PAGBILAO, Quezon — A farmers cooperative has received post-harvest facilities from the provincial government headed by Quezon Governor David C. Suarez. The Barangay Binahaan Farmers’ Credit Cooperative led by Aniceto Glodiviza received the double pass rice mill, welding machine, air compressor, and hermetic storage bag from the provincial government. The new equipment is expected to boost agricultural development in the province. Glodoviza said the grant of the farm equipment is the fulfillment of the cooperative’s long cherished dream, adding that it is expected to boost the farmers’ livelihood. (Danny J. Estacio)

‘ULAT BAYAN’

SAN PEDRO, Laguna — For the past three years, the municipal government of San Pedro has prioritized the basic social services given to marginalized sector of this town composed of around 5,000 families whose per capita income is below the poverty threshold of P7,000 monthly. Mayor Calixto Cataquiz, in his “Ulat ng Bayan,” said a total of 399,205 patients have been given different medical services in the public health facilities of Jose L. Amante Emergency Hospital, Gavino Alvarez Lying-in Center, and 21 Barangay Health Stations of the Rural Health Units for the past three years. (Ferdinand F. Castro)

BATAAN PEACE

CAMP TOLENTINO, Bataan — The putting up of 24-hour checkpoints along strategic locations along the Roman highway in Bataan is expected to enhance peace and order in Bataan. Senior Supt. Ricardo Zapata, Jr., Bataan police director, said there is now a 24-hour PNP checkpoint in Ala-uli, Pilar town and another in Palihan, Hermosa where motorists coming in and going outside the province can be thoroughly checked. Aside from crime prevention, the checkpoints can also be used against hijackers of trucks, particularly tankers coming from Bataan Petron Refinery in Limay town. (Mar T. Supnad)

BANAHAW CLEANUP

DOLORES, Quezon — In order to maintain cleanliness and preservation of Mt. Banahaw from thousands of foreign and local devotees and mountain climbers this coming Lenten season, various tools and equipment to be utilized by barangays Sta. Lucia and Kinabuhayan were handed over by the provincial to the municipal government of this town. Provincial Government Environment and Natural Resources Office (PG-ENRO) led by Manny Calayag mapped out the need to have tools and equipment to ensure the cleanliness of Mt. Banahaw, which usually attracts numerous visitors during Holy Thursday and Good Friday. (Danny J. Estacio)

TRAFFIC SEMINARS 

ANGELES CITY, Pampanga — The city government here is conducting a series of seminars for the local jeepney drivers and operators to educate them on the recently passed and approved City Ordinance No. 307, series of 2012 or the New Traffic Code of Angeles City and other matters on traffic rules and regulations. Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan, along with the Public Transportation and Regulatory Office, the Angeles City Traffic Enforcement and Management Office, the local Philippine National Police force, Angeles City Tourism Office, and the City Environment and Natural Resources Office, is leading the seminars for the 14 chapter members of the Pangkalahatang Samahan ng mga Drivers sa Angeles City and the Jeepney Operators and Drivers Association in the city. (Franco G. Regala)