IMUS, Cavite, Philippines — Imus is celebrating the feast of its patron, Nuestra Señora del Pilar (Our Lady of Pilar), with simple activities slated on October 12 at this town’s historic Cathedral. The more than two-centuries-old Our Lady of Pilar Parish-Imus Cathedral on General Castaneda Street in Bayan Luma is the seat of Imus diocese led by Bishop Luis Antonio G. Tagle.

The two-week program with daily rosary praying, novenas and Holy Masses started last October 1 at the Cathedral. A Soup Kitchen for Street Children is set on October 10 and free medical and dental missions and bloodletting will be on October 15. (Anthony Giron)

Water academy opens in Rizal

ANTIPOLO CITY, Rizal — The country’s first learning institution dedicated to the advancement of the water and wastewater industry was inaugurated in this city the other day. This came as Maynilad Water Services, Inc. (MWSI) which is Metro Manila’s West Zone concessionaire and Pacific Company Ltd. of Hong Kong launched Maynilad Water Academy at the Meralco Management and Leadership Development Center (MMLDC) in this city.

The academy is aimed at educating students, water professionals and other interested parties on the latest developments and best practices in water resource conservation, water and wastewater management, among others. (Nel B. Andrade)

New patrol cars for CAR

CAMP DANGWA, La Trinidad, Benguet — The Police Regional Office (PRO) in the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) recently received six brand new Hi-Lux patrol cars to improve the mobility of law enforcers, especially in areas where police stations do not have vehicles to perform their assigned duties and responsibilities.

Chief Superintendent Elmer R. Soria, PRO-COR deputy regional director for administration, thanked the new Philippine National Police (PNP) leadership for the logistical support. (Dexter A. See)

Bataan: Army to educate students

CAMP GWAPO, Bataan — The Philippine Army (PA) has launched a program to educate the public, particularly students on the peacekeeping and development efforts of the military in the area.

The education of students, said Lt. Col. Benito V. Doniego, commander of the Army’s 7th CMO “Gwapo” Battalion, is aimed at dissuading them from entertaining propaganda campaigns by the remnants of communist movement which still has dreams of reviving their armed struggle in the area.

Doniego warned that there is desperation among communists to recruit students as remnants of the New People’s Army (NPA) have already resorted to illegal activities such as extortion. (Mar T. Supnad)

Environmental protection

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan — Governor Amado T. Espino Jr. called the attention of all quarry permit holders in the province to be more responsible in mining and contribute to the government’s thrust to protect the environment.

Espino’s appeal was made during the general assembly of quarry permit holders called by the Environment and Natural Resources Office-Natural Resources Regulatory Group (ENRO-NRRG) at the Pangasinan Training and Development Center here last Wednesday. Espino urged all permit holders to cooperate with government and conduct their operations only in designated areas. (Liezle Basa Iñigo)