CAMP GEN. ALEJO SANTOS, Bulacan, Philippines — Journalists legitimately covering this province formed recently a group devoted to raising the bar in collecting and delivering reports in the field and giving justice to the important issues that affect Bulakeños.

The Bulacan Media Investigative Reporters (BMIRs) was also founded to ensure professional media coverage that would adhere to truth, objectivity and sensitivity in order to gain the respect of the public and government agencies.

The group also aims to weed out unscrupulous and fake media practitioners guilty of irresponsible reporting and unprofessional conduct. (Freddie C. Velez)

Bataan races for 1st in RPT

BALANGA CITY, Bataan — Concerned agencies are devising ways to improve the collection of Real Property Taxes (RPT) in this city as Mayor Joet S. Garcia set a target to regain the No. 1 spot in Region 3 for RPT revenue this year.

City Assessor Engr. Marilen Alonzo said the tedious work to encourage taxpayers to support the government continues and that there is a good chance of meeting the collection target of P48 million for this year.

Alonzo attributed the feat to the harmonious relationship of agencies and the public or taxpayers, as well as the holding of Barangay Week, initiated by Garcia to serve notices to real property owners. (Mar T. Supnad)

Pangasinan to get I-Rice

PANGASINAN — The National Food Authority (NFA) reported Friday it will begin releasing iron-fortified rice (I-Rice) to retailers by next week under a program to eliminate micronutrients deficiency.

The I-Rice is a mixture of white milled-rice and iron rice premix.

While this food fortification program may begin in this province next week, NFA Regional Director Danilo Pastrana is promoting upland rice farming to prop up rice production and make the country self-sufficient in rice by 2013. (Liezle Basa Iñigo)

No valubables in church

ANTIPOLO CITY — Church goers who will attend the Palm Sunday mass at the Antipolo Cathedral were advised Friday not to bring valuables as the massing up of large crowds is expected to be an opportunity for pickpockets and other criminals.

Supt. Rodino Elfa, chief of police, said that in order to help discourage robbers from striking, devotees to the centuries-old statue of the Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage at the cathedral must watch after their valuables – especially jewelry pieces and huge sums of money – or not take them at all. Masses at the cathedral on Sunday will be at 4:00; 5:30: 7:00; 8:30; and 10:00 a.m. while in the afternoon, it will be at 2:00, 3:30, 5:00 and 6:00 p.m. (Nel B. Andrade)