SINAIT, Ilocos Sur -- Mild quakes hit Batangas and La Union provinces last Saturday evening, a few hours before the New Year revelry.

No damage to property a a result of the quakes was reported, according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs).

Phivolcs said the first tremor was 2.8 in magnitude was felt at 6:43 p.m. Saturday with its epicenter located 64 kilometers northwest of San Fernando City, La Union, with a depth of 17 kilometers.

The second quake was 3.2 in magnitude was recorded at 8:39 p.m. with epicenter at 8 kilometers northwest of Batangas City with a depth of 54 kilometers. Phivolcs said that both quakes were tectonic in origin. (Freddie G. Lazaro)

Two Rescued

CAMP DIEGO SILANG, La Union — A beach goer went missing while two others were rescued from drowning while they were swimming along the shorelines in Barangay Baccuit Norte, Bauang, La Union, last Saturday. Police identified the missing victim as Chadrick Estoro, 12, a resident from Baguio City. Police said Philip Tagala, 12, and Cris Sagana, both Baguio residents, were rescued.

Investigation indicated the three were swimming on New Year’s Eve when they were swept by big waves out to deeper waters.

Police said the search for the missing victim was ongoing. (Freddie G. Lazaro)

Skills Program

VIRAC, Catanduanes (PIA) — A local successful food chain's outreach program for students being implemented in its stores nationwide is expected to benefit local students in the province after the launching of its 746th branch nationwide in Virac last December 20, 2011.

The Skills Enhancement and Education Development for Students (SEEDS) program of the Jollibee Foods Corporation is helping qualified students pursue post-secondary education by extending financial assistance and through on the job training that would enhance their competencies – skills, attitudes, and work values - thus enhancing employability upon completion of post-secondary education.

Hydro Project

BAGUIO CITY (PIA) — The city government expects to bid out the operation of the city-owned Asin mini-hydroelectric plants in Tuba, Benguet to qualified private investors this January.

Mayor Mauricio Domogan said the city looks forward to setting the project into motion to finally realize its thrust to maximize the power generating potential of the plants and restore their viability.

The plants’ operations have slackened since the city government took over the management in 2006 due to lack of funds and expertise.

Last June, the city council approved the terms of reference (TOR) for the contract to rehabilitate and manage the power generating facility.

Busted

CAMP BADO DANGWA, Benguet — A part-time instructor of a driving school in Baguio City was nabbed in a drug buy-bust operation at Tuding, Itogon, Benguet last December 29.

Supt. En-gelbert Soriano said the Special Operations Unit Regional Anti-Illegal Drug Special Operations Task Group led by SPO4 Romeo Abordo arrested Ramon Delenela Magno, 46, of Itogon, Benguet at about 6:30 in the evening in front of his residence.

The arresting officer confiscated one heat-sealed transparent plastic sachet containing white crystalline substance suspected to be methamphetamine hydrochloride/shabu weighing approximately 0.4 gram with DDB value of P4,700.00; one Samsung cellular phone and P1,000.00 as buy-bust money. (Rizaldy Comanda)