SAN FERNANDO CITY, Pampanga, Philippines — The Department of Agriculture (DA) in Central Luzon has launched the country’s first Rice Biotechnology Demo Farms in the adjacent towns of Floridablanca in Pampanga and Dinalupihan in Bataan.

Jun Espiritu, DA Central Luzon spokesperson said the establishment of the demo farm is part of the provisions of the Nutrition Farming using Biotechnology project which is an initiative of the Agricultural Training Institute 3 and Regional Agricultural and Fishery Council (RAFC) 3.

Espiritu said the project seeks to promote economically feasible alternative farming technology and environmentally sound agricultural practices. (Franco G. Regala)

Bataan gets 4 patrol cars

CAMP TOLENTINO, Bataan — Four brand new police patrol cars were distributed Wednesday to four municipal police stations here – Mariveles, Limay, Morong and Orani. Out of the 18 newly-acquired Toyota Hilux units allocated to Region 3, the Bataan Police Provincial Office (PPO) got four to boost its campaign against crime and visibility.

The distribution was personally administered by Chief Superintendent Valiant G. de Guzman, deputy director for Administration of the Police Regional Office Central Luzon PNP, in simple turn-over rites held at Camp Olivas, Pampanga. Sr. Supt. Arnold D. Gunnacao, Bataan police director, said that four patrol cars were given to Bataan. (Mar T. Supnad)

Kalinga posts higher tax yield

TABUK, Kalinga — The campaign of the revenue district office (RDO) here on income tax payment yielded higher collections this year compared with the same period last year, giving great help in the tax collection efficiency drive of the national government.

Based on the 2011 collection report of RDO Kalinga-Apayao, its collection from pure compensation of both government and private employees as of end of May reached P2,352,185.37, nearly a 100 percent increase compared with its 2010 figure of P1,240,235.67. (Dexter A. See)

Region 3 carnap ring busted

CAMP GENERAL ALEJO SANTOS, Bulacan – Senior Supt. Fernando H. Mendez Jr., acting Bulacan police director, revealed Thursday that a robbery/carnapping syndicate operating in Metro Manila and Central Luzon was busted with the recent arrest of six of its alleged members in Barangay Sta. Peregrina, Pulilan, Bulacan.

Chief Supt. Edgardo T. Ladao, Mendez identified the suspects as Jarvin R. Lorenzo, 26, of Apalit, Pampanga; Cris B. Nuezca, 27, of Quezon City; Niño J. Ocampo, 31, and Peter Rebalde Miranda, 30, both of Calumpit, Bulacan; and Frankneil D. Sabaldan, 27, and Jovanni T. Folencio, 23, both of Samar. (Freddie C. Velez)

Farmer gone with the rains

HERMOSA, Bataan — A 40-year-old farmer from nearby Floridablanca town in Pampanga was swept away by floods Wednesday afternoon as he tried to cross an overflowing creek in Barangay Balsik, this town. Sr. Inspector Dennis Orbista, PNP spokesman, identified the victim as Rudy Regala, native of Cabangcalan, Floridablanca, Pampanga and presently residing in Balsik, Hermosa allegedly drowned after his body was discovered at the watery portion of the farm owned by Nonoy Salazar. The incident happened at 5 p.m. last Wednesday. (Mar T. Supnad)