NEGROS OCCIDENTAL (PIA6) — The Philippine Biodiversity Conservation Foundation, Inc. (PBCFI) Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Department of Education, West Visayas State University, University of St. La Salle-Bacolod and other academic partners conducted a three-day workshop last Oct. 23-25 with sectoral representatives who will develop digital supplementary teaching aids on biodiversity. “This is a pilot test in the region. This workshop was held to help come up with a module facilitating creation of teaching aids like posters, powerpoint presentations and flip charts for schools,” Dr. Lisa Marie Paguntalan, PBCFI director for Field Operation said.

P.C.G. ACTION

ILOILO CITY, Iloilo (PNA) — The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) suspended all sea travel in Western Visayas yesterday due to Typhoon Signal No. 2. PCG Western Visayas Commander Athelo Ybanez said operations of motorized bancas plying Iloilo to Guimaras and all other ports in the region were stopped. The suspension order also covered passenger ships and roll-on-roll-off vessels that have ports of origin and destinations under Typhoon Signal No.2.

POLICY REITERATED

DUMAGUETE CITY,  Negros Oriental (PNA) — Provincial police director Sr. Supt. Edward Carranza has reiterated a warning to Negros Oriental police chiefs that the Philippine National Police (PNP)’s “one strike policy” is strictly in force. In a command conference last Sunday, SPO1 Edilberto Euraoba III, PNP provincial office Information Officer said Carranza gave the order “to activate intensified campaign against all forms of illegal activities in the province with emphasis on illegal gambling, loose firearms and illegal drugs.” Euraoba also said Carranza reminded that “under the expanded One-Strike Policy, a chief of police faces relief from post if higher or separate PNP unit is able to confirm the existence of illegal gambling, illegal logging, illegal drugs and wanted persons in his area of jurisdiction through positive results of police operations or arrests of suspects.”

A.I.D.S. CONGRESS

ROXAS CITY, Capiz (PIA) — Capiz health officials along with a private organization are set for the 5th Western Visayas AIDS Congress to be held here October 29. Provincial Health Office Medical Specialist Evelyn Bolido said the province is now ready to host this year’s big event which will gather 200 participants from various provinces in the region. The event will have Department of Health Assistant Secretary Pauline Jean Ubial as keynote speaker for the gathering of health workers and People Living with HIV (PLHIV) here. The congress shall scale up strategies on HIV prevention, treatment, care and support through local partnerships and community mobilization to provide quality HIV/AIDS services in Western Visayas, Bolido said.

'LAKBAY ALALAY'

CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar (PIA) — The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) -Samar I is set to activate the “Lakbay Alalay” skeletal workforce to ensure help is available to motorists during All Saints' Day and All Souls' Day locally known as “Undas.” A composite team in the district in partnership with other government entities will provide assistance on normal and emergency situations to motorists along the National Road during this period. The same office will also install motorist assistance centers in conspicuous places of the National Road.