SAN PEDRO, Laguna, Philippines — Mayor Calixto Cataquiz signed Monday an executive order by using Filipino language in communication of the local government employees here, in line with the celebration of the National Language Month.

Cataquiz signed the Executive Order 2011-08-03 was a part of the the implementation of 1997 Executive Order 335 and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Memorandum Circular 42.

Ten artists from different barangays in the town participated in the art painting with a theme “Wikang Filipino ay wikang panlahat, ilaw at lakas sa tuwid na landas.” (Ferdinand F. Castro)

SK pushes for youth reforms

BALANGA CITY, Bataan — In a bid to further professionalize the youth leaders in the country, Assistant Secretary Louise Gabriel “Gabz” del Rosario, national president of the Sangguniang Kabataan National Federation (SKNF), has vowed to institute reforms on the youth organization.

“We are planning to just raise funds on our own initiative so we can move and fund various programs and projects in the organization. We will discuss this also in the agenda,” said Del Rosario as he prepares for the coming regional assembly in the Visayas. (Mar T. Supnad)

Aid given to 740 students

LAGAWE, Ifugao — The provincial government has provided financial assistance to 740 poor but deserving students from 2005 up to the present as part of efforts to make education accessible to all especially the underprivileged from the far flung villages.

Juliet Taguiling, the coordinator Tertiary Education Assistance Program of the provincial government, said the scholarships are mainly for those who deserve equal access to quality education in their bid to become productive citizens in the future. Through a provincial ordinance authored by Board Member Robert Humiwat, the program covers students in both public and private schools, especially the underprivileged who have convincing academic records. (Dexter A. See)

Abuse of girl, 11, investigated

TERESA, Rizal — Police are investigating a complaint that an 11-year-old girl was allegedly raped by her boyfriend last Sunday. Police Officer 3 Minerva Marcelino, case investigator, said the victim is a resident of La Hacienda Subdivision in Barangay Bagumbayan, here, and that the suspect is an 18-year-old resident of the same village.

The victim’s mother said it was his father who heard the girl crying as the suspect left their house. Upon questioning, the girl said that her boyfriend allegedly forced her to have sex. (Madelynne Dominguez)

Outstanding employees

DAGUPAN CITY, Pangasinan (PIA) — This city conferred Monday awards to personnel of the waste management division, local community groups and hospitals for their exemplary performance particularly in the implementation of the “No Segregation, No Collection” policy.

The awardees were Luis Vallejos, best foreman; Marcos C. Flores, outstanding streetsweeper; Ernesto F. Vidal Jr., outstanding hauling driver; Ernesto S. Velasco, leadership award, Joselito C. Dizon, outstanding dumpsite personnel; Israel F. Nicolas, outstanding enforcer and inspector; Jaime A. Biay, sterling performance as dumpsite foreman and Michael John M. Ubando, merit award.