MAGALANG, Pampanga — Agriculture Secretary Luis P. Lorenzo is the keynote speaker in today’s second commencement rites of the Go Modern Agriculture-School-on the Air (GMA-SOA) at the Pampanga Agricultural College (PAC) here.
GMA-SOA encompasses priority courses disseminated to inform and update participants on advanced agricultural technologies and systems packaged in a series of lectures aired over DWEE 107.1, an FM community radio station owned by the state college.
Through the efforts of PAC president Zosimo M. Battad, Agriculture Training Institute Director Asterio P. Saliot, Pampanga Gov. Manuel Lapid, and Mayor Pastor Z. Guiao, the program was able to reach out to the farmer clientele of PAC by way of matured technology dissemination through CLARRDEC agencies such as the BAR, ATI, Philrice, BFAR, DENR, PCC, DA, and DoST.
National and local government VIPs have also been invited to the occasion that would witness the graduation of 300 farmer-scholars, receipt of awards by 90 individuals, and high school graduation of 200 secondary school students. (A. Lascon)
Lantion leading rivals
Retired Director Thompson “GT” Lantion, official bet of the ruling Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats (Lakas-CMD) in the lone congressional seat in Nueva Vizcaya, is reportedly leading over the other hopefuls in a recent survey conducted by non-government organizations (NGOs) based in the province.
The last survey on the cross section of residents shows a big lead enjoyed by Lantion, erstwhile spokesman of the Department of Transportation and Communications (DoTC) over his three opponents.
The political battle for the congressional seat is a four-cornered fight among Lantion, Nueva Vizcaya Gov. Rodolfo Agbayani, former Gov. Ruth padilla, wife of senatorial bet Carlos Padilla Jr., and Lawrence Sta. Ana, a businessman.
The survey indicated Lantion’s genuine concern over the social well-being of Nueva Vizcayanos manifested during his long stint as PNP Region 2 (Cagayan Valley) director.
In his house-to-house sorties and barangay meetings, Lantion vowed to introduce laws which will help uplift the living condition of residents on one hand and ensure growth and development in the province.
Lantion is a native of Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya. (Sel A. Baysa)
Marikina handbook
The Marikina City government will distribute a handbook on city services to keep residents abreast on the procedures, policies, and requirements for different public services offered by the city government.
Marikina Mayor Marides C. Fernando said the recipient of the handbook is briefed, among others, how to register their house pets, applying for a marriage license, and or putting up a business.
“Further, the handbook features the history and demographics of its districts, telephone numbers of national and local government agencies, and their respective mailing address,” she added.
Citing its many advantages, Fernando emphasized that a key element to progress is information. The public will find it easy to do business with the local government.
City hall observers said the handbook will speed up public government transactions.
They said “the handbook comes as very handy for would-be investors as well as existing businesses owing to simple terms and illustrations in plain and understandable manner.” (Sel A. Baysa)
Equity of the incumbent
ROSARIO, La Union — Independent pollster Freelance News Disseminators Inc. (FNDI) recently came out with a survey report alleging that the equity of the incumbent principle would dominate the outcome of the three-cornered race for mayor in this gateway municipality.
FNDI chief enumerator Joaquin Ocsina said that if elections were held today, incumbent Mayor Bellarmin Flores II of the Lakas-CMD would come out the runaway winner over independent candidate Napoleon Padilla and LDP-KNP’s Godofredo Rabara.
Ocsina noted that surveyed respondents pointed out to Flores’ performance, experience, and longevity as crucial factors that have made them decide to vote for the incumbent while Padilla hangs on to voters from Barangay Inabaan Norte which is his bailiwick and Rabara counts on townmates who work or study in nearby Baguio City. (A. Lacson)
