DILG Pampanga personnel, under the leadership of Provincial Director Angelina S. Blanco, joined the City Government of San Fernando during the biggest-ever Independence Day Celebration last June 12, 2012, reaching a record of over 5,000 individuals from various local, regional and national organizations and sectoral groups – who marched in high spirits from City Hall to Heroes Park where wreath-laying ceremonies honored the country’s foremost heroes.

City Mayor Oscar S. Rodriguez urged Fernandinos not to lose sight of their common responsibility towards attaining the objectives and fruits of good governance that benefit all and not just a few, pointing out the theme of this year’s commemoration, “Kalayaan: Pananagutan ng Bayan para sa Tuwid na Daan.”  It marked the 114th anniversary of the Philippine independence from three centuries of Spanish rule.
 “We owe our brave heroes the freedom that we now enjoy,” Mayor Oca said. “Let us not waver in honoring them and in defending the independence that now allows us to attain our aspirations.”

Together with Vice Mayor Edwin Santiago and the rest of the officials of the city administration, Mayor Oca launched the day’s activities at 6 a.m. with the ceremonial raising of the Philippine flag.

Vice Mayor Santiago said that Fernandinos should value independence and “always bear in mind the noble acts of our heroes.” He said that the people should be free from the ill-effects of poverty to become “excellent citizens.”

Sought for comments, Pampanga Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PamCham) chairman              Rene Romero said there was need to “continue supporting the people [in terms of] employment that would make them feel that they enjoy their independence from hardships.

“One cannot claim that one is truly independent and free if one is still not free from poverty,” Romero stressed.

PamCham’s contribution in celebrating the Independence Day annually, Romero said, is to create jobs for the people by expanding businesses. The group, according to him, is also inviting local and foreign investors to set up industries locally.
Romero said that “the modern day heroes of today, the OFWs, should also be given recognition for their contributions in the progress of the economy.”
Among the most active participants in the day’s celebration was the Muslim community in San Fernando. A colorful float representing Muslim culture was one of the widely applauded features at the parade.

Muslim community secretary and spokesperson Samad Zacharia said that the group regards this celebration as “an important event in the history of the country and our community.”  The June 12 event is “an appreciation of the independence that we now enjoy,” he added.
In the evening, Mayor Oca hosted the annual Independence Day Banquet, which was attended by different representatives from government, religious groups and the private sector.

Mayor Oca said in an interview that “we should fight for freedom from want, freedom from illiteracy and freedom from extreme deprivation before we can confidently say that we are free.”

“Here in the City, we are addressing these needs simultaneously because we believe that this is the key towards a better life. We are again pleased to celebrate with our cabalens this year in this important gathering,” he said.

The night ended with an impressive fireworks display at the Heroes Hall Park.

    As part of advocacy and information campaign on DILG’s current programs and activities, DILG Pampanga Provincial Director Angelina S. Blanco shared the Department’s promotion of Seal of Good Housekeeping and Tapatan Roadshow on Disaster Preparedness and Climate Change Adaptation during a live interview at CLTV 36’s “Talakayan” on May 31, 2012, 9:00 AM.  “Talakayan” is a regular teleradyo being hosted by Mr. Perry Pangan and Mr. Boy Santiago.

The Department of the Interior and Local Government in the province of Pampanga in coordination with the National Police Commission R-3 conducted a Seminar-Workshop on Capability Enhancement of the People’s Law Enforcement Board (PLEB) of Pampanga on April 25 - 27, 2012 at Ibay Zion Apartelle, Minesview, Baguio City.


As part of the advocacy and information campaign on the upcoming barangay assembly day, DILG Pampanga Provincial Director Angelina S. Blanco guested in Talakayan sa CLTV 36, a regular teleradyo hosted by Mr. Perry Pangan and Mr. Boy Santiago, Mr. Albert Lacanlale and Mr. Max Sangil on March 27, 2012. 

During the interview, Director Blanco discussed the conduct of the Synchronized Barangay Assembly which will be held on March 31, 2012 as per DILG Memorandum Circular No. 2012-29 issued by SILG Jesse Robredo dated February 10, 2012, wherein all barangays are enjoined to conduct Barangay Assembly for the First Semester.

She further conveyed that the mayors are encouraged to ensure the maximum participation of all barangays in the said undertaking.  Likewise, she imparted that through the continuous advocacy, the barangay officials are now more aggressive and participative in the said assembly day as manifested in their eagerness to improve their proficiency and share to their constituents their programs and projects as well as their accomplishments.

Director Blanco informed  the televiewers and listeners that Barangay San Miguel of Lubao, Pampanga is chosen as the Pilot Barangay in the Province of Pampanga to report their State of Barangay Governance Report during the said activity wherein  Regional and Provincial Directors of National Government Agencies, local government offiicals ,Non-Government Organizations, and Local Media are expected to grace the activity.

According to her, the Punong Barangay will discuss the barangay’s strengths and weaknesses under Governance, Adminstration, Social Services, Economic Development and Environmental Management.

The 30 minute-interview ended with some parting words from PD Blanco: “ Malinis at Tapat na Pamamahala, sa Barangay ang Simula.”

Another Groundbreaking Ceremony of the approved project from the Local Government Support Fund (LGSF) was held on April 13, 2012 at the Municipality of Floridablanca, Pampanga under the leadership of Hon. Mayor Eduardo Guerrero.

The project is the Concreting of Barangay Road at Telagunting, Valdez, Floridablanca which is amounting to P999,599.20. 

   
DILG Pampanga Provincial Director Angelina S. Blanco graced the event and said that the Department will continuously support the LGU in all its endeavors in order to realize the vision of having excellent local governments. 

Mayor Guerrero pledged his full support in the implementation of said project and expressed his gratitude to the Department for recognizing the efforts of the whole municipal team – the local officials, department heads as well as the municipal employees in making the Municipality of Floridablanca one of the best and well-performing LGUs of the province. 

   

 PD CORNER EPC 2023