SUBIC BAY FREEPORT, Zambales, Philippines — The Subic Bay Freeport Development Foundation, Inc. (SBFDFI) is set to recognize the finest workers in this free port zone in the upcoming Ten Outstanding Freeport Workers Awards night.

Lawyer Severo Pastor Jr., Subic labor chief, said the awardees will be chosen from a field of 37 nominees recommended by their respective employers. “These workers are therefore considered the best of the best. They are exemplary employees not only of the corporations they represent, but also of the whole Subic Freeport,” Pastor said. (Jonas Reyes)

Drive 'heals' 2 damaged peaks

DOLORES, Quezon — The Protected Area Management Board (PAMB) is starting to see improvement in the campaign to heal the ecosystem in Mounts Banahaw and San Cristobal in Southern Tagalog.

As a result of the restriction to human activity enforced in the two mountains, many types of plants as well as the streams of Kristalino, Suplina, and Salaming Bubog – almost dried up in previous years – have been revived.

Thus, the environmental protection program will be continued for the conservation of over 600 different species of wildlife, including birds, and at least 60 different species of plants found only in the said mountains located within this province and Laguna. (Danny Estacio)

‘Pilipinas Natin’

SAN LUIS, Pampanga — Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Herminio B. Coloma Jr. keynote the launching of the government’s “Pilipinas Natin” program here, in a bid to inculcate spirit of volunteerism in every Filipino particularly the youth involvement in the government’s nation-building efforts.

Some 1,100 volunteers from Region 3 and 2,000 students from Pampanga schools and communities converged here Saturday and vowed to mobilize more concerned citizens in repairing and rehabilitating the typhoon-damaged public schools. The two-day school building refurbishing activity exemplifies the spirit and work of the Pilipinas Natin program, Coloma said. (Franco G. Regala)

Shoppers' haven opens at FAB

MARIVELES, Bataan — The annual shopping festival at the Freeport Area of Bataan (FAB) is back. FAB Chairman and Administrator Deo Custodio said that the trade fair gives the public the opportunity to buy export quality products inside FAB at the cheapest cost alongside FAB’s newly-opened duty-free shop.

Mayor Jesse I. Concepcion said the opening of trade fair is a welcome development for his constituents as there are lots of exciting offers, along with guaranteed events, to reward visitors and shoppers. (Mar T. Supnad)

More trees to be planted

ANTIPOLO CITY, Rizal — Various sectors of the society based in this province including the provincial government are holding more tree-planting activities in their respective localities this coming week as part of their contribution to the greening project of the national government.

To be spearheaded by the Juan Sumulong Memorial College of Taytay Alumni Association Class of 1988, the tree-planting activities will be joined by representatives from the local government units, schools, police, civic groups and other non-government organizations. (Nel B. Andrade)