CEBU CITY, Cebu — Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma said some forms of corporal punishment are acceptable as long as it is done “out of love” to raise good children. Palma reacted to a Cebu City ordinance recently passed disallowing the punishment of children in a humiliating way, whether physically or verbally. He said giving punishment “out of love” is part of parents’ responsibility to raise their children” in grace,” although he did warn against “excessive form of punishing a child (which) can be dealt with under existing laws.” The ordinance bans dragging, pinching, beating, kicking, hitting, and slapping children with or without any instruments; it also prohibits making a child squat, stand or sit in an “uncomfortable way.” (Mars Q. Mosqueda, Jr.)

MALAYSIAN CONFERENCE

DUMAGUETE CITY, Negros Oriental (PIA) — Negros Oriental State University (NORSU) journalism and communications Prof. Joy G. Perez is one of 12 Philippine presenters in an annual media conference to be held July 11-14, 2012 in Shah Alam, Malaysia. Perez, who is also public information officer of the only state university in Negros Oriental, is likewise the only presenter chosen from the Visayas. She will present her paper titled, “Impact of Internet Use on Community Newspaper Journalists in the Philippines: Community Technology Model.” Said event will address problems and prospects emerging from new global developments for media practitioners and academics providing retrospective and introspective views on Asian media and communication.

'BARYO KOLEHIYO'

TALISAY CITY, Negros Occ. (PIA) — Talisay City Mayor Eric Saratan, city officials and parents recently pinned shoulder boards on 76 scholars of the “Kolehiyo sa Baryo” program, signifying their readiness to become seafarers, at the Talisay City public plaza. Kolehiyo sa Baryo is a flagship education program of the Talisay City government which poor but deserving youths living in far-flung barangays are given a chance to study seafaring-catering/stewarding course in partnership with West Negros University.

INMATES GIFTED 

CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar (PIA) — Catbalogan City Jail inmates were visited by local leaders last June 28 to cap off the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology’s Community Relations Service Month, themed “Serbisyo-Publikong Tapat, Nagmamalasakit at May Integridad, Tagumpay ng Bawat Komunidad.” City councilor Stephany Uy-Tan, with Sangguniang Kabataan chairpersons, WARAYA members and youth leaders, gave lunch packs, hygiene kits, and grocery items to 40 inmates. The visit was also a chance for  BJMP officials to convey to the city government their concerns and requests, and ensure the safety and security of the facility.

EYEING POLITICS

CEBU CITY, Cebu — Controversial talent manager Annabelle Rama who was here recently to file several libel cases against her detractors in show business said she expects to join political sorties beginning next week. Her first cousin, Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama, a Liberal Party member, has said Rama can run in the north district as she has a house in Brgy. Zapatera in that area. If she runs, Rama will most likely go against re-electionist Rep. Rachel Marguerite del Mar.