ORANI,  Bataan — The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA)  begins today installing automated rain gauges for more accurate weather forecasting in this province and the entire of Central Luzon. Since Bataan is prone to ecological hazards, more such devices will be set up in the coming days, said Science Research Specialist Catalina Cruz. Sangguniang Kabataan President Gabz del Rosario welcomed the installation of the new rain gauges that will supplement gathered by similar devices in Balanga City and Mariveles in Bataan; Cabanatuan City in Nueva Ecija; Dingalan and Dinalungan in Aurora; Iba in Zambales; and Magalang in Pampanga. (Mar T. Supnad)

‘TECHNOPRENEURS’

DAGUPAN CITY, Pangasinan — The “Techopreneurship Program” of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) will soon transform techno-vocational (tek-bok) trainees into entrepreneurs in this province, TESDA Provincial Director Manuel Wong said yesterday. Wong said TESDA Director General Joel Villanueva came up with this idea in December 2011 to make presently unemployed TESDA program trainees opportunities for self-employment. TESDA provides the group with start-up kits to start their businesses related to good grooming, health and wellness and restaurant service with local governments providing them free spaces for business. (Liezle Basa Iñigo)

CARABAO PARADE

PULILAN, Bulacan — Some 700 carabaos kneeling before the town church in honor of the feast day of San Isidro Labrador were the center of attraction in this town last Tuesday, drawing thousands spectators from all over the country and abroad. Mayor Vicente Esguerra Sr. of this town took pride in the success of the celebration which featured colorful floats and painted carabaos lining up the streets. Even Governor Wilhelmino M. Sy Alvarado was impressed with the parade presentation. (Freddie C. Velez)

AGRI FORUM

TRECE MARTIRES CITY, Cavite — Department of Agriculture (DA) and provincial officials will hold a three-hour Stockholder Forum today at the Capitol Gymnasium in this city. National and local agriculture officials and some 1,000 farmers will attend the event. DA Secretary Proceso Alcala who is expected to attend the meeting will address tackle concerns of farmers, livestock and poultry raisers, and fishermen in the province, said Gina Pereña, Provincial Information and Community Affairs Division (PICAD) staff officer. (Anthony Giron)

‘GREEN’ POLICE

TAYTAY, Rizal — Police here are not backing down from their commitment to leave a legacy of regreening the town as they again planted more trees at vacant lots and places where floods used to devastate this town. Supt. Arthur Masungsong, chief of police, said their latest site for tree-planting was the Purok 8, San Vener Compound, Lupang Arenda where 500 seedlings of mahogany, narra, and camachile now stand. Joining them in this endeavor was the Barangay Police Auxiliary Force. (Nel B. Andrade)