CALAMBA CITY, Laguna — People from all ages gathered at the Cyberzone Area of SM City here and paid tribute to the birthday anniversary of our National Hero, Jose P. Rizal as an exhibit from the National Historical Commission (NHC) depicted his life and times. There were also film screenings of the classic “Noli Me Tangere,” which was based on Rizal’s iconic novel. Mall information officer Em Miranda-Mabesa said they have chosen to close the Rizal@150 celebrations by reaching out to the youth, through their “Mga Kuwento ni Pepe” storytelling event wherein 80 Grade 3 students of Calamba Crossing Elementary School were invited. (Ferdinand F. Castro)

O.F.W. Scholarship

SAN FERNANDO CITY, LA UNION (PIA) — Incoming col¬lege freshmen may still ap¬ply for the OFW Dependents Scholarship Program (OFWDSP) for school year 2012 to 2013, according to Overseas Work¬ers Welfare Administration 1 (OWWA-R1) Officer III Rhoda Lee. The scholarship covers financial assistance of P20,000 per school year, or P10,000 per semester leading to a bacca-laureate or associate degree in a state college or university, according to OWWA. Quali¬fied applicants are also entitled to a group health and insur¬ance coverage amounting to P100,000 per scholar.

Medical Mission

APALIT, Pampanga (PNA) — The Pampanga Electric Cooperative 3 (PELCO 3) recently conducted a medical and dental mission at Barangay Sampaloc here. The activity was made possible through the help of San Miguel Foundation, Inc. and with as¬sistance from the Rural District Health Offices. Melinda Javier, PELCO 3 officer-in-charge and general manager, said the medical mission is aimed at providing basic health services to its member-consumers in towns of Apalit, Masantol, Macabebe, San Simon, Minalin and Sto. Tomas. She said the medical and dental mission was originally scheduled last month as an anniversary project but it was delayed due to preparation and other budgetary concerns.

Soldier Training

FORT RAMON MAGSAYSAY, Pa¬layan City, Nueva Ecija (PNA) — Some 100 young, able-bodied and skilled male Filipinos are now undergoing the candidate soldier (CS) course at the 7th Infantry Division Training Unit (7DTU) in this military camp. Lt. Tala Servidad of the Public In¬formation Office said the course is being conducted to beef up the strength of the Army units in Central Luzon and Ilocos regions, which will address the normal attrition of Army person¬nel due to retirement and sepa¬ration. The new recruits were the 1st batch for the year given by the Headquarters Philippine Army to 7ID, PA.

A.L.S. Graduates

CANDABA, Pampanga (PNA) — More than 1,000 individuals in several towns in the province have received diplomas under the Alternative Learning System (ALS) program by the Depart¬ment of Education (DepEd).This came as Vice Governor Joseller “Yeng” Guaio and Board Mem¬ber Ricardo Yabut served as the guest speakers during a gradu-ation ceremony held over the weekend at Ms. Earth Park in Barangay Mandasig this town. Arthur Suba, a public school teacher and ALS volunteer, said the graduates came from the towns of Sta. Ana, Lubao, Guagua, Magalang and Candaba who successfully completed the requirements prescribed by the program.