LUCENA CITY, Quezon — This city celebrates today its 51st charter day celebration or “Araw ng Lucena” with Mayor Barbara Ruby Talaga set to open the day’s activities with a floral offering at the monument of Dr. Manuel Enverga. Dr. Enverga, the congressman who authored Republic Act no. 3271 that converted Lucena into a chartered city on June 17, 1961, is considered the “father of the city.” Mayor Talaga will be joined by city officials and members of the academe, non-government organizations, and other civic organizations in the celebration. (Danny Estacio)

More Aid Floods Hermosa Folk

BALANGA CITY, Bataan — More government officials, private organizations, and others are donating relief goods to severely affected victims of floods in this province. Only yesterday, Senator Ralph Recto led the distribution of relief goods in Hermosa town, together with other senators who have also provided relief goods, such as rice, sardines, among others. The distribution of relief goods came after mayor Danilo Malana of this town appealed for more donations to his constituents who were badly affected by two weeks of massive flash floods. (Mar T. Supnad)

‘Oplan: Sita’

GEN. TRIAS, Cavite — The Cavite Police Provincial Office’s (PPO’s) “Operation Plan: Sita” has gained headway in three areas here, making streets more safe for motorists. In Oplan Sita operations launched since Friday in the main thoroughfares of Barangays Pasong Camachile and San Francisco, and Manggahan Junction, police apprehended 39 traffic violators, said Chief Inspector Romulo C. Dimaya, deputy chief of police. Dimaya said these operations are in conjuction with the “No Plate, No Travel” policy of the PPO which is also aimed at intercepting possible riding-in-tandem suspects. (Anthony Giron)

N.S.O. Plants Trees On Anniversary

ROMBLON, Romblon — The National Statistics Office (NSO) Romblon conducted a tree-planting activity and coastal clean up in Barangay Lonos, Romblon, Romblon yesterday in celebration of its 72nd anniversary. The theme for the celebration was, “72 na si NSO, todo serbisyo,” highlighting the many years NSO had been in service to the Filipinos. NSO was founded as the Bureau of Census and Statistics on Aug. 19, 1940 by virtue of the enactment of Commonwealth Act 591. It became the National Census and Statistics Office in 1974 and was renamed National Statistics Office in 1987. (PIA)

Bloated Fund

TARLAC CITY, Tarlac — A top provincial official said yesterday that they will scrutinize and investigate the alleged bloated fund being used by the Capitol’s Media Affairs office in its media blitz to see if this public money is being spent in accordance with the law and for the benefit of the public. Vice Governor Pearl Pacada who is also the Presiding officer of the provincial board, said that she has received reports that some funds being used by the Media Affairs office is also being utilized in attacking under the belt other members of the family (in the capitol office) like her. (Mar T. Supnad)