SAN FERNANDO CITY, La Union — The realization of the construction of Bocboc Bridge, the so-called “dream bridge” connecting the 3rd and 2nd congressional districts of Pangasinan will help promote tourism, Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Region 1 Director Veniedo O. Reyes said yesterday. More than a decade, the dream construction of Bocboc Bridge connecting San Carlos City and Aguilar town has been elusive. But this year, the Department of Tourism has allocated P100 million to help realize the project expected to boost tourism in central and western Pangasinan. (Liezle Basa Iñigo)

B.O.C.-SUBIC POSTS R94-M COLLECTION

SUBIC BAY FREEPORT — The Bureau of Customs (BOC)-Port of Subic topped the nationwide collection performance for two months in a row by posting P94.35 million in September and its biggest surplus of P141.33 million in August. BOC-Subic reported a collection increase of 16.19 percent over its September target. This meant an actual surplus of P94.35 million over this year’s September target. The BoC-Subic’s P677.18-million collection has fallen short so far for this year by 1.56 percent, or P10.73 million, when compared with the P687.91 million take in the same period last year. (Jonas Reyes)

VILLAR’S ADVICE

TAGAYTAY CITY, Cavite — Former Congresswoman Cynthia Villar pushed yesterday for better education for the youth as the best inheritance parents can give their children especially when they embark on entrepreneurship. Villar was speaking at the event dubbed “Entrepreneurship: The Key to Economic Freedom of Young People,” a community workshop of MBC-DZRH for youth leaders from different colleges and universities held at the Development Academy of the Philippines (DAP), here. Villar said education was the key to being good entrepreneurs to help spur economic activity and help ease unemployment. (Ferdinand F. Castro)

C.W.D. TO HELP SPUR BUSINESS

BALANGA CITY, Bataan — A satisfied customer is your best advertisement. This was pointed out by Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)-Bataan head Yay Lassam to business owners in this province during a recent forum at Lou-is Restaurant, here, as she advocated the establishment of a consumer welfare desk (CWD) in stores. Jose Dizon, DTI-Region III consumer arbitration officer, said the consumer desk will be the venue for settlements in a business establishment in case customer complaints arise. He disclosed that 68 percent of customers leave stores without a purchase because of the attitude and indifference of an employee or sales representative. (Mar T. Supnad)

‘IMPLAN 44’

CAMP OLIVAS, Pampanga — At least 5,000 police personnel in Central Luzon are set to be deployed in strategic places to ensure that the public may be able to pay homage to their dearly departed without security concerns or hassles on All Saints’ and All Souls’ Days. Chief Supt. Edgardo T. Ladao, Police Regional Office 3 (PRO3) director, ordered a full alert status in the carrying out of the PRO3’s “Implan 44” for the observance of the revered holidays. Apart from the police, there will be force multipliers from the barangays to assist motorists, visitors and tourists and secure cemeteries and the community. (Franco G. Regala)