ILOILO CITY, Iloilo (PNA) – The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has reported a still low compliance of 18 percent on helmet verification in Western Visayas despite numerous reminders sent to motorists. Ruby Melliza of the DTI Regional Office 6 said the agency has only verified helmets of 31,615 registered motorcycle riders out of 175,106 riders listed by the Land Transportation Office (LTO). "Verification ensures that the helmets are of quality, meets the required safety standard and stamped with the Import Commodity Clearance (ICC) sticker and the Philippine Standard Mark (PSM)," Melizza said. "

DSWD-6 BRIEFING

ILOILO CITY, Iloilo (PIA6) - The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office 6 recently gathered representatives from media outfits here to dialogue among themselves and among children representing various institutions in a forum on Social Media Ethics. The forum yielded a guide as to how media practitioners can become partners in promoting children’s rights and prevention of child delinquency. DSWD information officer May Castillo said media guidelines focus on children’s absolute right to privacy, and respect for his dignity at all times. Panelists include ABS-CBN’s Sikat ka Iloilo Director Claribelle Magno, GMA’s news anchor Gerthrode Tan-Mabilog, Iloilo City Task Force Internet Gaming, and Anti-Pornography Chief Ben Palma Jr. and National Bureau of Investigation officer Porfirio Fangco

SIGNATURE CAMPAIGN

SIQUIJOR (PIA) – The Integrated Provincial Health Office (IPHO) in Siquijor province is calling for support for the on-going one million signature campaign to support the Sin Tax Bill. IPHO Information Officer Pamela Dominguez said one can participate through signing a form at the office located beside the provincial hospital or through signing online by liking the sin tax bill page on Facebook. She said approval of this bill will help both government and the people through the generation of revenues for a universal health care program to improve access to quality health care.

HERO HONORED 

BORONGAN CITY, EASTERN SAMAR (PIA) – Boronganons recently honored another hero during the Filipino-American war in simple rites near the famous Hamorawon Spring, this city. Captain Andres Lobrio, who was represented by his heirs was given recognition for his gallantry in what was known as “Labanan sa Borongan.” Lobrio led the guerrillas who were armed with lowly bolos in a daring July 10, 1901 attack in Borongan against the Americans. A historical marker honoring guerillas was also installed in the site to remind local folks that their forefathers offered their lives over a century ago, to ensure freedom currently enjoyed by this generation.

MOA SIGNING 

TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte (PIA) – The Philippine National Police (PNP) Region 8 and Plan Philippines in the Visayas recently inked a memorandum of agreement at Hotel Alejandro in Tacloban City to strengthen their partnership for the protection of women and children in Eastern Visayas. The MOA was signed by Police Chief Superintendent Elmer Soria and Mr. Rodel Bontuyan, Visayan Manager of Plan Philippines during Plan’s Seminar for the Protection for Women and Children and the awarding of recognition to Plan’s partners in the Visayas.