CAMP GARCIA, Cavite, Philippines — The Cavite Police Provincial Office (PPO) foresees a peaceful Sunday in the province with the Manny Pacquiao-Juan Manuel Marquez III bout underway Sunday. In Pacquiao’s previous fights televised via satellite from the United States, Cavite had been virtually crime-free. In the capital of Imus, a free live screening of the Pacquiao-Marquez bout will be open to the public at the Municipal Covered Court. Senior Superintendent John C. Bulalacao, PPO directed, noted that Pacquiao fights are known for uniting and perking up the citizens of Cavite, which has a sports-loving population of 3 million. (Anthony Giron)

Flood-stricken families get aid

ANGONO, Rizal — More than 2,000 families who are living in a flooded community of the town received an early Christmas gift from a Buddhist foundation, recently. The residents of Kalayaan and San Vicente villages are thankful that the group, Buddhist Tzu Chi Foundation visited their community in spite of the floods that still submerge parts of their homes earlier this week. The reaching out to the distressed communities in the province is part of the philanthropic foundation’s commitment to the society as well as its assistance to the town and the provincial government. (Nel B. Andrade)

Sariaya bids for zero waste

SARIAYA, Quezon — The local government here has initiated a zero-waste management program, starting with a massive information drive and training-workshop for different sectors in its bid to become a model eco-friendly municipality in this province. Mayor Boyet V. Masilang, who chairs the Solid Waste Management Board, said the Social Transformation through Environment Program (STEP) campaign will target the academe, church, non-government organization people’s organization, barangay councils, elderly and religious sectors. (Danny Estacio)

FVR launches book on leaders

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan — A book that portrays unity among Pangasinan leaders, authored by former President Fidel V. Ramos, was launched in simple ceremonies held at the Sison Auditorium here, recently. The launching of the book titled “111111-111, Fidel V. Ramos Words of Wisdom (WOW)” was attended by Governor Amado Espino Jr., who spoke on the military background he shared with the author. Prepared by Melandrew T. Velasco, a Pangasinense and biographer of the Ramos clan, the book launching coincided with the 111th birth anniversary of Ambassador Narciso R. Ramos, the former President’s father. (Liezle Basa Iñigo)

Free passes to 'Pacman' fight

ANTIPOLO CITY, Rizal — Thousands of boxing fans in the province will get the chance to watch for free the much-awaited match between Manny Paquiao and Juan Manuel Marquez Sunday. This came as Governor Casimiro “Junjun” Ynares III and the provincial government has tied up with Bostik Super Glue and other sponsors to provide thousands of Rizalenos the opportunity to watch the live feed of the Paquiao-Marquez boxing match for free at the Ynares Center here. Earlier, Ynares’s office distributed tickets to various localities for those who could not afford the cost of pay-per-view screening in malls. (Nel B. Andrade)