LUCBAN, Quezon — The Southern Luzon State University (SLSU) will continue to implement actions focusing on reforestation and rehabilitation of the 200-hectare denuded area that was abandoned by the kaingeros at the portion of Mount Banahaw de Lucban, a university official said.

SLSU president Dr. Cecilia N. Gascon disclosed this during the first quarter meeting of the Regional Development Council (RDC) held here. Gascon said reforestation will be conducted by university personnel and students all throughout the school year.

The program is in collaboration with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources Region IV-A and non-government organizations (NGOs). (Danny Estacio)

Cainta Project

CAINTA, Rizal — The local government’s pro-environment programs have gained the support of the women sector here following their participation in a tree planting activity yesterday, as part of the celebration of Women’s Month in this municipality.

Veron Ilagan, head of the Municipality of Cainta Council of Women, said women leaders led by spouses of village chieftains in the seven villages of this town involved themselves in the greening program held following a motorcade in Barangay San Andres.

Municipal agriculture office head Linda Hernandez briefed the participants in the tree planting activity, which is part of a series of month-long activities of the local government here. (Nel Andrade)

Safety Drill

CALAMBA CITY, Laguna — The SM City Calamba recently organized a Fire Seminar and Drill participated in by its employees and all the tenants in the establishment. This is to provide tactical experience, sufficient knowledge, and training for all those involved in the establishment, as well as empower them to calmly face and handle all circumstances that might arise during emergencies, especially fire.

Joanna Carla Saquilayan, SM City’s information officer, said the drill was conducted before mall hours to avoid inconvenience to the shoppers. The Bureau of Fire Protection commended the mall for a job well done. (Ferdinand Castro)

Cadet Honored

IMUS, Cavite – Jail Cadet Marjorie Alcaraz Samson is set to be feted in Cavite for the pride and honor she gave to the province. Samson, 25, is the valedictorian of the 220 graduates of the 2012 “Sinagtala” Class of the Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA).

Samson hails from Barangay Maharlika East, Tagaytay City, where she became an SK (Sangguniang Kabataan) chairperson and Barangay Kagawad (village councilor) in her younger years. Tagaytay Mayor Abraham Tolentino, other officials and employees will honor Samson for her performance and achievements now and then during the flag ceremony at the City Hall grounds on Monday. (Anthony Giron)

Mango Festival

SAN CARLOS CITY, Pangasinan — This city will celebrate this year’s famous Mango-Bamboo Festival where various activities were lined up, with Mayor Julier Resuello as executive chairman of the festivities.

The Mango-Bamboo Festival is not just meant to be a festival but was called a festival because of the competitiveness of the two local products in the world market. The executive and legislative branches of the city government will be joined by heads of agencies/departments, and non-government organizations during the planning of the activities for the week-long festival.

Last year, the World Record Academy cited the city’s first attempt to produce the world’s largest mango pie. (Liezle Basa Inigo)