SAN ANTONIO, Nueva Ecija, Philippines — The Department of Labor and Employment (DoLE) has pushed for the improvement of the “walis tambo” (red broom) industry in this province as it recently granted at least P1 million to residents involved in the production of the said product in this municipality.

The DoLE said the industry is expected to become an alternative livelihood for residents here. DoLE Provincial Officer Pedro Fernando Jr. said the grant was given to a group of broom makers in Barangay Maugat, here and urged government agencies and the private sector to help by pouring in resources, such as financial and training support. (Mark Anthony N. Manuel)

Migratory birds flock to Balanga

BALANGA CITY, Bataan — The peculiar but welcome visit of various species of migratory birds in this city continues to attract tourists and entertain investors doing business here.

Coincidentally, Balangeños celebrated recently the 2nd Ibong Dayo Festival at Wetland and Nature Park in Tortugas in a bid to create awareness on efforts initiated by Mayor Joet S. Garcia and Vice Mayor Noel Valdecanas to protect migratory birds.

“We are blessed with the natural gifts from God and we must protect them as caretakers,” Garcia said. (Mar T. Supnad)

Apalit eyes new district hospital

APALIT, Pampanga — Mayor Oscar Tetangco Jr. said yesterday that the Department of Health (DoH) has allocated some P18 million for the construction of another district hospital in this municipality.

Tetangco said that the hospital is set to be erected either in Barangay Sulipan or San Vicente subject to the recommendation of the Pampanga provincial engineers.

The mayor said that the lot in San Vicente is preferred as it is near MacArthur Highway. However, Tetangco admitted that Sulipan is vulnerable to flooding during the rainy season so the area is now being elevated. (Franco G. Regala)

Reef protection project in Quezon

LUCENA CITY, Quezon — The Provincial Agriculturist’s Office (PAO) revealed yesterday that it will implement an adopt-a-reef project in four coastal towns starting this month. PAO Chief Roberto Gajo said the four towns to be covered by the program are Plaridel, Infanta, Guinayangan, and San Francisco.

Gajo added that the purpose of the project is to put up an artificial habitat and breeding ground for the propagation of various fish in the towns. Almost 100 fishermen are to benefit from the project in a bid to discourage illegal fishing methods. (Danny Estacio)

Cavite honors 2 young achievers

TRECE MARTIRES CITY, Cavite — The Cavite provincial government has cited two youngsters for their achievements in the field of education.

The two latest recipients of the Capitol citation were Denisse S. Cajulis of Cavite City, who reaped summa cum laude honors at London Metropolitan University, and Mark Anthony Quintos of Bacoor, a bronze medalist in the Math Olympiad in Indonesia last year. Governor Juanito Victor C. Remulla Jr. and the administration officials gave a certificate of recognition to Cajulis while Quintos a reward of P20,000 cash and two sets of computer.

The administration is giving recognition and rewards to deserving individuals now and then to inspire them to strive further in their endeavors. (Anthony Giron)