The Senate Committee on Education, Arts, and Culture is set to tackle today the House-approved bill seeking the conversion of the Western Visayas College of Science and Technology (WVCST) into a state university. This was disclosed by Iloilo Rep. Jerry Treñas, who authored House Bill 4432, which renames WVCST as the Iloilo State University. “The time is ripe to convert the WVCST into State University, considering the institution’s invaluable contributions to the socio-economic development of Western Visayas,” the Visayan lawmaker, chairman of the House committee on good government and public accountability, said. (Charissa M. Luci)

INSURGENCY-FREE

CAMP LUKBAN, Catbalogan City — At least three towns in the province of Eastern Samar were recently declared as Manageable Conflict-Affected and Development-Ready Areas (MCA – DRA) by the Local Government Units, 8th Infantry (Stormtroopers) Division, Philippine Army and the Philippine National Police (PNP) during a simple ceremony here. The municipalities of Taft, Maydolong, and Balangkayan are now considered insurgent-free by virtue of the joint resolutions passed by the concerned Local Chief Executives, Commander 802nd Infantry Brigade, 8ID and Local PNP Chiefs last September and early this month. (Phoebe Jen Indino)

CHILDREN’S MONTH

BACOLOD CITY — The 114 day care centers in Bacolod City under the supervision of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) are celebrating the 20th National Children’s Month with activities like cultural presentations, poster-making contests, and field trips. DSWD City Officer Sally Abelarde said this year’s theme is “Bright Child ay Siguraduhin, Responsableng Pamamahayag ay Palaganapin.” Vice Mayor Jude Thaddeus Sayson and Councilor Em Ang were guests of honor at the programs held yesterday at JR Torres Elementary School, Barangay Singcang-Airport. (Edith Colmo)

SURE WINNERS

TACLOBAN CITY — A congressional seat and the gubernatorial post in the province of Leyte are virtually decided in next year’s elections as the Commission on Elections (Comelec) confirmed yesterday that those who filed their candidacies for the elective positions are running unopposed. The Comelec said the candidate for governor of Leyte, Leopoldo Dominic Petilla, and the bet for congressman in Leyte’s 1st District, incumbent Representative Ferdinand Martin Romualdez, have no opponents. Petilla is a brother of incumbent and outgoing Leyte Governor Carlos Jericho Petilla who was expected to run against Congressman Romualdez but did not file his certificate of candidacy. (Restituto A. Cayubit)

ILOILO C.O.C. WEEK PEACEFUL – COMELEC

ILOILO CITY — The filing of certificates of candidacy (COCs) for Iloilo provincial candidates was generally peaceful, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) reported yesterday. City Comelec Chief Elizabeth Doronila said one closely watched race is for governor between the incumbent, Gov. Arthur Defensor Sr. of the Liberal Party (LP), and Iloilo 4th District Representative Ferjenel Biron of the United Nationalist Alliance (UNA). Equally compelling is the race for vice governor between Raul Tupas of the LP and former Iloilo Vice Governor Rolex Suplico of UNA. (Tara Yap)