CEBU CITY, Cebu, Philippines (PNA) — A 12-member medical team from Cebu City’s Emergency Rescue Unit Foundation (ERUF) has flown to Japan to take part in the team formed by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC).

The ERUF medical team will join search and rescue operations in places devastated by last March 11’s 9 magnitude quake and the tsunami that followed. Cebu City Vice Mayor Joy Augustus Young said the ERUF personnel asked the City Government for R300,000 to buy specialized equipment.

Sibulan to get jetty pier
DUMAGUETE CITY, Negros Oriental (PNA) — Construction of a jetty pier beside the wharf in Sibulan, Negros Oriental will be undertaken by local businessman and shipping operator Dante Matiao after the Aomori Rapid Transport System Corporation agreed to grant him authority to complete the project and manage the jetty pier.

Sibulan Vice Mayor Antonio Renacia said such accord was first entered into by Cebu-based businessman Tony Oano of the Aomori Rapid Transport System Corporation, but the project failed to materialize.

Sikad for peace kicks off
TAGBILARAN, Bohol (PIA) — March 26 will be a big day for Bohol peace. On that day, cops will join civilians on bicycles in the Sikad alang sa Kalinaw ug Kalambo-an (Bike for Peace and Progress) to Sikatuna through Corella and back.

The event is in coordination with Bohol Tourism Office, Department of Education, Philippine National Police, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, the Red Cross, among others. On that day, too, marathoners and joggers including a Philippine Army contingent will go on a Run for Peace event.

New P.A. commander welcomed
TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte (PIA) — The Philippine Army’s (PA) 801st Brigade changed leadership in command ceremonial rites last March 12 at Camp Eugenio Daza in Hinabangan, Samar. Incoming Commander, Colonel Romeo Labrador assumed his new assignment relinquished by outgoing Commander Colonel Alexander Albano, who had been head of the Army Reserve Command.

Labrador, formerly 8ID Chief of Staff, belongs to the Philippine Military Academy Class of 1983. Albano served as 801st IB commander, leading the brigade’s Western and Eastern Samar operations for over two years.

V.P. graced Dumaguete forum
DUMAGUETE CITY, Negros Oriental (PIA) – Upon the invitation of Negros Oriental State University (NORSU) President Dr. Henry A. Sojor, Vice President Jejomar Binay is keynote speaker in a forum tackling poverty, food security and climate change issues at the Negros Oriental State University (NORSU) Main Campus.

Expected to accompany Vice President Binay is Sen. Miguel Zubiri who is expected to give his own inputs on said issues.

Other speakers in the forum are Dr. Gil Villancio of the University of the Philippines in Los Baños, Laguna, Silliman President Dr. Ben Malayang III, Dr. Juan Serana of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Metals Industry Research Development Director Engr. Francisco Dime, Department of Agriculture Undersecretary Joel Rudinas and former Negros Oriental Third District Rep. Herminio Teves.