TAGAYTAY CITY, Cavite — Officials of this prime tourist destination have renewed and intensified their firecrackers ban campaign as the 15-day countdown to New Year’s Day revelry starts today. This developed as Leilani Diesta, Tagaytay information and tourism officer, said that the number of visiting local and foreign tourists is expected to double, if not triple, during the Christmas season, particularly on weekends. Mayor Bambol Tolentino and his administration reminded their citizens that firecrackers and other deadly merry-making devices are banned in the city year-round, particularly during the holiday season. (Anthony Giron)

‘CLARKSIYAHAN’

CLARK FREEPORT, Pampanga – The Clark Development Corporation (CDC) will again celebrate the annual Clarksiyahan on December 27 on Clark Parade Grounds, here. CDC Executive Vice President Philip Panlilio said the event is a thanksgiving for the many blessings that Clark has received for the entire year. Panlilio also said that Clarksiyahan will highlight the ceremonial lighting of the Christmas Tree, the showing of the famous Giant Lanterns, live band performances, bazaar, disco and ballroom dancing, and fireworks display. The Yuletide celebration in Clark is to show appreciation to all Clark stakeholders who supported the Freeport throughout the year. (Franco G. Regala)

D.P.W.H. SET ON CLEARING ROADS

SAN FERNANDO CITY, La Union — The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) in Region 1 announced last Thursday the strict enforcement of the law on prohibited road obstructions that may lead to traffic accidents, especially this holiday season. Regional Director Veniedo O. Reyes gave her instruction for the strict implementation of the Road Right of Way on all national and secondary roads in the Ilocos region. Reyes said violators should be prepared to yield as the DPWH, under Department Order Number 52 series of 2003, orders the Removal of Obstruction and Prohibited Uses within the limit of Road Right of Way. (Liezle Basa Iñigo)

I.C.T. AWARD

BALANGA CITY, Bataan — Proving its self-acclaimed moniker as a high-tech city in the country, the city government won second place in the government-to-business (G2B) category of the “1st Jesse Robredo Award” for Excellence in ICT for Good Governance held recently in Laguna. Named after the late Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Robredo who pushed for transparency in local government units during his term, the search promotes the use of modern information and communications technology (ICT) in upholding good governance among LGUs. Balanga City Mayor Joet Garcia, a computer business director and ICT expert, vowed to further improve transparency in governance. (Mar T. Supnad)

SECURITY DRIVE

CAMP GARCIA, Cavite — The Cavite Police Provincial Office (PPO) has intensified its peace and security drive following the rash of robberies and shooting incidents this week in the area. Just last Friday, two motorcycle-riding robbers struck simultaneously in Dasmariñas City, victimizing two commercial establishments. A fatal accidental firing in Imus City was also reported during the day and so with a shooting incident which wounded two persons in Noveleta town the previous day. Residents expressed hope that police could clamp down on the wave of violent and criminal activities in the city especially since the Yuletide season is fast-approaching. (Anthony Giron)