President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo has launched her administration’s strong family program as one of the components to uphold a strong republic. At a roundtable discussion attended by Acting Education Secretary Fe Hidalgo, Labor Secretary Patricia Sto. Tomas, Social Welfare Secretary Esperanza Cabral, and Science Secretary Estrella Alabastro, President Arroyo stated that "a strong family means employment for the head of the family, a source of livelihood for the head of the houshold, health care for the family, and access to education for the children in a global digital society." He added that "while the national government has been focusing on improving the economy, these must be immediately translated to actual benefits that will reach all Filipinos, particularly the marginalized communities in the countrysides."

Nippon Life Insurance Philippines (NLIP) launched the Client’s Page feature in its website to accommodate all of its customers’ needs. With this new online facility, policyholders can now view basic information about their policies review their ongoing accounts within the comforts of their own homes any time want. To ensure that all accounts are protected, NLIP maintains that "nothing can be more secure" as only registered clients, who agreed to the website’s terms and conditions, are allowed to access the page. Once registered and signed-up, an account information page under "My Account" instantly provides updates on policy loan balances and dividends earned for the policyholder. There is also a personal information page under "My Profile" which contains basic information about the policyholder’s life insurance policy with the company. For registration, access to all these features, or general inquiries on Nippon Life Insurance Philippines, please visit the website; www.nipponlifephil.com.ph.

Delegates of the 35th convention of the International Federation of Asian and Western Pacific Consructors Association (IFAWPCA) were instantly delighted as officials from the Philippine Constructors Association (PCA) and the Department of Tourism (DoT) personally greeted them with leis made of puka shells and a warm Mabuhay when they arrived recently at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport.The PCA, host of this year’s convention, left no stone unturned for the five-day event — March 14 to 18. "Aside from highlighting the achievements and focusing on the plans of the association, we made sure that the occasion would also underscore the distinct brand of hospitality Filipinos are known for," said PCA President, Jorge A. Consunji. From day one, Consunji saw to it that the 35th convention, which also celebrates the golden anniversary of IFAWPCA, would not only be extremely productive, but a decidedly enjoyable experience, as well. Taking note of the attendance of several VIPs and dignitaries, he ensured that tight security would be implemented during their stay.

The Living Word United Methodist Church, located at 35 Lilac St., Hacienda Heights, Marikina City, will celebrate its 26th anniversary on March 19. Sister Lydia Mendoza will be the anniversary guest speaker during the worship service. Fellowship and games will follow. Theme of this year’s celebration is "Responding to God’s Call: Faithful Discipleship." Rev. Geronio Garong is the current church pastor. Living Word United Methodist Church was conceived from its mother church, St. John UMC in 1979. Its first worship service was held in 1980 at the Grospe family residence at 20 Lilac St., attended by seven families who were the founding members. It was in May 1985 during the Philippine Annual Conference (PAC) annual session when Living Word was officially constituted as local church, fully independent from the mother church. In 1999, the conference voted to change the name of the church from Church of Living Word UMC to its present name Living Word United Methodist Church, now a vibrant and dynamic growing church. The anniversary committee for this year’s activity include Shirly Guleb, chairwoman; Paul Chian, vice chairman; Naomi Siquig, food committee chairman; Kaye Sison and Naomi Grospe, program committee; and Gerald Aquino and Grace Samson, physical arrangement and technical committees.