ROXAS CITY, Capiz (PIA) - The Media and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) yesterday started its forum series dubbed “Para sa Matalinong Panonood ng Pamilya Nina Juan at Juana,” led by MTRCB Executive Director lawyer Victoriano Muring Jr. at the Colegio de la Purisima Concepcion and Filamer Christian University. The same forum which aims to raise public awareness on the MTRCB’s revised classification rating for movies will also be conducted at the Capiz State University’s Mambusao campus.

PENSION HIKED 

SAN JOSE, Antique (PIA) - The monthly pension of Government Service Insurance System (GSIS)-covered pensioners or retirees have been starting this month. GSIS Antique Branch Head Leo Frigillano said minimum monthly benefits for old-age and disability pensioners is already R5,000.  “Those receiving below R5,000 last year will receive the new minimum amount starting this month while those receiving more than R5,000 but less than R8,000 a month will enjoy an adjustment of R200 every month,” explained Frigillano. Pensioner Rolando Mabaquiao, 72, who receives R3,000 a month is happy to receive his R5,000 pension, saying, “an additional R2,000 can help a lot to augment the family budget for food and other daily expenses.”

ELECTORAL BETS

DUMAGUETE CITY, NEGROS Oriental (PIA) - A total of 277 elective positions in Negros Oriental are up for grabs with over 633 candidates vying for local posts in the May 13 polls. In preparing for such polls, the Diocesan Electoral Board (DEB) will conduct voters education campaign in and outside college campuses, poll watchers training, peace covenant signing, and candidates forum, among other activities. DEB convenor, Monsignor Julius Heruela of the Diocese of Dumaguete said the activities aim to achieve clean, honest, accurate, meaningful and peaceful orderly elections in the province.

DISCOUNT CARAVANS

ROXAS CITY, Capiz (PIA) - The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) – Capiz office had four days of improved consumer access to basic commodities at low prices for Capiz residents in 2012. Two events dubbed “Diskwento sa Mayo para sa Obreros” and “Diskwento Caravan” were conducted May 15 to 16 and November 15 to 16, respectively. “The caravans focused on school supplies in time for school opening and noche buena products for Christmas,” said a DTI – Capiz briefer. Commodities like processed and marine products, canned milk, coffee, sugar and detergents, among others were also made available in the caravans.

BARANGAYS ASSISTED

MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte (PIA) - The Office of the Civil Defense (OCD) – Southern Leyte continues to conduct seminar-workshops in the barangays, assisting the latter in formulating contingency plans against hazards. “The Barangay Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Councils (BDRRMCs) must have their own contingency plans since they have distinct hazards they have to prepare for,” OCD SoLeyte Provincial Civil Defense Officer Marichu Tan said. Tackled in the seminar-workshops are such 12 components as identification of type hazards threatening barangays like flooding, landslides, and earthquakes, among others, Tan said.