IMUS, Cavite — The plebiscites for the cityhood of Bacoor and Imus towns are set late next month. Lawyer Juanito V. Ra¬vanzo Jr., Cavite Provincial Com¬mission on Elections (Comelec) supervisor, said this as he cited that preparations are underway for the conduct of the refer¬endum in the two neighboring towns. Ravanzo said that the plebiscite for Bacoor was set June 23 while Imus June 30. The much-awaited plebiscites were scheduled by the Comelec main office in Manila. President Aquino signed into law Republic Act Nos. 10160 and 10161, which con¬verted Bacoor and Imus towns into cities last April 10 and 11, respectively. (Anthony Giron)

Lower Farm Inputs Cost Urged

SAN FERNANDO CITY, Pampanga — Governor Lilia G. Pineda ex¬pressed yesterday support to lo¬cal farmers and fisherfolk groups as they appealed to the national government for the reduction of prices of farm inputs, particu¬larly fertilizers. Pineda said that she is “optimistic that concerned national government officials will seriously consider the appeal of the groups of local farmers and fisher folks as this would be beneficial to the economic and agricultural development of the province and the entire country as well.” One bag of fertilizer now costs P1,200. (Franco G. Regala)

Gov: Keep Schools Smoke-Free

CALUMPIT, Bulacan — Governor Wilhelmino M. Sy Alvarado said yesterday that every Filipino deserves to live in a pollution-free environment. In support¬ing the Balik-Eskwela project, Alvarado said smokers should heed the call to quit smoking to reduce health risks as well as protect the rights of the non¬smokers particularly students and children. Alvarado appealed to all parents not to ask children to buy or light tobacco products for them. In Bulacan, all schools public and private should be 100 percent smoke-free. Smoking inside and outside school prem¬ises should not be allowed, said Alvarado. (Freddie C. Velez)

I.S.E.C.O. Is Best Power Coop

VIGAN CITY — The Ilocos Sur Electric Cooperative (ISECO) was one of the seven electric cooper-atives (ECs) nationwide that had been adjudged as “electric coop¬erative of the year” during the evaluation for the 2012 EC Lu¬mens awardees for performance year 2011 administered by the National Electrification Admin¬istration (NEA), it was learned here yesterday. ISECO General Manager Egdon A. Sabio and the members of the board recieved the award at the national con-vention of electric cooperatives held recently in Davao City. ISECO topped the mega large cooperatives category for the said award. (Freddie G. Lazaro)

A.F.A.B. Execs Visit Memphis Festival

MARIVELES, Bataan — Key offi¬cials of the Authority of the Free¬port Area of Bataan (AFAB) were among the guests at the Mem¬phis in May International Festival in Tennessee, USA, AFAB Chair¬man and Administrator Deogra¬cias G.P. Custodio said yester¬day. The reception was hosted by the Deputy Chief of Mission of the United States, Leslie A Basset, where delegates and guests were treated with a night of Memphis-style blues, courtesy of singer Blind Mississippi Mor¬ris. As an honored country, the Philippines is allowed to share its own culture and heritage to the people of Memphis when the festival is in full swing. (Mar T. Supnad)