VIGAN CITY, Philippines — Senator Loren Legarda lauded the efforts of the Department of Education (DepEd) for taking a step further in bringing education closer to Filipinos belonging to indigenous cultural communities (ICCs) through the Indigenous Peoples Education Office (IPsEO). Legarda, Chair of the Senate Committee on Cultural Communities, said that as a basic right, education should be made accessible to all Filipinos, including members of ICCs, most of which live in far-flung areas.

“I am glad that DepEd came up with the idea of creating the IP Education Office to help effectively implement education programs for IPs. I hope that this will ensure not only the delivery of quality education to our IPs but also the preservation and promotion of their culture and heritage,” the senator stressed. (Freddie G. Lazaro)

Quezon tourism

LUCENA CITY, Quezon — In relevance on the country’s tourism department's new campaign “It’s more fun in the Philippines, the provincial tourism office is set to have a value chain analysis for the purpose of synchronization of tourism activities to all towns in the province it was learned Wednesday.

Quezon Governor David C. Suarez calls all municipal tourism officers, transport groups, hotel and restaurant owners, beach resort owners and other big players in the tourism industry to attend the round table discussion focused on tourism plans and development on January 20, 2012 to be held in this city. Suarez said that one of the island towns in the province has a great potential as a diving spot in the country with about one hour travel on ferry boat from Atimonan pier. (Danny Estacio)

Patrol cars

CAMP GENERAL PANTALEON GARCIA, Imus, Cavite — The Police Provincial Office (PPO) here is set to get another batch of 10 new patrol cars and communication gadgets from the provincial government to boost its response capability and peace and order drive.

It was the second time in seven months that the administration of Governor Juanito Victor C. Remulla Jr. has donated 10 cars and equipment to the PPO under the leadership of Senior Superintendent John C. Bulalacao. (Anthony Giron)

Dental health

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan — Starting January 29 the Provincial Health Office (PHO) has scheduled several health-related activities as part of the celebration of Dental Health Month in February. The theme "Ngiting Matatamis, Ngiping Malilinis, Dala ay Pag-asa, Tunay na Ligaya."

Dr. Eloy P. Bueno, provincial dentist,coordinated with representatives of the PHO, Department of Education, Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office and concerned local government units for the preparation of the month-long affair. To kick-off the celebration, a medical and dental outreach program led by doctors and nurses from Minnesota, USA is slated from January 29 to February 4 at the Western Pangasinan District Hospital in Alaminos. (Liezle Basa Inigo)

Organic aquaculture

SANTO TOMAS, La Union — Fishermen can now sustain their aquaculture practices after the National Tobacco Administration (NTA) discovered and introduced that tobacco is not only a major ingredient for cigarettes, but could also use as organic fertilizer.

NTA Administrator Edgardo D. Zaragoza led a “show and tell” activity on how tobacco dust can address the degradation of fishponds due to highly toxic chemicals at a demonstration farm in the municipality of Sto. Tomas, La Union. (Rizaldy Comanda)