Governor Alfredo Marañon Jr. said  Saturday that teaching is not only a noble profession but is vital in the country's quest for economic development, hence the need for quality education.

Quality education to the underprivileged  is the greatest social equalizer, he said.

 This is important as the country is now on  the threshold of economic growth, Marañon said, when  he paid tribute to teachers at  the celebration of the National Teachers' Month at the University of St. La Salle Coliseum.

Drivers of motorcycles locally called “habal-habal”will serve as tourist guides of local and foreign tourists visiting the destinations in Valencia town, Negros Oriental, a government press release said.

The “habal-habals” are used for public transportation in areas with narrow roads, steep and rough terrain.It can carry two or more passengers, or sometimes sacks of rice, big baskets of vegetables, groceries or poultry products.

Valencia tourism officer designate Elsie Dagoy said the use habal-habal drivers as tourist guides aims to boost the tourism potential of the town. She said most of Valencia’s attractions, like the Casaroro Falls, are located in areas difficult for other vehicles to reach