ANTIPOLO CITY- Anna Marie Gonzales, 19-year-old visually-impaired coed from the University of Rizal System-Cainta campus and a resident of this city, was adjudged as one of the top placers in the recently concluded speech competition held at the Department of Education in Pasig City. Gonzales, a sophomore Elementary Education Majoring in Special Education student and who has a low vision since childhood, placed second in the extemporaneous speech competition in the 2nd year level category.  (Nel B. Andrade)

Nutritious Vegetables

SAN FERNANDO CITY, La Union— A nutritionist is calling on mothers to feed their children vegetables to protect them from diseases. Nutrition Officer Jeanne L. Meredor of San Fernando City Health Office suggested a daily intake of malunggay, saluyot, labong and other vegetables grown in the backyard. Iron, calcium, vitamin A and C, are some of the minerals and vitamins that can be absorbed from malunggay, Meredor said. She urged mothers to practice eating natural foods rather than those manufactured ones such as frozen foods due to various chemicals used in their preparation. (Liezle  Basa Inigo)

Livelihood Programs

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga – The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has awarded P1.49 million in livelihood grants to Kapampangan informal workers under its Negosyo sa Kariton (Nego Kart) and Kabuhayan Starter Kits (KPK) programs.DOLE Regional Information Officer Jerry Borja said Wednesday that 110 ambulant vendors and 20 sampaguita growers from the towns and cities of Pampanga are now beneficiaries of their Nego Kart and KSK. Borja said each Nego Kart beneficiary receives a vending cart, livelihood tools and raw materials worth P15,000. KSK gives away tools and materials so that the recipients can engage in roving businesses such as massage, plumbing, cosmetology, appliance repair, upholstery, rag making, embutido making, hair dressing and manicure and pedicure. (Mark Anthony Manuel)

Substation Expanded

 The National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) said it is expanding the capacity of its Tayabas Extra High Voltage (EHV) Substation under a P295-million project. The expansion, which would allow all possible generation dispatch scenarios for the power plants in Quezon and the Bicol region, involves the installation of additional 600 megavolt amperes (MVA), 500/230 kilovolts (KV) transformer and the improvement of the 500 KV power circuit breakers and substation accessories control, protection and communication system. (Ellson Quismorio)

Illegal Guns

CAMP OLIVAS, Pampanga –  A barangay chairman and his brother was arrested in Cuyapo, Nueva Ecija over the weekend for illegal possession of firearms and ammunition, police here reported Wednesday. Barangay Cabatuan Chairman Jun de Guzman, 27, and his older brother Jay were arrested in their residence on the strength of a search warrant issued by Judge Celso Baguio of the Regional Trial Court of Gapan City. Police confiscated from the brothers a .45 caliber pistol, a caliber 38 Rusi and several rounds of ammunition. (Mark Anthony N. Manuel)