TUGUEGARAO CITY — The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) here recently inaugurated its own building at the Regional Government Center (RGC). The building was constructed on a 4,313 sq.m. lot along with three other labor agencies such as Pag-Ibig, PhilHealth and Philippine Overseas Employment and Administration. Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Undersecretary Danilo P. Cruz said, Labor Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz is happy that through the newly constructed building, labor services are now more accessible to Filipinos in the north. (PIA)

NO PLASTICS

TRECE MARTIRES CITY, Cavite — More cities and municipalities in Cavite have been passing local measures banning the use of plastic bags and Styrofoam for packaging in businesses and communities. Tagaytay, a prime tourist destination; Bacoor, the province’s gateway to Southern Metro Manila; and Trece Martires, the Capitol site; were among the first cities in the province which have strictly implemented the ban in their areas. The others that have also approved the ban are General Trias, a fast developing area in upland fifth district; Kawit, the hometown of the late General Emilio F. Aguinaldo; and Rosario. (Anthony Giron)

‘GINTONG KABATAAN’

MALOLOS CITY, Bulacan — The Provincial Government of Bulacan’s search for Outstanding Youth known as Gintong Kabataan Awards (GKA) is now open and accepting nominations. Gov. Wilhelmino M. Sy-Alvarado said the annual search will honor the modern-day heroes or youth who excelled in various categories including public service, arts and culture, sports (individual and group); academics (high school and college levels), labor (professional and skilled workers), legislation (SK officials, Federation SK President and SK Council), entrepreneur, and Gintong Kabataang Bayani. For further inquiries, please contact the Provincial Youth, Sports, Employment, Arts, Culture and Tourism Office (PYSEACTO) awards secretariat at telephone number (044) 791-6604. Nomination form may also be reproduced or downloaded from www.bulacan.gov.ph with the deadline set on August 6. (Freddie C. Velez)

PLANE CRASHES

IBA, Zambales — A pilot and co-pilot were injured as their Cessna plane crashed off the coast of this municipality. According to a police report, the plane’s engine malfunctioned after taking off, forcing the plane to crash some 15 meters offshore in Barangay Lipay-Dingin-Panibuatan. Captain John Paul Garcia, 34, was training Nepalese Vivian Malindan, 19, when their plane crashed. The two were rescued by fishermen and were rushed to the hospital. (Jonas Reyes)

MORE C.C.T.VS. FOR ANTIPOLO HOPED

ANTIPOLO CITY, Rizal — Residents here are hoping that the city government will push through with its plan to purchase closed circuit tevision cameras (CCTVS)   as one of the measures to curb street crimes and to respond more quicky to road accidents. This came as a private contractor has installed two demonstration units of the CCTVs on busy Sumulong Park. Two more are set for installation to guard against criminals and other misfits in the area near the Antipolo Cathedral frequented by residents and tourists. (Nel B. Andrade)