BAGUIO CITY – True to expectations, the mercury level in this mountain resort city dropped further from a low of 9.8 degrees Celsius to 9.5°C around 5 a.m. Thursday – a chilly temperature attracting more tourists in time for the various events tied to the 16th Panagbenga Festival celebration.

From 9.8°C last February 1 and 10.2 degrees Celsius on February 2, the temperature further dropped Thursday which makes the city the country’s undisputed Summer Capital.

The lowest temperature in the city was 9.6 degrees Celsius which was recorded last January 5 by the local office of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration or PAGASA. (Dexter A. See)

Pangasinan sets cultural show
LINGAYEN, Pangasinan — A musical titled “Asin ed Asinan,” aimed at promoting the culture and arts of Pangasinan, and participated in by Governor Amado T. Espino, Jr. and wife Priscilla will run at Sison Auditorium from February 9 to 11.

All other provincial government department heads, chiefs of hospitals and some employees will also participate in the presentation in line with the first Danggoan cultural and musical show.

Mr. Raul “Insyong” Tamayo, in-charge of the production, said “this is the first- ever full length cultural show and musical that is produced by the Provincial Government.” (Liezle Basa Iñigo)

Capitol Drive to be widened
BALANGA CITY, Bataan — As envisioned in the University Town 2020 Development Program of this component city, the widening of Capitol Drive, a major thoroughfare and one of the busiest roads in the city, is all set.

This was revealed by Mayor Joet S. Garcia who said that the owners of the establishments to be affected by the road widening had been informed.

The project development program is being crafted by known urban developer Jun Palafox and Associates. (Mar T. Supnad)

Bulacan solon eyes Mining Act amendments
MALOLOS CITY — Bulacan 1st District Representative Ma. Victoria R. Sy Alvarado said she has brought to Congress the state of environmental degradation in the eastern mountains of Bulacan, vowing to seek the amendment of mining laws.

Sy Alvarado said she has made it her mission to bring forth genuine protection for the environment and at the same time address the issue of responsible mining in Bulacan.

In her bid to tweak Republic Act 7942 (Philippine Mining Act of 1995), she said she will introduce new provisions for the better management of the country’s mineral resources as owner and administrator, and to control and supervise exploration, development and utilization of mineral resources. (Freddie C.Velez)

182 cops begin S.A.F. training
FORT STO. DOMINGO, Laguna — Some 182 personnel of the Philippine National Police (PNP) elite force have started yesterday their 30-day Specialized Unit Inter-Operability Training in Fort Sto. Domingo.

Chief Supt. Charles Calima, head of PNP Training Service, said the training team is composed of 88 members of Special Action Force (SAF) and 37 members each from Aviation Security Group (ASG) and PNP Maritime Group.

Calima said these policemen will be trained for inter-operability and Crisis Response Force. (Ferdinand F. Castro)