CAINTA, Rizal — A training facility for the persons with disability (PWDs), constructed through the grants assistance project of the Japanese government, was turned over to a non-government institution that caters to the welfare of the disabled yesterday. Japan Deputy Chief of Mission, Minister Keizo Takewaka represented the Japan government in the turn over of the training facility to the Tahanang Walang Hagdanan Inc. (TWHI), a non-government institution, established in this town in 1973 to provide a shelter and training facility for the PWDs especially the wheelchair bound disabled. President Benigno Aquino III witnessed the turn over of the training center, funded through the Embassy of Japan's Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP). (Nel B. Andrade)

IP ASSISTANCE

LUCENA CITY, Quezon — About 196 indigenous families living in this city, Tayabas City, and the municipalities Lopez, and Alabat are asking for help from local government for the implementation of livelihood and medical programs. National Commission on Indigenous People (NCIP)-Lucena City Service Center head Jennifer Gerones said indigenous people in these areas are in dire need of such assistance. She said some livelihood programs covering IPs are mangrove and tree planting activities. (Danny J. Estacio)

RAPE SUSPECT PUT BEHIND BARS

The long arms of the law has finally reached a man, wanted for the crime of rape and for allegedly abducting a 13-year-old girl in separate incidents, after he went on hiding for two years, the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) reported yesterday. NBI agents arrested Sandy Babao Pelobellop, 37, of Block 2, Lot 6, Ville de Palm Subdivision, Bgy. Santiago, Gen. Trias, Cavite, said NBI Deputy Director for Regional Operations Service (NBI-DDROS) Virgilio Mendez. Mendez said the suspect, who was arrested last February13, is now detained at the NBI District Office in Laguna. (Leonard D. Postrado)

SCHOLARS’ FUND

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan — About 1,734 students here will benefit from the scholarship assistance of the national government worth P20,000 for each scholar. Pangasinense youth received the scholarship assistance package totaling P34.7 million which is dubbed by the national government as the “Cash for Training Project (C4TP)”. It is a joint undertaking of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and the Technical Skills and Development Authority (TESDA). Various DSWD and TESDA officials in the region, and students of TESDA programs attended the awarding rites held February 21 at the elegant hall of the Sison Auditorium. (Liezle Basa Iñigo)

JOBS FAIR

BATAAN FREEPORT — Hundreds of Bataeños benefited from the recent “FAB JOB FAIR” sponsored by the Freeport Area of Bataan (FAB) and other government agencies. “We are lucky to have been given this opportunity to look for work. With this job fair, it is easier for us to apply because everything is here. Thanks to the Chairman and Administrator of   the Authority of the Freeport Area of Bataan, Deogracias G.P. Custodio and, of course, the father of the Freeport Area of Bataan, 2nd District Representative Abet Garcia”, said Steve Campos, a resident of Mariveles and a first time applicant. Many participants took advantage of employment opportunities offered at the Freeport Area of Bataan (FAB). (Mar T. Supnad)