LINGAYEN, Pangasinan — Governor Amado T. Espino announced Monday the activation of a group of river marshals that will lead the campaign to protect the environment and the upkeep of rivers and waterways in this province.

To be known as “Oplan River Marshalls,” the operation involves the posting of trained Philippine National Police (PNP) personnel in strategic areas on a 24-hour daily basis to support the massive river clean-up drive of Task Force Kalikasan.

 “Rivers, like all other natural resources, should be for the enjoyment and benefit of everyone, and not to an unscrupulous few who have capital to put up illegal fishing structures,” Amado said.

He thanked Senior Superintendent Rosueto Ricaforte and the men and women of the Police Provincial Office (PPO) for supporting the pro-environment program. (Liezle Basa Iñigo)

PCG Apprehends Overloaded Boat

A motor boat overloaded with passengers was apprehended by the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) on the shoreline of Roxas in Palawan Monday morning. Lieutenant Commander Armando Balilo, PCG Public Information Officer, said the 50-passenger capacity “M/B RSM” was halted by Coast Guard Detachment-Roxas personnel after being found to carry 64 passengers.

Balilo said motor boat owner Reden Mercader will be charged with violation of the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) Memorandum Circular No. 120 which is “overloading or carrying of passengers and/or cargoes beyond the vessel’s authorized loading capacity.” (John Carlo M. Cahinhinan)

Agro-Eco-Tourism Farm Planned

SAN FERNANDO CITY, Pampanga — Governor Lilia Pineda is now working for the conversion of a 120-hectare land owned by the Pampanga Agricultural College (PAC) into an agro-eco-tourism farm. In line with this, the governor will enter into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the PAC Tuesday on the management of the land.

The MOU stipulates the transformation of the land under the provincial capitol as a site for organic farming, food processing, vegetable and dairy production and bamboo propagation.

According to the governor, the agro-eco-tourism farm is expected to produce “value-added products using a holistic approach.” “Under the program, the farm is seen to produce tropical fruits and organic products like cow’s milk and the like,” Pineda said.

 PAC President Dr. Honorio Soriano said graduates of the PAC, out-of-school youth from among the poorest of the poor, and Small Town Lottery workers will be employed in the farm under a “learning by doing” approach. (Franco G. Regala)

Groups to Save Cainta River

A pledge of commitment to save Cainta River was signed over the weekend by various organizations  in a bid to prevent the river from overflowing and avert a repeat of a flood catastrophe in Rizal province and Metro Manila.

 Cainta Mayor Ramon Ilagan led the signing of commitment on a tarpaulin with representatives of various groups supporting the “Save Cainta River Movement.”

The event was the highlight of a flood summit held at the Valley Gold in San Juan Cainta. Ilagan said different city, national, local and private organizations will be working hand-in-hand to prevent the occurrence of another “Ondoy” in the future.

Clearing waterways and avoiding the use of plastics and styropor products was agreed upon as the projects that all stakeholders should sustain. (Madelynne Dominguez)