Iriga City -- Selected personnel from the University of Northeastern Philippines (UNEP) participated in the programming workshop conducted by AMA Computer Learning Center for Programming NCIV. The training, in coordination with the University Registrar of the University of Saint Anthony here, started on April 5 and lasted until April 14.

Legazpi City (16 April) -- Errol John Suarez, a Grade 4 pupil of the Bicol University Integrated Laboratory School (BUILS), has qualified, along with some 122 qualifiers and 137 alternates from different schools nationwide, to represent the country in forthcoming international Math Olympiads.

LEGAZPI CITY, Apr.15--The Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) in Bikol is urging Bikolanos to ensure the recovery and continued protection of the environment by signing up for the 10 million movement (10MM). EMB Bicol regional director Gilbert Gonzales said the 10MM was part of the campaign to gather 10 million commitments for the environment from all over the country.

NAGA CITY (16 April) -Two hundred fifty soldiers from the Philippine Army and Philippine Navy arrived in Masbate City this morning to assist in maintaining peace and order in the island province during this election period. The soldiers were the same contingents sent to Haiti and Liberia last year to help in the peacekeeping efforts of the United Nations.

NAGA CITY (14 April) -THIS TIME 20 other transient bet collectors for "Virtual games" operated by the Meridien Vista Gaming Corporation (MVGC) were charged for violation of the Anti-illegal Gambing Law, or RA 9287 before the provincial prosecutor's office here, after they were apprehended in another series of raids on illegally operated betting stations in the localities of Libmanan, San Jose, Sangay and Goa towns, all in Camarines Sur province.

CANAMAN, CAMARINES SUR (12 April) - DURING A BRIEF gathering of local World War II guerillas in this Camarines town to commemorate "Araw ng Kagitingan," surviving members of the once famous "Tancong Vaca Guerilla Unit" have revealed that the Department of Veterans Affairs of the US Government had denied their claims under the Filipino Veterans Equity Compensation (FVEC), to receive some $9, 000 to $15, 000 dollars in benefits from the US government.

LEGAZPI CITY, April 16 - Local artists across Bikol region have decided to promote Bikolano visual arts during the month-long Magayon festival here. Taking center stage, over and above the cacophony of sights, sounds and colors the festival dishes out, is Pintados sa Magayon -- dubbed as ArtRuption 2010 -- an exhibit that features the works of foremost Bikolano artists -- this time numbering to more than 30 strong -- at the Albay Provincial Capitol Atrium.

NAGA CITY (14 April) --Some high profile politicians in Bikol on Monday night had the chance to tell the public their presidential bets and campaign for them at the same time. In a political forum in the Plaza Quezon here in the city, Camarines Sur Representative Luis Villafuerte (3rd District) said he would only vote for the candidate who both had executive and legislative experience-obviously referring to Nacionalista Party standard bearer Senator Manuel "Manny" Villar.

Below is a statement from Jesuit Father Federico Lombardi, director of the Vatican press office, regarding the situation of sexual abuse of minors. The statement was published Friday by Vatican Radio. The debate concerning sexual abuse, and not only that committed by the clergy, continues with news items and comments of various kinds. How can we sail through these stormy waters while maintaining a secure course and responding to the evangelical motto 'Duc in altum' -- Put out into the deep?

TOKYO (UCAN) - "Happy Easter" seems an inadequate greeting. Insipid, even. Is mere happiness a sufficient response to the mystery of the Resurrection? Is a wish used for birthdays, public holidays and even haircuts overwhelming enough, unique enough, joyous enough to be given to our fellow Christians?