ROXAS CITY, Philippines (PIA) – This year’s December 3 to 8 has been declared as “Sinadya sa Halaran” (SSH) Festival Week by the Roxas City Council in a unanimously approved resolution during its regular session on November 9.

SSH loosely translated as "joyful in offering/sharing" is a jovial celebration of thanksgiving and sharing of these blessings that took forms in programs and activities.

It culminates on December 8 – feast day of this city’s Patroness, Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception. The upcoming fiesta also coincides with the 303rd anniversary of the parish here.

The resolution is also strongly encouraging city-based business establishments, banks, public and private schools at all levels, and all Capiceños to get involved and participate in the week-long festivities.

"The observance of non-working days specifically on SSH opening day, December 3 and highlight on December 8 for all business establishments, banks and educational institutions would give opportunity for all to play a part and guarantee a successful, productive and meaningful fiesta," said part of the Council's Resolution No. 123?2010.

Region Heads Push Good Governance

CEBU CITY, Philippines – With the recent success of the first anti-corruption concert dubbed “Hagit… Siyagit,” government executives from the different regions in the Visayas have joined hands to make a bolder stand against corruption.

“Hagit… Siyagit” is a joint effort of the Visayas Executives Council of Leaders (VECL), Visayas Resident Ombudsman Council of Leaders, and the Office of the Ombudsman Visayas (OOV).

The partnership staged an anti-corruption movement which was attended by different government officials and employees from Regions 6, 7, and 8 along with students, teachers, and concerned citizens.

According to Pelayo Apostol, deputy ombudsman for the Visayas, the anti-corruption concert served as a common venue to send the message of integrity and peace in the government service as it encourages everybody to do their share.

Apostol, who was one of the performers during the concert, disclosed that the event was a huge success with government executives themselves performing and doing talks on how to address the problem on corruption.  (Phoebe Jen Indino)

Villages to Hold Yuletide Contest

ILOILO CITY, Philippines (PNA) – At least nine Gawad Kalinga (GK) villages will be spruced up for the Christmas Season with the holding of the 1st Iloilo Gawad Kalinga (GK) Mabuhay Design Contest.

The contest aims to promote the 5K values of GK Mabuhay, namely: Kagandahan, Kayamanan, Kapamilya, Kasiyahan, and Karangalan; promote GK awareness for all; and to intensify unity among “kapitbahayans” (neighborhood). The contest organizers held their initial meeting on November 8 in the presence of provincial First Lady Cosette R. Defensor.

The contest involves the making of a Christmas tree to be displayed in the prominent area of the respective GK villages. Design and display area should not be smaller than 6x6 feet but not bigger than 10x10 feet.

The display must be wholesome and highly theme related and the use of indigenous materials is highly recommended. Each participating GK village will receive monetary assistance for the materials coming from the First Lady’s Initiative Fund. All designs must be done by December 16 which will also be the start of the judging proper.