CALAMBA CITY, Laguna, Philippines — A total of 1,076 indigent Calambeños benefited from SM Foundation’s Medical Mission held at the third floor of SM City Calamba last Sunday. It was the second time that SM Foundation held a medical mission dubbed, “Gamot para sa Kapwa” in Calamba City.

Beneficiaries were able to consult with doctors as well as have tooth extraction services free of charge. Aside from these, X-ray, ECG and Bone Density Scanning were provided and medicines were given for free. Ideal Vision, SM City Calamba’s mall tenant, participated in the said mission and provided free consultation and eye check-up. (Ferdinand F. Castro)

CAR students as Rizal models

BAGUIO CITY, Benguet — Four Cordillera students were among the 35 “Bagong Rizal: Pag-asa ng Bayan” awardees who recently took their oath to model their lives after the principles which Dr. Jose Rizal championed that includes love of God and country, integrity, valor and excellence in their respective areas of abilities, interest and talent.

The Cordillerans are Jeannett Gonzales of University of Baguio (UB) High School; Ivan Jim Layugan and Angelica Licudan of UB (College); and Jhonard Galicia of the Tabuk National High School in Kalinga. The awardees were chosen from different schools and universities nationwide in line with the celebration of the 150th birthday of the national hero last June 19. (Dexter A. See)

3 cops arrest rob suspect

CAMP GEN. ALEJO SANTOS, Bulacan — Three police officers were lauded by Bulacan Police Provincial Office Director Fernando H. Mendez Jr. for bringing in a robbery suspect after a shootout in Caloocan City last Sunday.

Mendez said Daniel Villamor, 26, married, jobless, of Barangay Tungkong Manga, San Jose del Monte City, this province, was arrested after being wounded when he shot it out with the lawmen led by Supt. Fitz Macariola.

After yielding a .38-caliber pistol, Villamor even attacked the lawmen with an iron bar, injuring three policemen before he was subdued. (Freddie C. Velez)

Cordillera, best for arabica beans

BAGUIO CITY — Cordillera has a great potential to become the country’s major coffee producer once the national government and other concerned stakeholders will be able to provide the appropriate access that will elevate the level of production to greater heights.

This was declared by Benguet State University professor Valentino Macanes who underscored the region possesses the right altitude, climate conducive in raising the coffee brand which is in demand in the local and international scenes. (Dexter A. See)

3 Bicol schools given buildings

BATO, Camarines Sur (PIA) — Three schools in this region became the latest recipient of a school building cum library which was realized thru the effort of Aklat, Gabay, Aruga tungo sa Pag-angat at Pag-asa or (AGAPP) Foundation spearheaded by no less than the Presidential Sis, Ms. Pinky Aquino – Abellada.

The recipients last Friday were the Bato North Central School located in the municipality of Bato; Nabua East Central Pilot School in Nabua town and Romero Elementary School in Bula, Camarines Sur were the lucky recipients of AGAPP’s new pre-school building called “Silid-Pangarap.”