LUCENA CITY, Quezon, Philippines — The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) revealed Tuesday that there is a big potential for bags made of buri – locally known as “bayong” – in the international market.

DTI-Quezon Provincial Officer Pablito Budoy said the local handicrafts industry can make a lot of money in manufacturing the bags once the product meets export quality standards.

Budoy said three groups are producing the bags in the province – Sariayanas Enterprises in Sariaya; Sampaloc Weavers Association in Sampaloc; and Gat-uban Weavers Association in Mauban. (Danny Estacio)

Early retirees' cash given out

CAPITOL HILL, Tarlac City — The provincial government reported Tuesday that 40 of the 86 approved applicants for the Capitol’s Early Retirement Incentive Program (ERIP) had received their checks at the Governor’s Office.

The checks with a total amount of P24.7 million were handed by Governor Victor Yap and OIC Provincial Administrator Roberto Ventura.

The rest of the approved early retirees are still under process. The early retirement scheme was introduced by Yap in a bid to better manage funds of the Capitol. (Mar T. Supnad)

Hospital equipment

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan — Better healthcare for the people of Pangasinan was assured Tuesday as a whopping P100 million worth of brandnew hospital equipment will be received by the province from the Department of Health (DoH).

DoH Assistant Regional Director Dr. Jimuel Cardenas turned over the equipment, consisting of electrocardiogram (ECG) machines, ultrasound machines, 3D echocardiogram machines, cardiac monitors, x-ray machines, defibrillators, electrocautery machines, EENT diagnostic sets, fetal dopplers, intensive care beds, suction machines, dilatation and curettage set, bassinets, and laboratory instruments. (Liezle Basa Iñigo)

Extreme sports in Castillejos on

CASTILLEJOS, Zambales — This town is pushing to promote itself as an extreme sports center in the region and started recently by holding the 1st Castillejos Mayor’s Cup Airsoft Challenge.

Dubbed as “Bakbakan sa Kapatagan” Speedball Tournament, the event was participated in by airsoft enthusiasts from various parts of Luzon such as Marikina, Pampanga, Tarlac and Pangasinan.

“Extreme sports like this airsoft competition will boost the tourism scene of our town,” said Mayor Jose Angelo “Flip” Dominguez. These airsofters came all the way from their respective areas just to join the tournament. (Jonas Reyes)

Midwife takes top barangay post

ANTIPOLO CITY — A dedicated midwife and barangay health worker turned kagawad has been installed as the new barangay chairperson in this city.

Merlita de Castro Molina, was officially installed as the new punong barangay (village head) of Barangay Muntindilao recently replacing Othelo Tababa, 58, who succumbed to cardiac arrest last year.

Mayor Danilo Leyble administered the oath-taking of Molina, of Vista Verde Country Homes, in the presence of Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) officer, Elsie Castillo. (Nel B. Andrade)