LUCENA CITY, Quezon, Philippines — Quezon Governor David C. Suarez has been extending legal and livelihood support to 125 displaced overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) affected by the political crisis in Libya since last August. The Provincial Attorney’s Office (PAO), thru lawyer Ana Charisse Mendoza-Bajas, is now looking for a labor lawyer that will handle the labor claims of the workers.

Suarez also ordered the Provincial Agriculture Office (PAO) and the Provincial Social Development and Welfare Office (PSWDO) to conduct trainings and seminars on livelihood projects that can support the economic needs of the displaced workers. (Danny Estacio)

Antipolo starts family day events

ANTIPOLO CITY, Rizal — In order for families here to spend the National Family Day ahead of others, Rizal Governor Casimiro “Junjun” Ynares, III is officially opening a bazaar and amusement park for the purpose Friday. Dubbed the “Governor Ynares Tiangge,” the bazaar and amusement rides for the whole family is located in the sprawling Ynares Center Complex where the Capitol is also situated in this city.

The governor is expected to be joined by his wife, Andrea and two children, Cassandra Danielle and Rebecca Victoria along with his parents, former Governors Ito and Nini Ynares during the afternoon ceremony which will also be a kick-off activity for Family Day. (Nel B. Andrade)

Bus turns turtle in Narvacan

NARVACAN, Ilocos Sur — At least three people were injured while the several passengers were miraculously unhurt when a bus they were riding turned turtle on the national highway near the bridge in Barangay San Antonio, here, Thursday morning.

Chief Inspector Joseph Fajardo, Narvacan chief of police, identified the injured as Jerome Linongot, the bus conductor; and passengers Louie Dasalla and Edwin Bacensi. Fajardo said that the accident occurred at 6 a.m. after the driver lost control of the wheel while evading a tricycle that suddenly crossed the national highway. (Freddie G. Lazaro)

River clean-up in San Pedro

SAN PEDRO, Laguna — The local government here launched a seven-day clean-up campaign of the river that snakes through three villages of this municipality.

Mayor Calixto Cataquiz said Municipal Environmental and Natural Resource Office (MENRO), led by Engineer Loren Hernandez, councilors, village officials and non-government organizations (NGOs) led the cleanup of the San Isidro River runs through Barangays Cuyab, San Roque and Landayan.

The river will be cleared of wastes and waterlilies in a bid to reduce the garbage that clogs Laguna Lake. (Ferdinand F. Castro)

Subic: stricter ESP-checking on

SUBIC BAY FREEPORT — The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) will be implementing stricter measures and standards to further safeguard the natural environment of the Subic Bay Freeport from pollution.

SBMA Chairman Roberto Garcia said that the action aims to ensure that all projects, which are going to be put up or located inside the free port zone, particularly environmentally sensitive projects (ESPs), are acceptable to various stakeholders.

ESPs are projects that are determined to emit pollutants, which may have a potential impact on the natural resources, and the health of the people living or working in the area. (Jonas Reyes)