City News Page
[ Monday | 22nd day of June, 2020 | 4 months ago ]
The City of San Fernando now implements the approved Ordinance on REAL PROPERTY TAX AMNESTY ON INTERESTS, PENALTIES &/OR SURCHARGES for those with delinquencies for CY 2019 & prior years. The City Treasurer's office will accept settlement and payment until December 31, 2020 only. Advance payment of RPT or amilyar of CY2021 is encouraged to avail of higher discounts deadline is until NOVEMBER 30,2020 only. For inquiries, email CTO @ treasury.sanfernando@gmail.com
The City of San Fernando now implements the approved Ordinance on REAL PROPERTY TAX AMNESTY
ON INTERESTS, PENALTIES &/OR SURCHARGES for those with delinquencies for CY 2019 & prior years.
The City Treasurer's office will accept settlement and payment until December 31, 2020 only.
Advance payment of RPT or amilyar of CY2021 is encouraged to avail of higher discounts deadline is until
NOVEMBER 30,2020 only.
For inquiries, email CTO @ treasury.sanfernando@gmail.com
Online Payment For Business Application [ Wednesday | 10th day of June, 2020 | 4 months ago ]
You can now pay your Quarterly and Semi-Annual Business Tax online.
You can now pay your Quarterly and Semi-Annual Business Tax online.
CSF PESO Named Best PEIS Implementer In CL Anew [ Monday | 9th day of March, 2020 | 7 months ago ]
City of San Fernando’s Public Employment Service Office posted a double achievement in its operations for 2019 – utilizing its full cycle PESO Employment Information System (PEIS) and bagging once again the top system implementer award in Central Luzon.
This was affirmed by the Department of Labor and Employment during the 2019 PESO Year-End Performance Assessment and 2020 Planning Exercises on February 27 at Clark Freeport Zone.
According to DOLE, San Fernando’s PESO in 2019 successfully utilized the full cycle version of its PEIS where the “Referral” and “Placement” were added to the three primary aspects of “Applicants Registration”, “Employers Registration”, and “Job Vacancies Posted.”
Moreover, the office performed an excellent performance in attaining the highest points in all the system’s categories, marking its third year of being the Top PESO PEIS Implementer in the region.
DOLE’s records showed that, from January 1, 2019 to December 31, 2019, the city garnered a total of 13,666 applicants served, 269 employers assisted, and 17,964 job vacancies posted.
Its referral rate reached 12,966 while it recorded a placement rate of 11,279—the highest total records set among all the component cities in the region.
Mayor Edwin “EdSa” Santiago, Vice Mayor Jimmy Lazatin, other city officials, PESO Manager Donny Sayre, and some PESO personnel formally received the award during the flag raising ceremony on March 9, 2020 at City Hall.
“Pangalawa sa agenda ng ating pamahalaan ay Employment o Trabaho kaya ganito na lamang tayo nagpupursigi na maitaas pa ang antas ng PESO pagdating sa pag-iimplementa ng mga programa. Dahil naniniwala tayo na kung ang bawat pamilyang Fernandino ay nagta-trabaho, magiging magaan at maginhawa ang buhay,” Santiago said.
The City Mayor also extended his gratitude to DOLE for continuously guiding the City Government in the operations of the system, which has been helping the office in terms of providing employment opportunities to Fernandinos and stronger ties with its partner employers.
The City also bagged the same award for 2017 and 2018.
PEIS is an enhanced version of Skills Registry System, a program of DOLE which serves as an employment facilitation machinery that covers all operating PESOs in different cities and municipalities in the country.
CSF Opens Exhibit On Jose Abad Santos Life [ Friday | 21st day of February, 2020 | 8 months ago ]
An exhibit featuring the life of Fernandino hero Jose Abad Santos opened on February 19, 2020 at the San Fernando Old Train Station in Barangay Sto. Niño, in time for the late hero’s 134th birth anniversary.
The exhibit was organized by the City Government of San Fernando, through the City Tourism Office and CSFP Arts, Culture, and Tourism Council, together with the Philippine World War II Memorial Foundation.
A number of standees were installed inside the train station that illustrate the life story of Abad Santos, from his early years until he became a public servant as the country’s Chief Justice, a presidential adviser and socio-civic leader, among others.
Among the guests who witnessed the opening of the exhibit were the family of the late hero who expressed gratitude to the City Government for the honor and recognition to Abad Santos.
“Jose Abad Santos had a lot of accomplishments in his career and it’s a good example of work for the betterment of human beings, especially of Kapampangans and Fernandinos. I am very grateful to the City Government for having this exhibit. It is staged for people to see and learn about his life and for them to appreciate how he lived his life,” remarked the hero’s granddaughter, Maria Amanda Abad Santos Gana.
Mayor Edwin “EdSa” Santiago, meanwhile, sent his invitation to Fernandinos and people from nearby towns to witness the exhibit and be inspired by the legacy of the hero considered as the “greatest Filipino hero of World War II.”
“Sa panahon ng modernisasyon, madalang na lamang tayong makakita ng mga exhibit na tampok ang ating mga bayani at kanyang mga ambag sa lipunan. Kaya naman gusto kong magbigay ng paanyaya sa publiko na tingnan itong exhibit ni Jose Abad Santos upang sa gayon ay makapulot sila ng aral sa buhay niya,” said Santiago.
The exhibit will be open from Monday to Sunday, 8:00 in the morning until 5:00 in the afternoon, free of charge.
Meanwhile, the program also included the screening of 2018 film depicting the life, struggles, and triumphs of the hero, “Honor: The Legacy of Jose Abad Santos.”
San Fernando Civic Center: A Work In—and For—Progress [ Wednesday | 12th day of February, 2020 | 8 months ago ]
The City of San Fernando is considered as one of the best alternative location considerations for industries and businesses outside Metro Manila due to its strategic location and well-established soft infrastructure in the form of regulations and policies.
Knowing this advantage, Mayor Edwin “EdSa” Santiago, thru the City Planning and Development Coordinator’s Office, City Engineer’s Office and the help of National Economic and Development Authority started to conceptualize the City Civic Center in 2017.
It is located in Barangay San Isidro and is accessible from the south through Barangay San Isidro Road, east through McArthur Highway and north through Barangay Del Rosario Road.
Thru the partnership with national government agencies and the private sector, the City has acquired an aggregate land area of 11.3 hectares that now houses the City Social Welfare Development Facilities, General Services Offices, Command and Control Center (C3), Sports Complex, Department of Education Compound, and the City Park.
In 2018, the construction of the City Civic Center commenced.
It was February 6, 2019, when Mayor Edwin Santiago led the launching and groundbreaking ceremonies of the center describing it as “a growth area where Fernandinos can live, play, work, retire and have fun.”
The construction of the mixed-use infrastructure aims to develop the needed social and business support infrastructures to the middle-western part of the City and to provide easier access to the services of the Local Government Unit.
The City Social Welfare and Development facility is composed of three multi-purpose buildings for persons with disability and senior citizens and permanent evacuation center; Home for Children in Conflict with the Law; and Youth Development Center. This was funded thru the Performance Challenge Fund, which was acquired by the LGU for bagging the Seal of Good Local Governance in 2016.
Further, the General Services Office/Motorpool Compound which houses the main storage facility, officer and motorpool was funded by the city coffers.
The City Command Center or C3 which Engineer Anele David refers to as “The Last Building Standing” because of its strong foundation and structure, was also funded by the LGU. The C3 is constructed to immediately respond to crimes, accidents and emergency cases in the city.
Mayor Santiago partnered with PLDT and Converge for the completion of the command center which is loaded with video management system, computer-aided dispatch system, cabling for voice facilities to collaborate with the different respondent agencies and LED boards to guide motorists on alternative routes in times of disasters.
The Sports Complex, which was funded by the LGU, will feature a standard running track, five-lane 50-meter swimming pool, indoor sports facilities, bleachers and others. It will cater sports enthusiasts and champions in the city.
Education, being the first and foremost among the agenda of Santiago, was also given priority in the Civic Center.
DepEd was the first-ever office to occupy the Civic Center with the inauguration of its compound on January 30, 2020. This compound includes new two-story Schools Division Building, three-story Division Training Center and four-storey Tech-Voc Senior High School Building. It was funded by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).
Lastly, the first-ever Public City Park was put up to encourage wellness, social interaction and public participation, to also serve as the initial project green area for the City’s drive towards a more livable and sustainable urban community. This will be erected with funds provided by the Department of Budget and Management.
To this date, the Civic Center is 95% complete. All facilities have been constructed and the City is merely tapping private sectors for the installation of utilities like electricity, water, CCTV’s and other security equipment.
The City targets the grand opening of the Civic Center early April of this year.
With this gigantic project of Mayor Santiago, the City hopes to provide inclusive development in the capital by creating several economic growth areas that would spur massive economic activity in different parts of San Fernando.
This is still a work in progress and will be for the progress of the City of San Fernando realizing what Santiago wants for Fernandinos—“mumuna at manimuna.”
CSF, NLEX Ink Pact For Improved San Fernando Interchange [ Friday | 31st day of January, 2020 | 9 months ago ]
Sharing the same vision of providing the safer and better traffic condition to motorists and commuters, the City Government of San Fernando and NLEX Corporation signed a memorandum of agreement adopting a Traffic Management Plan for the San Fernando Interchange.
The signing ceremony was held on January 30, 2020 at Heroes Hall in this capital city and was spearheaded by top officials of the two institutions, led by Mayor Edwin “EdSa” Santiago and NLEX Corporation President & General Manager J. Luigi Bautista.
Considered to be one the busiest NLEX interchanges, the San Fernando interchange is recognized as the “main gateway to Pampanga and surrounding provinces” where a number of business and commercial centers are located, including several in the city.
In addition to the roster of enhancements in the interchange, including the widening of the interchange bridge, signalization of the former West and East rotunda, and expansion of toll plazas, a new plan is set to be realized jointly by the NLEX Corporation, the city government, and other agencies.
Bautista, in his speech, said that this plan is “aimed at addressing traffic concerns in the interchange.”
Thus, included in the Traffic Management Plan, as stated in the agreement and reported by the NLEX Corporation, are the following:
• Deployment of traffic personnel in the vicinity of the interchange in times of peak season
• Prohibition, prevention, and apprehension for illegal parking, loading/unloading, and jaywalking cases through a regular deployment of traffic enforcers beyond the Area of Responsibility of NLEX
• Removal and relocation of several terminals of public utility vehicles; and,
• Implementation of intensified road rules and regulations
Santiago, for his part, said that apart from the shared vision on safety and mobility, this is just another edition of a longstanding partnership between the city government and the corporation.
“The City of San Fernando is recognized as one of the cities in the country na mabilis ang asenso at progreso. It’s because of our longstanding partnership with the taxpayers, business community, and the private sector, kabilang na ang NLEX. Isa na naman po itong pagbubukas ng mas maganda pang relasyon sa NLEX,” he said.
The city mayor also said that this project will benefit Fernandinos and non-Fernandinos who make transactions with different institutions in the city, province, and Central Luzon.
The NLEX Corporation and the City Government of San Fernando have yet to make further plans before the actual implementation of the project.
Also present during the signing ceremony were some of the top officials and staff of NLEX Corporation and heads of offices of the City Government.
San Fernando Heightens Peace And Order In ‘Discipline Zones’ [ Monday | 6th day of January, 2020 | 10 months ago ]
The City of San Fernando, thru the City Public Order and Safety Coordinating Office (CPOSCO), conducted its regular monitoring and clearing operation around the city public market and sidewalks to tighten peace and order in the said places referred to as “Discipline Zones” on January 06.
CPOSCO installed tarpaulins calling for public discipline and distributed flyers to urge vehicle drivers to always observe traffic and road safety regulations.
Enforcers also issued violation tickets to illegally-parked vehicles and cleared vendors obstructing passage ways and sidewalks.
Louie Clemente, CPOSCO Officer-in-Charge, encouraged the public to cooperate and strictly observe city ordinances on public safety and order.
“We really want to strengthen the peace and order in the community especially in the declared discipline zones. To do this, we need the full cooperation and discipline of the motorists and commuters,” the officer said.
Mayor Edwin “EdSa” Santiago affirmed this importance and encouraged Fernandinos to show discipline and unity in realizing peace and order in the city, which is one of his 10-point agenda.
“This activity is one of the city’s measures to elevate the peace and order status in San Fernando. Let us, Fernandinos, be the first to show discipline and order so other cities and municipalities could follow,” Santiago stressed.
The “Discipline Zone” is a Philippine National Police program wherein national laws and local ordinances in designated areas are strictly implemented and enforced to promote discipline and ensure adherence to the law.
Prohibited acts inside the “Discipline Zone” are as follows: Overloading, Not wearing helmet, Disregarding traffic signs, Over Speeding, Illegal parking, Smoking, Jaywalking, Littering, Vandalism, Illegal vending along passage ways and sidewalks; and, violation of other pertinent statutes.
All Fernandinos are enjoined to adhere to the rules and regulations of the “Discipline Zone” to avoid penalties and sanctions.
Anyone caught violating traffic and public order rules will be sanctioned and meted with fines ranging from P500 to P1000.
San Fernando Eyes For Better, Innovative City Market Plaza [ Friday | 3rd day of January, 2020 | 10 months ago ]
The City Government of San Fernando headed by Mayor Edwin “EdSa” Santiago is eyeing for a better and innovative city market plaza.
Relevant to its agenda “Modernong Imprastraktura at E- Governance, Tungo sa Maunlad na Ekonomiya,” the local government’s project under its own Build-Build-Build program was brought up last December 20, 2019 during the public hearing and consultation among the market traders.
City Councilor Nelson Lingat, together with City Administrator Atty. Atlee Viray and members of the technical working group (TWG) for the re-development of the Old Public Market, led the said activity.
During her presentation, OIC-City Planning and Development Coordinator’s Office Chryzl Sicat showed the market issues and concerns which will be addressed by the construction of the market.
She also explained the benefits of the New City Market Plaza, including the improved traffic flow, since parking areas will be designated and street parking will no longer be allowed.
The New Public Market will have its own rooftop and vicinity parking slots, elevator/lift, multi-cubicle comfort rooms, installed CCTVs, sprinklers for fire protection, sewage treatment facility, event center, loading and unloading bays and more than 500 stalls for dry and wet section.
With majority of the city budget going to basic and social services, the city will borrow P650 million from the Land Bank of the Philippines through a city ordinance for the immediate rehabilitation of the city market plaza.
Meanwhile, City Engineer Anele David assured that existing vendors will be relocated to the New Public Market to continue their operation once the construction started.
“Sinisiguro po namin na maayos, malinis at komportable po ang inyong lilipatan sa new public market habang ginagawa po ang ating palengke,” David said.
For his part, Mayor Edwin “EdSa” Santiago agreed to improve the public market as it is considered as one of the basic public infrastructures which will be beneficial not only for the vendors but also for the consumers.
The local government will conduct a last public consultation to finalize the plans and calendar of activities for the construction.
To keep track of updates about the market construction, the public is advised to visit the City Information Office official facebook page for some announcements.
Sta. Lucia Is GLF 2019 Champ [ Monday | 16th day of December, 2019 | 10 months ago ]
Barangay Sta. Lucia bested 11 other barangays in the City of San Fernando in this year’s edition of Giant Lantern Festival, clinching the most coveted championship title for the “biggest, brightest, and most colorful Christmas event in the country.”
This victory of Sta. Lucia marked the end of its five-year title drought in the competition, as its last placement was way back in 2013 when it copped the second runner-up.
The competition was held on December 14, 2019 at Robinsons Starmills Pampanga.
The village’s lantern was made by 36-year-old Byron Bondoc, who has been in the industry for 16 years now. Bondoc was able to craft his entry with the help of village chief Herman Quiwa, head electrician Joseph Salac, and rotor maker Allen Joseph Quiwa.
According to Bondoc, the winning 20-foot lantern had about 10,000 bulbs with colors ranging from orange, yellow, blue, dark green, apple green, light yellow, and dark blue.
It also wowed the public with the Holy Family image at the center of the lantern which was revealed at the middle of the entry’s performance.
Sta. Lucia was able to bring home P150,000 cash prize and trophy. Calulut, Del Pilar, and Sindalan were adjudged as runners-up in the competition, bringing home cash prizes and trophies, as well.
Leading the GLF 2019 awarding rites were Mayor Edwin “EdSa” Santiago, Pampanga Third District Representative Aurelio “Dong” Gonzales, Jr., Governor Dennis “Delta” Pineda, and GLF 2019 Executive Committee Chairperson Agnes Romero.
In his speech, Santiago said that the GLF is a venue where Fernandinos are able to celebrate their brilliant artistry and craftsmanship.
“Malaking parte ang GLF sa buhay ng mga Fernandinos. Ito yung pagkakataon na naipapamalas nila ang angking galing sa artistry at craftsmanship, sa pamamagitan ng paggawa ng mga higanteng parol at masaya tayo na nasa ika-111 taon na ito ngayon,” he said.
The city mayor also extended his gratitude, on behalf of the City Government of San Fernando, to its partners citing, “Thank you also to our steadfast partners in this wonderful event. Without each one of us, the impossible will remain as it is, but because we come together as one, we have achieved excellence and made a memorable occasion.”
Meanwhile, the winners for the GLF-related competitions, including décor competitions of villages and commercial establishments were also given recognition.
Safer Village was named as winner for the Inter-village Christmas Décor Competition, alongside Pilar Village and Villa Victoria Subdivision.
The winners for the Inter-Commercial Establishment Christmas Décor Competition were Coca-Cola Beverages, Inc. (Champion), Bale Capampangan (second place), and Pepsi-Cola Beverages Philippines, Inc. (third place).
The GLF also features giant lantern exhibitions in different parts of the city which started on December 15 until January 1, 2020.
CCSFP Registers LET High Passing Rates [ Thursday | 12th day of December, 2019 | 10 months ago ]
The City College of San Fernando once again produced nearly a hundred new breed of licensed teachers who successfully passed the March and September 2019 licensure examination.
Mayor Edwin “EdSa” Santiago, Vice Mayor Jimmy Lazatin, CCSFP Officer-in-charge Atty. Gloria Bañas, and other college personnel recognized successful passers during the flag rites on December 10, 2019 at City Hall.
For the March examination, the college’s Secondary Education majors registered a 54.84% passing rate, much higher than the national passing rate of 25.95%.
The college, on the other hand, registered an overall passing rate of 29.63% for Elementary Education, higher than the national passing rate of 27.28%.
An 82.76% passing rate for the September exam was registered by the college’s Bachelor of Secondary Education majors, far higher than the country’s passing rate of 36.98%.
Bañas proudly revealed that students of Biological Science, English, and Mathematics specializations registered passing rates of 100%, 93.33%, and 90%, respectively.
It also exceeded the 31.34% national passing rate for Bachelor of Elementary Education, registering a 46.15% overall rate.
These results were released by the Professional Regulation Commission in May 2019 and December 2019, respectively.
“We would like to commend the whole CCSFP community for this achievement.
We will continue to uphold its mission to provide quality education research and outreach services to poor but deserving students in order to realize its vision of becoming a leading institution of academic excellence, offering quality tertiary education,” Bañas said.
Recently, the CCSFP was also recognized by the social news and entertainment network Local Pulse as the 20th Best Secondary Education Schools in the Philippines for 2018 for a remarkable performance in the licensure examinations.
Only 43 schools were enlisted in the entire country.
“We are eyeing another Local Pulse citation that will result to three consecutive years of being included as one of the top performing teacher education institutions offering quality education,” the OIC added.
For his part, Santiago extended his salutations to the “Aslag ning Balen” for making another mark in the examinations.
“Hindi kayo matatawag na ‘Aslag ning Balen’ kung walang dahilan. Kayo ay ‘Aslag ning Balen’ dahil nagbibigay liwanag kayo sa City College upang makamtan nito ang pag-unlad at progreso,” he said.
The city mayor also shared the hopes of the City Government that these teachers will serve the Fernandino community.
“Ang pinakamagandang regalo na maibibigay ninyo sa mga kapwa ninyo Fernandino ay ang edukasyon at ipinagdarasal naming magampanan niyo ang misyong ito. Sama-sama nating lalong paangatin ang estado ng edukasyon sa Syudad,” he said.
P1-M Raised In CSF Alay Lakad 2019 [ Friday | 15th day of November, 2019 | 11 months ago ]
The Alay Lakad Foundation has successfully raised P1 million in donations in this year’s Alay Lakad “Walk for a Cause” held on November 15.
Anchored on the theme “Takbang Memalen! Para king Pagmaragul da reng Kayanakang Fernandino,” the activity was participated by around 10,000 delegates from both public and private schools, government agencies and private organizations in the City of San Fernando.
The annual walk for a cause aims to raise funds for the out-of-school youth.
Mayor Edwin “EdSa” Santiago showed support to the foundation as he joined the walk for a cause together with City Councilor Nelson Lingat, City Social Welfare and Development Officer Aileen Villanueva, and some city department heads.
Leoncio Co, Alay Lakad Walk for a Cause 2019 chairperson, expressed his gratitude to everyone for supporting the foundation’s advocacy in providing educational assistance to their scholars.
“Thank you so much and I hope na magtuloy-tuloy po ang ating pagtutulungan para sa mga bata,” he said.
Meanwhile, Joana Tunao, former Alay Lakad scholar who is now a teacher, thanked the foundation for being part of her life in fulfilling her dreams.
“Maraming salamat po sa Alay Lakad foundation. Dahil po sa inyong walang sawang tulong, suporta at pagmamahal, ako po ay nakapagtapos. Isa na po akong ganap na guro. Sana po marami pa po kayong matulungang kagaya ko pong nais magtagumpay sa buhay,” she said.
For his part, Santiago lauded the initiatives and efforts of the foundation for pushing an advocacy beneficial to the Fernandino youth.
“For how many years or decades, hindi po sila nagsawa na ipagpatuloy ang kanilang adbokasiya para sa mga kabataang Fernandino. Naging kasama sila ng lokal na pamahalaan sa pagpapalaganap nang libreng edukasyon sa Syudad. Maraming salamat sa inyo,” Santiago said.
Fernandino Scholars Receive Grants [ Wednesday | 13th day of November, 2019 | 11 months ago ]
To protect the rights and ensure the total well-being of children, the City Government of San Fernando kicked off on November 4 the celebration of this year’s Children’s Month.
Anchored on the theme, “Karapatang Pambata, Patuloy na Pahalagahan at Gampanan Tungo sa Magandang Kinabukasan,” Mayor Edwin “EdSa” Santiago, together with Vice Mayor Jimmy Lazatin, and members of the Local Council for the Protection of Children (LCPC), led the unveiling of the calendar of activities.
During the press conference, Santiago stressed that the local government has lined-up several child-friendly activities to enhance the capabilities of the children.
“Ang Syudad San Fernando ay hindi lamang tahanan ng mga naggagandahang parol, bagkus tayo din ay tahanan ng mga malulusog at masisiglang batang Fernandino dahil ang San Fernando ay lugar para sa mga bata na nais natin magkaroon ng magandang kinabukasan,” he said.
The list of activities includes Seminar on Child Participation Rights among Barangay Council for the Protection of Children (BCPC), Child Representative and School Based Child Leaders on November 5, followed by a Children’s Camp and Lakbay Bulilit on November 8-9.
Mendicamp will take place on November 12 and Regional Children’s Congress on November 15.
On November 16, a Metamorphosis Camp will be staged, while the City Employees Outreach Program and LCPC Humanitarian Services will be on November 19 followed by a Provincial Children’s Congress on November 21.
Members of the LCPC will undergo Capability Building Seminar on November 20-22 and a Camp Bulilit on November 21-22.
For the culminating part of the celebration, Santiago will deliver his State of the Children’s Report together with the Barangay Child Friendly Governance awarding.
