LUBAN, Occ. Mindoro, Philippines — Two fishermen troubled at sea were rescued by Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) personnel in waters off Cabra Island in Luban, Occidental Mindoro over the weekend. Lieutenant Commander Algier Ricafrente, PCG Public Affairs chief, said the PCG Detachment in Tilik picked up the two fishermen – Emol Sumagang and Retchel Sumagang – whose boat encountered engine trouble.

Ricafrente said the PCG has also launched search-and-rescue operations for two other fishermen reported missing at sea near Coron, Palawan. (John Carlo M. Cahinhinan)

CDC joins fight against dengue

CLARK FREEPORT, Pampanga — At least 56 business establishments located inside this Freeport have joined the awareness campaign against the dreaded dengue virus, the state-run Clark Development Corporation (CDC) said Monday. The campaign aimed to provide information and prevention tips to make their companies in Clark dengue-free, CDC added.

As part of the campaign, the Health and Safety Committee of CDC has launched the 4 O’ clock habit of cleaning up and destroying potential breeding grounds of dengue mosquitoes in its effort to combat the spread of the disease. (Mark Anthony N. Manuel and Franco G. Regala)

Drug-free drive benefits 1,200

CAMP GEN. PACIANO RIZAL, Laguna — A total of 1,200 elementary pupils in this province became inspired and motivated as they learned ways on how to contribute positively to society during the launching of the Laguna Police Provincial Office (PPO)-Drug Abuse Resistance Education (DARE).

Senior Supt. Gilberto Cruz, Laguna PPO director said seven of his police officers led the teaching of the DARE Curriculum to Grades V and VI students in different public and private schools in Sta. Rosa City, Pakil in Sta Cruz sponsored by Dangerous Drugs Board, PNP, and Department of Education. Cruz said the program aimed to encourage and raised the self-esteem of the students. (Ferdinand F. Castro)

Smoke-free run gains momentum

DAGUPAN CITY — Mayor Benjamin S. Lim led yesterday the covenant-signing for a smoke-free and healthy city in line with the nationwide campaign for a smoke-free Philippines in celebration of Medicine Week this month.

All department heads and employees of the city joined the fun run and covenant signing at the city plaza spearheaded by the Philippine Military Academy and the Philippine Medical Association dubbed as “PMA2PMA Smoke-Free Philippines Run.”

Dr. Oscar D. Tinio, president of the Philippine Medical Association, said the smoke-free Philippines campaign will be brought from town-to-town starting from Benguet to Metro Manila. (Liezle Basa Iñigo)

2,000 fishermen, farmers get aid

MALOLOS CITY, Bulacan — Industrious and deserving farmers and fishermen numbering About 2,000 received agriculture and fishery assistance as Bulacan celebrated yesterday the “Araw ng mga Magsasaka at Mangingisda.” Fifty-nine adult carabaos, 950 free-range chickens, nine hand tractors, and 300 gill nets were distributed by Gov. Wilhelmino M. Sy Alvarado to further alleviate the economic condition of the farmers and fishermen in the province during a ceremony to recognize their contribution to food security held at the Capitol. (Freddie C. Velez)