Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Governor Amando Tetangco Jr. once said that, “The real value added of rural banks does not lie solely on their broad geographical presence but just as importantly on their deep understanding of the character, peculiarities and needs of the rural customers.” The organization of rural banks in the country calls this ‘personalized banking experience’.

It is the kind of dealing that clients of rural banks are used to having every time they transact in their bank.

This is the brand of service most, if not all, rural banks are known for. Rural Bankers Association of the Philippines (RBAP) Spokesperson Tomas Gomez IV said, “Our being one with the communities we serve enable us to personalize our clients’ banking experience. (continue)

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BAGUIO CITY, Philippines— It’s final, Brig. Gen. Danilo “Danny” Lim will seek the Senate seat during the 2010 Philippine national elections.

What started out as a campaign in his prison cell using the internet as his medium, Lim has formally declared his intention to join next year’s elections after registering as a voter with the office of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) in his home town in Solano, Nueva Vizcaya.

“I formally declare my intention to run for senator in next year’s elections. My decision was brought about by my drive to pursue the reform advocacies I have fought for as a military officer for the past 35 years,” said Lim was quoted in The Manila Times. (continue)

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By Florante S. Solmerin

TWO suspected members of the defunct Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) were killed and one government trooper was wounded so far as firefight erupted in an island occupied by the marauding rebels since Saturday in Palawan.

Military spokesman Lt. Col. Romeo Brawner Jr. said the firefight started minutes after sunset Tuesday after the rebels failed to comply with agreed upon terms to voluntarily surrender and lay down their arms to avoid being assaulted. (continue)

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By Florante S. Solmerin

FIVE suspected members of the defunct Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) have so far been killed while a soldier was wounded as government troops continue to storm the rebels’ position in Sitio Marabon in Mantanguele Island in Balabac town, Palawan.

Lt. Col. Yuri Pesigan, commander of the Marine Battallion Landing Team 8 (MBLT-8) based in the area, said some of the positions of the rebels have been overran by soldiers with the death of at least seven of them and the capture of two. (continue)

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By Juliet B. Saley

BONTOC, Mt. Province –More health development projects are coming in   continuously improving   the health services in the province.

Mt. Province is a beneficiary of the European Commission (EC) Grant and the Health Facility enhancement Program of the Department of Health.

Based on the records of the Provincial Health Office here, the EC Grant 2007 under the Province wide Investment Plan for Health has provided 26  laptops which were distributed to Rural Health Units, Provincial Health Office and Health Partners 19 desktops and  12 Projectors DLP  were also given   to RHUs and the  Provincial Health Office. (continue)

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By Joseph Zambrano

KAPANGAN, Benguet–Government programs and services are reaching even the remote sitios in the barangays here with the financial, livelihood and infrastructure assistance extended by various agencies .

Kapangan Mayor Robert Canuto said the Department of  Labor and Employment-CAR  (DOLE-CAR) is carrying out livelihood training on food processing, bamboo charcoal making, welding and practical electrical wiring for  women and youth. (continue)

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by ramon dacawi

Former world karate champion Julian Chees arrived here recently  for an Igorot memorial in honor of his late mother, Emilia (Camfili), who died last year. Before traveling to his native village in Maligcong, Bontoc, Mt. Province for the traditional rites,he did a personal ritual that had marked his previous homecomings.

A day after he arrived, the newly promoted martial artist under the Japan Karate Association was at the Baguio General Hospital and Medical Center to arrange the measurements of a body brace badly needed by  a 17-year old girl to prevent worsening of her scoliosis. (continue)

by Aileen P. Refuerzo

BAGUIO CITY – The city council called anew for an investigation of the reported resurgence of Bingo sa Barangay, bingo-teng, jueteng and other illegal games in the city.

The body which approved a proposed resolution of Councilor Galo Weygan asked the public order and safety division of the mayor’s office under Engr. Greg Deligero and the city police under acting city police chief Nestor Bergonia to lead the probe. (continue)

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BAGUIO CITY— In a move to combat its breast cancer incidence, the city council has approved a resolution to help in the city’s campaign against breast cancer.

The council has unanimously approved the measure for the integration of breast care programs in the district health centers in Baguio City as a lead action in its campaign against breast cancer.

Coun. Betty Lourdes F. Tabanda, author of the resolution said “the integration of breast care programs should include programs on breast protection, breast screening, mammogram if available, and breast cancer IEC.” (continue)

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RICHMOND, VIRGINIA Richmond locals join a performance of the traditional Canao by Filipinos of Bontoc, Ifugao, Mountain Province, Abra and Kalinga-Apayao (BIMAAK) descent. Performers came from Maryland, Northern VA, and the Hampton Roads area and the BIMAAK Association in DC and the Baguio FilAm of Tidewater.

The canao was a highlight in the Filipino Festival at the Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Henrico County here. (continue)

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