TAGAYTAY CITY, Cavite, Philippines — Chief Superintendent Gil C. Meneses, Police Regional Office 4-A (PRO 4-A) director, ordered on Thursday the intensification of operation plans for the Christmas season in his turf.

Meneses said that there were simultaneous orders for the Calabarzon (Cavite-Laguna-Batangas-Rizal-Quezon) provincial directors to implement strictly Oplans “Checkmate,” “Firewall,” “Blue Shield, “Bangko” and “Sita,” which have different operational procedures, and the other police measures to ensure the safety and protection of the citizens during the holiday season and the coming New Year. (Anthony Giron)

‘Juan time' set in San Pablo

SAN PABLO CITY, Laguna — The first Global Positioning System (GPS) clock which will set the standard time in this city was unveiled recently under a project called “Juantime.” The GPS clock was unveiled by City Administrator Amben Amante and Science and Technology Institute Division Chief Aristotle Carandang, of the Department of Science and Technology (DoST).

At exactly 8:00 a.m. everyone present at the launch set their time pieces. The project campaigns for social responsibility in keeping one’s time and activities in check and appreciate its economic and social value. (Ferdinand F. Castro)

BGH officials vow to unite

BALANGA CITY, Bataan — Personnel of the government-owned Bataan General Hospital (BGH) vowed on Tuesday to begin uniting for good and set aside their differences come 2012.

The personnel — composed mostly of regular doctors, nurses and officer personnel – have all signified their desire and resolve to unite and work for the interest of the public in front of Governor Enrique “Tet” Garcia during their meeting inside the BGH.

Garcia said improvements made at the hospital should inspire the entire medical staff and board to give better service to the public. (Mar T. Supnad)

‘Noche Buena' packs for kids

LUCENA CITY, Quezon — A total of 790 child laborers from six barangays in this city received “Noche Buena” packages during the recent “Gift-Giving and Angel Tree Project” held here. The project was organized by the Department of Labor and Employment (DoLE) and the International Labor Organization (ILO) in partnership with Quezon Governor David C. Suarez and Lucena City Mayor Barbara Ruby Talaga.

DoLE Provincial Officer Virgilio Magsino, said the project was initiated to improve the economic and social conditions of child laborers and their families and to increase the number of allies and advocates of child labor elimination. (Danny Estacio)

Special day for native folk

SAN FERNANDO CITY, Pampanga — This year’s Pampanga Day celebration was more significant and meaningful as a special day was devoted for the indigenous peoples (IPs), the first time ever in the history of the province’s 440 years of observance of its founding anniversary.

Dubbed “Aldo ding Katutubo,” the second day of the week-long celebration which has for its theme “Kulturang Pagyamanan, Balayan a Pakamalan” showcased the dancing, singing and oratorical talents and skills of nine indigenous peoples who vied for the Mutya ng Katutubo contest.

Governor Lilia G. Pineda pushed for the inclusion of an event for indigenous peoples in the Pampanga festivities in honor of the natives’ contribution to history and culture. (Franco G. Regala)