SAN JOSE, Antique (PIA) — The Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) will hold A Pre-Employment Orientation Programme: Trainor’s Training and orientation seminar on the Campaign against Illegal Recruitment, Trafficking in Persons and Irregular Migration (CAIRTIM), May 23 to 24 at the Antique Youth and Migrant Center, AID Center, New Capitol Annex in San Jose, Antique.  Available data shows that Antique has a total of 10,733 Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) with 6,296 working in land and 4,437 working in seas. Representatives from the academe, faith-based groups and non-government organizations and social institutions like the church, media and the community in the province will participate in the training.

Migratory Birds

CEBU CITY, Cebu (PIA) — The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in Central Visayas held a series of awareness campaign last May 12-13 to mark World Migratory Birds Day (WMBD).The campaign included lectures, bird watching, public discussions and other educational and public events. This year’s theme “Migratory birds and people – together through time,” highlights the need to protect migratory birds and their habitats. DENR-7 regional executive director Maximo Dichoso said migratory birds are important to achieve a balanced and healthy ecosystem. Initiated in 2006, the WMBD is observed in various countries every second weekend in May.

Candlelight Memorial

ROXAS CITY, Capiz (PIA) — A sundown prayer and candle- lighting at the public plaza here on May 25 marks this year’s International AIDS Candlelight Memorial in Roxas City intended to strengthen calls for effective responses to halt further spread of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) and remember those who died of the disease. The activity will kick off with a motorcade from the Roxas City Health Office (CHO) to the plaza for the program. Started in 1983, the Day is considered the world’s oldest and largest grassroots campaigns for awareness of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), which causes the AIDS disease.

Abaca Disease

TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte (PIA) — The Fiber Industry Development Authority (FIDA) in Eastern Visayas has reported on its management of the abaca industry in the region particularly on abaca disease management. FIDA project director for abaca disease management Danilo Ocayo belied reports that the abaca industry in Leyte and Southern Leyte is dying. “The bunchy top, tract mosaic, and abaca mosaic diseases attacking the abaca industry in said provinces are being contained by the agency,” he said.

Calbayog Celebration

CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar (PIA) — Calbayog City’s Agriculturist Office will honor farmers and fisher folks in celebrating Farmer and Fisherfolks Month this May. The celebration was kicked off with a motorcade around the city last Monday. City agriculturist Adela Ocenas said there will also be a "Farmers Congress" to which the city government has invited Department of Agriculture’s Regional Executive Director Antonio Gerundio and other DA supporters to address concerns of agriculture workers.