MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) has called on local government units (LGUs) to create a child-friendly society as it looks forward in celebrating National Children's Month next month.

DILG Secretary Jesse M. Robredo lauded Proclamation No. 267, describing the observance of National Children's Month as "recognition of Filipino children as the most valuable assets of the nation and their vital role in nation-building."

"The campaign is an enabling mechanism for the creation of a child-friendly society that is sensitive to the needs of the child, and where all sectors work to produce holistic and sustainable strategies that promote child rights," Robredo said. (Czarina Ong)

Code White

The Department of Health (DOH) yesterday declared a code white alert in all government hospitals and facilities in Metro Manila. Center for Health Development - Metro Manila (CHD-MM) Regional Director Eduardo Janairo ordered all government hospital workers to ensure the availability of emergency medicines and medical personnel in to care for emergency cases and injured persons due to typhoon 'Pedring'.

"All health facilities, hospitals, and offices in Metro Manila will be on Code White alert to provide assistance to residents who will be directly affected by typhoon. The CHD - Special Medical Action Response Team (S.M.A.R.T.) and the Regional Health Emergency Management Service in coordination with various local government units are on standby to provide further support,” Dr. Janairo said. (Jenny Manongdo)

Program Backed

The British government has thrown its support to a program in the Philippines aimed at building models of responsive and accountable governance to give women a genuine voice and greater power over matters that affect them.

The British Embassy in Manila is providing £29,550, or about P2 million, to support the project launched this week by non-governmental organization WeGovern (Working for Empowerment and Good Governance) Institute at the Valenzuela City Auditorium.

The training materials were unveiled during the launch. (Roy Mabasa)

Condemned

Malacañang yesterday condemned the burning of several passenger buses by suspected communist rebels as "an act of criminality" and directed security forces to run after the perpetrators. Presidential Spokesman Edwin Lacierda said the government does not tolerate the extortion activities of the rebels, especially if they resort to violence and hurt people.

"As always, we condemn these acts of criminality. While there is a peace process that is ongoing, we will not stop in our efforts to apprehend these perpetrators. (Genalyn Kabiling)

P.N.E.O.A. Rite

Sen. Vicente “Tito” Sotto III, president of the Philippine Narcotic Enforcement Officers Association (PNEOA), has reset the association’s historic Grand Launching and Awarding Ceremonies due to typhoon Pedring.

The venue will be announced later. Guests from various branches of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Dangerous Drugs Board, and those from the civilian sectors are expected to attend.

The PNEOA awardees are those who have exerted exceptional and outstanding heroism in the fight against drug abuse in order to save the future of the Filipino Youth. The various awards to be given are Individual Award, Unit/Team Awards, Agency Awards and Posthumous Awards. (RF)