DUMAGUETE CITY, Negros Oriental, Philippines (PIA) — The Energy Development Corporation (EDC), the country’s biggest producer of geothermal power, will spearhead the establishment of a seed bank and arboretum using 96 endangered Philippines tree species in Sitio Panhilakan, Brgy. Puhagan, Valencia, this province.
The EDC, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the municipality of Valencia recently signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) to set up a 9.35 hectare arboretum where a collection of different rare and endemic prime trees will be propagated.
Sapi-an award
ROXAS CITY, Capiz (PIA) — The Provincial Population Office (PPO) has awarded Sapi-an Municipal Population Officer (MPO) – designate Lani Arnz Caberte as this year’s Most Outstanding MPO in the province during the recent 20th Barangay Service Point Officers (BSPO) Congress here.
PPO-Capiz Administrative Operation In-Charge Gennie L. Mariano said the award is aimed at recognizing active and working MPOs, who have introduced innovations in family planning and reproductive health services in their respective towns. “The awardee received a Certificate of Recognition and P3,000.00 cash,” she said.
Toy-making contest
SAN JOSE, Antique (PIA) — The Datu Lubay Center in San Jose, Antique is launching its first toy-making contest. The Center aims to bring back the joy of toy-making, encourage imaginative and creative play, and promote organic materials use and recycling.
All toys must be handmade and created with locally available materials. It shall be judged according to playability, replicability, sturdiness, affordability and capacity to amuse and create interest. Cash award of P2,000 will be given for DatuLubay's choice, and P1,500 each for Best Doll or Puppet, Best Mechanical Toy, and Best Toy using recycled materials.
Banana production
SIQUIJOR, Siquijor (PIA) — To boost entrepreneurship and tourism in Siquijor province, the Provincial Farmers Information and Technology Services (FITS) Consortium has encouraged local banana producers to also go into processing and become entrepreneurs themselves.
At least 25 members of the Siquijor Banana and Peanut Producers Association (SBPPA) started a seminar on this Tuesday at Siquijor’s DoST Conference Room. “We are responding to the needs of the local farmers.
TESDA scholarships
TALISAY CITY, Neg. Occidental (PIA) — Technical Education and Skills Development Aunthority (TESDA) provincial director Lorena Yungue announced the availability of scholarships under the Training for Work Program for 2011-2012, recently.
With additional funds from President Benigno Aquino III’s Economic Stimulus Program, more than 3,000 slots will be available through TESDA accredited partner schools/training providers, she said. Training will be on Finishing Course for Call Center Agents NC II, Contact Center Services NC II and Housekeeping NC II, Consumer Electronics Servicing NC II, Shielded Metal Arc Welding NC I and NC III, Flux Cored Arc Welding NC I and Carpentry NC II.