ILOILO CITY, Iloilo (PNA) — Fourteen high school students from poor families in this city are vying for the title "Huwaran nga Anak", an annual activity spearheaded by the Iloilo City Task Force on Street Children (ICTFSC) of the city government.The candidates are honor students of their respective high school classes, who made indigence their inspiration to excel and aspire that their families be freed from the quagmire of poverty in the future. The ICTFSC chaired by Rosalie Treñas in pushing for the activity sought to instill the importance of education and recognize the vital contribution of children to their respective communities. The “Huwaran nga Anak” awardee gets P10,000 cash prize.

D.A.R. VISIT

DUMAGUETE CITY, Negros Oriental (PIA) — Department of Agrarian of Reform (DAR) Secretary Virgilio De Los Reyes visited Negros Oriental last week for a one-day activity with local government units (LGUs) of Bayawan and Canlaon cities. He signed a Memorandum of Partnership Agreement with Bayawan City Mayor Rene Gaudiel for a survey of subdivisions in government-owned lands to help improve tax collection.  He was also present at the inauguration of the cooperative village level-processing center of Rama Rodriguez (Ramrod) Multipurpose Cooperative in Canlaon City. The cooperative, which produces carrot and peanut cookies, peanut butter, carrot juice and turmeric powder, is managed by DAR farmer beneficiaries.

CONTEST RELAUNCHED

TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte (PIA) — The Department of Environmental and Natural Resources’ Environment Management Bureau in Eastern Visayas will again launch its program that aims to encourage schools and academic institutions to become more involved in environmental promotion. The program, to be relaunched via a contest among schools entitled “2013 National Search for Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Schools” is a joint activity of the DENR through the EMB, the Department of Education (DepEd), the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and Smart Communications. For the 2013 search, entries should be on the theme, “Sustainable and Eco-friendly Initiatives.”

CONCEPT PAPER

KALIBO, Aklan (PNA) — The Kalibo Save the Mangrove (KASAMA) will present a concept paper in a summit at the Mandarin Hotel in Manila Nov. 23-24. KASAMA president and former Congressman Atty. Allen Quimpo said the paper will be part of the group’s presentation for the Watershed Alliances for Panay and Guimaras. "This high level, strategic forum includes the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and the academe. KASAMA looks at opportunities on how we can advance our advocacy and belief,” said Quimpo.

P.A. ADVICE

SIBALOM, Antique (PNA) — Philippine Army (PA) commander Col. Arnold Quiapo of the 301st Infantry Brigade is advising political candidates not to give campaign tax to New People’s Army (NPA) cadres soliciting such from them. He said a number of politicians in Panay island, which the brigade covers have received feelers about the matter from the NPA. He said not only does the NPA solicit campaign tax but also asks money for permits for political candidate to campaign in areas where the rebels have a presence.