LUCENA CITY, Quezon, Philippines — The provincial government of Quezon is now searching for outstanding agricultural achievers open whether farm or fish folks to be nominated in the annual Gawad Saka 2012, as announced here, Thursday.

The contest is a way in boosting morale of the agriculture workers which encourage them to share expertise with other farmers by promoting innovative technologies to be copied or model by their colleagues. Quezon governor David C. Suarez calls all municipal executives to participate by sending entries for all categories. The winner for the Provincial Level will represent the province in the regional and finally to compete at the national level. (Danny Estacio)

Quarry collections

SAN FERNANDO CITY — Pampanga provincial government will intensify the quarry collection operations by economically improving and strictly implementing the placement of the weighing scales set up in different parts of the province. The provincial government is set to beat the P400-million quarry collection target to increased revenues gain, as part of Governor Lilia G. Pineda’s primary and priority programs for 2012.

 “We see a boom in construction activities this year with the projects set under the administration of President Benigno Aquino,” Pineda said, stressing that billions of pesos worth of infrastructure projects are set to commence this year in Luzon and Central Luzon, making Pampanga as one of the potential main sources of construction materials like gravel and sand. (Franco G. Regala)

Rizal exhibit

CALAMBA CITY, Laguna — SM City Calamba launched a Rizal Descendant Exhibit at Cyberzone as part of a year-long celebration of Rizal@150.

 Ms. Maria Encarnacion “Ika” Laurel-Loewen, great granddaughter of
Maria Rizal, showcased her artworks exhibit entitled "The Flames that run through my veins" - most of which are about the Rizal Family – just in time to commemorate our National Hero’s death anniversary.

According to Ms. Loewen, the launch at SM Calamba is to give honor not only to Dr. Jose Rizal but also to the Alonzo family because without Teodora Alonzo, the national hero would not exist. (Ferdinand F. Castro)

Bible reading

The Philippine Bible Society (PBS), in partnership with the local government of Cavite, will hold a public oral reading of the Holy Bible on January 13, Friday, at the Freedom Park in Aguinaldo Shrine in Kawit, Cavite from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Dubbed “I Proclaim,” the event, which aims to bring God’s Word closer to Filipinos, serves as a prelude to the observance of National Bible Week on Jan. 23–29, and the National Bible Sunday on Jan. 29. “We want to encourage our kababayans (countrymen) to set aside differences, to come together and be one in reading God’s Word,” said Nora G. Lucero, PBS secretary-general and chairperson of the Global Board of the United Bible Societies. (Christina I. Hermoso)

Migratory birds

CANDABA, Pampanga — More than 12,000 migratory birds of various 146 species were found roaming around in the Candaba Wetlands Thursday.

According to Candaba Mayor Jerry Pelayo, the migratory birds were estimated about 12,500 has recorded came from Asia, Canada and Australia were sighted at the Wildlife Reserve Park in villages Sitio Doña Simang, Visal San Pablo, and in Barangay Paralaya here. (Franco Regala)