IBA, Zambales — A resolution passed by the Zambales Provincial Board grants P2 million for the construction of a multi-purpose building within the compound of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) Provincial Training Center, here. The construction of the training center is expected to be finished by next year as TESDA will be utilizing the facility for giving technology-based training and livelihood courses for cash-strapped Zambaleños. “The cash grant is part of Governor Hermogenes Ebdane’s priority projects for 2012 under his 20 percent development fund,” said TESDA-Zambales Provincial Director Elizabeth Manio.

KALINGA TO GET P23.5-M ROADS

TABUK CITY, Kalinga — Kalinga province will receive P23.55 million for the construction of additional farm-to-market roads (FMR), as part of the national government's poverty reduction program. The release of funds was facilitated by the Department of Agriculture (DA) and the National Anti-Poverty Council. The aid will be distributed to four towns and the City of Tabuk for the construction of additional farm-to-market (FMR) roads, Teresa Desay of the Office of Provincial Agriculturist (OPAG), said. (PIA)

DOLPHINS’ CASE

With the death of one of the 25 dolphins recently exported to Singapore from the Ocean Adventure in Subic, Zambales, several environment and animal rights groups are contemplating on filing charges against agencies and firms which their battery of lawyers see as having liability in the cruel incident. “We are studying possible violations of the Animal Welfare Act following the death of one of the dolphins,” said lawyer Mel Velasco, counsel of petitioners Earth Island Institute (EII), Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS), and CARA Welfare Philippines which earlier tried to block the re-export of the dolphins. Representatives of the groups were angered over the death of one of the dolphins as they were being transported to Resorts World Sentosa (RWS) in Singapore despite their repeated protestations. (Chito A. Chavez)

P.R.O. 1 KICKS OFF ‘YULETIDE 2012’

CAMP FLORENDO, La Union — The Police Regional Office 1 (PRO1) is now preparing for the Christmas and New Year’s celebration aside from setting various measures for next year’s political exercise through the PRO Implan “Yuletide 2012.” Chief Superintendent Franklin Jesus B. Bucayu, PRO1 director, prescribed actions to be undertaken for the security coverage and other public safety measures in coordination with the Department of Health (DOH), Local Government Units, and other concerned agencies to ensure the peaceful and orderly celebration of the holiday season. (Liezle Basa Iñigo)

CLUB UNITY

DAGUPAN CITY, Pangasinan — The officials of the Pangasinan Press Club expressed their support and confidence in the leadership of their president, lawyer Gonzalo Duque. In a recent meeting at Rubi’s restaurant, nine officers and directors voted for the approval of the resolution that also recognized Duque’s two-year term as club president. The board’s action was made after reports that a former club director had been seeking signatures from members to oust Duque. Duque was elected in February, 2010. (Liezle Basa Iñigo)