ANGELES CITY, Pampanga, Philippines — Pampanga 1st District Rep. Carmelo Lazatin distributed at least 30 multi-cabs to 30 barangays in this city and the towns of Magalang and Mabalacat to provide better service. The multi-cabs will provide “easy transportation for barangay residents especially during emergency situations,” said Lazatin.

The multi-cabs, each costing P280,000, were distributed to barangays Sta. Teresita, Sto. Cristo, Lourdes Northwest, Lourdes Sur East, Anusas, Malabanias, Ninoy Aquino, Sapalibutad, Margot, Pandan and Agapito del Rosario in this city. Franco G. Regala)

Bishop Stands By Environment Law

DAGUPAN CITY, Pangasinan — Lingayen-Dagupan Archbishop Socrates Villegas is of the stand that the Capitol’s eco-tourism project, which involves the construction of a golf course in Lingayen, may be violating environmental laws, a provincial official said Friday.

Pangasinan 6th District Board Member Ranjit Shahani quoted Villegas as saying that the operation must stop until an environmental assessment is properly done and an environmental compliance certificate (ECC) is issued for the golf course project. The project, reportedly conceptualized by former President Fidel V. Ramos and implemented by Gov. Amado Espino has been criticized for supposedly violating environmental laws. (Liezle Basa Iñigo)

1,200 Scholars

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan — About 1,200 provincial scholars enrolled in the nine schools of the Pangasinan State University system throughout the province for the academic year 2011 to 2012 as part of the province educational program.

The provincial government urged the scholars to study hard and give their best shot as he vowed to prioritize various youth development projects that will redound to the benefit of the young Pangasinenses who will soon run the engine of leadership for the full development of the province. (Liezle Basa Iñigo)

Malolos Diocese Marks 50 Years

MALOLOS CITY, Bulacan — The Diocese of Malolos at the Basilica Minore of the Immaculate Concepcion here reaches a significant milestone this year with its 50th anniversary on March 11. The jubilee will celebrate of transforming grace, faith, life, love and thanksgiving for the past and hope for the future with a series of religious activities.

The solemn “Canonical Coronation” of the image of the Virgen Immaculada Concepcion de Malolos on March 10, highlights the celebration with the Papal Nuncio to the Philippines leading the activity. Bishop of Malolos Jose F. Oliveros said the Vatican has approved the “Canonical Coronation” of the image of the Immaculate Concepcion of Malolos as part of the Golden Jubilee celebration of the diocese. (Freddie C. Velez)

Foreign Expert Speaks In Subic

SUBIC BAY FREEPORT — A two-day certification seminar/workshop on benchmarking for excellence will be conducted by Global Benchmarking Network (GBN) chairman Dr. Robin Mann inside this premier Freeport.

GBN is a membership-based organization for organizations promoting and supporting benchmarking within their respective countries.

Also founder and head of the Massey University’s Centre for Organisational Excellence Research (COER), Mann will speak at the Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center on March 27 and 28. (Jonas Reyes)