IMUS, Cavite, Philippines — President Aquino has proclaimed October 7 (Friday) a special non-working holiday in this town in observance of area's 236th foundation day. Information and Tourism Officer Veronica Luz D. Crisostomo said that with the declaration, there will be no work in government and private offices and no school classes in all levels in the town.

Mayor Homer T. Saquilayan said there are three major activities for the founding day celebration – a thanksgiving mass at the historic Our Lady of Pilar Parish-Imus Cathedral at 6:30 a.m.; a free film showing at Robinson’s Place-Imus from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; and the Gawad Parangal Awards at a hotel in Manila, at 7 p.m. in which Dr. Ruben S. Anonuevo is this year’s Outstanding Imuseño. (Anthony Giron)

US submarine now in Subic

SUBIC BAY FREEPORT — An Ohio-class guided-missile submarine is currently docked at the Alava Pier of this premier Freeport as part of its deployment to the Western Pacific. With a crew of some 160 servicemen, USS Ohio (SSGN 726) will conduct various missions and will showcase the latest capabilities of the submarine fleet, said Ohio Blue C.O. Capt. Brian N. Humm.

“The officers and crew of Ohio are extremely excited to visit one of our oldest and most steadfast allies in the region. The Philippines and the US Navy enjoy a long and rich history together, and many of our best sailors can claim heritage from this great island nation.” (Jonas Reyes)

4.3 quake jolts Ilocos Norte

SINAIT, Ilocos Sur — A 4.3-magnitude tremor jolted some areas in Ilocos Norte shortly before midnight on Monday, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) based here reported.

Phivolcs Researcher Julius Galdiano said the tectonic quake occurred at 11:30 p.m. with its epicenter located at 7 kilometers southeast of Paoay, Ilocos Norte with a depth of 67 kilometers. Galdiano said Intensity 3 of the quake was felt in Paoay, Ilocos Norte; and Intensity 2 was felt in Pasuquin, Ilocos Norte. There was no reported damage to property. (Freddie G. Lazaro)

Rizal to improve waste disposal

ANTIPOLO CITY, Rizal — A drive has been launched for a more efficient handling, control, and recycling of garbage in communities, schools and commercial establishments in this province.

Rizal Governor Casimiro “Junjun” Ynares, III led the provincial government and the 14 local government units (LGUs) here in inking a pact with Tzu Chi Foundation, Philippines (TCFP) in their goal to foster strong partnership in the implementation of the Environmental Protection Program by improving garbage disposal practices. (Nel B. Andrade)

Buenavista focuses on social programs

BUENAVISTA, Quezon — Mayor Remedios Uri of this town said Tuesday that there will be an improvement in the implementation of social programs for his constituents after an inter-agency council meeting held recently.

“It is not enough that our town receives assistance or benefits from programs and projects of the national government,” said Uri as he enjoined his local government personnel to maximize efforts to ensure that these programs are properly implemented to benefit first the poorest families in the town. (Danny Estacio)