LUCENA CITY, Quezon, Philippines — An official of the protected area of Mt. Banahaw reminded pilgrims Monday that the so-called Holy Mountain is restricted to all devotees, hikers, local and foreign tourists who will visit on Maundy Thursday and Good Friday.

Protected Area Superintendent Sally Pangan said the three-year extension or what is left of it is not going to be enough time for Mount Banahaw to regain its health and splendor.

“But she observed good signs — the mount’s being much cleaner, and vegetation has somewhat recovered” she added. (Danny Estacio)

Diplomatic corps visits Calamba

The birthplace of Philippine national hero Jose P. Rizal – Calamba City in Laguna – recently served as the backdrop of the first business forum for the economic and commercial focal persons of the diplomatic corps.

The Ambassadors of Qatar, Indonesia, Cambodia, Laos, Sri Lanka, Palau, Bangladesh, and other diplomats of the Embassies of India, Iraq, the United States, Argentina, Brunei Darussalam, Czech Republic, Angola, Saudi Arabia, Iran, Russia, Spain, China, Italy and Vietnam all joined the familiarization tour of Calamba – the first of several planned by the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) in line with its economic diplomacy efforts. (Roy C. Mabasa)

CLSU offers food training

SCIENCE CITY OF MUÑOZ, Nueva Ecija — The Central Luzon State University (CLSU) here has offered aspiring entrepreneurs training in food based industries.

CLSU President Ruben Sevilleja said those who want to participate in the university's technology business incubator program will initially be trained in raising tilapia, aromatic rice and goats.

He said that the Department of Science and Technology has given CLSU a P30 million grant to start the program.

The initial batch of 10 trainees will use the newly-renovated Food Processing Center. (Franco G. Regala)

PNP seizes 2 fishing boats

SAMAL, Bataan — Two commercial fishing boats were apprehended and impounded by the authorities the other day after joint personnel of the local police and the 18th Special Forces Riverrine Company operated against illegal fishing. Sr. Supt. Arnold D. Gunnacao, Bataan police director, the operators and owners of the fishing boats – Erwin Lagaria of Pantalan bago, Orani town and Ariel Caladio – were questioned.

The illegally-caught fish from “F/B Margarette” and “FB/ Agatha” were also seized. (Mar T. Supnad)

'Pistay Dayat' begins April 23

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan — This year’s celebration of Pistay Dayat would be more exciting with various activities being lined up from April 23 to May 2 to highlight Pangasinan’s “mother of all festivals.” “Luyag Ko, Dayew Ko,” will have the sea festival theme this year.

The activities include environmental and sports development as well as revitalizing the culture and arts of Pangasinenses.

Around 100 colorful boats will be adorned on May 1 for the Banca Parada to showcase the clean rivers of Pangasinan.

Said event will also be highlighted with Pakar Awards, an award given to coastal towns and barangays with cleanest rivers.

Another event worth watching is the Larong Pinoy which will be held on April 30 from 3 o’clock to 5 o’clock in the afternoon at the Capitol beach area.

The activity aims to revive the various Filipino traditional games like patintero and tumbang preso, among others. (Liezle Basa Iñigo)