SAN FERNANDO CITY, Pampanga — Three government agencies have selected the Mount Arayat area as the pioneer location of their agro-enterprise cluster site in the province, where various fruit and vegetable crops will be developed through organic farming methods.

The Department of Agriculture (DA), Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR), and Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) called it a “convergence site” where seedlings of atis, guyabano, mango, cacao, rambutan, coffee arabica and macadamia will be distributed to “convergence-grantees” while the DA conducts capability-building training on organic farming. (Franco G. Regala)

Chico hosts P2.3-B irrigation station

PINUKPUK, Kalinga — A sustainable pump irrigation project with an estimated cost of more than P2.3 billion is expected to rise on Chico River, here, starting next year and will help irrigate at least 8,700 hectares of agricultural farms in Kalinga and Cagayan provinces.

National Irrigation Administration (NIA) officials said the project, aimed at ensuring food security in Northern Luzon, is located here and will source water from the Chico River to irrigate 7,500 hectares of farmlands in Tuao East; 1,170 has. in Piat and 360 has. in Pinococ, this town. (Dexter A. See)

Water rescue training in Subic

SUBIC BAY FREEPORT — Around 28 Central Luzon rescue teams trained in Subic Bay, exchanging skills and know-how as part of their interoperability during the Third Regional Water Search and Rescue (WASAR) Simulation Exercices held in Olongapo City recently.

The participating teams came from the cities of Olongapo and Palayan, and the provinces of Bataan, Pampanga, Tarlac, Nueva Ecija, and Bulacan. “Through this exercise, we also aim to enhance their skills and knowledge when it comes to responding to waterborne disasters,” said Josefina Timoteo, director of the Office of Civil Defense in Region 3. (Jonas Reyes)

Bulacan search for 'King,' 'Queen'

MALOLOS CITY, Bulacan — Official candidates of the first-ever “Hari at Reyna ng Bulacan” showed their best on their pictorial and press presentation the other day at the Mini-Forest, Capitol Compound this city.

Gov. Wilhelmino M. Sy-Alvarado said that the pageant is one of the highlights of the upcoming celebration of Singkaban Fiesta this September.

Each pair of contestants was selected from the 21 towns and three cities of the province. They will participate in workshops, familiarization tours, fashion and talent shows and pre-pageant presentation. (Freddie C. Velez)

Bypass road shut for repairs

MARIVELES, Bataan — The Department of Public Works and Highways closed temporarily the Bypass Road in Sisiman to pave the way for the upgrading of the said road.

DPWH 2nd District Engr. Medel Chua said a total of P9.8 million was allocated for the renovation and upgrading of the bypass road to make it easier for motorists particularly cargo trucks coming the Freeport Area of Bataan (FAB) transporting goods and other products to Manila and vice versa.

Earlier, complaints from truckers regarding the narrow and sharp zigzag road reached the office of Bataan 2nd District Rep. Abet Garcia, who endorsed the problem to FAB Chairman Deo Custodio. (Mar T. Supnad)