CEBU CITY – Seeing the need to address common concerns on autism-related disorder, the Autism Society of the Philippines (ASP) , Cebu Chapter  will be conducting its first ever two- day regional conference which will take place in this city’s SM City trade hall.

Dubbed as “The Spinning Truth Behind the Disorder”   (We’re All in this Together: Teaming with Families and Professionals),” the event is slated this coming Oct. 23 and 24.

The conference is expected to provide participants different prospective in understanding the nature of autism and how it affects children. During the conference, speakers will provide guidance to parents as well as professionals on the proper management of those affected, including the families and the community.

The ASP hopes to gather some 500 individuals for the event as it gears to allow the public understand people suffering from such disorder. (Phoebe Jen Indino)

Dumaguete City Opens Info Board

DUMAGUETE CITY (PNA) – Residents in this city may now send feedback, suggestions and queries to their local government with just a few clicks on their Talk ‘N Text mobile phones.

This is made possible by the Talk ‘N Text-powered Infoboard that will connect Dumaguete citizens with their Mayor’s Office, anytime, anywhere.

Leading wireless provider, Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) has partnered with the local government of Dumaguete City to launch the Dumaguete Infoboard--a two-way web-based information system that allows communities and organizations to send and receive real-time announcements via SMS broadcasts.

Affordable and easy to use, it is the preferred feedback mechanism for organizations and communities like LGUs, schools and service providers all over the Philippines.

Dungog Festival is Top Tourism Event

ROXAS CITY (PIA) – The Association of Tourism Officers of the Philippines (ATOP) adjudged the Dungog: Indigenous People’s Festival as Best Tourism Event in the Philippines in the provincial level for Culture and Arts category during its 11th national convention last Oct. 3 to 6 at Subic Freeport Zone.

The association has also cited the Capiz provincial government for hosting the festival that has attracted international and domestic tourists.

The festival gathered more than 100 ethno-linguistic groups nationwide to deepen awareness, understanding and appreciation of the diversity of Filipino culture and other communities, recognize the expertise and works of cultural community masters and provide venue for advocacy to preserve and integrate traditional culture and its various creative expressions as a dynamic part of the national mainstream.

Brownouts Persist in Negros Oriental

DUMAGUETE CITY (PNA) – Rotating brownouts seemed to have become a daily staple now in Negros Oriental as the National Grid Corp. of the Philippines (NGCP)-Visayas grid announced again on Thursday that it was experiencing a 250 megawatts (MW) deficit, thus prompting manual load shedding.

The Negros Oriental Electric Cooperative II (NORECO II), through its Membership Affairs and Promotions Section head, Beverly Gonzales, said the NGCP has required them to load shed 17 MW Thursday. The requirement for load shedding in NORECO I was not immediately available though.