KALIBO, Aklan, Philippines (PIA) — Aklan launched the National Greening Program (NGP) Tuesday by planting 5,000 mangrove propagules at the Lambingan beach mangrove area of Brgys. Andagao and Pook in Kalibo, Aklan.

The mangrove propagules were planted in two hectares near the beach after a short program at the Kalibo Magsaysay Park in Poblacion Kalibo, with Kalibo Mayor William Lachica and Aklan Governor Carlito S. Marquez delivering messages of support for the program.

Lachica said the NGP launch is a significant and important activity as the program is aimed at providing protection to Aklanons during typhoons and landslides.

Jose Rizal hailed in Antique

SAN JOSE, Antique (PIA) — The Antique government, along with the Antique Historical and Cultural Council marked the 150th birthday of the country’s national hero, Dr. Jose Rizal in simple rites last June 20 at the Evelio B. Javier Freedom Park.

Public workers and members of the local Philippine National Police were in attendance at the symbolic commemoration of Dr. Rizal’s life and works through a message delivered by historian Dr. Aida M. Ricarze who said “Rizal was not born a hero but he became one because he offered his talent, work and life for the good of the Filipino people.''

Measles cases rising in Capiz

ROXAS CITY, Capiz (PIA) — Capiz Provincial Health Office records say of 49 suspected measles cases in Capiz from January to June 17 this year, 18 persons were found positive of the disease based on Department of Health (DoH) laboratory results. Of total confirmed cases, 10 are from Roxas City, two from Dao, and one in Dumalag, Jamindan, Mambusao, Panay, Pilar and Sigma.

The oldest confirmed with measles is 52 years old with no immunization history. Capiz DoH representative Dr. Elmer Bucayan said of total suspected cases, blood samples were taken in 46 cases and sent to DoH Manila for analysis; three others were considered epidemiologically-linked cases, hence, no blood samples were taken.

Province gives P2M for coops

DUMAGUETE CITY, Negros Oriental (PIA) — The Negros Oriental provincial government has set aside P2 million as additional funds for the Cooperative Surety Fund (CSF) to boost the cooperative movement in the province. The allocation brings to P7.4 million the provincial government’s total counterpart funds for the CSF program.

Negros Oriental joined the CSF bandwagon in 2009 when it signed an agreement with BSP to implement and provide counterpart funds for the local CSF. Gov. Roel Degamo has asked CSF officials to come up with a study to determine the impact of the CSF program on the lives of its members.

LNU holds Sto. Niño forum

TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte (PIA) — The Second Santo Niño History and Culture Forum was held at the Leyte Normal University (LNU) Student Center Wednesday morning.

According to Rev. Father Gilbert Urbina, President of the Leyte-Samar Heritage Society, Inc., the Forum’s main purpose is to propagate knowledge about the history and culture of devotion to Leyte’s patron saint, particularly among today's youth.

“The Sto. Niño devotion is a heritage raised to the level of academic discourse but with no appropriate media dissemination,” Fr. Urbina said.