Tagbilaran City (PIA) – A dozen more Bohol towns are in the list of Government’s Social Subsidy Program with residents from Alicia, Bien Unido, Buenavista, Carmen, Carlos P.Garcia, Dagohy, Getafe, Inabanga, Mabini, Pilar, Trinidad and Ubay join Danao, getting in the provincial list of soon-to-be beneficiaries of said Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps). The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in Region 7 estimates that some 8,600 beneficiaries from aforesaid are up for revalidation prior to being officially enrolled in the 4Ps this month. The DSWD has asked local chief executives from aforementioned towns to assist them in reaching out to identified households for registration. Failure to do so would mean potential beneficiaries’ forfeiting of opportunities under the 4Ps since Government has declared a no-replacement, no add-on to the program, the DSWD said.

NEW S.N.C.D.M.C. OFFICERS SWORN IN

Negros Occidental (PIA) -- New officers of the Southern Negros Coastal Development Management Council (SNCDMC) led by Hinoba-an Mayor Teresa L. Bilbao as chairman were sworn into office recently. Gov. Alfredo G. Marañon, Jr. administered the oath of office during a quarterly council meeting held in Bacolod City. Other officers are Mayor Oscar C. Montilla, Jr. of Sipalay City and Cauayan Mayor John Rey D. Tabujara as co-chairpersons. The activity was attended by council members in 32 coastal barangays of the municipalities of Hinoba-an, Cauayan and Sipalay City. The Provincial Environment Management Resources (PEMO) serves as the council's secretariat. Marañon urged council members to protect and take care of the natural resources of the province, as, he said, “it will create livelihood opportunities and sustainable employment for residents of the areas covered.” Former Sipalay City Mayor Soledad Montilla, past SNCDMC chair, who has served the council for many years, was also given tribute by the group.

CAPIZ TOWN TO GET BIRTHING CLINIC

Roxas City (PIA) -- A birthing clinic will be launched at the Rural Health Unit (RHU) of Mambusao, Capiz on September 4 to formally provide quality and affordable maternal health care services to town residents. The health facility will be capable of providing medical needs and ensuring safe delivery of pregnant women, said Mambusao Municipal Health Officer, Dr. Dorothy Navarra. Provincial Health Office (PHO) records show that birthing clinics were established at 16 rural health units (RHU) and 43 barangay health stations (BHS) put up by the Roxas City Health Office since 2004. However, some of these clinics were temporarily closed down for repair and expansion to better serve clients. Dr. Raoul A. Bermejo, Medical Specialist II of the Provincial Health Office in Capiz said additional birthing facilities will be established in the various BHSs before the end of 2010 to address the problem of maternal deaths in the province. The facilities will be complemented with the on-going organization and orientation of community health teams throughout the province to lessen maternal and infant deaths in the province. In 2009, PHO records show that there were 115 maternal deaths for every 100,000 live births, while for every 1,000 live births there were ten infant deaths.