with the government s campaign for clean and non-violent elections. Gov. Lilia Pineda has called on the 573 candidates vying for various positions in the province to adhere to the rules during and after the May polls, as she wants Pampanga to be a model for peaceful and orderly elections. She urged the candidates to avoid violence and instead stick to the election rules. It can be recalled that three towns in the province have been placed under the Election Watch List Areas (EWA) Arayat, Masantol and Macabebe. But the police see no reason why there would be violence in the province this election season, as majority of the candidates belong to well-respected, God-fearing and educated families. The Governor reminded the candidates: Ang hiling ko lang sa inyo ay huwag mainitin ang ulo, walang sakitan, walang patayan at tanggapin kung anuman ang resulta pagkatapos ng halalan. We could not have said it better. HEADLINE Gitnang Luzon is a Daily Regional Newspaper General Manager: MARLO a. franco Editor: RIA DE FIESTA Layout Artist/Photographer: JP Manalang Reporters: CHARLENE CAYABYAB Marna dagumboy - Del rosario Administrative Staff: sherylin l. rivera Publisher: hgl publishing headlinegitnangluzon@gmail.com Website: DISCLAIMER: Views expressed by columnists are their own and do not necessarily reflect the editorial position of HEADLINE Gitnang Luzon or its internet website: com. The publisher does not knowingly publish false information and may not be held liable for the views of its columnists exercising their right to free expression. All rights reserved. Subject to the conditions provided for by law, no article or photograph published by HEADLINE GITNANG LUZON may be reprinted or reproduced, in whole or in part, without its prior consent. Office Address: 2nd Floor, U2 Building, MacArthur Highway, Dolores, City of San Fernando, Pampanga, 2000 Tel. Nos. (045) A LOCAL investor, with foreign partners, is impressed that Clark Development Corporation continues to be more investor-friendly, citing this as among the reasons why they are investing $200 million for various projects in Clark. It s not every day that CDC is being cited for its policy improvements, reforms and seamless procedures. CDC is glad to be of service to its locators and that the state-owned firm was able to reduce processing time of business transactions and other workflow at the Clark Freeport. With the notable improvements, Clark is now among the highly recommended Freeports in the country because of the sound business climate that all of the investors in the once mighty US military base are enjoying. Ireneo Alvaro, president of three companies - BB International, Eagle Sky, and Midori Clark Hotel & Casino - cited CDC President Arthur P. Tugade and the staff of the state-run firm because of the improvements instituted by the CDC management, making the Freeport an investmentfriendly destination. Without the improved business climate in Clark, Alvaro said his group will not immediately pour an initial investment of more than $100 million to bankroll his tourism-related investments in the Freeport. He said that his group is just halfway with their investments in Clark, and they are hoping that they could operate soon and add more investments there. The Midori Hotel & Casino will open in April this year, while Aqua World (BB Int l) will commence construction this year, and Phase One of the huge water resort theme park is expected to be complete by mid or late the plumb Eric V. Jimenez Kudos to CDC Alvaro said they are serious about their projects in Clark because this is the only investment destination in the country that has very huge potential in terms of ROI. The airport and the environment, including the improved investment climate, are among the ingredients for tourism projects to be successful, Alvaro said. Alvaro, also a former three-term Angeles City councilor, complemented the policies being implemented by CDC during the state-run firm-sponsored public affairs program Clark In Action aired over UFM and broadcast simultaneously at local cable TV network ACCTN in Angeles City. Alvaro is also optimistic that the improved policies will continue in the future. CDC has instituted reforms in business processes, resource and fiscal management, investment and job generation, investor relations, corporate social responsibility projects and many other aspects. Because of the improved policies, CDC was able toaccomplish the following: ECONOMIC INDICATORS 1. Committed Investments - Total committed investments rose from $ million in 2012 to $ million in As of 1st semester of 2015, committed investments amounted to $ million. 2. Investors/Locators - The number of foreign and local investors rose from 606 in 2012 to 796 as of August The airport and the environment, including the improved investment climate, are among the ingredients for tourism projects to be successful, Alvaro said. 3. Exports - Total value of annual exports by Clark manufacturing firms rose from $3.619 billion in 2012 to $4.675 billion in Employment - The number of workers in the Clark Freeport Zone s various locators rose from 71,073 in 2012 to 75,538 in As of 1st semester of 2015, the total actual employment is 80,977. FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT 1. Revenues - CDC s gross revenues rose from P281 million in 1996 to P1.39 billion in 2014, netting a profit of P554 million. 2. Remittance to National Treasury -- The Corporation has remitted a total of P720 million to the National Government since During his teleradio interview, Alvaro has also issued updates on his two major tourism-related projects in Clark. The Midori Hotel & Casino is the initial phase of the Integrated Resort Project located at the intersection of C.M. Recto Avenue and Creekside road in this Freeport. According to Alvaro, the project is the first stage of a fully integrated resort complex, with two distinct structures; the very first five-star hotel in the north of Luzon, a world class gaming, and entertainment center. Located 200 meters from Widus Casino and approximately 250 meters from Fontana Casino, Midori rises above both properties with its casino building s seven-storey infrastructure and the five-star six-storey the plumb... Page 7

5 FEBRUARY 10, 2016 Headline Gitnang Luzon OPINION 5 NINU deng talalalang-biswal o keng kontemporaryung amanu, deng artist a masasabi? Ing pakibat da mo reng keraklan, deti deng pintor, madukit o iskultor, deng talagulis at mangule deng maglalang-biswal. Ustu no man deti agpang keng kaisipang pangkasalungsungan. Miyaliwang iskolar at dalubasa deng atin miyaliwang pamanalimbawa keng nung ninu wari pin deng mesabing tau. Atin sasabing dapat me pang pakibalwan nung ninuninu deti. Na dapat la pang pakibalwan deng paralan nung bakit ya milalalang bage iti. Na dapat munaman pakidinan pangsin ing panaun, ing gelingan da reti at deng kasangkapan a keti ginamit at nung bakit deti deng ginamit. Agpang karing antropologo at arkeologo, ing lalto mong pekamaulagang dake o kontribusyun ning taung Paleolitiku iyapin ing keyang makapagmulalang gelingan na keng pamaglalang o artistic ability. Deng kayang makapangasdan a peynting da ring ice-age a animal karing kwebaning DURING my elementary years, I looked forward to celebrating Valentine s Day not because I had someone special to spend the day with but it was the moment I could bring out the creativeness in me. We used to decorate our room with assorted heart-shaped materials and Cupidpatterned ornaments. Each of us was tasked to create a masterpiece to define love in a white bond paper, folded into four, to resemble the famous Hallmark card. The fun we had while cutting paper hearts in different shapes and Maglalang-Biswal Albugang Europadeng magpaltutu keng magelingan nang iti. Ing talalalang ning Stone Age ginamit yang tapyas a pandukit o flint chisels ban igulis na la deng makapagmulalang litratu karing dalig at dingding, karing kisame, at landed a ring kwebang keyang pitutuknangan. Deti makanyan no Magbalawe Aleesus Manarang mu namang sepakan kulul o kule dening mesabing ginulis gamit deng basal at natural a pangule malutu, dilo, matuling at kule dutung. Deng antropologo makanyan da naman sasabyan nadeng mesabing kwebang makipinturang ginulis deng e papakit ebidensya na deti mikaalang paklud a pamanuknangan da ring tau agpang namu rin karing artifacts dang apapangalap anti deng kasangkapan at butul da ring Love yourself first sizes was priceless. The products of our labor were considered classic and whoever gets the highest mark, his/her work would be placed in our hall of frames for everyone to admire the magnum opus of the maker. Falling in love makes you human; capable of loving someone without expecting in return. Truly, love is the most amazing gift from God. Nanung ulaga da ring pangsin da reti? Keti mu kasi akit ing nung makananu yang misip at dapat ing tau agpang keng dikta ning keyang kaburyan, o konsensya, o anyaran ning metung a pamikatagun. Now We Know! ELLEZ J. DAVIO animal. Anya makanyan da naman sasabyan na deng kwebang deti megsilbi lang lugal na pigaganapan bage pang-ispiritwal. Deng aliwa karing mesabing ginulis papakit lang darayang animal na mikakuleng wari mong tutung kule malutung daya at atin lang iturang mengasibat. Deti at dakal pang eksena deng lintong masanting pagaralan ban akit nung makananu wari ing pamibiebye da ring tau kanita at nung makananu lang misip, makanau dang pepakit keng paralan a balu da na kanita. Ing mesabing bage agpang namu karing suhestyun na bunga ning obserbasyun da ring dalubasa ngeni, mapa-antropologo ya man, arkeologo, sosyologo o iskolar a talasisti karing obrang-biswal. magbalawe... Page 7 Bringing back the happy memories of our childhood days is now a regular habit of ours. As I grew up, my emotional state revealed a certain degree in my life. The love set forth in my consciousness. I fell in love as fast as I could. The enigma of being in love was captivating. Everyday was like a dream. The butterflies in my stomach, the sleepless nights, the goosebumps were manifestations of my affection and passion. My first taste of love also gave me the first pain in my heart. I cried a river but the heartache did not stop me from finding another love. I kept on committing myself to many relationships. A few were epic failures. Some ended conventionally. Somehow, I have no regrets falling in love many times in my lifetime. I have learned that falling in love was the greatest feeling ever. The experience made me wiser. Falling in love makes you human; capable of loving someone without expecting in return. Truly, love is the most amazing gift from God. now we know!... Page 7 Parnasong Kapampangan Neng Capa M. Pangan E dapat parusan ing alang gewa Kasalungsungan nang susulat ning maestra keng blackboard o ausan pisara ding matua, inyang kabud namu y Piyuk Mam, ngana Nung puede pu atin kung ikutang sana. Nanu yta Piyuk? nganang mekibat ning Titser, Obat e malyari nung balu ke ing answer? Kasi pin Mam pota ikamua yu pa ken ining ikutang ku at buring salesen. E na ka nung nanu dakal a palabuk, sabyan mu na ing buri mung ikutang Piyuk Kasi Mam buri ku pang abalung lubus nung keng kutang a ini ali ku mabarug Ot kabud da na ka barugan neng muting nung ala na ka mang gewang e masanting? Aba nung makanyan absuelto kung tambing kening isipan kung pakiduang yu nandin. At miparusan kung miagpa aduang gamat a kalupa na ning gewa yu milabas karing kaklasi ku a e mekatupad king homework a dapat ipasa neng abak? Nanu wari Piyuk ing buri mung sabyan diretsan mu na ku ba kung pakibatan. Nung ngayu ing alang gewa ken nanu man, e tanggap parusa absueltu ku pu, Mam! Ot mo absueltu ka ngamung magsalita, nung atin kang kasalanan a pengawa? Kasi pin ing homework ku Mam, e ku gewa Inya makanyan kung asna king katula!!! Be heard! Send us your comments & opinions mail US: 2nd Floor, U2 Building, Dolores, McArthur, Hi-way, City of San Fernando, Pampanga US: headlinegitnangluzon@gmail.com teacher s corner THE educational system in the Philippines is undergoing a big change in terms of number of years in school before a student could enter college and pursue a career he would like in the future. The government would add two years plus Kindergarten to the 10 years of basic education, hence the name of the program: K This system has been introduced in the country for many years but it is only in the Aquino administration where it was finally approved as a law. In fact, this system is used by the United States and other well-known countries, but, our countrymen are still in doubt on this change and even ignited an issue as to whether the idea of implementing it is good or bad. Many people think that this program is unnecessary and insignificant but others think that it will help improve not only the educational system but the Philippines as a whole. Based on research, the Philippines ranks seventh among nine Southeast Asian nations in the area of education and innovation. In the area of primary education, the Philippines is K-12: Good or Bad Idea? by Rolly Hipolito ranked 99th out of 138 nations. We are ranked 69th in the Educational system, 112th in science and math and 76th in Internet Access. As we can see, the Philippine educational system is not that good. One of the steps the government is taking in order to improve the Philippines educational system is through the K-12 Program. Despite these realities, there are still those who are not totally convinced with the desired change and are looking for some reasons why it has to be embraced. For me, though there are many pro arguments for the K-12 Program, there are three which I think are the most important. First is enhancing the quality of education. This is very much needed in the Philippines because we have a poor educational system. This program helps make the standard of education higher because we can add more to the present curriculum and therefore add to the students knowledge. Secondly is the preparation for students to work. Let s face it, not everyone who finishes high school in the Philippines will go to college. Most high school students will look for work after they graduate and most of them graduate at around 16 to 18 years old, and are therefore too young to earn a living. Lastly, it is for current curriculum to be loosened. This is because 12 years of education is crammed into only 10 years and this can stress a student out. With the K+12 program, the curriculum would be loose and students would have a less stressful work. On the other hand, there are also counterarguments. Like the pro arguments, there are three best con arguments. The teacher s corner... Page 7

6 6 ENTERTAINMENT Headline Gitnang Luzon FEBRUARY 10, 2016 PHILIPPINE CHARITY SWEEPSTAKES OFFICE (pcso) lotto results LOTTO GAME COMBINATIONS DRAW DATE JACKPOT WINNERS Megalotto 6/ /8/2016 9,000, Digit /8/ , Swertres Lotto 11AM /8/2016 4, Swertres Lotto 4PM /8/2016 4, Swertres Lotto 9PM /8/2016 4, EZ2 Lotto 9PM /8/2016 4, EZ2 Lotto 11AM /8/2016 4, EZ2 Lotto 4PM /8/2016 4, Grand Lotto /8/ ,000, Erik Santos, kakanta sa kasal ni Rufa Mae Quinto SOBRANG excited na sina Erik Santos at Angeline Quinto sa Royals Valentine Concert nila with Martin Nievera and Regine Velasquez dahil first time nga nilang makakasama ang kanilang mga idolo. Say nga ni Erik na sobrang idol na idol niya si Martin, hindi na nga raw siya makatulog habang nalalapit ang concert na gaganapin on Feb. 13 sa Mall of Asia Arena and Feb. 14 sa Waterfront Hotel and Casino, Cebu City. I m more than excited, say ni Erik sa final presscon ng Royals na ginanap kahapon sa Luxent Hotel, sobra yung nararamdaman kong kaligayahan sa aking puso. Si Angeline naman ay napaiyak na naman kaya humingi na siya talaga ng dispensa dahil sa laging pagcry. Dream come true talaga sa akin ito, kasi kagaya nga po ng mga sinabi ko nu ng mga nakaraang presscon po, si Miss Regs lang po ang kaisa-isang ultimate idol ko simula noon, sabi ni Angeline na mayamaya ay napaiyak na. Gusto ko lang mag-sorry, kasi everytime talaga na ako ang tinatanong about dito sa Royals talaga, naiiyak ako, pero sana huwag kayong magsawa kasi talagang mababaw lang ang luha ko na talagang masaya lang ako talaga, say ni Angeline na umiiyak na nga. Nagbiro naman si Martin kay Erik at sinabing umiyak ka naman para sa akin kaya nagkatawanan. Samantala, dahil nga in the news ngayon na engaged na ang ex-girlfriend ni Erik na si Rufa Mae Quinto, natanong ang singer kung willing ba siyang kumanta sa wedding ng sexy comedienne. Why not? I am more than willing to sing for her wedding kasi, iba naman po talaga yung pinagsamahan po namin and we re still friends up to this day, so sobra po akong masaya para sa kanya, say ni Erik. Ang Royals ay ididirihe ni Rowell Santiago at musical directors naman sina Homer Flores and Raul Mitra produced by Starmedia Entertainment and I-Music Entertainment. Maine Mendoza, humble pa rin kahit sikat na sikat na Julia Barretto, bagay maging bida-kontrabida HINDI lahat pwedeng maging bida. Pero bawat artista, ito ang pinapangarap sa kanilang showbiz career. Ang bumida sa isang teleserye o pelikula ay isang malaking katuparan para tawagin silang star. As they say, many are called but few are chosen. Isa na rito si Julia Barretto. Dahil hanggang ngayon hindi pa rin siya nagmamarka bilang bida kahit ilang beses na rin siyang nabigyan ng bida role. Malayo kasi ang kanyang aura sa tipikal na bidang babae. Matapang ang dating ng mukha niya. Tipong hindi mo pwedeng apihin. Dahil mas bagay sa kanya ang nang-aapi. Kaya naman effective ang pagtataray at ang pang-aapi niya kay Miles Ocampo sa teleserye nilang And I Love You So. Sa totoo lang, mas bagay siyang i-groom bilang bida-kontrabida gaya ni Angelica Panganiban. Lalo na t iilan lang ang bumabandera sa kaedaran niya bilang kontrabida. Si Julia na ba ang papalit sa trono ng mga premayadong bidakontrabida na sina Angelica at Cherie Gil? ANG phenomenal star na si Maine Mendoza a.k.a. Yaya Dub ay masasabing isa sa pinaka-exciting na bahagi ng buhay niya ngayon - at maging siya ay aminadong dati ay isang pangarap lang - ang lahat ng nangyayari sa kanya ngayon. Never kong inakala na makararating ako sa lugar na to. I am doing what I really want to do and I am very thankful because of that, sabi ni Maine na as we all know ay nagsimula lang makilala noong kalagitnaan ng 2015 at ngayon ay hindi na matawaran ang kasikatan. Ang pagiging YouTube sensation ni Maine ang unang naging daan para mapansin at makapasok siya sa Eat Bulaga at makilala at minahal ng buong bansa o buong mundo nang magsimula ang love story nila ni Alden Richards sa Kalyeserye. Sa pagiging in demand, alam na rin ni Maine na hindi rin daw ito ganoon kadali, Not as easy as I thought it was, pag-amin niya. I must admit that it is physically tiring but I am humbled and really thankful that there are fans who support me and to me that is the best part of the job. Simula nang sumikat, halos si Maine na ang laman ng lahat ng magazine covers kunsaan, nakakapag-experiment pa siya ng iba t ibang fashion and styles. May latest endorsement si Maine at ito ay ang CDO Funtastyk Young Pork Tocino at say niya, I got excited because this is another blessing and opportunity for me. Ang paniniwala niya sa produktong iniendorso ang isa sa dahilan kung bakit naging magaan at masaya ang pagsu-shooting niya raw ng TV commercial nito na ngayon ay kasalukuyang napapanood sa telebisyon. Eugene Domingo love guru na rin HINDI pa rin mababakante itong si Eugene Domingo sa Kapuso Network. Dahil may kapalit na kaagad ang Celebrity Bluff nila ni Jose Manalo. Sa aming nasagap na balita, nag-last taping na raw ang nasabing show para sa season break nito. Pero tuluy-tuloy pa rin ang pagpapatawa ni Uge sa bago nitong show na Dear Uge na magsisimula na sa Valentine s Day mismo. Ano ba ang maipapayo ni Uge tungkol sa buhay pagibig? Una, wala naman daw siyang love life. Pangalawa, hindi naman daw siya love guru. Ito halos ang mga tanong na aming naririnig patungkol sa bagong show ni Uge. Naku, hindi pa man umeere andami nang ipinupukol na komento. Pero sa kalibre ni Uge, siguradong magiging patok na naman ito gaya ng Celebrity Bluff. So ang tanong pa rin: Magiging credible ba siya pagdating sa usaping pag-ibig? Headline Gitnang Luzon FEBRUARY 03, 10 & 17, 2016

7 Drilon nixes possible postponement of elections in some areas MANILA - Senate President Franklin M. Drilon urged the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to refrain from sowing undue fears regarding the conduct of the 2016 elections, as he advised the agency to exhaust all possible means to ensure that the May 2016 polls will be held simultaneously all throughout the country. Drilon issued the statement in response to Comelec Commissioner Arthur Lim s statement that due to delayed printing of ballots because of systems incompatibility, the elections in some areas may not happen on May 9. Drilon, who is up for a re-election this year under the administration s Liberal gov calls... from Page 1 The Governor made her call during yesterday s signing of a peace covenant for honest, orderly and peaceful elections held at Bren Z. Guiao Convention Center (BZGCC), participated in by the province s incumbent officials and other local candidates. Gusto ko maging modelo ang Pampanga ng katahimikan at kaayusan sa panahon ng halalan, Pineda told candidates during the activity. Pineda urged the 573 candidates vying for various elective positions to avoid violence and instead stick to the election rules and observe sportsmanship. Ang hiling ko lang sa inyo ay huwag mainitin ang ulo, walang sakitan, walang patayan at tanggapin kung anuman ang resulta pagkatapos ng halalan, Pineda stressed. The Governor, together with the Commission on Elections (Comelec), Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), Armed Foces of the Philippines, the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Par- magbalawe... from Page 5 Nanung ulaga da ring pangsin da reti? Keti mu kasi akit ing nung makananu yang misip at dapat ing tau agpang keng dikta ning keyang kaburyan, o konsensya, o anyaran ning metung a pamikatagun. Ing bulan a iti ning Pibreru mitalaga yang banwaan a pamagmasusi keng awsan ning National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) a Arts Month. Iti ing pekadake ning gubyernu tamu ban mipagmasusyan la ring obra at deng talalalang karing obrang mayap paulagan. Iti tutu yang mayap pigawan lalu na e mu keti Pinas nunge maging keng kabilugan a lupalup ning Asya. Uli ning deng kalalangangbiswal keti e la mu kabud na atin aesthetic value a pandispley o bubuntalag Party, said that the Comelec is mandated by no less than the Constitution to conduct, without fail, clean, orderly and credible elections in the country. Drilon emphasized that, as a rule, elections should be held simultaneously throughout the country and can only be postponed in exceptional cases. Under the Omnibus Election Code, postponement may only be effected for serious causes such as violence, terrorism, loss or destruction of election paraphernalia or records, force majeure, and other analogous causes of such nature that the holding of a free, orderly and honest election should become impossible in ish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV) hosted the peace covenant signing, with the theme Tipanan Para sa Matapat, Maayos at Mapayapang Halalan sa 2016, in support of the government s campaign for clean and non-violent elections. The Comelec and PNP earlier tagged three Pampanga towns under the Election Watch List Areas (EWA) due to electionrelated violent incidents in the past polls. These are the municipalities of Arayat, Masantol and Macabebe. Atty. Lydia Pangilinan, outgoing provincial Comelec chief who presided a brief review of the election rules, also encouraged all the local candidates to abide with the law to avoid disqualification. Pangilinan specifically mentioned the sizes of campaign posters and streamers to be placed in a designated common poster areas. Pangilinan will be reassigned to Bulacan and her replacement would be coming from Zambales, na wari kalupa na ning amana tamung panugali karing tau keta albugan. Nunge deti, atin lang ulagang functional o magagamit lang kalupa da ring balu tamung kasangkapan a pang-aldoldo. Detang mengadiskubring artifacts anti deng miyaliwang sukad da ring ipan alti o daras (adze) karing miyaliwang lugal anti kng Porac, Bamban at Clark deng mayap dinan pamangilala. Iti kalupa na nitang Daras Candaba na pakadispley kng Pambangsang Museo (na atin munamang pakadispley a replica keti Center for Kapampangan Studies nig Holy Angel University at Clark Museum/ Museong Kapampangan) keta Menila deng dapat midispley mu naman ban mirinan importansya keng mak- any political subdivision. Failure to execute this very mandate is a violation of the Constitution, he said. The Comelec should exhaust all possible solutions instead of talking about postponement. There s still time to print the ballots, Drilon said. The Comelec should focus on doing all it could to fulfil its mandate and refrain from making speculations which will cause unnecessary fears and doubts among the public regarding the upcoming elections considering the already tense and toxic political atmosphere, Drilon added. Drilon said that the integrity of the elections will Headline GL gathered. Central Luzon police director Chief Supt. Rudy Lacadin expressed optimistism that the local elections in the region would be peaceful and non-violent, citing research made by the police on the profiles of candidates. Lacadin said majority of the candidates belong to well-respected, Godfearing and educated families. So we don t see any reason why the elections would be violent, he said. We, the PNP and the AFP, are ready to protect the voting public to ensure that they can exercise their rights to suffrage and to preserve the sanctity of the ballots, Lacadin told his audience. Meanwhile, Pampanga Police Provincial Office Director Sr. Supt. Rodolfo Recomono Jr. said the signing of the covenant does not mean that the province is not peaceful. Recomono stressed that Pampanga is considered as the most peaceful province in the whole of abayung pamagaral na makapamye saup keng belwan da ring kayanakan at memalen ta ngening kasalungsungan. Ngara pin, nanan me ing galing nung e me balu ing milabas. Nanan me ing galing nung e me balung gamitan ban makasaup keng pamibagwa ning kabyayan. Ing gelingan da kasi alimbawa deng minunang talalalang-biswal deng sinaup keng pamagumpisa da ring matwang balayan da ring taung meging pekapipumpunan da be impaired if the election is not simultaneously held throughout the country. The Comelec should avoid actions which may bring into question the credibility and integrity of the electoral process, Drilon said. Let s say, hypothetically, that the Comelec, as it had earlier mentioned, decided to postpone the elections in some areas. How would they pick the areas wherein the elections would be suspended? Would they suspend as well the transmission of the results until such time that the elections are held all throughout the country, so that the electorate would not be swayed by early election results? Drilon asked. Central Luzon and the activity is a way of ensuring the conduct of a peaceful elections in the province. The candidates pledged to cooperate with the Comelec and the police in order to ensure an honest, orderly and peaceful election. They also vowed to have a clean election where citizens can choose freely without fear and anxiety, without expectation of reward or promise. The signing of the covenant was witnessed by DILG Regional Director Florida Dijan, Lacadin, 703rd Infantry Brigade Commander Col Felimon Santos Jr., and PPCRV Rev Fr. Kenneth Alde. Also present during the activity were DILG Assistant Regional Director Araceli San Jose, DILG Provincial Director Myrvie Fabia, capitol department heads and other local officials. The campaign period for national candidates started last Tuesday while the campaign period for local candidates will start on March 25 and will end on May 7. (With LIEZEL CAYANAN) ring kontemporaryung Kapampangan ngeni at deng Pilipinu keng kabilugan. Nung ing matwang gelingan anti ing pamangawang bangka (o pamandaras), pamandukit, pamagpukpuk at pamagpande, pamanampi karing matwang kuran, banga at balanga deng mangabating na, sana mo man reng anti dng kasangkapan na artifacts na ngeni deng dapat mipuulagan. Deti maglaman lang mas malalam a paltutu ning minunang belwan at gelingan da ring tau kanita na e lamu mo kabud na maglalangbiswal nunge tenakan keng mayap at mabelwan a pamangabyayan. Ngana nitang metung a amanu ning dalubasang i Albert Einstein: Creativity is more important than knowledge Mayap ya pa ing taung atin gelingan at kagiwan kesa keng taung kabud ya mu biasa at alang balung gawan. Tune deng talalalang atin lang mayap a ararapat at paintungulan pang kayapan. Dumali! FEBRUARY 10, 2016 Headline Gitnang Luzon 7 the plumb... from Page 4 hotel. The project, once fully operational, will include 110 luxury five-star hotel rooms several of which are about 330 square meters; a 2,619-square meter casino complex; a conference hall/ballroom; bars; restaurants; cafes; an outdoor swimming pool; and commercial/auxiliary buildings with spacious parking facilities. Alvaro added that the inflow of investments which accompanied the establishment of casinos in Clark has contributed significantly to the local economy. The setting-up of a new integrated gaming and licensed property would bring about an increase in local employment and increased business spending, effectively encouraging increased economic activity. teacher s corner... from Page 5 first one is money. People complain that they have to spend more on transportation, food and school supplies for their children now that the K-12 is to be implemented. This is bad because many families in the Philippines are not privileged and therefore cannot afford many things. This will just make their lives harder. On the government s side, many anti-k-12 people say that the government cannot afford more years of free education. The second argument is that the drop-out rate will increase. Many students drop out for many reasons and some of which are financial constraints and loss of enthusiasm to study. Critics say that if students cannot even go through all 10 years of education, what more the extra two years? The final argument is that the newly implemented K-12 will cause financial problems for Higher Education Institutions. This is because they will not have freshmen for two years because of the extra years in the primary education. This will be hard on Universities since they need a constant flow of students in order to maintain facilities and the like. These arguments, whether good or bad, are good points of view on the K-12 program but I am for this program. This is because I feel that there are a lot of good things that can come out of this program and they outweigh the bad things. Sure, more money will be spent by both the people and the government and that there will be two more years of education but at least the children get quality education which will prepare them for the future. Some people might ask what the K-12 program means to the Philippines. What this means is that the quality of Education in the Philippines would be improved that we would not be ranked so low in the area of education. When our students get quality education they will be able to secure jobs in the future even if they do not continue to college. The K-12 program will give the Philippines what it needs and what it needs is a good educational system so that our youth s future will be secured. now we know!... from Page 5 Now, I am in love with the same man for 20 years. Of course, there are bumps along our journey, yet, somehow, our love for each other makes us stronger and rational. Since it is the love month, let us explore the infinite possibilities that love offers. Love yourself first and then the rest will follow. clark kicks-off from Page 2 ship Fund, granting scholarships to deserving but underprivileged students pursuing an aviation career, in partnership with Air Link International Aviation School and the Philippine Air Transport and Training Services. Tickets may be purchased at the fiesta s official website, at SM Ticketnet outlets, or at the event gates. For more information and updates on the 19th PI- HABF, visit philballoonfest.net or its official Facebook page, at Be heard! Send us your comments & opinions mail US: 2nd Floor, U2 Building, Dolores, McArthur, Hi-way, City of San Fernando, Pampanga US: headlinegitnangluzon@gmail.com

8 SPECIAL FEATURE VOLUME IV NO. 157 FEBRUARY 10, 2016 WEDNESDAY Cheerful and energetic by nature, take a photo-op with these Giant Monkeys with tails figured as 2016 SM San Fernando welcomes the Chinese Lunar Calendar with Lion and Dragon Dance Lion and Dragon dance around the Money Tree of SM San Fernando Downtown CITY OF SAN FERNAN- DO A captivating array of rich Chinese cultural performances and exhibits were highlighted at SM malls in Pampanga, Clark, Olongapo, San Fernando Downtown, Baliwag and Marilao in celebration of the year of the Fire Monkey. Welcoming the start of the new Chinese Lunar Calendar are thematic centerpieces installed in each malls for a more exciting and energetic Chinese New Year celebration. In SM Pampanga, selfie or groufie -worthy photos can be taken alongside four Giant Monkeys with tails figured as 2, 0, 1, and 6 and a Chinese Gondola, all located at the South Gallery (in between Supermarket and SM Store). Good vibes can be felt with each malls set-up of Money Tree, as shoppers also have the chance to play the Have a fun time taking photos with the Money Tree centerpiece at SM Marilao Pick a Lucky Ampao through a purchase at the Supermarket. A Chinese Calendar Forecast exhibit, which started February 2 until the 8th, also foretold the shoppers luck for the new year. The malls were also filled with traditional Lion and Dragon dances as they graced their way in bringing in luck to everyone and every corner of the mall last Monday, February 8. In Olongapo, cultural and traditional performances from Manila Times College of Subic Bay were exhibited. The SM malls were literally transformed into little China Towns, with sumptuous Chinese Treats, located near the Supermarkets, were made available. Foodies enjoyed the Chinese Food Bazaar offered at SM Foodcourt and Chinese restaurants, which started on February 4. Shoppers can also choose from a wide range of lucky charms, amulets, figurines and more at the Lucky Charms exhibit in all SM malls in Central Luzon. A Feng Shui consultation by the famous Feng Shui expert, Maritess Allen, was also held at SM Pampanga and Clark on Feb. 2, while Tony Suvega also held a consultation at SM Olongapo on February 8. Feng Shui Master Maritess Allen gives free Feng Shui consultation to shoppers of SM Pampanga. Catch her in SM malls nationwide Chinese Lantern Welcome Arc at SM Olongapo Feel the good vibes of the Chinese New Year with SM Pampanga s Gondola, Money Tree display and Forecast exhibits all in one spot SM City Ologapo Money Tree