CEBU CITY, Cebu, Philippines (PNA) — A Cebu company is producing non-pollutive transportation vehicles as part of efforts to promote renewable energy. Greentech Interphil Inc. in Liloan town, northern Cebu produces such electric vehicles as e-trike and the e-calesa that can accommodate up to six persons with a speed of 20 to 45 kilometers per hour (kph). Artificial fiber or plastic is used by local weavers for the vehicle, said company chairman Elmo dela Cruz. The vehicle runs at a speed of 40 kph for a whole day after its lead-acid battery is charged for only six hours.

Power pilferage

CEBU CITY, Cebu (PNA) – Lone Metro Cebu power utility firm, Visayan Electric Co. Inc. (Veco), has filed a P168-million electric pilferage case with the Cebu City Prosecutor's Office against the management of Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino in Barangay Lahug, this city. Veco spokesperson Ethel Natera said the pilferage was discovered by Veco's Revenue Protection Staff last Feb. 7 to 17, 2011. The criminal complaint is for alleged violation of the 1994 Anti-Electricity and Electric Transmission Lines/Materials Pilferage Act.

Smokeless college

MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte (PIA) – The Department of Health (DoH) Regional Office 8 has declared Maasin City College as Best Smoke-Free College in Eastern Visayas. “The Maasin City College has strictly implemented the smoking ban based on an anti-smoking city ordinance for which Maasin City was awarded the Red Orchid award twice,” Maasin City Mayor Maloney L. Samaco said. “Posters informing about smoking’s ill effects are seen all around the school campus, and seminars on executive orders about the city’s anti-smoking campaign program were conducted for the benefit of both faculty and the studentry,” the mayor said.

BSPO recognition

ROXAS CITY, Capiz (PIA) - The Provincial Population Office (PPO) – Capiz gave recognition to barangay front liners dubbed Barangay Service Point Officers (BSPO) during the 20th BSPO Congress last Nov. 29 at the Capiz Gym here. The BSPO is a civic organization serving as an extension arm of the Provincial Population Office (PPO) - Capiz since 1978. The day-long congress, in line with the Population and Development (PopDev) Week celebration, featured the giving out of P1,000 cash incentives to BSPOs. Awarding of such cash incentives was made by Capiz Gov. Victor A. Tanco, Sr. along with Commission on Population (PopCom) regional office – 6 director Vicente Molejona and PPO – Capiz Officer-In-Charge Yolanda Francisco.

Church restoration

LAZI, Siquijor (PIA) – The National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCAA) has released P600,000 for the restoration of Lazi Church and Convent built by the Augustinian Order in Siquijor province in the 1800s. The project includes restoration of retablos, two pulpits and the church’s door. National Museum conservation curator Engr. Orlando Abinion said US Ambassador to the Philippines Harry Thomas will also release some preservation fund for the restoration of the altar.