CATARMAN, Northern Samar, Philippines (PIA) — The Northern Samar “Harampang” media group has celebrated last Monday World Press Freedom Day at the University of Eastern Philippines in Catarman, Northern Samar.

Activities included an open forum on Freedom of Information Bill/Campaign and a mass and candle lighting/reading of statement in honor of Leo Luna-Mila, a slain broadcast journalist at the UEP chapel.

Harampang Chair, Rachel Arnaiz said this year’s theme is “21st Century Media: New Frontiers, New Barriers.”

Last Monday’s event was an affirmation by the group of the fundamental principles of media freedom in the digital age and citizens’ right to voice opinions and gain access to diverse, independent information sources.

Mini-forests in Negros Oriental

DUMAGUETE CITY, Negros Oriental (PIA) — Negros Oriental is pushing for the creation of mini-forests in villages across the province to minimize effects of climate change.

Gov. Roel Degamo intends to implement a tree-growing project that will allow pockets of mini-forests to thrive in some 570 barangays here which will be given P10,000 each for the project.

“Each barangay will choose an area in their village that already has existing trees and foliage even as more trees will be planted there,” according to Capitol Information Officer Adrian Sedillo.

Farmers' Day in Capiz

ROXAS CITY, Capiz (PIA) — The Capiz provincial government has institutionalized celebrations marking “Farmers Day” as part of the province’s foundation anniversary activities every April.

“Farmers Day honors and gives recognition to our farmers who are our unsung heroes in terms of food production,” said Provincial Agriculturist Sylvia Dela Cruz.

The event has been institutionalized by Capiz Gov. Victor A. Tanco since he assumed office in 2007.This year’s gathering of farmers at the Villareal Stadium here was attended by 2,325 farmers provincewide.

CAOCAMPIO takes oath of office

CEBU CITY, Cebu (PIA) — The Cebu Association of City and Municipal Public Information Officers (CAOCAMPIO) had its induction and oath taking with Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama, who was recently appointed Regional Development Council (RDC)-7 Chair as inducting officer and guest speaker.

The CAOCAMPIO is composed of information officers from Cebu’s local government units pledged to promote good governance through the dissemination of relevant, accurate and timely public information.

Cebu City information officer Carlo Dugaduga is this year’s CAOCAMPIO president and Borbon town councilor Roy Melgo is the group’s vice president.

Home for the blind relocation

BACOLOD CITY, Negros Occ. (PIA)—The head of the Department of Social Welfare and Development in Bacolod City, Sally Abelarde said arrangements with the Bacolod Housing Authority has already been made for a relocation site where residents of the Home for the Blind can be transferred.

Said residents now number 72 from an original 34. The Jayme family has donated a one-hectare lot for the Home for the Blind and lately, the Bacolod City government has appropriated P150,000 for the institution.