CAPITOL HILL, Tarlac City, (PNA) — The Philippine National Red Cross (PNRC) Tarlac chapter is now Central Luzon’s regional blood center after its newly renovated building was blessed and inaugurated recently.

PNRC governor Rosa Rosal and incoming PNRC governor led the inauguration rites as blessed by Tarlac Bishop Florentino Cinense, DD.

The event was also witnessed by some local officials, headed by Governor Victor Yap, Vice Governor Pearl Angeli Pacada, the members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan and PNRC Tarlac Chapter Chairman Jesus Chua and Tarlac Red Cross administrator Luciano Paras Jr. Paras, in his welcome remarks, praised the national leadership of Red Cross and lauded the assistance being provided by Yap.

Centennial Year

TUBA, Philippines(PIA) — “Tuba Sandasus Ma”, From humble beginnings to great achievements… this is the theme of the town’s 100th year celebration.

The month-long celebration will kickoff November 14 with a thanksgiving mass to start at 8:30 a.m. at the town’s municipal grounds, followed by an opening program with Governor Nestor Fongwan as guest of honor and speaker.

Considered as the Gateway to the Cordilleras and to the other regions due to its peculiar location, the township of Tuba was created by virtue of Executive Order No. 77 dated December 11, 1911. It is inhabited by diverse ethno-linguistic groups such as Ibaloi, Ilocano, Pangasinense, Kankana-ey, Kalinga, Kalanguya, and others.

Business Kits 

SAN FELIPE, Philippines— Around 30 residents of this town were recently handed small business starter kits by the Department of Labor and Employment (DoLE).

According to DoLE regional information officer Jerry Borja, these starter kits include tools and materials that will help these residents to go into various small ambulant businesses such as therapeutic massage, plumbing, cosmetology, furniture repair, upholstery, hair dressing, manicure/pedicure, and making embutido and rags.

The lucky residents, according to Borja, will also be given trainings on entrepreneurship and business management as representatives from the Social Security System (SSS) and the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) will orient them on their programs and services. (Jonas Reyes)

Mardi Gras 

MANILA, Philippines -- The Metro Olongapo Chamber of Commerce Inc. (MOCCI), organizers of this year’s Mardi Gras, reported Sunday that the three-day festival held yearly at the city’s prime business district drew a crowd of about 80,000 — residents of Olongapo, Zambales and Bataan, as well as tourists.

MOCCI president Aurelio Pineda Jr. said the Olongapo Mardi Gras’ primary beneficiaries this year are the Olongapo City Police Office (OCPO) and the City Bureau of Fire Protection (CBFP). Pineda said the event also succeeded in re-affirming Olongapo as the “Festival City” in this party of the country. (Franco G. Regala)

Responsible Parenting

LIMAY, Philippines — In his bid to motivate parents, Mayor Ver Roque has urged the parents of young students to become more responsible in parenting to ensure their children become disciplined and progressive.

Speaking during the recent three-day seminar held at Limay national high school, Mayor Roque told parents that although children are being taught properly by their teachers on good manners and right conduct, “their mentors are only considered second parents and the best teachers are parents.” (Mar T Supnad)