STA. MARIA, Ilocos Sur, Philippines — A high-ranking official of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in Cagayan Valley region is promoting bamboo as one of the best alternative materials of hardwood in the furniture-making industries in the countryside.

This developed following the implementation of the order made by President Benigno S. Aquino III banning the logging of hardwoods nationwide to further preserve the environment to mitigate the effect of climate change. Lawyer Ma. Esperanza Banares, DTI director in Region 2, said Aquino’s log ban order will probably cause the scarcity of timber — the prime material used by the owners of furniture industries in manufacturing their products. (Freddie G. Lazaro)

Turtles Released

SARIAYA, Quezon — Another 92 newly hatched sea turtles were released Wednesday in Tayabas Bay in Barangay San Roque, this town. Project coordinator Efrelyn Escoltura said the sea turtles belong to the family of Hawksbill Sea Turtle with scientific name Eretmochelys imbricate which are found predominantly in tropical reefs of the Atlantic, Pacific and Indian Oceans.

The hawksbill turtles were found in a resort in Barangay Guisguis. On Feb. 10, 123 Olive Ridley Sea Turtles were also found and released in San Roque. The species (along with the entire family Cheloniidae) has been listed on Appendix I of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species as critically endangered. (Danny Estacio)

Fun Run

SAN FERNANDO CITY, Pampanga — About 3,000 elementary students, parents and runners from various public-private schools and government sectors here are expected to participate in the first Fun Run sponsored by the Parent’s Teacher’s Association (PTA) of Calulut Elementary School (CES).

The event is set on Feb. 26. It seeks to generate funds for upgrading education and school facilities. The CES PTA is inviting youths and elders to participate in the Fun Run, saying that this is expected to benefit the health of participants and contribute to the improvement of education. (Franco G. Regala)

Child Welfare

LUBAO, Pampanga — The Pampanga provincial government under the supervision of Gov. Lilia G. Pineda, is set to launch on March 14 the country’s first ever province-wide child abuse prevention and intervention network.

This was learned from Charlo Costales, project coordinator for Pampanga of the Consuelo Foundation, an international organization that operates programs for the prevention of abuse and exploitation of children and women, amelioration of their conditions and enhancement of their social and economic potential. (Franco G. Regala)

Barangay Bayanihan

CITY OF MALOLOS, Bulacan — To strengthen and extend wider peace and community development in this province, Mayor Christian D. Natividad here expressed thanks Wednesday to the Philippine Army headed by Lt. Col. Teves for joining them the other day at Barangay Look in their 22nd barangay visit called "Bayanihan Sa Barangay."

Natividad said Teves and his men joined members of non-government organizations, the Malolos police headed by Supt. David N. Poklay, city councilors Noel "Len" Pineda, Alma Gatchalian, Christian Bautista, barangay captains and other city employees in the barangay. (Freddie C. Velez)