MASANTOL, Pampanga, Philippines — The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has created a “Pampanga Delta Task Force” to clear the Pampanga Delta Waterways of illegal fish pens and other waste barriers that block the flow of water from the province to the Manila Bay. Pampanga Governor Lilia Pineda said the task force, headed by DPWH Secretary Rogelio Singson, will first notify owners of the fish pens before bringing in the wrecking team. Alongside this effort, a P50-million has been released for the desilting of Pampanga River, said Pineda. (Mark Anthony N. Manuel)

One-stop-shop for statistics

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan — The National Statistical Coordination Board (NSCB) has established its National Statistical Information Center (NSIC) here recently. The center, which serves as a one-stop-shop, is the first in Luzon and the sixth in the country. Gov. Amado T. Espino, Jr. said resources will be available to sustain the operation of the one-stop-shop which aimed to develop a system of integrated sharing of statistical information involving the province and the entire region. “Statistics must challenge Pangasinenses to achieve better marks in the future towards the improvement of the quality of life of the people,” said Dr. Romulo A. Virola, secretary-general of the NSCB. (Liezle Basa Iñigo)

SBMA to be rescue center

SUBIC BAY FREEPORT — With its own elite corps of veteran rescuers and emergency response teams, the Subic Bay Freeport will soon be a center for the training and development of emergency rescue teams in the country. Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman Roberto Garcia announced this during the recent League of Municipalities of the Philippines (LMP) conference for Luzon. The three-day conference, attended by Gov. Hermogenes Ebdane Jr., saw mayors of municipalities in Luzon discuss issues and concerns related to climate change and disaster risk-reduction management. (Franco G. Regala)

Police, media sports fests on

CAMP OLIVAS, Pampanga — In line with the Physical Fitness and Sports Development Program of the new Philippine National Police (PNP) leadership, the Police Regional Office 3 (PRO3) kicked off the other day its annual sportsfest. Chief Supt. Edgardo T. Ladao, PRO3 director, and Chief Supt. Valiant de Guzman led the ceremonial opening of Sportsfest 2011, which was highlighted by a parade of the competing teams and their muses within the camp premises. The event coincided with the opening of the annual Bulacan Media Sportsfest dubbed “Larong Pinoy, Laro ng Lahi” at the Capitol Gymnasium, here, participated in by some 200 media practitioners in Bulacan. (Freddie C. Velez)

Warning up vs. flood diseases

MACABEBE, Pampanga — Health authorities warned Thursday against waterborne diseases in Pampanga as thousands in this province are expected to wade through areas still tormented by stagnant floods when they visit cemeteries in the coming long weekend. Mayor Annette Balgan, after meeting with Gov. Lilia G. Pineda and health officials, said Thursday precautionary measures must be taken by the public to avoid acquiring such diseases as leptospirosis and other water-borne infections like fungi (alipunga), and respiratory ailments. (Franco G. Regala)