Angeles Clarkfield Tourist Association

ACTA History, Accomplishments, Objectives

PART ONE – HISTORY

During the years after the US Military left Clark Field the businesses within the entertainment zone, Fields Ave, Perimeter Road, Friendship, etc. were working as individual Clubs with very little regard to each other and without any direct communication with City Hall officials.  During this time there was a great many problems regarding criminal activities, extortion schemes, law enforcement problems, etc.  There were attempts to organize an organization but they never lasted.  There were a few town hall type meetings called by representatives of City Hall to get a feel for problems and suggestions from the businessmen but nothing took hold.  There was no "one voice" that could bridge the gap between Fields Ave and City Hall.  On 28 Jul 04 the construction of that all important "bridge" began.

28 Jul 04 – A special meeting was held at the City Hall between various City Officials and Fields Ave Businessmen to discuss various ways that the image of Fields Ave can be improved in order to:

  1. Increase revenue
  2. Increase Tourism
  3. Improve Security
  4. Create an environment of cooperation and teamwork between the foreign businessmen, local businessmen and City Hall.

During the discussions it was brought out that the Mayor was willing to work with the business community in achieving the objectives stated.  The income generated by the businesses along Fields Ave was estimated at $150,000 a day which meant that this small area of Balibago was a strong economic factor in the development of Balibago and Angeles City itself.

After round table discussions it was decided that a working committee would be created with the end result to develop the core of a Fields Ave Businessmen's Association. 

By the conclusion of the meeting a working group of Expat businessmen and City representatives were selected to form this working group with the first meeting to be held at the Orchid Inn on 6 Aug 04.  This led to the formation of the Fields Ave Businessmen's Association (FABA) and initially meetings were held every two weeks. 

26 Aug 04 – At this meeting it was decided that the FABA would undergo a name change to the Angeles Tourism Association (ATA).  Interim Officers were appointed as well as a board of directors.

8 Oct 04 – At this meeting the ATA was changed to the Angeles Clarkfield Tourism Association, Inc., (ACTA) which remains the current name and has been registered as such with the SEC.

 

PART TWO - ACCOMPLISHMENTS

In the three years since this Association was formed a lot has been accomplished, both major and minor in nature.  We started with weekly meetings, then twice a month and finally once a month as well as a monthly board meeting one week prior to the general meeting.    

The major accomplishments to date follow: 

  1. Club owners and the City pledged to provide 47 additional light posts to be placed in various locations in the Fields Ave area to increase safety and security.  We did not reach the goal of 47 light posts and those that were provided were paid for from ACTA members.
  2. Real street has been paved with over P350,000 donated by Club owners and the remaining cost borne by the City Government.  Additional funds were raised to pave three other streets in the area which has served to attract more tourists to the area.
  3. 4 Sep 04 – The first Fields Ave clean-up day was organized by ACTA and LACEM with direct support from the City Government.  A second Clean-up day was organized on 23 May 05.
  4. 17 Sep 04 – the first discussion of forming a volunteer "Tourist Police" section under the supervision of the ACTA was discussed.  It was suggested that the members of the Black Python Group be used as volunteers.  This was approved and Rey Lacquian was selected to be the supervisor of this group.  A three day DILG Public Safety Seminar was scheduled.  The training was conducted over three Saturdays with the first one on 14 Nov 04.  Uniforms for the TP cost P100,000 and a fund raiser at the Winchester Club garnered P102,000.  31 Jan 05 – Mayor lazatin deputized all ACTA TP at City Hall. 
  5. 23 Nov 04 - ACTA was duly incorporated. 
  6. 31 Jan 05 – Mayor Lazatin deputized all ACTA TP at City Hall.
  7. An office for the TP was established in Mar 05 on Fields Ave adjacent to the Blue Nile Executive Hotel.  A PLDT hotline number was established, 625-9999 and has been experiencing extensive use.
  8. Two Fields Ave Clean-up days were organized in which the City Clean and Green group from City Hall, employees and owners from various businesses on Fields Ave met and conducted an exercise to clean up all the trash littered in the entertainment district.  The first one took place in Feb 04 with the second one Apr 05.
  9. A business classification and assessments for Fields Ave establishments was approved at a 13 Jan 05 ACTA meeting.  This established voluntary monthly dues to be paid into the ACTA by the local businesses located in the entertainment district.
  10. Two bomb sniffing dogs along with their trainers/handlers were added to the TP organization at a cost of P450,000 each.  The ACTA Tourist Police organization works hand in hand with the PNP and has the personal interest of the Mayor and Secretary Rene Diaz.  Mayor Gordon, Olongapo, visited in Mar 05 and was so impressed that he is taking steps to form a mirror organization in Olongapo.
  11. 13 Jan 05 – Classification of establishments and assessment fees based on sq. mtr. Size of establishments was approved by the membership to take effect on 1 Feb 05.
  12. 27 Jan 05 – Five mobile radios at a cost of P6,500 each were obtained for the TP thereby improving security on Fields.  Five more will be purchased as funds become available.
  13. Apr 05 – A permanent office for the Tourist Police was established as well as a phone line, 625-9999.
  14. 21 Apr 05  -  Two proposals for a one way traffic system and no parking zones submitted to the membership by Richard Agnew.
  15. 12-14 Aug 05 – Training seminar for 50 new volunteers for the TP.
  16. Nov 05 – At a special meeting some key Club owners committed to a voluntary monthly monetary contribution to the ACTA fund.  Prior to this the Blue Nile Group was contributing P200,000 a month to make up the cash shortfall.
  17. 6 Dec 05 – The Sangguniang Panlungsod of Angeles unanimously approved NGO status for ACTA.
  18. 5 Jan 06 – Attorney Marlon Llauder became our full time ACTA Attorney and would be on retainer.
  19. Feb 06 – The ACTA increased the number of volunteer TP personnel for the duration of the US-Filipino joint exercise at Clark.  VFA personnel were very impressed and appreciative of the extra security efforts taken to protect the troops.  This was an economic plus for businesses as the US troops were allowed time off base during the exercise.
  20. 6 Apr 06 – An allowance of P150 a day was approved for the Tourist Police volunteers.
  21. 8 Jun 06 – The Blue Nile Group was subjected to a BIR review in which penalties were assessed into the millions of pesos.  A professional tax consultant from Manila was brought in (Dr. Somera) and it was found that the inspections were mishandled and the assessments out of line.  The services of this consultant were offered to ACTA members.  Since this action, subsequent inspections were handled properly and in accordance with BIR regulations.
  22. 5 Oct 06 – A questionable raid on the Angel Witch Club by the Clark NBI that involved improper handling of some female employees and the detention of ACTA representative Jimmy D was brought to the attention of Secretary Diaz, the Mayor and even President Macapagal-Arroyo.  The end result was that the NBI Clark Chief and two of his personnel were transferred.  Since then the Clark NBI personnel have been following proper protocol.
  23. 5 Oct 06 – The Fields Ave one way traffic system as proposed by ACTA was approved.
  24. Nov 06 – Entertainment area street closure ordered by the Mayor, barriers put up and ACTA TP personnel deployed to enforce the closure along with PNP-RMG personnel.  After more than three weeks the barriers were removed and the streets opened to traffic after an appeal to the Mayor by the ACTA officers.  The ACTA and the Tourist Police suffered the most complaints and loss of support during this difficult time.
  25. Nov 06 – The one way system and no parking zones were put into effect.
  26. 3 Jan 07 – Due to extreme shortage of ACTA operating funds the assessment fee was changed from the sq. mtr. Assessment to one based on 100 pesos per employee.  Approved at the 11 Jan 07 General Meeting.
  27. 1 Feb 07 – The Tourist Auxiliary Police name was changed to the PNP Police Aides and the office title changed to the PNP Tourist Assistance Center.  The PNP Police Aides were placed under the supervision of the City Director and works with the PNP with ACTA coordination.
  28. The old TP force was reduced down to 30 personnel and were supposed to be supplemented by elements of the City Mobile Group (CMG) with a Major assigned along with 12 to 16 personnel.
  29. 1 Mar 07 – Rotational scheduled inspections of all ACTA member clubs in good standing was initiated.  These were to be non-intrusive inspections by members of the PNP, and members of the Mayor's monitoring team.
  30. 1 Mar 07 – An ACTA Code of Ethics developed by Jimmy D and Richard Agnew was approved by the membership and distributed.
  31. 29 Mar 07 – A special ACTA General Meeting was called to introduce the new ACTA/City Health Temporary 30 Day ID for new employees that was approved by the Mayor and City Health officers.  It was applicable to ACTA member Clubs in good standing only.
  32. 12 Apr 07 – It was announced that the development of ACTA website is underway.
  33. 5 Jul 07 – The general membership approved a month retention fee for the legal assistance to be provided by Attorney Epimaco A. Velasco.

 

PART THREE – FUTURE OBJECTIVES OF ACTA

First and foremost is that all parties concerned must realize that ACTA cannot continue to exist without the full support of the Mayor.  ACTA officers share the same goals as the newly elected Mayor when it comes to the security, peace and order, stability, and economic growth of Angeles City.  We are ready to support our new "Commander in Chief" and stand by for his directives.  ACTA does not stand alone, we are part of City Administration's team, serving as a direct two way communications link between our members and the Mayor's office.  During the next nine years we will transform Fields Ave into a showcase area that will exceed all expectations. 

But, before giant steps, we must take baby steps so here are some of ACTA's objectives for the remainder of 07 and 08 starting with the quick fixes then progressing into the more difficult:.

  1. Conduct a discreet walking tour of Fields Ave in the mid-afternoon and again at night to get the feel of the area and see first hand some of the problems to be resolved.
  2. The presence of beggars and street children on Fields Ave and further up Perimeter road is out of control  An aggressive continuing campaign conducted by ACTA, DSWD, the Mayor's office and the PNP must be organized.  We have had short lived programs that met with some success but were not sustained because of the lack of resolve from the various City Agencies.
  3. The proliferation of vendors selling Viagra and Cialis on the streets of Fields Ave should be reduced.  The open selling of prescription drugs in public is against the law.  The PNP were cracking down on this but the program has been lax.
  4. Consider the possibility of a four man TP bicycle patrol for Fields Ave and even extending to a portion of the Perimeter Road (Don Juico Ave).  This would be especially appropriate when portions of Fields Ave becomes a walking street.  Financing is the major problem.
  5. ACTA cannot accomplish its mission without an income.  Our account is fed by members paying their assessments based on P100 per employee.  The more members we have the better to stay in the black.  Our membership increased dramatically prior to the elections but has slowed down during and after the election.  There are rumors that the new Mayor may not support ACTA.  We need your help to dispel these rumors and your verbal support in that you would like to see increased membership in ACTA.
  6. The walking street idea was first discussed as far back as Apr 05.  Various ideas were thrown about but there were some stumbling blocks that slowed down the planning process.  ACTA would like to see this idea become a reality.
  7. We would like to see a standard policy come forth from the City Engineers Office regarding encroachment.  It appears to many that only the foreign businesses are being targeted.  Many are asking, "why us and not them".  This extends beyond Fields Ave as well.
  8. ACTA would like to see the Tourist Police return to its original concept, directly under the ACTA so that we can reduce the crime rate and enforce security as we did before.  We would like to see the TP uniforms back in place and the pride of this organization reinstated.  It is not working as well under the mantle of the PNP because the numbers of personnel have been reduced and cohesiveness eliminated.
  9. With the Tourist Police reduction in force the card scammers have returned in force to victimize foreigners.  There is a perception that they enjoy police protection.  Before the Tourist Police were put under the PNP they were able to eliminate the presence of these con-artists from Fields Ave and beyond.  Now, we do not have the personnel to accomplish this and the incidents have increased.  These scammers enjoy a safe house in Marisol Subdivision and operate with impunity.  It remains an ACTA objective to rid AC of these criminals that prey on foreigners.
  10. ACTA would like to work with the City to improve the drainage system on Fields Ave.  A drainage system should be established along the entire length of Fields Ave that connects to the main drainage on McArthur Ave.
  11. We would like to work with AC City Hall and the Balibago Barrio Captain, Attorney Flores to re-establish the Tri-cycle stations along Fields Ave, A. Santos St., Real St., etc.  This was done before and we obtained the cooperation of the various tricycle organization captains.  They agreed to wear their ID's, vests and shoes and to limit the number of tricycles at each station.  Regretfully, that discipline has all but disappeared and should be renewed.
  12. ACTA would also like to see the Tricycle drivers on Fields Ave to comply with noise restrictions and have mufflers installed.  No muffler, no permit to operate.  This would set an example for the rest of Angeles City.
  13. We would like to work with the City in eliminating the traffic congestion on Fields Ave during that is becoming worse every day as it goes beyond the rush hour.
  14. We would like to eliminate the double parking along Fields Ave near the check point and strictly enforce the no parking policy on the one side of the street opposite the CDC stalls.
  15. We would like to see the removal of the unsightly businesses that are now occupying the parking areas in front of the CDC stalls, i.e., Coney Island Joe's, Shawarma, motor bike rentals, etc.
  16. ACTA would like to have a clarification on whether the CDC Stalls can block parking in front of their stores and also put up chains to block cars from parking.
  17. ACTA has complained many times about the CDC extension road that caters to karaoke stalls that blast music until 0500 every morning, place tables and chairs in the road and is a haven for drugs, underage girls, and crime.  This has caused loss of income for legitimate businesses backing onto that road, i.e., Royal Amsterdam Hotel due to the loud music.
  18. ACTA would like to renew the effort to declare the Fields Ave area as an economic-tourism zone.  This was something that Attorney Willie Rivera agreed to pursue with the City Council but has not been followed up on to date.
  19. ACTA will encourage some businesses on Fields to apply for the placement of at least two ATM machines in the area.
  20. ACTA would renew its efforts to obtain garbage drums sponsored by various establishments with the ACTA logo affixed as well as the sponsoring business.  To do this, we would have to have an agreement for daily garbage pick-ups from the City Sanitation Section.
  21. ACTA developed a system of scheduled inspections of member clubs.  The inspections were conducted by the PNP-CMG together with the Mayor's monitoring team.  The inspections were unobtrusive, conducted in civilian clothes and did not disrupt business as in the past.  We would like to see this continued as it has been very successful.
  22. We would like to see the continuation of the City Health/ACTA temporary 30 day ID system or some variation of it.  But,
  23. we would like to see it applied onto to ACTA member establishments in good standing.

 

PART IV – CONCLUSION

As you can see, ACTA has a very active history from its inception until the present day.  There is one overall objective that has not been specifically touched on.  Our Vision!  What we in ACTA visualize is a mini-Las Vegas scenario.  The objectives listed above will lay the groundwork but the development of the entertainment belt will take years, not months.  We are looking at beautification, cleaning up, upgrading the image, lifting the level of entertainment, upscale gaming, more restaurants, and a crime free environment.  There will be increased prosperity for the City Government, investors and all business owners in the entertainment belt.  We will develop individual pride in all participants, from the flower ladies, tricycle drivers, vendors to each and every business owner.  It will take hard work, it will take money, it will need 100% membership in ACTA and it will take 100% support from the City and barrio administrations.