BALANGA CITY, Bataan, Philippines — Three police colonels, all graduates of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Class 1985, are vying for the post of provincial director (PD) of the Bataan Police Provincial Office (PPO). The three nominated by Camp Crame are Senior Superintendents Peter Guibong, Valfre Tabian and Ricardo Zapata. Each of them paid a courtesy call the other day on Governor Enrique “Tet” Garcia for initial interview at the Capitol, here. They were accompanied by the current PD of the Bataan PPO, Sr. Supt. Arnold D. Gunnacao, also a graduate of the same PMA class. (Mar T Supnad)

More benefits from brown rice

MUÑOZ SCIENCE CITY, Nueva Ecija — The Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice), the country’s lead in rice research and development, is promoting the consumption of brown rice as it said that it is the rice that has more to give than carbohydrates. PhilRice scientist Dr. Marissa V. Romero, who recently presented the health benefits of rice in a scientific forum for the media, said that brown rice also contains protein, fat, and fiber. Micronutrients such as thiamine, riboflavin, iron, and zinc can also be derived from the consumption of unpolished or brown rice and colored or pigmented rice, the Filipino’s staple food. (Mark Anthony N. Manuel)

No plastics

ANTIPOLO CITY, Rizal — The city government has expressed optimism that the local ordinance banning the use of plastics as packaging for dry goods and the regulation on the use of Styrofoam will be strictly observed even by small businesses. This came as the City Environment and Waste Management Office (CEWMO), the city government office in-charge with the enforcement of City Ordinance 2009-370, noted a high rate of compliance from the business sector, that includes big supermarkets, groceries and convenience stores located in this city. Mayor Danilo Leyble was pleased with the report. (Nel B. Andrade)

Remulla: Banner years for Cavite

TRECE MARTIRES CITY, Cavite — Officials here said they see 2012 and onwards as banner years for Cavite in terms of business, development and progress with the leadership movement on right track in achieving its goals for the province and the citizens. Governor Juanito Victor “Jonvic” Remulla Jr. is optimistic that Cavite is heading towards a positive growth pattern with his administration’s bid to have a new international airport in Cavite City, the construction of CALA Highway, a 28.9 km road project from Silang to Kawit.(Anthony Giron)

Farmers: Implement 2011 IFAD program

BOCAUE, Bulacan — A federation of farmers’ cooperatives in Central Luzon appealed Saturday to the National Food Authority (NFA) to implement its 2011 Institutionalized Farmers as Distributors (IFAD) program, which enables farmers to be rice distributors not just producers. Simeon Sioson, Federation of Central Luzon Farmers Cooperatives chairman, said IFAD is direly needed especially in areas damaged by recent typhoons. However, they were told by NFA Administrator Lito Banayo that for the current year, the IFAD program has encountered delay because one million sacks of IFAD rice have not been paid, Sioson said. (Freddie C. Velez)