MANILA, Philippines — The Catholic Church marks on Sunday the feast of Saint Agatha (San Agueda), one of the most popular and highly venerated martyrs of Christian antiquity. Venerated as the patron saint of nurses, feast masses, novenas, and processions will be held in several Catholic churches across the world in honor of the Italian saint. On her feast day, devotees traditionally offer prayers and special devotions to invoke her intercession and protection for all individuals involved in the nursing profession. St. Agatha, who is mentioned in the canon of the mass, is also invoked against earthquakes and breast diseases. Born in Sicily, Italy during the third century, she consecrated herself to God from her earliest years. (Christina I. Hermoso)

Appointed

Malacañang announced Saturday the appointment of former Zambales Vice Governor Anne Marie C. Gordon as member of the board of directors of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA). Deputy Presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said Gordon will replace Teodoro D. del Rosario. “Gordon will represent the local government unit of Olongapo City in the SBMA board of directors," Valte said. Her term will expire on August 17, 2013. She is the wife of Olongapo City Mayor James "Bong" L. Gordon Jr. (JC Bello Ruiz)

Coops Cited

Cooperatives and producer organizations will play a vital role in efforts to eliminate hunger and reduce poverty, the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has emphasized. United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Director-General José Graziano da Silva pointed this out as he announced that that FAO would be stepping up its collaboration with producer organizations and rural, food and agricultural cooperatives that give organizational, economic, and social clout to small farmers, pastoralists and those who rely on fishing and forestry for their livelihoods. (Roy Mabasa)

Discussions

President Aquino has yet to hear a word from the Social Security System (SSS) on its plan to increase the monthly contribution of private sector workers to 11 percent. Deputy Presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said SSS officials have yet to meet with the President to discuss the proposal. "We will update you once the SSS has been been able to present its proposal to the President." Aquino has said that neither the SSS nor the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) have yet to report on the necessity to increase the monthly contribution of their members. (JC Bello Ruiz)

Processed Food

A Quezon City councilor asked the Department of Health, Department of Trade and Industry, and Food and Drug Administration to strictly look into the proliferation of expired processed food in the local market to ensure public safety. First District Councilor Alexis Herrera filed proposed resolution number pr-2011, s-586 as he expects expired processed food products especially milk to flood the market at this time of the year. The FDA has earlier reported that some retail establishments are selling and offering pre-packaged way, past the ‘consume before’’ date exposing the consumers to health risks. Herrera warned the public that consuming milk, cheese and other food products after their expiration dates dramatically increases the danger of acquiring “Listeria’’ infection. (Chito Chavez)