TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Philippines (PIA) – Lights shall be switched off at all offices of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in Region 8 from 8:30 to 9:30 p.m. on March 26 in support of the global observance of Earth Hour this year, DENR Regional Executive Director Primitivo C. Galinato, Jr. said.

“This simple act is in support of the global initiative to mitigate climate change,” said Galinato who has directed all DENR 8 field offices to shut off power lines on this particular hour and day as a show of support and commitment to mitigate climate change.

Centro opens in Guiuan
BORONGAN, Eastern Samar (PIA) – The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has opened a Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) Sub-office, headed by Moises de la Cruz in Guiuan town recently to oversee the Guiuan Marine Reserve Protected Landscape and Seascape near the Integrated Guiuan Transport Terminal.

Protected areas are identified portions of land and water set aside because of their unique physical and biological significance, managed to enhance biological diversity and protected against destructive human exploitation. The Guiuan Marine Reserve is found in the list of the National Protected Area System (NIPAS) declared as Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) in the Philippines.

S.M.E.S avails of DOST program
SIQUIJOR (PIA) – At least three small and medium enterprises (SMES) in Siquijor have availed of the Manufacturing Productivity Extension Program (MPEX) of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) this year.

Tating’s Creamier Ice Cream of San Juan town; Eimar’s General Merchandise for Assorted Metal Products of Siquijor town; and Basac Women’s Association for Squash Noodle processing in Larena town are the DOST’s prospects for this year’s Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP) funding for production equipment aimed to help their productivity efforts.

A MPEX briefing was given the SMEs, including on-site

G.S.I.S. meets with Biliran Communications
NAVAL, Biliran (PIA) – Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) officials in Eastern Visayas led by GSIS Regional Manager Ma. Vilma L. Fuentes will meet with with Biliran communicators in a forum at the Governor’s Hall this Thursday, March 24.

The forum will take up such topics as strengthening of linkages with regional and provincial communicators to help GSIS in the Region 8 disseminate information regarding important announcements such as new policies of GSIS to members and pensioners.

Manggahan set for April
JORDAN, Guimaras (PNA) – The 2011 Manggahan Festival organizer promises a unique and meaningful celebration this year.

The festival is slated in April.

Manggahan Foundation Inc. president Henry Babiera said the festival will not entail much expense because it will be making use of the province’s “simple and common resources.”

Babiera has advised working committees to make use of indigenous resources for a more realistic festival celebration.