MALOLOS CITY, Bulacan, Philippines — The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has recognized Bulacan for topping the country’s provinces in the Gawad Pamana ng Lahi Awards held last Tuesday at the Philippine International Convention Center in Pasay City.

The award committee based the selection of winners from the database of the online Local Governance Performance Management System (LGPMS), Seal of Good Housekeeping, international organization or national government agency-bestowed awards, and acknowledged innovations. Bulacan Gov. Wilhelmino Sy Alvarado received the award. (Freddie C. Velez)

Clark to host NorthPhil expo

CLARK FREEPORT — The Clark Development Corporation (CDC) will host the 2011 annual exposition that will showcase the rich culture and tradition, distinctive products and picturesque locations of Ilocos region, Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon, and the Cordilleras in this Freeport next month.

The Department of Tourism (DoT) Region 3 disclosed Thursday that the 2nd North Philippines (NorthPhil) Tourism and Travel Expo will be held from November 11 to 13 in the event center of SM City Clark. It will be bannered by the pavilions of the provinces of Aurora, Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, Pampanga and Tarlac; Clark Development Corporation, Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority; DoT Regional Office 1,2,3 and CAR; and corporate booths of various tourism-related businesses such as hotels, resorts, and airlines. (Mark Anthony N. Manuel)

Mangahas is new Liga Prez

The National Executive Board (NEB) of the Liga ng mga Barangay affirmed the decision of the Central Luzon Regional Chapter declaring and proclaiming Alberto Mangahas as the duly-elected president of the hotly contested Liga ng mga Barangay in Hermosa town, Bataan.

After showing a copy of the National Executive Board, affirming Mangahas’ victory, the new president of the Association of Barangay Captains (ABC) in Hermosa took his oath Thursday before Governor Enrique Garcia inside the Bulwagan ng Bayan at the Capitol compound that was witnessed by the local media based in Bataan. (Mar T. Supnad)

‘Pamana' award for Antipolo City

ANTIPOLO CITY — After outclassing other cities and municipalities in Region 4-A in the recent awads given by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), this city is now aiming to compete against other localities in the entire country next year.

Antipolo was conferred the “Gawad Pamana ng Lahi Award” in the regional level. DILG Secretary Jesse Robredo handed over the award to City Mayor Danilo Leyble who was accompanied by the city government’s department heads. (Nel B. Andrade)

Choco bars down 19 kids

MABALACAT, Pampanga — At least 19 students from the Camachiles National High School in this town were hospitalized after eating expired chocolate candies they bought from an ambulant vendor outside their school last Wednesday.

Police said students were confined at the Mabalacat District Hospital after they suffered vomiting, abdominal pain, nausea, and other symptoms. It was learned that the students ate expired chocolate bars with markings Delfi Natural Nut Xtreme Bars and Apricot, which were made in New Zealand. (Franco G. Regala)