Category: News

Most Business Friendly Citation Awarded to PGT Anew

THE Provincial Government of Tarlac received the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) Most Business Friendly Special Citation for the 2022 Most Business Friendly Local Government Unit (LGU)-Province Level Category during the 48th Philippine Business Conference Fellowship Night held at the Fiesta Pavilion, Manila Hotel, October 19.

PCCI, the biggest aggrupation of business organizations in the country has cited Tarlac province for the second year in a row and the citation was received by Provincial Administrator Roberto Ventura and Philippine Rural Development Project-Tarlac head and Local Economic and Investment Officer Frances Margaret Canlas.

Tarlac province was adjudged as the national winner for the PCCI Most Business Friendly for three consecutive years from 2012 to 2014.

In a statement, Governor Susan Yap thanked the PCCI for recognizing the province’s efforts anew.

“This is another testament of our efforts…being recognized by the PCCI is an award itself. Thank you PCCI for recognizing the Provincial Government of Tarlac’s efforts,” she said.

The PCCI has, for the past 20 years, undergone a search to recognize cities, municipalities and provinces that established efforts for investments in their respective areas and it recognizes LGUs that have been successful in restoring and increasing the business operations in their area thru significant and sustained innovative actions, programs and policies.

PCCI has five base criteria for its award—trade, investments and tourism promotions; public-private sector partnership; micro, small and medium enterprises development; quality management system, innovations and human resource development; and inter-local government relations.

The award presenters were PCCI President George Barcelon, 48th Philippine Business Conference Chairman Ferdinand Ferrer, 48th Philippine Business Conference Awards Executive Ambassador Alfredo Yao and LGU Awards Chairman Alegria Sibal-Limjaco.

Meanwhile, three Tarlac LGUs likewise received awards in the 10th PCCI Cities and Municipalities Competitive Index Summit.

For Most Improved LGU, the municipality of San Manuel ranked third, Moncada ranked second in the Government Efficiency Pillar and Pura ranked sixth in the Resiliency Pillar.

ARVIN F. M. CABALU

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Tarlac Hosts 1st CL Art Fair

THE very first Central Luzon Art Fair that features artists coming from the seven provinces of Region III (Tarlac, Aurora, Nueva Ecija, Bulacan, Bataan, Zambales and Pampanga) opened last October 15 at the Bulwagang Kanlahi of the Diwa ng Tarlac.

The Art Fair, hosted by the province of Tarlac is in celebration of the Museum and Galleries Month (MGM) and will last until October 23. Last October 5, the second Tarlac Art Fair kicked-off at the main lobby of the Diwa ng Tarlac and the art pieces will be on display until October 31.

“Culture is an integral part of life and life lacks color without art. That is why we are advocating art as a tool of expression,” Tarlac Governor Susan Yap said.

She added, “Nakakatuwang makita sa isang exhibit ang mga likha ng ating artists mula sa iba’t-ibang parte ng Central Luzon, hindi maipagkakailang naguumapaw sa talento at pagkamalikhain ang ating mga kababayan.”

Also present during the launch were the artist from Central Luzon, Senator Francis Tolentino, Miss Earth Philippines 2022 Jenny Ramp, Department of Tourism Region III Director Carol Uy, Tarlac second and third district Representatives Christian Yap and Noel Rivera, Pampanga Congresswoman Anna Bondoc, Comelec Provincial Director Fernando Cot-Om, Moncada Mayor Estelita Aquino, Bulacan provincial representative Eliseo Dela Cruz and Nueva Ecija provincial representative Jose San Pedro.

Senators Loren Legarda and Bong Go participated via zoom and delivered their respective messages. Visiting mentors were Melissa Yeung-Yap, Renato Habulan and Alfredo Esquillo.

Sponsors for the first Central Luzon Art Fair include Katingko Oil and Ointment, Boysen Paints, Ford Motors-Tarlac, Metrobank Art & Design Concept, Art+ Magazine, ABS-CBN and Manila Bulletin.

In her Facebook post, Yeung-Yap, the wife of Rep. Yap and daughter-in-law of Gov. Yap, she said that she is grateful to Gov. Yap and husband Rep. Yap for helping her in organizing the art fair.

“So grateful to the best MIL in the world Gov. Susan Yap and my loving husband Christian for enabling and empowering me to organize this. Endless thanks to the super hardworking and efficient Tarlac Tourism PGT headed by Arsenio Lugay II for helping mount the whole event,” she posted.

Yeung-Yap, the Central Luzon Art Fair organizer, likewise thanked all those who helped out and supported the art fair.

“Thank you so much to all those who helped out, came and supported. Thank you so much to the lead provincial coordinators. This wouldn’t have been possible without your effective leadership,” Yeung-Yap said.

Meanwhile, Tarlac-based artist Mr. Sonny Fernando was recently chosen by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) as a guest artist at the NCCA Gallery from October 6-31, 2022.

Fernando has been a constant contributor and supporter of the Tarlac art scene from the multiple group exhibits, solo shows and the annual Tarlac Art Fair. His distinct geometric technique and use of multiple of colors depicting everyday scenes to a personal rendition of “The Last Supper” offer a unique and personal touch which distinguishing his very own style.

His current exhibit, Under House ArtRest is a collection of masterpieces collected during the height of the Covid19 pandemic.

ARVIN F. M. CABALU

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20 Former Rebels Benefit from ECLIP

TWENTY former rebels received livelihood and immediate financial assistance under the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (ECLIP) in an awarding held at the old SP Session Hall, October 13.

Governor Susan Yap, in her message said that the financial assistance is aimed at helping former rebels start all-over again with their lives.

“I welcome all of you back to the fold of mainstream society. The assistance you received is for your livelihood. The government is not your enemy but rather your ally,” she said.

Department of the Interior and Local Government Provincial Director Armi Bactad, PLTC Manny Calma of the Tarlac Police Provincial Office, 3rd Mechanized Battalion Officer Lt. Col. Jeszer Bautista, DILG Cluster Team Leader Jeffrey Manalastas and Provincial Social Welfare and Development Officer Robert Magno joined the governor in the awarding of livelihood and financial assistance to former rebels.

Regular New Peoples’ Army returnees received a total of P65,000 (P50,000 as livelihood assistance and P15,000 as immediate assistance) each and Militia ng Bayan received P15,000 each.

ECLIP is a government program that aims to help rebel members of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF) and Militia ng Bayan to restore their allegiance to the Philippine government.

ARVIN F. M. CABALU

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PGT Inducted to TESDA Kabalikat Hall of Fame

THE Provincial Government of Tarlac was named to the 2022 TESDA (Technical Education and Skills Development Authority) Kabalikat Hall of Fame for winning seven TESDA Kabalikat Regional Awards and five TESDA Kabalikat National Awards in the last seven years.

The trophy was awarded by TESDA Region III Director Atty. Balmyrson Valdez with TESDA Tarlac Provincial Office OIC Irene Taborlupa, Ed. D., PTC–Tarlac Administrator Leonardo Tabamo, Tarlac Center for Learning and Skills Success (TCLASS) head Maria Lira Reyes and assistant Mylene Eustaquio at the VIP room of the Diwa ng Tarlac, October 6.

Tarlac province previously won the Regional Kabalikat Award in 2013, 2015, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2021 and this year while it won the National Kabalikat in 2015, 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2021.

The Kabalikat Awards are given annually to TESDA’s most active and outstanding partners who have assisted the agency in developing, enhancing, and implementing training programs that have resulted in better employability of Filipino skilled workers.

These include partners from local government units (LGUs); the legislative branch; national government agencies (NGA); government-owned and controlled corporations (GOCCs); non-government organizations (NGOs); private businesses and companies; and, local and international organizations.

In a statement, Governor Susan Yap thanked TESDA and congratulated Tarlac province and all public servants who are relentless in pursuing a better province.

“Congratulations Tarlac at sa lahat ng ating lingkod baying walang sawang pinagbubuti ang EdukasyonMuna sa ating lalawigan! Maraming salamat po ulit sa TESDA sa pagpaparangal  sa atin bilang Hall of Fame Awardee ng 2022 Kabalikat Awards sa LGU Category. Ipagpatuloy lang po natin ang pagtutulungan sa pagabot ng Serbisyong MaYap.

ARVIN F. M. CABALU

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Another Batch of Centenarians Benefit From P100K Gift

ANOTHER 10 Tarlaqueño Centenarians received P100,000 for reaching the 100-year old mark while six others received P25,000 as birthday cash gift for celebrating another year after becoming centenarians.

The P100,000 and P25,000 cash gifts are given in recognition to centenarians under Provincial Ordinance No. 001-2016 or the “The Tarlaqueño Centenarian Ordinance of 2016” authored and sponsored by Vice Governor Carlito “Casada” David.

On October 1, the province of Tarlac celebrated the Tarlac Centenarian Day as part of the nationwide commemoration of the Filipino Elderly Week. The Tarlac Centenarian Day is celebrated every first Monday of October.

Receiving P100,000 each are Emiliano Martin Felipe of Mayantoc, Jaime Toledo Castillo of San Clemente, Beatriz de Mayo Jabon and Justo Cabacungan Valdez of Camiling, Josefina Valdez Dar of Moncada, Florentina Lacambra Sanchez of Anao and Regina Ferrer Salvador, Rosario Punsalan David, Juanita Basa Quiambao and Benigna Bueg Pulido of Tarlac City.

Centenarians who received P25,000 cash gifts are Gertudes Mendoza (103 years-old) of Camiling, Enriqueta Olivir (104 years-old) of San Jose, Moises Lorenzo (102 years-old) of Capas and Cayo Isla (102 years-old), Villanueva Quiambao (102 years-old) and Felicidad Gamurot Santos (101 years-old) of Victoria.

In Vice Gov. David’s message, he said that the province gives recognition to the elderly for their contribution in nation building.

“Atin po ipinagdiriwang ang Filipino Elderly Week at Tarlac Centenarian Day dito sa probinsya ng Tarlac. Binibigyan po natin ng pagpupugay ang ating mga nakatatanda sa kanilang naging kontribusyon sa pag-unlad ng ating bansa,” he said.

The Vice Governor added, “Walang pinag-uusapan ang mga bata, kung walang kwento na ginawa yung matanda. Walang daan na dadaanan ang mga bata, kung walang daan na ginawa yung matanda. Preserved the past, invest in the future and enjoy the present.”

Since the centenarian ordinance was implemented, there are already 211 who were given P100,000 each and a total of 175 benefitted from the P25,000 cash gift.

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MGM Kicks-Off at Diwa

THE Museum and Galleries Month (MGM) kicked-off at the Diwa ng Tarlac with the opening of the second year edition of the Tarlac Art Fair and the first year of the Central Luzon Art Fair that feature Tarlaqueño artworks last October 5.

Attended by National Committee on Museums and National Commission for Culture and the Arts head Dr. Eleazar Bersales, National Committee on Art Galleries head Danilo Del Sol and National Museum of the Philippines representative Rizza Salterio, the MGM, with a theme “Embracing Uncertainty: Showcasing Solidarity, Hope and Recovery” is observed in the month of October every year.

FOR THE ARTS AND CULTURE. Governor Susan Yap and Board Member Joy Gilbert Lamorena pose with National Committee on Museums and National Commission for Culture and the Arts head Dr. Eleazar Bersales, National Committee on Art Galleries head Danilo Del Sol and National Museum of the Philippines representative Rizza Salterio, and other members of the Museum and Galleries Month committee.

It honors museums and galleries and highlights the importance of pride in Filipino culture and heritage. Additionally, it’s to arouse “national consciousness.” Museums and Galleries Month emphasizes the fact that a country’s art and culture are intrinsically linked to the process of nation-building and the idea of national destiny. The was established back in 1991 through Presidential Proclamation No. 798.

During the month of October, exhibitions aim to present “expressions of unity and national identity” in the Philippines.

Del Sol said that the National Committee on Arts and Galleries chose Tarlac because he fell in love with the place.

“I visited Tarlac in 2020 and I fell in love with it and I have been asking our group to do our kick-off here but because of the pandemic did not happen. In God’s good time, it will happen and it happened now and this is God’s perfect time for us,” he said in an interview.

Del Sol also added that last year, there was a satellite exhibition of Manila Art in Tarlac in partnership with the Provincial Government of Tarlac.

“That became a catalyst for changes for the development and all of a sudden, Diwa ng Tarlac until 2024 is fully-booked with art exhibition,” Del Sol furthered.

For her part, Governor Susan Yap praised Tarlac artist for the quality of their work and the sheer number of artists.

“In the quality of their work and the sheer number of artists that came out these past years I am amazed. Dami palang sleeping na talents somewhere there and that we can see how the level of the quality of the work really improved and I am very proud…it’s so touching to see them that finally had the confidence to share their talents,” Gov. Yap said.

“We are so proud na napansin kami ng mga bigwig arts and galleries in Manila and that they have taken notice that Tarlac has something to offer. So I am very thankful to Mr. Danny for taking it here just bringing Tarlac to the forefront here in Central Luzon,” she added.

The art fair will last until October 31.

Prior to the pandemic, the last time the MGM Month kick-off ceremony was held in Iloilo City in 2019.

Board Member Joy Gilbert Lamorena and Camiling Mayor Erlon Agustin likewise attended the kick-off ceremony.

ARVIN F. M. CABALU

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DOST Capacitates S&T Champions in Tarlac

TARLAC CITY (PIA) — Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Tarlac capacitated Science and Technology (S&T) coordinators in identifying, monitoring and implementing projects initiated by local government units (LGUs).

This was among the activities of Project Municipal Innovations through Science and Technology (MIST) which aims to bring and promote meaningful S&T innovations closer to the community with the active involvement of LGUs.

During the seminar-workshop in Zambales, Provincial Director Karen Dañez explained that such activities will enable the S&T coordinators to put forward projects that are sustainable and beneficial to their respective LGUs. 

“While we do not offer monetary incentives for all your [S&T coordinators] efforts under this project, we will help you learn and enjoy through this seminar-workshop. As public servants, this activity will inspire us to give our best in serving the people, and to become high performing public servants,” Dañez said. 

In her message delivered by Frances Camacho from the provincial government, Governor Susan Yap lauded DOST Tarlac and its endeavor to achieve inclusive growth and sustainable development in Tarlac through S&T innovations. 

“With this seminar, we are able to make additional micro steps in honing our S&T coordinators to be more technically-inclined and equipped with the needed knowledge and capacity to effectively perform their duties as public servants. As leaders in their own jurisdiction, they can encourage and empower their fellow people to be more productive, resilient, and competitive actors in policy-making and evidence-based S&T programs and projects,” she stressed. 

The governor likewise urged the S&T champions to elevate their skill sets towards global competitiveness and collective development.

“Let us work together in solidarity and harmony by embracing change, this includes the acquisition of ‘technical-know-how’ that will infuse much fuel to boost our S&T towards the attainment of the pinnacle of progress,” Yap added. 

Meanwhile, Tarlac State University (TSU) College of Public Administration and Governance Dean Edwin Caoleng shared the qualities of a high performing civil servant, and encouraged the participants to be efficient and effective leaders. 

For his part, DOST Assistant Regional Director Wilfredo Sibal provided an insight on Effective Project Management and Monitoring, and addressed the concerns of S&T coordinators in their project proposals and implementation. 

Project MIST is a collaborative effort of DOST, provincial government of Tarlac, TSU and Philippine Information Agency. 

It is a registered trademark under the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines.

CLJD/TJBM-PIA 3/Trixie Joy B. Manalili

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Pres. BongBong Graces Opening of New Clark Airport Building

PRESIDENT Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on September 28 highlighted the importance of partnership between the government and the private sector when it comes to infrastructure projects.

Marcos mentioned this as he graced the grand opening of the new terminal building of the Clark International Airport in Mabalacat City, Pampanga.

Marcos said the project would not be a success without the partnership between the government and private companies.

“Ito ‘yung aming laging pinag-uusapan na PPP (public-private partnership). How do we leverage the assets of the government, how do we leverage the assets of the private sector, how do we put it together and get the synergy out of it,” Marcos said in his message.

“This is a perfect example of what government and the private sector can do. Makikita mo kung private sector lang ang gumawa nito, hindi nila kinaya. Kung gobyerno lang ang gumawa, hindi rin kinaya ito. (The private sector will not succeed if it is the only one who did this. Same as with the government.) And that is why this is a perfect example for that and I think it will serve to encourage other people to enter into these kinds of arrangements.”

Marcos had earlier called on local government units to be open to PPPs as a mode of financing for projects.

PHL Open for Business

Aside from the importance of the PPP, Marcos said the opening of the new terminal would bring in more tourists to the Philippines as well as more businesses.

“Now, we have another facility, we have another airport kung saan makapasok ang mga turista, ang mga travelers. Not only the business, the business travelers, those who are working, those who are visiting the Philippines,” Marcos said.

The new facility is a signal to the world that the Philippines is open for business and investments, according to Marcos. The openness of the Philippines to investments for its economic recovery was also emphasized during his working visit in the United States last week. 

“It is the message that we try to carry when we are in New York. Outside of the United Nations, we met with many businessmen, mga CEO, heads of corporations and the idea was to tell them we are willing to change in terms of documentations, procedure, even structure, even legislation to encourage you to come to the Philippines,” said Marcos.

“This facility is a very strong signal that yes, indeed, we are open for business,” he added.

Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista, for his part, said the completion of the new terminal building is critical to the rebound of the country’s air travel and tourism industry.

Bautista said this could be a wave of opportunities for Central and Northern Luzon, adding recovery of businesses is expected.

KBK, GMA News

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PGO wins Gov. Susan Yap Inter-Office Basketball Tournament

THE Provincial Governor’s Office (PGO) basketball team was crowned champion of the 5th Governor Susan A. Yap inter-department basket tournament after defeating the team of the Provincial General Services Office (PGSO) 2-0 in their best-of-three championship match at the Tarlac State University Gymnasium, September 27 and 28.

The PGO team, coached by Mike Dimarucut, went undefeated in the tournament with a 9-0 card topped Bracket B in the elimination round 4-0 defeating the teams from Provincial Task Composite Force (Task Force), PIO-CSU (Provincial Information Office-Civil Security Unit), PEPO (Provincial Equipment Pool Office) and PA Office (Provincial Administrator’s Office) then proceeded to defeat PEO (Provincial Engineer’s Office) in the cross-over quarter finals. In the best-of-three semi-final round, PGO defeated the Vice Governor’s Office 2-0.

PGSO on the other hand, likewise went 4-0 to top Bracket A. They defeated the Veterinary Office, PEO, Tarlac Provincial Jail and the VG (Vice Governor’s Office) before winning against Task Force in the cross-over quarter finals. Before meeting the PGO in the finals, they crushed the PIO-CSU team 2-0 in the semi-finals.

Kendelle Melendez, a point guard for the PGO team won the Most Valuable Player of the tournament honors and was joined in the mythical team by Vice Governor’s Office shooting guard Christian Datang, PIO-CSU’s power forward Erickson Mamaril, PGO’s shooting forward Markus Ryan Ramos and PGSO’s point guard Beloy Bagtas.

PGO likewise won the best uniform award while the muse of the PEPO was named best muse.

In the first game of the championship, PGO edged PGSO by one point, 78 to 77 while in the second game, PGO scored 62 to PGSO’s 59.

In the one-game battle for third place on September 27, PIO-CSU won over the VG to the tune of 67-56. PIO-CSU team finished the tourney with a 5-3 card and VG totted a 4-4 card.

PIO and concurrent CSU head and the coach of the team Arvin Cabalu thanked all the participating teams. He likewise thanked those who sponsored his team in the tournament.

“My heartfelt thanks to all our sponsored in this tournament—Converge FiberXers, Katingko Oil and Ointment, Northern Builders, Balingit Home Furnishing, New Tarlac Northern Marketing, businessman Tyrone Rigor and Ato and Igno Chua of Cindy’s,” Cabalu said who is also the publisher and editor-in-chief of Tarlac Standard.

The basketball tournament, handled by Provincial Assessor’s staff Mike Tañedo is part of the provincial government’s participation in the 122nd anniversary celebration of the Civil Service Commission. The tournament started on August 29.

Formal awarding of the team and individual winners will be set on a later date with no less than Governor Susan Yap at the helm.

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Joji David is New PCL-Tarlac President

LEAGUE TAKES OATH BEFORE GOV. YAP

TARLAC City Councilor Jude Joseph “Joji” David was elected by his fellow councilors in the province as the new president of the Philippine Councilors League (PCL) Tarlac Chapter in an election conducted last September 16 at the Bulwagang Kanlahi, Diwa ng Tarlac.

The PCL election, supervised by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), likewise saw the election of San Jose Councilor Mico Yap Macasaet as vice president, Sta. Ignacia’s Freddie Bagay as secretary-general, Camiling’s PCL immediate past president Kristine Anne Legaspi as treasurer, Pura’s Bernabe Idmilao as auditor, Gerona’s Holden Sembrano as Public Relations Officer and Victoria’s Artemio Roque as Business Manager.

Provincial Federation Board of Directors are Donavel Lazarus Pobre of Mayantoc, Leo Paulo Pascua of Pura, Edwin Cura of La Paz, John Calvin Sardia of Concepcion, Celeste Ayson of Moncada, Robin Mangiliman of Bamban, Cherry Padua of Ramos and Napoleon Apostol of San Clemente.

This is the third time that David was elected PCL president. He previously served the league from 2007 to 2010 and from 2010 to 2013.

David said in a statement that he is affirming his commitment and loyalty to the PCL and Tarlaqueños.

“I am affirming my commitment and loyalty to the welfare not only of the league but also of Tarlaqueños. Sa PCL, dedicated ako sa aking trabaho lalo na binigyan ako ng responsibilidad, hindi ko sila bibiguin. Talagang-talagang loyal tayo sa ating mga Tarlaqueño, ‘yung sa kapakanan nila, ‘yun ang ating iniisip,” he said.

Governor Susan Yap congratulated David and all the elected officials of the PCL and urged them to continue to support the programs of the provincial government for the betterment of the province.

DILG Tarlac Provincial Director and PCL Tarlac Committee on Election Chairperson Armi Bactad along with Rodel Rivera and Raul Mangrobang as committee members, administered the election process, followed by the proclamation of winners.

Officers Takes Oath

On September 20, David and the new set of officers took their oath of office before Gov. Yap at the Governor’s Office, capitol building.

The oath taking was witnessed by Bactad and the entire DILG-Tarlac staff.

ARVIN F. M. CABALU

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