Category: News

LGUs, Local DepEd declare Academic Health Break

Several Local Government Units and local offices of the Department of Education in the province of Tarlac have declared “academic health breaks” due to the rising number of COVID-19 cases brought about by the omicron variant.

In Tarlac province, DepEd Schools Division Superintendent Ronaldo Pozon issued Memorandum No. 2022-01-001 suspending classes and other teaching-related activities from January 17 to 28 due to the rise in positive cases in the province.

In Tarlac City, Mayor Cristy Angeles suspended classes from January 17-21 covering Kindergarten up to Grade 12 in all public and private schools in the city. The LGU of Ramos town announced that starting January 17-31, online and modular distance learning classes in daycare up to grade 12 are suspended with the municipality of Paniqui suspending classes in all levels likewise from January 17-31 while Capas declared health break from January 17 to 22.

The DepEd Central Office said that for the duration of the suspension of classes, it is expected that physical reporting of teachers will not be required by the school heads.

The mid-year break scheduled on Jan. 31 to Feb. 5, 2022 shall be utilized by the learners to comply with backlogs in learning outputs while teachers are expected to attend to their usual activities including in-service trainings and other learning related undertakings.

The lost contact days shall be compensated by mechanisms such as independent study, remediation, enhancement activities and other related teaching-learning interactions.

The DepEd Central Office also stated that private schools, in consultation with their respective parents’ associations, may exercise their own discretion relative to the suspension of classes.

Governor Susan Yap said in a statement that the suspension of classes is a preventive measure.

“The spread of the virus is very fast and alarming. The suspension of classes minimizes the exposure of students and teachers to COVID-19,” The governor said.

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Capitol prepares for 6th KanLahi Festival

The preparation of the province of Tarlac for the 6th edition of the Kanlungan ng Lahi [KanLahi] Festival is now underway and for the second time, some of the activities will be made virtual because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The festival slated on March 7-11, will feature a Mass, KanLahi Bike Competition, Tarlac National Art competition, Tarlac Agri-Kultura, Cook Fest, Online Dance, Vlogging Competition, Binibining KanLahi, Bamboo Arts and Crafts Competition.

All activities can be watch through the provincial government of Tarlac YouTube Channel “Tatak Tarlac”.

Conceptualized by Governor Susan Yap in 2017, the KanLahi Festival is celebrated every first Monday of March and it is a week-long celebration.  The festival was established through an ordinance by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan in 2017.

Yap urged TarlaqueÃąos to watch the activities on-line via the different social-media sites.

“I enjoin our kababayan to watch the festival on-line as we will showcase the talent and craftsmanship of TarlaqueÃąos. KanLahi is ours to be proud of,” Yap said.

KanLahi is one of the recognized festivals of the Department of Tourism.

In 2018, no less than President Rodrigo Duterte attended the festival together with some of his cabinet officials.

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REMEMBERING ‘TANG APING’

photo by PAOLO HONRADO

Gov. Susan Yap pour Holy Water to the grave of her father, the late Tarlac political icon Jose “Aping” Yap during the commemoration of the later’s 92nd birthday. Looking on are Mayor Christian Yap, Councilor Mico Yap-Macasaet and officiating priest Fr. Archie Cortez

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‘Casada’ Provides For The Seniors And The Youth

Vice Governor Carlito “Casada” David continues to provide for the senior citizens and the youth by way of providing cash incentives most especially to centenarians of the province and through the scholarship program of the provincial government, the Kabayan Partylist and the CHED Educational Assistance Program.

The reelectionist vice governor has so far granted a one-time cash gift of P100,000 to 189 centenarians and P25,000 annual cash gift to 151 centenarians who have celebrated another birthday after turning 100 years old.

In the five-year of the program for centenarians, a total of P22,675,000 was already been released through the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office.

The P100,000 cash incentive was through Provincial Ordinance No. 001-2016 passed by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan [SP] in September 2016 and was authored and sponsored by David himself.

The ordinance grants recognition and cash award to TarlaqueÃąo centenarians and declaring the first Monday of October each year as “Centenarian Day” in the Tarlac province.

“We cannot ignore the wisdom of the elderly that is why we should accord them with our utmost respect and care,” David said adding that, “Age should not be a hindrance and not be a reason for discrimination.”

His scholarship program has likewise benefitted the youth sector.

The Provincial Scholarship Program of the provincial government of Tarlac was created through an ordinance by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan in 2018 known as “An Ordinance Establishing the Tertiary Education Subsidy and Strengthening the Financial Assistance for the Tertiary Education Program of the Provincial Government of Tarlac.”

Since the creation of the ordinance, a total of 6,500 TarlaqueÃąo students benefited from the program.

David likewise granted scholarship to 27 students under the Kabayan Partylist and the Commission on Higher Education Educational Assistance Program last year.

“The younger generation are our future. It is my mission to help our students attain a degree in collegeâ€Ķthey are our future,” David said.

Arvin F. M. Cabalu

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Gov. Susan Yap Calls For Beneficial Policies On POGOs

CLARK FREEPORT–Governor Susan Yap of Tarlac province has called for clear policies that should cover companies in the Philippine Offshore Gaming Operations [POGOs] in the country.

“What does it benefit us?,” Yap said when asked for her comments on having POGOs.

She was guest at the Balitaan media forum here by the Capampangan in Media Inc. [CAMI], in cooperation with Clark Development Corporation [CDC].

The governor, who is seeking her third term unopposed, said that there has to be clear rules and regulations in allowing the POGOS to operate, particularly in taxation.

“Taxation is not clear yet. Once it is cleared and income for government (is assured) then it is fine,” Yap said.

She said that under current rules, only the lessor stands to benefit in allowing the multi-billion peso industry to operate.

She also called for well-defined rules on employment where locals must always be considered.

“What job generation does it have? Ninety percent of [their] employees are not Filipinos,” the governor added.

Better Socio-Economic Endeavors

Making good her vision, Yap likewise pushed for the improvement of the province’s socio-economic standing by moving from traditional agriculture-based source of income to high value products and industries.

In the same Balitaan media forum, Yap, has developed the province into a more vibrant economy, venturing into more value added goods, services and livelihood opportunities.

Yap said that she has implemented programs that call for planting, harvest, trade and even exports of high value crops. She was joined by Provincial Information Officer Arvin Cabalu and Tarlac Investment and Trade Officer Frances Camacho during the forum.

“We are developing the other crops like sweet potato, squash but our biggest export is still okra,” Yap said.

The governor said that she still wants a balance between agriculture and industrialization. Two of its 17 municipalities are known to produce power from solar farms. Concepcion and La Paz a have unique set-up where panels are arranged in a way that can enable farmers to plant crops.

“During the pandemic, we did not scramble for food unlike in Metro Manila. We were calm,” she said.

The province is also slowly developing bird watching as one of its tourist attractions.

Yap said that migratory birds, usually known of Candaba, Pampanga, have started to flock Canarem Lake in Victoria town.

“We are moving towards the protection of the bird habitat and making it a preserved area,” Yap said.

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‘Bistek’ Visits Tarlac

FORMER Quezon City Mayor and senatorial candidate Herbert “Bistek” Bautista paid Tarlac officials a courtesy visit and laid down his “platform of government” before students and Barangay Health Workers [BHW].

Bautista, running under the Nationalist Peoples Coalition [NPC] said in a radio interview over DZTC-AM, that for the country to bounce-back from the economic downfall brought about by the dreaded Covid-19, leaders should find ways to more create jobs.

He likewise said that the salaries of Filipino workers in the provinces should be hiked and be at par with that of the salaries of Metro Manila workers.

“We have a regional wage board and it is not sensitive to the needs of our workers. In Metro Manila, the minimum wage is P570 whereas our neighboring provinces like Bulacan and Rizal, their workers receive less. The prices of commodities in Metro Manila and the provinces are the same,” Bautista said adding that he will also give premium to the betterment of the education system in the country once elected.

Bautista was accompanied by Tarlac Governor Susan Yap, Vice Governor Carlito “Casada” David, second district Congressional candidate and Victoria Mayor Christian Yap, Board Members Romeo Evangelista, Joy Gilbert Lamorena, Jessie Aquino, Antonio Cervantes Jr., Joselito Capitulo and board member candidate Harmes Sembrano at the Tarlac Evacuation Center for the distribution of scholarship checks and at the Bulwagang Kanlahi of the Diwa ng Tarlac during the financial assistance distribution for BHWs.

“I came to visit Tarlac so that TarlaqueÃąos will learn that I am running for senator under NPC,” he said.

Bautista commended the efforts of the provincial officials in transforming Tarlac into a much developed province.

“I was amazed to see the development and the transformation of Tarlac. Your efforts in preserving the environment and the balancing of agriculture and industrialization is commendable,” Bautista pointed-out.

Gov. Yap, for her part thanked Bautista for visiting Tarlac and said that TarlaqueÃąos are willing to support a senatorial candidate who has a vision for the country and a clear-cut program especially for the poor.

Bautista likewise met with second district Representative Victor Yap after his radio guesting.

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10 ‘Belens’ named best in 14th Belenismo sa Tarlac

IN THE 14th edition of Belenismo or Belen Nativity scene making in Tarlac that is centered on the theme “Pag-Asa at Pag-Kakaisa Ngayong Panahon ng Pandemya”, 10 Belens were named best out of the more than 50 entries.

Twenty of these entries made it to the semi-finals and 10 were included in the final judging in the different categories.

In the Grand Municipal Category, the Municipality of Anao Ang Halimuyak ng Belenismo sa Anao bagged first place with the Municipality of San Jose and Victoria landing second and third places respectively.

The Belen of the Department of Social Welfare and Development was named winner of the Grand Non-Municipal Category. Placing second is San Roque Parish and third place is Robinsons Starmill.

In the Church Category, three, namely, San Isidro Parish, Sto. NiÃąo Parish and San Lorenzo Ruiz Parish were adjudged winners while second place went to St. Maria Escriva Church and third to Iglesia Filipina Independiente.

The Municipality of Moncada, San Clemente, Armed Forces of the Philippines and San Roque Hall were elevated to the Belenismo Hall of Fame.

The Belenismo sa Tarlac started in 2006 by the Tarlac Heritage Foundation led by Mrs. Isabelita Cojuangco-Suntay and daughter Dr. Ysa Cojuangco- Suntay.

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House Passes HB10388 on 3rd Reading

VOTING 224-0, the House of Representatives approved on its third and final reading House Bill No. 10388, an Act Mandating the Allocation of an Area for Information and Communications Technology [ICT] Infrastructure and Facilities and Housing Development Projects.

The bill, principally sponsored and authored by Tarlac second district Congressman Victor Yap aims to have an integrated approach in pursuing the development of affordable housing side by side with sustainable physical infrastructure that responds to the needs of the population and residents including those pertaining to connectivity, health education, housing, community, public space, transportation, sports and recreation, the practice of faith, public information, arts and culture and public safety.

“I think everyone knows now how important is [internet] speed. Through this bill, the state and any housing development have to allocate areas for digital connectivity” Yap said.

Yap is the House of Representatives’ Committee Chairman on Information and Communications Technology.

The bill likewise aims to promote the accessibility of information and communications technology and ensure digital connectivity in urban centers and populated areas of the country, all housing projects, subdivisions, villages, or other residential real property, including socialized or economic housing by way of allocating an area within its designated open space for the establishment of ICT infrastructure and related amenities.

Yap’s bill, filed on October 15 had its first and reading on November 11 and November 22 and third reading on December 1, will now be forwarded to the Bi-Cameral Conference Committee for its final deliberation with the Senate’s version of the bill.

Co-authors of the bill include Representatives Jose Antonio Sy-Alvarado, Joy Myra Tambunting, Strike Revilla, Paul Ruiz Daza, Jose Francisco Benitez, Michael Carlos Faustino III, Michaela Violago, Angelo Marcos Barba, Jose Christopher Belmonte, Deogracias Victor Savellano, John Marvin Nieto, Florida Robles, Rufus Rodriguez, Jose Ong Jr., Alfonso Umali Jr., Kristine Alexie Tutor, John Reynald Tiangco, Julienne Baronda, Rosanna Vergara, Jose Gay Padiernos, Estrellita Suansing, Faustino Dy, Naella Aguinaldo, Allan Benedict Reyes, Ruffy Biazon and Precious Hipolito Castelo.

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Tarlac Officials Back Gibo’s Bid

THE son of Tarlac Province is back and is wooing the support of his fellow TarlaqueÃąos in his bid for a senate seat in the coming May 2022 national and local elections.

Gilberto “Gibo” Cojuangco Teodoro Jr. who was warmly welcomed by Tarlac officials led by Governor Susan Yap at the Diwa ng Tarlac, November 25, was accompanied by his wife, former Tarlac first district Representative and now Special Envoy to the United Nations Children’s Emergency Fund [Unicef] Monica “Nikki” Prieto-Teodoro and son Jaime.

Teodoro was a former board member representing the Kabataang Barangay [1980-1986], a former three-term Congressman of the first district of Tarlac [2018-2007] and a former Defense Secretary [2007-2010] under the administration of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

After his presidential bid, Teodoro, a lawyer and the 1995 bar top-notcher, went on a political hiatus and worked in the private sector until he resurfaced politically this year as the reported running-mate of Sara Duterte who was then being groomed to run for president.

7 Pillars of Governance

“Ako po ay bumabalik sa plataporma bagong Pilipinas para sa bagong henerasyon. Kasi po, sa nakikita natin, ang sitwasyon ngayon na pandemya at ang ginagawa ng mga bansa sa ibayong dagat napakabilis nilang maka-react at nagpapalit ang sistema ng gubyerno nila,” he said.

Teodoro said that there is a need to develop our country and create a new Philippines not only in changing the attitude of Filipinos but a real change in the entire system.

“That is why I use the term re-engineering the country in my seven-pillars. Not only simple changes, but re-engineering our country,” the Tarlac senatorial aspirant said adding that the main problem of the Philippines is its system.

According to him, the important thing today is the real implementation of local autonomy.

“Ang tunay na downloading ng pondo magmula sa national government hanggang sa local government units. Nakikita po natin na ang daming unspent and unutilized na pondo ang national government agencies na pwede naming i-download sa inyo na karapatan ninyo so that you can respond and react,” Teodoro explained.

He said that everybody in Congress have to watch the implementation and fight for the real devolution and empowerment of the LGUs.

Yun ho ang mamanmanan natinâ€Ķkailangang bantayan natin, kasama ng inyong mga kongresista na ipaglaban ang tunay na debolusyon at empowerment of all LGUs,” he pointed-out.

Tarlac Officials Vow Support

In his welcome remarks, Vice Governor Carlito “Casada” David detailed the accomplishments of Teodoro from being a member of the Provincial Board as a 16-year old KB President to him becoming Defense Secretary and promised that he will campaign hard for his senatorial bid next year.

Representative Victor Yap said that TarlaqueÃąos need to stand side-by-side with Teodoro in his fight for a senate seat.

“Isang karangalan po natin sa Tarlac na isang kababayan natin ang magiging senador. Alam na natin ang kanyang kakayahan at kalibre. Our province ever since has been a part of the senate and it’s about time, again, that we put somebody there representing our province,” Cong. Yap said.

Noel Villanueva, the incumbent third district Congressman said that he already envisioned Teodoro being in the senate a long time ago.

“Ipakita natin sa buong Pilipinas ang ating buong-buong pagsuporta kay Gibo Teodoro. Ang laban niyang ito ay di lamang laban niyang mag-isa. Ito ay laban ng buong Tarlac,” Villanueva said.

Gov. Yap for her part said that she owes Teodoro a lot of debt of gratitude.

“Lingid sa kaalaman nyo, wala po ako dito kundi dahil kay Senator Gibo. Nung una pa lang, he was instrumental in my candidacy in congress then. Kaya ibabalik ko po ten-fold ang trabaho para siguraduhin ang kanyang panalo sa Tarlac at sa bansa bilang senador.” she said.

The governor vowed to campaign hard for the victory of Teodoro and urged all officials to do the same.

The three Nationalist Peoples Coalition [NPC] congressional candidates Jaime Cojuangco, Christian Tell Yap and Bong Rivera likewise praised Teodoro’s public service record and vowed to campaign for his senate bid.

“Pagkaisahan po natin siyang iboto sa senado dahil alam po nating lahat na pagsisilbihan niya ng buong puso ang ating bansa,” Cojuangco said.

Cojuangco is a nephew of Teodoro and substituted for his father Cong. Charlie Cojuangco.

Christian Tell Yap, the incumbent Mayor of Victoria town and a second district Congressional candidate who substituted for his uncle, Cong. Yap, thanked Teodoro for his presence and said, Nagalak po ako nung nalaman ko na nag-file si Senator Gibo bilang senador. Bata pa po ako iniidolo ko na siya.” 

He also made mention of his record as a three-term congressman of the first district, secretary of defense, bar topnotcher, his Masters of Law at Harvard University and him being a certified helicopter pilot.

Rivera on the other hand, said that the entire NPC ticket will campaign not only in Tarlac but also in the other provinces where they have relatives and friends.

Majority of Tarlac’s elected officials are stalwarts of NPC, a political party Teodoro’s uncle, the late Ambassador Danding Cojuangco founded in 1992.

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Gov. SY leads Belen, X-Mas tree lighting

GOVERNOR Susan Yap led the lighting of the Belen [Jesus Christ Nativity] and the giant Christmas Tree at the Maria Cristina Park, evening of November 23 with Vice Governor Carlito “Casada” David, Board Members Joy Gilbert Lamorena, Tonyboy Cervantes, Joji David and Dan Asiaten and Victoria Mayor and second district congressional candidate Christian Yap at the helm.

Thousands of TarlaqueÃąos likewise gathered to witness the lighting that also feature a night bazaar at the Rotary Lane.

In Yap’s message, she reminded all those who would visit the park to see the belen and the Christmas tree to always observe minimum health protocols.

“Ang gusto natin sa panahon ng pasko masaya naman itong taon na ito. Sobrang nag-enjoy ako sa Christmas tree at Belen lighting natin,” Yap said adding that, “Kahit may face-mask man, kitang-kita ang tuwa sa mga mata ng mga pumunta para masilayan ang lighting activity. Buhay na buhay ang Paskong Pilipino!”

Board Member candidates Topey delos Reyes and Harmes Sembrano, capitol department heads and employees also attended the lighting.

PIO

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