SAN FERNANDO CITY, Pampanga — Although Governor Lilia Pineda is a known close ally and townmate of President-turned-Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, she expressed on Sunday her all-out support for the various programs of the administration of President Benigno S. Aquino III. We are supporting President Aquino for all the programs that could give opportunities and uplift the standard of living of our constituents,” Pineda said in a rare public expression of her stance as an elected government executive.

“She explained that in most instances, the projects implemented by the provincial government were aligned to the direction and priorities set by President Aquino in his “Daang Matuwid” (straight path) policy. (Mark Anthony N. Manuel)

Dredging Works Finished By June

Channel excavation and dredging works in Upper and Lower Guagua Rivers and Dalan Bapor River to protect the municipalities of Guagua, Sasmuan, Lubao and other adjacent towns in Pampanga are nearing completion.

The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has reported that the entire project is 86.92 percent complete with the excavation and dredging of approximately 16.9 kms of the three major rivers.

Although the project has been hampered by stoppage of dredging operation in the waterways, DPWH said its construction activities are still ahead of schedule and are expected to be fully completed by June. (Raymund F. Antonio)

26 Survive

BAGUIO CITY — At least 26 people were injured but luckily survived a collision between a passenger bus and a car along Marcos Highway in Barangay Badiwan, Tuba, Benguet, shortly before noon the other day, police reported.

Chief Inspector Marlon Ibasco, Tuba town’s chief police, confirmed the accident involving a Lizardo Bus Trans unit, driven downslope by one Edward Sawing, and a car with four occupants at 11:30 a.m. last Sunday.

Twenty of the injured had to be confined at the Baguio General Hospital for treatment. (Freddie G. Lazaro)

Bulacan Holds Kite-Flying Fest

BALIUAG, Bulacan — More or less hundred participants joined the Kite Flying Fest held at SM City Mall here on Sunday afternoon to mark the onset of the summer season.

Held at the mall’s parking lot, the traditional activity in this province was enjoyed by children and persons with disability (PWDs).

The kite-flying fest was organized in partnership with Sky Works and the Metro Baliuag Rotary Club.

Club President Lyle Cruz said the event aims to provide a wholesome summertime activity for Bulacan folk. Kite-flying is also a good pastime for PWDs, according to former president of the PWDs association, Abrixio Aguilar. (Freddie C. Velez)

Paniqui-8 Summit Held In Tarlac

PANIQUI, Tarlac — The first-ever Paniqui-8 Summit was held recently to tackle economic progress of eight towns in the province.

Held at the Paniqui South Central Elementary School Gym, the summit is established for the purpose of uniting once again the eight towns that originally comprised the Paniqui proper, Anao, Camiling, Cuyapo, Gerona, Guimba, Moncada, Ramos and Paniqui.

The P-8 Summit aims to strengthen the group of towns and plan and execute specific programs to achieve progress and growth. (Mar T. Supnad)