ILOILO CITY, Iloilo, Philippines (PIA) – A modern member’s identification card incorporating the new system of three other agencies, will soon be available to Social Security System (SSS) members. The new Unified Multipurpose Identification System (UMID) cards will be given free to members starting this month.

Other agencies in said UMID system are Government Service Insurance System, Home Development Mutual Fund (Pag-ibig) and the Philippine Health Insurance System. The card will be used to withdraw SSS benefits and loan proceeds from automated teller machines.

Enough rice in Capiz-NFA

ROXAS CITY, Capiz (PIA) – National Food Authority Information Officer Rose Andalecio said Capiz has a total of 655,569 bags of rice to last 102 days based on an estimated 6,400 bags daily consumption in the province.

Of total stocks, 286,115 bags are with the NFA in government warehouses in the province; 71,850 bags with millers; 40,800 bags with wholesalers; and 32,665 bags with retailers.

The remaining 224,139 bags are with households, Andalecio said. Earlier, NFA-Capiz initiated an open sale of its local rice to accredited grains retailers, including different government agencies, to intensify rice distribution and prevent stocks deterioration.

Kalahi-CIDSS in Bohol, Siquijor

CEBU CITY, Cebu (PIA) – The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)’s KALAHI-CIDSS (Kapit Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan-Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services) launched the “Makamasang Tugon” program, in Bohol and Siquijor last July 14 and 15, respectively.

The twin program implemented by the DSWD is one of government’s strategies in reducing poverty in the country. The project launch in Bohol and Siquijor highlighted the Awarding of Notice to Proceed and the Commitment Signing Ceremony.

LTO dry-runs Pasada cards

TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte (PIA) – The Land Transportation Office (LTO) in Region 8 conducted a dry run on Tacloban City gas stations honoring Pantawid Pasada cards for jeepney operators and drivers. The dry run began 11 a.a. at the Petron Hi-Q gas station along Avenida Veteranos and Rizal Avenue Extension.

Jeepney operators were invited to see how the card is used. As of July 22, six liquid petroleum outlets or gas stations in Eastern Visayas have agreed to honor said cards under the Public Transport Assistance Program (PTAP). Issuance of said cards is under Executive Order No. 32 aimed at cushioning the impact of fuel price increases on jeepney drivers.

Ronda folks help green Cebu

CEBU (PIA) – Ronda, Cebu residents joined an early morning run and planted native tree species as part of recent Run 2 Plant 4 GREENIN Philippines in support of government’s National Greening Program.

Ronda Mayor Mariano Blanco III, municipal officials and employees, teachers, parents, students, and volunteer-professionals, in green shirts, gathered at the town hall at 5 A.M. and ran to the planting site in Barangay Butong to plant some 3,200 native tree species and fruit tree seedlings.