ANGONO, Rizal, Philippines — True to its being the country’s art capital, this town continues to showcase the artistic talents of the locals, including the inmates of the detention facilities and the town’s volunteer workers.

This came as Mayor Gerardo V. Calderon recently launched his strategy on creative economy which aims to provide income for inmates of the municipal jail.

The municipal government launched the mini-Christmas bazaar at the “Pasalubong Center” locally known as “Paminto” that sells miniature “higantes” and paper maches, made by the inmates as souvenirs from this town. (Nel B. Andrade)

Delegates meet on water safety

DAGUPAN CITY, Pangasinan — Delegates from all over Region 1 and representatives of the World Health Organization (WHO) converged at the Dagupan Garden Hotel, here, for the first stakeholders’ meeting on drowning prevention.

Mayor Benjamin S. Lim welcomed the delegates and informed them of his initiative to train a water-and-search rescue unit that now guards beach revelers, here. During the meeting, it was also recommended to strengthen community engagement and participation in water safety measures. (Liezle Basa Iñigo)

Subic coal plant forum snubbed

SUBIC BAY FREEPORT — Proponents of the Subic coal-fired power plant did not appear during the Social Acceptability Public Forum initiated by the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Friday.

No representative of Redondo Peninsula Energy Incorporated (RP Energy) attended the three-day forum at the Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center (SBECC) that involved local government officials of Olongapo, residents and indigenous people living in or near the area of the proposed 300-megaWatt coal-fired power plant, further dissatisfying its opponents. (Jonas Reyes)

BM pushes pro family projects

SAN PABLO CITY, Laguna — Laguna Board Member Angelica Jones Alarva is pushing her priority program “Matatag na Pamilya Movement” with the slogan “Bawat Pamilya Mahalaga” while juggling other responsibilities as president of the National Movement of Young Legislators (NMYL) in Region 4-A and public relations officer of the Board Members’ League of the region.

Recently, she organized a forum that tackled issues such as health care, anti-violence against women and children, and vigilant advocacy of women’s rights and security. She also led the recent “Trabaho para sa mga Kabataan” program in Nagcarlan. (Ferdinand F. Castro)

DSWD, SM make kids happy

BALIUAG, Bulacan — In partnership with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Office here, SM Foundation is bringing holiday cheer to less fortunate kids through its “Make A Child Happy” mall tour at SM City. The project aims to give more than 10,000 underprivileged children nationwide the opportunity to experience the magic of Christmas.

Recently, SM City Baliwag accommodated over 300 children from various barangays in this town and prepared a kiddie party, games and gifts for them. SM Foundation also encourages mall-goers to donate toys or clothes (old or new) at the Share-A-Toy booth located at SM City Baliwag’s drop off entrance. The Share-A-Toy project runs until Jan. 3, 2012. (Freddie C. Velez)