CATBALOGAN CITY, Eastern Samar, Philippines (PIA) — The Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) office in Region 8 has completed its geohazard assessment of Catbalogan City and MGB geologist James Leones says based on such assessment, the MGB has found the city to be prone to flood and landslides.
Leones has informed city officials of the situation and urged them to relocate residents staying in or near danger areas. He also said forest degradation has been observed in upland barangays even as the city’s drainage and garbage disposal system needs to be improved.
CCT supported
ILOILO CITY, Iloilo — Iloilo Rep. Jerry Treñas said he strongly supports government’s conditional cash transfer (CCT) program which he says is “a big help to low-income families who would like to send their kids to school without fear of financial constraints.”
The program, implemented by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), also urges parents to have their children vaccinated against various diseases. Under the program, Treñas said, “parents only have to exercise their responsibilities since expenses for the kids’ education, nutrition and health are ensured by the program.” (Tara Yap)
Dumalag scores
ROXAS CITY, Capiz (PIA) — The Rural Health Unit (RHU) of Dumalag town has won the Pagasa Awards–Group Category in this year’s Search for Outstanding Public Servants of the Civil Service Commission (CSC). “This is the first time for the province to receive the CSC national award,” noted, CSC-Capiz director Cynthia P. Gellegani adding that the CSC regional office will also recognize the national awardee on Sept. 14 in Iloilo City.
The Search is part of the CSC’s Honor Awards Program (HAP) designed to recognize and reward public servants who have made outstanding achievements and have displayed exemplary conduct or ethical behavior.
Radio program
CEBU CITY, Cebu (PIA) — The Cebu Association of City and Municipal Public Information Officers (CAOCAMPIO) has launched a weekly radio program over Bantay Radio or DYDD-AM called ”Ang Atong Syudad ug Lungsod Karon” last September 3 to promote best governance practices among local government units.
CAOCAMPIO President Carlo Dugaduga of Cebu City and former chairman of the Kapisanan ng mga Broadkaster sa Pilipinas said, “This project is substantive, timely and appropriate because of its impact to inform and update people on how local chief executives are working for their public interests.”
Alarming practice
ILOILO CITY, Iloilo — The level of child prostitution in Iloilo City is alarming, says National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) -6 agent John Katipunan who pointed to a trend where girls as young as 12 are engaged in the practice. He said the NBI here has seen many public high school students being pimped in such entertainment places as Smallville, Riverside Boardwalk, and Terraza.
He cited findings by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in the region indicating that most of the girls are from underprivileged families. (Tara Yap)