CEBU CITY, Philippines — After over 40 years of existence, the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. (RAFI) has a new refreshed brand identity as it goes on to uplift more lives in the community through a comprehensive approach championing best practices in community development.

With its refreshed branding, RAFI now has three position calls emphasizing on collaborative, holistic and role model efforts. RAFI president Roberto Aboitiz in his speech during the brand launch attended by communication partners said the foundation has upscaled its core initiatives to further define its purpose.

Aboitiz also underlined RAFI’s five focus areas including integrated development, micro-finance and entrepreneurship, culture and heritage, leadership and citizenship and education. (Phoebe Jen Indino)

SENIORS GET POWER DISCOUNT

SAN JOSE, Antique, Philippines — The Antique Electric Cooperative (ANTECO) is now ready to accept applications for electric bill discount of senior citizens.

The main power distributor here has informed the public about the giving of five percent discount on monthly electric consumption not exceeding 100 kw of senior citizens.

However, the senior citizen should first comply with some stipulated requirements. For instance, the electric meter must be in the name of the senior citizen for at least a year; only one senior citizen member in the household will be given said discount, he or she must submit proof of age and residence in the barangay and an application letter must be submitted. (Mars W. Mosqueda Jr.)

THOUSANDS APPLY FOR ARMY EXAM

ILOILO CITY, Iloilo, Philippines — Thousands of young people flocked testing centers in Iloilo and Bacolod cities last Tuesday to take the Philippine Army Aptitude Test Battery (PAATB).

In Iloilo City, the testing center was at the Western Institute of Technology (WIT). There were 1,200 registered applicants but only 979 qualified. In Bacolod, the testing center was at the West Negros University.

Passing the PAATB is one of the requirements for enlistment in the Philippine military service. Screening of applicants was handled by a team from the Army Personnel Management Center headed by Major Andres Jose Monje from Fort Bonifacio in Manila. (Edith B. Colmo)

2 FROM NEGROS IN BUS BLAST

DUMAGUETE CITY, Negros Oriental, Philippines (PNA) — Two residents of Negros Oriental were among those injured in a bomb blast in EDSA corner Buendia in Makati last Tuesday which resulted in the death of five passengers and injuring 13 others.

Sisters Fleur Ann Sy and Fe Ann Sy, together with their mother Ferlyn, were on board the Goldliner bus that exploded while on its way to Fairview in Makati. The sisters sustained leg injuries but are now in safe condition at the St. Lukes Medical Center in Global City.

ILOILO PUTS UP 24/7 CHECKPOINTS

ILOILO CITY, Iloilo, Philippines (PNA) — Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog has ordered the police on full alert and man 24/7 checkpoints starting Wednesday, January 26, in several entry points to the city.

Mabilog instructed city Police Director Sr. Supt. Marietto Valerio to safeguard and protect the city from criminal elements by setting up the checkpoints. Mabilog admitted that the latest bombing in Makati City in Metro Manila has triggered the directive.