TUGUEGARAO CITY, Cagayan, Philippines — A river control collapsed last Monday in Barangay Baybayog, Alcala, this province due to the continuous rains, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) in Region 2 reported Tuesday.

Swelling of the Cagayan River loosened the soil and caused the collapse of the embankment, DPWH Region 2 Information Officer Nestor Marallag said. This has caused water to inundate bridges, rendering them impassable – among them, the Maguiling Bridge in Tuao, Cagayan; the Tawi Bridge in Peñablanca; the Alicaocao Bridge in Cauayan City, Isabela; and a bridge connecting Sto. Tomas and Cabagan in Isabela. (Freddie G. Lazaro)

Ternate folk try saving 'butanding'

TERNATE, Cavite — Residents of this coastal town who rushed to aid a “butanding” (whale shark) on the shore of Sitio Aplaya, Barangay San Juan last Sunday were in despair when the huge sea mammal turned out dead. The butanding (scientific name: Rhincodin Typus) is a slow-moving filter-feeding animal which is considered the world's largest fish that thrives in the waters of Donsol, Sorsogon.

Inspector Joie Sanares Saulog, Ternate Municipal Police Station officer-in-charge (OIC), said the lifeless butanding measured more or less 23 feet. Agriculturist Elizabeth Nazareno said residents will bury the butanding by the shore. (Anthony Giron)

Rights for house helpers sought

SAN FERNANDO CITY, Pampanga — The Department of Labor and Employment (DoLE) here has urged Congress to ratify the International Labor Organization (ILO) Convention No. 189 for Household Service Helpers in order to raise awareness of the public regarding the rights of household servants and domestic helpers.

With its campaign slogan “Marangal na Hanapbuhay para sa mga Kasambahay (Decent Living for Helpers),” DoLE has recently launched the "I support Kasambahay" in Central Luzon. DoLE Regional Director Leopoldo de Jesus said Central Luzon has been at the forefront of raising awareness on the welfare of house helpers. (Mark Anthony N. Manuel)

DTI to consumers: check merchandise

DAGUPAN CITY, Pangasinan — As commercial establishments here are offering big discounts for the Christmas season, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) warned consumers Tuesday to be very careful in buying deficient or sub-quality products.

DTI Provincial Director Peter Mangabat said defective products may abound in these commercial promotions and warned establishment owners against imposing “no return, no exchange” policies for any item purchased from them. (Liezle Basa Iñigo)

Cainta to aid 'Sendong' victims

CAINTA, Rizal — Local government officials and employees here have found a better way to share their blessings this Yuletide season — donating a part of their Christmas bonuses to efforts to alleviate the plight of tropical storm “Sendong’s” victims in northern Mindanao.

Mayor Ramon Ilagan said the local government has started a fund-raising campaign purposely for the benefit of the flood-ravaged areas in Mindanao, particularly the cities of Iligan and Cagayan de Oro. Holy Masses in all parishes under the Diocese of Antipolo are also offered for the victims of the storm. (Nel B. Andrade)