ROXAS CITY, Capiz (PIA) — The search is on for outstanding public servants here with heads of offices and public employees enjoined to actively participate by submitting nominations to the 2013 Search for Outstanding Public Officials and Employees of the Civil Service Commission, said Capiz CSC Director Maria Lina Gonzaga who said the awards form part of the CSC’s advocacy of promoting a culture of excellence and rewarding men and women for outstanding work performance, contribution and superior accomplishments and consistent exemplary ethical behavior in public service. The search covers three categories: Presidential Lingkod Bayan Award, Outstanding Public Official and Employee or the Dangal ng Bayan Award and the CSC Pagasa Award.

UGA FEST

ROXAS CITY, Capiz (PIA) — The recent 2nd “Uga Festival” drew participants and visitors on the shoreline of Brgy. Dumolog, this city. “Uga” is the local term for dried fish, the primary source of livelihood here. A highlight was the boodle fight involving dried fish-based dishes atop some 100 meters of banana leaves laid on long tables. Participants feasted on such dishes including grilled fish, enselada, monggo with malunggay, laing, kare-kare, valenciana, spaghetti and carbonara in the free-for-all, eat-all-you-can session.

SAVVY COMMUNICATORS

TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol (PIA) — Philippine Information Agency (PIA) regional director Minerva Newman challenged information officers from local government units and national government agencies to use digital and mobile technology now available in taking part in early communications warning systems in the event of disasters and disaster preparedness. Addressing Central Visayas information officers in the recent 20th Regional Association of Development Information Officers (RADIO) in Bohol, Newman urged them to learn how to read maps and decode relevant information imbedded in such information sources and know which areas are prone to disaster from maps to effectively communicate risks involved to specific communities.

IMMIGRATION OFFICE

TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte (PIA) — An immigration satellite office was opened last December 3 at the Ormoc City Hall to serve foreigners residing on Leyte’s western side and neighboring towns with their records relative to their permanent residence visa and pre arranged employment visa application. Opening such an immigration satellite office complies with the Bureau of Immigration (BI)’s memorandum Order No. RADJR-2012-024 which institutes an “Immigration Service Day” and the broadening of the delivery of immigration services to the countryside at the least expense to the Bureau.

CLASSES SUSPENDED

CEBU CITY, Cebu (PNA)— Classes in all levels in Cebu City and province remained suspended yesterday as classrooms may be needed as evacuation centers for typhoon Pablo victims and as cleanup operations start. Cebu Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia declared the suspension during the second meeting Tuesday of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council at the Capitol while Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama, who convened the Cebu City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, also suspended Wednesday classes until the weather improves, although work at Cebu City Hall resumed yesterday.