LIMAY, Bataan, Philippines — Attaining full economic recovery is the bold prediction of Mayor Ver Roque for this industrial town after a big amount of money was allocated to paying its gargantuan debt, including the almost P50-million loan from the Special Educational Fund (SEF).

“The official cash on hand as of June 29, 2010 was only P1,531,300 based on the Official cash book,” Roque said citing a Treasurer’s Office report on the nearly cash-strapped municipal coffers when he assumed office as new mayor. Contrary to reports that P25 million was left behind by the last administration, Roque said the state of finances of the municipality was far worse but expressed optimism that town will rise above this adversity. (Mar T. Supnad)

Rizal campaigns vs cervical cancer

ANTIPOLO CITY — The provincial government has partnered with private health groups to push for the increased awareness on cervical cancer in this province. This came as Rizal Governor Casimiro “Jun” Ynares III through the Provincial Health Office (PHO) has initiated a series of information drive in the province for the prevention of cervical cancer which is afflicting women. On Thursday, Governor Ynares’ wife, Mrs. Andrea Bautista Ynares represented the provincial chief executive in leading the awareness campaign.

Advocates for the prevention of cervical cancer, Glaxosmithkline Inc., represented by Zeena Abellanoza, Former Binibining Pilipinas and Bravehearts Foundation President Abbygale Arenas-De Leon; Cervical Cancer Advocate and Bravehearts Foundation member Pia Magalona; and Dr. Cecilia Llave, President of Cervical Cancer Prevention Network, led in the awareness drive activity. (Nel B. Andrade)

Ebdane wants a proper forum

IBA, Zambales — Saying that he will seek the proper forum in which to answer, Governor Hermogenes Ebdane Jr. was mum Friday on allegations being hurled at him by former Zambales Police Provincial Office director, Senior Superintendent Rafael Santiago, involving him and former First Gentleman Mike Arroyo in a supposed 2004 ballot switching incident at the Batasan Pambansa in Quezon City. Ebdane said: “I have no comment at this point.

I will answer the allegation in the proper forum.” He added that, “I cannot quarrel with him (Santiago) in the media. These are allegations I don’t intend to dignify.” (Jonas Reyes)

River cruise free of charge

DAGUPAN CITY — City Tourism Officer Rose Teng Mejia clarified Friday that riding cruise line here is still free to the public and students are most welcome to avail of the transport service.

Mejia released the statement after learning that some schools have been charging students for the 45-minute cruise which they included in their educational tour fees. Mejia declined to name the two prominent educational institutions here that supposedly asked to pay P30 and P100, respectively, for a ride in the river cruise. (Liezle Basa Iñigo)

Scouts off to South Korea

LA TRINIDAD, Benguet — A five-member boy scouts delegation from this province will head to South Korea for a “camporee” this week in order to enhance their international exposure for the benefit of the local scouting movement. The five-man delegation to the camporee at the Student Training Center in Incheon, Chungbuk, South Korea will be led by Robert Tican, the School Head of Poyopoy Elementary School in Tuba, Benguet.

Joining him area Nancy Rosado of Balukas Elementary School; Benguet Special Education Center Head Denia Wacnag; Scout Jeremiah Harold Agustin of the Cordillera Regional Science High School and Scout Ray Agustin of the Benguet SPED Center. (Dexter A. See)