SAN FERNANDO CITY, La Union — Provincial tourism officials and Governor Manuel C. Ortega are optimistic that Urbiztondo beaches in San Juan municipality will soon be regarded the country’s surfing capital. This was impressed upon the media at last Friday’s launching of the 7th Surfing Break slated on October 26-28 which is expected to attract around 7,000 participants and spectators. Tourism Officer Adamor Dagang said hotels and resorts here are already fully booked for the event. (Liezle Basa Iñigo)

TURTLE SAVED

CAMP DIEGO SILANG, La Union — A giant sea turtle, weighing 300 kilograms, has been rescued and returned to sea after being caught in a fishing net in Barangay Lingsat, San Fernando City, this province last Saturday, police said yesterday. Senior Police Officer 4 (SPO4) Romeo Nalayog of the Lingsat Police Community Precinct, said concerned fisherfolk reported the catching of the “pawikan” to the Bureau of Fisheries and Acquatic Resources (BFAR) and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources- Protected Areas and Wildlife Bureau (DENR-PAWB). The endangered giant sea turtle was documented before being released back into the sea. (Freddie G. Lazaro)

SEARCH STILL ON FOR FISHERMEN

VIGAN CITY, Ilocos Sur — Rescuers from the police and coast guard are continuously conducting search operation for two fishermen who went missing at the West Philippine Sea during a fishing venture last August 11. Ilocos Sur Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (PDRRMC) Action Officer Sigfred Duquing identified the two missing fishermen as Arturo Jallorina, 48; and Rudy Mostoles, 47, both of Barangay Dili, Santa Cruz, Ilocos Sur. Duquing said the two might have been caught up in violent seas during the heavy monsoon rains that week. (Freddie G. Lazaro)

BREASTFEEDING

NAGA CITY, Camarines Sur — The Naga City Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NCCC) launched recently the Search for the Best Breastfeeding Company in the city. The endeavor is in support of the existing city ordinance authored by City Councilor Cecilia de Asis requiring all government agencies or offices, including private establishments in Naga to have in their workplace a breastfeeding corner or space for lactating mothers. This was enacted in 2011. NCCI seeks to encourage, protect and support the practice of breastfeeding through the practice of rooming in, in adherence to the national policy. (PIA)

ALBANO IS AUTO DRIFT CHAMP

ANGELES CITY, Pampanga — The new lateral auto drift champion in the competition held last Saturday at Clarkfield, here, was the youngest among the participants, contest organizers said yesterday. Radrich San Juan Albano, son of Senior Supt. Richard A. Albano, emerged as the winner in the novice category. The 17-year-old wowed the crowd gathered on the EXPO Filipino grounds and also walked away with the “Rookie of the Year” award in the 1st leg of the competition. Albano drove a Nissan Silvio powered at 280 engine. Charlie Cruz, the Event organizer cited the criteria of the competition as, speed, angle of the drift, execution and style which Albano garnered perfect points to get the novice championship title. (Freddie C. Velez)