CAINTA, Rizal — Women empowerment can be best represented in this municipality by a group of housewives who trained for livelihood skills and now run a business that transforms water lilies into useful materials and fashion accessories.

The “Water Lily for L.I.F.E.” which stands for Livelihood Initiative for Entrepreneurs (WLLIFE) program of the Bangon Kababaihan, Bagong Cainta Incorporated (BKBCI) has been supporting the livelihood needs of some 30 women in this municipality.

Mrs. Veron Ilagan who heads BKBCI said the group now processes water hyacinths into bags, sandals, book and passport cover, folder, mats, filing bags and other accessories. (Nel B. Andrade)

Clark Firms Need 2,000 Employees

CLARK FREEPORT, Pampanga — The Clark Development Corporation (CDC) announced Monday that the industry of Information Communication Technology (ICT) and Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) here is in need of close to 2,000 employees to join their companies.

CDC said BPO and ICT firms top the most sector in need to fill-up vacancies this year for the various firms inside the Clark Freeport.

“Among the possible ICT/BPO job vacancies include web designers and developers, programmers, technical support operators, Linux and Windows Systems administrators, English online teachers, and call center agents,” it said. (Mark Anthony N. Manuel)

Region 1 Sports Meet Kicks Off

URDANETA CITY, Pangasinan — Some 800 athletes representing Pangasinan I and II are now participating in Region 1 Athletic Association (R1AA) Meet which started on Sunday and will run until March 23 in this city.

Dr. Enrique Macayan, Pangasinan II athletic manager, said that his delegation which was last year’s overall champion will try to defend its title.

“We are determined to keep the crown with a much improved performance coming from our athletes this year,” he said. (Liezle Basa Iñigo)

D.O.E., P.I.A., SM Support ‘Green’

BALIUAG, Bulacan — In partnership with the Department of Energy (DOE) and Philippine Information Agency in Region 3, and SM City Baliwag conducted an environment sustainability conference dubbed as “Green Retail Agenda: Empowerment by Sustainability,” at the mall’s Event Center here recently.

Beverly B. Cruz, mall information officer, said the annual program aims to highlight eco-solutions including the latest trends in sustainability, energy and green design, conservation and reduction of the company’s carbon footprint.

Cruz said, this year’s theme of the SM Cares’ Environment Committee, focused on relating responsible retail and empowering Filipinos in going ‘green.’ (Freddie C. Velez)

Garcia Says ‘No’ To Unification

BALANGA CITY, Bataan — Governor Tet Garcia’s stand on the “on again” and “off again’ unification of political bigwigs in this province was spelled out clearly last weekend when he said, “no way to unification.”

Garcia said that a meeting with political allies in the Provincial Board last March 14 at his house here rejected the call for unification.

This, as the province is abuzz with the supposed alliance between the governor and 1st District Rep. Minia Roman in time for the elections next year during which all incumbents will not be challenged by candidates from either camp. (Mar T. Supnad)