MANILA, Philippines — “Wish each other ‘Happy Saint Valentine’s Day!’ as a reminder that on Tuesday, which is a special day for lovers, families, and friends, is celebrated in remembrance of the saintly and heroic virtues of Saint Valentine,” Church officials said. “While we get ourselves busy exchanging love poems, cards, text messages, small gifts, flowers, and chocolates, let us not forget that we are celebrating Tuesday the feast of Saint Valentine (San Valentin), the patron saint of lovers, to help bring the deeper meaning of the day into focus,” Church officials said. Commemorative masses, novenas, and special prayers will be offered in several Catholic churches in the country and across the world Tuesday in honor of the holy priest and illustrious Roman martyr. Mass weddings and renewal of vows are also traditionally held on Valentine’s Day. (Christina I. Hermoso)

No Smoking

Mandaluyong will strictly enforce the anti-smoking ordinance while promoting healthy living among city residents. According to Dr. Pecos Camarines, Mandaluyong City Health Department head, advisories will be posted on all major thoroughfares and commercial areas about City Ordinance No. 467 Series of 2011 prohibiting smoking in public places. "Our Anti-Smoking Task Force is composed of 200 personnel which include policemen, traffic enforcers and barangay personnel. They will issue violation receipts to anyone violating the non-smoking ordinance. The advisories are to remind everyone that Mayor (Benhur) Abalos is serious in implementing the no smoking campaign in the whole City," Camarines said. (Carlo Suerte Felipe)

NHMFC Lauded

Vice President Jejomar C. Binay has lauded the National Home Mortgage Finance Corporation (NHMFC) for remitting P18 million to the national government despite the crisis that affected the secondary home mortgage market globally. The amount represented NHMFC's dividends due from the Corporation’s net earnings in 2010 and prior years. “NHMFC envisions remitting higher dividends in the future, as it pursues its mandate to operate as the primary secondary mortgage institution of the government in the current favorable interest rate environment,” said Binay, concurrent chairman of the Housing And Urban Development Coordinating Council (HUDCC). (JC Bello Ruiz)

Students Awarded

The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) recently gave recognition to some 257 elementary and high school students who won in various international science and mathematics competitions. DOST-Science Education Institute Director Dr. Filma G. Brawner said that the students received the Youth Excellence in Science (YES) Award, a medal of distinction given by the DOST, which signifies its high regard for excellence and competitiveness through the distinguished achievements of young Filipinos in international science and mathematics competitions. (Francis Wakefield)

Transfer Appeal

The 14 policemen accused in the 2009 “Maguindanao Massacre’’ asked a Quezon City court for their transfer to Camp Crame after the shocking suicide incident of another accused. In a four-page motion, their counsel, Adilberto Golla, asked Quezon City Regional Trial Court Branch 221 Judge Jocelyn Solis-Reyes to allow their transfer to the Headquarters Support Service’s Custodial Service Unit in Camp Crame. The lawyer said his clients suffered low moral after the alleged suicide of co-accused PO2 Hernani Decipolo in suspicious circumstances last week. (Chito A. Chavez)