CABANATUAN CITY, Philippines — This city, one of the Department of Interior and Local Government’s 10 choices for 2011 top-performing and best-governed component cities, will mark its 62nd Charter Anniversary on February 3 with the theme “Nagkakaisang Mamamayan Hangaring Umunlad ang Cabanatuan.”

Cabanatuan City Mayor Jay Vergara said the theme expresses the collective aspiration of the Cabanatueños to move forward to real progress and prosperity for the benefit of the city’s great majority. Cabanatuan started as a riverine settlement in Gapan City, Nueva Ecija and was converted into a “pueblo” or municipality in 1777 and became a chartered city on February 3, 1950 by virtue of Republic Act No. 526. A resolution passed by the City council recently seeks to become a highly-urbanized city and lone congressional district.

Australian ecologists

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan — The provincial government may now adopt eco-friendly programs which Australian ecologists shared and presented during their visit here recently.

The couple, Dr. Robin Groves and Elaine Horne presented on January 24 at the Capitol Resort their programs on Science conservation, eco-education, society and environment, and parks and wildlife which are being undertaken in Western Australia.

The Australian ecologists are eyeing to forge a future partnership with the Capitol to promote environmental conservation. (Liezle Basa Iñigo)

Shirtless ban

ANGONO, Rizal — In this town known as the Art Capital of the Philippines, it is now illegal for any person to go out in public shirtless. Mayor Gerardo “Gerry” Calderon issued Executive Order (EO) No. 2012-01 setting a dress code for the residents as well as visitors, including vendors in markets and other commercial establishments all over the town.

The executive order, which was signed by Calderon on January 16, aims to instill discipline among the residents and people who visit this town which is chosen as one of the venues of the “Philippine Visual Arts Festival 2012: The Rizal Experience” to be held next month. (Nel B. Andrade)

Community appeals for electric power

DINALUPIHAN, Bataan — Members of the Roosevelt Environmental Livelihood Employment Skills Association (RELESA) and the Good Samaritan Neighborhood Association appealed Friday to the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO) to issue them clearance to their community for the installation of electricity in their area.

In their letter of appeal to PENRO Amado Villanueva, RELESA President Diosdado P. Arreza, Jr., said they have long been in the area and remain living in the dark. (Mar T. Supnad)

137 Baguio cops get promotion

BAGUIO CITY — Ten police officers of the Baguio City POlice Office (BCPO) led this year's promotion of 137 policemen and women, the highest number of cops to be promoted in the same period.

Baguio Police City Director Dave Lacdan,leads the mass oathtaking and pinning of ranks to 2nd level commissioned and non-commissioned officers promoted Friday held at multi-purpose hall. Leading the promoted officers are now Superintendents Edward S. Aquintey and Evelio B. Degay.

Lacdan said this was the biggest number of promoted cops in the history of of the BCPO. (Rizaldy Comanda)