SAN JOSE, Antique, Philippines (PIA) — Nine municipalities in the Province of Antique bagged the “Seal of Good Housekeeping” award for its exemplary performance in good governance, transparency and accountability.
Secretary Jesse Robredo of the Department of the Interior and Local Government announced the result of the nationwide search during his visit to Iloilo City Thursday.
Mary Salvacion Alian of DILG Antique said that the search is open to 4th-6th municipalities. Recipient-municipalities are Libertad, Pandan, Sebaste, Barbaza, Tibiao, Laua-an, Tobias Fornier, Valderrama and Belison.
Boardwalk construction
DUMAGUETE CITY, (PNA) — Dumaguete City Mayor Manuel Sagarbarria clarified that the construction of the boardwalk at the Rizal Boulevard is not a reclamation project that many quarters fear will destroy the natural beauty and marine life in the area.
Sagarbarria said the current rehabilitation and improvement of the seawall is part of the efforts of the city government to protect Silliman University, the Rizal Boulevard and the establishments fronting the boulevard. The project has gained some negative reactions from the community members who are concerned of the environment, claiming that the boardwalk involves reclamation of the natural boulevard area.
Iloilo e-jeeps
ILOILO CITY (PNA) — This city’s e-jeepneys (e-jeeps) are fast becoming a vehicle of choice that could save the day at least for pupils and senior citizens. With the free rides given to its recipient riding public, the e-jeeps were able to service almost 20,000 passengers since the start of their operation in March until July 1, according to a report by Engr. Johnny Daniel, chief of the city’s Motor Pool Division.
In just a span of about four months, the e-jeeps have already made 2,801 trips. Based on the report submitted by Daniel to Mayor Jed Patrick E. Mabilog, no less than 2,000 pupils and their parents or guardians and elderly passengers, ride the e-jeeps every week.
PhilHealth cards
ILOILO CITY, (PNA) — The 13,636 indigents from the first district of Iloilo province were the first beneficiaries to receive their membership cards under the sponsored program of the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth).
The cards were received by the village heads and local officials of the district in a ceremony held Wednesday at the gymnasium of the town of Guimbal. Governor Arthur Defensor Sr., who led the distribution, said that the indigents' enrolment with PhilHealth is quite a big help to beneficiaries considering the high cost of medical services.
RAFI awards
CEBU CITY — Aiming to provide a continuous platform to recognize individuals and institutions that are instrumental in leading change in their respective communities, the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc., (RAFI) recently presented the finalist of the 5th RAFI Triennial Awards for the Visayas and Mindanao.
The 5th RAFI Triennial Awards has two categories one for the Ramon Aboitiz Award for Exemplary Individual and Eduardo Aboitiz Award for Outstanding Institution. Meanwhile, the top five finalists for the individual category include Fr. Angelo Buenavides; Prof. Estrella Cantallopez; Apolinario Leyson, Sr.; Fr. Dennis Tamayo; and Rene Vendiola. Phoebe Jen Indino)