MASINLOC, Zambales – Flashfloods from heavy rains prompted 361 families to seek shelter in evacuation centers all over the municipality of Masinloc. According to Zambales Governor Hermogenes Ebdane Jr., there are currently 1,462 individuals from six barangays who are currently seeking shelter in various schools of the municipality. He added that these residents left their homes that are flooded with 4 feet of water, especially those near shorelines of the province. Ebdane, who has been up since last night, made rounds throughout the province and supervised rescue operations. (Jonas Reyes)

BARANGAY DAY

TRECE MARTIRES CITY, Cavite – The Sangguniang Panglalawigan (Provincial Board) has approved an ordinance declaring October 12, 2012 and every year thereafter as “Barangay Day” in the whole province of Cavite. The ordinance, which was approved during the 92nd regular session last Monday, was filed by 2nd District (Bacoor) Board Member Ramon “Jolo” Revilla III, who is currently the chairman of Barangay Affairs Committee, and Cavite Association of Barangay Chairmen (ABC) Provincial Federation president. It was the first time that a “Barangay Day” was officially set in Cavite. The movie actor-SP member said the ordinance would make “Barangay Day” a special day for barangay (village) officials and their constituents in Cavite aside from the “Barangay Assembly Day” held on the last Saturday of March and third Sunday of October every year pursuant to Presidential Proclamation No. 342.

FOUNDATION DAY

CITY OF MALOLOS, Bulacan – The provincial government of Bulacan led the commemoration of its foundation day yesterday with a holy mass at the Bulacan Capitol Gymnasium, Governor Wilhelmino M. Sy Alvarado said. Alvarado said August 15, 2012, was declared by President Benigno S. Aquino III as a special non-working day in the province of Bulacan in commemoration of its 434th Foundation Day. Alvarado said that the declaration was based from the New Provincial Administrative Code of Bulacan, Chapter II, Section 14, Foundation Day and Section 27, The Provincial Legal Holidays, and by virtue of Presidential Proclamation 443, signed by Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa Jr. (Freddie C. Velez)

SLAY SCORED

BAGAC, Bataan – Sangguniang Kabataan National Federation (SKNF) President Louise Gabriel Q. del Rosario yesterday lamented and strongly condemned the killing of their colleague, SK Chairman Jason Patrick Infante, of  Barangay Valenzuela, Makati City. Infante was stabbed to death Sunday by a known toughie. Infante’s companions, Michael Mate, a member of the Makati rescue unit, and Councilman Eric Araneta were also stabbed and beaten. They are reportedly in serious condition. (Mar T. Supnad)

NO CLASSES

SAN FERNANDO CITY, La Union – Governor Manuel Ortega suspended classes yesterday in all levels in the entire province due to tropical storm “Helen.” He said several areas were reportedly not passable early morning yesterday due to neck-deep floods, prompting him to suspend classes. Director Melchito Castro of the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) in Region 1, also reported that residents of Bauang  in Central West, Kinavite, Bakwit Norte, as well as San Fernando City are now staying at the rooftop of their houses due to the floods.  (Liezle Basa Iñigo)