BACOLOD CITY, Negros Occ., Philippines (PIA) — Bacolod City has topped this year’s regional search for the Most Child-Friendly City and is now vying for the national award. The city has consistently been a winner in the regional selection, has been included in the national level for several years and is now aiming for the national Presidential Award for Most Child Friendly (Urbanized) City representing Western Visayas. Bacolod Mayor Evelio Leonardia and Vice-Mayor Jude Thaddeus Sayson will lead a contingent which will attend the national awarding ceremonies of the 2011 Presidential Award for Child Friendly Municipalities and Cities early afternoon of October 27, 2011 in Malacañang.

Icons' visit

NAVAL, Biliran (PIA) — A recent visit by pilgrim images of Sr. Santo Niño de Cebu and St. Therese of the Child Jesus to Naval in Biliran province and Calubian, Leyte gladdened devotees of both holy icons. Rev. Fr. Tito Soquiño, Chairman of the Sto. Nino de Cebu Augustinian Social Development Foundation told those present during the pilgrim images’ visit of the Naval State University that as man dominates the world, he has a responsibility to preserve and protect the environment for existing and future generations to enjoy. “People in the present generation must help protect our environment for succeeding generations so that man is able to enjoy God’s creation,” he said.

Breastfeeding confab

ILOILO CITY, Iloilo (PIA) — “No water, no boiled rice water and other liquid, no infant formula or food, only breast milk for six months babies” is the Department of Health (DoH)’s message to pregnant women, midwives and health personnel in Iloilo province during a DoH forum on breastfeeding here recently. DoH 6 Regional Nutritionist Marilyn Tumilba said breast milk has all the water and nutrients that a baby needs during the baby’s first six months. Dr. Anthony Redaniel, Millennium Development Goal fund Coordinator of the National Nutrition Council also said breast milk is the perfect food for infants as it contains specific nutrients required for growth and development.

Cooperative day

SILAY CITY, Negros Occ. (PIA) — Silay City and Negros Occidental province will host the 32nd Provincial Cooperative Day and 2nd Provincial Teamshop at the Natalio G. Velez Sports and Cultural Center (NGVSCC) in Silay City this Saturday, October 29, 2011. Over 2,000 delegates are expected to attend the assembly with the theme “Negros Cooperative in Solidarity with the Provincial Governor’s NEGROS FIRST Agenda.” There will be a 6 a.m. Thanksgiving Mass at the San Diego Pro-Cathedral and lighting of the Cooperative Solidarity at 9 a.m. by nine district representatives at the NGVSCC to signal the program start.

Children's rights

CEBU CITY, Cebu (PIA) — Children's rights stakeholders recently signed a “Social Accord: Pledge of Support in Eliminating the Worst Forms of Child Labor” in observance of Children’s Month held every October. Signatories included local chief executives, congressmen, government heads, and representatives of non-government organizations and private and religious groups. An International Labor Organization (ILO) report said most working children in the country are found in Northern Mindanao while Eastern Visayas has the second highest number of child laborers. Cebu, meanwhile, was reported as a major transshipment point for trafficked children and women.