BINANGONAN, Rizal — Residents and balikbayans of this lakeshore town are expected to join in this year’s celebration of the Binalayan Festival, a local celebration of thanksgiving for a bountiful harvest of fishermen and the bamboo farmers of the town. “Binangonan sa Lawa at Kawayan” or simply the “Binalayan” will be highlighted with a grand parade to be participated in by school-children and municipal employees today on municipal hall grounds. A thanksgiving mass at St. Ursula Parish Church today will be attended by Mayor Cecilio “Boyet” Ynares and other local officials. (Nel B. Andrade)

D.O.L.E. AID

SAN FERNANDO CITY, La Union — The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) in Region 1 awarded at least R462,970 as total assistance to two workers’ groups to finance their livelihood undertakings. DOLE 1 Regional Director Grace Ursua said that she personally turned over the livelihood checks to the beneficiaries under the DOLE’s Integrated Livelihood Program (DILP) recently. The DILP is aimed at providing productive, gainful and secure employment to the marginalized and unprotected workers. (Freddie G. Lazaro)

PAMPANGA FORTIFIES TIES WITH KOREA

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga — To further strengthen the relationship between Kapampangans and Koreans, newly appointed Republic of Korea Ambassador to Philippines Lee Hyuk visited Pampanga. Lee met with Gov. Lilia Pineda to talk about the intention of the Korean government to fortify their affiliation in ensuring the protection of 15,000 Koreans in the province particularly in Angeles City as well as the Kapampangans in Korea. For her part, Pineda lauded the courtesy extended by the Koreans as a reflection of the good relationship that exists between the province and their country. (Franco G. Regala)

COOPS NEEDED

LA TRINIDAD, Benguet — The Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) said strengthening the cooperative sector will help further boost the country’s economy. Cooperatives contributed five percent or R280 billion last year to the country’s gross domestic product, CDA Chairperson Emmanuel Santiaguel said during the third Benguet Co-op Convention this week. Santiaguel posed a challenge to strive better in doubling the coops’ contribution, which is possible if only these are strengthened and their membership increased. (PIA)

TOPNOTCHERS HONORED

LUCBAN, Quezon — Board topnotchers in a recent licensure examination of the Southern Luzon State University (SLSU) given by the Professional Regulations Commission (PRC) received recognition from their alma mater the other day. SLSU President Dr. Cecilia Gascon named the three in the field of engineering, business administration and allied medicine who belong to the ten top examines as Engr. Dawil Ona, 3rd placer in Mechanical Engineering; Karl Philip Avillo, 7th placer and Ethel Grace Ann Dionisio, 10th placer, both in the Nursing Board Examinations. School benefactor and businessman Nelson Licup and his nephew Reggie gave the high achievers a cash token for bringing pride to their university. (Danny Estacio)