MANILA, Philippines — In line with the observance of National Lung Cancer Awareness Month, the Bulacan Media Investigative Reporters (BMIR) and the family of Senior Superintendent Richard A. Albano launched the “Breathe and Run-for-a-Cause” project, 3-kilometer and 5-km running events against smoking held the other day in Cabanatuan City, Nueva Ecija.

Raizel Albano, the spokesperson of the Albano family, said the fun run is aimed at motivating citizens to lead a healthier lifestyle by making better health choices, and by actively engaging in activities beneficial to their physical, mental, emotional and spiritual well-beings. (Freddie C. Velez)

Road repairs hit vegetable prices

LA TRINIDAD, Benguet — The open-and-close situation on major road networks in Baguio City, Benguet and Mountain Province is now taking its toll on the supply and prevailing prices of vegetables in markets.

Because of the condition of the two major road in the region – Halsema Highway and Kennon Road – the transport of vegetables from farms to the lowlands, including Metro Manila, has been difficult.

Farmers and vegetable traders urged the Department of Public Works and Highways to hasten the repairs of roads hit by landslides the past week. (Dexter A. See)

Quezon to end child labor

LUCENA CITY, Quezon — With the help of the International Labour Organization (ILO), local governments in this province are working together to fight and eliminate at least 75 percent of the child labor problem in Quezon by 2015. ILO Country Director Lawrence Jeff Johnson said that the program focused in the towns of Calauag, Catanauan and Lucena City from baseline studies revealed that there are 1,453 child laborers.

Seventy percent of them are boys and 30 percent girls aged 5 to 17. Johnson said a comprehensive approach to fighting the problem is being undertaken to involve different agencies in local governments. (Danny Estacio)

Central Luzon crime rate decreases 25.77%

CAMP OLIVAS, Pampanga — The Police Regional Office 3 (PRO3) recorded a 25.77 percent decrease in the crime rate in Central Luzon from January to July this year as compared with the same period last year, Chief Supt. Edgardo T. Ladao revealed Friday. Ladao gave the figures during the launching of National Crime Prevention Week here last Thursday.

San Fernando City Mayor Oscar Rodriguez and City Legal Officer Ramsey Ocampo, a retired police general, joined the activities tied up Ladao’s campaign for a zero crime rate in Central Luzon. (Franco G. Regala)

World Heritage 'fiesta' in Vigan

VIGAN CITY, Ilocos Sur — This city is all set for this year’s weeklong celebration of the Word Heritage Cities Solidarity Day and Cultural Festival starting Saturday until September 10.

Mayor Eva Marie S. Medina said the festival – under the United Nations Educational and Scientific Cultural Organization (UNESCO) – formally kicks off Saturday with the food and trade fair at Plaza Burgos; the formal opening of the “Fotografias y Recuerdos” at the Vigan Culture and Trade Center (VCTC); and the conduct of repazzo de Vigan and solidarity parade around the city’s streets. (Freddie G. Lazaro)