IMUS, Cavite — The Cavite Police Provincial Office (PPO) has assured security and protection for foreign and local businesses, particularly those in the economic zones in Rosario and Carmona towns and Dasmarinas City.

This developed as the provincial government is set to open another industrial zone in Bacao, an area near the Economic Processing Zones Authority (EPZA) compound in Rosario, a town in Cavite’s first district. Governor Jonvic Remulla and his administration provided the 30-hectares land for 15 industrial factories which the foreign investors intended to put up as there was no more space available in the nearby EPZA compound. (Anthony Giron)

Top taxpayer 

STA. ROSA CITY, Laguna— SM Prime Holdings Incorporated received an awards as one of the top taxpayers of this city during a formal awarding ceremony for the 2010 city's top taxpayers held recently at the Bellevue Hotel in Alabang, Muntinlupa City.

Pamela Peters-Baun, SM Sta. Rosa City information officer said the SM Prime Holdings Inc. ranked 6th in the Top Tax Payer category, 11th in the Top 20 Payers of Business Tax and 6th in the Top 20 Taxpayers of Realty Tax for the year 2010.

There were 5 categories and the Top 20 businesses for each category received recognition for their contribution to the City’s revenue. (Ferdinand F. Casstro)

Tourism park

IBA, Zambales — Local government here is optimistic to boost the tourism industry once Mt. Tupulao facilities are developed into a tourism park which four foreign investors pledged to invest $1 million for the tourism park in the province. Earlier, Iba, Zambales Mayor Herbert Deloso and Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Central Luzon Director Ricardo Calderon signed a memorandum of agreement (MoA) for the protection and development of the 5,000-hectare Mt. Tapulao. Mt.Tapulao is one of the highest peaks in the province of Zambales that has the potential premier eco-tourism destination not only in the province but also in Central Luzon. (Franco G. Regala)

Disaster management

DAGUPAN CITY — Police force and the officials of Bauang City, La Union came here to study the city’s nationally- acclaimed disaster management approach last August 14.

The Bauang delegation, led by the City Administrator Crisanto Palabay, joined Mayor Benjie S. Lim at his office to learn how the city responds to any form of disasters and calamities.

During the conversation, the delegation learned that barangays here are equipped with at least one nurse, early warning systems (EWS), and the necessary knowledge and preparations on dealing with calamities that could strike here anytime. (Liezle Basa Inigo)

Circuit road 

BAGUIO CITY — A respected business tycoon has recently signified his intention to support the completion of the multi-million 21-kilometer Baguio circumferential road project by allowing a portion of the road to pass through his own property at Balacbac, Sto. Tomas proper here.

However, Engr. Ireneo S. Gallato, district engineer of the Department of Public Works and Highways — Baguio City District Engineering Office (DPWH-BCDEO), disclosed representatives of Eduardo “Danding” Cojuangco requested the agency to adjust the width of the road that will traverse his property. (Dexter A. See )