MANDAUE CITY, Cebu (PIA) — Cebu local government unit (LGU) officials pledged to help ensure safety and readiness of their respective areas in natural calamities through the implementation of disaster preparedness and climate change adaptation programs. The commitment was expressed during the recent “Tapatan Roadshow on Disaster Preparedness and Climate Change Adaptation: A Call to Action” organized by the Department of the Interior and Local Government at the Cebu International Convention Center in Mandaue City. Mandaue City Mayor Jonas Cortes urged unity in coping with the threat of disaster and climate change.

MOVE ON

KALIBO, Aklan (PNA) — Aklan Gov. Carlito Marquez last Wednesday said that with the impeachment trial of Chief Justice Renato Corona over, it is now time to all government workers to return to work, and move on to continue with the work of rendering public service to the people. “Things should now return to normal and government workers should focus on working for the public good,” Marquez said, even as he stressed that the result of the trial showed that “there is really a need for government officials and employees to practice transparency and help curb graft and corruption in the country.”

CONVICTION LAUDED

ILOILO CITY, Iloilo (PNA) — The Save the Iloilo River Environmental Network, a composite of various progressive groups in Iloilo, lauded the decision of senator-judges ousting former Supreme Court Chief Justice Renato Corona from his position in a 20-3 vote on Tuesday.  Network convenor Jerry Porquia said the Senate has proven that indeed Corona has lied aside from his questionable Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Net worth (SALN). He also stressed that Corona is a staunch follower of former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo. “He is a symbol of injustice during the time of Arroyo,” said Porquia, hoping that Corona’s ouster from the Supreme Court “would be the start of ridding government of corrupt officials.”

NUTRITION COMMITTEES 

DUMAGUETE CITY, Negros Oriental (PIA) — A Cebu City regional evaluation team is seeking the mobilization of nutrition committees in Negros Oriental towns. The team, which carried out a five-day evaluation on the efficiency and effectiveness of nutrition-related programs implemented at the local level, noted in their findings the need to reactivate the nutrition committee in some towns in the province. The evaluation was conducted May 21-24 in Mabinay, Manjuyod, Vallehermoso, Zamboanguita, and Siaton towns.

EDUCATION SUMMIT

MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte (PIA) — The Department of Education (DepEd)-Maasin City Division will hold its annual Education Summit on June 1, tapping internal and external stakeholders in the city and province. Said summit set at Panan-awan Barangay Gymnasium, this city, bears the theme, “Strengthening Basic Quality Education via K to 12,” and is aimed at discussing the K to 12 education program with local stakeholders considered as “our partners in its implementation this school year," said DepEd-Maasin City Division Officer-in-charge he implementation of the same starting this school year 2012-2013,” Assistant Schools Division Superintendent Genis S. Murallos.