BINAY LEAVES FOR ABU DHABI ENERGY SUMMIT
Vice President Jejomar Binay left on Sunday for Abu Dhabi to attend the Sixth World Future Energy Summit that will start on January 15, a yearly event dedicated to advancing future energy, energy efficiency and clean technologies.

Aside from the Energy Summit, the Vice President would also be attending the First International Water Summit and the Fifth Zayed Future Energy Prize Awarding Ceremony. The three events are part of the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week, hosted by the Abu Dhabi Future Energy Co., under the patronage of Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi. BENJIE L. VERGARA

QC STEPS UP BOOK READING PROGRAM
The Quezon City Public Library has welcomed the New Year with an out-of-routine program to attract more students and readers by promoting the content of reading materials and by rearranging displayed references to show transformation inside the book-surrounded corner. As the year starts, some 50 public elementary librarians and 50 city branch librarians in Quezon attended the storytelling seminar conducted by the public library on January 04, 2013 to develop their storytelling skills—one of the tools that the office is using to increase the number of library goers. JING VILLAMENTE

TESDA SETS INCENTIVES FOR PARTICPATING BUSINESSES
Business establishments that will open their doors to technical vocational education and training (TVET) students and trainees under the dual training system (DTS) of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (Tesda) will enjoy tax breaks and other incentives. The tax incentives, which were detailed in a new circular released by the agency, aim to encourage greater private sector participation in the DTS that gives the trainees the hands-on experience in the workplace. “We would like the TVET students to gain actual workplace experience and at the same time help employers in the skills development of their prospective workers,” Secretary Joel Villanueva, Tesda director general, said. FRANCIS EARL A. CUETO