VIGAN CITY, Ilocos Sur — The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) announced that 150 students in Region have qualified for the agency’s Students Grants-In-Aid Program for Poverty Alleviation (SGPPA) covering this school year. DSWD Region 1 Director Marcelo Nicomedes J. Castillo said the 150 are entitled to a maximum of R60,000 grant per school year or R30,000 per semester for tuition fees. Miscellaneous expenses and cash allowances are also included for educational and support services to the beneficiaries on the condition that they maintain a satisfactory grade. (Freddie G. Lazaro)

A.B.C. CHANGE OF GUARD SET

BALANGA CITY, Bataan — Barangay Captain Teddy Austria of Barangay Bliss is set to take over the presidency of the powerful Association of Barangay Captains (ABC) from outgoing ABC president Benjie Merino come June 30, this year. The sharing of power was agreed upon by the two leaders after they were both nominated by the ABC members to become president of the ABC in this city. Instead of undergoing the voting process, Merino and Austria had a gentleman’s agreement to just share the 3-year term of office. They are both known leaders of Governor Enrique “Tet” Garcia. (Mar T. Supnad)

NO OUTBREAK

TRECE MARTIRES, Cavite — There is no virus outbreak in any of the four cities and 19 towns of Cavite, the Provincial Health Office (PHO) clarified yesterday. In the first quarter of the year, there had been 678 dengue cases and six deaths from the mosquito-borne virus. The PHO said this number is 16 percent lower than last year’s figures. It said the big number of dengue, rabies and meningococcemia cases reported in Cavite is expected, considering that the province is home to 3.6 million people. (Anthony Giron)

SOLVE WOES AT COMMUNITY LEVEL

SUBIC, Zambales — Zambales Governor Hermogenes E. Ebdane Jr. has urged private sector representatives (PSRs) to the regional development councils (RDCs) to take the initiative in resolving issues at the community level, saying they are more in a position to provide the best solutions to local concerns. Addressing participants in the 4th National Convention of Private Sector Representatives to the Regional Development Council, Ebdane said it would be in the best interest of all if resolutions are formulated at the lowest level and when those directly concerned could participate.  (Jonas Reyes)

QUEZON RUN

LUCENA CITY, Quezon — At least 1,000 runners from the government and various sectors of society are expected to come out for today’s event organized by the Quezon Provincial Government Environment and Natural Resources Office (PG-ENRO) in this city. Environment and Natural Resources Officer Ellen Calleja said the activity, dubbed “Fun Run and Fun Bike,” is expected to raise funds for the 2 million mangroves in one day project known as “Quezon 2 In 1.” Quezon Governor David C. Suarez said the 3K and 5K run kicks off at Perez Park and will pass through the city’s main throughfares and country’s largest mangrove plantation in Pagbilao. (Danny Estacio)