BACOLOD CITY, Negros Occ. (PNA) — The Negros Occidental Provincial Police Office (NOPPO) finally has a new crime laboratory building courtesy of the provincial government. Costing P1-million, the new crime laboratory has storage room facility for evidences and quarters for forensic chemists and is located inside the NOPPO at Sitio Camingawan, Brgy. Estefania here. The new crime laboratory is expected to help make the province’s policemen become more efficient and effective in their mission, especially in solving crimes. NOPPO Director Senior Supt. Celestino Guara Jr. also said the new crime laboratory is a milestone in the history of the Philippine National Police (PNP) in Negros Occidental.

PLANTING RICE

BORONGAN, Eastern Samar  — Eastern Samar Governor Conrado Nicart, Jr.,  is urging  farmers here to plant more rice in order to attain rice self sufficiency by 2014. He told farmers during the launch of National Year of Rice here recently that agricultural productivity is one of his top priorities, and thus, his allocating P40 million in 2012 for agricultural enhancement programs and projects. Nicart also appealed to his provincemates to avoid rice wastage and support his administration’s rice sufficiency and conservation program. (Restituto A. Cayubit)

ATTENDANCE CONFIRMED

ILOILO CITY, Iloilo (PNA) — Iloilo Gov. Arthur Defensor has confirmed his attendance in a peace covenant signing scheduled by the Iloilo Provincial Police Office (IPPO) and the Commission on Elections- Iloilo on Feb. 24 to ensure the holding of a safe and fair elections on May 13. IPPO Dir. Gil Lebin has said that the covenant signing has been set on Feb. 24 at Sta. Barbara church in Sta. Barbara, Iloilo with all the provincial candidates invited for the signing.

FUN RUN 

TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte (PNA) — Nearly 6,000 participants joined the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) -Eastern Visayas (Region 8)Run 2013 held here last Sunday, Feb. 17. Tacloban is one of the 18 major sites identified for the simultaneous fun run event with the theme “Nationwide Run for Mother and Child Protection.” The event also marked PhilHealth’s 18th year of public service after the government-health insurance agency was established in 1995 with the enactment of Republic Act 7875. Proceeds from the event will be used to support national and regional institutions promoting the protection of mothers and children in the country.

130 COUPLES

BORONGAN CITY, Eastern Samar (PIA) — The wedding of 130 couples were solemnized in civil marriage by City Mayor Fe R. Abunda during Valentines Day at the Eastern Samar Development Foundation gymnasium this City. Jennifer S. Anacio, Councilor and chairperson, Sangguniang Panglunsod Committee on Social Welfare said she initiated the activity because when parents ask for her help regarding the birth certificate of their children specially during enrollment, she would notice that some parents have no marriage contracts. That is why, she said, she sponsors a Free Civil Wedding Ceremony every year because of the importance of registered documents. During the civil wedding ceremony, she reminded the couples that what is important is their mutual love, understanding, trust and patience.