MORE NEWS, LA UNION

Agoo town officials designate ‘quiet zones’
AGOO, La Union – Quiet please. Councilors of this pilgrimage town recently passed an ordinance designating “quiet zones” preventing motorists from blowing their horns near churches, schools, hospitals and even residential areas. “

This (ordinance) will respect the solemnity of religious services and protect the rights of churchgoers, patients, and students while holding their classes. We should not disturb them,” said Mayor Sandra Eriguel said. The municipal council led by Vice Mayor Jaime Boado Jr. passed the ordinance last Jan. 22.

The provincial board approved it last week. Blowing of horns near schools is prohibited from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.; public buildings, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.; residential zones, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; and hospitals, any time of the day, except in emergency cases.

Violators face a fine of P1,000 for every offense. Pilgrims frequent the Agoo Basilica, which is located along the national highway fronting the Agoo Civic Center. -- JE


People Power in La Union: Search for biggest kalabasa, longest talong
SAN FERNANDO CITY, La Union – People from the 19 towns of this city trooped to the plaza here last week to celebrate their own kind of People Power. The townsfolk gathered to witness the search of the best agricultural products such as squash (kalabasa), eggplant (talong), banana, guava, among others.

“This is the kind of People Power that we want – People Power that will bring our nation forward and not People Power that will drag down our country from development,” said Gov. Manuel Ortega who led the opening of the agri-trade fair as part of La Union’s weeklong celebration of its 158th foundation anniversary.

Ortega and his brothers, Rep. Victor Ortega and Mayor Pablo Ortega, along with local officials in the province, led thousands of participants in expressing their support to the Arroyo administration amid calls for her to step down due to various anomalous allegations.

“As far as La Union is concerned, we would like to declare to the entire Philippines that we are supporting the administration of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo,” the governor said after visiting the booths displaying excellent sizes and kinds of farm crops.

Ortega scored those organizing rallies against the Chief Executive and he invited the protesters in Manila to come to La Union for them to enjoy the best products, the beaches and the province’s amiable people.

“Yong mga nandyan sa Metro Manila na nag­pi-people power, dito na lang kayo sa La Union at masisiyahan at mabubusog pa kayo. I will be your host. We will entertain you. Kami dito sa La Union gusto naming tahimik na buhay, ayaw namin ang magulo,” he said.

Farmers attending the activity cheered when Rep. Ortega asked them to support the administration of the beleaguered President. “Look at the people here, they are very happy because their products are being displayed and we are promoting the products of La Union.

This is what we want to fast-track – the development of our country,” the congressman said. The agri-trade fair lasts today, the Foundation Day, after which the winners with the best products will be awarded.

The Trade Fair is part of the provincial government’s agenda in promoting the “One Town, One Product” motto which aims to select the best products in each town. -- JE