TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Philippines — The National Statistics Office (NSO), Leyte Provincial Office here reported that residential buildings registered an area cost of construction of R7,344 while the area cost of non-residential building was estimated at P6,232 per square meter during the third quarter of 2010.

Wilma A. Perante, NSO Leyte Provincial Statistics Officer, said a total of R171.1 million was recorded on the value of construction for residential building during the third quarter of 2010 with a floor area of 23.2 thousand square meters or an average cost per square meter of R7,344. (Nestor L. Abrematea)

Cebu moves to save old trees
NAGA, Cebu — Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia is set to meet mayors of two cities and a town and officials of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to discuss the issue about cutting off of centuries-old trees and destruction of heritage houses in the southern part of Cebu.

Garcia said her administration has been an advocate of preserving historical and heritage structures in the province, including centuries-old tree.

The proposal to cut off old trees and demolish historical houses made as part of the expansion of the south road. (Mars Mosqueda Jr.)

Give HIV patients medicines – D.O.H.
ILOILO CITY, Iloilo — The Center for Health Development-Department of Health (CHD-DOH 6) has warned hospitals and medical practitioners in Western Visayas that it is unlawful to deny medical treatment to anyone diagnosed with HIV/AIDS.

“Under Republic Act No. 8054, turning them away is unlawful,” said Dr. Marilyn Convocar, CHD-DOH 6 assistant regional director.

Atty. Marven Daquilanea, president of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP-Iloilo Chapter), said hospitals and doctors can be prosecuted for violating Article 7 of RA 8054 or the Philippine AIDS Prevention and Control Act of 1998. CHD-DOH 6 has recorded 125 cases of HIV/AIDS in Western Visayas. (Tara Yap)

Town gets P1M for good housekeeping
DUMAGUETE CITY, Negros Oriental (PIA) — Amlan, Negros Oriental received R1 million recently from the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) as Performance Challenge Funds (PCF) for good local government housekeeping.

DILG Provincial Director Jofralito Lorico said Amlan town is one of 15 fourth and sixth class municipalities in the country that received incentives and conferred with the Seal of Good Housekeeping.

Anti-drug mule drive welcomed
ROXAS CITY, Capiz (PIA) — The Capiz provincial government welcomed efforts of the Task Force Drug Courier for bringing the campaign to the province recently.

Villanueva acknowledged in particular the efforts of the Philippine Information Agency in organizing said event in partnership with the other agencies like the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency, Department of Foreign Affairs, Overseas Workers Welfare Administration and Philippine Overseas Employment Administration.