BAYBAY CITY, Leyte, Philippines — Baybay City Mayor Carmen Cari recently said she supports the move to amend Republic Act No. 9344 or the 2006 Juvenile Justice Welfare Act because of the increasing number of youths involved in criminal activities.

She is taking issue with the provision which declares 15-year-old minors as not criminally liable for crimes because “minors are involved in various crimes in this city but law enforcers have no choice but to let them go because of the law.” Cari also cited observations that minors are being used by criminal elements in Baybay to do their illegal activities for them “because if they’re caught, they’re just released and that’s it.” (Restituto A. Cayubit)

Technopreneurship program

ILOILO CITY, Iloilo (PIA) — The Iloilo City government and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) recently launched the TESDA Specialista Technopreneurship Program (TSTP) for the city residents.
TESDA-6 Director Florencio Sunico said through the program, communities can avail of high quality and affordable house maintenance and appliance service by certified Specialistas.

TESDA offered free training for qualified residents in partnership with the Technical Institute of Iloilo City, a technical vocational education school run by the city and by the Professional Electronics Institute, Inc.

Antique projects

SAN JOSE, Antique (PIA) — Kapit Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan – Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (KALAHI-CIDSS) has appropriated P113,850,000 worth of development projects for Antique province.
KALAHI-CIDSS Region 6 Coordinator Sharon T. Tusalem, during the Provincial Advisory Committee Meeting last Friday said the program will commence in 2012 with local government unit (LGU) counterpart.

The municipalities of Anini-y, Culasi, Caluya, San Remigio, Valderrama, Laua-an, Pandan and Bugasong are covered. Governor Exequiel B. Javier said priorities will be on education, health, infrastructure, and livelihood projects.

FDA warning

TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte (PIA) — The Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) in Eastern Visayas is warning consumers to be careful on toys and other holiday gifts they buy this Christmas Season.

Dr. Susan Cabahit of the FDA said the agency and environmental watchdog organizations have found toxic chemicals in children’s products like toys, cosmetics, school supplies and other give-aways that they tested.

She advised the public to read labels indicating the toys they buy is non-toxic. Lack of labels should be a warning for buyers not to purchase the item, she said.

UNICEF concert

CEBU CITY, Cebu (PIA) — The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), in cooperation with Ayala Center Cebu and Cebu Parklane International Hotel, held a free concert entitled, “I Move Stop” featuring Kitchie Nadal at The Terraces, Ayala Center Cebu last Nov. 25.

The concert’s theme, “End Cyber Human Trafficking, Make Justice Happen” was aimed at raising awareness and encourage local mechanisms in preventing and protecting children against child trafficking. It was also intended to advocate holistic recovery and reintegration of child victims of trafficking.